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Benedict Hoffman & Helen Belle #1
A Voice in the Dark
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jul 26An online manipulator with a deadly hold on his followers challenges an FBI agent to stop him in a gripping novel of psychological suspense by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
When a husband, wife, and son are murdered in their Denver home and the family’s teenage twins vanish, the case draws the attention of FBI profilers Helen Belle and Benedict Hoffman. It triggers more than professional alarm. It mirrors a horrific case they investigated five years ago, when a boy slaughtered his family and went mute after speaking only a handful of haunting words. Among them: Midnight Man.
Then, nearly thirteen hundred miles away, one of the twins is found dead in a snowy Ohio field, and the parallels between the past and present cases grow more disturbing. Identical suicide notes. The same symbolic blood imagery. And a shared obsession with an online fantasy game. Its mastermind is an influencer who manipulates his most vulnerable and alienated players into killing the people they love most.
The Midnight Man is back.
Helen and Benedict must hunt the darkest corners of the internet to find him before someone else falls prey to an insidious evil that, for now, is in total control of the game.
When a husband, wife, and son are murdered in their Denver home and the family’s teenage twins vanish, the case draws the attention of FBI profilers Helen Belle and Benedict Hoffman. It triggers more than professional alarm. It mirrors a horrific case they investigated five years ago, when a boy slaughtered his family and went mute after speaking only a handful of haunting words. Among them: Midnight Man.
Then, nearly thirteen hundred miles away, one of the twins is found dead in a snowy Ohio field, and the parallels between the past and present cases grow more disturbing. Identical suicide notes. The same symbolic blood imagery. And a shared obsession with an online fantasy game. Its mastermind is an influencer who manipulates his most vulnerable and alienated players into killing the people they love most.
The Midnight Man is back.
Helen and Benedict must hunt the darkest corners of the internet to find him before someone else falls prey to an insidious evil that, for now, is in total control of the game.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 1, 2026
About the author
Barbara Nickless
15 books1,013 followersBarbara Nickless is the Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of two award-winning crime series. Her first series has been optioned for television. A teacher and activist, she uses the healing power of writing to support combat veterans and civilians in the U.S. and Ukraine. She’s a three-time winner of the Colorado Book Award and a six-time winner of the CAL awards. A former fencer and falconer, Barbara lives in Colorado where she loves to hike, cave, snowshoe, and drink single malt Scotch. Not at the same time. Her most recent research travel involved taking cover from rocket fire and being grilled at military checkpoints. Her latest novel—The Drowning Game—is a spy thriller. It dropped January 1, 2025.
Sign up for Barbara’s newsletter at www.barbaranickless.com.
Sign up for Barbara’s newsletter at www.barbaranickless.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 21, 2026
2.5 rounded down
The premise had potential, but this felt like the ARC was released far too early. The book is overly long, messy, and packed with unnecessary information that drags the story down.
Major characters and plot threads are introduced with urgency and then quietly dropped, which made the investigation feel unfocused. The FBI agent’s decisions often felt unbelievable, and the lack of clear backstory made it hard to buy into her role or the stakes involved. As the book went on, the villain lost whatever intrigue he started with, and I found myself caring less and less about where it was all headed.
With heavy editing and tighter pacing, this could have worked. As it stands, it felt sloppy and frustrating.
The premise had potential, but this felt like the ARC was released far too early. The book is overly long, messy, and packed with unnecessary information that drags the story down.
Major characters and plot threads are introduced with urgency and then quietly dropped, which made the investigation feel unfocused. The FBI agent’s decisions often felt unbelievable, and the lack of clear backstory made it hard to buy into her role or the stakes involved. As the book went on, the villain lost whatever intrigue he started with, and I found myself caring less and less about where it was all headed.
With heavy editing and tighter pacing, this could have worked. As it stands, it felt sloppy and frustrating.
December 24, 2025
Summary
A family is murdered and a teenage boy and his twin sister are the lone survivors. At least, they’re presumed to be alive. Both are missing along with the family dog.
When the details of the scene come to light, they are shockingly similar to a case previously worked by FBI Special Agent Helen Belle in collaboration with FBI contractor, Benedict Hoffman. Years ago, Belle and Hoffman tried to prove the existence of a ghost, the Midnight Man, only to come up short. But now, he seems to have resurfaced, and they won’t let him slip away this time.
Review
I am absolutely obsessed with this concept. Psychological thriller where the killer uses an online RPG to groom teenagers into committing violent crimes? Sign me up!
I think this book gave off a kind of Criminal Minds vibe with all of the discussions regarding psychopathy. I really appreciated the depth and research that must’ve gone into providing such details. Plus, this strikes a very chord with today’s reality. Anyone can be whoever they want online, and you don’t know who your kids are talking to.
The use of acronyms is pretty heavy, and although they’re all explained throughout, I felt like some weren’t entirely necessary and that sometimes, it was weird that the characters internal monologue was explaining the acronyms to the reader.
The other thing that I didn’t love was the number of characters. The story itself is already a bit of a winding trail to follow, but the addition of characters that don’t add any value only serves to muddy the waters further. Namely, I think Clif and Livvie were unnecessary side plots. Unless this is setting up something for a future book, these two characters didn’t add much of anything to the plot of this book. And although I know they had different functions at the BAU, beyond the initial introduction, I have no idea what the difference between Sara and Zane was.
I did see some comments about the inaccuracy of the gaming components, but as someone who isn’t immersed in that world too deeply, I didn’t have any concerns. Maybe I don’t know how the dark web works, but I’d assume that as the person who built the game / code, you’d have free reign to make any code related components (including NPCs) act however you wanted. And while I understand the argument that a game master would ban a user rather than move the website, I feel like it could also be argued that the same user could just create a new account with spoofed location if need be. If they’re savvy enough to access the dark web, I think they can get around a simple ban. Which, to me is why it would make sense that someone conducting criminal activity would move the site itself.
Overall, I felt like the character development was strong for our two main protagonists, and I really enjoyed the plot itself. Although, I was left wishing for more in the end, some kind of dialogue with Midnight Man. It feels like he literally doesn’t speak unless it’s through the game.
As a side note, I do think this could use another read through by an editor prior to publishing. I noticed some errors. The one the comes to mind was when they were taking about Katelynn’s friend’s braids and at one point, the book reads “brain” instead of “braid”.
(Thank you to Barbara Nickless, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be published May 12, 2026)
A family is murdered and a teenage boy and his twin sister are the lone survivors. At least, they’re presumed to be alive. Both are missing along with the family dog.
When the details of the scene come to light, they are shockingly similar to a case previously worked by FBI Special Agent Helen Belle in collaboration with FBI contractor, Benedict Hoffman. Years ago, Belle and Hoffman tried to prove the existence of a ghost, the Midnight Man, only to come up short. But now, he seems to have resurfaced, and they won’t let him slip away this time.
Review
I am absolutely obsessed with this concept. Psychological thriller where the killer uses an online RPG to groom teenagers into committing violent crimes? Sign me up!
I think this book gave off a kind of Criminal Minds vibe with all of the discussions regarding psychopathy. I really appreciated the depth and research that must’ve gone into providing such details. Plus, this strikes a very chord with today’s reality. Anyone can be whoever they want online, and you don’t know who your kids are talking to.
The use of acronyms is pretty heavy, and although they’re all explained throughout, I felt like some weren’t entirely necessary and that sometimes, it was weird that the characters internal monologue was explaining the acronyms to the reader.
The other thing that I didn’t love was the number of characters. The story itself is already a bit of a winding trail to follow, but the addition of characters that don’t add any value only serves to muddy the waters further. Namely, I think Clif and Livvie were unnecessary side plots. Unless this is setting up something for a future book, these two characters didn’t add much of anything to the plot of this book. And although I know they had different functions at the BAU, beyond the initial introduction, I have no idea what the difference between Sara and Zane was.
I did see some comments about the inaccuracy of the gaming components, but as someone who isn’t immersed in that world too deeply, I didn’t have any concerns. Maybe I don’t know how the dark web works, but I’d assume that as the person who built the game / code, you’d have free reign to make any code related components (including NPCs) act however you wanted. And while I understand the argument that a game master would ban a user rather than move the website, I feel like it could also be argued that the same user could just create a new account with spoofed location if need be. If they’re savvy enough to access the dark web, I think they can get around a simple ban. Which, to me is why it would make sense that someone conducting criminal activity would move the site itself.
Overall, I felt like the character development was strong for our two main protagonists, and I really enjoyed the plot itself. Although, I was left wishing for more in the end, some kind of dialogue with Midnight Man. It feels like he literally doesn’t speak unless it’s through the game.
As a side note, I do think this could use another read through by an editor prior to publishing. I noticed some errors. The one the comes to mind was when they were taking about Katelynn’s friend’s braids and at one point, the book reads “brain” instead of “braid”.
(Thank you to Barbara Nickless, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be published May 12, 2026)
June 5, 2026
What a thorough, intense, and scary novel about AI and the harm that it can be used for, especially teens that struggle with social issues. The book is heavy on computer and programming jargon but the main characters (an FBI agent and a college professor) bring a sense of reality to the story.
The plot is strong and written to be believable and it is certainly a timely topic. This was written as the first in a series with the next to be published in 2027.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC to read and review.
The plot is strong and written to be believable and it is certainly a timely topic. This was written as the first in a series with the next to be published in 2027.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC to read and review.
January 20, 2026
The premise of this story intrigued me with a family massacre and two of the children missing. FBI profilers Helen and Benedict notice this case mirrors one they’ve worked on in the past.
This focuses a lot on the gaming world and potential threats infiltrating vulnerable teens to do the unthinkable. This was a solid read but not quite a page turner for me. Lots of technical stuff with the gaming world which was ok but not always 100% easy to follow or stay super invested in. Still gets a 4 because I think many would enjoy this.
This focuses a lot on the gaming world and potential threats infiltrating vulnerable teens to do the unthinkable. This was a solid read but not quite a page turner for me. Lots of technical stuff with the gaming world which was ok but not always 100% easy to follow or stay super invested in. Still gets a 4 because I think many would enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely love Barbara Nickless and will automatically get anything that she writes as you know it's bound to be good.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, needing to know what comes next from the get go. It really made you think about particular current issues, such as the impact AI and technology has, and how easy it is for vulnerable younger people to be manipulated by people who they think are 'friends' online. Even if it is an extreme example. I also loved the concept of the video game theory in the book, and how we are living in a part of a simulation.
Some parts of the storyline I felt didn't add anything to the actual story, however it may be a part of a bigger storyline as this is the first in a new series, so I will be interested to see where it goes in any following books! Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good police procedural psychological thriller!
I absolutely love Barbara Nickless and will automatically get anything that she writes as you know it's bound to be good.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, needing to know what comes next from the get go. It really made you think about particular current issues, such as the impact AI and technology has, and how easy it is for vulnerable younger people to be manipulated by people who they think are 'friends' online. Even if it is an extreme example. I also loved the concept of the video game theory in the book, and how we are living in a part of a simulation.
Some parts of the storyline I felt didn't add anything to the actual story, however it may be a part of a bigger storyline as this is the first in a new series, so I will be interested to see where it goes in any following books! Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good police procedural psychological thriller!
January 1, 2026
This story opens with a chilling premise—a murdered family, missing teens, and the unsettling suggestion that an online predator may be orchestrating it all. While I’m not a gamer and some of the gaming-related language and descriptions weren’t entirely for me, the plot itself kept me engaged throughout. The main characters were likable and well drawn, and the tension steadily builds as the story unfolds.
As a parent, this book was especially unsettling and definitely made me think twice about kids’ online activity.
I’ve previously read the author’s Sydney Rose Parnell series (which I loved) as well as the standalone The Drowning, so I was excited to dive into this ARC. Once again, her writing shines—her characters feel real and personable, making it easy to stay invested even when the subject matter is dark. Overall, a compelling and timely read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
As a parent, this book was especially unsettling and definitely made me think twice about kids’ online activity.
I’ve previously read the author’s Sydney Rose Parnell series (which I loved) as well as the standalone The Drowning, so I was excited to dive into this ARC. Once again, her writing shines—her characters feel real and personable, making it easy to stay invested even when the subject matter is dark. Overall, a compelling and timely read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“A Voice in the Dark” by Barbara Nickless is a chilling, psychologically layered thriller that combines criminal profiling, digital paranoia, and modern-day horror into a story that feels disturbingly plausible. Drawing clear inspiration from real-world cases of online radicalization and manipulation, Nickless delivers a tense and thought-provoking opening to the Benedict Hoffman and Helen Belle series.
The story follows FBI Special Agent Helen Belle and criminal psychologist Dr. Benedict Hoffman as they investigate a horrifying crime: a family murdered in their burned home, with their teenage twins missing. The case mirrors a previous investigation the two worked on years earlier in which a teenage boy survived after attempting to kill his family but was left mute, and their theory of online grooming was dismissed in court. Now, faced with an almost identical crime, Helen and Benedict are certain the same manipulator is still at work.
That manipulator is known only as the Midnight Man, an online predator who uses an RPG-style game on the dark web to groom isolated, vulnerable teenagers. Through calculated psychological manipulation, he convinces them that their parents and even reality itself aren’t real, pushing them toward unspeakable violence. The book’s most unsettling moments come from brief snippets of the Midnight Man’s victims, offering glimpses into how loneliness, isolation, and the need for belonging are weaponized against them. These sections are haunting and effective, and while I wished they were explored even further, they underscore the story’s emotional core.
Nickless leans heavily into criminology and psychological analysis, giving the story a strong Criminal Minds vibe. The deep dive into profiling, psychopathy, and the mechanics of online grooming feels well researched and frighteningly relevant. The inclusion of AI-driven influence, gaming culture, and the dark web adds a modern edge, though at times the heavy use of acronyms, technical explanations, and numerous subplots can bog down the pacing. A few side threads such as additional characters add texture but don’t always feel essential, occasionally muddying an already complex narrative.
Still, the central partnership between Helen and Benedict is compelling. Both characters are driven, intelligent, and shaped by past failures, and the personal danger they face as the Midnight Man turns his attention toward them adds real urgency. As the investigation widens, a larger conspiracy begins to take shape, leading to an action-packed climax in which the Midnight Man’s followers converge and the mastermind is finally forced into the open.
The ending is satisfying and surprisingly optimistic, tying together the many plot threads while leaving room for future installments. There’s also a subtle hint of romance that feels earned rather than distracting, offering a note of hope after an otherwise bleak journey.
Overall, “A Voice in the Dark” is a dark, disturbing, and timely psychological thriller that explores the terrifying potential of online manipulation and isolation. While occasionally overstuffed with subplots and technical detail, its strong character work, chilling premise, and high-stakes finale make it a gripping read. This book is perfect for fans of profiling-driven thrillers and modern tech-based horror. This is a powerful and unsettling start to a new series.
“A Voice in the Dark” by Barbara Nickless is a chilling, psychologically layered thriller that combines criminal profiling, digital paranoia, and modern-day horror into a story that feels disturbingly plausible. Drawing clear inspiration from real-world cases of online radicalization and manipulation, Nickless delivers a tense and thought-provoking opening to the Benedict Hoffman and Helen Belle series.
The story follows FBI Special Agent Helen Belle and criminal psychologist Dr. Benedict Hoffman as they investigate a horrifying crime: a family murdered in their burned home, with their teenage twins missing. The case mirrors a previous investigation the two worked on years earlier in which a teenage boy survived after attempting to kill his family but was left mute, and their theory of online grooming was dismissed in court. Now, faced with an almost identical crime, Helen and Benedict are certain the same manipulator is still at work.
That manipulator is known only as the Midnight Man, an online predator who uses an RPG-style game on the dark web to groom isolated, vulnerable teenagers. Through calculated psychological manipulation, he convinces them that their parents and even reality itself aren’t real, pushing them toward unspeakable violence. The book’s most unsettling moments come from brief snippets of the Midnight Man’s victims, offering glimpses into how loneliness, isolation, and the need for belonging are weaponized against them. These sections are haunting and effective, and while I wished they were explored even further, they underscore the story’s emotional core.
Nickless leans heavily into criminology and psychological analysis, giving the story a strong Criminal Minds vibe. The deep dive into profiling, psychopathy, and the mechanics of online grooming feels well researched and frighteningly relevant. The inclusion of AI-driven influence, gaming culture, and the dark web adds a modern edge, though at times the heavy use of acronyms, technical explanations, and numerous subplots can bog down the pacing. A few side threads such as additional characters add texture but don’t always feel essential, occasionally muddying an already complex narrative.
Still, the central partnership between Helen and Benedict is compelling. Both characters are driven, intelligent, and shaped by past failures, and the personal danger they face as the Midnight Man turns his attention toward them adds real urgency. As the investigation widens, a larger conspiracy begins to take shape, leading to an action-packed climax in which the Midnight Man’s followers converge and the mastermind is finally forced into the open.
The ending is satisfying and surprisingly optimistic, tying together the many plot threads while leaving room for future installments. There’s also a subtle hint of romance that feels earned rather than distracting, offering a note of hope after an otherwise bleak journey.
Overall, “A Voice in the Dark” is a dark, disturbing, and timely psychological thriller that explores the terrifying potential of online manipulation and isolation. While occasionally overstuffed with subplots and technical detail, its strong character work, chilling premise, and high-stakes finale make it a gripping read. This book is perfect for fans of profiling-driven thrillers and modern tech-based horror. This is a powerful and unsettling start to a new series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Devil's best trick is to convince people that he doesn't exist.
We think that we understand serial killers. But it's a false mythology. What actually drives them to commit such heinous acts? And is this darkening evil seeded from outside sources or seeded from within? How 'bout a combo of both?
Barbara Nickless is noted for her tightly wound novels on crime and the evil that individuals do round the clock. Nickless did intense research in this one and presents the creeping rush of evil that is seeping into our own backyards. Teens and adults spend endless hours role playing and using its escapism in online gaming. Seems like a way to kick back and spend some time being entertained. Sure. Not until Midnight Man leaves a heavy footprint on the player's mind and soul.
FBI Special Agent Helen Belle is a profiler in the Denver office. She's been tracking Midnight Man for over five years after a young teen killed his own family. The powers that be told Helen to move on. There was no such thing as the Midnight Man......much like the childhood Boogie Man. But Evil pulls up a chair, once again, when a teen kills his family and escapes with his twin sister, Katelynn.
Helen meets with Benedict Hoffman, a Criminal Humanities professor, who had worked with Helen in the past. Benedict has still been online entering into the gaming world in hopes of seeking out Midnight Man. It takes some convincing to get Benedict back onboard in order to find the missing teens. Winter is settling in and the well-being of these twins is at the forefront.
Barbara Nickless goes heavy into the psychology behind online gaming. Don't be off-put by this. I found it eye-opening how individuals may have severe changes in their personalities: social isolation, depression and anxiety, episodes of rage, and a high engagement in risk-taking behaviors. Closed bedroom doors may be the avenue to an eventual downward spiral. Surely not in all cases, but far too many that go unnoticed.
I found myself impressed with the team of Helen and Benedict that Nickless has created. A Voice in the Dark finds its way into the reality of what exists in the dark corners of the internet. The interchanges between this team are brilliant and as readers we view the process as it unfolds. A Voice in the Dark may not be for everyone, but if you're into smart reads that reflect the world as it really is then you'll be fascinated by this one. A stand-up applause for Barbara Nickless. Bravo.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Barbara Nickless for the opportunity.
We think that we understand serial killers. But it's a false mythology. What actually drives them to commit such heinous acts? And is this darkening evil seeded from outside sources or seeded from within? How 'bout a combo of both?
Barbara Nickless is noted for her tightly wound novels on crime and the evil that individuals do round the clock. Nickless did intense research in this one and presents the creeping rush of evil that is seeping into our own backyards. Teens and adults spend endless hours role playing and using its escapism in online gaming. Seems like a way to kick back and spend some time being entertained. Sure. Not until Midnight Man leaves a heavy footprint on the player's mind and soul.
FBI Special Agent Helen Belle is a profiler in the Denver office. She's been tracking Midnight Man for over five years after a young teen killed his own family. The powers that be told Helen to move on. There was no such thing as the Midnight Man......much like the childhood Boogie Man. But Evil pulls up a chair, once again, when a teen kills his family and escapes with his twin sister, Katelynn.
Helen meets with Benedict Hoffman, a Criminal Humanities professor, who had worked with Helen in the past. Benedict has still been online entering into the gaming world in hopes of seeking out Midnight Man. It takes some convincing to get Benedict back onboard in order to find the missing teens. Winter is settling in and the well-being of these twins is at the forefront.
Barbara Nickless goes heavy into the psychology behind online gaming. Don't be off-put by this. I found it eye-opening how individuals may have severe changes in their personalities: social isolation, depression and anxiety, episodes of rage, and a high engagement in risk-taking behaviors. Closed bedroom doors may be the avenue to an eventual downward spiral. Surely not in all cases, but far too many that go unnoticed.
I found myself impressed with the team of Helen and Benedict that Nickless has created. A Voice in the Dark finds its way into the reality of what exists in the dark corners of the internet. The interchanges between this team are brilliant and as readers we view the process as it unfolds. A Voice in the Dark may not be for everyone, but if you're into smart reads that reflect the world as it really is then you'll be fascinated by this one. A stand-up applause for Barbara Nickless. Bravo.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Barbara Nickless for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* A VOICE IN THE DARK is a jumble, lurching from one scene to another, jerkily moving from one POV to another. Plus it contains dense explanatory passages that slow the flow of the narrative *
I requested A VOICE IN THE DARK from NetGalley because I thoroughly enjoyed two books from the author's Sidney Rose Parnell series. This new Barbara Nickless novel is the first book in a new series—one starring Helen Belle (FBI agent) and Benedict Hoffman (college professor specializing in criminal profiling).
Had I not downloaded it from NetGalley, I would have dnf'd by the 20% point. Instead I ploughed through, taking three days to finish instead of my usual two days (for a regular length book). At no point did it "come alive". It was like reading a textbook, with long explanatory passages connected by brief scenes. It was "all tell and no show".
The plot involves a serial killer (or possibly two working in tandem), teenagers with severe psychopathic tendencies, online gaming, gaming therapy, a kidnapped teen, and many musings about classical myths and theories in relation to damaged minds. Lots of details were thrown in, so it wasn't possible to skim read through the boring sections, and there were many boring sections. Also far too many characters. Who was this person? Who was that one? Many times I had to stop reading and search through my memory bank. Consequently, none of the characters became real.
It jumped from one scene to another, from one POV to another, without a connecting thread.
Even at the 80% point, when things began moving quickly, and answers started arriving, the action moved jerkily, jumping from one incident to another—without providing key explanations.
The entire book read like notes for a PhD thesis, not a fictional narrative. Plus, both main characters, Belle and Hoffman, are thoroughly unlikeable. I won't be reading any further books in this series.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My review for another novel written by Barbara Nickless:
Dead Stop (Sidney Rose Parnell, #2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I requested A VOICE IN THE DARK from NetGalley because I thoroughly enjoyed two books from the author's Sidney Rose Parnell series. This new Barbara Nickless novel is the first book in a new series—one starring Helen Belle (FBI agent) and Benedict Hoffman (college professor specializing in criminal profiling).
Had I not downloaded it from NetGalley, I would have dnf'd by the 20% point. Instead I ploughed through, taking three days to finish instead of my usual two days (for a regular length book). At no point did it "come alive". It was like reading a textbook, with long explanatory passages connected by brief scenes. It was "all tell and no show".
The plot involves a serial killer (or possibly two working in tandem), teenagers with severe psychopathic tendencies, online gaming, gaming therapy, a kidnapped teen, and many musings about classical myths and theories in relation to damaged minds. Lots of details were thrown in, so it wasn't possible to skim read through the boring sections, and there were many boring sections. Also far too many characters. Who was this person? Who was that one? Many times I had to stop reading and search through my memory bank. Consequently, none of the characters became real.
It jumped from one scene to another, from one POV to another, without a connecting thread.
Even at the 80% point, when things began moving quickly, and answers started arriving, the action moved jerkily, jumping from one incident to another—without providing key explanations.
The entire book read like notes for a PhD thesis, not a fictional narrative. Plus, both main characters, Belle and Hoffman, are thoroughly unlikeable. I won't be reading any further books in this series.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My review for another novel written by Barbara Nickless:
Dead Stop (Sidney Rose Parnell, #2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this one is such a weird reading experience for me because i genuinely almost dnf’ed it. i started it back in december, and for some reason it just didn’t click at the time. not because it was bad, but because the pacing and the amount of detail in the beginning felt a little heavy to sink into. i ended up putting it down and completely forgetting about it… until i randomly came back to it recently and decided to give it another shot. and i’m so glad i did because once this book locks you in, it really does not let go.
what really worked for me here is how layered and unsettling the premise is. the whole idea of online manipulation, grooming, and the way vulnerable people are pulled into something dangerous feels disturbingly real. the writing leans heavily into psychological profiling and criminology, which gives it that very strong criminal minds kind of vibe, but it never feels empty or purely technical. the tension builds slowly and then starts to compound, especially once the connections between past and present cases become clearer. i also really liked the partnership between helen and benedict, there’s a steadiness there that grounds the chaos of the investigation, and their dynamic adds emotional weight to what is otherwise quite a dark and complex plot.
i think the reason it didn’t initially work for me but ended up being such a strong read is because this is not a passive thriller. it asks you to pay attention, to sit with the details, and to follow multiple threads before everything starts to come together. but once it does, it’s incredibly satisfying. the ending in particular pulls everything into place in a way that feels earned rather than rushed. this is definitely one i’d recommend to readers who enjoy darker, profiling-heavy thrillers with a strong psychological edge and modern themes around technology and online spaces. a slow start for me, but absolutely worth pushing through because this turned out to be such a banger in the end.
thanks netgallery and the publishers for the arc ✨
what really worked for me here is how layered and unsettling the premise is. the whole idea of online manipulation, grooming, and the way vulnerable people are pulled into something dangerous feels disturbingly real. the writing leans heavily into psychological profiling and criminology, which gives it that very strong criminal minds kind of vibe, but it never feels empty or purely technical. the tension builds slowly and then starts to compound, especially once the connections between past and present cases become clearer. i also really liked the partnership between helen and benedict, there’s a steadiness there that grounds the chaos of the investigation, and their dynamic adds emotional weight to what is otherwise quite a dark and complex plot.
i think the reason it didn’t initially work for me but ended up being such a strong read is because this is not a passive thriller. it asks you to pay attention, to sit with the details, and to follow multiple threads before everything starts to come together. but once it does, it’s incredibly satisfying. the ending in particular pulls everything into place in a way that feels earned rather than rushed. this is definitely one i’d recommend to readers who enjoy darker, profiling-heavy thrillers with a strong psychological edge and modern themes around technology and online spaces. a slow start for me, but absolutely worth pushing through because this turned out to be such a banger in the end.
thanks netgallery and the publishers for the arc ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
I am a huge fan of Barbara Nickless's Dr. Evan Wilding series, so I grabbed this book as soon I saw it. Unfortunately, I didn't like it nearly as much as that other series. A Voice in the Dark focuses heavily on online gaming. Well, I may read hundreds of books a year, but I game even more than I read and it really bothered me that so much of the gaming stuff was not correct. I won't go into tons of detail because non-gamers won't care and gamers will likely already know. I will say that NPC stands for non-player/playable character not non-character player. Game masters do not control them. They are just code doing what they are programmed to do. You can't go up to them and ask them questions unless it's a choice from a dialogue box. A game master of an MMO is there to restore an item you accidentally deleted, unstuck a stuck character, help if a quest is glitched, etc. They are not all-powerful egotists that create the whole game and do all the other things this book suggested. A GM is not the same as a game/dungeon master of a DnD type game. If you want to kick out a player, you put a ban on their account. You don't change the URL of the game which wouldn't even make sense because every other player would need the new URL to log on now. Also, something central to the plot makes no sense to me but I won't spoil anything. Other than all the gaming issues I had, I did like the characters, and the crimes were interesting. I generally enjoy FBI/police procedural books, so I did like those aspects as well. I think most readers would probably like this book a lot more than me. Only other gamer nerds would be upset by the inaccuracies. I will definitely continue this series when the next one comes out as I suspect I will like it much more. Recommended as long as you aren't into gaming.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Voice in the Dark launches a chilling new series centered on FBI profiler Helen Belle and forensic psychologist Benedict Hoffman as they confront a case that echoes a nightmare from their past. A family is slaughtered, their teenage twins disappear, and the clues point toward a shadowy online figure who preys on isolated young gamers. As the investigation stretches across states, the agents uncover disturbing similarities to an earlier crime no one believed was orchestrated by an outside force. The deeper they dig into the digital underworld where vulnerable teens are groomed, manipulated, and pushed toward violence, the more they realise they’re dealing with a predator who thrives in anonymity and wields influence with terrifying precision. The novel blends cyber crime, behavioural profiling, and emotional stakes into a tense, atmospheric mystery that steadily tightens its grip.
While the story is rich with psychological insight and modern threats, it occasionally becomes dense with technical jargon and supporting plot lines that can slow the momentum. Even so, the partnership between Helen and Benedict remains compelling, especially as their complicated history resurfaces and the danger becomes personal. The narrative delivers sharp twists, a strong emotional core, and a finale that ties its many threads together with surprising optimism. Though some elements feel uneven, the book’s unsettling premise, vivid character work, and exploration of online radicalization make it a gripping and timely thriller. Readers who enjoy dark, profiler driven mysteries with a tech infused edge will find this an engaging start to a promising series. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
While the story is rich with psychological insight and modern threats, it occasionally becomes dense with technical jargon and supporting plot lines that can slow the momentum. Even so, the partnership between Helen and Benedict remains compelling, especially as their complicated history resurfaces and the danger becomes personal. The narrative delivers sharp twists, a strong emotional core, and a finale that ties its many threads together with surprising optimism. Though some elements feel uneven, the book’s unsettling premise, vivid character work, and exploration of online radicalization make it a gripping and timely thriller. Readers who enjoy dark, profiler driven mysteries with a tech infused edge will find this an engaging start to a promising series. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC for review. To be published May 12, 2026.
2 stars
I’m up and down with Barbara Nickless. I liked her Sydney Rose Parnell series (a railroad detective) and I loved the first installment of her Evan Wilding (I think it’s Wilding) series, but it has gone downhill (though I’m still reading it.). I really disliked her first and only standalone novel. A lot. And although my feeling about this book isn’t as strong as that one, you can see I wasn’t very impressed here either…but I know she has greatness in her!
It’s to be the start of a new series featuring FBI agent Helen Belle and college professor Benedict Hoffman (they are a former couple who are clearly looking to recouple, of course.) They are something called criminal humanists (again, I think. That second word could be wrong but it’s something like that) and if that sounds pretty vague that because it is.
They are searching for a murderer who reaches his/her killers/victims through online RPGs and that sounded like it might be interesting but it was actually pretty dull and the game at issue sounded so boring I couldn’t believe that a teenager would play it for more than about 15 seconds before gouging out their own eyes with a pencil, which I guess could lead to death, so there you go. There were also few plot holes that made the whole thing even worse. Or maybe all things connected at the very end and my mind was just in a fog so I missed it, I don’t know.
Either way, I do know that I kind of dreaded going back to this book each time I picked it up again, never a good sign. I can’t recommend this and I won’t be going on with the series.
2 stars
I’m up and down with Barbara Nickless. I liked her Sydney Rose Parnell series (a railroad detective) and I loved the first installment of her Evan Wilding (I think it’s Wilding) series, but it has gone downhill (though I’m still reading it.). I really disliked her first and only standalone novel. A lot. And although my feeling about this book isn’t as strong as that one, you can see I wasn’t very impressed here either…but I know she has greatness in her!
It’s to be the start of a new series featuring FBI agent Helen Belle and college professor Benedict Hoffman (they are a former couple who are clearly looking to recouple, of course.) They are something called criminal humanists (again, I think. That second word could be wrong but it’s something like that) and if that sounds pretty vague that because it is.
They are searching for a murderer who reaches his/her killers/victims through online RPGs and that sounded like it might be interesting but it was actually pretty dull and the game at issue sounded so boring I couldn’t believe that a teenager would play it for more than about 15 seconds before gouging out their own eyes with a pencil, which I guess could lead to death, so there you go. There were also few plot holes that made the whole thing even worse. Or maybe all things connected at the very end and my mind was just in a fog so I missed it, I don’t know.
Either way, I do know that I kind of dreaded going back to this book each time I picked it up again, never a good sign. I can’t recommend this and I won’t be going on with the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Voice in the Dark is the first book in the "Benedict Hoffman and Helen Belle series," written by Barbara Nickless, who is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. It's a psychological suspense novel about an online manipulator, who challenges an FBI agent to stop him. I have loved Ms. Nickless' "Sydney Rose Parnell" series, as well as her "Dr. Evan Wilding" series, so it was a no-brainer for me to request A Voice in the Dark, and I'm so glad I did!!
The novel follows FBI Special Agent Helen Belle, and Dr. Benedict Hoffman, as they investigate a disturbing case where a family is murdered and their teenage twins (as well as the family's pet dog) have disappeared. It also takes a deep dive into online games, which I know nothing about. I scanned the parts I didn't completely understand, and I didn't feel as though I missed anything terribly important. I was able to follow Belle and Hoffman, as they navigated the blackest corners of the Dark Web in their efforts to identify and locate the manipulator known as the "Midnight Man."
There were a couple of storyline threads that I felt were a bit unnecessary and possibly made the book lose a bit of cohesiveness. However, I was enthralled by A Voice in the Dark, and I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Huge thanks to #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. A Voice in the Dark has an expected publication date of July 1, 2026.
#BarbaraNickless #PsychologicalSuspense #Mystery #Series
The novel follows FBI Special Agent Helen Belle, and Dr. Benedict Hoffman, as they investigate a disturbing case where a family is murdered and their teenage twins (as well as the family's pet dog) have disappeared. It also takes a deep dive into online games, which I know nothing about. I scanned the parts I didn't completely understand, and I didn't feel as though I missed anything terribly important. I was able to follow Belle and Hoffman, as they navigated the blackest corners of the Dark Web in their efforts to identify and locate the manipulator known as the "Midnight Man."
There were a couple of storyline threads that I felt were a bit unnecessary and possibly made the book lose a bit of cohesiveness. However, I was enthralled by A Voice in the Dark, and I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Huge thanks to #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. A Voice in the Dark has an expected publication date of July 1, 2026.
#BarbaraNickless #PsychologicalSuspense #Mystery #Series
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
For full transparency... I read an early copy of the manuscript and then optioned it to make the film adaptation. So... consider this a somewhat biased review as I not only LOVED the book, but tossed down to bring it to the screen!
First... as with all of Barbara's earlier works, it was the characters and their motivations that immediately hooked me. Her ability to bring together disparate characters tossed together in an intense situation are what sells me (over-and-over) on her work.
In the case of "A Voice in the Dark", I'm drawn to Helen Belle, the protagonist, as an FBI agent struggling with her personal demons while she dives straight into the murder mystery plot. She's joined by the hardened PD detective, Clif, and long-time collaborator, Benedict, each who have their own (complicated) back-story... and personal entanglements.
... all of this acting as background to the unfolding mystery about who (or what?) is driving teenagers to perform unspeakable acts of violence... What's the cause? Who's driving them? These are all things that unfold over time through the amazing plot.
Honestly? I don't want to give anything away, wanting you to discover it for yourself... but, I'm all-in for the journey as we discover the motivations of the heroes, protagonists, and villains... so all I can say is that you should buckle up for a very suspenseful and timely story that is likely to resonate with anyone living through today's turmoil.
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy following the mystery... while it encourages questions about what it means to be living in the modern world, and how that impacts our relationships.
First... as with all of Barbara's earlier works, it was the characters and their motivations that immediately hooked me. Her ability to bring together disparate characters tossed together in an intense situation are what sells me (over-and-over) on her work.
In the case of "A Voice in the Dark", I'm drawn to Helen Belle, the protagonist, as an FBI agent struggling with her personal demons while she dives straight into the murder mystery plot. She's joined by the hardened PD detective, Clif, and long-time collaborator, Benedict, each who have their own (complicated) back-story... and personal entanglements.
... all of this acting as background to the unfolding mystery about who (or what?) is driving teenagers to perform unspeakable acts of violence... What's the cause? Who's driving them? These are all things that unfold over time through the amazing plot.
Honestly? I don't want to give anything away, wanting you to discover it for yourself... but, I'm all-in for the journey as we discover the motivations of the heroes, protagonists, and villains... so all I can say is that you should buckle up for a very suspenseful and timely story that is likely to resonate with anyone living through today's turmoil.
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy following the mystery... while it encourages questions about what it means to be living in the modern world, and how that impacts our relationships.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75⭐️ A Voice in the Dark is the first book in a new mystery crime series by Barbara Nickless following FBI profilers Helen and Benedict. The book starts with a case involving the killing of a mother, father and their son, the same night their twin boys go missing. Helen makes connections to a previous case of hers, where she found connections to a mysterious online person known as the Midnight Man, but couldn’t prove it. The similarities have her convinced they are connected, and that this Midnight Man might still be out there influencing kids online. Can she prove it this time?
This one grabbed me early and didn’t let go. It was addicting, unsettling, gruesome, and I just had to know how it would end. I am yet to be convinced that I like Benedict as a character, but Helen was fantastic. I hope we get more of their backstory going forward, and think that, and the subtle moments of potential romance may contribute to my feeling for Benedict - for better or worse. They are both clearly driven and great at their jobs, so I look forward to seeing the exploration of their professions moving forward. I definitely connected to this personally, as a mother to twin teenage daughters who like to play computer games with their friends. The focus on the dangers of the internet was a lot at times, but important commentary as it explores where kids are at these days and just how easily their loneliness can be manipulated. Kids truly underestimate just how big and scary the internet can be, and it’s terrifying to think about how easily evil can prevail. Definitely thought-provoking! I recommend this one for fans of Criminal Minds, anyone looking to a fast paced and disturbing thriller covering real topics, and/or anyone looking for a new series.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC of A Voice in the Dark by Barbara Nickless!
This one grabbed me early and didn’t let go. It was addicting, unsettling, gruesome, and I just had to know how it would end. I am yet to be convinced that I like Benedict as a character, but Helen was fantastic. I hope we get more of their backstory going forward, and think that, and the subtle moments of potential romance may contribute to my feeling for Benedict - for better or worse. They are both clearly driven and great at their jobs, so I look forward to seeing the exploration of their professions moving forward. I definitely connected to this personally, as a mother to twin teenage daughters who like to play computer games with their friends. The focus on the dangers of the internet was a lot at times, but important commentary as it explores where kids are at these days and just how easily their loneliness can be manipulated. Kids truly underestimate just how big and scary the internet can be, and it’s terrifying to think about how easily evil can prevail. Definitely thought-provoking! I recommend this one for fans of Criminal Minds, anyone looking to a fast paced and disturbing thriller covering real topics, and/or anyone looking for a new series.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC of A Voice in the Dark by Barbara Nickless!
December 8, 2025
Special Agent Helen Belle is investigating the tragic case of a murdered family found in a burned house. The teenage twins are the only survivors and are currently missing. The worst part is that this case is exactly like one from a few years before. That teenage son attempted suicide but lived and has been mute ever since. Helen and an FBI profiler, Benedict Hoffman, were key to that case and were certain that the boy had help, that he was groomed by someone online. The jury didn’t agree, and their theories were discredited. Now, Helen is surer than ever that the person is still out there, still working to convince vulnerable young people to kill their families and themselves. He is the Midnight Man.
This story is equally sad and disturbing. It’s too easy for predators to find and manipulate those who are obsessively online and physically isolated from their peers and their families. Especially through gaming, because there’s easy access to millions of children who you’d never know were having hidden chats and conversations. Not to mention, guidance for entry into the dark web. It seems almost unbelievable that the FBI would have to convince people of this, especially in cases of sudden and extreme violence. But some people just want to live in denial. This story is so realistic, and I could easily see it based on a true story.
I believe this is the first book in a series, and I’m so excited because this author writes from experience and somehow makes these horrors entertaining. Not in a sick way, just in a way that tells an engaging, if bleak, story.
This story is equally sad and disturbing. It’s too easy for predators to find and manipulate those who are obsessively online and physically isolated from their peers and their families. Especially through gaming, because there’s easy access to millions of children who you’d never know were having hidden chats and conversations. Not to mention, guidance for entry into the dark web. It seems almost unbelievable that the FBI would have to convince people of this, especially in cases of sudden and extreme violence. But some people just want to live in denial. This story is so realistic, and I could easily see it based on a true story.
I believe this is the first book in a series, and I’m so excited because this author writes from experience and somehow makes these horrors entertaining. Not in a sick way, just in a way that tells an engaging, if bleak, story.
December 23, 2025
Read my review on my blog:
https://kimreads22.wordpress.com/2025...
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley. It is due for publication on the 1st of July 2026.
A Voice in the Dark is the first book in a crime-drama type series, which is right up my alley and I was really looking forward to reading it.
In this book, we follow FBI agent Helen Belle and Dr. Benedict Hoffman who are investigating the murder of a family in their home, and the subsequent disappearance of one of the teenage children and their pet dog. Parts of this crime mirror a similar case the pair worked together several years prior, though no one believed their opinion that an outside source was to blame for the murders. This time, they are desperate to prove they were right then, and the same person is back, the difficult part is that this ‘person’ is simply known as the Midnight Man, and he is in cyber space.
I absolutely ate this book up. It is rather kind of book that I really love, a storyline that keeps you interested, likeable characters who you can really get behind, and a twisty ending that brings it all together. This is the first book I have read by Barbara Nickless, but I will be looking up other books that she has published.
My only issue now is waiting for her to bring out another book in this series!
https://kimreads22.wordpress.com/2025...
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley. It is due for publication on the 1st of July 2026.
A Voice in the Dark is the first book in a crime-drama type series, which is right up my alley and I was really looking forward to reading it.
In this book, we follow FBI agent Helen Belle and Dr. Benedict Hoffman who are investigating the murder of a family in their home, and the subsequent disappearance of one of the teenage children and their pet dog. Parts of this crime mirror a similar case the pair worked together several years prior, though no one believed their opinion that an outside source was to blame for the murders. This time, they are desperate to prove they were right then, and the same person is back, the difficult part is that this ‘person’ is simply known as the Midnight Man, and he is in cyber space.
I absolutely ate this book up. It is rather kind of book that I really love, a storyline that keeps you interested, likeable characters who you can really get behind, and a twisty ending that brings it all together. This is the first book I have read by Barbara Nickless, but I will be looking up other books that she has published.
My only issue now is waiting for her to bring out another book in this series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This start of a new series is super-suspenseful and, paraphrasing from one of the characters, “creepypasta”! It reminded me a little of Carrisi’s Whisperer in that no one is even sure whether the murders were provoked, aided or even committed by a shadowy online entity. The first part is disturbing and scary; and it only gets worse (or, you know, better for a thriller) from there. The characters are likable. When FBI agent Helen Belle talks about an Aussie dog as another family member/victim to aid, she won me forever. The dialogues may seem a little long for those who are not fans of the genre, but to me they were gold. Helen and her estranged love Benedict discuss pop culture and serial killers, a bit of approachable philosophy and even the nature of evil. These characters have private lives, but they’re mostly in the background, while the procedural part is always their main preoccupation. The plot is built well, with plenty of red herrings and clues you don’t see till they matter, and very fast-paced. There’s also no politics so if you, like me, read for entertainment only, this is the book for you. I will definitely be downloading the next part as soon as it’s published.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer.
June 7, 2026
A Voice in the Dark: three members of a family is murdered and teenaged twins Jason and Katelyn are missing in a case eerily similar to another from five years before. FBI profilers Helen Belle and Benedict Hoffman are convinced a shadowy online figure known as the Midnight Man manipulated teenaged Derrick into murdering his family in the first case, and fear that he has struck again with Jason. With time running out, they must follow the evidence into the world of the dark web.
This was a compelling read, investigating the vulnerabilities of teenagers and the new ways criminals are finding to isolate and manipulate them with developing technologies, and the impact this can have on the kids themselves and their families. The current relevance of the topic with the unfortunate rise of AI chatbots makes it more impactful, and as a parent I found it more chilling than I think I would have before.
The characters are strong and driven, and the story moves along at a good pace. Helen and Benedict make a great team, and I got a Criminal Minds vibe from them and the wider team they use with the explanation of the psychology behind adolescent victims. There is a lot of online gaming involved but it is explained for those who don’t know much about it, and the same with the FBI procedures.
This is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading the next one.
This was a compelling read, investigating the vulnerabilities of teenagers and the new ways criminals are finding to isolate and manipulate them with developing technologies, and the impact this can have on the kids themselves and their families. The current relevance of the topic with the unfortunate rise of AI chatbots makes it more impactful, and as a parent I found it more chilling than I think I would have before.
The characters are strong and driven, and the story moves along at a good pace. Helen and Benedict make a great team, and I got a Criminal Minds vibe from them and the wider team they use with the explanation of the psychology behind adolescent victims. There is a lot of online gaming involved but it is explained for those who don’t know much about it, and the same with the FBI procedures.
This is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading the next one.
December 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmospheric, gripping, and utterly absorbing!
A Voice in the Dark pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. Barbara Nickless delivers a chilling, atmospheric thriller layered with tension, emotional depth, and a mystery that unfolds with perfect precision. The writing is crisp and cinematic, with scenes that feel so vivid you can almost hear the branches scraping in the darkness.
The characters are what truly elevate this book. Each one is flawed, complex, and compelling in their own way. I loved the way their personal histories intertwine with the central mystery, raising the stakes and adding emotional weight to every discovery. Nickless has a talent for making you care deeply while still keeping you guessing.
The twists were sharp and expertly placed just when I thought I had it all figured out, the story veered in a direction I didn’t expect. The pacing was relentless in the best way, building toward a satisfying, high impact finale that tied everything together without feeling rushed.
If you love thrillers with atmosphere, heart, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages late into the night, A Voice in the Dark is a must read. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Atmospheric, gripping, and utterly absorbing!
A Voice in the Dark pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. Barbara Nickless delivers a chilling, atmospheric thriller layered with tension, emotional depth, and a mystery that unfolds with perfect precision. The writing is crisp and cinematic, with scenes that feel so vivid you can almost hear the branches scraping in the darkness.
The characters are what truly elevate this book. Each one is flawed, complex, and compelling in their own way. I loved the way their personal histories intertwine with the central mystery, raising the stakes and adding emotional weight to every discovery. Nickless has a talent for making you care deeply while still keeping you guessing.
The twists were sharp and expertly placed just when I thought I had it all figured out, the story veered in a direction I didn’t expect. The pacing was relentless in the best way, building toward a satisfying, high impact finale that tied everything together without feeling rushed.
If you love thrillers with atmosphere, heart, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages late into the night, A Voice in the Dark is a must read. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Layers of guilt... shades of evil
With each series of books Barbara Nickless gifts us with memorable and unique characters and a glimpse of the myriad ways that evil manifests in the world. In A Voice in The Dark, we meet FBI agent Helen Belle and her former mentor Benedict Hoffman, a professor of criminal humanities studying the interrelations between pop culture and crime. When members of a Colorado family are found murdered and their teenage twins missing, they are faced with the echoes of a similar case in their shared past. Then, they were sure that the killer did not act alone. Now, they are convinced the same outside influence is still actively manipulating others.
This gives us a timely, relevant look into how the dark web, online gaming, and virtual reality offer bad actors access to vulnerable teenage minds. It is also a well-crafted, well-written, gripping story that keeps you guessing until the end, everything I have come to expect from this author. I am a huge fan, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next. It is sure to be just as satisfying as this one.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book. The scheduled release date is July 1, 2026.
With each series of books Barbara Nickless gifts us with memorable and unique characters and a glimpse of the myriad ways that evil manifests in the world. In A Voice in The Dark, we meet FBI agent Helen Belle and her former mentor Benedict Hoffman, a professor of criminal humanities studying the interrelations between pop culture and crime. When members of a Colorado family are found murdered and their teenage twins missing, they are faced with the echoes of a similar case in their shared past. Then, they were sure that the killer did not act alone. Now, they are convinced the same outside influence is still actively manipulating others.
This gives us a timely, relevant look into how the dark web, online gaming, and virtual reality offer bad actors access to vulnerable teenage minds. It is also a well-crafted, well-written, gripping story that keeps you guessing until the end, everything I have come to expect from this author. I am a huge fan, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next. It is sure to be just as satisfying as this one.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book. The scheduled release date is July 1, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love a good psychological thriller and A Voice in the Dark really makes you stop and think about just how scary the digital world really is. After failing to prove that a online mystery persona helped manipulate a young teen to murder his family five years ago Agent Belle unfortunately has been given a second chance to make her case. With a fresh case to prove another troubled teen was provoked into murder Agent Belle and the others uncover just how deep this master manipulator Midnight Man really goes.
I'm not a computer expert by any means so I can't say if all the technical jargon is right but the author does a really good job of making you believe it is right. There was a lot of moving parts with all the different agencies and parts of the bureau working this case. Between all the computer talk and legal workings it slows you down and bit but again the author does a great job of keeping your attention through out it all.
If this becomes a series with Agent Belle and Dr. Hoffman partnering up for more cases I would definitely check them out. 🤞 We get to see more of them reconnect because seeing two workaholics married to their work soften is too sweet.
3.75⭐
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Barbara Nickless for a copy of this book.
I'm not a computer expert by any means so I can't say if all the technical jargon is right but the author does a really good job of making you believe it is right. There was a lot of moving parts with all the different agencies and parts of the bureau working this case. Between all the computer talk and legal workings it slows you down and bit but again the author does a great job of keeping your attention through out it all.
If this becomes a series with Agent Belle and Dr. Hoffman partnering up for more cases I would definitely check them out. 🤞 We get to see more of them reconnect because seeing two workaholics married to their work soften is too sweet.
3.75⭐
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Barbara Nickless for a copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m honestly stuck between 3.5★, maaaybe a 3.75★ here.
This book started strong. Serial killer recruiting kids in an MMO RPG? Yes please! Gaming + psychological thriller? Big yes from me, initially.
But somewhere along the way… the delivery kinda lost me.
When the story dove into GM/NPC explanations and all the ins and outs that game and how was meant to be used and all that, it got a little confusing (I say that as someone who literally plays games more than I sleep). The rest of the story wasn't bad, just not as gripping as the beginning.
As for Helen and Benedict… well... complicated.
Yes, he was her professor once and yes, there’s a 10y age gap (so a bit of yikes here and there). He broke things off and later realized he was wrong… and as expected, that storyline made me cringe a bit. But I loved that Helen didn’t take him back immediately. Girl closed the phone in his face and stood her ground aaand that was genuinely very satisfying to read.
Now, by the end, it feels like they’re heading toward reconciliation… and honestly, I’m curious how that will play out in book two.
So… not a bad book by any means. Just didn’t fully grab me all the way through. I went in for serial killer + gaming + thriller vibes (because that can absolutely happen in 2025), but the execution around the gaming detail and character dynamics kept me less hooked than I expected.
I’ll definitely be reading the next installment though, I’m invested enough to want more!
Thanks Netgalley & Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
This book started strong. Serial killer recruiting kids in an MMO RPG? Yes please! Gaming + psychological thriller? Big yes from me, initially.
But somewhere along the way… the delivery kinda lost me.
When the story dove into GM/NPC explanations and all the ins and outs that game and how was meant to be used and all that, it got a little confusing (I say that as someone who literally plays games more than I sleep). The rest of the story wasn't bad, just not as gripping as the beginning.
As for Helen and Benedict… well... complicated.
Yes, he was her professor once and yes, there’s a 10y age gap (so a bit of yikes here and there). He broke things off and later realized he was wrong… and as expected, that storyline made me cringe a bit. But I loved that Helen didn’t take him back immediately. Girl closed the phone in his face and stood her ground aaand that was genuinely very satisfying to read.
Now, by the end, it feels like they’re heading toward reconciliation… and honestly, I’m curious how that will play out in book two.
So… not a bad book by any means. Just didn’t fully grab me all the way through. I went in for serial killer + gaming + thriller vibes (because that can absolutely happen in 2025), but the execution around the gaming detail and character dynamics kept me less hooked than I expected.
I’ll definitely be reading the next installment though, I’m invested enough to want more!
Thanks Netgalley & Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
March 29, 2026
3.5
Helen is an FBI profiler who gets a new case that looks similar to one from her past. When parents were found deceased, the likely suspect looked like their child, but what if someone else was present? That’s what Helen tried to prove in the past (with no physical evidence), but maybe she can make the case this time: it’s especially tricky because kids are missing, but she can contact people from the previous case if they’ll talk. Helen needs Benedict Hoffman’s help again, but can they work together after their ending? Benedict has the best knowledge of the gaming connection that is tying their case (and others) together. The stakes are higher now because they can prove that someone else was present in their first case, but what if that person has the missing girl? Despite not being familiar with the gaming world and terms related to it, I could still follow what was happening because the book explained it well (maybe more so than needed, which made it seem drawn out). This was a wordy read and what kept me interested was Benedict’s role (and the dogs).
ARC Review 🩵
Helen is an FBI profiler who gets a new case that looks similar to one from her past. When parents were found deceased, the likely suspect looked like their child, but what if someone else was present? That’s what Helen tried to prove in the past (with no physical evidence), but maybe she can make the case this time: it’s especially tricky because kids are missing, but she can contact people from the previous case if they’ll talk. Helen needs Benedict Hoffman’s help again, but can they work together after their ending? Benedict has the best knowledge of the gaming connection that is tying their case (and others) together. The stakes are higher now because they can prove that someone else was present in their first case, but what if that person has the missing girl? Despite not being familiar with the gaming world and terms related to it, I could still follow what was happening because the book explained it well (maybe more so than needed, which made it seem drawn out). This was a wordy read and what kept me interested was Benedict’s role (and the dogs).
ARC Review 🩵
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eARC
In “A Voice in the Dark” we follow FBI agent Helen Belle who is on a mission to uncover the truth about a family shooting. This case shows similarities to a case agent Belle was working on five years prior which raises all sorts of alarm bells. She is assisted by Professor Benedict Hoffman and a team of FBI-agents of multiple BAUs to solve this case.
A Voice in the Dark is a gripping novel that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire ride. The writing is addictive, tiny details are provided throughout the story that ultimately come together in the dark and disturbing yet satisfying conclusion.
All in all I really enjoyed this novel. So much so that I’ve already read it twice.
This was my first Barbara Nickless book and it definitely won’t be my last.
4.25 ⭐️
Publishing date: May 12, 2026
In “A Voice in the Dark” we follow FBI agent Helen Belle who is on a mission to uncover the truth about a family shooting. This case shows similarities to a case agent Belle was working on five years prior which raises all sorts of alarm bells. She is assisted by Professor Benedict Hoffman and a team of FBI-agents of multiple BAUs to solve this case.
A Voice in the Dark is a gripping novel that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire ride. The writing is addictive, tiny details are provided throughout the story that ultimately come together in the dark and disturbing yet satisfying conclusion.
All in all I really enjoyed this novel. So much so that I’ve already read it twice.
This was my first Barbara Nickless book and it definitely won’t be my last.
4.25 ⭐️
Publishing date: May 12, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one was just okay for me. It kept me engaged but I didn’t feel compelled to binge read it into the night. I usually finish a book in one day, but this one took me almost four. It seemed to drag in places and there was a ton of gamer jargon that I just wasn’t into. I appreciate the research it took to write about all of the technical aspects and FBI procedures. I was interested enough to keep reading just to find out who the Midnight Man actually was. The book is relevant to what is actually happening in today’s society, honing in on how teenagers can be easily influenced by the gaming community. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great book!! From the very first pages, this author sucks you in, and the momentum doesn't stop! Helen is called to a crime scene that mimics a case she had in the past a serial killer called the Midnight Man. Is he back? This book is one of those that you have to pay attention to the details. There is a lot of gaming and how gaming can turn perfectly normal kids into killers. Very intriguing subject. I would love to see this as a series with Helen and Benedict. Very different book and great storyline. Lots of suspense!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book, and it turned out to be a great read. The story grabbed my attention right away, with its creepy undertones - hello, online predator?! As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, I appreciated that the story kept me guessing. The partnership between Helen and Benedict worked well, and I'm interested to see where the series goes from here. If you enjoy crime fiction and psychological thrillers, this is a solid read and a great start to what looks like an interesting series.
June 7, 2026
Another great book my Barbara Nickless
If you're a fan of Barbara Nickless you'll love this new series based on the slippery world of online gaming, and influencing. AI chat bots and the implications of leaving the real world for that of artificial intelligence empathy and understanding which is only a keystroke away. The main characters remind me of the Sydney Rose Parnell series. Benedict brings to mind Dr Evan Wilding with his deep search into understanding dark minds.
A Voice in the Dark is a page turning fast read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
If you're a fan of Barbara Nickless you'll love this new series based on the slippery world of online gaming, and influencing. AI chat bots and the implications of leaving the real world for that of artificial intelligence empathy and understanding which is only a keystroke away. The main characters remind me of the Sydney Rose Parnell series. Benedict brings to mind Dr Evan Wilding with his deep search into understanding dark minds.
A Voice in the Dark is a page turning fast read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
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