Dawn Before Darkness

by Liz Lazarus

Dawn Smith, a vet tech living in rural South Carolina, catches her boyfriend in a series of lies and abruptly ends the relationship. Rather than accepting the break-up, he begins to stalk and harass her, forcing Dawn to seek a restraining order. Undeterred, he launches a deeply personal attack—suing for guardianship and conservatorship of Dawn’s infirm mother. In court, he manipulates the truth using evidence that he planted while the couple were still dating. And just when Dawn thinks things can’t get any worse, she is faced with an impossible choice: rekindle the relationship or lose her mother forever.

Readers also enjoyed Liz's other books with these themes:
Free of Malice (self-protection, racial tension)
Plea for Justice (self/body-image, literacy)
Shades of Silence (grief, sex trafficking)

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

LIZ LAZARUS is known for her gripping, fast-paced legal and psychological thrillers that keep readers on edge until the final page. Her novels are praised for their killer twist endings and emotionally charged storytelling, often centering on sympathetic heroines navigating life-changing and high-stakes situations.

With a sharp eye for detail and thorough research, Lazarus weaves complex narratives that go beyond suspense. Her stories frequently explore meaningful social causes, shedding light on real-world issues while still delivering compelling, page-turning entertainment. Through her work, she strikes a powerful balance—educating readers while immersing them in unforgettable, suspense-filled journeys.

Her first novel is loosely based on a personal experience and a series of ‘what if’ questions. FREE OF MALICE traces the after effects of a foiled attack; a woman healing, and grappling with the legal system to acknowledge her right to self-defense.

PLEA FOR JUSTICE depicts the journey of a paralegal striving to reveal the truth about her estranged friend’s incarceration, and leading her on a parallel path of self-discovery.

SHADES OF SILENCE showcases the resilience of a woman faced with devastating loss, the unexpected friendship forged from tragedy and the recurring societal themes that confront every generation.

DAWN BEFORE DARKNESS, inspired by real events, reveals the treachery of a ruthless stalker, the alarming failure of the legal system and the unthinkable battle a daughter must face to protect her family.

Lazarus graduated from The Georgia Institute of Technology with an engineering degree and Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management with an MBA. She went on to a successful career as an executive at General Electric’s Healthcare division. Later, she joined a leading consulting firm as a Managing Director and is currently head of Operations for a healthcare start-up in addition to being a best-selling author. She splits her time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Bozeman, Montana.

Reviews

[Christina C · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Dawn Before Darkness* by Liz Lazarus is a gripping, fast-paced read that completely pulled me in—I finished it in just one day because I truly couldn’t put it down.

Dawn is such a compelling and well-written character. I loved everything about her, from the way she cares for her mom to how dedicated she is to her job. Her strength really shines through, especially when she’s forced to make some incredibly tough and emotional decisions. You can’t help but root for her every step of the way.

The story takes a darker turn as it explores her relationship with a compulsive liar and stalker, and wow—those moments had me cringing in the best way. The tension and unease are written so well that you feel it right alongside Dawn. The male character’s behavior is unsettling and frustrating, which just shows how effectively the author created such a believable antagonist.

Overall, this was an intense, addictive read with strong character development and a storyline that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. A solid 4.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC!

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost let this amazing read slip through my fingers, but thankfully, my friend from Instagram, @iheartgoodthriller, saved the day! Thank you for recommending this book and for hosting a live session with the author.

Dawn Smith, a vet tech in rural South Carolina, ends her relationship with her boyfriend after discovering his lies. In response, he stalks her, and she seeks a restraining order. He then sues for guardianship of her sick mother, using manipulated evidence. Dawn faces the impossible choice of rekindling the relationship or losing her mother.

I was bound to love Dawn, who is not only an animal lover but also a vet tech. As a proud owner of four pups and someone who spends a lot to keep them healthy, I really resonated with her frustrations towards pet owners. Dawn is such a relatable and memorable character, but in this story, she finds herself spiraling from one bad situation to another. She embodies the saying, “The light at the end of the tunnel is just the headlight of an oncoming train.” Just when you think things can’t possibly get worse, they do! In some extreme ways!

Marie is introduced as a good-natured, laid-back character, much like any mom would be. This book feels like a crash course in skepticism, teaching us not to take everything at face value, because the truth can often be horrifying.

I had a busy day ahead, so I told myself I would only read a few chapters, but that didn’t last long! The book pulled me in right away, and I couldn’t bear to leave Dawn and Marie in limbo until I returned. I ended up finishing it in one day! The writing was incredible. I could feel the dread, desperation, and emotional strain deep in my heart. I stopped trying to guess how everything would unfold because, honestly, I had no idea! I’ve never been in a similar situation, and I truly hope I never am, as this read was heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and utterly devastating.

We all have aging parents, and it’s frightening to think how easily we can become estranged if someone else is given the task of caring for them. I can’t even begin to imagine that!

I really hope that if the cover doesn’t grab your attention—though it’s beautiful—the premise will, as the themes explored here feel incredibly real and hard to digest. It’s difficult to express the emotions this book stirred within me fully, but it’s safe to say it will stick with me, especially since it offers a glimpse into how quickly things can spiral out of control. The writing was spot-on, and the story felt all too realistic; it felt as though the author was recounting her own family experiences.

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys stories that shift from chaotic to unhinged in the blink of an eye, for those who appreciate morally gray characters, stalkers, and especially for anyone caring for elderly parents, as this one hits hard. It’s a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down, eye-opening story. I have a feeling I’ll be discussing this one for a long time. I held my breath countless times, exclaiming, “What now!?! Seriously?!” The ending was satisfying, and I couldn't imagine it wrapping up any other way! I was rooting for Karma to take care of the shady characters! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to call my mom because she needs to hear about this book!

Thank you, Mitchell Cove Publishing LLC and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer is over and so is the romance. Now Dawn finds herself practicing her speech for breaking off the relationship. Too many lies that have been caught. Too much she can’t look past. But what one person wants isn’t always what the other wants. And sometimes you have no control over anything.

I was prepared for this book being a fabulous read, but I wasn’t prepared just how GREAT this book actually was. Oof. All the trigger warnings, but also shows the truth of being stalked.

This book is about impossible decisions, how courts can be manipulated to hurt victims further, and the real consequences of stalking. It’s not about a clean and easy process, but the slow and messy one - which is life.

I also appreciated the veterinarian world and all that that entails - I learned so much reading this book. Literally the perfect occupation for this character to have had.

Loved the writing so much! Lazarus has that gift of writing out scenes that us readers are able to then see play out in our heads. I just can’t praise her writing enough. This story feels real, vulnerable, relatable, and the writing connects all of these emotions for us. Then you add in the suspense and it’s the perfect mix.

Def reading her backlog now and every book she writes in the future.

Short chapters
Superb storytelling
Excellent writing

Explores fear, resilience, stalking, and more.

I literally don’t even have the words to express how much I loved this book. 😩

The Alexa convo in Chapter 4 had me hooked to this story. 😂👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

What I think I loved most about this book was all the real-life things associated with stalking, and protecting yourself, that were included in this fictional story. There’s something to also be learned here. And I just appreciate that so much.

A fictional story rooted in the horrifying truth of stalking - could not recommend this book more.

I know I praise many books - and hate just about as many - but this book?! This book right here is a fking GEM!

Monsters don’t always wear masks. They don’t always come from the dark. Sometimes, the monsters are right there beside you - smiling in their charming ways - looking like Prince Charming. And by the time their mask start to slip, it is already too late.

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in an absolute chokehold! It was so gripping and intense that I couldn’t put it down. It was a very fast paced, character driven story that really had me feeling all of the emotions right along with the main character, Dawn.

This was such a compelling story about a vet tech who starts dating a guy and soon learns that he isn’t who she thought he was at all. She then finds herself up against her ex as she battles the legal system to get her life back.

This is one I will definitely be thinking about for a while.

Thank you @sabrina_dax_pr for the gifted copy of the book.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great psychological thriller. It took me a bit to get into this one, but after a little bit I found myself invested in this story. This fast-paced thriller has you rooting for Dawn as she goes up against her stalker ex and the legal system. I liked how this book was character-driven and I found myself needing to know how the story ended. Overall this was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to @sabrina_dax_pr for the gifted copy.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author Liz Lazarus for sending me an eArc in return for an honest review.

Finished it in one day, sooo good!! It’s fast-paced and keeps you glued to the page.

I think this story sets up the characters well. We follow our MC ‘Dawn’ who is a vet. We get a great glimpse into her job and co-workers as well as her family life with her mum. You side with her from the get-go and I found her really likeable. This, I believe, is what made the book that more thrilling; having sympathy for her character intensifies the fear we have for her. It makes it frustrating when we see how the legal system, when used to the wrong persons advantage, can cause such harm and fail good people. It’s a thought-provoking read

[Diane Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Amazing book and thrilling all the way through. Learned a great deal about so many unique areas that are so relevant to me! Liz has a way with words! You have to read this one!!

[Lotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

This was an easy and fast read with a very likeable main character. Dawn is a relatable main character, and the glimpses into her daily life and her relationship with her mother make the stakes feel very personal. The book also touches on serious and important topics, especially the way systems that are meant to protect people can be used against them, and that aspect was both powerful and thought-provoking.

What stood out to me most was how powerless she sometimes feels and how unfair certain things are. I often found myself feeling really frustrated on her behalf, which shows how emotionally invested I became in her story.

However, the plot was quite predictable for me. I was able to see most of the developments coming, so I didn’t really get that “I need to know what happens next” feeling that I usually look for in a thriller. I kept reading more because I cared about the main character than because I was surprised by the story.

I’m giving this 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads). It's a solid and engaging read with a strong emotional core, but the predictability kept it from being a full 4-star thriller for me.

[Meaghan Elizabeth 🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such an intense and addictive read that I could not put down. I absolutely loved Dawn’s character and how strong and determined she was while facing some incredibly difficult decisions. Her dedication to both her work as a vet and caring for her mother made her such a relatable and likeable main character.

The story takes a dark turn when her manipulative ex, Nick, begins stalking her and attempts to gain guardianship of her ill mother through the courts. He was such a calculated and disturbing character that it was impossible not to hate him, and the tension he brought to the story made everything feel even more real and unsettling.

This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster as Dawn is forced to navigate one of the hardest choices of her life. The suspense, emotional depth, and realistic situations made this thriller incredibly compelling from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller with strong emotional stakes and characters that feel real, I highly recommend picking this one up.

[Beth Eats And Reads Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner! I was completely pulled into Dawn’s plight, as an exciting new relationship turns into a nightmare.
When the man she started dating turned out to be a liar, Dawn tries to break it off. He doesn’t take it well, becomes abusive, and the next thing she knows, she finds herself in court, with her crazy ex trying to prove she isn’t a good guardian for her elderly mother and having her put under conservatorship of a court appointed guardian.
The actual nightmare of the legal system being twisted and used for manipulation and harassment made my blood boil. This was an interesting take on a stalking/harassment plot and it was breathtakingly frustrating to see how easy it was to have all control taken from Dawn and her mother.
I couldn’t put this one down, I had to see how it ended as Dawn fought for her mother and for her own sanity.

[ScarlettesBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was a really easy read and a real page turner that had me wanting to know what was happening. The story followed Dawn who seemed like she was finally getting the life she wanted. Until she finds herself embroiled in a battle with an ex boyfriend over the care of her mother. Faced with a situation no child would ever want and fearing the worst from her ex boyfriend Dawn finds that everything around her is slowly falling apart and she’s trying everything to pull it together again. This book had me hooked, I couldn’t put it down. The characters were so believable and I genuinely felt hatred towards some of them! If you love a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing what their next move is going to be then this is a definite recommendation!

[Chanika R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw another reviewer who flew through this novel, and my experience was the same. Lazarus’s writing style, the relatively short chapters, and the sheer absurdity of the premise made it a pretty captivating read. It’s wild to think Dawn’s experience is possible, but the story serves as a painful reminder that the legal system can be exploited and manipulated by those absolutely up to no good. When the injustice affects a family member, especially an elderly mom, the repercussions hit a little differently. Lazarus’s novel made me think about my own parents and the lengths I’d go to if someone were trying to exploit them in a similar manner. Whew. Super fast, compelling read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!!

[Sydni Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a few chapters to really get into this story but once I did, I was unable to put it down and finished in one sitting. I appreciated the fast pacing and the care put into accurately portraying the tougher topics that come up. I feel as if the plot had many twists and turns but never crossed over into feeling outlandish or overly exaggerated. Overall, it was a very gripping story and I look forward to reading more by this author!

[Abby Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping, fast-paced thriller that had me engaged quickly- I finished this book in about 2 days! Would highly recommend if you enjoy psychological and legal thrillers & like a fast-paced novel with a shocking twist and ending. It felt like you knew where the story was going most of the way through with her crazy ex, but then I was surprised by the reveal towards the end. A book club I’m a part of was able to get early release copies from the author - thank you! 😊

[Tamara Chubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a good thriller in a while, but was hooked on this from the start.
Nick is a really unhinged character going above and beyond to torment Dawn and take everything she holds dear from here, whilst also harboring some fantasy of controlling her in his sick game.
Just shows you can't always tell what is going on in the most charming person's head.

[Liz — bookedwithliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawn Before Darkness is a fast paced thriller that follows main character Dawn Smith as she navigates a break up with a man who has a dark side.

This thriller kicks off right out of the gate. There is no build up or slow burn, so it immediately gripped my attention and kept it the entire time. You can really feel the fear and worry coming from Dawn as the story progresses.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, I definitely recommend Dawn Before Darkness by Liz Lazarus!

Thank you to the author and publisher for a gifted copy of this book.

[Misti Decker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
First I want to thank NetGalley for an e-arc of this novel. This was my first book by this author and it was hard to rate. I read this fairly quick and found it to be fast paced even if it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read. Some of the story I found to be so far fetched and that could be because I’ve luckily never experienced anything like this. The characters had me frustrated and gasping out loud.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Lazarus’s Dawn Before Darkness had me ready to file emotional damages against this book because the stress, the rage, and the sheer helplessness I felt while reading? Absolutely criminal—and yet I devoured every single page like I needed answers to survive. Mitchell Cove Publishing LLC, thank you (and NetGalley!) for the gifted ARC that turned my reading day into a full-blown emotional endurance test.

This story doesn’t ease you in—it drags you straight into the nightmare. Dawn is a vet tech living a quiet, grounded life, deeply rooted in caring for her mother, Marie, whose vulnerability makes everything feel even more fragile. When Dawn ends a relationship after catching her boyfriend in lies, you think okay, we’ve seen this before… but no. What follows isn’t just harassment—it’s a slow, calculated unraveling of her entire life. Her ex doesn’t just stalk her—he weaponizes the legal system, twisting truth into something unrecognizable, filing motions like weapons, and targeting the one person Dawn cannot afford to lose: her mother.

And Nick? I need to talk about Nick because he is the kind of villain that makes your stomach drop. Not loud. Not chaotic. Controlled. Strategic. The kind of man who smiles in court while quietly dismantling your life behind the scenes. It’s terrifying because it feels plausible. This isn’t some over-the-top thriller trope—this is the kind of horror that could happen next door, and that’s what makes it hit so much harder.

Dawn, on the other hand, is painfully human. She makes choices that will have you yelling “WHY?!” at the page, but they come from a place of fear, love, and exhaustion. You feel her desperation, especially when it comes to protecting Marie. Their relationship is the emotional core of the story—tender, raw, and deeply motivating. Every threat against her mother feels like a punch to the chest, and every courtroom moment had me clenching my jaw because the system that’s supposed to protect them keeps…failing.

“There are battles you don’t win—you survive them.”

That line? Yeah. That’s the entire book distilled into one gut-punch truth. Screenshot it, highlight it, send it to your group chat—because it lingers.

Reading this felt like being trapped in a pressure cooker. For nearly the entire book, there’s no real relief—just escalation after escalation, each situation somehow worse than the last. I was angry. I was anxious. I was invested. This isn’t a “cozy thriller”—this is a sit-down-and-process-your-feelings-after kind of read. But that’s also what makes it powerful. The legal elements, especially around guardianship and control, add a layer of realism that makes the story feel urgent and important, not just entertaining.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

By the time I reached the end, I felt wrung out but deeply satisfied. Justice doesn’t come easily here—it’s hard-fought, messy, and earned in a way that makes the payoff hit even harder. And knowing this story is inspired by real events? That just adds another layer of weight that stays with you long after you finish.

If you’re the kind of reader who wants your thrillers to mean something—if you want to feel rage, fear, empathy, and ultimately that quiet, hard-won sense of triumph—this one will absolutely consume you.

So be honest… would you know how to fight back if the system meant to protect you became the weapon used against you?

#DawnBeforeDarkness #LizLazarus #NetGalleyReads #PsychologicalThriller #LegalThriller #DomesticThriller #WomenFiction #Bookstagram #ARCReview #ThrillerAddict #BasedOnTrueEvents #SuspenseReads #BookReview #MustReadBooks

[Carrie Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐧'𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐨 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞.

When Dawn Smith discovers that her boyfriend has been lying to her, she does what so many women wish they had the courage to do immediately: she leaves. But what follows is not freedom. Living in rural South Carolina and working as a vet tech, Dawn suddenly finds herself trapped in a nightmare of stalking, manipulation, and legal abuse when her ex retaliates by going after the most vulnerable part of her life: her ailing mother. What begins as the unraveling of a relationship quickly turns into something far darker as he weaponizes the court system itself, forcing Dawn into an impossible position where every choice feels like a loss. Dawn Before Darkness took a premise that already felt terrifyingly plausible and pushed it into a place that had my pulse pounding the entire time.

This was my first experience reading Liz Lazarus, and it absolutely will not be my last. There is something especially effective about the way she writes fear here because it never feels exaggerated. It feels like the kind of thing that could happen quietly behind closed doors while everyone else continues on with their day completely unaware. Dawn’s growing desperation felt incredibly real to me, especially as the systems designed to protect her kept failing in ways that made the situation feel more suffocating with every chapter. I kept waiting for things to settle down, for someone to intervene, for Dawn to finally catch her breath, and the book smartly refuses to offer easy relief. That constant tension made this almost impossible to put down.

What really stayed with me, though, was Dawn herself. She is not written as some untouchable thriller heroine who always knows the right move. She is exhausted, overwhelmed, furious, scared, and still trying to hold herself together for the sake of her mother. That emotional core grounded the entire story. This book accomplished far more than telling a suspenseful story. It explored the terrifying reality of how obsession can masquerade as love and how difficult it can be to reclaim your life once someone decides they are entitled to it. After finishing this, I am already looking at the author’s backlist because if her other books carry this same emotional intensity and tension, I want all of them immediately. Thank you so much to the author for this early copy that will publish May 26, 2026.

[Hope Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawn Before Darkness by Liz Lazarus is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish, even when it was difficult to read. At its core, this novel shines a harsh light on the terrifying reality of harassment and stalking, and how quickly a seemingly normal relationship can spiral into something dangerous. The story effectively builds tension as Dawn realizes she’s trapped in a situation she can’t easily escape, highlighting how manipulation, control, and fear escalate over time.

What makes this book particularly impactful, and frustrating, is its realistic portrayal of how limited the system can be in protecting women. Dawn does everything right: documenting incidents, seeking legal protection, and trying to distance herself, yet the harassment continues to intensify. The legal battle and the sense of helplessness she faces feel all too real, emphasizing the “alarming failure of the legal system” in these situations.

This aspect of the story is both compelling and deeply unsettling, because it reflects real-world experiences where action often isn’t taken until things escalate too far.

Lazarus does an excellent job developing both the protagonist and the antagonist. Dawn is relatable and sympathetic, while Nick is chilling in how convincingly he shifts from charming to controlling. The pacing is strong, starting with a slower emotional build before accelerating into a high-stakes, suspenseful climax, complete with a shocking twist that lands well.

The reason this isn’t a full five stars is that the frustration can sometimes outweigh the enjoyment. Watching the system fail repeatedly and seeing how long it takes for meaningful intervention can be exhausting, even if it’s intentional and realistic. Still, that discomfort is part of what makes the book powerful.

Overall, Dawn Before Darkness is a compelling, thought-provoking read that blends suspense with a sobering look at harassment and justice. It’s not always an easy read, but it’s an important one.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Liz Lazarus and Literary Media Tours for this gifted finished advanced copy!

This was a really engrossing short suspense story, it'sunder 300 pages so it is a really quick read with very short chapters. It is super emotional for the FMC and you can feel how much she cares for her mother and her friends, even in the midst of dealing with a deranged stalker who is bent on destroying her life. (I'm giving this a 4 star here on Goodreads because of lack of half star ratings, but I would give this a 3.5 star overall.)

It took me a few chapters to get into it, but my issue with that is I got slightly turned off by it with heavy topics of euthanizing pets/veterinary care. I am a massive dog lover, I have also had to say goodbye to 2 senior dogs in the last 4 years alone so it was tough for me. There is no trigger warning in the actual book, so just expect that if you pick this up. The animals do not belong to the main character, she is a vet tech at a vet office, so it just demonstrates what she sees and has to perform on a daily basis in her job.

Once you get into the meat of the story it goes so quickly. It also really makes me feel for victims of stalking and harassment, the villain in this book is vindictive and horrific to the main character and her mother. And the fact that these things could absolutely occur and occur so easily is sad. It also really highlights how powerless law enforcement can be when it comes to cases of stalking and harassment. Things absolutely need to change in that aspect of the law.

Overall I felt like it was a really quick read and the ending was super satisfying, I recommend if you like a realistic suspense, but just be aware of the euthanasia and emergent vet care aspect. *Editing to echo what Liz commented because I can see where the clarification needs to be in my review, the topic of euthanasia is there, but as she states-no dog is actually killed. The topic is sensitive for me, so just wanted to ensure people know to expect the topic of it.*

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawn Before Darkness is a gripping and deeply unsettling story that explores the terrifying reality of what happens when obsession turns dangerous — and when the systems meant to protect someone fail them at every turn. This is a thriller rooted in emotion, resilience, and the strength of a daughter fighting for her family.

Dawn is an instantly sympathetic protagonist: grounded, hardworking, and simply trying to move on with her life after discovering her boyfriend’s lies. What follows is chilling not because it’s outlandish, but because it feels frighteningly real. The escalation from harassment to manipulation to full‑blown legal warfare is handled with a steady, thoughtful tension that had my stomach in knots.

The most harrowing aspect of the novel is the weaponisation of the legal system. The guardianship plotline — her ex using planted “evidence” to try to take control of her vulnerable mother — is shocking, infuriating, and incredibly compelling. The book captures the helplessness Dawn feels as her credibility and autonomy are slowly stripped away, all while she’s forced to navigate a judicial maze stacked against her.

What elevates the story is the emotional core. Dawn’s love for her mother, her determination to protect her despite impossible odds, and the blend of fear and courage she carries make her journey feel authentic and powerful. The pacing is tight, the stakes feel real, and the creeping dread builds beautifully toward an explosive emotional dilemma: give in to a dangerous man… or risk losing everything.

A tense, thought‑provoking psychological thriller that shines a light on control, coercion, and the quiet strength it takes to fight back. Perfect for readers who enjoy character‑driven suspense with a strong emotional edge.

My thanks to Liz Lazarus, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should come with a health warning as I found my blood boiling as I got deeper into the story. Mouth fully open in shock because this is based on real life events.

📘 INSIDE THE PAGES

Dawn is stuck in a relationship that’s long since lost its spark, and deep down she knows it’s time for something to change. So when Nick comes into her life, he seems like everything she’s been missing... charming, attractive, successful, and almost too good to be true. And of course, that’s because he is.

It doesn’t take long for Dawn to realize Nick isn’t the man he’s pretending to be, and when she ends things, he refuses to let her walk away. What starts as unwanted attention quickly spirals into something far darker, until Nick sets his sights on the person Dawn loves most... her mother.

Suddenly Dawn isn’t just fighting for her own safety, she’s battling a deeply broken system in a desperate attempt to get her mom back before it’s too late.

🌟 MY THOUGHTS

I found this a deeply harrowing read. Having recently seen my father-in-law move into assisted living, the story struck closer to home than I expected and stirred some very real fears about how we, as a society, care for our aging parents and loved ones.

Then layered on top of that was the injustice of a legal system that allowed so much of these events to happen, which made the story hit even harder. More than once, I found myself feeling angry, heartbroken, and surprisingly emotional.

I flew through this one because I just couldn’t put it down. I kept hoping Dawn and Marie would finally get some justice.

Many thanks to the author for the signed copy. This book is being published next week on the 26 May but can now be preordered.

[Another Read by Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8 STARS!!

💜 🐶 ARC REVIEW 🐶 💜

PUB DATE: May 26th 2026

Dawn Before Darkness is one of those books that has you rooting for the characters while pondering what one would do in this situation 🤔

I will try my best to share my thoughts without any spoilers as I felt the synopsis gave too much away leaving for lack of heightened suspense, so I HIGHLY recommend jumping into this one blind !

At first I thought this was a memoir but rather it’s a fictional story inspired by someone else’s harrowing story!

Filled with sweet naive characters, charming characters and characters that give you the ick 🤮 this book will have you gripping the pages and also yelling at our protagonist at the same time !

Dawn is a very loving and open book , and smart FMC , accept when it comes to men …she has horrible taste and can’t spot a red flag if it hit her in the face 👀

Read this if you like :
🏃‍♀️- Stalker Vibes
🏃‍♀️- Loveable characters
🏃‍♀️- unlikeable characters
🏃‍♀️- Tight Family
🏃‍♀️- Crazy Twists
🏃‍♀️- Stories of Hope
🏃‍♀️- Light Suspense Thrillers

This was a fun quick easy read and I’m so thankful for the early opportunity to read this one! I wish Dawn Before Darkness TONS of Success 🙌🏼

Be sure to have no plans when you start this as you will finish in one sitting!

Thank you @sabrina_dax_pr & @authorlizlazarus for this gifted signed copy 🫶🏼

QOTD- Have you had conversations with your elders about the tough decisions regarding aging & legal documents ?
AOTD - No but this book definitely made me think about it !

[Thrillerswineandchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫣 F A C A D E F R I D A Y review 🫣 featuring “Dawn Before Darkness” by Liz Lazarus!

Dawn Smith is a veterinary technician who loves animals and is very close with her widowed mother Marie. She starts dating a guy named Nick who takes her by complete surprise. He seems too good to be true and she starts to fall quickly for him.

Much to her surprise, Dawn catches Nick in several twisted lies and tries to break it off with him. Nick won’t accept the break up and turns into a completely different person. Soon he starts stalking Dawn, sending her threats and harassing her. But Nick is calculated, and knows EXACTLY how to hurt Dawn … through her mother. What follows is a shocking smear campaign like no other when Nick sues Dawn for conservatorship and guardianship over her own mother! Now Dawn finds herself at the center of Nick’s sick games and with all odds against her!

💭 This book is a wild ride and my emotions were all over the place! Nick is evil and ruthless and such a manipulative creep! I was rooting for Dawn and the powerless situation she gets put into. The man of her dreams turns out to be an absolute nightmare and the break up spirals out of control. The vibe is unsettling, tense, rage filled, emotionally charged and raw and will leave with you a major book hangover.

Thank you kindly to @authorlizlazarus @sabrina_dax_pr and Mitchell Cove Publishing for my gifted advanced copy and killer swag box in exchange for my honest review! This book releases on May 26, 2026!

[sarahisreadingagain · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review 📚

𝘋𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 by @authorlizlazarus

“Dawn Smith, a vet tech living in rural South Carolina, catches her boyfriend in a series of lies and abruptly ends the relationship. Rather than accepting the break-up, he begins to stalk and harass her, forcing Dawn to seek a restraining order. Undeterred, he launches a deeply personal attack—suing for guardianship and conservatorship of Dawn’s infirm mother. In court, he manipulates the truth using evidence that he planted while the couple were still dating. And just when Dawn thinks things can’t get any worse, she is faced with an impossible choice: rekindle the relationship or lose her mother forever.”

Firstly, I’d just like to thank @authorlizlazarus and @sabrina_dax_pr for the signed proof and for trusting me to read and review it.

𝘋𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 is told from Dawn’s POV over one timeline, and when I say this book had me in a chokehold, I literally could not get enough of it!

Lazarus does an amazing job of world building, character background & development, and making the worst antagonist possible. The amount of times “surely not?” came out of my mouth is absurd! Dawn was naive at times, putting her trust into a man who recently swept her off her feet was a bit of a risk to take, and she unfortunately suffered the consequences. Nick was charming and endearing at first, but by god he enraged me the more the book went on!

If you like a legal thriller, 𝘋𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 contains enticing courtroom dramas that were so frustrating in the best way possible. I really felt for Dawn throughout those moments, showing that one simple mistake can really upheave your whole life.

At only 250 pages, this is a short and snappy domestic thriller that is so much darker than that gorgeous cover portrays, although it does feature some heartwarming moments. I’d highly recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick but addictive read.

Release date is 26th May and I cannot recommend this book enough! I absolutely loved it.

[Jody Vogler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I'd love Dawn Before Darkness, because if a book has animals in it I'm all in! But I didn't expect such a gripping, emotional, and fast paced read that I legit could not put it down. The story felt so real and frustrating in the best way because you become completely invested in Dawn and everything she’s forced to endure.

Dawn was such a dang strong main character. I loved how caring and selfless she was, especially when it came to her mom and the animals she worked with. As someone who has rescued many animals, reading about procedures and patients was so fun! I was shocked to have known some of the terms. And I'm just like Dawn when it comes to helping those who cant help themselves.

What made this book stand out to me was how terrifyingly believable it all felt. Watching the system get twisted into a tool for manipulation and harassment made my blood boil. There were so many moments where Dawn felt completely powerless, and I felt every bit of that frustration right alongside her. I honestly couldn’t imagine being put in a position where helping the person you love most feels impossible.

And Nick… wow. He wasn’t just your typical stalker villain. The deep motivations behind why he chose Dawn made him feel even more disturbing and unique.

The ending was incredibly satisfying and I’m so glad everyone got exactly what they deserved, especially Nick! Also, huge bonus points for shorter chapters because it made the book impossible to stop reading “just one more” chapter of.

[Jenn Norris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of the book! 😊🖤

Dawn Before Darkness is a psychological thriller that follows Dawn Smith, the lead vet-tech at the local veterinary clinic, and her mother, Marie Smith, a retired widow. Dawn is in charge of Marie’s medical care and decisions. Once her dad had passed she sold off the family farm and moved her mother into the other half of her duplex once it had come up for sale so, she can have her close and help her out as she needed.

Dawn is in a relationship with Stuart when the story starts and he tries to get Dawn to leave the scene of a car accident that they witnessed, that she got a photo of the perpetrators license plate, and in comes Nick, a charming, charismatic bank executive. Nick had also witnessed the accident and told Dawn he’d find the car owner, be the witness, and he’d give the car owner the picture of the license plate so, they could pursue legal action with the police.

Dawn’s relationship with Stuart goes down hill fairly quickly and they break up. She decides to go out on a date with Nick. Nick seems like a sweet, charismatic, and charming guy and they start dating. Some weird events start happening and I’ll leave it there.

This book was an interesting read. Slow and a bit confusing at first but after a while, things start to pick up and start to give out the twists and turns that thrillers are known for. The twists keep you on the edge of your seat and you really start to feel for Dawn and Marie with the predicaments that they find themselves in. There is a bit of spice in this book but, it isn’t the main focus. This book is definitely worth the read. It’d make a perfect palette cleanser! 😊🖤

3 🌟/ 1.5 🌶️

[Mandi Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Honestly I just really liked how realistic this book was. I want to thank NetGalley and the author for allowing me the chance to read and review this book before it's release date.

I wasn't exactly sure what this book was about, all I knew was that it was a suspense/psychological thriller. The story of Dawn at her job nearly had me to tears within the first two chapters of the book. The story in this goes over the relationship between Dawn and an Ex-boyfriend of hers along with some legal trouble pertaining to the governance of her mother Marie.

I figured I'd pick this book up and be able to put it down a few times because I had a while before I had to make a review. I was blown away by how much I bonded with Dawn and her actions, even if it wasn't the right choice at times. The way the story is written is very smart. I don't know if I'm making sense with that comment, but it's very descriptive in all the right ways and not overbearing with any side plots. Everything follows a strict path, but it's like you're going on the journey with the characters.

Lately the thriller books I've been reading just haven't been doing it for me, but this book shows me all that I've been missing! Easily a 5 star book for me. 5/5

[Shell Latter · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Review - 2 🌟

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

*SPOILERS*

I read up to 68% (chapter 43) before deciding not to continue. While I was initially intrigued by the premise, I found myself wanting to stop quite early on due to the writing style.

For me, the pacing felt very fast, which made a lot of the ideas and plot developments come across as a bit shallow and lacking depth. There were moments that felt somewhat cliché or difficult to fully believe, which made it harder for me to stay immersed in the story. That said, I recognise this is very much a personal reading preference, and other readers may not feel the same.

There were definitely elements I appreciated — I really liked the core concept, Dawn’s relationship with her mum, and the supportive work environment. The characters themselves had potential, and I found myself wanting to know how the story would play out, but I personally needed more tension and emotional depth to stay fully engaged.

I think this could work well for readers looking for a lighter, fast-paced read or even as a palate cleanser between heavier books. For me, it just wasn’t the right fit, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to give it a try.