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Into the Darkness
8 hours
The Missing…
In a hidden basement, eighteen-year-old Toni is held captive and no one can hear her screams. She’s been abducted after investigating unspeakable things in the darkest corners of the Internet.
The Vigilante…
Fearing the worst, Toni’s mother turns to ex-SAS operative Mitchell to help find her missing daughter. And when Mitchell discovers Toni’s fate rests in the hands of pure evil, he races against the clock to find Toni and bring her out alive. But even that might not be enough to save her.
The Detective…
DS Warren Carter is looking forward to a new job and a simpler life. But when he’s called in to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly normal couple, he becomes entangled in lives that are anything but simple. And as he digs deeper, he uncovers a crime more twisted than he could ever have imagined.
Into the Darkness is the chilling new thriller from the bestselling author of Duplicity and Beneath the Surface.
The Missing…
In a hidden basement, eighteen-year-old Toni is held captive and no one can hear her screams. She’s been abducted after investigating unspeakable things in the darkest corners of the Internet.
The Vigilante…
Fearing the worst, Toni’s mother turns to ex-SAS operative Mitchell to help find her missing daughter. And when Mitchell discovers Toni’s fate rests in the hands of pure evil, he races against the clock to find Toni and bring her out alive. But even that might not be enough to save her.
The Detective…
DS Warren Carter is looking forward to a new job and a simpler life. But when he’s called in to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly normal couple, he becomes entangled in lives that are anything but simple. And as he digs deeper, he uncovers a crime more twisted than he could ever have imagined.
Into the Darkness is the chilling new thriller from the bestselling author of Duplicity and Beneath the Surface.
MP3 CD
First published July 3, 2018
1492 people are currently reading
2653 people want to read
About the author
Sibel Hodge
53 books924 followersSibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, and Duplicity. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews’ prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains’ Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children’s Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl’s Books and Pals Young Adult Readers’ Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s International Digital Awards 2015, and 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel. Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges.
For Sibel’s latest book releases, giveaways and gossip, sign up to her newsletter at www.sibelhodge.com/contact-followme.php.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 335 reviews
June 18, 2018
Hello
Hello
Is there anyone out there reading my review?
Say “yes” if you did.
Why are you still sitting there! You need to order this book, seriously.
I am not kidding when I say that from the start of the very first page I was flicking over, over and over the pages, my eyes were reading, reading reading and I felt a hand on my back slowly urging me forward and forward to the unknown, to the depths of the horror in these pages.
My jaw was dropping.
It not only warmed up but kept me on fire right to the very end.
Am I raving too much about this book? YOU read it, judge for yourself.
I was on tenderhooks.
This is not only a fast moving thriller it’s a fast read despite how many pages there are because you are so glued to it that time goes into nothing, things around you can go on, you HAVE to finish this book.
It’s got crime.
Thriller.
The unknown dark web.
Nasty people.
Crime unimaginable.
Yet it’s a story screaming out to be heard.
I heard it.
Loud and clear.
This author made me feel sick, disgusted, entranced, wanting to get justice, empathy for certain characters, angry, wanting to spit ( or more) into many of the people’s faces.
At the end I was glad, yes, glad. I didn’t care! So there! Who cares what is right and wrong. I understood it.
I applauded.
I worried about certain people even after I closed the very last page.
This review may not make sense to you.
It will.....
Once you’ve read it THEN...
Only THEN come back and read my review again.
It will then open your eyes to things I cannot reveal.
Huge thanks to the author. Whose mind is amazing.
To Amazon publishing on Net Galley
Hello
Is there anyone out there reading my review?
Say “yes” if you did.
Why are you still sitting there! You need to order this book, seriously.
I am not kidding when I say that from the start of the very first page I was flicking over, over and over the pages, my eyes were reading, reading reading and I felt a hand on my back slowly urging me forward and forward to the unknown, to the depths of the horror in these pages.
My jaw was dropping.
It not only warmed up but kept me on fire right to the very end.
Am I raving too much about this book? YOU read it, judge for yourself.
I was on tenderhooks.
This is not only a fast moving thriller it’s a fast read despite how many pages there are because you are so glued to it that time goes into nothing, things around you can go on, you HAVE to finish this book.
It’s got crime.
Thriller.
The unknown dark web.
Nasty people.
Crime unimaginable.
Yet it’s a story screaming out to be heard.
I heard it.
Loud and clear.
This author made me feel sick, disgusted, entranced, wanting to get justice, empathy for certain characters, angry, wanting to spit ( or more) into many of the people’s faces.
At the end I was glad, yes, glad. I didn’t care! So there! Who cares what is right and wrong. I understood it.
I applauded.
I worried about certain people even after I closed the very last page.
This review may not make sense to you.
It will.....
Once you’ve read it THEN...
Only THEN come back and read my review again.
It will then open your eyes to things I cannot reveal.
Huge thanks to the author. Whose mind is amazing.
To Amazon publishing on Net Galley
September 30, 2018
4.5*
Evil lives.
Just a word of warning...this book is not for the feint of heart.
A seemingly innocent middle age couple is gunned down in their own home. No viable suspects, no conceivable reason for anyone to target this couple.
Into The Darkness....
18 year old Toni decides to strike out on her own, investigating unspeakable crimes she’s un-earthed on the internet. Dangerous work. Naive and totally unprepared, she’s quickly in over her head and oh yes, now missing.
Only weeks away from retirement, it’s up to DS Warren Carter and retired SAS agent Mitchell, to find Toni before it’s too late. Is there a possible connection between the two murders and Toni’s disappearance?
Sibel Hodge writes an absolutely terrifying thriller that will leave you chilled to the bone. And it left me with a lingering question: Can the evil described in this book truly exist in our society. I’m so sad to say it probably does.
If you’re braced and prepared to go into the darkness then this is a must read for you this year!
This was a buddy read with Susanne that we couldn’t help but read in just a couple of sittings.🌸
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Sibel Hodge for my advance copy to read and review.
Evil lives.
Just a word of warning...this book is not for the feint of heart.
A seemingly innocent middle age couple is gunned down in their own home. No viable suspects, no conceivable reason for anyone to target this couple.
Into The Darkness....
18 year old Toni decides to strike out on her own, investigating unspeakable crimes she’s un-earthed on the internet. Dangerous work. Naive and totally unprepared, she’s quickly in over her head and oh yes, now missing.
Only weeks away from retirement, it’s up to DS Warren Carter and retired SAS agent Mitchell, to find Toni before it’s too late. Is there a possible connection between the two murders and Toni’s disappearance?
Sibel Hodge writes an absolutely terrifying thriller that will leave you chilled to the bone. And it left me with a lingering question: Can the evil described in this book truly exist in our society. I’m so sad to say it probably does.
If you’re braced and prepared to go into the darkness then this is a must read for you this year!
This was a buddy read with Susanne that we couldn’t help but read in just a couple of sittings.🌸
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Sibel Hodge for my advance copy to read and review.
August 3, 2018
4.25 Stars* (rounded down)
A Heart Stopping Thriller!
A teenager named Toni goes missing without a trace. Her father’s best friend, Mitchell, a former SAS operative searches for her. What he finds is beyond anything he ever imagined: the dark web, young girls being taken and tortured and it’s all captured on video, and then well, you get the idea.
Meanwhile, DS Warren is detective who is called out to investigate the brutal murder of an elderly couple. There appears to be no rhyme or reason for their murder and yet, things are not as simple as they appear.
“Into the Darkness” by Sibel Hodge is a thrilling roller coaster of a ride. It’s a terrifying, action packed, well written suspense novel. My heart was in my throat for longer than I would have liked! The characters in this novel are apparently featured in other books by Sibel Hodge though I didn’t read them and thankfully don’t feel as though I missed out. This was my first book by Sibel Hodge but it won’t be my last. Finding this book was a great surprise. I hope others will take the chance on it the way I did.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Sibel Hodge for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads and Twitter on 8.3.18.
A Heart Stopping Thriller!
A teenager named Toni goes missing without a trace. Her father’s best friend, Mitchell, a former SAS operative searches for her. What he finds is beyond anything he ever imagined: the dark web, young girls being taken and tortured and it’s all captured on video, and then well, you get the idea.
Meanwhile, DS Warren is detective who is called out to investigate the brutal murder of an elderly couple. There appears to be no rhyme or reason for their murder and yet, things are not as simple as they appear.
“Into the Darkness” by Sibel Hodge is a thrilling roller coaster of a ride. It’s a terrifying, action packed, well written suspense novel. My heart was in my throat for longer than I would have liked! The characters in this novel are apparently featured in other books by Sibel Hodge though I didn’t read them and thankfully don’t feel as though I missed out. This was my first book by Sibel Hodge but it won’t be my last. Finding this book was a great surprise. I hope others will take the chance on it the way I did.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Sibel Hodge for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads and Twitter on 8.3.18.
July 15, 2018
Sibel Hodge writes a chilling, claustrophobic and terrifyingly dark thriller that exposes the horror that resides in the dark web. 18 year old Toni could have had little idea that her interest and foray into the murkiest side of the dark web would lead to her being abducted and held in a hidden basement. Her distraught mother turns to ex-SAS military man, Mitchell, to find her beloved Toni. He turns vigilante when he becomes aware of the danger that Toni faces. Close to retirement, DS Warren Carter investigates the seemingly random and brutal killing of a retired couple living in a remote area. The narrative is from multiple perspectives as the disparate threads connect, leading to an explosive finale.
With short chapters, this is an action packed and twisted story full of suspense and tension, and with humour and wit. It has characters that depict the worst of humanity as they prey on the vulnerable. I found this book compulsive and gripping reading, drawn into reading as fast as I could. Sibel Hodge certainly how to write thrillers that are difficult to put down! Many thanks to Amazon Publishing for an ARC.
With short chapters, this is an action packed and twisted story full of suspense and tension, and with humour and wit. It has characters that depict the worst of humanity as they prey on the vulnerable. I found this book compulsive and gripping reading, drawn into reading as fast as I could. Sibel Hodge certainly how to write thrillers that are difficult to put down! Many thanks to Amazon Publishing for an ARC.
July 3, 2018
INTO THE DARKNESS is the frightening new standalone crime thriller from the bestselling author of Duplicity and Beneath the Surface by Sibel Hodge. I have read all her books and with this new novel, she continues to deliver the high standard of writing that she is known for. Another winner, Sibel! I couldn’t put this book down.
The story is told by three people…the Missing, the Vigilante and the Homicide Detective. The chapters are short, and I was resolute in finding out what was going to happen to each character. The subject matter is dark as it involves the dangers of the dark web.
The Missing…
In a hidden basement, eighteen-year-old Toni is held captive and no one can hear her screams. She’s been abducted after investigating unspeakable things in the darkest corners of the Internet.
The Vigilante…
Fearing the worst, Toni’s mother turns to ex-SAS operative Mitchell to help find her missing daughter. And when Mitchell discovers Toni’s fate rests in the hands of pure evil, he races against the clock to find Toni and bring her out alive. But even that might not be enough to save her.
The Detective…
DS Warren Carter is looking forward to a new job and a simpler life. But when he’s called in to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly normal couple, he becomes entangled in lives that are anything but simple. And as he digs deeper, he uncovers a crime more twisted than he could ever have imagined.
Into the Darkness is a fast-paced novel with a tense plot and outstanding believable characters. The tension gradually builds until the end, which keeps the reader glued to their seat, to see what is coming next.
All I can say is this was a pleasure to read, and I encourage other crime thriller readers to check out this novel. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for my copy.
Published July 3, 2018
The story is told by three people…the Missing, the Vigilante and the Homicide Detective. The chapters are short, and I was resolute in finding out what was going to happen to each character. The subject matter is dark as it involves the dangers of the dark web.
The Missing…
In a hidden basement, eighteen-year-old Toni is held captive and no one can hear her screams. She’s been abducted after investigating unspeakable things in the darkest corners of the Internet.
The Vigilante…
Fearing the worst, Toni’s mother turns to ex-SAS operative Mitchell to help find her missing daughter. And when Mitchell discovers Toni’s fate rests in the hands of pure evil, he races against the clock to find Toni and bring her out alive. But even that might not be enough to save her.
The Detective…
DS Warren Carter is looking forward to a new job and a simpler life. But when he’s called in to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly normal couple, he becomes entangled in lives that are anything but simple. And as he digs deeper, he uncovers a crime more twisted than he could ever have imagined.
Into the Darkness is a fast-paced novel with a tense plot and outstanding believable characters. The tension gradually builds until the end, which keeps the reader glued to their seat, to see what is coming next.
All I can say is this was a pleasure to read, and I encourage other crime thriller readers to check out this novel. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for my copy.
Published July 3, 2018
July 25, 2018
EXCERPT: My cell is made of rough concrete. No windows anywhere. There's a wooden door that's solid. I know, I've tried to push it. Tried to shoulder all my weight against it. It won't move. The air smells of stale sweat and dampness and copper and something. . . something else. In the books I've read - the true crimes - many victims said they could smell their own fear. I didn't believe that was possible. Just thought it was something they said. But it's true. I can smell my fear. Taste it. Feel it burning inside me, rippling under my skin.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The Missing…
In a hidden basement, eighteen-year-old Toni is held captive and no one can hear her screams. She’s been abducted after investigating unspeakable things in the darkest corners of the Internet.
The Vigilante…
Fearing the worst, Toni’s mother turns to ex-SAS operative Mitchell to help find her missing daughter. And when Mitchell discovers Toni’s fate rests in the hands of pure evil, he races against the clock to find Toni and bring her out alive. But even that might not be enough to save her.
The Detective…
DS Warren Carter is looking forward to a new job and a simpler life. But when he’s called in to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly normal couple, he becomes entangled in lives that are anything but simple. And as he digs deeper, he uncovers a crime more twisted than he could ever have imagined. (Goodreads.com)
MY THOUGHTS: Into the Darkness unites the characters from two of Sibel Hodge's previous books - Mitchell and Maya from 'Untouchable', and DS Carter from Duplicity. If you are planning on reading Into the Darkness, I would recommend that you read both other titles first otherwise you will miss out on a lot of background information that will provide you with a fuller picture of these characters.
Hodge was inspired to write Into the Darkness after learning of the 'horrific real-life investigation into Peter Scully's red room in the Philippines'. What she has written terrifies me. It raises many questions. How do these people find each other? How do they function so normally in our world and keep their dark selves hidden? How do they get away with what they do? And, worst of all, do I know someone like this? These are the questions you will ask yourself as you read this chilling book.
Into the Darkness starts out pretty innocuously. We have a standard police procedural when an elderly couple are found murdered in their home. Then there is an eighteen-year-old woman reported missing by her mother, which the police are disinclined to take seriously because young women go off with friends/ boyfriends all the time and don't think to tell their parents that they won’t be home. Right? But some mothers know better. And this one takes finding her daughter into her own hands.
It takes some time (3/4 of the book) for the connection between these two cases to be revealed, but when I made the connection it was an OMG! moment, and maximum warp speed as I frantically turned pages.
Now that it's all over (it is 3.30 a.m), I need to go to sleep, but I can't because I am still wired from the tension in the final part of this book. While I can't say that this was a pleasure to read, I can say that this was a damned good read and I am glad I didn't miss out on it.
😍😍😍😍 (4.35 stars)
THE AUTHOR: Sibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, and Duplicity. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews’ prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains’ Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children’s Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl’s Books and Pals Young Adult Readers’ Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s International Digital Awards 2015, and 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel. Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges. (Goodreads.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Into the Darkness by Sibel Hodge for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The Missing…
In a hidden basement, eighteen-year-old Toni is held captive and no one can hear her screams. She’s been abducted after investigating unspeakable things in the darkest corners of the Internet.
The Vigilante…
Fearing the worst, Toni’s mother turns to ex-SAS operative Mitchell to help find her missing daughter. And when Mitchell discovers Toni’s fate rests in the hands of pure evil, he races against the clock to find Toni and bring her out alive. But even that might not be enough to save her.
The Detective…
DS Warren Carter is looking forward to a new job and a simpler life. But when he’s called in to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly normal couple, he becomes entangled in lives that are anything but simple. And as he digs deeper, he uncovers a crime more twisted than he could ever have imagined. (Goodreads.com)
MY THOUGHTS: Into the Darkness unites the characters from two of Sibel Hodge's previous books - Mitchell and Maya from 'Untouchable', and DS Carter from Duplicity. If you are planning on reading Into the Darkness, I would recommend that you read both other titles first otherwise you will miss out on a lot of background information that will provide you with a fuller picture of these characters.
Hodge was inspired to write Into the Darkness after learning of the 'horrific real-life investigation into Peter Scully's red room in the Philippines'. What she has written terrifies me. It raises many questions. How do these people find each other? How do they function so normally in our world and keep their dark selves hidden? How do they get away with what they do? And, worst of all, do I know someone like this? These are the questions you will ask yourself as you read this chilling book.
Into the Darkness starts out pretty innocuously. We have a standard police procedural when an elderly couple are found murdered in their home. Then there is an eighteen-year-old woman reported missing by her mother, which the police are disinclined to take seriously because young women go off with friends/ boyfriends all the time and don't think to tell their parents that they won’t be home. Right? But some mothers know better. And this one takes finding her daughter into her own hands.
It takes some time (3/4 of the book) for the connection between these two cases to be revealed, but when I made the connection it was an OMG! moment, and maximum warp speed as I frantically turned pages.
Now that it's all over (it is 3.30 a.m), I need to go to sleep, but I can't because I am still wired from the tension in the final part of this book. While I can't say that this was a pleasure to read, I can say that this was a damned good read and I am glad I didn't miss out on it.
😍😍😍😍 (4.35 stars)
THE AUTHOR: Sibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, and Duplicity. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews’ prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains’ Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children’s Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl’s Books and Pals Young Adult Readers’ Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s International Digital Awards 2015, and 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel. Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges. (Goodreads.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Into the Darkness by Sibel Hodge for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 3, 2018
Into The Darkness is a thriller that focuses on the dark web and those who lurk there preying on innocent people to fill their darkest (often murderous) desires.
The fact that the dark web really exists is frightening enough but Sibel Hodge explores this by bringing to your attention just how horrific, taboo, and disgusting a place it can be.
The chapters alternate between the Vigilante, the Detective, and the Missing.
Toni, the Missing, is a young girl with a fascination with true crime and protecting innocent people. A girl whose good intentions land her in the most frightening of nightmares.
Mitchell, the Vigilante, ex-military that suffers from PTSD. He has a special connection to Toni and her Mom and will stop at nothing to see her safe return. Laws be damned.
DS Warren Carter, the Detective, who is investigating the double murder of a retired couple that live out in the middle of nowhere and their connection to a missing prostitute whose fingerprints are found at the scene.
This was a decent thriller and my first read by author Sibel Hodge. While I enjoyed reading this book it wasn't something that I couldn't put down nor was I super excited to pick it back up again. I think my biggest problem is that I didn't really care about Toni. I never really got to know her enough to truly care what happened to her. Personally I thought the detective was my favorite character and he made me laugh quite a few times. He was so easy to root for.
My inner detective figured out the twists early on which was a little disappointing. While this one may not have been my favorite I'd still love to read what else she writes. A solid 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley & Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The fact that the dark web really exists is frightening enough but Sibel Hodge explores this by bringing to your attention just how horrific, taboo, and disgusting a place it can be.
The chapters alternate between the Vigilante, the Detective, and the Missing.
Toni, the Missing, is a young girl with a fascination with true crime and protecting innocent people. A girl whose good intentions land her in the most frightening of nightmares.
Mitchell, the Vigilante, ex-military that suffers from PTSD. He has a special connection to Toni and her Mom and will stop at nothing to see her safe return. Laws be damned.
DS Warren Carter, the Detective, who is investigating the double murder of a retired couple that live out in the middle of nowhere and their connection to a missing prostitute whose fingerprints are found at the scene.
This was a decent thriller and my first read by author Sibel Hodge. While I enjoyed reading this book it wasn't something that I couldn't put down nor was I super excited to pick it back up again. I think my biggest problem is that I didn't really care about Toni. I never really got to know her enough to truly care what happened to her. Personally I thought the detective was my favorite character and he made me laugh quite a few times. He was so easy to root for.
My inner detective figured out the twists early on which was a little disappointing. While this one may not have been my favorite I'd still love to read what else she writes. A solid 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley & Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2018
I am a massive fan of Sibel Hodge and was so excited when I spotted this new book from her. I wasn't prepared for the addictive pull it had on me that meant putting it down was simply not an option. I tried to place it down to watch TV and managed about 10 minutes before switching the TV off and continuing until the end. I ended up going to sleep at 3am! That is your fault Ms Hodge but I wouldn't have it any other way. It was a fantastic surprise that I wasn't expecting!
"Into the Darkness" is well written and paced with a taut, tense plot that keeps you reading. The story is told from multiple perspectives - the detective, vigilante and victim and the short chapters mean it is just so easy to get through and as a result is impossible to put down. I felt like I was invested in the story and wanted to find out what happened to each character in the end. The finale is action-packed and although the subject matter of the book is dark, I can see this becoming a bestseller.
Hodge is adept at crafting a superb story that is a pleasure to read and does a fantastic job of pulling all of threads together at the end. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
"Into the Darkness" is well written and paced with a taut, tense plot that keeps you reading. The story is told from multiple perspectives - the detective, vigilante and victim and the short chapters mean it is just so easy to get through and as a result is impossible to put down. I felt like I was invested in the story and wanted to find out what happened to each character in the end. The finale is action-packed and although the subject matter of the book is dark, I can see this becoming a bestseller.
Hodge is adept at crafting a superb story that is a pleasure to read and does a fantastic job of pulling all of threads together at the end. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2018
DS Warren Carter is two weeks away from leaving CID and joining a new unit in a new city when he’s called to the scene of a brutal murder of an elderly couple. Ex-SAS operative Mitchell is contacted by the widow of his former best friend and partner who needs help finding her missing 18-year old daughter, Toni. She seems to have gotten herself into something deadly without any way out.
The three situations don’t seem to have any connection point but I was certain they eventually would collide. The story is told from the three perspectives: the detective, the vigilante and the missing. It was fascinating to follow the three narratives as the two investigations proceeded. That in itself was pretty interesting as one was a standard police procedural (well done, by the way) and the other a more rogue pursuit. At the center of it all was the dark web, truly sinister and reprehensible. It’s not for the faint of heart and at times I questioned whether I wanted to take it in.
I’m really glad three narrators were used in the production of the audiobook as they were clearly distinguishable and well suited to the characters they were portraying. The story kept me hooked and moved rather rapidly and the narrators just made it better. This is my first time reading this author and I like her writing style. In the afterword, she notes that the book was inspired by true events, which is unfortunate as there are some really sick elements but the sense of authenticity rang strong. As three of the characters appear in two other stories, I’m definitely going to be reading/listening to those books.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
The three situations don’t seem to have any connection point but I was certain they eventually would collide. The story is told from the three perspectives: the detective, the vigilante and the missing. It was fascinating to follow the three narratives as the two investigations proceeded. That in itself was pretty interesting as one was a standard police procedural (well done, by the way) and the other a more rogue pursuit. At the center of it all was the dark web, truly sinister and reprehensible. It’s not for the faint of heart and at times I questioned whether I wanted to take it in.
I’m really glad three narrators were used in the production of the audiobook as they were clearly distinguishable and well suited to the characters they were portraying. The story kept me hooked and moved rather rapidly and the narrators just made it better. This is my first time reading this author and I like her writing style. In the afterword, she notes that the book was inspired by true events, which is unfortunate as there are some really sick elements but the sense of authenticity rang strong. As three of the characters appear in two other stories, I’m definitely going to be reading/listening to those books.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
August 4, 2018
Into the Darkness was a non-stop, pedal to the metal, heart-hammering type of thriller! Told in alternating points of view and with fairly short chapters, this was a quick read. The disturbing content surrounding the dark web is tough subject matter though. Fortunately, it wasn't too graphic but to think of what evil and darkness some people are capable of can be rather stomach-turning. I liked the characters but this book would have been better with a little more character development. This is the second book I've read by Sibel Hodge and I'll be looking out for her books from now on.
June 17, 2018
This is an amazing crime thriller! The story is told by three people ... the missing, the Homicide Detective and the vigilante.
I starts with two crimes ... one is the abduction of a young girl. Mitchell is ex-military and comes running when Toni's mother calls him for help. The other crime is the brutal killing of an elderly couple, It wasn't robbery, it seems to be totally random, but Detective Carter doesn't quite buy it.
The suspense is high to begin with, but when the crime investigations start to merge, the tension goes through the roof.
This is a thriller that I did not want to put down. The characters are outstanding and stick in your head like glue. Mitchell and Carter are first seen in this author's earlier books ... DUPLICITY and BENEATH THE SURFACE. This is a stand alone so no cliffhangers in sight.
Honorable Mention: I loved the diversity humor! Carter can't call the whiteboard a whiteboard anymore .. it's now a notice board. When someone asks him how he wants his coffee, he responds natural-looking. Getting a puzzled look, he says ... I can't say black, can I? Brings the book right into today...
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing UK / and Netgalley as well as TBC Reviewer Request Group for this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 4, 2018
And Sibel Hodge strikes again! Bloody hell!
Vigilante Mitchell is called in by the wife of a former SAS buddy when her eighteen year old daughter Toni goes missing. The police regard Toni as a runaway and are no help at all. Being ex-military, Mitchell has access to resources the police can only dream about but as he sets out trying to find Toni, he quickly discovers Toni’s fasciation with all things evil may just have landed her in incredible danger. Will Mitchell find Toni before the clock runs out?
Meanwhile, Detective Carter is finding himself more and more disillusioned and troubled, with life and with his job. Two weeks from retirement, he has the choice to effectively retire or sell his house and move onto another job. But first he must solve the murder of two pensioners, shot to death in their farmhouse. With no motives to establish and little clues to find, Carter is frustrated when he goes from one dead end to the next. Will he be able to solve this case?
There are a few characters in Into the Darkness you may recognise from previous books by Sibel Hodge but if you are not familiar with them or their background, fear not! This reads perfectly well as a stand-alone. The chapters switch between the Detective (Carter) and the Vigilante (Mitchell), sometimes interspersed with Toni’s. This ensures a brilliantly crafted plot with tiny clues here and there for the reader to pick up on and some well placed cliffhangers to keep you hooked.
Once again, Sibel Hodge delivers a cracking thriller that gets under my skin and chills me to the bone. I’m hard pressed to name someone who does dark and disturbing as she does and it’s all the more terrifying because it sadly feels all too realistic and believable. With excellent pace throughout and full of suspense, this is one of those books that is insanely hard to put down and I was extremely miffed every time I was interrupted.
After having read Untouchable last year and having had my mind blown to smithereens, I didn’t think anything could top that. I was wrong. So very, very wrong and I will never underestimate Sibel Hodge again. Into the Darkness is just as gripping, addictive and unforgettable. If you’re not reading the books by this author, you’re doing yourself an immensely massive disservice. Go forth and fix the error of your ways immediately!
Vigilante Mitchell is called in by the wife of a former SAS buddy when her eighteen year old daughter Toni goes missing. The police regard Toni as a runaway and are no help at all. Being ex-military, Mitchell has access to resources the police can only dream about but as he sets out trying to find Toni, he quickly discovers Toni’s fasciation with all things evil may just have landed her in incredible danger. Will Mitchell find Toni before the clock runs out?
Meanwhile, Detective Carter is finding himself more and more disillusioned and troubled, with life and with his job. Two weeks from retirement, he has the choice to effectively retire or sell his house and move onto another job. But first he must solve the murder of two pensioners, shot to death in their farmhouse. With no motives to establish and little clues to find, Carter is frustrated when he goes from one dead end to the next. Will he be able to solve this case?
There are a few characters in Into the Darkness you may recognise from previous books by Sibel Hodge but if you are not familiar with them or their background, fear not! This reads perfectly well as a stand-alone. The chapters switch between the Detective (Carter) and the Vigilante (Mitchell), sometimes interspersed with Toni’s. This ensures a brilliantly crafted plot with tiny clues here and there for the reader to pick up on and some well placed cliffhangers to keep you hooked.
Once again, Sibel Hodge delivers a cracking thriller that gets under my skin and chills me to the bone. I’m hard pressed to name someone who does dark and disturbing as she does and it’s all the more terrifying because it sadly feels all too realistic and believable. With excellent pace throughout and full of suspense, this is one of those books that is insanely hard to put down and I was extremely miffed every time I was interrupted.
After having read Untouchable last year and having had my mind blown to smithereens, I didn’t think anything could top that. I was wrong. So very, very wrong and I will never underestimate Sibel Hodge again. Into the Darkness is just as gripping, addictive and unforgettable. If you’re not reading the books by this author, you’re doing yourself an immensely massive disservice. Go forth and fix the error of your ways immediately!
June 24, 2018
Sibel Hodge is on my list of authors that I need to read.... I have loved all of her books and this one ranks right up there. The story is dark, disturbing and horrifying and will not be for everyone, but I do highly recommend it.
It is told from 3 different points of view:
The Missing - 18 year old student Toni is missing and being held captive.. but why and by who?
The Vigilante - Ex SAS Mitchell is called on by Toni's mother to help find her
The Detective - DS Warren Carter is about to leave the police force and is called to the scene of a murdered couple on a farm.
The more the 3 of these characters dig the more disturbing the answers are. The Dark Web is a place where the most horrific people and things can be found. Can they find what they are lo King for and find Toni before it is too late.
Thanks you Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions. A fantastic book that will have you addicted.
It is told from 3 different points of view:
The Missing - 18 year old student Toni is missing and being held captive.. but why and by who?
The Vigilante - Ex SAS Mitchell is called on by Toni's mother to help find her
The Detective - DS Warren Carter is about to leave the police force and is called to the scene of a murdered couple on a farm.
The more the 3 of these characters dig the more disturbing the answers are. The Dark Web is a place where the most horrific people and things can be found. Can they find what they are lo King for and find Toni before it is too late.
Thanks you Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions. A fantastic book that will have you addicted.
June 24, 2018
Into the Darkness is a thriller that just didn't thrill me. This story is cleverly told from the point of view of three different people in alternating chapters, leaving the reader to wonder how all three stories are linked. I couldn't care less about any of these characters. I didn't find them realistic or credible. I kept reading in hopes that suddenly something "thrilling" was going to happen only to be more and more disappointed with the passing of every chapter.
I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
Prepare yourself for a bumpy ride as Sibel Hodge takes the reader to the darkest places or rather the darkest corner of the dark web, it’s a place where evil people hide, the most abhorrent crimes are committed, and the most depraved people can partake in their darkest, sickest fantasies. As you can imagine Into The Darkness makes for a grim read in parts due to the very disturbing subject matter, but at the same time it’s one of those books you are desperate to continue reading, hoping for a positive outcome.
Into The Darkness is told in alternating chapters titled The Missing, The Vigilante and The Detective to begin with I had reservations about the way the story was told, as the constant jumping from one character to another confused me (it doesn’t take much) but once I got to chapter eight everything clicked into place. Like the best illusions nothing about Into The Darkness is as it first seems, the author skilfully intertwines what appears to be three separate threads together creating a book filled with horror and brimming with tension.
It’s evident the author has throughly researched the dark web in great detail making Into The Darkness a terrifying, yet plausible read. I’m sure most of us are aware of the dark web and some of what it contains, so I’m not going give away any spoilers. As you can imagine a book where the dark web is central to the plot isn’t necessarily going to be an easy read, but what makes this book all the more frightening is it actually made for a credible read, which in turn made it all the more chilling. Sibel Hodge certainly knows how to hold the readers attention, with interesting characters and a terrifying yet credible plot, it’s one of those heart thumping reads that those who enjoy a darker crime thriller will relish.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Into The Darkness is told in alternating chapters titled The Missing, The Vigilante and The Detective to begin with I had reservations about the way the story was told, as the constant jumping from one character to another confused me (it doesn’t take much) but once I got to chapter eight everything clicked into place. Like the best illusions nothing about Into The Darkness is as it first seems, the author skilfully intertwines what appears to be three separate threads together creating a book filled with horror and brimming with tension.
It’s evident the author has throughly researched the dark web in great detail making Into The Darkness a terrifying, yet plausible read. I’m sure most of us are aware of the dark web and some of what it contains, so I’m not going give away any spoilers. As you can imagine a book where the dark web is central to the plot isn’t necessarily going to be an easy read, but what makes this book all the more frightening is it actually made for a credible read, which in turn made it all the more chilling. Sibel Hodge certainly knows how to hold the readers attention, with interesting characters and a terrifying yet credible plot, it’s one of those heart thumping reads that those who enjoy a darker crime thriller will relish.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
August 7, 2018
A disturbing thriller that was inspired by the horrific real-life investigation into Peter Scully’s red room in the Philippines. A quick read that focuses on the evil that can be found in the dark web. 3.5 ⭐️‘s
The story is told from the POV’s of three people:
The Missing Girl...In a hidden basement, eighteen-year-old Toni is held captive. She’s been abducted after investigating unspeakable things in the darkest corners of the Internet—the dark web. Her curiosity and mistakes led her abductors to her and now time is running out.
The Vigilante…Fearing the worst, Toni’s mother turns to ex-SAS operative Mitchell—also an old friend—to help find her missing daughter. Mitchell discovers Toni’s fate rests in the hands of pure evil.
The Detective…DS Warren Carter is called to investigate the brutal murder of a elderly couple. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a crime more twisted than he could ever have imagined.
Thank you to GoodReads, Sibel Hodge and publisher for this ARC (a GoodReads giveaway I won), in exchange for my honest review!
The story is told from the POV’s of three people:
The Missing Girl...In a hidden basement, eighteen-year-old Toni is held captive. She’s been abducted after investigating unspeakable things in the darkest corners of the Internet—the dark web. Her curiosity and mistakes led her abductors to her and now time is running out.
The Vigilante…Fearing the worst, Toni’s mother turns to ex-SAS operative Mitchell—also an old friend—to help find her missing daughter. Mitchell discovers Toni’s fate rests in the hands of pure evil.
The Detective…DS Warren Carter is called to investigate the brutal murder of a elderly couple. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a crime more twisted than he could ever have imagined.
Thank you to GoodReads, Sibel Hodge and publisher for this ARC (a GoodReads giveaway I won), in exchange for my honest review!
June 4, 2018
Into The Darkness by Sibel Hodge is a thriller about the dangers of the dark web. The police are called to investigate the murder of an elderly couple. A teenage girl is missing and it's a race against time to find her before it's too late. I liked the characters in this book and found it to be a well plotted story.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2018
O WOW what a great book.
The Story is told from different views The Vigilante The Victim and The Police and takes you into the Dark Web.
There is everything in this book a double murder, Nasty People a great thriller you will be up all night to finish this book to see what happens .
The Story is told from different views The Vigilante The Victim and The Police and takes you into the Dark Web.
There is everything in this book a double murder, Nasty People a great thriller you will be up all night to finish this book to see what happens .
November 14, 2021
Wow - first 5 star of the year! This was absolutely brilliant, in fact I've been quite taken with all of the Sibel Hodge books I've read so far.
Whilst the subject matter was disturbing to say the least, the author handled it succinctly with enough detail to raise your ire but not enough to make you feel like puking or giving up on the book because it's too harrowing.
I suppose the worst of this is that it's based loosely on a true crime and I did a bit of extra research on it. Now that was HARROWING!!!
I can highly recommend a Sibel Hodge novel for crime and thrills, and for also opening your eyes to the dark, stark realities of this world.
Whilst the subject matter was disturbing to say the least, the author handled it succinctly with enough detail to raise your ire but not enough to make you feel like puking or giving up on the book because it's too harrowing.
I suppose the worst of this is that it's based loosely on a true crime and I did a bit of extra research on it. Now that was HARROWING!!!
I can highly recommend a Sibel Hodge novel for crime and thrills, and for also opening your eyes to the dark, stark realities of this world.
June 4, 2018
‘Into the Darkness’ by Sibel Hodge published by Amazon Publishing on July 3rd
Hey, I have read previous books by Sibel Hodge so I knew that she doesn’t shy away from the ‘darker’ side of crime and nor does she sugar coat her stories or the information and detail in them....this book is no different and is a hard hitting novel about dark and disturbing crime
It is based on the ‘dark web’ and what is available on there and it is shocking, uncomfortable and at times distressing but powerful
The story is told in 3 narratives, from the perspective of the missing teenager, the policeman tracking a seemingly unrelated double murder of an elderly couple and a vigilante, an ex SAS friend of the missing teenagers Mum..all 3 work well together and give 3 totally different angles ( obvs ) to the story, and it works
Its a tense, claustrophobic race against time, in more ways than one and one that has you willing the ‘good’ on and wanting the ‘evil’ to fail
Intense and not a book you can read and forget, it left me shocked and appalled at fellow humans ( parts are based on research of proven crimes similar to the ones in the book) and when it was over I wanted to contact the vigilante and policeman to say ‘Well Done’, daft anno but thats how real the book was
Sibel Hodge writes perfect hard hitting dramatic stories and if you haven’t discovered her yet then let this be the book to do so
10/10 5 stars
October 24, 2018
“It’s political correctness gone mad.”
The police in Into The Darkness spend most of their time moaning about Diversity training.
“Why can’t I say whiteboard?”
“It could be a potential racist slur..”
Really? So, police diversity training doesn’t attempt to address the institutional racism identified by the Macpherson report, it’s merely about names for office equipment…
I started to suspect it was Hodge who needed diversity training. The stereotypes were almost laughable – anyone over 40 kept trotting out phrases like “What is the world coming to?” . A respectable, older women was assumed to have given her home a good hoovering and as for the lawless council estates…
If the plot hadn’t been so good then I would have been so annoyed by all this nonsense that I wouldn’t have continued with it. The chapters mostly alternated between the viewpoints of ‘The Vigilante’ ( wasn’t really sure how/why he was this and how he earnt his living) and ‘The (annoying) Detective’. There were regular but far fewer chapters for ‘The Missing’.
It did get very exciting with a race against time to save ‘The Missing’ – although I didn’t understand why they didn’t just call the police. And near the end there was a last minute twist that I really didn’t see coming –
So, I’ll give this book four stars for the exciting plot but take one off for the tedious clichés!
The police in Into The Darkness spend most of their time moaning about Diversity training.
“Why can’t I say whiteboard?”
“It could be a potential racist slur..”
Really? So, police diversity training doesn’t attempt to address the institutional racism identified by the Macpherson report, it’s merely about names for office equipment…
I started to suspect it was Hodge who needed diversity training. The stereotypes were almost laughable – anyone over 40 kept trotting out phrases like “What is the world coming to?” . A respectable, older women was assumed to have given her home a good hoovering and as for the lawless council estates…
If the plot hadn’t been so good then I would have been so annoyed by all this nonsense that I wouldn’t have continued with it. The chapters mostly alternated between the viewpoints of ‘The Vigilante’ ( wasn’t really sure how/why he was this and how he earnt his living) and ‘The (annoying) Detective’. There were regular but far fewer chapters for ‘The Missing’.
It did get very exciting with a race against time to save ‘The Missing’ – although I didn’t understand why they didn’t just call the police. And near the end there was a last minute twist that I really didn’t see coming –
So, I’ll give this book four stars for the exciting plot but take one off for the tedious clichés!
November 18, 2019
This is not one of my favourite books from this author wasn't engaging enough for me and not keen on books that have three stories there was no surprises or action in this book.hope her next book alot better read for me.
Read
July 19, 2018"Sometimes the right thing to do is wrong. There were different kinds of justice."
An elderly couple is murdered on their isolated farm. THE DETECTIVE (DS Warren Carter) is working this homicide case. An 18-year-old girl (Toni) is MISSING. Toni's mom is desperate because the police are not being helpful, and hires THE VIGILANTE (Mitchell). Are these two investigations related -- and if so, why and how?
Toni is passionate about saving children from the horrors of the evil that is done to them. She finds evidence of snuff films on the dark web and wants to take this information to the local police when she's abducted. Will she be the next victim in the RED ROOM? Ex military SAS Mitchell was Toni's dad's best friend and when Toni doesn't come home, her mom calls him for help. Can he find her before it's too late?
DS Carter and his team can't figure out why the elderly couple was killed as there is no obvious motive. A set of handprints belonging to a missing prostitute named Tracy White is found at the scene. Why was she there? No link is found between Tracy and the owners of the farm.
This thriller is narrated by the three main characters -- Toni, Mitchell and Carter. As it unfolds, the connection becomes clear and the action ratchets up to a satisfying conclusion. The main theme of the book focuses on the activities of people trolling the dark web and the atrocities that are perpetrated in the name of entertainment for the sickos willing to pay for it. It's pretty gruesome stuff.
I've read a couple of other titles by this author and can tell she is passionate about protecting children and that she is definitely a human rights advocate. Some of her work has been about sex trafficking. I enjoyed the book and will look for others by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read and review.
An elderly couple is murdered on their isolated farm. THE DETECTIVE (DS Warren Carter) is working this homicide case. An 18-year-old girl (Toni) is MISSING. Toni's mom is desperate because the police are not being helpful, and hires THE VIGILANTE (Mitchell). Are these two investigations related -- and if so, why and how?
Toni is passionate about saving children from the horrors of the evil that is done to them. She finds evidence of snuff films on the dark web and wants to take this information to the local police when she's abducted. Will she be the next victim in the RED ROOM? Ex military SAS Mitchell was Toni's dad's best friend and when Toni doesn't come home, her mom calls him for help. Can he find her before it's too late?
DS Carter and his team can't figure out why the elderly couple was killed as there is no obvious motive. A set of handprints belonging to a missing prostitute named Tracy White is found at the scene. Why was she there? No link is found between Tracy and the owners of the farm.
This thriller is narrated by the three main characters -- Toni, Mitchell and Carter. As it unfolds, the connection becomes clear and the action ratchets up to a satisfying conclusion. The main theme of the book focuses on the activities of people trolling the dark web and the atrocities that are perpetrated in the name of entertainment for the sickos willing to pay for it. It's pretty gruesome stuff.
I've read a couple of other titles by this author and can tell she is passionate about protecting children and that she is definitely a human rights advocate. Some of her work has been about sex trafficking. I enjoyed the book and will look for others by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read and review.
May 17, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Into the Darkness, a stand alone novel set in the countryside, north of London.
DS Warren Carter is called out to investigate the murder of a retired couple in their secluded home. With few clues and and a reduced staff he has his work cut out trying to make sense of it. In the meantime, Mitchell receives a call from a fellow SAS comrade's widow asking for help in finding her daughter, Toni, who has gone missing.
Into the Darkness is a well plotted novel with good pace and a certain amount of tension but for me it isn't an absorbing read as I don't like the format which I find distracting and choppy. The novel has three distinct voices, The Missing, The Detective and The Vigilante, and all are narrated in the first person. The chapters are helpfully titled to let the reader know who is speaking and thus avoids confusion. The first person narration should engender reader identification with the characters but the constant switching of point of view means that there is little time to get to know them or settle into their rhythm.
The plotting is well done with incremental discoveries leading to an action packed finale. It may be said that Mitchell's discoveries come rather easily but they move it along at a brisk pace. Warren's investigation is much slower and less impactful but he still gets there at the same time. Toni's narrative adds nothing important to plot development except a sense of helplessness. There is little to be learned from it, in the sense that it covers a well worn path regular crime fiction readers will know well as being currently on trend.
Into the Darkness will, despite its dark subject matter, appeal to many readers as it is well done but it's just not to my taste.
DS Warren Carter is called out to investigate the murder of a retired couple in their secluded home. With few clues and and a reduced staff he has his work cut out trying to make sense of it. In the meantime, Mitchell receives a call from a fellow SAS comrade's widow asking for help in finding her daughter, Toni, who has gone missing.
Into the Darkness is a well plotted novel with good pace and a certain amount of tension but for me it isn't an absorbing read as I don't like the format which I find distracting and choppy. The novel has three distinct voices, The Missing, The Detective and The Vigilante, and all are narrated in the first person. The chapters are helpfully titled to let the reader know who is speaking and thus avoids confusion. The first person narration should engender reader identification with the characters but the constant switching of point of view means that there is little time to get to know them or settle into their rhythm.
The plotting is well done with incremental discoveries leading to an action packed finale. It may be said that Mitchell's discoveries come rather easily but they move it along at a brisk pace. Warren's investigation is much slower and less impactful but he still gets there at the same time. Toni's narrative adds nothing important to plot development except a sense of helplessness. There is little to be learned from it, in the sense that it covers a well worn path regular crime fiction readers will know well as being currently on trend.
Into the Darkness will, despite its dark subject matter, appeal to many readers as it is well done but it's just not to my taste.
December 17, 2019
3.5 Stars
This 3.5 star thriller is another Detectives Carter and Harris /vigilante story in the series. I'm reading totally out of order and it's not a problem at all.
SUMMARY
In Into the Darkness Lee, the vigilante, receives a call from the wife of his late bff/brother in arms. Her daughter is missing and she needs help. Of course Lee (the vigilante) drops everything and searches for the missing girl.
Simultaneously, Detectives Carter and Harris are called to the scene of a murder. During their investigation, Carter begins to feel like there is more to the story than his superior officer wants him to investigate. Eventually Carter and Lee 's stories converge and they literally run into each other in the course of the investigation.
WHAT I LOVED
It's an interesting story and very suspenseful. Disturbingly, it's inspired by a true story.
I read this book every free minute I could find. It's the kind of story that sucks you right in.
WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE
I rated it a 3.5 because the dialogue was kind of basic and lackluster.
The reader should be aware that there is quite a bit of disturbing material. The police and the vigilante are looking for a red room (a murder recorded and watch by an audience for a fee). I always thought sniff films /red rooms were just an urban legend, but per author, Sibel Hodge's note, they do exist. The story wasn't gratuitously descriptive but the reader should be aware of the content before choosing this book.
Overall, this was a good book. I'll most likely go ahead and read the rest of the series.
This 3.5 star thriller is another Detectives Carter and Harris /vigilante story in the series. I'm reading totally out of order and it's not a problem at all.
SUMMARY
In Into the Darkness Lee, the vigilante, receives a call from the wife of his late bff/brother in arms. Her daughter is missing and she needs help. Of course Lee (the vigilante) drops everything and searches for the missing girl.
Simultaneously, Detectives Carter and Harris are called to the scene of a murder. During their investigation, Carter begins to feel like there is more to the story than his superior officer wants him to investigate. Eventually Carter and Lee 's stories converge and they literally run into each other in the course of the investigation.
WHAT I LOVED
It's an interesting story and very suspenseful. Disturbingly, it's inspired by a true story.
I read this book every free minute I could find. It's the kind of story that sucks you right in.
WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE
I rated it a 3.5 because the dialogue was kind of basic and lackluster.
The reader should be aware that there is quite a bit of disturbing material. The police and the vigilante are looking for a red room (a murder recorded and watch by an audience for a fee). I always thought sniff films /red rooms were just an urban legend, but per author, Sibel Hodge's note, they do exist. The story wasn't gratuitously descriptive but the reader should be aware of the content before choosing this book.
Overall, this was a good book. I'll most likely go ahead and read the rest of the series.
October 15, 2018
Obviously I am in the minority here. This book just didn't work for me. I found the story to be slow, boring and it was not very suspenseful. There were no twists and definitely no wow factor. The chapters alternate from 3 different POVs: the Missing, the Vigilante and the Homicide Detective. I think I would have been more connected with the characters if the chapters used their names instead. The way the book is written can be confusing. Also, it felt like I jumped into a middle of a series without reading the prior books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a copy of Sibel Hodge's "Into the Darkness" in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a copy of Sibel Hodge's "Into the Darkness" in exchange of an honest review.
July 29, 2018
This was quite a dark read but fascinating as well.
The story was told from the point of view of three people: The Vigilante, The Detective and The Missing. I found that the three strands of this story were very skilfully woven through each other and although there were times when I was almost peeking between my fingers whilst reading my Kindle, I have to say that this author is a very adept storyteller so it all made a horrifying kind of sense.
I had heard of the Dark Web but I really hope it isn't as terrifying as described! I suspect that, human nature being what it is, there are all sorts of sick minds doing exactly the sorts of things that take place in this novel. Sigh.
I give this story 4.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The story was told from the point of view of three people: The Vigilante, The Detective and The Missing. I found that the three strands of this story were very skilfully woven through each other and although there were times when I was almost peeking between my fingers whilst reading my Kindle, I have to say that this author is a very adept storyteller so it all made a horrifying kind of sense.
I had heard of the Dark Web but I really hope it isn't as terrifying as described! I suspect that, human nature being what it is, there are all sorts of sick minds doing exactly the sorts of things that take place in this novel. Sigh.
I give this story 4.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
June 18, 2018
Dark and treacherous is the best way to describe this story, as it take in some of the dark side, thankfully not in too much gory detail!
The story is told in the sections from the points of view of The Missing, The Detective and The Vigilante. At times I did wonder if or how or when there would be an crossover of stories, so although I was looking out for it when everything came together it was rather satisfying.
In terms of the detective and the vigilante, their two ways of approaching their investigations are really different and what did make me laugh is the level of political correctness being used in the police force!
This is a fast paced, edge of you seat thriller, where you are never completely sure what the outcome will be, or just what the motives are either.
Into the Darkness is another cracking book from Sibel Hodge, and one that I'm sure will disturb my dreams tonight!
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The story is told in the sections from the points of view of The Missing, The Detective and The Vigilante. At times I did wonder if or how or when there would be an crossover of stories, so although I was looking out for it when everything came together it was rather satisfying.
In terms of the detective and the vigilante, their two ways of approaching their investigations are really different and what did make me laugh is the level of political correctness being used in the police force!
This is a fast paced, edge of you seat thriller, where you are never completely sure what the outcome will be, or just what the motives are either.
Into the Darkness is another cracking book from Sibel Hodge, and one that I'm sure will disturb my dreams tonight!
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 3, 2018
I’ve learnt to expect the unexpected when it comes to Sibel Hodge’s recent books. Untouchable and Beneath The Surface were both reads that hit you round the face with a story so believable it makes you wonder did it really happen. So what did Into TheDarkness have in store??
It was great being reunited with previous characters. I really liked Mitchell and the role he played in Untouchable. Reprising his role as the knight in shining armour to the damsel that is Toni’s mum, Corrine, Mitchell and Maya (also from Untouchable) have their work cut out for them to find the girl who had vanished into thin air.
I loved the way the story has a chapter for each perspective and each chapter had a title to tell you who you were with. It really got me thinking how it was all going to come together at the end! How was the Detective linked to the Missing and the Vigilante?!
The story, as it developed, felt like lots of jigsaw puzzle pieces but no picture on the box telling me how to put them together! Each chapter slotted more pieces together for the two storylines but it was difficult to see how the two halves would meet! But slowly there were pieces in the middle starting to join the differing sides together until Mitchell gave me the last few pieces to create the picture that is Into The Darkness.
As the story unfolded, I wondered how Ms Hodge did her research. I won’t go into too much details as I really don’t like spoiling the story for others but the author’s note does shed a little light on the inspiration for the tale. Sibel Hodge definitely knows how to write a hard hitting, thought provoking read. Bravo Ms Hodge, another cracker!
It was great being reunited with previous characters. I really liked Mitchell and the role he played in Untouchable. Reprising his role as the knight in shining armour to the damsel that is Toni’s mum, Corrine, Mitchell and Maya (also from Untouchable) have their work cut out for them to find the girl who had vanished into thin air.
I loved the way the story has a chapter for each perspective and each chapter had a title to tell you who you were with. It really got me thinking how it was all going to come together at the end! How was the Detective linked to the Missing and the Vigilante?!
The story, as it developed, felt like lots of jigsaw puzzle pieces but no picture on the box telling me how to put them together! Each chapter slotted more pieces together for the two storylines but it was difficult to see how the two halves would meet! But slowly there were pieces in the middle starting to join the differing sides together until Mitchell gave me the last few pieces to create the picture that is Into The Darkness.
As the story unfolded, I wondered how Ms Hodge did her research. I won’t go into too much details as I really don’t like spoiling the story for others but the author’s note does shed a little light on the inspiration for the tale. Sibel Hodge definitely knows how to write a hard hitting, thought provoking read. Bravo Ms Hodge, another cracker!
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