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Detective Jack Murphy #5
The Darkest Night
When his partner is framed for murder, an Indiana detective is drawn into Louisiana’s criminal underworld in this “authentic and scary” crime series (Nelson DeMille on The Cruelest Cut). Jack Murphy knows a setup when he sees one. Proving it makes his day. Especially when it involves his own partner. Lured into a trap, Evansville PD Liddell “Bigfoot” Blanchard is accused of murdering a cop who was investigating a shadowy voodoo cult. Now Jack is out to dispel the deception and put the real killer behind bars. Justice is murky enough in the swamplands of Louisiana, but when a purported descendent of Marie Leveaux menaces a murder investigation, the gumbo really hits the fan. Corruption comes with the territory. But there are darker forces at play—and only Murphy can see the light . . .
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2017
94 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Rick Reed
13 books228 followersMy writing career began in 2004 with the true crime book, BLOOD TRAIL. In 2009 I began writing fiction. Police thrillers based somewhat on my experiences as a Detective in the Homicide/Violent Crime Unit.
As of February 2020 there are nine thriller novels in the Detective Jack Murphy series published by Kensington Publishing.
My books have been translated and/or sold in many countries and can be obtained as eBook, paperback, and audio books.
Check out my website:
www.rickreedbooks.com
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickreedbooks/
Watch for upcoming releases, contests, and chats.
As of February 2020 there are nine thriller novels in the Detective Jack Murphy series published by Kensington Publishing.
My books have been translated and/or sold in many countries and can be obtained as eBook, paperback, and audio books.
Check out my website:
www.rickreedbooks.com
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickreedbooks/
Watch for upcoming releases, contests, and chats.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 28, 2018
Detective Jack Murphy returns in this exciting adventure. His partner, Detective Liddell Blanchard is accused of murdering a cop who was investigating a voodoo cult.
Murphy knows his partner well, and there's no way he is guilty of the accusations made against him. The hard part is proving it.
The suspense is well-paced and action packed. Just when you take a deep breath, there's another twist that gets thrown at you. The relationship of the two detectives are fun to follow ... they each have the other's back.
I liked the introduction of voodoo, as well as corruption, in the swamplands of Louisiana. For those readers who haven't visited that part of the country, if you get the chance, visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. The author has done a fine job of research .. the story comes across as very credible.
Although this is 5th in a series, it is easily read as a stand alone. As usual, I always recommend starting at the beginning of a series. Rick Reed is definitely an author worth following.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books - Lyrical Underground / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 15, 2017
To tell the truth, I didn't know that The Darkest Night was already the book#5 in the Jack Murphy series, otherwise I wouldn't have probably requested it. To step into the story in the midst of the series could be risky. But I'm glad I did it. And I can assure you:
You can read it, without any concerns, as a stand alone.
Rick Reed is a new for me author, and I was positively surprised not only to discover a new interesting mystery series, but also to find out a new mystery writer with a such impressive career .
Be sure, he knows the subject he writes about not ONLY from research.
If you like well-written dialogues, cool detectives with an irresistible appeal and a great sense of humor, corrupt cops and a messy investigation with ever surprising twists and turns, a hint of voodoo and an ending you won’t see coming, this is the book for you.
I enjoyed it a lot. Maybe not a literary masterpiece, but a thrilling mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat up to the very end.
**Copy provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
June 4, 2017
This thriller - the fifth book in the Jack Murphy series - hits the ground running from page one and keeps a steady pace throughout.
Add a Louisiana setting, a bit of voodoo mysticism, some cops who may or may not be crooked, a whole lot of things that aren't what they appear to be, and you've got The Darkest Night by Rick Reed.
Full of action and plot twists the book is a good read although I thought it was lacking in both a sense of "realism" and a feeling of true "impending danger". I enjoyed the book but I never really found myself caught up in it to the point that I couldn't put it down. There were several major twists that I never saw coming (so much so that it takes on an almost farcical tone at one point - that could have been intentional, a sort of tongue-in-cheek wink from the author, as there are several humorous moments sprinkled throughout).
This is my first experience with the Jack Murphy series and, to the best of my knowledge, my first outing with author Rick Reed. I am happy to say the book works well as a stand alone (it's a major peeve of mine when a book is represented as a stand alone and really isn't) and the author has a very accessible writing style that allows the story to flow at a good pace.
I give this book a rating of 3 and 1/2 stars. There are adult situations, violence, rough language and the like - this is a book for adults.
While I enjoyed the book I can't say that I will be seeking out more in the series, this has more to do with my out of control TBR list than any ill feeling about the author or the series.
***Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title
Add a Louisiana setting, a bit of voodoo mysticism, some cops who may or may not be crooked, a whole lot of things that aren't what they appear to be, and you've got The Darkest Night by Rick Reed.
Full of action and plot twists the book is a good read although I thought it was lacking in both a sense of "realism" and a feeling of true "impending danger". I enjoyed the book but I never really found myself caught up in it to the point that I couldn't put it down. There were several major twists that I never saw coming (so much so that it takes on an almost farcical tone at one point - that could have been intentional, a sort of tongue-in-cheek wink from the author, as there are several humorous moments sprinkled throughout).
This is my first experience with the Jack Murphy series and, to the best of my knowledge, my first outing with author Rick Reed. I am happy to say the book works well as a stand alone (it's a major peeve of mine when a book is represented as a stand alone and really isn't) and the author has a very accessible writing style that allows the story to flow at a good pace.
I give this book a rating of 3 and 1/2 stars. There are adult situations, violence, rough language and the like - this is a book for adults.
While I enjoyed the book I can't say that I will be seeking out more in the series, this has more to do with my out of control TBR list than any ill feeling about the author or the series.
***Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title
March 28, 2017
The Darkest Night by Rick Reed.
Jack Murphy knows a setup when he sees one. Proving it makes his day. Especially when it involves his own partner. Lured into a trap, Evansville P.D. Detective Liddell Blanchard is accused of murdering a cop who was investigating a shadowy voodoo cult. Justice is murky enough in the swamplands of Louisiana, but when a purported descendent of Marie Leveaux menaces a murder investigation, the gumbo really hits the fan. Corruption comes with the territory. But there are darker forces at play—and only Murphy can see the light . . .
An absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. Didn’t realise this was book 5. It was still a fantastic read. I liked Liddell and Jack. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series and I will be looking at the first one too. 5*. Highly recommended. Thanks netgalley and Kensington books.
Jack Murphy knows a setup when he sees one. Proving it makes his day. Especially when it involves his own partner. Lured into a trap, Evansville P.D. Detective Liddell Blanchard is accused of murdering a cop who was investigating a shadowy voodoo cult. Justice is murky enough in the swamplands of Louisiana, but when a purported descendent of Marie Leveaux menaces a murder investigation, the gumbo really hits the fan. Corruption comes with the territory. But there are darker forces at play—and only Murphy can see the light . . .
An absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. Didn’t realise this was book 5. It was still a fantastic read. I liked Liddell and Jack. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series and I will be looking at the first one too. 5*. Highly recommended. Thanks netgalley and Kensington books.
February 27, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy of The Darkest Night, the fifth novel to feature Indiana police detectives Jack Murphy and Liddell Blanchard.
Liddell gets a call from his ex partner, Bitty, asking to come to Plaquemines, Louisiana to help her. When he gets there he discovers his 14 year old niece is missing and then Bitty's dead body. When he is promptly arrested for murder Jack rides into to town to rescue him and find both Evie and Bitty's killer. As the body count rises they don't know who to trust.
I have read all the novels in this series and enjoyed them all. In comparison The Darkest Night is a bit subdued but is still a good read. The plot isn't particularly complicated as the reader gets two points of view, that of the police and that of Evie's captors so the tension and mystery come from trying to work out which officers are corrupt. I got some of it right but not all of it and there are a few surprises along the way.
Most of my enjoyment in these novels, apart from the high octane action, comes from the badinage between Jack and Liddell which is natural, realistic and funny. I was looking forward to more of the same with the added bonus of Liddell's brother Landry in The Darkest Night but as I said it's a little subdued. There are still some great one liners but not so much sustained banter, perhaps due to the circumstances they find themselves in.
The Darkest Night is a good read which held my interest throughout. I found the corruption angle fascinating as I tried to work out the whos and whys but I took too much at face value so congratulations to Mr Reed for obfuscation. I have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending it.
Liddell gets a call from his ex partner, Bitty, asking to come to Plaquemines, Louisiana to help her. When he gets there he discovers his 14 year old niece is missing and then Bitty's dead body. When he is promptly arrested for murder Jack rides into to town to rescue him and find both Evie and Bitty's killer. As the body count rises they don't know who to trust.
I have read all the novels in this series and enjoyed them all. In comparison The Darkest Night is a bit subdued but is still a good read. The plot isn't particularly complicated as the reader gets two points of view, that of the police and that of Evie's captors so the tension and mystery come from trying to work out which officers are corrupt. I got some of it right but not all of it and there are a few surprises along the way.
Most of my enjoyment in these novels, apart from the high octane action, comes from the badinage between Jack and Liddell which is natural, realistic and funny. I was looking forward to more of the same with the added bonus of Liddell's brother Landry in The Darkest Night but as I said it's a little subdued. There are still some great one liners but not so much sustained banter, perhaps due to the circumstances they find themselves in.
The Darkest Night is a good read which held my interest throughout. I found the corruption angle fascinating as I tried to work out the whos and whys but I took too much at face value so congratulations to Mr Reed for obfuscation. I have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending it.
February 16, 2018
Lyrical Underground and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Darkest Night. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
When his partner, Detective Liddell Blanchard, is accused of murdering a cop, Detective Jack Murphy must do what he can to expose the real killer. With the Louisiana bayou and voodoo magic lending a spooky backdrop to the novel, The Darkest Night has a change of scenery to help refresh the series. I have found the more recent offerings to be repetitive, with a certain formula that readers cannot help but recognize from book to book. Jack is not well liked by some, but it cannot be ignored that he gets the job done. His personal life always makes a showing, with the end result being Jack putting his foot in his mouth once again. Regardless, as the series has gone on, it would be difficult for the author to separate Jack's personal life from his professional one. So much of what makes Jack tick has to do with his loved ones and his reaction to the situations to which they find themselves involved.
To readers who are not familiar with the Detective Jack Murphy series of books: I would recommend starting from the beginning, in order to gain the full picture of this well developed character. For ongoing readers of the series, do not expect any revelations here. The Darkest Night is like a well worn pair of shoes - you can find comfort in knowing exactly what you are going to get when you put them on.
When his partner, Detective Liddell Blanchard, is accused of murdering a cop, Detective Jack Murphy must do what he can to expose the real killer. With the Louisiana bayou and voodoo magic lending a spooky backdrop to the novel, The Darkest Night has a change of scenery to help refresh the series. I have found the more recent offerings to be repetitive, with a certain formula that readers cannot help but recognize from book to book. Jack is not well liked by some, but it cannot be ignored that he gets the job done. His personal life always makes a showing, with the end result being Jack putting his foot in his mouth once again. Regardless, as the series has gone on, it would be difficult for the author to separate Jack's personal life from his professional one. So much of what makes Jack tick has to do with his loved ones and his reaction to the situations to which they find themselves involved.
To readers who are not familiar with the Detective Jack Murphy series of books: I would recommend starting from the beginning, in order to gain the full picture of this well developed character. For ongoing readers of the series, do not expect any revelations here. The Darkest Night is like a well worn pair of shoes - you can find comfort in knowing exactly what you are going to get when you put them on.
June 8, 2017
Mr Reed offers us another Jack Murphy. Frankly I think most cops wouldn't want to be Jack Murphy, he sure gets among some pretty bad stuff.
This book is more of the usual. It's reliable in that all the right actions and right terms are used; Mr Reed, being an ex cop, knows all that stuff. In some ways it's almost too genuine because since he knows what's crap and what's real life, he can't allow himself to err on the side of the fantastic, as more ignorant writers might.
Consequently it gets a bit too humdrum at times. I'm not sure that a writer should succumb to the easier path of a long series like this. It's probably fresher to write stories about new characters, with different outlooks and capabilities.
But who am I to criticise somebody's career? Actually I admire anybody that can successfully write something and actually get it published.
This book is more of the usual. It's reliable in that all the right actions and right terms are used; Mr Reed, being an ex cop, knows all that stuff. In some ways it's almost too genuine because since he knows what's crap and what's real life, he can't allow himself to err on the side of the fantastic, as more ignorant writers might.
Consequently it gets a bit too humdrum at times. I'm not sure that a writer should succumb to the easier path of a long series like this. It's probably fresher to write stories about new characters, with different outlooks and capabilities.
But who am I to criticise somebody's career? Actually I admire anybody that can successfully write something and actually get it published.
April 14, 2024
Returning to his hometown to find his former partner's dead body, Bigfoot is arrested and his phone call is to Jack. Jack travels to help him and the two of them are unofficially on the case. More murders, corruption in both the sheriff's office & parish police have them scrambling on who to trust and what to do with evidence. Friends and foes are "helping" them while they also try to help Bigfoot's brother Landry, who's daughter is missing. Edge of your seat thrills, satisfying twists, good news on the home front, & superb partnership between Liddell & Jack as always. Looking forward to the next in series
April 9, 2019
Detective Buddy Story
This was another entry into the detective buddy story genre. Not a bad story, although like most of the genre you have to suspend disbelief when the guys escape from terrible situations. The story was entertaining, although the multiple characters early on sometimes made it hard to follow. Oh well, I wasn’t expecting Shakespeare
This was another entry into the detective buddy story genre. Not a bad story, although like most of the genre you have to suspend disbelief when the guys escape from terrible situations. The story was entertaining, although the multiple characters early on sometimes made it hard to follow. Oh well, I wasn’t expecting Shakespeare
July 15, 2018
This was a great book. There was one after another “WTF” moments from the start to the finish. This is the first book in this series I’ve read and it wasn’t a problem that this was the fifth book in the series. I couldn’t put my this book down.
October 20, 2021
This action-packed thriller is full of twists and turns. Reed presents the reader with complex, well-developed characters and devilish crimes. At times, I thought he dwelt too long on details that turned out to be unimportant, but overall, it’s a great read.
January 21, 2018
Excellent book 5 stars.
January 28, 2018
It was fast paced and I expected some but not all parts of the ending. I would give a 3.8 if I could.
April 11, 2018
Brilliant story full of surprises to the very end.The pacing is spot on. The characters are fascinating and who could not love Jack and Liddell.
August 30, 2018
I love this series, and its realism. Once again Rick Reed put me at the crime scene and into Jack Murphy's head. Sometimes it's a scary place to be. Can't wait for the next one.
October 31, 2018
Great read! I have enjoyed all the Jack Murphy books and enjoy the characters and the interactions between them too!
July 2, 2019
Love this series!
I can’t get enough from Jack Murphy and Liddell! I hope Rick Reed keeps writing this series because I am hooked!
I can’t get enough from Jack Murphy and Liddell! I hope Rick Reed keeps writing this series because I am hooked!
December 28, 2023
Funny how you can tell a book was written by a man even if you didn't know. This is pretty good, some voodoo involved which was different.
April 22, 2017
The Darkest Night is a terrific Crime thriller. I found the book to be exceptionally well written with a great plot and characters. I loved the setting of this book. This is a new to me author and I enjoyed his style of writing and will be reading more of the books in this series. I received an ARC from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
April 28, 2017
I received this arc from Netgalley.
Another entertaining book by Rick Reed. Lots of action that makes this a quick read. I loved the humorous parts also. Definitely recommended
Another entertaining book by Rick Reed. Lots of action that makes this a quick read. I loved the humorous parts also. Definitely recommended
April 28, 2017
Bad Ass Murphy strikes again
Highly intense thriller with strong believable, well constructed characters leaves this reader breathless and wanting more. The author writes with credible detail.
Highly intense thriller with strong believable, well constructed characters leaves this reader breathless and wanting more. The author writes with credible detail.
May 9, 2017
I absolutely love the Jack Murphy series. In this book, Liddell Blanchard, Jack's partner, gets in some trouble when he returns to Louisiana for a visit with family. Jack drops everything to come to his partners aid. In typical Jack fashion, he has his own unique way of conducting an investigation - to find out who murdered Liddell's old partner and to find Liddell's missing niece. A fantastic read!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews