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Dark Current Reckoning
Lane Sutherlin has dragged Tidewell’s darkest secrets into the light—except the one still poisoning its future. A powerful faction of the Old Guard, including Lane’s own stepfather, is quietly orchestrating a land grab that will wipe out Tidewell’s most historic neighborhood and replace it with a waterfront casino. But before Lane can stop them, a far more personal truth resurfaces.
New evidence emerges about the boat accident that killed her brother nineteen years ago, forcing Lane to confront the lies that shaped her life and the man who buried them. Sheriff Boone didn’t just fail her—he hid the truth to protect one of Tidewell’s most privileged sons. And the boy who “rescued” her that night wasn’t a savior at all.
As Lane digs deeper, the Old Guard closes ranks, desperate to silence her before she exposes their final, most dangerous secret. And complicating everything is Briggs—the town’s embattled commonwealth’s attorney—whose feelings for Lane are getting harder to deny, even as the pressure threatens to break them apart.
With enemies closing in, a community on the brink, and the past demanding justice, Lane must decide what she’s willing to risk to finish what she started. Tidewell is running out of time.
And this time, the reckoning is hers.
New evidence emerges about the boat accident that killed her brother nineteen years ago, forcing Lane to confront the lies that shaped her life and the man who buried them. Sheriff Boone didn’t just fail her—he hid the truth to protect one of Tidewell’s most privileged sons. And the boy who “rescued” her that night wasn’t a savior at all.
As Lane digs deeper, the Old Guard closes ranks, desperate to silence her before she exposes their final, most dangerous secret. And complicating everything is Briggs—the town’s embattled commonwealth’s attorney—whose feelings for Lane are getting harder to deny, even as the pressure threatens to break them apart.
With enemies closing in, a community on the brink, and the past demanding justice, Lane must decide what she’s willing to risk to finish what she started. Tidewell is running out of time.
And this time, the reckoning is hers.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 18, 2026
Lane is one busy lady!!!
She’s taking care of her father with dementia.
She’s trying to save her town! (But not in a Hallmark movie kind of way!)
She’s trying to hide a pregnancy!
She’s trying to solve the mystery of her brother’s death!
And she’s trying to decide between two men but eventually picks the right one!!
So much drama from start to finish!!!
She’s taking care of her father with dementia.
She’s trying to save her town! (But not in a Hallmark movie kind of way!)
She’s trying to hide a pregnancy!
She’s trying to solve the mystery of her brother’s death!
And she’s trying to decide between two men but eventually picks the right one!!
So much drama from start to finish!!!
June 16, 2026
Dear Friends,
Dark Current Reckoning by Ashley Farley is book three of The Sutherlin Files. This book kept me returning to read just one more page. I’ve been rather busy due to life circumstances lately, but I found myself wanting more. I thought this was the last book in the series. I was stunned at the end and ready to fire off a letter to plead for book number four. There were too many strings that weren’t tied. Imagine my surprise when I finally figured out there is a book four coming. All of this was to say, if you haven’t started The Sutherlin Files yet, HURRY UP! It is too good to miss and you will have time to read the first three before the next and probably final book comes out.
The characters in this book come alive. The scoundrels and all of the good guys. From Lane Sutherlin to the Old Guard. I can’t wait until this series is all tied up like a pretty bow. I want to see who will be held in prison for the rest of their lives and who will talk a pretty story and get off. I’m going to miss these characters!
I think this is one of the best series that Ashley Farley has written yet. She’s hit it out of the park. I’ve read most of her series and liked every single one of them. This one is just over the top. The writing is great, the characters, the small town and I could go on and on. I just think the mystery, suspense and the angst are just a notch better. There are murders to be solved and love lives to be sorted and health problems and old relationships to be healed.
If you love a great series, characters, setting and best of all a storyline that will draw you in and keep you engaged, then this is a series you want to read! It is full of mystery and suspense. I can’t wait for book four. Until next time, Happy Reading!
Phyllis
P.S. Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Dark Current Reckoning by Ashley Farley is book three of The Sutherlin Files. This book kept me returning to read just one more page. I’ve been rather busy due to life circumstances lately, but I found myself wanting more. I thought this was the last book in the series. I was stunned at the end and ready to fire off a letter to plead for book number four. There were too many strings that weren’t tied. Imagine my surprise when I finally figured out there is a book four coming. All of this was to say, if you haven’t started The Sutherlin Files yet, HURRY UP! It is too good to miss and you will have time to read the first three before the next and probably final book comes out.
The characters in this book come alive. The scoundrels and all of the good guys. From Lane Sutherlin to the Old Guard. I can’t wait until this series is all tied up like a pretty bow. I want to see who will be held in prison for the rest of their lives and who will talk a pretty story and get off. I’m going to miss these characters!
I think this is one of the best series that Ashley Farley has written yet. She’s hit it out of the park. I’ve read most of her series and liked every single one of them. This one is just over the top. The writing is great, the characters, the small town and I could go on and on. I just think the mystery, suspense and the angst are just a notch better. There are murders to be solved and love lives to be sorted and health problems and old relationships to be healed.
If you love a great series, characters, setting and best of all a storyline that will draw you in and keep you engaged, then this is a series you want to read! It is full of mystery and suspense. I can’t wait for book four. Until next time, Happy Reading!
Phyllis
P.S. Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Review of advance copy received from Author
EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT-SUSPENSE!
Dark Current Reckoning (Book #3 of The Sutherlin Files) by Ashley Farley is full of edge-of-your-seat suspense! This novel is not a standalone and needs to be read in the series' sequential order. And what a dynamic series it is! You will not be disappointed by reading all three of the novels in this series. Each new novel is built on the foundation of Book #1.
Dark Current Reckoning is scintillating and will keep you intrigued from the moment you read the first word to the last. In my opinion, Farley has surpassed all her previous writing with this novel. It is obvious that Farley was able to mastermind a dynamic plot for maximum impact. She accomplishes that and so much more!
If novels that cover family dynamics, small-town drama, greed and corruption by government officials, an illegal land grab, old injustices finally being brought to the light of day, blossoming romance in the midst of dire circumstances, learning who your true friends are, and when the truth is finally revealed, watch the reckoning unfold interest you – then Dark Current Reckoning is the novel for you!! I highly recommend it!!
I was provided a complimentary copy by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Dark Current Reckoning (Book #3 of The Sutherlin Files) by Ashley Farley is full of edge-of-your-seat suspense! This novel is not a standalone and needs to be read in the series' sequential order. And what a dynamic series it is! You will not be disappointed by reading all three of the novels in this series. Each new novel is built on the foundation of Book #1.
Dark Current Reckoning is scintillating and will keep you intrigued from the moment you read the first word to the last. In my opinion, Farley has surpassed all her previous writing with this novel. It is obvious that Farley was able to mastermind a dynamic plot for maximum impact. She accomplishes that and so much more!
If novels that cover family dynamics, small-town drama, greed and corruption by government officials, an illegal land grab, old injustices finally being brought to the light of day, blossoming romance in the midst of dire circumstances, learning who your true friends are, and when the truth is finally revealed, watch the reckoning unfold interest you – then Dark Current Reckoning is the novel for you!! I highly recommend it!!
I was provided a complimentary copy by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The final book in this series is a real page turner – there is action in the town, within Lane’s family and a budding romance between Lane and two different men from her past! It was hard to put the book down!
The Old Guard, including Lane’s stepfather, is working to create a land grab that would get rid of the historic parts of town and replace it with a resort and casino. While she is fighting that battle – and risking her life to do so, new information emerges about her older brother’s death in a boating accident years earlier. When she first started to dig into the boat accident, there was no police report and no autopsy but she worked to find a woman who had been on the boat and knew the real truth but was afraid to reveal it. As she continues to fight against the town on two fronts, her father’s Alzheimer’s gets worse and she is caught between two old friends who both want to have a long-term relationship with her. Is there a future for Lane with either man or does she even have a future in Tidewell?
This is third and final book in this new series. I really enjoyed the series and would be thrilled if there were more books in the future about Lane and her family.
The Old Guard, including Lane’s stepfather, is working to create a land grab that would get rid of the historic parts of town and replace it with a resort and casino. While she is fighting that battle – and risking her life to do so, new information emerges about her older brother’s death in a boating accident years earlier. When she first started to dig into the boat accident, there was no police report and no autopsy but she worked to find a woman who had been on the boat and knew the real truth but was afraid to reveal it. As she continues to fight against the town on two fronts, her father’s Alzheimer’s gets worse and she is caught between two old friends who both want to have a long-term relationship with her. Is there a future for Lane with either man or does she even have a future in Tidewell?
This is third and final book in this new series. I really enjoyed the series and would be thrilled if there were more books in the future about Lane and her family.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just read another great installment in this exciting series by Ashley Farley. Once again I got to travel into the world of the formidable Lane Sutherlin and the evil that is lurking in Tidwell. As Lane battles the Old Guard of her community, she is also try to discover the truth surrounding the death of her brother years ago. Who and what was involved in the coverup? At this point, Lane isn't sure who she can trust and who is working against her. But this task is a lot for just one person to take on. Who can she let into her inner world?
I love this series as well as the drama and excitement that kept me turning the pages. Any book by Ashley is a page turner but when she added the dark side of Tidwell and the tenacity of Lane to her formula, she definitely upped her game.
And just when I got to the end of this story and desperately wanted more, I found out that there is going to be a book four in this amazing series! Yay for us!
I highly recommend this series where you'll get it all—Ashley's wonderful storytelling, amazing characters, plenty of drama, and the feeling that the bad guys can not win. Dark Current Reckoning was an exciting read and did not disappoint! I suggest that you get started on this series right now.
I love this series as well as the drama and excitement that kept me turning the pages. Any book by Ashley is a page turner but when she added the dark side of Tidwell and the tenacity of Lane to her formula, she definitely upped her game.
And just when I got to the end of this story and desperately wanted more, I found out that there is going to be a book four in this amazing series! Yay for us!
I highly recommend this series where you'll get it all—Ashley's wonderful storytelling, amazing characters, plenty of drama, and the feeling that the bad guys can not win. Dark Current Reckoning was an exciting read and did not disappoint! I suggest that you get started on this series right now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the very first chapter of this third installment in the Sutherlin Files, I found myself racing through the pages. The tension in Tidewell has reached a breaking point. The Sutherlin family has brought in additional security to protect their farm from the corrupt Old Guard—an entrenched group that has seized control of both local government and law enforcement. Their latest scheme? Demolishing Tidewell’s historic district to make way for a luxury adult hotel and casino.
As new clues emerge about the boating accident that claimed her brother’s life nearly twenty years ago, Lane is thrust into a dangerous, high stakes search for the truth. Each revelation puts her in greater jeopardy, and the Old Guard grows increasingly desperate to silence her before more evidence surfaces.
This fast paced, gripping story follows Lane and her two longtime friends—Briggs and Waylon, both of whom may be edging into love interest territory—as they fight for justice and for the soul of their hometown. The twists are sharp, the emotional stakes are high, and the suspense never lets up.
As new clues emerge about the boating accident that claimed her brother’s life nearly twenty years ago, Lane is thrust into a dangerous, high stakes search for the truth. Each revelation puts her in greater jeopardy, and the Old Guard grows increasingly desperate to silence her before more evidence surfaces.
This fast paced, gripping story follows Lane and her two longtime friends—Briggs and Waylon, both of whom may be edging into love interest territory—as they fight for justice and for the soul of their hometown. The twists are sharp, the emotional stakes are high, and the suspense never lets up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Non-stop adrenaline rush. I caught myself holding my breath multiple times. I may even need a massage after this from tensing up while reading. You know the book and series is great when you have to force yourself to go to sleep to be a somewhat functioning human for work the next morning only to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to read more. I highly recommend this series if you love crime, small town corruption, family secrets, a small, but significant romance twist, and holding those who think the law doesn't apply to them accountable for their actions. Lane Sutherlin is a force to be reckoned with and she will stop at nothing to protect her family, her home, and the town she loves.
Thank you Ashley Farley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Ashley Farley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"You reminded me how to feel again, Lane- how to live, how to love, and how to for fight for what we believe in."
"Sometimes understanding is the first step towards peace. Maybe. But some wounds run deeper that understanding."
"Am I weighing my options? Maybe. But myabe I'm afraid to choose either. Because choosing means building a future. And this time, it's not just my heart on the line."
"There's always a current under the surface. But most folks don't notice it until it pulls them under."
Ashley Farley's Dark Current Reckoning is an excellent blend of criminal suspense and family drama with a dose of romance. My favorite book of The Sutherlin Files! Highly recommend!
"Sometimes understanding is the first step towards peace. Maybe. But some wounds run deeper that understanding."
"Am I weighing my options? Maybe. But myabe I'm afraid to choose either. Because choosing means building a future. And this time, it's not just my heart on the line."
"There's always a current under the surface. But most folks don't notice it until it pulls them under."
Ashley Farley's Dark Current Reckoning is an excellent blend of criminal suspense and family drama with a dose of romance. My favorite book of The Sutherlin Files! Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dangerous, with the revelation of explosive secrets and a blossoming romance make this third book in the final Sutherlin Files Series a must read.
Decades of greed, coverups, corruption and accidents that are really murder by the Old Guard push determined and resolute Lane Sutherlin to shut down those responsible and return Tidewell to the town she remembers and loves. Thank you to the Author, Ashley Farley for a terrific, non-stop action filled ARC. This review is my personal opinion without remuneration.
Decades of greed, coverups, corruption and accidents that are really murder by the Old Guard push determined and resolute Lane Sutherlin to shut down those responsible and return Tidewell to the town she remembers and loves. Thank you to the Author, Ashley Farley for a terrific, non-stop action filled ARC. This review is my personal opinion without remuneration.
June 17, 2026
This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It was suspenseful, intense, and completely nail-biting—I felt like I needed a bowl of popcorn while reading it. Lane is a fantastic character: feisty, fearless, and fiercely independent. She doesn’t sit around waiting for someone else to solve problems; she takes matters into her own hands. The story is a classic battle of good versus evil, made even more exciting with a new sheriff in town. If you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed stories with strong characters and plenty of suspense, this book is well worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Sometimes understanding is the first step towards peace. Maybe. But some wounds run deeper than understanding.”
“There’s always a current under the surface. But most folks don’t notice it until it pulls them under.”
“You reminded me how to feel again, Lane-how to live, how to love, and how to fight for what we believe in.”
“This town belongs to the people who live here. And we’re not giving it up.”
Dark Current Reckoning is the third book in The Sutherlin Files had me intrigued and turning the pages as fast as I could. This suspense definitely had me on the edge of my seat! Holding my breath at times.
Family dynamics, secrets, small town drama, cover ups, twists and turns, corruption and a blossoming romance.
Lane Sutherlin is a force to be reckoned with and nothing is going to stand in her way until she sees justice done.
I got caught up in the current of this book until the very last page.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
“There’s always a current under the surface. But most folks don’t notice it until it pulls them under.”
“You reminded me how to feel again, Lane-how to live, how to love, and how to fight for what we believe in.”
“This town belongs to the people who live here. And we’re not giving it up.”
Dark Current Reckoning is the third book in The Sutherlin Files had me intrigued and turning the pages as fast as I could. This suspense definitely had me on the edge of my seat! Holding my breath at times.
Family dynamics, secrets, small town drama, cover ups, twists and turns, corruption and a blossoming romance.
Lane Sutherlin is a force to be reckoned with and nothing is going to stand in her way until she sees justice done.
I got caught up in the current of this book until the very last page.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I just can't get enough of Ashley Farley's books. This was on the edge of your seat suspenseful read. This is a fast paced read with so many twists and turns, murders, cover-ups, corruption, and many past secrets. This just pulls you in and you just won't be able to put it down. This is a must read series. You won't be disappointed. Thank you Ashley Farley for the ARC for my honest opinion. Please keep them coming!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fast paced read for me. So much going on. Murder, crooked townspeople , tracking down leads, secrets from the past exposed, forgiveness, a little romance, Alzheimer’s, and so much more. I think this is one of Ashley’s best, yet everything she’s written has me impatiently waiting her next book. Get this three part series for your summer reads. You won’t be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This great series a a total page turning twist and turns and such a great series ! Lavender is such a strong female and has gone through so much ! We have loved her family and all her friends and found out so many secrets ! She is going to help save the town from all its corruption and all the lies .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was captivated from the beginning. Danger, suspense, family, love, corruption, and more fill the pages of this great story. Excellent read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
July 6, 2026
This series is not the typical Ashley Farley stories. As I love all her books, this genre is amazing. Laney should become president of USA and fix all our problems. Can't wait for the next chapter to be released.
June 19, 2026
This book had a slow start to it. Took sometime to get going. Once it did it never stopped. Can't wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fast moving story! It was as just as good as the previous ones and kept me in the edge of my seat.
I like Lane, she’s tough and resilient.I’m looking forward to the next one.
I like Lane, she’s tough and resilient.I’m looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
DARK CURRENT RECKONING is Book 3 in the gripping Sutherlin Files series by Ashley Farley. Like the previous two books, this one is full of drama, suspense and intrigue. Lane Sutherlin has revealed some of her hometown’s darkest secrets and the Old Guard of Tidewell are not taking it lightly. Behind the scenes, these prominent men are orchestrating a land deal that will destroy Tidewell’s most historic neighborhood and with it the lives of its residents. As part of her efforts to halt them, Lane learns of some devastating secrets and lies that hit her deeply and personally. As she digs deeper into the past, the Old Guard are desperate to silence her. Add to the mix her feelings for two men from her past. Who can she trust and can she stop the Old Guard before it’s too late? As always, Ashley Farley has written a compelling story that kept me on the edge of my seat right up to the very end. I highly recommend this book and the whole series. Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review an early copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg,what an amazing series. Lane has moved back in town to care for her father in his dementia. Discovering so much has changed, old guard trying to take over the town, the police and judges corrupt. Can she find out the truth on buried truths? Can she save the town she grew up in, uncover the truths and cover ups? Read and find out...
Review of advance copy
Absolutely loved it! The author hit it out of the park with book 3 of the Sutherlin Files....I had a hard time putting it down.
The story of Tidewell and the old southern history never left the minds of the older generation. The good ole' boys of Tidewell think they run the town which brings up corruption and murder. In steps Lane Sutherlin, grew up in Tidewell, a detective who is on leave from her job in Richmond who wants to clean up her hometown. Can she find out what happened to her brother? And what happened many years ago to Lane that the sheriff buried? The Old Guard wants to silence Lane before she blows open all the corruption. Will Lane end the corruption or will the Old Guard silence her?
I'm not an eloquent reviewer so read other reviews, but I will tell you this...if you haven't started this series you MUST! Go to your nearest bookstore, library or computer and get this series. It starts with Dark Current Rising book 1, book 2 is Dark Current, and book 3 Dark Current Reckoning. You won't be disappointed!! I loved every word of all 3 books and many times the stories had me holding my breath because of the intrigue.
Highly recommend!!
The story of Tidewell and the old southern history never left the minds of the older generation. The good ole' boys of Tidewell think they run the town which brings up corruption and murder. In steps Lane Sutherlin, grew up in Tidewell, a detective who is on leave from her job in Richmond who wants to clean up her hometown. Can she find out what happened to her brother? And what happened many years ago to Lane that the sheriff buried? The Old Guard wants to silence Lane before she blows open all the corruption. Will Lane end the corruption or will the Old Guard silence her?
I'm not an eloquent reviewer so read other reviews, but I will tell you this...if you haven't started this series you MUST! Go to your nearest bookstore, library or computer and get this series. It starts with Dark Current Rising book 1, book 2 is Dark Current, and book 3 Dark Current Reckoning. You won't be disappointed!! I loved every word of all 3 books and many times the stories had me holding my breath because of the intrigue.
Highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews