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The Black Gala
A glittering gala. A storm that seals the gates. And a murdered host.
Forensic psychologist Sarah Black swore she’d never hunt monsters again. The case that destroyed her career still stalks her in the dark.
Now panic grips Hawthorne Manor. No one can leave. And someone inside is a killer.
Beside her stands Chief Tom Thorne—a grizzled cop, skeptical yet desperate for answers. Their uneasy alliance fractures as suspicion rips through gilded halls.
Then the horror is revealed. Mouth sewn shut. Eyes wide with terror.
And with it, the Hawthorne curse whispers again.
Behind polished smiles, a predator hides in plain sight. Every clue whispers of the Order of the Circle—a secret society that kills to keep its silence.
Its reach deadly.
Its power absolute.
As fear tightens its grip, Sarah and Thorne must race against time to unmask the conspiracy before no one is left alive.
The gala isn’t just a crime scene.
It’s a trap.
And the killer’s game has only begun.
Forensic psychologist Sarah Black swore she’d never hunt monsters again. The case that destroyed her career still stalks her in the dark.
Now panic grips Hawthorne Manor. No one can leave. And someone inside is a killer.
Beside her stands Chief Tom Thorne—a grizzled cop, skeptical yet desperate for answers. Their uneasy alliance fractures as suspicion rips through gilded halls.
Then the horror is revealed. Mouth sewn shut. Eyes wide with terror.
And with it, the Hawthorne curse whispers again.
Behind polished smiles, a predator hides in plain sight. Every clue whispers of the Order of the Circle—a secret society that kills to keep its silence.
Its reach deadly.
Its power absolute.
As fear tightens its grip, Sarah and Thorne must race against time to unmask the conspiracy before no one is left alive.
The gala isn’t just a crime scene.
It’s a trap.
And the killer’s game has only begun.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2025
12 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 13, 2025
Halloween spooky house with dark twists, screams, murders, and a cliffhanger - 4 stars
Starting on a dark and rainy night, a town's upper crust has been invited to a formal dinner party at the well-known haunted mansion. As the guests are dropped off and offered flutes of Champagne, a wind and rainstorm add to the ambiance.
In short order, there are screams, and flickering lights which add to the aura of foreboding. Even though the local police chief and one FBI agent are among the assorted, formally dressed guests, everyone is on edge. After the first few screams and loud thuds, an investigation reveals that the host of the party has been murdered.
The house has been updated with closed circuit video security monitoring devices, a back-up generator, and a professional security team. However, the video surveillance loses 30 minutes of recordings covering the time that the owner was murdered. Fear is evident. Cell phone coverage has evaporated. Electricity for the lights is next, even with the back-up generator.
Navigating the dark century-old house is possible using cell phone flashlights; the hidden passages are hard to find and difficult to navigate. The guests cannot leave as security staff guards the doors on the police chief's orders. The raging storm is too dark between lighting flashes to navigate especially considering the heavy rain and wind.
One at a time, more people die adding occasional screams build terror. The policeman and FBI agent a try to avoid mass panic as the situation worsens. With trust continuing to decelerate as more deaths are discovered and outside contact remains imposable, nothing seems safe. A few hidden passages are broached by the two attending law enforcement professionals running from one crisis to another. A link to a supposedly inactive cult may provide some understanding of the whys and wherefores.
As the horror accelerates, a fire was set in one wing of the house and getting the attention of the local fire department and bringing in more assistance. Finally, a few people wind up with improvised handcuffs, and the killing spree ends. I was disappointed that the next book in the series is intended to resolve much of the mystery. If you like dark stories with surprises at every turn, this short book should satisfy a strong bloodlust.
Starting on a dark and rainy night, a town's upper crust has been invited to a formal dinner party at the well-known haunted mansion. As the guests are dropped off and offered flutes of Champagne, a wind and rainstorm add to the ambiance.
In short order, there are screams, and flickering lights which add to the aura of foreboding. Even though the local police chief and one FBI agent are among the assorted, formally dressed guests, everyone is on edge. After the first few screams and loud thuds, an investigation reveals that the host of the party has been murdered.
The house has been updated with closed circuit video security monitoring devices, a back-up generator, and a professional security team. However, the video surveillance loses 30 minutes of recordings covering the time that the owner was murdered. Fear is evident. Cell phone coverage has evaporated. Electricity for the lights is next, even with the back-up generator.
Navigating the dark century-old house is possible using cell phone flashlights; the hidden passages are hard to find and difficult to navigate. The guests cannot leave as security staff guards the doors on the police chief's orders. The raging storm is too dark between lighting flashes to navigate especially considering the heavy rain and wind.
One at a time, more people die adding occasional screams build terror. The policeman and FBI agent a try to avoid mass panic as the situation worsens. With trust continuing to decelerate as more deaths are discovered and outside contact remains imposable, nothing seems safe. A few hidden passages are broached by the two attending law enforcement professionals running from one crisis to another. A link to a supposedly inactive cult may provide some understanding of the whys and wherefores.
As the horror accelerates, a fire was set in one wing of the house and getting the attention of the local fire department and bringing in more assistance. Finally, a few people wind up with improvised handcuffs, and the killing spree ends. I was disappointed that the next book in the series is intended to resolve much of the mystery. If you like dark stories with surprises at every turn, this short book should satisfy a strong bloodlust.
October 11, 2025
BLACK GALA by Parker Vale is my introduction to this author. I found this an engrossing thriller. The characters vary in depth and potential guilt. There are so many twists, turns, and suspects, you won't know who to trust.
The Hawthorne Curse has existed for decades. Even the owners won't spend a night in their own mansion. Now, the owner is hosting a Gala for important and wealthy guests.
As the night's events are underway, there's scream and a dead body. At the same time, a strong storm pounds the mansion, closing roads and leaving no way to leave the mansion or for help to arrive.
It's left up to two guests, Chief Tom Thorne and former forensic psychologist Sarah Black, to figure out what happened. Thorne knows Sarah's story, and he's not sure if he trusts her. These two must somehow work together to solve more than one gruesome murder and figure out the few clues left behind. Time is not in their favor as Sarah and Thorne race to unmask the killer before no one is left alive.
Prepare yourself for secret tunnels, hidden rooms, and a mansion full of suspects.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.
The Hawthorne Curse has existed for decades. Even the owners won't spend a night in their own mansion. Now, the owner is hosting a Gala for important and wealthy guests.
As the night's events are underway, there's scream and a dead body. At the same time, a strong storm pounds the mansion, closing roads and leaving no way to leave the mansion or for help to arrive.
It's left up to two guests, Chief Tom Thorne and former forensic psychologist Sarah Black, to figure out what happened. Thorne knows Sarah's story, and he's not sure if he trusts her. These two must somehow work together to solve more than one gruesome murder and figure out the few clues left behind. Time is not in their favor as Sarah and Thorne race to unmask the killer before no one is left alive.
Prepare yourself for secret tunnels, hidden rooms, and a mansion full of suspects.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.
November 27, 2025
The mysterious Hawthorne Manor is hosting a black-tie gala, and all of the important people in town are on the guest list. Forensic psychologist Sarah Black doesn’t understand why she’s been invited, and is even more unsure why her seat at the table is next to the host Charles Hawthorne himself. However, before dinner can start, a scream is heard from upstairs, and a body is discovered. Police Chief Tom Thorne realizes he’s the only member of the force present at the party. Reluctantly, he chooses Sarah Black to help him attempt to figure out who the killer is. As the storm rages outside and the body count rises, both Tom and Sarah fear for the lives of all the other guests and themselves. Just what is going on inside Hawthorne Manor, and how is the Order of the Circle involved? Read The Black Gala by Parker Vale to find out.
Marketed as a psychological thriller, The Black Gala takes readers on an adventure of deviousness, mistrust, and murder. As the narrative races along to its epic climax, the door is left open for book two. I’m excited to find out what happens next.
Marketed as a psychological thriller, The Black Gala takes readers on an adventure of deviousness, mistrust, and murder. As the narrative races along to its epic climax, the door is left open for book two. I’m excited to find out what happens next.
November 12, 2025
I liked and disliked the author's style of writing. Her descriptions were fun to read but sometimes felt at odds - like a light hiccupping. Her sentences felt short and choppy, and that made reading a bit of a challenge. I didn't feel there was a nice flow to the storytelling.
Also, there was a chapter towards the end titled Thorne. Usually when in a chapter with a character's name, they are the one telling the story. There were a few spots in this chapter where Thorne was referred to in the third person.
I did find the story engaging - kept wanting to read just one more chapter. I'm not sure I was thrille
Also, there was a chapter towards the end titled Thorne. Usually when in a chapter with a character's name, they are the one telling the story. There were a few spots in this chapter where Thorne was referred to in the third person.
I did find the story engaging - kept wanting to read just one more chapter. I'm not sure I was thrille
March 22, 2026
The Black Gala (Sarah Black Psychological Thriller Book 1), my first read from author Parker Vale, a 165-page psychological thriller, that grabbed me and kept me reading until I finished it. I'm already researching the author for more reads putting The Black Game (Sarah Black Psychological Thriller Book 2) high on my TBR list. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 27, 2025
The Black Gala is an edge of your seat psychological thriller. It’s full of twists and turns that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. This story was beautifully orchestrated with suspense, mystery, and a cast of a lot of suspicious characters with their own reason to attend the exclusive, high society gala. Character development is rich and well fleshed out. It’s a wonderful thrilling ride. Buckle up. You won’t be able to put this one down.
November 28, 2025
This is my first Parker Vale novel and it was a good one! It started out strong, stayed strong, and finished strong! I wasn't sure if it was going to be a locked room type of mystery or a haunted house thriller, but it was sort of all of that. Both Sarah Black and Tom Thorne were well developed characters and I never knew what to expect from everyone else. I can't wait to read the second book, The Black Game!
October 8, 2025
A gala, a murder, people going missing, spooky mansion, mysterious secret passages, this book had it all.
A storm isolates guests which leaves Chief Tom Thorne and gala guest Dr Sarah Black trying to find out what’s happening.
An atmospheric read which packs a punch lots of mystery and suspense building makes for a great read.
A storm isolates guests which leaves Chief Tom Thorne and gala guest Dr Sarah Black trying to find out what’s happening.
An atmospheric read which packs a punch lots of mystery and suspense building makes for a great read.
January 21, 2026
I read this book from ARC. This is my review. Sarah Black is invited to a grand affair for an entertaining evening. Only a problem arises with murder . locked at the event along with a rival they find clues to who may be the killer. A fast paced, well-written storyline, with great characters. An easy read, with surprising twists.
October 12, 2025
I gave this book five stars because it was a really good book to read.It had a lot of suspense in it and kept me wanting to read it.If anyone has not read this book,you should.
Tiffany
Tiffany
October 18, 2025
Trapped in the Hawthorne manor with a killer lurking inside, Sarah and Chief Tome Thorne are on the case. Who is this predator? Lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem in this page turner that is a must read.
October 26, 2025
Great thriller read from Parker Vale. First for me from this author. Enjoyed the multiple POV‘s as it kept the story moving. Personally, I think it ended too quickly as I definitely wanted more! Will recommend!
October 21, 2025
A really excellent read. Fast paced and intriguing.
December 17, 2025
Suspense, secrets and murders in a good mix
Nice mystic suspense adventure with the whole book under an evening. Good pace and twists. It is a quick good read.
Nice mystic suspense adventure with the whole book under an evening. Good pace and twists. It is a quick good read.
January 4, 2026
Deadly Party
An exclusive event turns into a mysterious gathering where bodies turn up unexpectedly. An exciting look into the world of evil.
An exclusive event turns into a mysterious gathering where bodies turn up unexpectedly. An exciting look into the world of evil.
January 26, 2026
I loved the suspense of them trying to find the killer. I was rooting for Sarah to show everyone that the killing was not a one time thing. While Thorne had less to prove he was crucial as he knew most of the people at the party. While I guessed the killer half way through I was still surprised by many of the things that were revealed at the end. And the cliffhanger was perfect with the mystery of the killing solved but not the overall mystery of a secret society. This leaves the reader to decide if they would love to continue the series or not. I for one will definitely be reading more of the series.
November 18, 2025
Received this book from the author through Book Funnel.
This is a well written story that could lead to further adventures for the characters. I enjoyed the back and forth of the two main character's PoV because it gave a dual vision of each event.
Although a relatively shorter story, the scenes were developed and the characters described sufficiently that the reader could enter into the story and follow through.
This is a well written story that could lead to further adventures for the characters. I enjoyed the back and forth of the two main character's PoV because it gave a dual vision of each event.
Although a relatively shorter story, the scenes were developed and the characters described sufficiently that the reader could enter into the story and follow through.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews