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BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO OUT
LOVE IS BLIND.
SOME THINGS ARE BEST LEFT UNSEEN.
For photographer Reagan Dunkel, sight is everything. But a life built behind a lens is shattered by a devastating a hereditary condition destined to steal her vision—and her young daughter’s. As this frightening new reality sets in, her husband Fynn’s business trip to their native Germany is met with an unsettling silence, leaving Reagan isolated with her fears.
A chilling discovery hidden within her own photographs reveals a darkness far more immediate than her failing sight. The past she thought she knew was a carefully framed lie.
Driven by a mother’s fierce instinct, she flees with her daughter to the familiar streets of Hamburg, seeking answers and refuge. But the familiar port city conceals old ghosts and waking nightmares, forcing Reagan to unravel a sinister truth before the light vanishes for good.
The latest genre-bending page-turner by award-winning author JAFE DANBURY is a riveting Christmastime thriller you won't soon forget. Experience ALL "the feels" within the pages of what might just be his best novel yet!
BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO OUT 🎄 This Christmas! 🎄
JafeDanbury.com
Linktr.ee/JafeDanbury
SOME THINGS ARE BEST LEFT UNSEEN.
For photographer Reagan Dunkel, sight is everything. But a life built behind a lens is shattered by a devastating a hereditary condition destined to steal her vision—and her young daughter’s. As this frightening new reality sets in, her husband Fynn’s business trip to their native Germany is met with an unsettling silence, leaving Reagan isolated with her fears.
A chilling discovery hidden within her own photographs reveals a darkness far more immediate than her failing sight. The past she thought she knew was a carefully framed lie.
Driven by a mother’s fierce instinct, she flees with her daughter to the familiar streets of Hamburg, seeking answers and refuge. But the familiar port city conceals old ghosts and waking nightmares, forcing Reagan to unravel a sinister truth before the light vanishes for good.
The latest genre-bending page-turner by award-winning author JAFE DANBURY is a riveting Christmastime thriller you won't soon forget. Experience ALL "the feels" within the pages of what might just be his best novel yet!
BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO OUT 🎄 This Christmas! 🎄
JafeDanbury.com
Linktr.ee/JafeDanbury
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2025
3 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Jafe Danbury
5 books387 followersJafe Danbury hails from the trenches of the Hollywood production scene, where he spent decades as a camera operator, director of photography, and director. He has also worked as a teacher and is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran.
He enjoys noodling on the guitar, long road trips, likes his bacon crispy, and loves a good dive bar––especially if it happens to have a twenty-two-foot shuffleboard table. He prefers a leisurely walk to running, unless being chased by a clown with a chainsaw.
Jafe and his lovely bride currently reside in central California and are working on their exit plan. Their children consist of several rescue dogs and a couple of cockatoos.
He is the author of five riveting suspense thrillers.
His latest, BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO OUT, is
both pulse-pounding and heartwarming, and is a noteworthy Christmastime thriller that will keep you turning the pages as it delivers "all the feels!" This highly anticipated standalone novel is scheduled for a December 20th publication date, and it may just be Jafe's best yet. It arrives just in time for CHRISTMAS! 🎄🎄🎄
SO MUCH FOREVER, is an incendiary Book 3 in the award-winning Phoenix Series, and it was recently named WINNER of the coveted BookFest Award!
❌, Book 2 in the series, is the riveting follow-up to the critically-acclaimed novel, LEAVING PHOENIX.
His debut novel, THE OTHER CHEEK, was awarded a Finalist Medal for "Best First Novel" at the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. It is based on the author's true story.
Check out the author's Linktree here:
https://linktr.ee/JafeDanbury ✍️
He enjoys noodling on the guitar, long road trips, likes his bacon crispy, and loves a good dive bar––especially if it happens to have a twenty-two-foot shuffleboard table. He prefers a leisurely walk to running, unless being chased by a clown with a chainsaw.
Jafe and his lovely bride currently reside in central California and are working on their exit plan. Their children consist of several rescue dogs and a couple of cockatoos.
He is the author of five riveting suspense thrillers.
His latest, BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO OUT, is
both pulse-pounding and heartwarming, and is a noteworthy Christmastime thriller that will keep you turning the pages as it delivers "all the feels!" This highly anticipated standalone novel is scheduled for a December 20th publication date, and it may just be Jafe's best yet. It arrives just in time for CHRISTMAS! 🎄🎄🎄
SO MUCH FOREVER, is an incendiary Book 3 in the award-winning Phoenix Series, and it was recently named WINNER of the coveted BookFest Award!
❌, Book 2 in the series, is the riveting follow-up to the critically-acclaimed novel, LEAVING PHOENIX.
His debut novel, THE OTHER CHEEK, was awarded a Finalist Medal for "Best First Novel" at the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. It is based on the author's true story.
Check out the author's Linktree here:
https://linktr.ee/JafeDanbury ✍️
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 21, 2025
Jafe Danbury’s talent was a major blind spot for me until now! Before the Lights Go Out was my first Danbury book, and I really had no idea what to expect. What I ended up experiencing was a suspenseful high-stakes cinematic thriller—raw, deeply emotional, and served with splashes of genuine love and humor.
I’m no longer keeping the blinders on to your brilliance, Mr. Danbury. I’m happy this was my first book—it’s special and unforgettable. I’d be remiss not to mention that I love the surprise left at the end of the book for readers. I’ve already ‘tuned’ into that!
***Many thanks to Jafe Danbury for the advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
I’m no longer keeping the blinders on to your brilliance, Mr. Danbury. I’m happy this was my first book—it’s special and unforgettable. I’d be remiss not to mention that I love the surprise left at the end of the book for readers. I’ve already ‘tuned’ into that!
***Many thanks to Jafe Danbury for the advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a haunting yet emotionally charged novel. It is a slow burn that blends psychological suspense with family drama. Through the lens of photographer Reagan, the story explores what it means to see, truly see, when sight itself is slowly slipping away.
Reagan is a beautifully layered character. Her identity is rooted in her vision, making her hereditary diagnosis all the more devastating, not only for herself but for her young daughter Steffi. The author takes time to build Reagan’s inner world, allowing readers to sit with her fear, denial, and fierce resolve and that is what gives this story such an emotional weight.
The mother/daughter bond is at the heart of this novel. Their relationship is tender, raw, and yet very powerfully motivating and very deeply human. Reagan’s love for her daughter Steffi fuels every decision she makes, transforming fear into action.
This mystery unfolds gradually, with tension simmering beneath the surface when a chilling discovery hidden in Reagan’s own photographs is discovered. Taking her back in time where the past she thought she had, starts to unravel, blurring the line between perception and truth. As the narrative shifts to Hamburg, the familiar becomes ominous, and long buried family secrets rise to the surface. The city itself pulls at Reagans memories, reveals shadows, and unresolved history.
Family secrets are revealed with restraint and is done so masterfully without taking from the heart of the story. Watching Reagan unravel a carefully set up illusion while battling her own challenges with her vision takes the story to a whole other level. Watching her dismantle it piece by piece is both unsettling and compelling all at once.
This book is an intense and emotionally charged story about legacy, truth, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. The slow burn pays off with a gripping conclusion that lingers long after the final page, reminding readers that even as light fades, love and truth can still illuminate the darkest corners.
This story left me with all the feels, in the true Jafe Danbury style that I have come to love so much! Run and grab your copy today!
Reagan is a beautifully layered character. Her identity is rooted in her vision, making her hereditary diagnosis all the more devastating, not only for herself but for her young daughter Steffi. The author takes time to build Reagan’s inner world, allowing readers to sit with her fear, denial, and fierce resolve and that is what gives this story such an emotional weight.
The mother/daughter bond is at the heart of this novel. Their relationship is tender, raw, and yet very powerfully motivating and very deeply human. Reagan’s love for her daughter Steffi fuels every decision she makes, transforming fear into action.
This mystery unfolds gradually, with tension simmering beneath the surface when a chilling discovery hidden in Reagan’s own photographs is discovered. Taking her back in time where the past she thought she had, starts to unravel, blurring the line between perception and truth. As the narrative shifts to Hamburg, the familiar becomes ominous, and long buried family secrets rise to the surface. The city itself pulls at Reagans memories, reveals shadows, and unresolved history.
Family secrets are revealed with restraint and is done so masterfully without taking from the heart of the story. Watching Reagan unravel a carefully set up illusion while battling her own challenges with her vision takes the story to a whole other level. Watching her dismantle it piece by piece is both unsettling and compelling all at once.
This book is an intense and emotionally charged story about legacy, truth, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. The slow burn pays off with a gripping conclusion that lingers long after the final page, reminding readers that even as light fades, love and truth can still illuminate the darkest corners.
This story left me with all the feels, in the true Jafe Danbury style that I have come to love so much! Run and grab your copy today!
December 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
I met Jafe Danbury years ago in an indie author Facebook group, and he is genuinely one of the sweetest authors out there. He has been an auto-buy author for me ever since. I’ve read every single one of his books, so when I had the chance to read Before the Lights Go Out, I jumped on it without hesitation and it did not disappoint.
Steffi and Reagan are incredibly strong, amazing women. Their resilience and growth really stood out to me, and I loved watching them navigate everything thrown their way. And Amethyst? Hands down the best friend every girl deserves to have. Loyal, fierce, and exactly the kind of character you want in your corner.
Now, the two main MMCs… I wanted to punch them from the very first page and I mean that in the best way possible. One thing Jafe Danbury does exceptionally well is writing villains you love to hate. They get under your skin immediately and make every moment more intense. You just want to smack them, and that’s what makes them so effective.
This book pulled me in from the start and reminded me exactly why Jafe Danbury remains an auto-buy author for me. If you love strong female characters, unforgettable friendships, and villains that make your blood boil, this book is absolutely worth your time.
Highly recommend. 💜📚
I met Jafe Danbury years ago in an indie author Facebook group, and he is genuinely one of the sweetest authors out there. He has been an auto-buy author for me ever since. I’ve read every single one of his books, so when I had the chance to read Before the Lights Go Out, I jumped on it without hesitation and it did not disappoint.
Steffi and Reagan are incredibly strong, amazing women. Their resilience and growth really stood out to me, and I loved watching them navigate everything thrown their way. And Amethyst? Hands down the best friend every girl deserves to have. Loyal, fierce, and exactly the kind of character you want in your corner.
Now, the two main MMCs… I wanted to punch them from the very first page and I mean that in the best way possible. One thing Jafe Danbury does exceptionally well is writing villains you love to hate. They get under your skin immediately and make every moment more intense. You just want to smack them, and that’s what makes them so effective.
This book pulled me in from the start and reminded me exactly why Jafe Danbury remains an auto-buy author for me. If you love strong female characters, unforgettable friendships, and villains that make your blood boil, this book is absolutely worth your time.
Highly recommend. 💜📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reagan and her daughter Steffie are home alone after Reagan’s husband and Steffie’s stepdad, Fynn, goes on a business trip to Germany. A recent diagnosis that is affecting Reagan’s health and will affect Steffie’s also, leaves them both devastated. The fact that Fynn is not checking in with his family very often is making matters worse.
Reagan decides that she and her daughter should visit Germany to surprise her husband. As we follow their journey, we realize that something sinister is going on with Fynn.
This book was amazing. It is in my top five of 2025 books.
You will not be able to put this book down. It was a pulse pounding book that is not to be missed.
I’m looking forward to Jafe’s next book. He has quickly become one of my very favorite authors
Reagan decides that she and her daughter should visit Germany to surprise her husband. As we follow their journey, we realize that something sinister is going on with Fynn.
This book was amazing. It is in my top five of 2025 books.
You will not be able to put this book down. It was a pulse pounding book that is not to be missed.
I’m looking forward to Jafe’s next book. He has quickly become one of my very favorite authors
December 8, 2025
Lies, deceits, and betrayals- another Jafe Danbury excellent book!
Reagan has just discovered that she has an eye disease, and is on her way to blindness. What’s worse is that the condition is hereditary, and her 15 year old daughter has early symptoms as well. With her husband in Germany on a business trip, Reagan and her daughter embark on a Christmas vacation to Germany as well.
At the same time, Reagan’s husband has planned a takeover of the Reagan’s business, started by Reagan’s late parents. What he plans is downright diabolical .
Most of the fast moving action takes place in Germany, with snow storms , kidnapping and shootouts!
This book is a wild ride.
Jafe has written an action packed story, providing a quick read that the reader can’t put down!
Sprinkled in are Jafe’s favorite songs, and very relatable current products, and foods, that all homes should have!!
Kudos on Danbury book #5! It’s a 5 star winner!
Reagan has just discovered that she has an eye disease, and is on her way to blindness. What’s worse is that the condition is hereditary, and her 15 year old daughter has early symptoms as well. With her husband in Germany on a business trip, Reagan and her daughter embark on a Christmas vacation to Germany as well.
At the same time, Reagan’s husband has planned a takeover of the Reagan’s business, started by Reagan’s late parents. What he plans is downright diabolical .
Most of the fast moving action takes place in Germany, with snow storms , kidnapping and shootouts!
This book is a wild ride.
Jafe has written an action packed story, providing a quick read that the reader can’t put down!
Sprinkled in are Jafe’s favorite songs, and very relatable current products, and foods, that all homes should have!!
Kudos on Danbury book #5! It’s a 5 star winner!
December 23, 2025
Before the Lights Go Out is a fast-paced, emotionally charged thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This story had me in a chokehold and didn’t let go until the final page, with tension that builds relentlessly throughout.
Reagan is a strong and compelling protagonist who faces overwhelming challenges with courage and determination. As a parent of a young adult daughter, the relationship between Reagan and Steffi deeply resonated with me. It felt authentic and tender, adding a heartfelt layer to the suspense, with a little humor sprinkled in at just the right moments. That emotional connection made the story not only thrilling but genuinely moving.
Set against a chilling backdrop, Before the Lights Go Out is a gripping exploration of motherhood, trust, and the devastating truths we sometimes fail to see. This was a powerful, unforgettable read that will stay with you long after it ends.
Reagan is a strong and compelling protagonist who faces overwhelming challenges with courage and determination. As a parent of a young adult daughter, the relationship between Reagan and Steffi deeply resonated with me. It felt authentic and tender, adding a heartfelt layer to the suspense, with a little humor sprinkled in at just the right moments. That emotional connection made the story not only thrilling but genuinely moving.
Set against a chilling backdrop, Before the Lights Go Out is a gripping exploration of motherhood, trust, and the devastating truths we sometimes fail to see. This was a powerful, unforgettable read that will stay with you long after it ends.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From Seattle to Germany this Christmas thriller will have you turning pages so fast.
Jafe has a way of drawing you into the story and not letting you go. The character development was outstanding. Reagan and Steffi will live in my heart forever. Fynn not so much...lol. The description of Germany has me wanting to go even more.
Please be sure to read the authors notes... Jafe puts an amazing amount of time researching his topics in this book. And it definitely shows in this fabulous story.
You have to listen to Reagan's play list on Spotify.... One of my favorite Etta James ( I'd rather go blind)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0B1...
Gut gemacht, mein Freund!
Danke Jafe for letting me read this thrilling book.
p.s This is in my top 5 this year.
Jafe has a way of drawing you into the story and not letting you go. The character development was outstanding. Reagan and Steffi will live in my heart forever. Fynn not so much...lol. The description of Germany has me wanting to go even more.
Please be sure to read the authors notes... Jafe puts an amazing amount of time researching his topics in this book. And it definitely shows in this fabulous story.
You have to listen to Reagan's play list on Spotify.... One of my favorite Etta James ( I'd rather go blind)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0B1...
Gut gemacht, mein Freund!
Danke Jafe for letting me read this thrilling book.
p.s This is in my top 5 this year.
December 15, 2025
I’m still so thrilled to have received an ARC of Before the Lights Go Out! Something I love about Jafe Danbury’s writing is that the characters feel like real people who you may know in your day to day life instead of cookie cutter tropes. Reagan is your average mom just doing her best for her daughter, and that alone makes her so lovable and real. I also loved being transported to Germany for a large part of the story. It was apparent Danbury spent a lot of time on his research, even down to one character’s prosthetic legs. Danbury’s works need to be talked about more! I continue to love every book of his I read.
December 14, 2025
Before The Lights Go Out
Reagan, a photographer, is shattered by her medical diagnosis that will steal her sight and that of her daughter’s.
Reagan flees, alone, with her daughter, to Hamburg seeking answers after spotting an eerie darkness in one of her photographs. She needs to find out the evil truth before her lights go out.
Filled with danger, suspense and will keep you on the edge of your seat!!
This is an unforgettable story with amazing characters. I could not put this book down. A must-read!
Reagan, a photographer, is shattered by her medical diagnosis that will steal her sight and that of her daughter’s.
Reagan flees, alone, with her daughter, to Hamburg seeking answers after spotting an eerie darkness in one of her photographs. She needs to find out the evil truth before her lights go out.
Filled with danger, suspense and will keep you on the edge of your seat!!
This is an unforgettable story with amazing characters. I could not put this book down. A must-read!
December 22, 2025
An Unexpected Christmas Gift
I had no clue as I anticipated this release that it would wind its way into a Christmas miracle.
When German emigrant, Reagan finally accepts her daunting diagnosis, coupled with the revelation that her teenage daughter would likely suffer the same fate, she takes her bestie's advice and plans a quick holiday to her homeland with her, hoping to share the beauty of Germany at Christmas.
Unfortunately, her traitorous husband has other plans that may destroy her livelihood as well as their lives.
I could not put this one down!
I had no clue as I anticipated this release that it would wind its way into a Christmas miracle.
When German emigrant, Reagan finally accepts her daunting diagnosis, coupled with the revelation that her teenage daughter would likely suffer the same fate, she takes her bestie's advice and plans a quick holiday to her homeland with her, hoping to share the beauty of Germany at Christmas.
Unfortunately, her traitorous husband has other plans that may destroy her livelihood as well as their lives.
I could not put this one down!
December 10, 2025
I have read every book that this author has written and I’ve been following him since day one. All his books are just so amazing but this book took me by surprise. It’s so different from his other books and I love the direction that this book went in. It was so unexpected and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It had mystery, intrigue and jaw dropping suspense. This is an author to follow because he gets better and better with each book he writes. I can’t recommend him enough.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I am a loyal Danbury fan who just adores his Phoenix series books. With that being said, I did not think that series could be topped. So wrong! Before the Lights Go Out is intense. It is so full of drama, trauma, and twists I read the whole book in two sittings. Regan and her daughter Steffi move to the US from Germany so Regan can pursue her photography career. The rest of her family still resides in Germany and own a local fish market. Regan's husband is not a nice man or father. He does some really shady stuff while managing her company. You can't believe what he does! Mr. Danbury does an excellent job of moving between these two countries and adding in a dash of German lore and lingo. This was such a suspenseful read I found myself skipping over words just so I could find out what happens next! What you think will happen, will not happen. Nail biting, edge of your seat action throughout the whole book. But, spoiler alert, the ending will have you in tears. Not saying another word, no more spoilers, but you have GOT to read this book!!!
December 19, 2025
Truly enjoyed the storyline behind this thriller. I appreciated the research that went into the MC’s diagnosis and experiences throughout the narrative. It really put the reader into the challenging perspective of degenerative eye diseases. I also enjoyed the use of German dialect throughout. It was a fun change of pace between characters. Overall, a great book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
Jafe never disappoints his readers. This is another great book! He weaves a great story full of suspense that also makes you fall in love with his amazing main characters!
Jafe is truly a master at making his main characters come alive in a way that you feel like you actually know them.
Our FMC, Reagan, is forced to deal with a major medical diagnosis for herself and her daughter. Meanwhile, her husband who is in Germany dealing with her family's business, goes silent. As the story unravels, Reagan and her daughter are put into dangerous situations. How will they make it through?
I became so invested that I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
Grab this book and fall in love with Jafe's wonderful characters and storytelling ability.
Jafe is truly a master at making his main characters come alive in a way that you feel like you actually know them.
Our FMC, Reagan, is forced to deal with a major medical diagnosis for herself and her daughter. Meanwhile, her husband who is in Germany dealing with her family's business, goes silent. As the story unravels, Reagan and her daughter are put into dangerous situations. How will they make it through?
I became so invested that I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
Grab this book and fall in love with Jafe's wonderful characters and storytelling ability.
December 20, 2025
What a story! This dark Christmas thriller pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go. It’s tense, chilling, and endlessly suspenseful — the kind of book you think you’ll read in small doses, but end up devouring in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. Danbury delivers a gripping, atmospheric tale that perfectly blends holiday cheer with lurking dread. If you love twisty, unsettling Christmas thrillers, this one is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to snag an ARC for Jafe Danbury's Before the Lights Go Out, and let me tell you, while this was my first book by this author, it will not be my last.
Meet Reagan, Flynn, and their daughter Steffi—the picture-perfect family living the American dream after moving from Germany... until that dream snaps. Hard.
This isn't your average "run-of-the-mill" thriller. It’s a slow-burn masterpiece that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. Watching the protagonist face a devastating diagnosis was so gut-wrenchingly portrayed, it never felt slow—it felt essential. By the time the real action hit, my foot was tapping with pure adrenaline, and I was reading so fast my brain couldn't keep up!
You will fall in love with these characters. You will champion them, cry with them, and desperately need to know what happens next.
And the ending? It was perfect. No rushed, flimsy wrap-up here. It was so satisfying, I felt like I was saying goodbye to my closest friends, knowing what they would be doing next week.
Bonus points for immersion: Set in late December, it’s practically a thriller advent calendar! Plus, be warned: you will stop reading to listen to new (classic) songs and Google things like the legendary "Super Dickmann!" Danke Jafe Danbury, I have now been frantically looking for them everywhere in my area.
This book is different. This book delivers. Read it. I know I’ll be reading everything else by this author.
Meet Reagan, Flynn, and their daughter Steffi—the picture-perfect family living the American dream after moving from Germany... until that dream snaps. Hard.
This isn't your average "run-of-the-mill" thriller. It’s a slow-burn masterpiece that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. Watching the protagonist face a devastating diagnosis was so gut-wrenchingly portrayed, it never felt slow—it felt essential. By the time the real action hit, my foot was tapping with pure adrenaline, and I was reading so fast my brain couldn't keep up!
You will fall in love with these characters. You will champion them, cry with them, and desperately need to know what happens next.
And the ending? It was perfect. No rushed, flimsy wrap-up here. It was so satisfying, I felt like I was saying goodbye to my closest friends, knowing what they would be doing next week.
Bonus points for immersion: Set in late December, it’s practically a thriller advent calendar! Plus, be warned: you will stop reading to listen to new (classic) songs and Google things like the legendary "Super Dickmann!" Danke Jafe Danbury, I have now been frantically looking for them everywhere in my area.
This book is different. This book delivers. Read it. I know I’ll be reading everything else by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As the author suggests, this is going to be a slower burn than what I have seen from Jafe Danbury, having read all of his previous works. But, just as I was wondering “when”, the action and duplicity suddenly ramp up. And it’s yet another thrill-ride, such as I’ve come to expect from this master storyteller.
Reagan and her daughter Steffi are left at home while Reagan’s husband Fynn heads to Germany on business. While Reagan receives crushing news about the health of her eyes (and ultimately the hereditary condition that has been passed on to Steffi), she makes the rash decision to return to her homeland Germany for the Christmas holiday, perhaps one last time for them: before the lights go out.
The mutual love between Reagan and her daughter is heart-warming. And, it’s fun to watch them in tandem as they get through seemingly impossible situations. Reagan comes into her own in solving the mysteries of her past life with confidence while reassuring Steffi, despite the lack of vision as her disease progresses.
At what seemed to be the end of the book, I wondered what additional twist would await; but the ending definitely ties it all up, including a cameo from the author’s real-life pittie sweet Sadie.
Definitely recommend.
Reagan and her daughter Steffi are left at home while Reagan’s husband Fynn heads to Germany on business. While Reagan receives crushing news about the health of her eyes (and ultimately the hereditary condition that has been passed on to Steffi), she makes the rash decision to return to her homeland Germany for the Christmas holiday, perhaps one last time for them: before the lights go out.
The mutual love between Reagan and her daughter is heart-warming. And, it’s fun to watch them in tandem as they get through seemingly impossible situations. Reagan comes into her own in solving the mysteries of her past life with confidence while reassuring Steffi, despite the lack of vision as her disease progresses.
At what seemed to be the end of the book, I wondered what additional twist would await; but the ending definitely ties it all up, including a cameo from the author’s real-life pittie sweet Sadie.
Definitely recommend.
December 9, 2025
Reagan and her daughter Steffie are left home alone while her husband Fynn is away in Germany on business. When Reagan receives devastating news about the health of her eyes and the hereditary condition that she is passing on to her daughter Steffie, she is lost. Add to that the unreturned calls and texts from her husband and her growing suspicion that he is up to something. And so she books a surprise trip for Steffie and her to Germany and the story amps up from there. The descriptions of Germany are fantastic and I felt like I was there. The love that Reagan has for her daughter and her need to protect her shone through the pages and warmed my heart. There were twists and rising tension and lots of drama and I loved every minute of it! I enjoyed the character development and I enjoyed reading as Reagan put the pieces together as to what really happened to her parents. The pages flew by and I couldn’t stop reading as I just had to know how this one would end. This was yet another fantastic book by the very talented Jafe Danbury! I have now read every one of his books and I’m a huge fan! Thanks so much for an advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this story from start to finish. It started off with events of a normal family before Christmas, then the lies and suspense started to build. The intense part of the book includes kidnapping, violence, chase scenes, murder; this book has it all. The characters come to life in this story. I quickly felt a bond to the three main female characters. The love between the mother and daughter is beautiful.
I loved the magic of Germany, the descriptions of the towns and Christmas markets. The plot was well thought out, and the ending was very satisfying. I also loved that a rescue dog was in the story. I know that this is a cause that the author is devoted to in his personal life.
I have read all 5 books that this author has written, and I impatiently await his next novel. I highly recommend all of his books, but this one should be a winner. It kept me reading well into the middle of the night as I did not want to put it down.
I loved the magic of Germany, the descriptions of the towns and Christmas markets. The plot was well thought out, and the ending was very satisfying. I also loved that a rescue dog was in the story. I know that this is a cause that the author is devoted to in his personal life.
I have read all 5 books that this author has written, and I impatiently await his next novel. I highly recommend all of his books, but this one should be a winner. It kept me reading well into the middle of the night as I did not want to put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y’ALL… this book turned down the lights and cranked up my anxiety in the best way. 😮💨
Photographer Reagan Dunkel lives by what she sees—until a devastating diagnosis threatens her vision and her daughter’s. Add a husband who vanishes mid–business trip, and creepy photographs that absolutely should NOT exist, and I was instantly locked in. 📸🖤
Danbury’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and quietly menacing. The atmosphere? Chilly, shadow-soaked, and humming with dread—Christmas lights twinkling while something dark lurks just out of frame. Hamburg feels alive, haunted, and claustrophobic all at once.
Reagan is smart, fierce, and driven by pure mama-bear energy, and the twists had me side-eyeing every shadow. LOVE IS BLIND—but this story sees everything.
A genre-bending, emotionally loaded Christmas thriller that proves some things are definitely best left unseen. Turn out the lights and read it anyway. 🎄👀🔥
Thank you Jafe Danbury for providing me with the ARC of this fantastic story.
Photographer Reagan Dunkel lives by what she sees—until a devastating diagnosis threatens her vision and her daughter’s. Add a husband who vanishes mid–business trip, and creepy photographs that absolutely should NOT exist, and I was instantly locked in. 📸🖤
Danbury’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and quietly menacing. The atmosphere? Chilly, shadow-soaked, and humming with dread—Christmas lights twinkling while something dark lurks just out of frame. Hamburg feels alive, haunted, and claustrophobic all at once.
Reagan is smart, fierce, and driven by pure mama-bear energy, and the twists had me side-eyeing every shadow. LOVE IS BLIND—but this story sees everything.
A genre-bending, emotionally loaded Christmas thriller that proves some things are definitely best left unseen. Turn out the lights and read it anyway. 🎄👀🔥
Thank you Jafe Danbury for providing me with the ARC of this fantastic story.
December 18, 2025
Wow what a fabulous read! Jafe Danbury is in top form in his latest thriller, keeping the tension high and the action at break-neck speed, only pausing for his trademark touching moments. Reagan is another endearing female lead added to his main character list, an ordinary person thrown into a whirlwind of extraordinary circumstances which demand more from her than she ever conceived she might be called upon to deliver. Her antagonist preys on her deepest griefs and fears in a pursuit to rip from her everything she holds dear. The author unfurls the conflict amid a backdrop of friendship tests, food experiences, and faith boosts. Danbury is great at connecting with readers as he adds many bits and pieces of his personal likings for food, animals, music, and cars into his stories. If you’re searching for authenticity, follow him on social media!
(Review of advance copy received from Author)
(Review of advance copy received from Author)
December 20, 2025
Book review:
Before The Lights Go Out by Jafe Danbury
First of all, I'm leaving a 5 star review on YELP. 😄 If ya know , ya know. Lol. I was spellbound through this whole story, but especially the international part. The German language spoken and being translated was really cool too, 😎 because I haven't studied it since high school, oh Scheisse!!! 🤣 I felt like I was in a Jason Statham movie in my mind. There was so much action and I just loved Reagan for being a bad ass mom and showing her daughter, Steffie, that even under the most dire circumstances, moms can take care of themselves and their loved ones. One of the best parts is Reagan's best friend, Amethyst, and how she accepted everything that happened. You will Love her ( I have a best friend like this), she is amazing! This is truly a story you won't want to miss when everyone is talking about it. I would love to see this as a movie. Thanks Jafe for this beautiful "vision". 💖
Before The Lights Go Out by Jafe Danbury
First of all, I'm leaving a 5 star review on YELP. 😄 If ya know , ya know. Lol. I was spellbound through this whole story, but especially the international part. The German language spoken and being translated was really cool too, 😎 because I haven't studied it since high school, oh Scheisse!!! 🤣 I felt like I was in a Jason Statham movie in my mind. There was so much action and I just loved Reagan for being a bad ass mom and showing her daughter, Steffie, that even under the most dire circumstances, moms can take care of themselves and their loved ones. One of the best parts is Reagan's best friend, Amethyst, and how she accepted everything that happened. You will Love her ( I have a best friend like this), she is amazing! This is truly a story you won't want to miss when everyone is talking about it. I would love to see this as a movie. Thanks Jafe for this beautiful "vision". 💖
December 10, 2025
Oh my goodness! Author Jafe Danbury, definitely knows how to write books that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Reagan has just been notified that she is going blind, and is having to come to to terms of the reality. When her husband Flynn has to go to Germany to tend to a matter at their business , he is anxious and in a hurry even more than usual. Selling fish was her parents business, and had flourished. When they died ,the company became hers. But Flynn has new ideas that Reagan doesn’t agree with, and is where the deception begins….or is it. Reagan and her daughter Steffi decide to go on the vacation of a lifetime when Reagan decides to find out what her husband is up to. The intrigue, suspense, betrayal, and the truth…the truth of a lot of thing is shocking and will have your blood boiling, while Reagan finds strength that she didn’t know she had!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A quick, gripping read that had me absolutely entrenched, making it extremely hard to put down. Very fast paced, I think I read it in a day.
The story blends high-stakes travel with strong emotional connections, highlighting both a best-friend dynamic that feels like true relationship goals and a compelling mother-daughter duo that adds real heart to the suspense. These relationships grounded the story while the tension steadily escalated.
I also appreciated learning about Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a condition I was previously unfamiliar with. Its inclusion added an extra layer of depth and perspective to the narrative without slowing the pace.
Overall, this is a really exciting, fast-paced thriller that balances action, emotion, and discovery beautifully. A great pick if you’re looking for a suspenseful read that still leaves room for meaningful connections.
The story blends high-stakes travel with strong emotional connections, highlighting both a best-friend dynamic that feels like true relationship goals and a compelling mother-daughter duo that adds real heart to the suspense. These relationships grounded the story while the tension steadily escalated.
I also appreciated learning about Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a condition I was previously unfamiliar with. Its inclusion added an extra layer of depth and perspective to the narrative without slowing the pace.
Overall, this is a really exciting, fast-paced thriller that balances action, emotion, and discovery beautifully. A great pick if you’re looking for a suspenseful read that still leaves room for meaningful connections.
December 10, 2025
As always, Jafe Danbury delivers. Before the Lights Go Out is filled with suspense and great characters. From the first words, I was hooked and dragged into a thrilling movie that played in my mind. Reagan is a strong heroine who is determined to give her daughter a wonderful Christmas experience after receiving a life altering diagnosis that will affect them both. Reagan learns that not all people are as they appear to be and the importance of really seeing what is important. Before the Lights Go Out is a thrilling Christmas time escapade that takes the reader from the rainy landscapes of the state of Washington to Reagan's beloved homeland of Germany with plenty of twists to keep readers guessing. Danbury just keeps getting better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What happens when the life you have known is all based on a lie and you went all this time believing everything is ok. Reagan also learns that she is legally blind and her vision is going to get worse over time and her daughter has inherited the same gene she has that causes this.
Fynn, her husband is full of lies, secrets and deceit. He is the only father that steffi had ever known, even though not her biological.
Reagan takes Steffi on a nice vacation to celebrate Christmas before she completely loses her eye sight. The thrills keep hitting back to back. They are all from Germany but I think most, if not all words were translated for English. This book will keep you at the edge of your seat waiting to see what pops up next.
Fynn, her husband is full of lies, secrets and deceit. He is the only father that steffi had ever known, even though not her biological.
Reagan takes Steffi on a nice vacation to celebrate Christmas before she completely loses her eye sight. The thrills keep hitting back to back. They are all from Germany but I think most, if not all words were translated for English. This book will keep you at the edge of your seat waiting to see what pops up next.
December 8, 2025
Danbury’s prose is sharply cinematic, and the pacing shows a seasoned control of rising tension. The novel moves confidently between domestic unease and broader international stakes, creating a story that feels at once deeply personal and unexpectedly far-reaching. Reagan’s struggle to protect her daughter lends the narrative its strongest emotional core, grounding the more dramatic turns in something urgent and real. While a few twists lean on convenient timing, the blend of buried history, family betrayal, and looming danger results in a winter thriller that’s difficult to set aside.
A blistering thriller where a mother’s love becomes the most dangerous weapon of all.
A blistering thriller where a mother’s love becomes the most dangerous weapon of all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again, Jafe delivers an amazing story that blends emotions with cinematic precision. Before the Lights Go Out was a long awaited book for me! I love Jafe's writing! This book gripped me from the start! This book is steeped in suspense.
What makes this book stand out is how Jafe once again balances the thriller elements with raw, human emotion. The mother-daughter bond at the center of the story adds a powerful heartbeat to the suspense, making the journey unforgettable.
Jafe doesn’t just deliver a thriller—he delivers a story that lingers, one that makes you question perception, truth, and the lengths we’ll go to protect the ones we love. Outstanding job, Jafe.
Ahh I almost forgot to add! Loved the soundtrack!
What makes this book stand out is how Jafe once again balances the thriller elements with raw, human emotion. The mother-daughter bond at the center of the story adds a powerful heartbeat to the suspense, making the journey unforgettable.
Jafe doesn’t just deliver a thriller—he delivers a story that lingers, one that makes you question perception, truth, and the lengths we’ll go to protect the ones we love. Outstanding job, Jafe.
Ahh I almost forgot to add! Loved the soundtrack!
December 8, 2025
Just like his previous books, Jafe Danbury has written a heart pounding book that I did not want to put down. Just after her husband left overseas on a business trip, she receives some devastating news that affects her and her daughter. Taking some advice from a friend, she decides to take a spur of the moment trip overseas to surprise her husband and see her homeland. She finds out more bad news on the way and has to face more challenges. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers and mystery.
December 9, 2025
Wow! I had preconceived notions before I picked this one up. It wasn't what I expected. It was better! Jafe has become a master of taking the expected and turning it into the unexpected, embellishing it and forming it into a masterpiece. Reagan has to come to terms with life as it is, as it was and as it will be. Steffi, her daughter is right there with her, every step of the way, along with her Bestie and Twinner, Amethyst. So many things need to get done BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO OUT. Can Reagan get it all done before it's too late?
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