Gone to Darkness

Sydney Rose Parnell #4

by Barbara Nickless

From a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Newly minted homicide detective Sydney Parnell faces a savage killer whose endgame is to capture her. And keep her.

Iraqi war vet and former railway cop Sydney Parnell is now the youngest homicide detective in Denver’s Major Crimes Unit. In the past, gut instinct has served her and her K9 partner well. But it’s not a trait Len Bandoni, her old nemesis turned reluctant mentor, admires. Not until Sydney’s instincts lead to their first case: a man tortured and beaten to death, then left in a refrigerated train car with cryptic messages carved into his body.

The victim is a well-liked member of an elite club called the Superior Gentlemen. At first glance, the club appears harmless. But beneath its refined surface swim darker currents.

As Sydney; her K9 partner, Clyde; and Bandoni investigate the grisly murder, the three develop a bond that carries them through a shocking series of crimes and a horrifying conspiracy that threatens the detectives’ lives and promises to bring their beloved city to its knees.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2020

About the author

Barbara Nickless is the Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of two award-winning crime series. Her first series has been optioned for television. A teacher and activist, she uses the healing power of writing to support combat veterans and civilians in the U.S. and Ukraine. She’s a three-time winner of the Colorado Book Award and a six-time winner of the CAL awards. A former fencer and falconer, Barbara lives in Colorado where she loves to hike, cave, snowshoe, and drink single malt Scotch. Not at the same time. Her most recent research travel involved taking cover from rocket fire and being grilled at military checkpoints. Her latest novel—The Drowning Game—is a spy thriller. It dropped January 1, 2025.

Sign up for Barbara’s newsletter at www.barbaranickless.com.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, I find myself reading books in a series out of order. I had read the first book, Blood on the Tracks, and found it decent, if not great. Skip ahead to this book. Sydney has moved on from the railroad to the Denver PD as a Homicide detective. But her first case involves the discovery of a mutilated body in a refrigerated rail car.
Once again, this is a decent, not great story. Sydney is still dealing with her ghosts, although her PTSD seems to be improving. Her new partner, Len, works well to flesh out the story and I appreciated how their relationship grew as the book progressed. Clyde, her K9 partner, figures prominently in the story, which is always a plus in my book.
Having majored eons ago in Semiotics, I was thrilled to discover a character whose career was in forensic Semiotics. The book became much more interesting to me once he showed up.
And six months ago, I couldn’t have told you what an Incel was. Now, this is the second book I’ve read that had them as part of the plot.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty thrilling addition to the series. I have read and enjoyed the previous three books. It was great to see Sydney Rose Parnell former marine, then railway cop, extend herself and join the Denver PD where, on a fast track, she soon becomes a detective. Not long into the job she’s on her first murder case. Her partner in life, Mike Cohen, has moved into Vice and she is teamed up with old warhorse Len Bandoni. And of course, police dog Clyde.

In a nice tie-in to her former persona, the murder victim is found in a refrigerated rail car full of rotting chickens. The door had been left open. The victim, a young man, had some new tattoos on his inner arm, had been rather savagely beaten and had words carved onto his back. Did this crime have religious overtones? The detectives really struggle with this one. Soon, another young man is found dead. The location couldn’t be more different and the MO is different. But this man also had words carved and inscribed on his body, clearly linking the two cases. In this book we take a walk on the dark side and enter the world of incels, gutter punks and a secret society. And someone is stalking Sydney. Something is going down soon and Sydney, Clyde and Bandoni had better be ready or be crushed.

Sydney still has her ghosts but it was good to see the developing partner relationship between her and Bandoni. The first part of the book was more mystery than thriller as the detectives struggled to join the dots. But the ending, oh boy, that was full-on. I enjoyed the book and I really like the series. One word of warning for those sensitive to animals being injured - there is a moment. But we also get a doggie hero. Many thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Barbara Nickless for my review copy.

[Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Remember that fierceness you had as a kid? That bring-it-on feeling that was yours before you knew the world would punch you back? You still got it. Along with a bigger fist”

Syndney Parnell
Personal Journal

The gangs all back: the dynamic duo of Syd and Clyde along with Det Mike Cohen. Syd and Clyde are still working on dealing with their PTSD from the war and while Syd still has her ghosts hanging around, their appearances seem to be waning. Syd doesn’t seem to be talking to them much anymore, except for The Sir, a former commanding officer that was killed in action. Romantically, Syd and Cohen seem to be going strong. Cohen transferred to Denver PD Sex Crimes unit when Syd left the Railway PD and moved to Denver PD Major Crimes unit.

“Inside me is a monster. It allows me to see the monster in others. The drunk at the end of the bar with the scraped knuckles. A hot-eyed man sliding into an alley. Combat veterans with one too many tours. Random people passing on the street. When our eyes meet, I see the startle of recognition on their faces. It is never a happy acknowledgement.”

Sydney Parnell
Personal Journal

Syd is partnered up with Det Len Bandoni, a codgy, grouchy, old fart, and at this point in his career, he doesn’t want to be working with a rookie woman cop and her dog. Bandoni believes Syd is just a diversity hire because of the department’s recent sexual harassment scandals and settlements. Bandoni finds it his duty and pleasure to constantly remind Syd that her former media superstar status (the Denver press really likes Syd and Clyde) as a “murder cop” for the railways doesn’t mean diddly squat working for Denver PD as a “real” cop.

“It took me a long time to make this distinction: The past is not my enemy. It’s my fear of the past that brings me down.”

Sydney Parnell
Personal Journal

Most of the story revolves around the investigation of a dead body (a man in a dress) found on a train, who had religious quotes carved into the skin on his back. A few of the chapters also flip back and forth between Syd and the killer, who is stalking Syd. Syd also meets one of Cohen’s relatives for the first time. Dr Evan Wilding is Cohen’s cousin from Chicago whose specialty is forensic semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, and their interpretation. Evan becomes a consultant on the case as well as instrumental in the investigation.

“The thing about there being hell to pay is that you can always hope the devil doesn’t come to collect.”

Sydney Parnell
Personal Journal

I LOVED THIS SERIES!!! Every installment has been a 5star read for me! That is a sign of a great series! I don’t have any other series I’m reading that has garnered that for every installment. I loved the addition of Bandoni too! The interaction between Bandoni and Syd was so often absolutely hilarious! Think curmudgeon, fatherly, Boomer type and the smart@$$, exasperated, Millenium type. Nickless is an amazing writer and storyteller. One of the things I really liked about this series is how Nickless has developed Sydney’s character throughout the series. I especially like how she has accomplished some of the development through Syd’s class assignments and journal writing. I have found so many of these quotes really haunting; they are just a glimpse of the hell of war and the severity of a soldier’s PTSD, especially Syd’s and sometimes Clyde’s.

It’s been four years since this installment came out and I wondered if Nickless was just abandoning it. While her profile states that the series has been optioned to tv, I haven’t seen anything on tv come out on it. I contacted Nickless and asked if there would be future installments. Her response:

“Dear Donne,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reach out! I’m glad you enjoyed the Sydney Parnell books. Unfortunately, my publisher wanted to move on, and asked me to do a spinoff series based on a character introduced in Gone to Darkness. I miss Sydney and Clyde.

I do plan to write a short story about Sydney and Clyde, which I’ll give away to people who sign up for my newsletter—just as soon as I can get it written. :)

Thank you again!

My best,

Barbara”

I will miss Syd and Clyde. I think I will check out her new series about Evan Wilding. He seemed like an interesting character.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read the previous books in this series and loved them. This is another great addition. I have enjoyed Sydney Rose Parnell’s growth and healing. Clyde is exceptional. Not too much romance between Parnell and Cohen in this book. Detective Len Bandoni should become a permanent character. The development of his relationship with Parnell was great.

[Don Gerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few authors write crime novels with the detail provided by Barbara Nickless. As I began reading “Gone to Darkness” I wondered if she would be able to achieve the same level of excellence I had enjoyed in her previous books. Thankfully, Ms. Nickless exceeded her former accomplishments on several levels.

Sydney Rose Parnell is the heroine, a railroad detective who recently moved on to the Major Crimes Unit in Denver. Accompanied by her canine partner Clyde, she discovers a major case that is shrouded with mystery, one that will require her to use every skill she has at her disposal. It is interesting to note that Sydney’s demon’s – remnants from her service time in the Middle East – still haunt her, and Ms. Nickless has allowed Sydney’s short time as a detective (coupled with her previous railroad job) to darken her thoughts. Sydney works in a profession where the job changes you (no one gets out without scars) and many writers neglect to add this element when crafting a crime series.

The five-star element of this book is Ms. Nickless’ attention to detail. This is a police procedural, and the author keeps the thoughts and conversations interesting, never allowing the story to become dry. The plot contains some unexpected twists and turns, and at the end I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Ms. Nickless fills the book with descriptive writing, realistic dialogue, and a believable plot. What more can a reader ask for? Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set six months after the events in Ambush, and Sydney and Clyde (her K-9 partner) are now members of the Denver Police’s Major Crimes Unit, where she is partnered with her boyfriend’s ex-partner, Len Bandoni. Sydney investigates a call from a former railroad colleague, who has been knocked out, finding a desecrated body of a man in a refrigerated train car. When the remains are identified, the victim was a seemingly peaceful and wealthy graphic artist, with a dark side as a member of the Superior Gentlemen’s Club. Sydney continues to follow her gut, despite opposition from her new boss, new partner and ghosts in her military past, while also working on a case of elderly nursing home rape victims, victimized by a man with yellowy eyes (making me think of London Calling by the Clash.) Things escalate as additional mutilation is discovered, and the Denver PD goes on alert for mass murder, while Sydney and Len try to track down the group’s leader and some missing women. Someone also seems to be stalking Sydney. Very violent ending, like the previous books. Hope to see more of the dwarf FBI specialist in future books.

[Joy Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to #Netgalley and the publishers of #GonetoDarkness for an advance reader's copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

"My counselor tells me that at my core, I am a good person. That we all come into the world as unblemished as God made us, and then the world starts to act on us. We can get back to that good core, he tells me. Back to our true selves. But I’ve seen too much. You can scrub all you want. But a darkened heart will always be dark." —Sydney Parnell. Personal journal.

I thought this book was a good read, although not quite the page turner I was going for. It can be read as a stand-alone but I suspect part of the reason it wasn't a page turner for me was because I had not read the first three books of the series. I think the book may have flowed at a faster pace had I done so.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Sydney and her K-9 partner Clyde. I also liked the eventual camaraderie between the detective and her work partner, Bandoni. I found this book well written. It was also apparent that the writer had put some time into researching various procedures and relevant topics. I would recommend this book to readers who Iove police procedurals and crime thrillers. I would also recommend reading the first three books first.

"We are all trying to create a good place in the world. That place where maybe we give a little more than we get." —Sydney Parnell. Personal journal.

I give this book a solid 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐ with the possibility of a higher rating if I read the other books on the series

[Janet Newport · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this arc.

Gone to Darkness is the fourth book of this series and I was really glad to see it as something about book 3 just felt so final to me. There's a big time gap as Sydney has left the railroad and has joined the Denver PD and has worked her way up to the Major Crimes Unit as a detective along with her dog Clyde. ( little jarring maybe as usually K-9 units are separate from Murder/Major Crimes in most US police departments, but never mind). I was just glad to see them back.

After a night of celebrating Sydney's transition from the railroad to the police department/promotion, Sydney is on her way to retrieve her PD badge back from one of her former railroad officers before the new boss finds out she's "lost" it. Instead she finds her former fellow railroad officer out of his vehicle and out cold on the ground some ways away from his vehicle (and her badge). Well something's wrong. She insists the train be stopped in the RR yard for a search and she searches again until she finds a horribly mangled and mutilated body. She's got a case!

The pacing was good and I enjoyed the read. I liked her new partner Len and just adored Clyde, but the many, many plot contrivances somewhat spoiled it for me overall.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone to Darkness
4 Stars

Now a homicide detective with the Denver Major Crimes Unit, Sydney Parnell and her K-9 partner, Clyde, investigate the death of a young man whose tortured corpse was found in a railway refrigeration car. The case leads them to a secret club known as The Superior Gentlemen whose members appear harmless enough on the surface, but darker undercurrents lie beneath. Can Sydney unravel their secrets before it is too late for the next victim?

An improvement on the previous installment as the focus returns to the police procedural style of the first couple of books. The theme focuses on a growing problem in society involving young men, often from privileged backgrounds, with a profound sense of entitlement and deeply ingrained misanthropy and misogyny.

The case itself is relatively straightforward as Sydney partners with an older detective, Leo Bandoni, to collect evidence and question witnesses. They formulate a hypothesis and follow the clues to the eventual showdown with the villains. Nevertheless, there are some spine-tingling moments throughout the narrative as Sydney finds herself the target of a stalker.

The real highlight of the book is the character development now that Sydney is laying her past to rest and forging a new path in a new position. She is slowly coming to terms with the people in her life, both old (her romance with Michael Cohen) and new (her partnership with the curmudgeonly Bandoni).

Overall, an enjoyable read with some compelling if darker themes. I hope that Nickless will continue with the series.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

362 pages

4 stars

Sydney Parnell, an Iraq war vet, and her canine partner Clyde are now with the Denver Major Crimes Department of the Denver Police Department. Sydney now has a police partner as well. His name is Len Bandoni. He is you might say a reluctant friend and “rabbi” (police-speak for mentor), of hers.

Sydney and Clyde discover the body of a man who has been beaten and murdered. She is assigned the case. The scene has some kind of coded messages scrawled on the walls. What do these messages mean? Who is the victim?

Clues lead her to a club called Superior Gentlemen. This is not an organization that one leaves.

This is a well written and crafted novel, as are all of Barbara Nickless' books. One event follows another in a logical progression in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the previous Sydney books and this one is just as good. Her characters are filled out and true-to-life. I like Sydney – and Clyde – what's not to love? I look forward to reading more of Sydney and Clyde's adventures in the future.

I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.

[Jenny Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope she writes more books in this series.

[Luli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.

This novel has not been titled by chance. This will be the first clue to find out if this story is what you usually read or if it´s a bit darker than you tolerate.
On the other hand, this is the fourth book in the series. There is no point in starting here, and if you have already read the previous three, it doesn't matter what I tell you, you will be hooked on this author and her series, as I am.

With that said, the best Sidney Rosie Parnell is back. It was a real pleasure.
In this installment, the plot and characters are more consolidated, perfectly defined, so the author ventures (with great success) to grow, mature her characters without letting them lose their essence.

At this point in the series I can add little more. The suspense is still outstanding, as are the original and interesting plots. To say that I have never read this line of suspense before is almost a miracle, since I have been enjoying this genre for more than thirty years now.

I can´t find it a fault, really. Being (a lot) persnickety, I would say that I would have love to read more about the heroine´s personal life. It is very interesting and deals with topics totally allien for me, that's why it attracts me so much.

In short, a fourth installment that improves its predecessor and that sets the bar high for the fifth. Because there will be a fifth, right? 😉

e-ARC kindly provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley.

Este título no está puesto al azar. Esta será la primera pista para saber si esta historia es lo que sueles leer, o es un poco más oscura de lo que toleras.
Por otro lado, este es el cuarto libro de la serie. No tiene sentido empezar aquí, y si ya has leído los tres anteriores, da igual lo que te diga, estarás enganchada a esta autora, como lo estoy yo.

Dicho esto, la mejor Sidney Rosie Parnell está de vuelta. Es un auténtico placer.
En esta entrega la trama y los personajes están más consolidados, perfectamente definidos, así que la autora se aventura (con gran acierto) a hacer crecer, madurar a sus personajes sin dejarlos perder su esencia.

A estas alturas de la serie poco puedo añadir. El suspense sigue siendo sobresaliente, las tramas originales e interesantes; decir que esta línea de suspense no la había leído nunca es casi un milagro, ya que llevo más de treinta años disfrutando de este género.

No sé qué pega ponerle, la verdad. Por ser un poco quisquillosa diré que me gustaría haber visto algo más de la vida personal de la protagonista. Es muy interesante y lidia con temas totalmente desconocidos para mí, por eso me atrae tanto.

En fin, una cuarta entrega que mejora su antecesora y que deja el listón altísimo para la quinta. Porque habrá quinta, ¿no? 😉

[Mark Elliott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Painful

As I understand it the major threat in America today is guys with religious upbringing who cannot get dates and take their frustrations and inadequacies out on unprotected migrant workers and then they murder people, mutilating the bodies of their victims. Is that a problem in your neighborhood too?

I hope her next book is from the dog’s point of view; it would be a broader view.

This series, when it was tied to railroad crime and featured a smart dog was mildly interesting. Both elements are functionally gone from the story now.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a favorite series. And this was a good addition to the series. I like Sydney and Clyde a lot and look forward to more books in the series.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

One can pick up this book as a start to the series because it shows a significant change in the life of Sydney Rose. If read out of order, it would be harder to understand her psyche because of the way her prior experiences shaped her. Most of it is not repeated or even recollected in this instalment, which in itself is rare in series’.

Sydney Rose is now a proper cop in the murder investigation department. She is lower on the hierarchy since she is just starting out and is saddled with a partner who does not trust or like her completely. He is the earlier partner of her boyfriend. This essentially means that the investigation she jumps headfirst into is almost a family affair with a cross-over feel. It begins with the familiar, a train track and veers into dangerous territory from that. It is as dark if not darker than the previous works and the language sometimes reflects that situation. The mystery itself was unique in some ways and I had no clue about what was coming next. I like the depth of this series but would not recommend it to anyone who does not have the stomach for the more grisly details that thrillers like this usually contain. I would read/listen to the next if I get the chance since there is one loose thread from the broader storyline still left to tie up. Finally, I have heard a lot of audiobooks narrated by this narrator and she has done an excellent job in this one, as always.

[Bart Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Nickless is a fantastic writer and storyteller. Beautiful turns of phrase and dynamic metaphors sprinkled in amongst hard-hitting sentences and edge-of-your-seat plotlines, and in perfect proportion. It's not often I read books and think of both the style of writing AND the plot as being this terrific. Kudos, Ms. Nickless!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone to Darkness by Barbara Nickless
Sydney Rose Parnell #4

Gripping, gritty, gruesome beginning to what proved to be an excellent story. I was hooked from page one and wanted the bad guy put away before I even read what he would eventually do. Evil stepped off the page and made me glad I would never have to interact with such a creature…at least I *hope* I won’t!

Sydney’s move from railway cop to homicide detective comes with a whole lot of having to prove herself. She is a rookie that everyone expects to fail or bail before her probation ends. Her mentor is a curmudgeonly sort that grew on me. Her boyfriend and his cousin were a delight – would love to hear more about Evan Wilding in future books. Clyde the K-9 partner is special and endearing and a force to be reckoned with. Sydney definitely holds her own and also uses her contacts with the railroad to solve the murder as the body was found in a refrigerated car on one of the trains that passed through town.

What I liked:
* Sydney: she seems like someone I would enjoy knowing. Her background in the military left her with an empathy with the dead and a connection stronger than most.
* Clyde: a K-9 with skills beyond those of his training
* Epigraphs that begin each chapter…interesting and well worth reading
* Bandoni: seasoned detective not easy to warm up to at first but a great character by the end of the story
* Cohen: seems to be a good book boyfriend to Sydney…and smart, too.
* Evan Wilding: a brilliant man in his field
* The police procedural parts
* The train information
* Learning about Pick-Up artists bent on seduction – learned some new terms, too
* Seeing into the minds of evil doers
* That the bad guys were caught in the end

What I didn’t like:
* The predators and what they did
* The women treated as less than human
* The creepiness…but I liked it, too
* Knowing I will have to wait awhile for the next book in the series.

Did I enjoy this book? Definitely
Would I read more int his series? Without a doubt!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel from Barbara Nickless, along with several others, is available on Kindle Unlimited. I read this work of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of Gone to Darkness. Nickless writes a tight tale with well-rounded protagonists and a story that touches your psyche in many ways. This is a very dark tale, a continuation of the history of Sydney Rose Parnell and her growth into the world of civilian life, still giving protection and safe zones to those around her. Once a Marine, always a marine. And Clyde is still happy, and an important part of Sydney's days. A win-win, but at the last minute this time~! A book I could not put down.

Reviewed on August 3, 2020, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo or GooglePlay.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I held my breath, I checked behind closets, and made sure all my doors were locked even though I have a husband and 2 large dogs. This is part of series, but stands on its own. You are not befuddled. I read book one in this series, and it was good read, but didn't tag me the way this one does. This one makes me wonder if I have missed out, I will need to see. Sydney and Clyde (her K-9) are really coming into their own. They each still grapple with PTSD but you can see them growing, and letting a little bit of sun into their lives. She is now a Detective and partnered with her old nemesis Bandoni. Their relationship was well done, it wasn't over the top and I enjoyed the growth there. As she catches a case on the rail cars by unusual circumstances, we are off. This really made me think about Gentlemen clubs (using Gentlemen loosely), the immigrants and flat out gave me the shudders in parts. A great thriller, with suspense and mystery showing you how they tug on all the strings to try and solve a case and shows you the darkness touches everyone, no one is safe. Thank you Barbara Nickless for writing this book, Thomas Mercer for publishing and allowing me through NetGalley to receive and arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions, nothing was solicited.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
The first I read in this series and I don't know if I liked it or not.
Sidney Parnell and Clyde, her canine partner, have joined the Denver Major Crime Unit after leaving the Denver Pacific Continental Railway. Her human partner, detective Len Bandoni, doesn't seem too impressed with her and she can't help wanting to impress him. Sidney still suffers from PTSD after serving in Iraq, as does Clyde. Clyde is the one being she trusts 100% and they're inseparable.
After two horrific murders the 3 of them get involved in a case that involves some of the most evil humans imaginable, one of whom has his sights set on capturing Sydney. This is where I found myself losing interest. The theme of a woman stalked and captured in the end by the madman who hates women is so prevalent in the mystery genre that it bores me. It's too much 'same old, same old'. The best parts of the book were Clyde (loved him) and Bandoni and Sydney's growing relationship.
I don't think I'll read any more in the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone to Darkness by Barbara Nickless is the latest installment in the gritty crime series featuring former railroad police officer Sydney Parnell and her K9 partner, Clyde. This book is set six months after the events in Ambush, and Sydney and Clyde are now members of the Denver Police’s Major Crimes Unit.

Sydney investigates a call from a railroad colleague and finds the body of a man in a refrigerated train car. The body was cruelly tortured and beaten to death. Sydney, Clyde and her new partner, Len Bandoni race to solve the case as the killer commits more horrifying crimes and silently stalks Sydney.

Gone to Darkness may be read as a standalone, but reading the first three books will result in a richer understanding of Sydney and her K9 partner, Clyde's intense relationship honed by their time in Iraq.

I enjoyed and recommend this fast-paced, well-written police procedural.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being a little disappointed in book 3, I was happy this one seemed to be on par with the first two in the series. Sydney is doing a little better with her PTSD, she still sees the ghosts, but seems to be dealing with it better. She's moved on from being a railroad cop to the newest major crimes detective. Not that she really earned the spot, but because of sexual harassment lawsuits and lack of female representation in the squad. It gives her extra incentive to prove her worth.

Uneasily partnered with Len Bandoni, Sydney and Clyde investigate murder, incels, immigration, sexual assault, and it still ties into the railroad a bit too. The storyline is brutal, fast paced, and kept me turning the pages quickly.

Len grew on me as he grew on Sydney, Clyde was awesome as always and I liked the addition of Evan, linguistics expert and cousin of Mike. I hope he's around for future books (fingers crossed for more of this series).

[CD {Boulder Blvd} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney Parnell is one of my favorite lead characters (plus Clyde her dog) and I am really enjoying this series.

Quote at 27%: "Death is a song with a million melodies that always ends on the same discordant note.

The start of the book really pulled me in and I had a hard time putting it down. The plot moved along really well with only a slight lull in the middle. There were quite a few characters for the police to investigate and there was a point where I got a couple of characters mixed up, but that's on me. I think it was pretty easy to figure out the bad guy, but identifying him and catching him was a lot more difficult.

I enjoyed this one, recommend it, and look forward to the next in the series.

Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC.

[Carolyn McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the 3 books that preceded this one, and I don't think my reading experience suffered any for it. I really enjoyed this book, the characters and of course, Clyde! In fact, I enjoyed this one so much that I have plans to get the three that came before it.

Trains aren't something I know much about, so their inclusion gave a different twist, for me at least. I enjoyed watching Sydney put the clues together, and her multi-layered and difficult relationship with her badge-partner. Lots of baggage, angst and secrets in this!

A must-read as far as I'm concerned!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this great book in exchange for my opinion.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always an enjoyable read and page-turning experience. This installment is it bit more predictable but the characters are just as strong and the plot just as fast-paced.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas/Mercer for the ARC to read and review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney and Clyde are back ! Barbara Nickless never fail to surprise me with her new material in cases.
This time the comic geek intertwined with illegal workers, rapist and cult fanatic. I love Sydney and Bandoni’s banter and how their partnership develops through the story. Love this series!!!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the strongest in the series but still enjoyable. I love the dynamic with her new partner.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling hunt-for-the-killer with Sydney!

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: Gruesome descriptions of murder and torture victims as well as references to sexual assault. For those who are offended by it, there is also a lot of swearing.

First, I have to say that the prologue of the book had me on pins and needles, bracing for what might happen, and when!

Sydney Parnell and her canine partner Clyde are now with the Denver Major Crimes Department of the Denver Police Department and her human partner/mentor is none other than the crusty Len Bandoni. I have to admit I am confused as to how she came to be a detective with the police department. (Did I miss something, somewhere?) I thought I was going to hate Len as Parnell's partner but I liked seeing how they were taking baby steps towards respecting each other.

I very much enjoyed the addition of Evan, Cohen's cousin who came for a visit and who is a forensic handwriting examiner. I hope we see more of him.

Although Parnell is still seeing her ghosts, I miss the fact that she's no longer a railroad cop. That was something I felt was unique to this series.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find these books a bit depressing and I had decided not to continue with the series, however I still quite like Sydney and Clyde and Amazon Unlimited keep recommending the book.
The book starts with a prologue, unfortunately my only thought was oh no not another ridiculous psychopath. Fortunately he was simmering in the background for most of the book and the basic story wasn't bad, if a little over complicated.
My problem with this series is it is really depressing and this book is no exception. Somebody has convinced the author that the more death, blood and pain the better the book. There is just no contrast in these books, it's all gloom and doom all the way through.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars, I was tempted to give two stars, but I thought this was a better book than the previous one so I have raised this to three.