Lost in the Dark

Harper Adams Mystery #4

by Denise Grover Swank

The fourth book in the Harper Adams Mystery series.

When Harper and James Malcolm go after the man who replaced James's mentor, they uncover a criminal empire far darker than they imagined—one built on human trafficking and ruthless power. But exposing the truth could cost them everything.

Genres: Mystery

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2026

Reviews

[Patricia Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, you must have read the previous Harper Adams books before reading this one, otherwise it really won't make any sense.

Harper and James are on a mission to uncover the criminal dealings that Harper's mother collected evidence on. They are on the run from Gerry Knox and his crew after having a big shoot out in the previous book. While on the run Harper is dealing with being newly sober, coming to terms with the fact that she's no longer a detective with the Little Rock PD, and exploring the way she's feeling about James "Skeeter" Malcolm. Oh did I mention that the criminal dealings also include trafficked girls? While Harper definitely has a lot on her mind, that doesn't stop her from wanting to save these girls and get another criminal off the streets - in any way possible.

James is dealing with his own issues. Not only does he have a concussion from said shootout, he's also trying to figure out how to blend his old life with his current life and let Harper see the real him. James has his own secrets and he struggles with how much he can and should share with Harper, especially secrets that may help with their current situation.

I loved seeing Harper's growth in this book and her realization that she no longer has to play by the LRPD's rules. I absolutely loved seeing James's growth within himself in this book. I've been around since 28 1/2 wishes and seeing James from then until now is amazing. Harper helps James bring out the best in himself - his heart you would say. He's always had it, but in his line of work it can be deadly to show it. James helps bring out Harpers inner bad-a**. She's always had it, but she kind of lost it after everything that happened with the LRPD. These 2 understand each other in ways that not many others can.

I loved the book and can't wait to see what happens next. You definitely don't want to miss out on the bonus chapter! There is no spice in this book, which was a bit of a bummer to me because I love James, but it's not a deal breaker for me.

[Ulrika Gustafsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading and my whole body is buzzing along with my brain. Nicole Grover Swank has a way of writing about the dark underside of the human mind that gets under my skin. If it wasn’t for the way she writes her characters I’d probably feel to weak to stomach the gruesome things going on in her stories. I’m the kind of person who has a hard time reading about sufferings that can (and most probably are) happen in reality.
But even if it’s hard to read some parts I am sucked in and walking along the characters through the story. And I want to keep reading long after the book (well the books actually) ends.
I was #teamjames from the beginning, sensing something more underneath the crime lord persona while seeing him through Rose Gardener’s eyes in a previous series. Now we see him through Harper’s eyes and though she has a hard time trusting his feelings for her I don’t.
We learn more about him, but we still don’t know everything. James Malcom keeps himself closed of even to his closest partners, like Carter, but there are cracks opening in his armour when he’s with Harper. Since Harper herself is far from an open book this is big.
I love how these cracks creates a softness between Harper and James who are both jaded and suspicious.
”We balance each other out” James tells Harper, and isn’t is so. I mourned the ending of James and Rose, but James and Harper is something completely different.
This is a crime mystery, not a romance, but the relationship is evolving in lots of ways in this book and I want to see it developing further in the next book just as much as I want to join Harper in her pursuit of justice.
Denise Grover Swank is an amazing writer, may she write many, many more books.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost in the Dark is the fourth book in the Harper Adam’s series and I am SO glad it didn’t end yet! Harper and James are easily my favorite two characters, and this series has become one of my top reads! Lost in the Dark went a little, well, dark this time though. Human trafficking and police corruption were major plot points and I believe this author did a wonderful job of being respectful and honest while telling a fictional story and keeping readers entertained. This is something I also love about with Harper’s character. The portrayal of her struggle with alcohol and her insecurities leaching into her relationship are so well written. I think we’ve all acted and felt the same way she does, and so even if we’re not crime stopping PI’s, we still feel connected to this kick a$$ heroine! And her relationship with James is perfection - he is the ultimate book MAN! I don’t know how I managed to finish the book with all the swooning I was doing. I’ve been Team James (from the Rose Gardner series) since day 1 and THIS is the version of him I always believed in, and I couldn’t be happier about how his story has turned out.

And though we didn’t get to read about a big showdown in this book, it was still impossible to put down. The writing, the characters, the emotion it all draws you in and keeps you turning page after page. Seriously, just read it, it’s wonderful!

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love me some James Malcolm.

This book showed a lot of growth for Harper. He is handling not only trying to stay sober, but finally seeing her father for what he is and acknowledging her growing feelings for James.

James too has see a lot of growth. I’m not saying he is a cuddly teddy bear, but he too is acknowledging his feelings for Harper and opening up more. His character in the book is veering left from the one in the Rose Gardner books. We always knew there was more to him and now we know for certain.

This book had me feeling all the feels and I definitely needed time to process it. The character development and the story are amazing, as usual for this author. You need to read the prior books to know what is going on, but why wouldn’t you want to?? This entire series is so good!

The storyline goes a little on the dark side with human trafficking and police corruption. One is resolved by the end and I’m sure we will see the other in the next book, especially with that bonus scene at the end. I’ll say it again… love love love me some James.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Shannon Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

If getting lost in the dark means finding James Malcolm, yes, please!! Just when I think I cannot love her and her characters even more, Denise Grover Swank creates the perfect broke girl for my favorite bad boy. The story begins with the continuation of James’s and Harper’s night together. Their heartbreak and the darkness they have lived through binds them together unlike other relationships either have had. It turns out that sometimes you have to have a little darkness to defeat the darkness. I love the way that DGS intertwines real issues and horrors such as drugs and human trafficking into her stories. It gives her stories just the right amount of urgency and twists to keep the plot at an exciting pace and believable outcome. I cannot believe how talented and prolific Denise Grover Swank is. I would read any book she wrote!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cannoli!

Let me start off by saying I LOVE this series. Every. Single. Book. Gets. Better. And. Better.

Ok, now that THAT is off my chest. Let me say that I rarely read books out of series order. This is my first and I have now done it with another series too. (Go Dez & Sully…IYKYK.) That being said, it’s not taking anything away from this series. It has only fueled me to go back and read the other books by this author. I’m a big reader. And Denise has very quickly become a favorite. Not only is she one hell of a writer but she is a good human. ❤️

I’m not a spoiler gal. So I will just say that Harper & Malcolm are such a great team. Both damaged people with a boat load of baggage trying their best. If you are a fan of fast (like rocket fast as times) pace and mystery with a great cast of characters then you need to read. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

You will thank me!

[BHK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear this series just keeps getting better. Lost in the Dark had me stressed in the best way possible. This book picks up right where the chaos left off, and it does not slow down! Harper and James are on the run after an explosive showdown, trying to uncover the trafficking ring and the criminal empire Harper’s mother died exposing. The stakes feel higher than ever, and Denise Grover Swank knows how to write suspense that actually makes your heart race, and this one felt nonstop from page one. The trust issues, the chemistry, the secrets…it’s messy and intense and I loved every second of it! It’s darker, yes, but handled thoughtfully. The dynamic, the emotion, the tension…I couldn’t put it down. Denise truly knows how to deliver a story that keeps you hooked!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A confession before my review, James has always been my favorite, since Rose first met him. I'm absolutely 100% totally biased in saying that I loved and gleefully devoured this. And also it's the best one. My favorite one.
I've been waiting for James to be fully seen , to find his smile, his hope again. He's had it hard and deserves it more than most anyone.

TEAM JAMES FOREVER BUT NOW I'M ALSO TEAM HARPER FOREVER

Harper having his continued support as she's learning to not drink her problems away is so impactful. It's steady, quiet but also screams, "I've got you and you're not alone"

Harper is such a bad ass and she's right there with James as my favorite. I love seeing people fight for and WITH the ones the care about. I'm so freaking excited for the next one!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost in the Dark is another great addition to Harper’s series, and probably my favorite one yet. The mystery plot is intense, high stakes, and full of twists. The relationship that continues to develop between Harper and James is also fantastic. As a long time James Malcom fan, I love getting to know James in this way and seeing him develop as a character. Harper is also growing so much and I love that she’s not a perfect character without flaws. The banter between Harper and James is great and I am enjoying getting to experience them growing together, while making such a great team. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the novel and couldn’t get enough! Highly recommend!

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fantastic and you must start with book 1!
Harper is a strong heroine. Her life has been turned upside down and she’s not afraid to search for the truth. She’s now working alongside James Malcom, much to her own surprise. Throughout this story she is evaluating herself and her partnership with James,trying to get a sense of how much she can trust not only him, but her own instincts. As they seek answers they come across some horrific situations and wow, I felt so many emotions and couldn’t read fast enough the last half of this story. The author keeps the reader guessing, but rewards us with a bonus epilogue. I loved everything about this mystery.

[Angie Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This book was the best yet in this series! I was drawn in from the beginning. While this is part of a series I do not recommend reading as a standalone. I love the fact that it also intertwines many of this authors other books characters. While you don't necessarily have to read the other series in which the characters that are included in this book . I highly recommend it just due to the fact it helps give more back story and helps connect all the dots. Been waiting for this book, and already cannot wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marcia Esders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is the best of Harper Adams so far....the story progressed well, and we see a lot of James (Skeeter) Malcolm. As Skeeter is one of my all time favorite characters, this makes it all the better. Their banter and new connection is fantastic, and we see a new side to Skeeter that I personally love. I love the author's writing style, and the story flowed so well, I lost track of time and read until there was nothing left to read. Harper and Skeeter make a great team, and I hope for many more books in the series.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Luck of the Devil, I couldn’t wait to dive into this book and it absolutely delivered! Harper and James make an incredible team, and their dynamic is both compelling and entertaining. I loved that they’re written as flawed, realistic characters who are forced to confront their pasts while moving forward together. Watching them grow, challenge one another, and slowly heal was one of my favorite parts of the story. Their journey kept me fully invested from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what comes next for them!

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost in the Dark is an exciting and exacting novel. James and Harper’s pursuit of truth is nail biting. They develop a relationship that explores their pasts insecurities. The Harper Adam’s Mystery series has been extremely eye opening. I was confronted with sobering and uncomfortable truths that are daily real life experiences.
As always Denise, your books are very well written, intense and captivating. A must read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving James and Harper as a team- in every way. If you’re looking at this book and you’ve not read the others in the series, go and start at book 1 and enjoy the ride…..or go back further and start with the Rose Gardener series (although you don’t need to in order to follow and love this series, you will get background that adds to the enjoyment). If you’ve read the rest of this series, you don’t need me to tell you that you need this book!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Im a junkie for Denises writing. This was another excellent book in the series. We have Harper & James picking up where the last book left off. They are on the run/hide out to uncover a sex trafficking ring. The dynamic of an ex detective and crime boss is fun. Each one learning to compromise and work as a team.
Its a book that you dont want to put down.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow. Denise Grover Swank is always a one-click for me and she did not disappoint with this one. I'm still trying to get all of my thoughts together on this one but wow...this one was intense.

It is the fourth in the series and it is definitely not a standalone, you'll have to start from the beginning before diving into this one!

[Nichole Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you hold on for the wild ride!!

Holy cow what a story! I was completely absorbed in it to the point of not seeing or hearing anything around me. It was a rollercoaster of a ride! This book was thrilling, emotional and gripping. I hope whoever reads this will get this whole series! It's amazing!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, DGS delivered!! Could not put it down and already counting down the days until the next release. Absolutely love how she intertwines characters and series while still keeping the story fresh, exciting and unpredictable.