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Crimson Cove #5

When The Lights Fade

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"Mix together the best aspects of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS & GOSSIP GIRL then add in Gillian Flynn psychological twists and you get Crimson Cove!" Welcome to Crimson Cove. Population? One less than yesterday. As the story draws to a close, the girls realize that they have been puppets in a scheme from the start. The realization fires up their desire for revenge. But revenge is a dish best served cold-ice cold. So they tuck their anger away and prepare for the retaliation they desperately desire. But how do you attack the ones you love the most? Who will make it out alive? Don't miss the stunning conclusion to the Crimson Cove Mysteries Remember, remember the August 4th bender. Could you stay alive long enough to catch a killer?

318 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2018

59 people are currently reading
194 people want to read

About the author

Tara Brown

113 books2,379 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne

Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.


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5 stars
131 (51%)
4 stars
86 (33%)
3 stars
29 (11%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
65 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2022
I adored this series but this book was just… 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

The last 12 chapters of the book weren’t necessary lol. What was said in 100 pages should have been said in 25 MAX. For being the final book in the series, this just didn’t grab my attention. I love the characters but I did not care about them enough to learn about their lives SIX YEARS past the main plot line of the book.

The journey to find “the fox” happened too quickly. Like I BLINKED and they already found her lol. When that happened I was like wtf??? because that was like the final part of the mystery and there was still 100+ pages left 🙃

Also I saw absolutely no point in bringing Rachel back at the end. She barely said 2 words??? I was so excited about her coming back but she might as well have been dead the entire time. She added NOTHING to the antagonistic plot line. Like she only helped them bc she liked hurting people???? Like okay??? The whole book started with her being murdered but that plot line just kind of died off without being answered enough. I liked that the story/antagonistic plot line grew and changed and had so many layers.. but seeing how it ended, in retrospect, how it started makes 0 sense lol.

I know the last chapter was supposed to be the “grand finale” and the “big reveal” but after reading so much filler crap I honestly didn’t even care. It got to the point where this story was just too dense. There were too many sub characters that I just totally forgot about. I couldn’t even figure out who the hell Moira or Quinn or whatever was even talking about. Like who was Ms. Martens???? By the time that character was brought up again I completely forgot what role they played in the story. The Lucinda/Moira/Quinn story got WAY too complicated too fast. I struggled to keep it straight the entire story.

All in all- I wish the outcome was more related to how the mystery initially began. The final product had nothing to do with Rachel/her “murder”. I also wish this was a 3 book series and not 5. Or honestly, a 4 book series because 4&5 could’ve 1000000% been combined. The plot barely moves in either of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for hollie.
1,110 reviews52 followers
April 9, 2020
Okay, so this review is more of an overall review of the series.
I will say, I really did enjoy this series but I do think if I didn't have as much time on my hands at the moment with this virus then I probably wouldn't have picked it up and committed to it.
Book one and two were my favourite overall, three and four I didn't rate as much as this one was somewhere in the middle.

Here goes:
- I think the mystery aspect of the books is what drew me in initially and there was enough suspense in all of the books that I wanted to carry on and find out what happened.
- I think the characters were well developed - well they would have to be over five books, haha.
- I love the writing which is probably what kept me going especially books 3 and 4 which were completely unnecessary.
- I liked that each girl got their own book/story, although the POV constantly switching to Lindsey's when something bad happened annoyed me.
- Defo gossip girl and PLL vibes. I loved it.

BUT
- Point blank: there did not need to be five books. This series would have been marginally better with two/three books in the series. Book three and four were a waste of my time. Nothing happened in either. I couldn't even tell you what happened. Filler books to the extreme. I
- I am still really confused about all of their fathers involvement. I understand Rita's and Vincent's but I don't see how everyone else got the same punishment? I still don't understand what they have done.
- The ending was crap for such a big lead up. I wanted a massive bang but it was predictable. I wanted to see more from Rachel who interested me from the start and she barely spoke two words.
- It might be a pet peeve but the girls kept referring to Sierra as a 'whore' constantly because she likes to sleep around a bit. I understand that's their view but it was brought up every five minutes to explain her actions.

HOWEVER,
I would recommend this series overall if you have the time to read five books. I would rate the series a strong 3.75 and I think it's great for fans of gossip girl and pretty little liars.
Profile Image for Alex (Bri's Book Nook).
804 reviews20 followers
April 23, 2018
This series has officially been the longest series that I have ever binged completely in one day. It took me two days to finally complete all my reviews for it, but this series drew me in completely and wouldn't let me go as I was reading it. This has been one of the best conclusions to a mystery series that I have ever read. 

Even though this series seemed to have a lot of loose ends throughout all of the books, everything is tied up in this novel. This book is the longest book in the series, but it is long for good reason. Nothing is really left for the readers to guess. I couldn't find anything that I remembered from earlier in the series that had been "conveniently forgotten" as the books went on. 

Also, this book was from Rita's POV sometimes, which I liked as she had been one of the least involved girls in the series. Nevertheless, each girl gets some story time as this is the last chance to see each one. I was a bit disappointed, as I had hoped that this book would be focused entirely on Rita. However, I couldn't be disappointed too much as the story went on. 

I don't want to spoil too much, but this book has some big twists. I didn't see half of them coming, and each of them was just as exciting as the one before. The romance is also nice in this book, as every girl but Sage now has a significant other. It really brought the story together as the group comes together in a last attempt to save themselves and their families from the people who are so determined to tear their Grove apart. The action and suspense are at their peak as everything comes to a close. The book is fast-paced as the girls race against time. 

My favorite parts of this entire book were hands-down the epilogues at the end. I won't spoil anything, but they also ended the book on a good note. I wish that we would get more books just like the epilogues, but this series had a rather final note. I doubt that I will get a chance to visit the tarnished Crimson Grove again anytime soon, but I will miss my time there. 

I can't recommend this series enough to lovers of mystery, suspense, thrillers, or horror novels. You simply HAVE to try it, and you will see what I am saying. The characters are unique, some likable and some horrible, but they all come together to create the world of Crimson Grove that drew me in for over 6 hours yesterday. 

I received a copy of this book for free and this is my voluntary review. 
Profile Image for A Belle & A Book.
678 reviews26 followers
May 20, 2018
This series has blown me away. What a truly magnificent mind Tara Brown must have to have kept all the characters, families, and bad guys straight. I hope she had Lainy’s suspect board! Honestly, it’s mind blowing and bloody brilliant. The sheer planning, outlining, and notes Brown must have had to put into this series. Tara Brown is the Queen of complexity. I am in awe of her mind.

Many, including the author, have compared this series to Pretty Little Liars. Having recently watched all seasons, it’s an accurate comparison. If you were a fan of PLL you are going to devour Brown’s Crimson Cove Mysteries. You will need to be prepared though. You’ll need:
1. A large white board
2. Lots of dry erase markers
3. A comfy spot to read undisturbed for hours
4. Lots of coffee. You are not going to want to stop reading!
5. FOCUS. This is one twisted, thrilling, who done it from the dark, creeptastic mind of Tara Brown.

Hang Five is the last in the series so naturally I expected for all the secrets to be revealed and the bad guys unmasked. But I got so much more! Just when you think the story has ended…BAM, new twist! I’m talking mouth agape, eyes bugging, OMG what just happened. Now breathe. Regroup and soldier on. This story has more twists and turns than a fun house of mirrors. I want to say it left me with a sense of resolve but it didn’t. Why? That ending. That phenomenal ending! Well done, Tara Brown. Well done.
Profile Image for Lady.
1,185 reviews11 followers
October 10, 2020
Revenge

•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!•••


This series must be read in order. The first book is "Pretty Girls Die First". The second book is "The Little Crimson Lies". The third book is "Third Time's A Charm". The fourth book is "Four Crimson Corners". This is the fifth book. I can't wait to read more!


All efforts to life out Rachel have failed. Sage has been running around pretending to be her and no bites yet. Maybe Rachel is on to their scheme. Either was Safe has to remain dead or all manner of Hell will rain down. Can the girls find all the perpetrators before it is too late? What are they planning next? It can't be over can it? How will they unravel this plot and bring their parents to justice? How far are Hailey and Rachel willing to go for their revenge? How many people are helping them? And why are they helping them? What did the girls ever do to deserve any of this? Will they finally get their answers or just fall into another trap?
Profile Image for Jessica.
119 reviews
March 31, 2018
Twist & Turns Galore

Do you like Pretty Little Liars? How about Gilmore Girls? How about a good mystery? If you do...even if you don't, this series is for you.
This is the fifth book in the Crimson cove series. This entire series has been a crazy ride. I Loved It!
There were so many twists and turns. Every time I thought I knew who was behind it all I was proven wrong. And the conclusion to the story proved that I really had no clue. This final book had my head spinning.
Tara Brown is a genius!
This is a Must Read! Go grab your copy now...start with the first book in the series or you will be more lost than I was. Lol. You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Christine Bishop.
523 reviews
May 1, 2018
Perfect Ending!!

Well the Crimson Cove Mysteries has caused me to lose many hours of sleep. I could not put these books down, I had to know what happens next. Hang Five is the final book in the series and the book starts out from Rita’s POV and then shifts to Lindsey’s and the last half of the book shifts through all five girls POV. I loved this last book and how it was written. I never would have guessed how it ended in the final chapter. Just when you thought everything was wrapped up nice and tight Tara goes and throws another twist in there. Nicely Done! I definitely recommend reading this series it was amazing!
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
March 27, 2018
This book is leaving me speechless. Right from the beginning you are pulled in. I honestly could not put this down until my kindle battery died, 4 hours before I needed to wake up. Then I dove right back in to finish it. It was a mind trip that's for sure! This whole series was just wow. Strongly recommended. This is a YA, so it's pretty clean with some cussing, but VERY messed up situations. Whew.
Profile Image for Elizabeth .
176 reviews
April 11, 2018
Wow

Shocking but I had a feeling that wasn’t the twin he was to mad at the world. And it never said the gender of the twins so that another clue I know Lindsey and Vic have a love and hate relationship but she also need to be happy with that fed. Everyone else got partner up with there friend that’s cute. Q lost everyone for sure now only one knows he true self and banks is a scary old man. I can’t wait to see Lindsey storie
195 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2018
OMG

As I follow Tara Brown on Facebook I knew there was a twist, I honestly wasn’t prepared for this twist though!!! I also may have squealed at a few of the lines towards the end of the book :D I feel sad that the girls’ story is over, so sad I’m about to hit a massive book hangover!
974 reviews
March 26, 2018
Loved it

This was such an awesome series. This book answered all my questions and more. I thought I had it figured out. But no way did I know who was pulling the strings. This is definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Sharon Obelenus Holland.
442 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2018
Every little town has its secrets!!

Tara does it again. A page turner that keeps you guessing. The perfect ending to a fantastic series. Finally, all the answers are laid out. This who done it, takes its final set of twists and turns, leaving you in shock and awe.
322 reviews
March 30, 2022
quick read if a series

I admit I was completely sucked into this series. The comparison to PLL was not wrong, but this little mystery was tied up much faster. Smart characters and great intrigue.
Profile Image for Vodkamelie.
596 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2018
Perfect ending to a great great series! The suspense, twists and turns!! Tara Brown is a master at writing page turners.
974 reviews
March 21, 2018
I loved this series. I have been patiently waiting for this book. I was not disappointed. This book answers all your questions and then some.
5 reviews
February 19, 2019
Addictive

This series kept me on my toes. Hold on tight and pay attention because there’s a lot of twists and turns!
Profile Image for Kasia.
983 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2020
Very good series with slightly twisted ending.
Could have been shortened a little bit and fit into one long book, five books per 200 pages each make the story a little watered.
Profile Image for Marina McClure.
53 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2023
It sure tied everything together. Though I will admit I did not see the last 5 pages coming.
Also did she ever finish Lindsey’s story? She said another book would come out but I can’t find it!
Profile Image for Grace Ligon.
14 reviews
May 12, 2025
Perfect end to this series! I like that they tied it up in a bow, gave us all the POVs that we saw throughout all the books and answered the 100000 questions that were unanswered throughout the series!
Profile Image for Gracie N.
400 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2025
Tara Brown did her thing with tying everything together and not leaving any loose ends or questions. We get to the bottom of why all this even started. And it was all because of the decisions made by their parents. And the hired killer not doing his job. If they had all just honor their deal, non of this would have happened.

I give this series 4.5 stars. It kept me engaged. I know it was written from a teenager perspective, and Tara portrayed them well, but man they was pissing me off lmao. I was picking up on clues that they weren’t, but I think that’s the beauty of how well she writes. As a teen we probably wouldn’t put 2 and 2 together so easily when we are in the mist of the drama.
Profile Image for Michelle Monroe.
559 reviews51 followers
March 26, 2018
***Because I wanted no fame. I needed no glory. I hoped for no praise.
I wanted revenge with no cost.
I needed vengeance, but from the shadows.
I hoped to slip away, unnoticed and unexpected.
Nothing more.

OMG! This book was freaking amazing! Great conclusion to the series. Went way beyond my expectations. Tara really has a devious mind! The extensive plot, all the twist and turns and surprises thrown in keeps you guessing to the very end. The thing I love most about this series is that is not completely predictable. You might think you know, but you don’t.

I’m sad the series is over, but I glad we got the final installment. I’m STILL reeling from this book! It was epic, it was devious, it was so well layered that it kept me guessing who the real murderer was. I had guess but then Tara says Nope, you got it wrong. It’s not who you think, it’s not what you think and I really didn’t see it coming. The twists and turns and all the madness had my head spinning.

I even kept notes. Y’all, I kept NOTES on this series trying to piece it all together and while a lot of my guesses were correct, the ending was still a little of a shocker. Seriously, it’s been a long time since a series ending shocked me. I was quite thrilled that I didn’t know all the players, know all the details, that would have spoiled the fun of trying to figure out the mystery.

If you haven’t read this series, YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST!! This series is a prime example of why fans of Tara Brown CRAVE her books.

And if you have, you won’t be disappointed with this conclusion, guaranteed!
Profile Image for L.L. Hunter.
Author 103 books302 followers
April 21, 2018
I was glad when the final book was released, as I hadn't read book 4. So it meant reading the last 2 books back to back. I'm so glad I waited. Boy, oh boy was it intense! I couldn't believe some of the twists that occurred! Tara knows how to write suspense! An excellent series I find myself recommending to all my friends. 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Ashley Aleshire.
91 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2019
I lost so much sleep reading these books. I couldn’t put them down even though I wanted to cover my eyes because of all the stuff happening was so intense. I loved it. The grasp on mental illness in these books are really well done. The Author knows what she’s doing. I’m a bit sad about how it ended. Left on a bit of a cliffhanger. I hope to see another book come out. What did Lindsay end up doing in her romantic life? Moira... omg. WTH. I have a few unsolved questions and didn’t get the full closure I needed lol. But I still loved these books. I’m thankful I had an opportunity to read them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
January 7, 2023
I honestly loved this series. I was pretty hooked on it. However, I definitely feel like the end of this book was VERY rushed, and there were so many loose ends. I would have rather had a huge cliffhanger than the quick jumps in time to try and fit everything in. Hoping for another book in the future though!
Profile Image for L B.
372 reviews12 followers
March 26, 2019
Wow! Did not see that coming! Beautiful!
Profile Image for Amy.
7 reviews
February 6, 2023
Series ended with more cliffhangers?!? I was hoping all the girls would get their happy endings and what happened to the twins.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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