What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective McDaniel Thriller #1
Hold Back the Night
4:23 a.m. The phone rings. The officer on the other end says, “It’s a bad one, Darren. Can you come?”
Darren McDaniel has worked dozens of homicides in his years as a detective. It’s a dark and gritty business, and he’s prepared to handle whatever it throws at him. Or so he once believed.
The pre-teen girl is dead, dressed in a white princess gown, lying on a bus stop bench. There’s a steel chain clamped to her ankle. A cryptic message scrawled across the booth’s dusty glass wall may be the only clue.
As McDaniel plunges into the case, he isn’t surprised to discover the girl had been held somewhere horrible before her death. But, his blood chills when the evidence shows she wasn’t alone. Other children were with her. Are they still there? Can McDaniel save them in time?
The detective races against the clock, but the closer he gets, the deadlier the chase becomes. Secrets this dark fight back. When those secrets turn their murderous attention on McDaniel’s family, he faces an impossible decision – let the killer walk free or risk losing his own daughter.
Darren McDaniel has worked dozens of homicides in his years as a detective. It’s a dark and gritty business, and he’s prepared to handle whatever it throws at him. Or so he once believed.
The pre-teen girl is dead, dressed in a white princess gown, lying on a bus stop bench. There’s a steel chain clamped to her ankle. A cryptic message scrawled across the booth’s dusty glass wall may be the only clue.
As McDaniel plunges into the case, he isn’t surprised to discover the girl had been held somewhere horrible before her death. But, his blood chills when the evidence shows she wasn’t alone. Other children were with her. Are they still there? Can McDaniel save them in time?
The detective races against the clock, but the closer he gets, the deadlier the chase becomes. Secrets this dark fight back. When those secrets turn their murderous attention on McDaniel’s family, he faces an impossible decision – let the killer walk free or risk losing his own daughter.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2019
2012 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
April 30, 2021
I love the characters and the small does of their backstory you find out as the tale unspools. They feel like old friends. The material is dark and it will lead you with a bad taste in your mouth because of the subject matter, but the superb writing more than makes up for the sleaze factor and makes you want to read more. And I will be reading more!
November 21, 2019
Warning: there are SPOILERS in this review
This was an uncomfortable read for me, because of the topic involved harming children. Before choosing this book, I read the Amazon book blurb and the Goodread reviews. However, I was NOT expecting to read about pedophilia, child enslavement, child sex trafficking, plus the serial murder of little girls.
Truth is, I almost DNFed this police procedural several times, but I persevered and finished it by skimming through to the end. Whilst reading, I was stopped by the following:
1. “That’s awful white of you.” This was new-to-me, so I had to Google it.
2. The accountancy firm of Schechter & Polakoff was called “Shyster & Polack” by a detective.
3. Author writes: “Her speech had the clipped and lilting accent of her people.” I had no idea what foreign nation the character’s “people” are originally from.
I am amongst the minority of reviewers, so please read this with a tablespoon of salt. Overall, this storyline seemed like a written-for-TV episode of “Law & Order: SVU” or “Criminal Minds,” so you may like this book.
This was an uncomfortable read for me, because of the topic involved harming children. Before choosing this book, I read the Amazon book blurb and the Goodread reviews. However, I was NOT expecting to read about pedophilia, child enslavement, child sex trafficking, plus the serial murder of little girls.
Truth is, I almost DNFed this police procedural several times, but I persevered and finished it by skimming through to the end. Whilst reading, I was stopped by the following:
1. “That’s awful white of you.” This was new-to-me, so I had to Google it.
2. The accountancy firm of Schechter & Polakoff was called “Shyster & Polack” by a detective.
3. Author writes: “Her speech had the clipped and lilting accent of her people.” I had no idea what foreign nation the character’s “people” are originally from.
I am amongst the minority of reviewers, so please read this with a tablespoon of salt. Overall, this storyline seemed like a written-for-TV episode of “Law & Order: SVU” or “Criminal Minds,” so you may like this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
A new author to me and this was a free download I thought I'd give a go. I enjoyed it and really liked our protagonist Darren McDaniel. I also enjoyed his relationship with his wife. Nice to see a happy marriage for a change when one partner is in the Force, as usually they're divorced or at each others' throats !! I'd be interested to learn more about the Irish copper Murphy, who has a proper chip on his shoulder with the attitude to match....sure there's a story there.
It was a pretty sad tale but based on stuff we all know is going on, unfortunately. It kept me guessing.....and unusually it was all set in around 24-48 hours, so you're almost reading in real-time, if that makes sense ! There are some highly amusing lines here and there, too, despite the subject matter.
I did get irritated with some of the errors in it, though. ESPECIALLY when he clearly knows the difference, as in spelling jamb as jam a few times but then getting it correct on a couple of occasions.....it smacks of sloppiness.
Speechmarks were missed in a few spots, he wrote stanch not stench, bold not bolt, adds not ads, he writes Feebs and then feebs, milk-toast not milquetoast, were not we're and also there were a couple of misplaced apostrophes.
He does that really annoying thing Americans always do in slinging around their bloody acronyms here, there and everywhere as well. BUT a couple of times he did write it out properly but only after using it a couple of times. So I was on Wiki trying to figure out just what he was talking about. This happens a lot and always gets my back up.
The ending is an interesting one and I'll be giving book 2 a read for sure. Nice cover on my version, too.
It was a pretty sad tale but based on stuff we all know is going on, unfortunately. It kept me guessing.....and unusually it was all set in around 24-48 hours, so you're almost reading in real-time, if that makes sense ! There are some highly amusing lines here and there, too, despite the subject matter.
I did get irritated with some of the errors in it, though. ESPECIALLY when he clearly knows the difference, as in spelling jamb as jam a few times but then getting it correct on a couple of occasions.....it smacks of sloppiness.
Speechmarks were missed in a few spots, he wrote stanch not stench, bold not bolt, adds not ads, he writes Feebs and then feebs, milk-toast not milquetoast, were not we're and also there were a couple of misplaced apostrophes.
He does that really annoying thing Americans always do in slinging around their bloody acronyms here, there and everywhere as well. BUT a couple of times he did write it out properly but only after using it a couple of times. So I was on Wiki trying to figure out just what he was talking about. This happens a lot and always gets my back up.
The ending is an interesting one and I'll be giving book 2 a read for sure. Nice cover on my version, too.
July 22, 2020
Someone should make this novel into a movie for sure.
April 20, 2020
Wow great thriller
Another case of child sex crimes.This case comes to light over the dead body of a abused child.When Dec McDaniel gets involved in the case you know it's going to be a fight until the end.He goes after the bad guys and when his daughter is taken you know the fight is on.The ending still has you wondering who the bad cop is in this case.
Another case of child sex crimes.This case comes to light over the dead body of a abused child.When Dec McDaniel gets involved in the case you know it's going to be a fight until the end.He goes after the bad guys and when his daughter is taken you know the fight is on.The ending still has you wondering who the bad cop is in this case.
December 14, 2019
Amazing start to a new series! I couldn’t stop reading it! Love the characters too. Storyline was so damn heartbreaking.
February 3, 2021
"A grisly tale"
Strong on characterisation and setting, this keeps your attention throughout. The subject matter has become a familiar one in thrillers in recent years, which is a shame. The shock value of this despicable crime is getting diminished. I couldn't in all conscience award this 5* when reading fiction should be for enjoyment.
Strong on characterisation and setting, this keeps your attention throughout. The subject matter has become a familiar one in thrillers in recent years, which is a shame. The shock value of this despicable crime is getting diminished. I couldn't in all conscience award this 5* when reading fiction should be for enjoyment.
February 11, 2021
Good thriller
This was a very fast paced thriller. The story is good and the characters have you rooting for them. The story will tug at your heart and we can only wish things like this never happen.
This was a very fast paced thriller. The story is good and the characters have you rooting for them. The story will tug at your heart and we can only wish things like this never happen.
February 17, 2021
Night never dies....it just fades at first light.
Detective McDaniel and his partner is what we hope all cops will become. They have a conscience and values that are needed when they have to face nightmares. Nightmares are more than bad dreams, they are also bad or deranged people. For the little girl who was found and led them to the brink of hell and beyond, they tried their best. Sometimes it isn’t always justified, but don’t ever give up on your dreams. I hope that the next book is as great as this one. Yes, the story was not pretty but it showed that there are people who will fight for us when needed. I hope we can all have someone in our life that will do all they can to help/save us when needed. I hope the author continues to write stories that will touch my soul as much as this one.
Detective McDaniel and his partner is what we hope all cops will become. They have a conscience and values that are needed when they have to face nightmares. Nightmares are more than bad dreams, they are also bad or deranged people. For the little girl who was found and led them to the brink of hell and beyond, they tried their best. Sometimes it isn’t always justified, but don’t ever give up on your dreams. I hope that the next book is as great as this one. Yes, the story was not pretty but it showed that there are people who will fight for us when needed. I hope we can all have someone in our life that will do all they can to help/save us when needed. I hope the author continues to write stories that will touch my soul as much as this one.
July 19, 2020
Potential for a good series
I have really enjoyed the Stillwater Suspense series and had the same hopes for Detective McDaniel but it fell short.
The plot was great especially the opening chapters.
It was good in the police procedural areas and a cop who isn’t a drunk, lost wife, woe to me cop.
However there were two low points that stopped me from giving it 5 starts. The F-word was the first turn-off, it isn’t on every other page, but bottom line it turns me off. Yeah, I’m one of those old prudes, but feel obligated to forewarn my fellow prudes.
Spoiler
The other letdown is near the end when the bad guys have to make it personal against the protagonist’s by bringing family into it. To me it’s unnecessary drama. There are many real life police stories if not most where the cop’s family become a victim of the wacky psycho.
End Spoiler
Since COVID has me pretty much halted my prison ministry work and I’m stuck at home for the foreseeable future and my only entertainment is mystery books, I’ll go the next Detective McDaniel book, but I am hoping my two low points are not repeated, but being an old prude I’m not holding my breath.
I have really enjoyed the Stillwater Suspense series and had the same hopes for Detective McDaniel but it fell short.
The plot was great especially the opening chapters.
It was good in the police procedural areas and a cop who isn’t a drunk, lost wife, woe to me cop.
However there were two low points that stopped me from giving it 5 starts. The F-word was the first turn-off, it isn’t on every other page, but bottom line it turns me off. Yeah, I’m one of those old prudes, but feel obligated to forewarn my fellow prudes.
Spoiler
The other letdown is near the end when the bad guys have to make it personal against the protagonist’s by bringing family into it. To me it’s unnecessary drama. There are many real life police stories if not most where the cop’s family become a victim of the wacky psycho.
End Spoiler
Since COVID has me pretty much halted my prison ministry work and I’m stuck at home for the foreseeable future and my only entertainment is mystery books, I’ll go the next Detective McDaniel book, but I am hoping my two low points are not repeated, but being an old prude I’m not holding my breath.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
Light shines in the darkness
This book leads the reader into the very darkest corner of life, where innocent lives are used to feed the greed of businessmen. Though it's tough to face these situations and spend time immersed in the story, it's necessary to help us appreciate what is good about life and as McDaniel puts it to keep the light. Written by a skilled craftsman the characters are easy to love and the story does not let you escape. It's almost unbelievable that so much backstory, tension and action can be packed in so few pages. I look forward to the next Detective McDaniel thriller but still want more in the Still Waters series!
This book leads the reader into the very darkest corner of life, where innocent lives are used to feed the greed of businessmen. Though it's tough to face these situations and spend time immersed in the story, it's necessary to help us appreciate what is good about life and as McDaniel puts it to keep the light. Written by a skilled craftsman the characters are easy to love and the story does not let you escape. It's almost unbelievable that so much backstory, tension and action can be packed in so few pages. I look forward to the next Detective McDaniel thriller but still want more in the Still Waters series!
December 31, 2019
Wow...just wow
I knew of this author from reading some of his work in a series with another author. I am so glad I remembered him. This book was well written and so very captivating. The characters were real and believable. I could not stop reading. The story unfolded like a mist on the water. It allowed me to see just enough to make me want more. I did not figure out the ending until the end. Although this tale is on the darker side, I would highly recommend it to any mystery/crime fan. Or actually to anyone who enjoys a smart, exciting and interesting work of fiction.
I knew of this author from reading some of his work in a series with another author. I am so glad I remembered him. This book was well written and so very captivating. The characters were real and believable. I could not stop reading. The story unfolded like a mist on the water. It allowed me to see just enough to make me want more. I did not figure out the ending until the end. Although this tale is on the darker side, I would highly recommend it to any mystery/crime fan. Or actually to anyone who enjoys a smart, exciting and interesting work of fiction.
November 21, 2019
*Note I was sent an ARC copy from the author*
The Characters
The book starts off with the point of view of the main character and this is the only time her point of view is in the story. It was much like a prologue (might have been classified as one but I can't remember), but I really enjoyed this. Again, since I am kinda new to this genre I am not sure if this is common, but I liked it none the less. We continued in Detective McDaniel's point of view the rest of the time. It's in third person past as well.
So firstly, our main character is Detective Darren McDaniel. He's set on justice and has a colorful history that lets the reader get to know him without any sudden dumping, it's very well thought out and sprinkled well. Something I noticed was home the name of him changed. For example in the police field he was known as McDaniel, whereas at his home or with his family off duty he was Darren. This was a very minor detail, but an important one that I loved seeing.
The minor characters all played an important part and I really enjoyed his co-workers, especially his partner Vanderwyk and there back and forth joking but ability to work together as a team and get things done.
The Plot
This story was interesting and tugged at the heart string right away, pulling you into the story and being there with McDaniel. I loved how everything sort of circled around at the end.
The Pacing
The story has the perfect dose between detailing and giving info. It offers rich settings and descriptions. But it doesn't lag and make the reader fall asleep either. It offers the perfect medium: wasn't such a quick read that I felt like it was missing more and wasn't boring where I snoozed off. I was actually in fact trying to stay awake once I had taken my sleep medication just so I could finish a chapter!
Research
For me, it didn't seem like it was drawing a lot of blanks like intentionally leaving out details because of lack of research or grasping at straws. It felt like I was watching a crime TV show with the amount that you learned about the police life, without it being pushed at you or worldbuilding dumped.
The Publishing Side of Things
I was very impressed with the simple yet beautiful formatting. There were stormy cloud headers and these seemed like a very neat choice for this book. The book cover is sleek and fitting to the story. The price is very good for new readers. One thing I did wish was that I could find more digital retailers for this story.
The story also flowed well without any noticeable grammar issues or plot holes. The voice reigned the same and strong throughout the book, making me enjoy this character and genre choice and craving for more.
Overall
This was a fun ride to read! I enjoyed the reference to one of my favorite bands (The Birthday Massacre), which if I remember right Axel is one of the people that told me about the band and got me into it, so ha!
This story was truly addictive because of the anticipation and rooting for the characters. I can't wait to get into the rest of the series!
The Characters
The book starts off with the point of view of the main character and this is the only time her point of view is in the story. It was much like a prologue (might have been classified as one but I can't remember), but I really enjoyed this. Again, since I am kinda new to this genre I am not sure if this is common, but I liked it none the less. We continued in Detective McDaniel's point of view the rest of the time. It's in third person past as well.
So firstly, our main character is Detective Darren McDaniel. He's set on justice and has a colorful history that lets the reader get to know him without any sudden dumping, it's very well thought out and sprinkled well. Something I noticed was home the name of him changed. For example in the police field he was known as McDaniel, whereas at his home or with his family off duty he was Darren. This was a very minor detail, but an important one that I loved seeing.
The minor characters all played an important part and I really enjoyed his co-workers, especially his partner Vanderwyk and there back and forth joking but ability to work together as a team and get things done.
The Plot
This story was interesting and tugged at the heart string right away, pulling you into the story and being there with McDaniel. I loved how everything sort of circled around at the end.
The Pacing
The story has the perfect dose between detailing and giving info. It offers rich settings and descriptions. But it doesn't lag and make the reader fall asleep either. It offers the perfect medium: wasn't such a quick read that I felt like it was missing more and wasn't boring where I snoozed off. I was actually in fact trying to stay awake once I had taken my sleep medication just so I could finish a chapter!
Research
For me, it didn't seem like it was drawing a lot of blanks like intentionally leaving out details because of lack of research or grasping at straws. It felt like I was watching a crime TV show with the amount that you learned about the police life, without it being pushed at you or worldbuilding dumped.
The Publishing Side of Things
I was very impressed with the simple yet beautiful formatting. There were stormy cloud headers and these seemed like a very neat choice for this book. The book cover is sleek and fitting to the story. The price is very good for new readers. One thing I did wish was that I could find more digital retailers for this story.
The story also flowed well without any noticeable grammar issues or plot holes. The voice reigned the same and strong throughout the book, making me enjoy this character and genre choice and craving for more.
Overall
This was a fun ride to read! I enjoyed the reference to one of my favorite bands (The Birthday Massacre), which if I remember right Axel is one of the people that told me about the band and got me into it, so ha!
This story was truly addictive because of the anticipation and rooting for the characters. I can't wait to get into the rest of the series!
November 24, 2019
This outstanding story came highly recommended by one of my most favorite authors, Dawn Lee McKenna, and I am more than satisfied with this intriguing story. Being a retired law enforcement official, I found myself overwhelmed by the outstanding descriptiveness of the ongoing investigative techniques of those involved in trying to solve some very disturbing, and horrific child abuse and homicide investigations.
Definitely five stars worthy, and I will be preordering the second book in this outstanding, and definitely compassionate, series. If you love Ms. McKenna's outstanding stories, then you will definitely enjoy this compassionately motivated story. The characters were perfectly selected for their assigned roles as law enforcement investigators, and the horrible bad guys definitely portrayed their assigned tasks with unbelievably gruesome attempts, that leaves little to the imagination. The storylines mesmerize you, as the story continuously intensifies with each new developing adventure.
The lead Investigator really will grab you almost immediately, and he becomes so involved that you cannot put the book down as he constantly changes his course of action. Definitely a "who dunnit" that touches your heartstrings immediately, and never lets go, as the investigation intensifies with each new developing episode!
Most definitely recommend this outstanding story of intriguingly suspenseful thriller that successfully touches anyone's heartstrings. I am normally a dyed in the wool western folklore enthusiast, but when Ms. McKenna recommended this book, I had to give it a try. Believe me when I say the story is a superb example of what could possibly be realistically true, I'm am not exaggerating. Try this book, regardless of your reading pleasure might be, as this is definitely an eye opening experience that will certainly raise the hair on the back of your neck!!!!
Definitely five stars worthy, and I will be preordering the second book in this outstanding, and definitely compassionate, series. If you love Ms. McKenna's outstanding stories, then you will definitely enjoy this compassionately motivated story. The characters were perfectly selected for their assigned roles as law enforcement investigators, and the horrible bad guys definitely portrayed their assigned tasks with unbelievably gruesome attempts, that leaves little to the imagination. The storylines mesmerize you, as the story continuously intensifies with each new developing adventure.
The lead Investigator really will grab you almost immediately, and he becomes so involved that you cannot put the book down as he constantly changes his course of action. Definitely a "who dunnit" that touches your heartstrings immediately, and never lets go, as the investigation intensifies with each new developing episode!
Most definitely recommend this outstanding story of intriguingly suspenseful thriller that successfully touches anyone's heartstrings. I am normally a dyed in the wool western folklore enthusiast, but when Ms. McKenna recommended this book, I had to give it a try. Believe me when I say the story is a superb example of what could possibly be realistically true, I'm am not exaggerating. Try this book, regardless of your reading pleasure might be, as this is definitely an eye opening experience that will certainly raise the hair on the back of your neck!!!!
October 30, 2024
(3.5 / 5)
When Detective Darren McDaniel is called in on a case involving a pre-teen girl found dead on a bus bench with a chain around her ankle, he knows it's going to be bad. Child molestation and human trafficking feature heavily in this book, so let that be a warning to any who would prefer to avoid those topics.
Overall, this book reads like a typical police procedural story. It drags a bit as the lead characters wait for things to go through the proper channels, warrants to come through, etc., though it's broken up some by the main character's backstory being given to us in bits and pieces. There is some attempt at comic relief, but the book mostly stays dark and serious throughout. McDaniel's relationship with his family is a breath of fresh air in this kind of story, and I really liked the way his wife pushes him to open up to her. There are some clichés, especially near the end, but it's not overdone. There is a decent amount of language in the book (much of it even more unnecessary than usual), but no other content issues, other than the glaringly obvious one mentioned in the first paragraph.
When I read a self-published book, it is my intention not to let things that a professional editor would help with affect my view too much. I’m not saying that there is no burden of responsibility here, but it’s harder for self-published authors. So while it did not affect my rating, I will at least mention that there are definitely some typos and incorrect word choices, things that probably would have been fixed by some research and/or more editing (for example, a character uses an M1 Garand, but it's spelled "Grand" in the book). Things like this can detract from the book for some, so let that be a warning. Overall, I enjoyed the book, even though the author left a pretty major loose end. I don't know if I'll continue the series, but I do recommend the book to fans of procedural crime dramas.
When Detective Darren McDaniel is called in on a case involving a pre-teen girl found dead on a bus bench with a chain around her ankle, he knows it's going to be bad. Child molestation and human trafficking feature heavily in this book, so let that be a warning to any who would prefer to avoid those topics.
Overall, this book reads like a typical police procedural story. It drags a bit as the lead characters wait for things to go through the proper channels, warrants to come through, etc., though it's broken up some by the main character's backstory being given to us in bits and pieces. There is some attempt at comic relief, but the book mostly stays dark and serious throughout. McDaniel's relationship with his family is a breath of fresh air in this kind of story, and I really liked the way his wife pushes him to open up to her. There are some clichés, especially near the end, but it's not overdone. There is a decent amount of language in the book (much of it even more unnecessary than usual), but no other content issues, other than the glaringly obvious one mentioned in the first paragraph.
When I read a self-published book, it is my intention not to let things that a professional editor would help with affect my view too much. I’m not saying that there is no burden of responsibility here, but it’s harder for self-published authors. So while it did not affect my rating, I will at least mention that there are definitely some typos and incorrect word choices, things that probably would have been fixed by some research and/or more editing (for example, a character uses an M1 Garand, but it's spelled "Grand" in the book). Things like this can detract from the book for some, so let that be a warning. Overall, I enjoyed the book, even though the author left a pretty major loose end. I don't know if I'll continue the series, but I do recommend the book to fans of procedural crime dramas.
November 27, 2021
This is an excellent police procedural mystery with plenty of tension and suspense. A horrible crime has been committed against a preteen girl and Detective McDaniel is assigned as the lead investigator. This is the first story in a series of mysteries featuring Detective McDaniel. Bellingham, Washington is the location for this story, which is near the Canadian border. The proximity to the border will figure into the criminal activity, which is sex slavery of young, underage girls. The characters are very well defined as “real” people. There are no superhuman hero cops who will stop at nothing to get revenge in this story. Although, at times during this story you’ll wish there were a few of those characters around to just charge in and blow the bad guys away. The police detectives are very realistically portrayed as both dedicated and motived to do their job, which is to “hold back the night (i.e., dark side)” of mankind from the civilized world. You’ll learn a lot about the underworld existence of this disgusting human slavery activity. You’ll root for the police and feel their frustration as the rules of law hold them back and let the criminals exist, at least in the short run. Regardless of how disgusting the crime may be, the cops in this story follow procedures and laws to ensure a legal outcome as swiftly as possible.
Read
January 24, 20224:23 a.m. The phone rings. The officer on the other end says, “It’s a bad one, Darren. Can you come?”
Darren McDaniel has worked dozens of homicides in his years as a detective. It’s a dark and gritty business, and he’s prepared to handle whatever it throws at him. Or so he once believed.
The pre-teen girl is dead, dressed in a white princess gown, lying on a bus stop bench. There’s a steel chain clamped to her ankle. A cryptic message scrawled across the booth’s dusty glass wall may be the only clue.
As McDaniel plunges into the case, he isn’t surprised to discover the girl had been held somewhere horrible before her death. But, his blood chills when the evidence shows she wasn’t alone. Other children were with her. Are they still there? Can McDaniel save them in time?
The detective races against the clock, but the closer he gets, the deadlier the chase becomes. Secrets this dark fight back. When those secrets turn their murderous attention on McDaniel’s family, he faces an impossible decision – let the killer walk free or risk losing his own daughter.
Don't want to read.
Darren McDaniel has worked dozens of homicides in his years as a detective. It’s a dark and gritty business, and he’s prepared to handle whatever it throws at him. Or so he once believed.
The pre-teen girl is dead, dressed in a white princess gown, lying on a bus stop bench. There’s a steel chain clamped to her ankle. A cryptic message scrawled across the booth’s dusty glass wall may be the only clue.
As McDaniel plunges into the case, he isn’t surprised to discover the girl had been held somewhere horrible before her death. But, his blood chills when the evidence shows she wasn’t alone. Other children were with her. Are they still there? Can McDaniel save them in time?
The detective races against the clock, but the closer he gets, the deadlier the chase becomes. Secrets this dark fight back. When those secrets turn their murderous attention on McDaniel’s family, he faces an impossible decision – let the killer walk free or risk losing his own daughter.
Don't want to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2022
Alex Blackwell has written a book about a serial killer that will curl your hair. From the first page to the last, Blackwell takes you on the fast-paced hunt for absolute evil. The book is set in Washington state and opens with freezing rain late at night and an escaped little girl running barefoot through a forest to find safety. Where did the child come from, who is she, and what symbol is scrawled on the bus stop wall?
Detective Darren McDaniel and his partner Brent Vanderwyck are the perfect pair. They have opposite skills and share them generously. They trust each other and enjoy a little fun bantering between the two of them knowing that it helps de-stress the work. Blackwell does a terrific job with his characters, leaving the reader wanting to know even more about them and excited about the next case they solve. The story left me stunned and thinking that there must be a special place in heaven for detectives and police who have to deal with this kind of evil. An excellent read that I read as a stand-alone book but I enjoyed it so much that I suspect I will get another one of Blackwell’s.
Detective Darren McDaniel and his partner Brent Vanderwyck are the perfect pair. They have opposite skills and share them generously. They trust each other and enjoy a little fun bantering between the two of them knowing that it helps de-stress the work. Blackwell does a terrific job with his characters, leaving the reader wanting to know even more about them and excited about the next case they solve. The story left me stunned and thinking that there must be a special place in heaven for detectives and police who have to deal with this kind of evil. An excellent read that I read as a stand-alone book but I enjoyed it so much that I suspect I will get another one of Blackwell’s.
May 8, 2021
This is a great police procedural with one significant problem—Blackwell shows us the answer to half of the mystery in the first chapter of the book wherein a very young girl manages to escape a horrific pedophile before dying of exposure and hypothermia just before she reaches help. This first chapter is extremely well written, but it gives the reader way too much information when you consider that the police procedural encompasses the rest of the novel and the first third of those pages are dedicated to the detective discovering things we already know. The repetition almost caused me to abandon the book, but I’m glad I held on because when we move from locating where the girl came from to who her abuser is the novel becomes everything you would expect from this sort of mystery.
Blackwell is clearly a talented author who has created a cast of engaging characters. I just wish he hadn’t written he first chapter.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Blackwell is clearly a talented author who has created a cast of engaging characters. I just wish he hadn’t written he first chapter.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
May 4, 2020
The discovery of the body of an emaciated child at a bus stop sends Detective McDaniel and his partner on an ugly investigation into human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
This is a fast-paced police procedural. However, although it has a Washington state locale it doesn't feel especially American. The reactions of the brass seemed over the top. They get worked up over clearly justifiable actions but didn't seem to care about an officer waltzing off with evidence. I didn't like the ending and found McDaniel's dilemma unbelievable. Seemed an unnecessarily overdramatic way for people smart enough to run a billion-dollar ring without detection to steal evidence especially when their tentacles were so long reaching. The first two-thirds is good. The last portion is over the top and unbelievable.
This is a fast-paced police procedural. However, although it has a Washington state locale it doesn't feel especially American. The reactions of the brass seemed over the top. They get worked up over clearly justifiable actions but didn't seem to care about an officer waltzing off with evidence. I didn't like the ending and found McDaniel's dilemma unbelievable. Seemed an unnecessarily overdramatic way for people smart enough to run a billion-dollar ring without detection to steal evidence especially when their tentacles were so long reaching. The first two-thirds is good. The last portion is over the top and unbelievable.
April 16, 2020
Pleasantly surprised at finding a very good read / police procedural--a solid 4+ nudging towards a 5--from an author I've not previously read. Set in Bellingham, Washington, that gloomy, dreary part of the States, Detective Darren McDaniel stumbles into an investigation of the death of a child under sordid conditions. This is not an overly long book and the story is tightly developed over a few days with few sidetracks. Especially, if you want a good, quick read without numerous subplots from secondary characters, this story will fill your time. Detective McDaniel is a good detective and a good person and has a mission to "keep the darkness out" and "sustain the light". Recommended.
May 16, 2020
Action from the beginning!!!
Ok, this my first book by Axel Blackwell. It was amazing!
A detective is woken up with a phone call for a heartbreaking new case. The prologue really can he kind of a trugher for some but once you get passed it, the book is amazing. It's a dialogue driven book that works well for the plot and character development. You learn to love the 2 main characters and feel the frustration and time constraints throughout the whole book. It was an easy read as far as language goes, but it definitely tiys with your emotions. I feel like this is a must read for crime mysteries and some light procedural fans. I loved it and will read more!
Ok, this my first book by Axel Blackwell. It was amazing!
A detective is woken up with a phone call for a heartbreaking new case. The prologue really can he kind of a trugher for some but once you get passed it, the book is amazing. It's a dialogue driven book that works well for the plot and character development. You learn to love the 2 main characters and feel the frustration and time constraints throughout the whole book. It was an easy read as far as language goes, but it definitely tiys with your emotions. I feel like this is a must read for crime mysteries and some light procedural fans. I loved it and will read more!
January 22, 2021
A dark story
This is a dark story about seriously evil events, the brave and courageous girl who was the catalyst for the end of a sick, twisted man. Detective McDaniel has demons from his past that surge during this case in unexpected ways but he - and others - work hard to uncover the truth. A gripping but dark tale with depravity and violence, the ripple effects of trauma, and those who fight the darkness.
This case is resolved but has lead to knowledge of other criminals and deceptions that will need to be discovered and stopped.
This is a dark story about seriously evil events, the brave and courageous girl who was the catalyst for the end of a sick, twisted man. Detective McDaniel has demons from his past that surge during this case in unexpected ways but he - and others - work hard to uncover the truth. A gripping but dark tale with depravity and violence, the ripple effects of trauma, and those who fight the darkness.
This case is resolved but has lead to knowledge of other criminals and deceptions that will need to be discovered and stopped.
January 29, 2021
I hardly ever go outside my comfort zone with new authors. However, I received an email from one of my favorite authors, Cap Daniels, who recommended Axel Blackwell's Detective McDaniel series.
I found it to be an easy read riddled with thrills and, of course, some cop humor. After retiring from law enforcement after thirty five years I absolutely understand "Cop Humor".
The plot, although sad and frightening, is what happens far more than most people are aware. This is a great book with great characters and have already started the next adventure in the series.
Great job Axle.
I found it to be an easy read riddled with thrills and, of course, some cop humor. After retiring from law enforcement after thirty five years I absolutely understand "Cop Humor".
The plot, although sad and frightening, is what happens far more than most people are aware. This is a great book with great characters and have already started the next adventure in the series.
Great job Axle.
February 15, 2021
I enjoyed this book right up till the author made it personal between the child killer and his family.
The story was fast paced with just enough back story to fill in the gaps.
The procedures both by the rules and slightly outside the lines were on track to make a strong case for a 5 star. Then it became just like every other recent crime drama. The villain goes after the family of one of the lead characters.
I guess this is an antifa type of killer.
I realize it’s a set up for buying more books in the continuing saga of child abduction and sex slaves but falls short.
Disappointed.
The story was fast paced with just enough back story to fill in the gaps.
The procedures both by the rules and slightly outside the lines were on track to make a strong case for a 5 star. Then it became just like every other recent crime drama. The villain goes after the family of one of the lead characters.
I guess this is an antifa type of killer.
I realize it’s a set up for buying more books in the continuing saga of child abduction and sex slaves but falls short.
Disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
I absolutely loved every minute of Hold back the night. The banter between McDaniel’s and Vanderwyk’s the lead detectives was brilliant and brought on some great haha moment in an otherwise very dark story. The investigation moved along at a good pace and had me on the edge of my seat throughout , I didn’t feel at any point ‘ah come on’, Because it was action packed the whole way through. I would highly recommend to any thriller lovers.
May 10, 2020
Two minor quibbles kept it from a 5 star for me
A really good book overall. Only had very minor quibbles and those were not overblown as many books are. Only one I will bother to mention here...the old "if it's your family, you go by the book or else, but since it's my family I will break any rules I want so there" bs. Fortunately that part was not drawn out ad nauseum. Let's just say Adel Blackwell has a new fan now!
A really good book overall. Only had very minor quibbles and those were not overblown as many books are. Only one I will bother to mention here...the old "if it's your family, you go by the book or else, but since it's my family I will break any rules I want so there" bs. Fortunately that part was not drawn out ad nauseum. Let's just say Adel Blackwell has a new fan now!
June 16, 2020
Despite the nature of the crime being investigated, child sex trafficking, I enjoyed this book. It was well-written with believable characters. The investigative process was fascinating (albeit, it seemed like the detectives resolved the cause unrealistically quickly). There were two twists at the end - one predictable and the other unforeseen.
I will be reading more of the books in this series.
I will be reading more of the books in this series.
February 25, 2021
Horrific
I wish that this was just fiction but as I have lived in the real world for 70 years I know it is all too real. 2100 children disappear from their existence every single day in this country alone so perverts can enjoy their alternate perversions. They call this an illness. I call it an evil. An evil that makes so much money we cannot stop it. One thing we could do is stop electing it to our highest offices !
I wish that this was just fiction but as I have lived in the real world for 70 years I know it is all too real. 2100 children disappear from their existence every single day in this country alone so perverts can enjoy their alternate perversions. They call this an illness. I call it an evil. An evil that makes so much money we cannot stop it. One thing we could do is stop electing it to our highest offices !
April 18, 2022
This book was excellent it was so raw that it made me want to put down serial killer and police murder mysteries down for a few months it so sickened me... I have never had a police/ murder mystery affect me like this... the author definitely knows how to move people in a very visceral way. You feel everything the cops feel. I was unable to put the book down i read it straight through. I would not recommend it for the weak heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews