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, Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published 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

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas]

Dawn Smith, a vet tech from rural South Carolina, finds herself in a tough spot when she discovers her boyfriend has been lying to her. After realizing she can’t trust him anymore, she decides to end their summer fling, but she’s never really thought about how to do it without causing a scene. As she rehearses her breakup speech, she hopes to keep things calm and avoid any drama.

Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend doesn’t take the breakup well. Instead of moving on, he starts stalking and harassing her, which leads Dawn to seek a restraining order for her safety. This situation spirals further out of control when she loses custody of her mother, a consequence of the chaos brought on by her ex’s obsessive behavior. It’s a whole new level of stress that she never anticipated.

Honestly, it’s surprising how Dawn manages to keep it together through all of this. I get it, Dawn definitely had her moments where she lost her cool. Honestly, if I were in her shoes, I would have been out for BLOOD



I went into the book expecting a typical stalker story, but it turned out to be so much more. It opened my eyes to the darker side of elder abuse and the systemic issues that come with it, making it a much more complex and gripping read than I initially thought.


So, just keep in mind that this isn't just theory; it's something people experience regularly. I realized this even more when I was reading the author’s acknowledgment so I’m going to copy and paste what was at the end of the book…….
Dawn Hillyer, victim turned advocate, for inspiring my fictional story with your own true ordeal. You are proof that strong women not only survive but thrive.


somehow This author has skillfully turned a tough and emotional real-life tale into a thrilling psychological drama that's both sad and totally unputdownable.

Big thanks to my friend for pointing me towards this book!

[L A]

"A psychological thriller inspired by real events that 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."
Dawn Smith works at a vet office in South Carolina. She helps take care of her mother who lives next door. She meets a guy who appears to be okay until she realizes he is a liar. When she tries to end the relationship, he begins to stalk and harass her. When Dawn gets a restraining order against him, it
becomes intense. At this point, I could not put it down. The way Nick manipulates the system and makes insinuations about her caring for her mother. Then she finds herself losing the battle against an unfair justice system and giving conservatorship to a stranger because of Nick's lies.
This psychological thriller is inspired by real events which will stay on my mind for a while. The probate system was quick to make judgments and rule against the truth.
There is so much I can't say here, but this should inspire you to read it and pray this never happens to you or your family members. When you think it can’t get worse, it does. I became so angry at the court proceedings.
Thank you NetGalley and Mitchell Cove Publishing, LLC for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Dutchie]

This book proves that it’s not just fictional monsters that can be scary. True life monsters can be even scarier.

Dawn is a vet tech currently caring for her aging mother. She hasn’t had much luck with dating as she’s quick to sniff out red flags. Her most recent breakup doesn’t end well and spirals into stalking and harassing, eventually impacting her mother. How deep the manipulation goes is devastating.

The lengths this man would go to, along with the added storyline of the impact to Dawn’s mother, were terrifying. And the fact that it’s based off a true story makes it even worse.

I read this in literally one day. Did nothing else. If you give this one a go, be prepared to not be able to put it down.

As an aside. We do see a lot of Dawn’s job as a vet tech. And as one can imagine, it’s not just playing with the fur-babies all day. She addresses medical issues along with euthanasia, so be advised. It’s been three years since I’ve had to go through this with my 17-year-old pup, and it broke my heart all over again.💔

[Jenni]

The mood I brought into this read was the same one I get when I’m reorganising my wardrobe and suddenly find a shoe I thought I lost in 2019 — startled, suspicious, and instantly ready for drama.

Dawn Smith is a vet tech in rural South Carolina, and babe… she is DONE. Done with lies, done with manipulation, done with her boyfriend’s nonsense. She catches him out, ends the relationship, and thinks that’s the end of it.

Except he doesn’t leave.
He doesn’t stop.
He doesn’t back off.

He starts stalking her — the kind of obsessive, escalating behaviour that makes your stomach drop. Dawn tries to protect herself, gets a restraining order, does everything right… but this man is determined to make her life hell.

And then he goes nuclear.
He sues for guardianship and conservatorship of Dawn’s infirm mother.
Babe, I nearly threw my imaginary wine glass.

He manipulates evidence he planted while they were dating.
He twists the truth in court.
He weaponises the legal system like it’s a personal revenge toolkit.

And Dawn?
She’s fighting for her safety, her sanity, and her mother’s future — all while trying not to crumble under the weight of his cruelty.

The tension in this book is suffocating in the best thriller way — every chapter feels like you’re leaning forward, whispering, “Babe… how is he getting away with this?” The psychological manipulation is chilling, the legal battle is infuriating, and Dawn’s resilience is the kind that makes you want to stand up and clap.

Her choices get harder.
Her options get smaller.
Her ex gets more dangerous.

And then comes the impossible ultimatum:
rekindle the relationship or lose her mother forever.

Girl.
I felt that in my bones.

Liz Lazarus writes this with razor‑sharp tension — emotional, legal, psychological — and Dawn’s journey is equal parts heartbreaking and triumphant. You’re rooting for her like she’s your bestie who refuses to let a monster win.

A 4.5‑star psychological thriller — gripping, infuriating, emotional, and absolutely soaked in “BABE, THIS MAN IS UNHINGED” energy.

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish)]

I received a copy of this book for free from the author and publisher for promotional purposes.

This was a very suspenseful thriller!

The story is a stalker thriller so it is super intense and grips your attention. Once I got into the story, I had a hard time putting it down.

The story also explores elder abuse and guardianship/conservatorship. I found those parts to be very insightful and enlightening (especially the legal aspects). Going into the book, I didn’t know a lot about it, but I learned a ton. I’m glad this book shined a light on conservatorship and the impact it can have on families.

Dawn was a great main character. She was well developed and I really felt for what she was going through and was rooting for her the entire book.

The book was well written and structured. I loved the short chapters. It made the story fly by and kept the pacing fast and even.

My one (small) critique is that I would have liked a little more twists, especially towards the end. This is more of a personal preference since I like my thrillers extra-twisty.

Overall, I enjoyed this fast paced and heart pounding thriller. If you love thrillers that keep you at the edge of your seat, you’ll like this one!

[Christina C]

*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!

[Kimberly]

Liz Lazarus’s Dawn Before Darkness made me want to scream at the legal system, hug the main character, and throw this book across the room—all at the same time—and honestly? That emotional chaos is exactly why I couldn’t stop reading. Thank you so much to Liz Lazarus, Sabrina Dax PR and Literary Media Tours for the gifted copy because this story absolutely wrecked my peace in the best way.

This isn’t your typical “girl leaves bad boyfriend and things get spooky” situation—no, this is the kind of story that crawls under your skin because it feels too real. We follow Dawn, a hardworking vet tech just trying to live a quiet life and take care of her mom, Marie, when her ex decides “moving on” is not on his agenda. What unfolds isn’t just stalking—it’s psychological warfare wrapped in paperwork, manipulation, and a system that keeps failing her at every turn.

And let’s talk about Nick for a second… because WOW. Vile. Calculated. The kind of villain that doesn’t need to raise his voice to ruin your life—he just files the right motion and watches everything burn. Meanwhile, Dawn? She’s frustrating in that painfully human way—making choices you want to yell at, but also completely understandable when fear, love, and desperation are all tangled together. Her relationship with her mom adds this emotional weight that hits hard. Every decision feels impossible because the stakes aren’t just hers—they’re her mother’s freedom, dignity, everything.

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

That line? Yeah. Screenshot it. Sit with it. Because that’s the heartbeat of this book.

This was a full-body reading experience for me—rage, anxiety, disbelief, and that relentless need to keep flipping pages even when it hurt. It’s not “fun” in the traditional thriller sense… it’s heavier, sharper, and way more unsettling. But if you’re someone who loves character-driven suspense, legal drama that makes your blood boil, and stories that feel ripped straight from real life? This is absolutely your lane.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

By the end, I felt drained but weirdly satisfied—like justice didn’t come easy, but it meant something when it finally did. And honestly, that payoff? Worth every frustrating, heart-pounding page.

So tell me… could you handle a story where the villain doesn’t chase you—but traps you legally instead?

#DawnBeforeDarkness #LizLazarus #PsychologicalThriller #LegalThriller #WomenFiction #ThrillerReads #Bookstagram #ARCReview #SuspenseReads #DomesticThriller #BasedOnTrueEvents #BookReview #MustReadB

[cursedb]

I guess I’m in the minority with this one because I really didn’t understand all the hype. The biggest problem for me was that the writing didn’t match the potential of the story. The plot itself was captivating and easy to get through, but the language was so simple, the descriptions so limited, and the dialogue so basic that the whole thing sometimes felt like watching a cheesy, predictable popcorn movie rather than reading a psychological thriller. I think this story could have been much more effective with stronger characterization and a more sophisticated writing style. There were so many moments where I could see the potential for genuine psychological tension, but the writing didn’t give those moments enough depth. Instead, everything felt very straightforward, and at times almost childish. I was also incredibly frustrated by how careless the main character could be. I understand that her decisions were necessary for the plot to happen, but that doesn’t mean I found them convincing or enjoyable to read. In a thriller, especially one involving stalking and psychological manipulation, I want to feel that tension and understand why the characters behave the way they do. Here, I often found myself annoyed rather than anxious. So while I can’t deny that the plot was entertaining and kept me reading, I think it could have been written in a much stronger way. For me, the story had the potential to be a genuinely gripping psychological thriller, but the simplistic writing and frustrating character choices kept it from getting there.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff)]

I haven’t read a stalker thriller in some time, but whew! This one had me biting my nails. If you love that adrenaline rush you get from a psychological thriller, this one is for you.

Dawn thinks she has found a better guy than the one she had been dating, but she moves a bit too fast. Soon, she wants to end things, but he won’t take no for an answer, and it becomes a nightmare. He not only stalks her but also comes after her homebound mother. The problem is, he plans, plots, and twists things to make everything look like it’s all in Dawn’s head or that she is at fault.

I was so tense reading this, even feeling the rage building. It’s full of manipulation, gaslighting, illegal entries, and our justice system falling down on the job. I did love Yellow Dog, the stray dog, and Dawn’s very supportive bosses.

Be ready to get angry and root for Dawn! The suspense is real!


Thank you, @sabrina_dax_pr and @authorlizlazarus, for the gifted book and the goodies.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm)]

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.

[Stephanie]

Meh this was…fine. The pacing was really weird and I really disliked the use of “little did she know what would happen next” and “she had no idea what was coming, etc. 2.5 stars

[Amber]

Dawn Smith is a veterinary technician, who cares for her aging mother, Marie. Dawn meets Nick, and they begin a relationship. When Dawn breaks off the relationship, Nick begins stalking her. Things escalate quickly from there.

This book illustrates the importance of really knowing who you are involved with, instead of blindly trusting those around you.

Part of this fictional story is based on true events that happened to the author’s mother. It brings to light some of the flaws in the justice system, in regard to elder care.

This was a fast paced story, with short chapters. I listened to the audio version that is narrated by Jill Smith. She did a wonderful job bringing the story to life.

Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook. All opinions are my own.

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme)]

People have been raving about this book all over Booksta and they’re not exaggerating! I started this yesterday and finished today. This book is so suspenseful and full of tension that I was literally grinding my teeth while reading it. The anxiety I felt was palpable! I could feel Dawn’s helplessness and loss of control and it made me so uncomfortable and mad. The story is so well written that it was easy to completely immerse myself and find pieces of myself and my own experiences in Dawn’s story so I had a personal investment in her character.

If you loved Adrift by Will Dean then you’ll love this book! It gave me the same feelings of pure hatred toward a very unlikable character with such a satisfying ending! It also features an animal hero ❤️❤️

[Mostly Bookish Mel]

4.5 / 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

A chilling, unputdownable thriller that will keep you glued to the page!

I received Dawn Before Darkness by Liz Lazarus in a book box a few months ago and finally packed it for my beach trip to Aruba—and let me tell you, it was the ultimate page-turner! I got so completely hooked from page one that I finished the entire book in a single day.

The story follows Dawn Smith, a vet tech in rural South Carolina who seems to have a great life surrounded by family and community, but when it comes to love, she is practically doomed. After catching her boyfriend in a web of lies, she abruptly breaks things off.

Instead of accepting it, he turns into a complete nightmare stalking and harassing her until he launches a terrifyingly personal legal attack, suing for guardianship/conservatorship of her infirm mother using planted evidence. Dawn is left facing an agonizing ultimatum: get back together with him or lose her mother forever.

What made this book stand out to me was how masterfully Liz Lazarus weaves in real-world truths about how easily the legal system can be manipulated, the dark dynamics of abusive/toxic relationships, and the ongoing fight for women's rights.

It delivers such a compelling and eye opening message about being extremely careful about who you let into your life.
Fast paced, suspenseful, and deeply thought-provoking!

Reading about all this relationship drama definitely made me extra grateful I read this while away to celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary. Highly recommend if you're looking for a gripping suspense novel you can devour in one sitting!

[Janet]

Suspenseful and riveting! This was a page-turner for me. I love psychological thrillers and this was amazing.

[Louis (audiobookfanatic)]

4.5⭐️

BLURB:
Dawn Smith, a vet tech in rural South Carolina, breaks up with her lying boyfriend and becomes the target of his relentless stalking. When he escalates things with a shocking conservatorship battle over her mother, Marie, Dawn must fight to protect them both.

REVIEW:
If you haven’t read Liz Lazarus before like me, this book will impress you! It’s a fast-paced (stalker) psychological thriller inspired by real events that’s gripping from the start. It’s not a typical “over the top” stalker thriller, as the story has realistic (and scary) representations of conservatorship abuse, and the ways a manipulator can weaponize the legal system against someone. I was completely invested in Dawn’s fight against her obsessive/psycho ex-boyfriend and a system that fails to protect her. And for you trope lovers, there’s an abundance—master manipulator villain, strong female protagonist, discredited victim, evidence manipulation, courtroom drama, bureaucratic nightmare, and more!

Told from Dawn’s third-person POV, you get to witness all her emotions, terror, and frustration—and I was very invested! She’s a very compassionate protagonist, evident in her work as a vet tech and devotion to her mother, Marie. At the start, she’s trying to move on from boyfriend Stuart when she meets Nick, who seems so thoughtful and charming. I was frustrated with some of her impulsive choices and ignoring of red flags, but they definitely made her feel human. Nick becomes increasingly unlikable, and you (like me) may have strong reactions to his actions. The story is very well structured, and his seeds of manipulation are carefully planted long before you fully realize what he has planned for Dawn—so buckle your seatbelts for a wild ride!

The conservatorship battle involving Marie is compelling, especially knowing that parts of the story were inspired by real events. The courtroom scenes are full of drama and tension, and they feel scarily realistic. I found myself getting angry alongside Dawn as she encounters loopholes and evidence manipulation that allow Nick to maintain power over her. I loved her workplace colleagues at the veterinary clinic, who play key roles throughout the story and support Dawn when needed—definitely a found-family vibe, but still very realistic!

With very short chapters, strong momentum throughout, and just under 300 pages, you can easily finish this in a day. The climax is thrilling, and the aftermath is suspenseful and satisfying, delivering much-needed karmic justice that will have you cheering! Afterward, I was still thinking about the book’s themes of conservatorship abuse, restraining orders, and failures within the legal system—and these topics make this one great for a buddy read or a book club!

[Jaclynn]

This book held my attention from start to finish! It was fast-paced, suspenseful, and had my anxiety through the roof. I felt so many different emotions while reading this one, and I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons]

Picked this up thinking it would be a suspense story, but it pulled me in far more than expected. The main character is a tech vet in rural South Carolina, working constantly while trying to keep her private life from falling apart. There’s something about how much she carries on her own that made it easy to care about her from the start.

The man she meets comes in as charming, easy to be around, and hard to ignore. The connection builds in a way that feels natural at first, which is exactly why the shift later hits harder. Nothing feels rushed or forced, it just slowly changes while she’s still inside it.

There were moments that created real frustration, not with the writing, but with what was happening to her. Being so involved in her situation made every bad turn hit harder, especially when trust starts going in the wrong direction. It wasn’t just observing things from a distance — it felt like I was reacting to it with her.

Reading didn’t slow down at any point because there was always something pulling things forward. Even when parts got tense or uncomfortable, there wasn’t really space to disconnect from it, because everything kept building in a way that demanded attention.

Moved through everything with her until the very end, reacting to every turn in her situation and wanting things to go differently for her more than once. It pulled so much attention that stepping away never really felt possible, because there was always that need to see how far things would go and how it would all land for her.

[Jody Blanchette]

The book shook me. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Everything just keeps going from bad to worse and I needed to see what happened next!! I felt all the emotions while reading. The main feeling though, was anger!!!!!!!
Dawn meets a guy who seems great, turns out he is a liar and a horrible person. We have all read this story before, right? WRONG! Dawn is put through the most unreal after breakup torment. The a$$hole gets her in her most vulnerable spot, her mother. Without getting into details and spoiling the story, I have to tell you this book goes through it all. The kicker is, most of it is based on real events! I kept asking myself how the hell could this have really happened??!!
Read it to believe it.

[Trina 🖤]

I was lucky enough to also receive an audiobook code to listen to this book. I literally devoured it in one sitting, it was that good! {And severely terrifying.} My emotions were all over the place throughout. And yes, I may have shed a tear {pets are so precious!} My paranoia amped up in full force, shock, anger & disbelief lead to an uncountable amount of jaw drops & audible outbursts. But the ending was the icing on the cake!! Perfectly twisted & twisty with the true horror of reality thrown in for good measure. And the narrator was the perfect pick!! Definitely recommend!!!

[Jessica Bookbestiejessie]

SOOOOOOO FRUSTRATING!!!

There were scenes that literally made me be like “you’ve gotttttt to be kidding me!” This is probably the most frustrated I’ve been while reading in a while. The MMC is the absolute worst and I hate him with every fiber of my being… I felt so bad for the FMC she was always trying to do such a great job at work and with her mother but she had a rough time with this one… the ending was very needed and worked perfectly.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡]

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.

[Kayda Noelle]

Man, I thought this was going to be a classic stalker story, with all the predictable scenarios (which to be honest, I always enjoy) but I was so wrong. This had me fuming! I feel like I learned so much about different laws and procedures regarding these types of instances, because I had no idea half of this stuff could even be allowed. Nick was absolutely unhinged, and quite frankly a master at what all he was able to accomplish in such a short time. I really felt for Dawn, and could see how her reactions to her life unraveling were realistic. Really a jaw dropping read as far as plot goes. The writing style was a little different than I’m used to, in that it was very blunt and to the point…but I adjusted quickly as the story picked up.
A special thanks to Liz and her team for reaching out and sending me a copy of this one 👏🏼

[Chelsea]

ARC provided by NetGalley

4/5⭐️
WOW. I was expecting a thriller but this was DARK. And not in a whodunnit twisty mystery type of way, but dark because women live with this fear every single day. The tension in this book was so palpable it could be cut with a knife, and it was impossible to set down until I had finished it. The ending was so satisfying. Karma really does always win.

[Laverne]

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

4.75 stars!

I really enjoyed this book. It deals with messy relationships and how to handle a person who is out to make your life miserable.

I was on the edge of my seat reading this one and actually felt all the emotions the character was feeling. Anger, joy, frustration, all off it. I kept coming back as I was eager to see where the story was going.
I didn't give it a full 5 stars as I figured out early on who the driver was (IYKYK), but loved the writing, the suspense and the storyline.
I will definitely be looking into reading some other books by this author, as this is my first read by her.

[Bookish_Aly_Cat]

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.

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales]

★★★★

Dawn Smith has just ended a relationship when she meets the mysterious Nick. Caring, funny, and attentive, he seems genuinely interested in Dawn. The two grow increasingly close and Nick even meets Dawn’s mother, Marie.

But then Dawn catches him in a lie.

As she begins to unravel the truth, she discovers a much larger web of deception, one that ultimately leads her to end the relationship. But Nick is not so easily shaken. He begins stalking and terrorizing Dawn, escalating his behavior to the point of seeking guardianship and conservatorship of her mother. Dawn is left facing an impossible choice: rekindle the relationship or risk losing her mother forever.

Because this story is based on real events, I want to be particularly mindful of how I discuss Dawn’s choices. If her characterization reflects how the author actually responded to these circumstances, I certainly do not want to criticize or blame her for how she reacted in real life. My comments are about my experience of Dawn as a character and how her characterization affected my reading experience.

Dawn, our FMC, is clearly caring and empathetic, particularly in her work as a vet tech and in her love for animals. However, in her personal relationships, she often came across to me as naive, impulsive, and immature. This made it difficult for me to connect with her as a character, and I sometimes struggled to understand her decisions, particularly as the story progressed. At the same time, I recognize that some of these choices were necessary to allow the story to unfold as it did.

The events surrounding the care home were absolutely horrific. What Dawn uncovered was deeply disturbing, and the ordeal she endured was heartbreaking to read about. It is difficult to imagine anyone having to experience something like this, whether as a patient or as the loved one of someone in a care facility.

And then there is Yellow! The very best and bravest boy, and unquestionably the ultimate K9 hero! He was such a bright spot in an otherwise incredibly distressing story.

I was also glad that the story ultimately gave us at least a little bit of a happy ending, along with a strong reminder of just how powerful community can be when people come together to support someone in need.

Overall, this was a difficult and at times frustrating read, but also a compelling one because of the real-life events behind it. While I struggled to connect with Dawn as a character, the story itself kept me invested, and the experiences she endured were both disturbing and thought-provoking.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy true-crime-inspired stories involving stalking, manipulation, and the abuse of legal and care systems, particularly those who appreciate a story that ultimately highlights resilience, community, and hope.

Thank you to Liz Lazarus for the gifted copy. I had the pleasure of listening to Dawn Before Darkness on Spotify, and Jill Smith did a wonderful job bringing the story to life, with varied tones and distinct voices that made for an engaging listening experience. All opinions are my own.

[Shivi]

Whew, this book enraged me - but like in a good way 🫠

I think the MMC has to be this best written villain I've read in a long time because I HATED this character. He was soo infuriating, coupled with a frustrating legal system - i almost flung this book several times. This book is really eye opening and was a really good palate cleanser.

It's scarier than any horror I've read because this can happen.. i don't believe one may be able to get away with so much as in the book but men like that - even women, exist. So the reality of it all is quite unnerving.

Would recommend !

[Michelle Henley]

Dawn Smith is the local vet tech who gets caught up in a whirlwind, quick relationship with Nick, the handsome bank executive at the local bank. A rebound relationship with Nick has Dawn thinking she has lucked up. But when she begins to see inconsistencies in Nick's stories she decides to put the relationship on hold just as abruptly as the relationship began. What Dawn doesn't realize is that she is dealing with the ultimate psychopath who's mission is to destroy Dawn and everyone and everything she holds dear. Nick launches the ultimate attack of stalking that shakes Dawn's foundation to its very core.

Dawn After Darkness is a thriller filled with beyrayal, ruthless psychopathic behavior, stalking and how the legal system can be flipped upside down and inside out solely based on lies.

[Claudete Takahashi]

Dawn sees her life shattered to pieces after she breaks up a relationship which in the beginning seemed ideal and as it progressed it was obsessive and suffocating. What she could not foresee was the consequences of that break up and the behavior of her ex boyfriend. He becomes a stalker and will try to get his revenge involving her mother. Everything she tries is denied by the legal system until a bigger criminal ring involving older people with means is discovered and brought to justice. It's horrifying to think that this story could happen in real life.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.