Dark Current

by Ashley Farley

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.

And Lane Sutherlin is done running.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Beth Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!. Ashley has done it again...Book 2 in series.I recommend you read book1 first, you will understand more but still a great read if you did'nt. Detective Lane Sunderlin returns home for the trial of her best friends murderer. The jury is fixed and he gets off. Lane is determined to prove the jury tampering and the cover up by local law enforcement.Can she do it without getting killed or put in jail by the old guard or corrupt police? Who can she trust???? Great read, couldn't put down. I now want book 3 asap!
Thank you, Savannah Hendricks for this Advance Reader Copy. This review is solely my opinion.

[Rachel (storybookcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.