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Windsor #6
A Darkness Black
WINNER OF THE 2017 AMERICAN FICTION AWARD (MYSTERY CATEGORY)
Darkness. Covert operative Caleb Forrester has always preferred darkness over light, keeping his grief and shame in shadow. But just as he starts to question this existence and let go of the years of blame he’s carried, his best friend’s widow calls upon him to help her stop a murder. It’s a request he can’t refuse, even though he knows that traveling to the remote New Hampshire mansion to reunite with Cate will put him face-to-face with memories he’s spent more than five years trying to forget.
Life. After suffering two searing losses less than a year apart, widow Catherine Thomson has worked hard to let go of her guilt, move forward, and rebuild her life. But when a murderer threatens the wealthy family she works for, it’s Cate’s history that may save them. To help her investigate, she calls on Caleb—a man she trusts though may no longer know—and when it becomes apparent that it’s not just the family who is in danger, Cate realizes that revisiting the past she’s so painstakingly put behind her may be the only way she can help Caleb find his own redemption.
Betrayal. It’s everywhere. The Whatley family has generations of secrets and resentments that Caleb and Cate must wade through if they have any hope of preventing the murder. But it’s Caleb’s own disloyalty that shocks him to his core when he finds he’s falling for Cate. Caleb knows that stopping the killer isn’t going to be easy, but finding the strength—and forgiveness—to forge a future with Cate could be the hardest thing he’ll ever do.
The Windsor Series (Free with Kindle Unlimited)
#1 A Tainted Mind
#2 These Sorrows We See
#3 What Echoes Render
#4 The Frailty of Things
#5 An Inarticulate Sea
#6 A Darkness Black
#7 Through The Night
#8 Into The Dawn
Prequel to the Windsor Series: The Puppeteer
Darkness. Covert operative Caleb Forrester has always preferred darkness over light, keeping his grief and shame in shadow. But just as he starts to question this existence and let go of the years of blame he’s carried, his best friend’s widow calls upon him to help her stop a murder. It’s a request he can’t refuse, even though he knows that traveling to the remote New Hampshire mansion to reunite with Cate will put him face-to-face with memories he’s spent more than five years trying to forget.
Life. After suffering two searing losses less than a year apart, widow Catherine Thomson has worked hard to let go of her guilt, move forward, and rebuild her life. But when a murderer threatens the wealthy family she works for, it’s Cate’s history that may save them. To help her investigate, she calls on Caleb—a man she trusts though may no longer know—and when it becomes apparent that it’s not just the family who is in danger, Cate realizes that revisiting the past she’s so painstakingly put behind her may be the only way she can help Caleb find his own redemption.
Betrayal. It’s everywhere. The Whatley family has generations of secrets and resentments that Caleb and Cate must wade through if they have any hope of preventing the murder. But it’s Caleb’s own disloyalty that shocks him to his core when he finds he’s falling for Cate. Caleb knows that stopping the killer isn’t going to be easy, but finding the strength—and forgiveness—to forge a future with Cate could be the hardest thing he’ll ever do.
The Windsor Series (Free with Kindle Unlimited)
#1 A Tainted Mind
#2 These Sorrows We See
#3 What Echoes Render
#4 The Frailty of Things
#5 An Inarticulate Sea
#6 A Darkness Black
#7 Through The Night
#8 Into The Dawn
Prequel to the Windsor Series: The Puppeteer
486 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2019
142 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Tamsen Schultz
41 books348 followersTamsen Schultz is the author of several romantic suspense novels and American Kin (a short story published in Line Zero Magazine). In addition to being a writer, she has a background in the field of international conflict resolution, has co-founded a non-profit, and currently works in corporate America. Like most lawyers, she spends a disproportionate amount of time thinking (and writing) about what it might be like to do something else. She lives in Northern California in a house full of males including her husband, two sons, three cats, a dog, and a gender-neutral, but well-stocked, wine rack.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 13, 2019
This is a well-written, fast-paced romantic suspense novel with interesting, likable characters, an intriguing mystery, and a heart-warming romance. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every entry in Ms. Schultz's highly entertaining Windsor series, which is best read in order, however, each book is wonderful on its own.
February 17, 2020
A DARKNESS BLACK by Tamsen Schultz shares Caleb’s story with her readers. While giving readers insight to events in Caleb’s past, she also weaves his experiences into the current action of her romantic suspense thriller. Schultz creates a story dealing with family relationships, betrayal, guilt, trust issues, and lost love. She tells Caleb’s story by trending back and forth to what Caleb and the protagonist Catherine (Cate) Thomsen are feeling and experiencing. The author shares backstories of both Caleb and Catherine continuing to add additional information as the story progresses. She makes a point to highlight Caleb’s past covert operations and Cate’s work as an event organizer.
Cate, a longtime friend of Caleb, calls him to help her prevent a murder of one of her clients. Schultz skillfully reacquaints her readers with details of several characters of the previous five Windsor novels. Caleb reaches out to each of his friends asking for their help in his investigation to stop a murder at Cate’s event in New Hampshire. Fans of Schultz’s Windsor Series are brought up –to-date of the activities of key characters just to remind readers who might be the topic of book seven.
The author places her readers next to Caleb and Cate, so they experience what they are thinking. Readers follow Caleb and Cate as they deal with guilt issues of their past and learn to pay attention to their feelings. The author introduces interesting support characters giving details of their role in the storyline as it progresses. Schultz creates subplots changing the direction of the storyline keeping her readers guessing as to what will happen next.
The pace of the story increases at the turn of every page. Schultz builds tension causing readers to hold their breath spine-tingling events unfold. .A DARKNESS BLACK delivers a breathtaking ending to Caleb’s investigation that leads to heartwarming results. Schultz novel earns a five-star ranking, and my recommendation as a must read.
Cate, a longtime friend of Caleb, calls him to help her prevent a murder of one of her clients. Schultz skillfully reacquaints her readers with details of several characters of the previous five Windsor novels. Caleb reaches out to each of his friends asking for their help in his investigation to stop a murder at Cate’s event in New Hampshire. Fans of Schultz’s Windsor Series are brought up –to-date of the activities of key characters just to remind readers who might be the topic of book seven.
The author places her readers next to Caleb and Cate, so they experience what they are thinking. Readers follow Caleb and Cate as they deal with guilt issues of their past and learn to pay attention to their feelings. The author introduces interesting support characters giving details of their role in the storyline as it progresses. Schultz creates subplots changing the direction of the storyline keeping her readers guessing as to what will happen next.
The pace of the story increases at the turn of every page. Schultz builds tension causing readers to hold their breath spine-tingling events unfold. .A DARKNESS BLACK delivers a breathtaking ending to Caleb’s investigation that leads to heartwarming results. Schultz novel earns a five-star ranking, and my recommendation as a must read.
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April 13, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/13/2021)! 🎁
September 7, 2022
Kindle
November 28, 2017
A Darkness Black is book #6 in the exciting Windsor series by Tamsen Schultz. A highly entertaining, riveting, romantic suspense that's a definite must read. This was a great story with terrific characters, humor, angst, betrayal, secrets and lies, mystery, intense situations, and intriguing twists and turns that will have you hooked from beginning to end. Another excellent book by Mrs. Schultz.
Although I haven't had the opportunity to read all of the books in this series (yet), those I've read have been absolutely fantastic. I love the wide variety of stories throughout the series. I never felt like I was reading the same story about different characters, which unfortunately happens a lot when a longer series is involved. This was a very well written book, the characters were easy to connect with and like, the mystery and suspense aspects kept me intrigued, and there was just enough romantic involvement to make it believable, but not so much that it overpowered the entire story. There was a great balance of all of the aspects of the story, which made for an excellent read.
Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone. (at least as far as the one's that I've read so far) Some of the characters do appear in other books, but the author doesn't give anything away about their stories, which I think is great. From the books that I have read, I would suggest that you start from the beginning of the series. There may be things that you would learn about the characters, their relationships with one another, as well as learning more about each couple, and getting to read fantastic stories. I'm looking forward to going back, and catching up on the one's that I have missed. I can't wait!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and terrific author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Although I haven't had the opportunity to read all of the books in this series (yet), those I've read have been absolutely fantastic. I love the wide variety of stories throughout the series. I never felt like I was reading the same story about different characters, which unfortunately happens a lot when a longer series is involved. This was a very well written book, the characters were easy to connect with and like, the mystery and suspense aspects kept me intrigued, and there was just enough romantic involvement to make it believable, but not so much that it overpowered the entire story. There was a great balance of all of the aspects of the story, which made for an excellent read.
Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone. (at least as far as the one's that I've read so far) Some of the characters do appear in other books, but the author doesn't give anything away about their stories, which I think is great. From the books that I have read, I would suggest that you start from the beginning of the series. There may be things that you would learn about the characters, their relationships with one another, as well as learning more about each couple, and getting to read fantastic stories. I'm looking forward to going back, and catching up on the one's that I have missed. I can't wait!
I strongly recommend this book, series, and terrific author.
I have voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
July 28, 2017
I was thrilled to have a chance to read this book.
The book was what I’ve come to expect from Schultz, a wonderful reading experience that kept me swiping away at my Kindle. This mystery/suspense had a variety of twists to the plot, and moved at a nice pace making it an easy read, but hard to put down.
Caleb Forrester’s character has a way of “walking off the page” as you read. It is easy to imagine his mannerisms, and you can put yourself in his mindset throughout the book through Schultz’s writing.
Even with the multitude of characters in the book, Schultz does a fantastic job of keeping them sorted. They are well introduced, with clear story lines.
Though mentions are made to characters from previous books, A Darkness Black could easily be without having read the previous Windsor books.
Characters from previous Windsor series books are introduced in a concise manner as they pop up, and as I mentioned initially, you do not need to have read the previous Windsor series books, but their stories are not spoiled if you want to go back to read them. I appreciated this more than ever as I caught glimpse of a character I was not familiar with, even though I thought I had read most of the books. I was able to finish A Darkness Black and then promptly buy and download the missing book.
Like the previous books in the series, A Darkness Black was easy to sink into from the first few lines, and held my attention until the end. I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest A Darkness Black, either as an introduction to Tamsen Schultz’s writing or as a continuation in reading the Windsor series in particular.
The book was what I’ve come to expect from Schultz, a wonderful reading experience that kept me swiping away at my Kindle. This mystery/suspense had a variety of twists to the plot, and moved at a nice pace making it an easy read, but hard to put down.
Caleb Forrester’s character has a way of “walking off the page” as you read. It is easy to imagine his mannerisms, and you can put yourself in his mindset throughout the book through Schultz’s writing.
Even with the multitude of characters in the book, Schultz does a fantastic job of keeping them sorted. They are well introduced, with clear story lines.
Though mentions are made to characters from previous books, A Darkness Black could easily be without having read the previous Windsor books.
Characters from previous Windsor series books are introduced in a concise manner as they pop up, and as I mentioned initially, you do not need to have read the previous Windsor series books, but their stories are not spoiled if you want to go back to read them. I appreciated this more than ever as I caught glimpse of a character I was not familiar with, even though I thought I had read most of the books. I was able to finish A Darkness Black and then promptly buy and download the missing book.
Like the previous books in the series, A Darkness Black was easy to sink into from the first few lines, and held my attention until the end. I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest A Darkness Black, either as an introduction to Tamsen Schultz’s writing or as a continuation in reading the Windsor series in particular.
August 16, 2019
Wow Tamsen, how do you keep doing it book after book after book after book. I've read series before and after the first 2 or 3 parts the story often just doesn't flow anymore. Not with the Windsor series though!
In my opinion, Tamsen did it again! This book is about Caleb and Cate, whom he's been out of touch with for a couple of years, but when she needs his know-how she calls him for his help and he immediately jumps in his car to get to her.
The story unfolds and like with each and every one of the books I've read in the series, you don't know whodunnit until you are at the very end of the book. In the meantime your attention is captivated, the story of the main characters is told, lots of twists and turns and at the same time it just flows seamlessly from one chapter to the next.
Tamsen is registered as a romance writer I think, but to me these books are also suspense, thriller/detective like. And I highly recommend them! You can read all the books in whichever order you'd like, because each book is about somebody else from Windsor. But I do recommend reading them in order.
In my opinion, Tamsen did it again! This book is about Caleb and Cate, whom he's been out of touch with for a couple of years, but when she needs his know-how she calls him for his help and he immediately jumps in his car to get to her.
The story unfolds and like with each and every one of the books I've read in the series, you don't know whodunnit until you are at the very end of the book. In the meantime your attention is captivated, the story of the main characters is told, lots of twists and turns and at the same time it just flows seamlessly from one chapter to the next.
Tamsen is registered as a romance writer I think, but to me these books are also suspense, thriller/detective like. And I highly recommend them! You can read all the books in whichever order you'd like, because each book is about somebody else from Windsor. But I do recommend reading them in order.
September 5, 2019
This is book six in the Winsor Series. I also recommend reading The Puppeteer first if you want to read the series in order. Some of the characters show up in the series. Each book in the series is a stand alone, but it helps to read them all so you know the characters. I love this series and hope it continues.
This book is about Caleb Forrester. While at a wedding, he receives a phone call straight out of his past, one he would rather forget. His best friend's widow, Catherine Thomson, calls him for help. He struggles with his emotions, but he can't stay away while she can be in danger. As he helps her try to find a killer, he fights his growing feelings for her. Can he help her stop a killer, keep her safe and not fall for her?
This book has suspense and romance, also tugs at the heartstrings. I enjoyed finding out more about Caleb and why he was slow to get close to his sister's friends. I really enjoyed it and hope that there will be more after this one.
This book is about Caleb Forrester. While at a wedding, he receives a phone call straight out of his past, one he would rather forget. His best friend's widow, Catherine Thomson, calls him for help. He struggles with his emotions, but he can't stay away while she can be in danger. As he helps her try to find a killer, he fights his growing feelings for her. Can he help her stop a killer, keep her safe and not fall for her?
This book has suspense and romance, also tugs at the heartstrings. I enjoyed finding out more about Caleb and why he was slow to get close to his sister's friends. I really enjoyed it and hope that there will be more after this one.
February 8, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
A friend let me read this book, I've never heard of this Author before or the book and I read a lot and because of that I'm not easily impressed so when I tell you I throughly enjoyed this book and even hated to see it end, I mean it!! Bravo!! 👏 I will be checking out other books by her!
June 2, 2020
The emotionally distant Caleb rushes to aid the widow f his dead mentor. She refuses to let him stay at all distant while they try to find out who is killing whom via bizarre methods...only to nearly get both the correct victim and the would be killer wrong...happy ending for the widow, Caleb and the would be victim.
July 7, 2020
Oh My
Another winner in this amazing series. Caleb seems to be the most difficult to find his freedom from his dark past. Still it makes sense and you can't help but continue the series. These characters are so engaging.
Another winner in this amazing series. Caleb seems to be the most difficult to find his freedom from his dark past. Still it makes sense and you can't help but continue the series. These characters are so engaging.
January 15, 2022
loved it
Loved every page. I felt confused at first trying to remember who was who in the family. Otherwise great suspense and storyline. Glad Caleb got his happy every after. Gonna keep on with the series. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
Loved every page. I felt confused at first trying to remember who was who in the family. Otherwise great suspense and storyline. Glad Caleb got his happy every after. Gonna keep on with the series. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
January 14, 2023
Mystery and romance
I love this series. The characters are so well written and the mystery and romance in each book are so well unfolded that it all holds me to the book. The happy endings are a must for me. This book is very entertaining!
I love this series. The characters are so well written and the mystery and romance in each book are so well unfolded that it all holds me to the book. The happy endings are a must for me. This book is very entertaining!
April 24, 2023
A fun read.
Nice characters, connections with characters of previous books. Am going to be rather sad when I finally finish this series as the stories are not just one genre, but cross into romance and mystery, leaving you both with a happy ending and a solution to the mystery.
Nice characters, connections with characters of previous books. Am going to be rather sad when I finally finish this series as the stories are not just one genre, but cross into romance and mystery, leaving you both with a happy ending and a solution to the mystery.
June 27, 2019
Loved this story about second chances, the importance of friendship and new beginnings. The reason why Caleb and Cate didn’t keep in contact over the last 5 years is awful but that’s just how life is sometimes.
I like how the author made it clear how difficult this situation is for both parties. I won’t spoiler .. you need to read for yourself!
Loved Elise ❤️
I like how the author made it clear how difficult this situation is for both parties. I won’t spoiler .. you need to read for yourself!
Loved Elise ❤️
May 20, 2021
Everything a romantic thriller reader desires is here in this book. An engaging storyline, extremely good characterisation and thrills till the very end. Highly recommended reading.
May 29, 2021
An interesting read
This book was interesting, the characters believable, once you start reading you want to find out what is going to happen next
This book was interesting, the characters believable, once you start reading you want to find out what is going to happen next
June 25, 2021
Great mystery
Loved the drama and suspense. The two main characters had a lot of baggage. Glad to see that it ended up together. Can't wait to read the next book.
Loved the drama and suspense. The two main characters had a lot of baggage. Glad to see that it ended up together. Can't wait to read the next book.
July 15, 2021
I loved this book. The action and adventure had my pulse pounding.
September 26, 2022
Wow
A true who-dunnit, who’s trying to do it, and romance on top. This will keep you guessing till the very end
A true who-dunnit, who’s trying to do it, and romance on top. This will keep you guessing till the very end
October 29, 2019
A Darkness Black
I have thoroughly enjoyed the two books I’ve read from this series and hope to read more—great characters (real and likable) and great plots (interesting and intriguing enough to keep reading when I should be taking care of other responsibilities).
I have thoroughly enjoyed the two books I’ve read from this series and hope to read more—great characters (real and likable) and great plots (interesting and intriguing enough to keep reading when I should be taking care of other responsibilities).
Want to read
March 5, 2024Purch Amz April 13, 2021
January 31, 2018
I really liked this book.
I loved how in depth the author got with the characters, I really knew them. The pre- murder mystery was a cool twist and really had me thinking. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I loved how in depth the author got with the characters, I really knew them. The pre- murder mystery was a cool twist and really had me thinking. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Read
May 30, 2018This is book six in the Winsor Series. I also recommend reading The Puppeteer first if you want to read the series in order. Some of the characters show up in the series. Each book in the series is a stand alone, but it helps to read them all so you know the characters. I love this series and hope it continues.
This book is about Caleb Forrester. While at a wedding, he receives a phone call straight out of his past, one he would rather forget. His best friend's widow, Catherine Thomson, calls him for help. He struggles with his emotions, but he can't stay away while she can be in danger. As he helps her try to find a killer, he fights his growing feelings for her. Can he help her stop a killer, keep her safe and not fall for her?
This book has suspense and romance, also tugs at the heartstrings. I enjoyed finding out more about Caleb and why he was slow to get close to his sister's friends. I really enjoyed it and hope that there will be more after this one.
This book is about Caleb Forrester. While at a wedding, he receives a phone call straight out of his past, one he would rather forget. His best friend's widow, Catherine Thomson, calls him for help. He struggles with his emotions, but he can't stay away while she can be in danger. As he helps her try to find a killer, he fights his growing feelings for her. Can he help her stop a killer, keep her safe and not fall for her?
This book has suspense and romance, also tugs at the heartstrings. I enjoyed finding out more about Caleb and why he was slow to get close to his sister's friends. I really enjoyed it and hope that there will be more after this one.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews