Lane Sutherlin thought bringing her best friend’s killer to justice would finally give her peace. Instead, she’s left with a chilling acquittal, whispers of jury tampering, and a part-time role with the sheriff’s office that ends the moment she starts asking the wrong questions.
When a renowned fertility specialist is murdered and harvested eggs vanish from her clinic, a terrified young woman turns to Lane—the only person she dares trust. Her story cracks open a crime far more calculated than a random break-in, pointing straight to a deeper conspiracy.
The Old Guard—Tidewell’s old-monied power players—aren’t just behind the trafficking. They’re determined to reshape the town itself. They’ve corrupted its leaders, bent its law enforcement, and turned its people into pawns. And now they’ve marked Lane as the one woman who can stop them.
With Briggs, the town’s sharp-eyed commonwealth’s attorney, at her side and Tidewell’s future hanging in the balance, Lane must decide how far she’ll go to protect the place she still calls home—before the darkness closing in finally swallows her whole.
Because the storm gathering over Tidewell isn’t just political—it’s personal.
Dark Current by Ashley Farley hit me like a rogue wave in the middle of a calm tide, the kind that drags you under before you even realize the water has turned dangerous. Thank you to Ashley Farley for the gifted ARC.
Some thrillers whisper their tension slowly. Dark Current practically hums with it from the very first pages. I settled in expecting a gripping mystery, but what I actually got was that delicious, uneasy feeling that something in this town is deeply, fundamentally wrong. The kind of story where every chapter makes you lean forward a little more, muttering “okay… but what’s really going on here?”
Lane Sutherlin is still reeling from the aftermath of her best friend’s murder trial, a moment that should have brought justice but instead leaves behind a cloud of suspicion and a verdict that feels far too clean. The sense that something was manipulated lingers like smoke in the air. And when Lane begins asking questions, the town of Tidewell starts revealing the kind of secrets that powerful people will do absolutely anything to keep buried.
Reading this felt like peeling layers off a town that looks perfectly charming on the outside but is quietly rotting underneath. The deeper Lane digs, the clearer it becomes that corruption in Tidewell isn’t just an isolated problem. It’s woven into the very structure of the place.
Then the story takes an even darker turn when a prominent fertility specialist is murdered and hundreds of harvested eggs vanish from her clinic. That single plot thread adds a chilling, almost eerie edge to the investigation. It transforms the mystery from a local crime into something far more calculated and disturbing. At that point, I was completely locked in.
Lane herself is such a compelling character because she refuses to look away. She’s stubborn, fiercely loyal, and clearly driven by grief, but also by love for the town she grew up in. Watching her push against the quiet power structure of Tidewell felt equal parts tense and satisfying. Every step she takes toward the truth feels dangerous, and you can practically feel the pressure building around her.
Her dynamic with Briggs, the town’s sharp and observant commonwealth’s attorney, adds another layer to the story. There’s a steady sense that these two are standing on the edge of something massive, pulling on threads that could unravel everything the Old Guard has worked to control.
One line that stuck with me while reading was: “Justice doesn’t disappear. It just waits for someone brave enough to drag it into the light.”
That quote feels like the emotional backbone of the entire novel.
What I loved most about this book is how immersive it feels. The tension creeps in quietly at first, then builds into a steady current of danger that keeps pulling you deeper. Secrets stack on secrets, and just when you think you’ve figured out where things are heading, another twist shifts the entire direction of the story.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I realized I had flown through the pages far faster than I intended. It’s the kind of thriller that keeps your brain buzzing even after you close the book because the stakes feel so personal and the corruption feels frighteningly believable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love small-town thrillers packed with conspiracy, strong female leads who refuse to back down, and mysteries that keep tightening the screws with every chapter, this book will absolutely hook you. Readers who enjoy gritty investigations, layered characters, and stories where justice has to be fought for will feel right at home in Tidewell.
And now I’m curious… if you discovered the people running your hometown were hiding something dangerous, would you dig for the truth like Lane did, or would you walk away before the tide pulled you under?
Dark Current by Ashley Farley was one of the best books I’ve read by her in the Crime Fiction category. If you have followed me for very long, you know I am a big fan of Crime and Mystery stories. I am also a big fan of Ashley Farley! She is one of those authors I don’t bother reading the synopsis. I know she is going to deliver a great story to me every time I pick up one of her books. She writes in a few different genres and I enjoy them all.
Dark Current is the second book in the Sutherlin Files. Book one was great but this one was spellbinding. I couldn’t put it down. I read most of it yesterday and finished up this morning. My mama had this saying: A day late and a dollar short. I’m a day late and I’m sorry I didn’t get it read sooner. It was a treat. I can’t wait for book three. It is Dark Current Reckoning. It promises to be better than the first two books.
These books are about Lane Sutherlin. She is a detective and is recently divorced. She has returned to her hometown of Tidewell, Virginia because her best friend has gone missing. She finds her hometown is corrupt and her Father who was a sitting judge has retired and has dementia. I don’t want to tell you a lot about the story because you know I want you to have as much fun as I had reading these books. I can’t wait to read the rest of the story. I promise you, it won’t be long.
Oh! Do you know what? This series also takes place in a small town and you know how much I love small towns! The stories deal with corruption, trafficking and so much more. I think there will be a little love story going on too.
If you like a story that will keep your interest and keep that mind of yours rolling trying to figure it all out, this is a series meant just for you. The Sutherlin Files is supposed to be only 3 books. You have plenty of time to read the first two so you can be ready for the explosive 3rd book. It just has to be explosive with all that is going on that needs to be fixed for that town of Tidewell.
I highly recommend Dark Current and the other two books that go with it. You definitely want to read these books in order. I took this book to bed with me because I simply couldn’t put it down. I sadly had to finish it this morning. Do yourself a favor and get the first two books of the Sutherlin Files to go on your nightstand for your reading pleasure.
Until next time…Happy Reading!
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.
I would like to thank Ashley Farley for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
When we think about small towns, we picture something almost idyllic. Picturesque houses, tight-knit communities that have cared for one another for generations, a touch of gossip, perhaps the occasional family feud… nothing too out of the ordinary.
But that is not quite the life Laney returns to.
As she settles back into her hometown, trying to find her rhythm again after the events of the first book, it becomes clear that beneath the surface lies something far less comforting, something that refuses to stay hidden.
It leans into that quiet unease, building a story that feels both intimate and unsettling, where the past is never truly at rest.
I didn’t realise how much I had missed this world until I stepped back into it.
Ashley Farley brings back Laney with all her sharpness and strength, a character who refuses to be anything less than real.
It has a pacing that feels almost addictive, fast enough to keep you turning pages, yet softened by quieter moments that give the story room to breathe. It reminded me of series like Bones, where tension and tenderness exist side by side.
There is a strong sense of atmosphere woven throughout the novel, one that feels almost suffocating at times, as if the town itself is holding its breath. Farley takes her time, allowing the story to unfold slowly, layer by layer, revealing the emotional weight carried by its characters.
Laney is a compelling protagonist, shaped by what she has endured and still trying to piece herself back together. Her journey is not straightforward, and that is what makes it feel real. The people around her are equally complex, tied together by shared histories, unspoken tensions, and the kind of secrets that quietly shape everything.
There is always a quiet, persistent unease, the sense that some places hold onto their past no matter how much time has passed, and that returning home is not always a return to something familiar or safe.
Overall, I truly loved this book. While it remains a four-star read for me, mainly due to some moments where the writing felt slightly repetitive, it never took away from how much I enjoyed the story itself.
The undercurrent of tension running through the narrative is incredibly well done, subtle yet constant, always lingering just beneath the surface.
And Laney… I love her. Her strength, her sharpness, the way she holds her ground.
The slow burn between her and Briggs is beautifully handled, unfolding with just the right balance of restraint and intensity, adding another layer of depth to an already emotionally rich story.
Detective Elaine “Lane” Sutherlin thought bringing her best friend’s killer to justice would finally give her the peace she had been chasing. Instead, she finds herself caught in a storm of acquittals, jury tampering, and losing her part-time role with the sheriff’s office.
What starts as one case quickly turns into something much bigger. Lane is pulled into a dangerous fight against powerful people who want the truth buried—along with her. As she gets closer to exposing the crimes of Tidewell’s elites, the danger inches closer to home. Will she—and the town—survive currents strong enough to destroy everything in their path?
Review:
“Dark Current” by Ashley Farley, the second installment in the Sutherlin Files series, is a gripping crime thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Lane continues to impress me—her strength, courage, and determination to fight for justice remain my favorite parts of the story. She doesn’t back down, no matter how dangerous things get. Lawson Briggs, as always, brings a steady sense of comfort and support. I really wanted something more between them, and while this book gives us a glimpse, it also complicates things further (in the best way).
Judd, her brother, truly stood out for me this time. His trust in Lane and the way he stands by her side was heartwarming. And her family, overall, adds that emotional depth that balances the intensity of the story.
The stakes are higher, the secrets darker, and the danger more real. Tidewell once again shines as a setting—eerie yet oddly comforting.
Overall, this sequel adds more depth, more tension, and more drama. A must-read for fans of women-led crime thrillers with high stakes and a touch of political intrigue.
Author Ashley Farley is electrifying readers with her captivating series, “The Sutherlin Files.” Book 2, “Dark Current,” is hitting shelves, and it might just be my favorite Farley novel yet! Blending romance and suspense—my top genres—Farley’s storytelling is simply irresistible. From the first page, you'll be hooked, racing to uncover every twist and turn.
In Tidewell, Lane Sutherlin is back, desperately trying to bring her friend’s killer to justice. But when the accused walks free, she cannot find peace because in her heart, she knows he is guilty. Rumors swirl of jury tampering, but unearthing the truth in this small town proves tricky. When Lane pushes too hard, she loses her role with the Sheriff’s department.
Yet, the mysteries don’t stop there. A renowned fertility expert is murdered, and all his harvested eggs disappear. What begins as a scandal blossoms into a deeper conspiracy—one that threatens to destroy Tidewell from within. Corruption runs rampant through government, law enforcement, and the community, as the Old Guard seeks to control everything—and anyone who stands in their way.
Luckily, Lane isn’t alone. Briggs, the steadfast commonwealth’s attorney, stands by her side, ready to face whatever storms come their way. His loyalty and courage keep her fighting.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy of this thrilling novel from the author and publisher—trust me, you won’t want to miss it! The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
This second book in this new series is even more exciting than the first. The story is a real page turner and I had trouble putting it down. Lane is a tough woman with a soft heart when her friends and family are involved. She put herself in danger to get to the bottom of the corruption in her beloved hometown of Tidewell, Va.
As the book begins, Lane is in court during the trial for the murder of her best friend – she is hoping for a guilty verdict and is upset when the case ends with an acquittal. She promises herself that she will make sure that the murderer gets convicted but the more she digs into the case, the more corruption she finds in her small town. To get back at her, the police wrongly accuse her of murder of one of the people on the jury and it’s very difficult for her to prove her innocence. Eventually she puts not only herself but also her friends and her beloved father and brother in danger. The Old Guard In town knows that Lane is the one person who can stop their control over the town and they want to stop her before their corruption is exposed. Lane must decide how far she’ll go to protect the place she still calls home—before the darkness closing in finally swallows her whole.
This book was an adrenaline rush all the way through – I can’t wait to read book 3 in the series.
Dark Current is the second installment in the Sutherlin Files series, and I highly recommend reading Dark Current Rising first to fully appreciate the depth of corruption simmering beneath the surface of Tidewell. Lane Sutherlin believes justice will finally be served when the man accused of killing her best friend goes to trial. Instead, the community is stunned when he’s acquitted. The signs of jury tampering are impossible to ignore—and everyone understands that digging too deeply into the truth could make them the next target. As Lane pushes forward, she uncovers a network of dishonest community leaders determined to reshape the town for their own gain. When a prominent fertility doctor is murdered and hundreds of harvested eggs and embryos vanish from her clinic, Lane teams up with Briggs, Tidewell’s respected commonwealth attorney. Together, they work to expose the powerful figures pulling the strings and threatening everything Lane holds dear. This gripping story delivers a wild, twist filled ride packed with danger, secrets, and emotional stakes. Lane’s relentless pursuit of justice—and her love for her hometown—make this installment both compelling and deeply satisfying. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Dark Current is the second book in the Sutherlin Files. This book was impossible to put down. I was totally hooked front the start. I would suggest to-read Dark Current Rising first so you won't get lost but it can be read as a stand-alone. Lane Sutherlin is back in trying to make sure justice is served for the killing of her best friend, Addie. When the verdict comes back as not guilty she looks into jury tampering. The deeper Lane digs the more corruption she finds. This was such a hard book to put down. I didn't want to stop until the end. And what an ending it is. WOW! I can't wait until the next book comes out. This was so emotional and bone chilling, so many twists and turns and dangers lurking. Thank you, Ashley Farley, for allowing me to read and review the ARC for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this series and any of Ashley Arley's books!
Dark Current is the second installment of the Sutherlin Files series. It is electrifying, exciting, heartfelt and anxiety inducing all at the same time. There is a depth to Lane that makes her so relatable and real. I found the fertility clinic twist both fascinating and heart breaking. Caroline is a beautiful addition to the story and I’m excited to learn of her future which hopefully will include motherhood with her embabies.
There was a line in the book that so accurately captures the reality of grief: “There’s nothing to fix, nothing to say that won’t feel like trespassing. Some losses need space, not answers.”
Dark Current is a phenomenal story with twists and turns where you least expect them and plenty of warm and heartfelt moments mixed in too!
I received an advanced copy of this book. All of my comments are my own.
As Lane Sutherlin listens to the not guilty verdict of the killer of her best friend, Addie, Lane knows the judge is in someone’s pocket and there has been jury tampering. But that’s not all, the town of seems to be gripped in an unknown evil. As the evil spreads to family, friends and throughout the town, Lane resolves to find the mastermind behind this reign of terror and take back Tidewell even if it kills her. The author has written an excellent edge of your seat book with strong characters and a plot with a dark current that is deeply hidden.
Thank you to Ashley Farley for this book. This review is my opinion without remuneration for the gifted arc.
This second book in the Sutherlin Files series is just as, if not more, exciting than book one. I love Lane and her tough ways. She gets it done!
And I love Ashley's dark side that has come out with this series. She writes the drama and evilness very well. This book was definitely a page-turner and I devoured the whole thing.
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 was an exciting read and did not disappoint! I highly recommend that you get started on this series now.
This series is a non stop adrenaline rush! It's not often that I find an unputdownable book, however this is one series I can't and don't want to stop reading. I had goosebumps on my arms the entire time I read this book and it wasn't from the winter temps outside. This series is terrifying and chilling all the way to the bone. Lane is a force to be reckoned with and she will not stop until justice has fully been served and all questions answered.
Thank you, Ashley Farley for yet again trusting me as an early reader. All the stars and I highly recommend this series!!
Dark Current Rising by Ashley Farley is a gripping, can’t-put-it-down read. Lane is fearless, unstoppable, and determined to make her hometown safe again—even as those in power try to stop her at all costs.
It’s a strong good-versus-evil story full of tension that keeps the pages turning. The ending will leave you counting the days until the next book.
This book was impossible to put down—I was hooked from the very first page. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Dark Current Rising first for full context. Lane Sutherlin is back, seeking justice for her best friiend. The ending… WOW. I didn’t see it coming. Emotional and intense—I can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommend this series and Ashley Farley’s work.
This is the second book in the series. This is a great continuation of the story. Definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lane is a strong, determined, independent and tenacious women. I really like her I am looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend.
This book was a page turner! It takes a special kind of person to go after the corruption in today's world. We need more people like Laney Sutherlin. I never thought that there would be theft of the embryos, but it makes a lot of sense. I can't wait until the next book so we can find out about the brother's accident and what Boone did to her years ago.
This story just gets better and better. Lane is the heart and soul of the mystery, but I found new character, Caroline, to be an intriguing and fascinating addition. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Another great read from a favorite author. This was Book Two in the Dark Current series. Fast paced and suspenseful on every page. The main heroine is tenacious and nothing will stop her from protecting her town and her family!
This is the second book of this page turning fantastic series! lane is a very strong determined detective and is ready to write the wrongs and protect the people she cares about ! The twists and turns make a great read! Can’t wait for book three!!
A "sit on the edge of my seat" story. This one has danger, mystery, medical intrigue, family, friendships, and more. I cheered for the main character Lane and felt her dedication. Another great story by author Ashley Farley. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
Wow I loved this story! Book 2 of the Sutherlin Files and it didn't disappoint. It was hard to put down but my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish. It was full of intrigue, suspense, mystery and of course Tidewell corruption.
Lane is the FMC and is a strong character. She is trying to get to the bottom of the corruption in Tidewell and falls into another case that leads back to her hometown. The characters are strong and well thought out. The story is amazing and it keeps you reading well past bedtime.
I don't give away the plot, and I don't summarize the book for you. What I do say is that the author did an excellent job keeping the story flowing and making you want to find out what happens at the end. It was a sad moment when the book ended but I know there will be another book coming.
I do recommend that you read the first book in the series Dark Current Rising because it has so much information that you will need in the second book. You won't be disappointed when you pick up both books to read them.
Highly recommend! Run to your nearest bookstore, library or computer to pick up this series.
Lanes is Fierce & Determined! Dark Current sets the scene straight away. Dirty Town and Dirt tactics at every corner. Suspenseful and well written I couldn’t put it down!!!
DARK CURRENT is Book 2 in the gripping Sutherlin Files series by Ashley Farley. I really enjoyed Book 1, DARK CUURENT RISING and couldn’t wait to see what came next. Like Book 1, this is an action-packed, suspenseful story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Lane Sutherlin hoped for peace after bringing her best friend’s killer to justice. But a shocking acquittal and rumors of jury tampering mean the questions in the case are just beginning. Some people in their small town clearly don’t want the truth revealed. The murder of a renowned fertility specialist and the disappearance of harvested eggs from certain high-profile clients points to a conspiracy deeper than Lane could ever imagine. Lane’s investigations have riled the rich, powerful and corrupt Old Guard. Can Lane protect her beloved small town before she is buried beneath the impending darkness? Lane is an impressive character with the strength and courage to fight for justice. I enjoyed the growing partnership between Lane and the Commonwealth’s attorney, Lawson Briggs. DARK CURRENT is a page-turner full of drama and intrigue. I highly recommend it! Thanks to Ashley Farley for allowing me to read and review an early copy of this book.
This is book two in this series and wow what a follow up! It was fast paced, full of action and a few surprises. I liked Lane and her toughness. She wasn’t intimidated by anyone. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
wow this book was amazing. It kept me on the edge of my seat. it has adventure, mystery, crime, romance and small town all in one book. can not wait for the next book.
“When you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.”
Grief leaves long shadows.
“Storms don’t care how prepared you think you are”
Dark Current is the second book in the Sutherlin Files. This book was impossible to put down. I was totally hooked front the start. Lane is hoping for justice to be served for the death of her best friend Addie. When the verdict comes back acquitted, shock rolls through the community of Tidewell. Signs of jury tampering become hard to ignore, especially for Lane. Lane is not backing down from this fight and keeps pushing and digging which has put her in danger. A prominent fertility doctor has been murdered and harvested eggs and embryos, hundreds of them have magically disappeared from her clinic. A gripping, twisted, chilling, emotional story. Many secrets, a dangerous ride for Lane as she tries to get justice for her hometown of Tidewell. Can she keep those she loves safe?
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.