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Some Days Are Dark
I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people might think I killed him.
Everyone in Whitaker was sure Olivia Miller shot her husband, until Marcus Rowe confessed. But a month before the trial, Marcus has been proved innocent—putting Olivia back in the frame.
Olivia is the first to admit she isn’t perfect. She’s made a lot of mistakes in her life, the worst of which was marrying Dane Miller. She fell for his kind eyes, his lack of judgement—she thought she could be free with him. That was before the chaotic parties, the dangerous friends, the lies… But one bad choice shouldn’t mean a life sentence. Now her friends are turning away from her, gossiping about her wherever she goes, wondering when she’ll be arrested this time.
Olivia isn’t going to run from the stares, from the whispers, from the doubts. She won’t leave her beloved son behind, or give her ex-husband Frank and his new wife any excuse to stop her seeing him. And if the police and the world think she’s guilty, there’s only one thing she can do—prove her innocence herself.
But if Marcus didn’t murder her husband, then the real killer is still out there.
And they’re not going to want Olivia stirring up the past…
An absolutely gripping, heart-pounding suspense novel about bad choices and second chances. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gray.
Everyone in Whitaker was sure Olivia Miller shot her husband, until Marcus Rowe confessed. But a month before the trial, Marcus has been proved innocent—putting Olivia back in the frame.
Olivia is the first to admit she isn’t perfect. She’s made a lot of mistakes in her life, the worst of which was marrying Dane Miller. She fell for his kind eyes, his lack of judgement—she thought she could be free with him. That was before the chaotic parties, the dangerous friends, the lies… But one bad choice shouldn’t mean a life sentence. Now her friends are turning away from her, gossiping about her wherever she goes, wondering when she’ll be arrested this time.
Olivia isn’t going to run from the stares, from the whispers, from the doubts. She won’t leave her beloved son behind, or give her ex-husband Frank and his new wife any excuse to stop her seeing him. And if the police and the world think she’s guilty, there’s only one thing she can do—prove her innocence herself.
But if Marcus didn’t murder her husband, then the real killer is still out there.
And they’re not going to want Olivia stirring up the past…
An absolutely gripping, heart-pounding suspense novel about bad choices and second chances. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gray.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2020
1396 people are currently reading
2060 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Smith
14 books316 followersMiranda Smith writes domestic and psychological suspense. She is drawn to stories about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Her debut novel, SOME DAYS ARE DARK, will be released in March 2020.
Miranda has been a staff writer at a local newspaper and a secondary English teacher. When it comes to fiction, Miranda writes about complicated women, dark impulses and Southern settings.
She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.
Miranda has been a staff writer at a local newspaper and a secondary English teacher. When it comes to fiction, Miranda writes about complicated women, dark impulses and Southern settings.
She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
August 6, 2021
TRUTH: I didn’t expect to like this so much! I’m happy to announce we have a new talented thriller writer on the board! Miranda Smith achieved a compelling job by developing a heart throbbing and startling story around anti-heroine and heroes. They have so many flaws and so much dislikeable traits but with her riveting story-telling and realistic character analyzing you’re hooked from the first page and you may easily resonate with the characters who are making so many big mistakes and screwing their own lives.
Olivia is not happy after her husband’s murder but at least she’s relieved that she’s off the hook. Somebody confessed and has been put behind the bars. She was afraid of his dead husband. We don’t know why! But we can sense that her deceased husband Dane had a dangerous social circle including drug dealers and some criminal felonies. So it seems like nobody miss him. And the worst thing is the guy who confessed is acquitted! He didn’t kill her husband. So who did it? Yes, she is under the spotlight and carrying a big shiny plate tells that she is GUILTY! But she has an alibi for the night:
Ex-husband Frank, who is married with exampled suburban wife Julie. They’re sharing the custody of their son Jake.
And my favorite character of the book, Brock, true crime story blogger adds himself into equation and tells Olivia he knows she is innocent and he offers her to prove it by finding the real perpetrator. Game on!
We’re going back and forth and having inner look of Olivia’s past life and understanding why she’s drug addict! Why she ruined her marriage with Frank and how she met with Dane. And how things get changed so dramatically!
I love the mouth dropping, surprising ending. This is fast pacing, riveting, captivating book with its mysterious and interesting plot which makes you addict to the chapters and you want to get your intake by reading more and see how it ends! I finished it at one day and it was so much better debut novel that I’ve expected. I’d love to read this brilliant author’s future works.
I highly recommend this unique book. It is much better than the most highly praised and advertised books recently released.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookoture for sharing this great debut novel’s ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review. I truly congratulate Miranda Smith with her great start and I’m looking forward to read her upcoming works.
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Olivia is not happy after her husband’s murder but at least she’s relieved that she’s off the hook. Somebody confessed and has been put behind the bars. She was afraid of his dead husband. We don’t know why! But we can sense that her deceased husband Dane had a dangerous social circle including drug dealers and some criminal felonies. So it seems like nobody miss him. And the worst thing is the guy who confessed is acquitted! He didn’t kill her husband. So who did it? Yes, she is under the spotlight and carrying a big shiny plate tells that she is GUILTY! But she has an alibi for the night:
Ex-husband Frank, who is married with exampled suburban wife Julie. They’re sharing the custody of their son Jake.
And my favorite character of the book, Brock, true crime story blogger adds himself into equation and tells Olivia he knows she is innocent and he offers her to prove it by finding the real perpetrator. Game on!
We’re going back and forth and having inner look of Olivia’s past life and understanding why she’s drug addict! Why she ruined her marriage with Frank and how she met with Dane. And how things get changed so dramatically!
I love the mouth dropping, surprising ending. This is fast pacing, riveting, captivating book with its mysterious and interesting plot which makes you addict to the chapters and you want to get your intake by reading more and see how it ends! I finished it at one day and it was so much better debut novel that I’ve expected. I’d love to read this brilliant author’s future works.
I highly recommend this unique book. It is much better than the most highly praised and advertised books recently released.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookoture for sharing this great debut novel’s ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review. I truly congratulate Miranda Smith with her great start and I’m looking forward to read her upcoming works.
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February 11, 2020
WOW that’s the best opening line that I have read this year,
“ I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people would presume saying I killed him”
When Olivia’s husband Dane is murdered, initially she is the prime suspect until someone else is arrested, but the relief is short lived as the man is acquitted and again Olivia is the prime suspect!!
The story alternates between before and after the murder. We get a peep into how Olivia and Dane met and what their relationship was like.
This is a brilliant book that will draw you in and keep you captive until the end. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way that will keep you guessing.
I loved everything about this book, the cover just screams at you “read Me” and believe me you won’t be disappointed!!
Find it hard to believe this a debut book. I am so looking forward to this authors next book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
“ I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people would presume saying I killed him”
When Olivia’s husband Dane is murdered, initially she is the prime suspect until someone else is arrested, but the relief is short lived as the man is acquitted and again Olivia is the prime suspect!!
The story alternates between before and after the murder. We get a peep into how Olivia and Dane met and what their relationship was like.
This is a brilliant book that will draw you in and keep you captive until the end. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way that will keep you guessing.
I loved everything about this book, the cover just screams at you “read Me” and believe me you won’t be disappointed!!
Find it hard to believe this a debut book. I am so looking forward to this authors next book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
February 28, 2020
The opening line of this book will suck you in " I was happy my husband died but I couldn't admit it" What??! Also the cover of this book is amazing! The story was good, but for me it dragged in places and felt a bit too long.
Olivia's second husband Dane is murdered in their home - and she is the prime suspect. That is until a man confesses to the crime. We learn about Olivia and her first husband, and how that marriage broke down. How she meets and marries Dane and their life together. And then we learn about Olivia after the murder. Did she kill her husband? She is not a likeable character and has made a lot of very bad choices. I struggled to feel anything for her.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Olivia's second husband Dane is murdered in their home - and she is the prime suspect. That is until a man confesses to the crime. We learn about Olivia and her first husband, and how that marriage broke down. How she meets and marries Dane and their life together. And then we learn about Olivia after the murder. Did she kill her husband? She is not a likeable character and has made a lot of very bad choices. I struggled to feel anything for her.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
October 11, 2020
This was a really engrossing audiobook. The narrator was fantastic, and really enhanced my enjoyment with her development of the main character, Olivia.
We begin the book with Olivia admitting she is happy her husband is dead, but stating that she didn’t kill him herself. As the book unfolds, and we see Olivia emerge as the main suspect after the man previously convicted of the crime is exonerated, our main question is whether Olivia is in fact the murderer.
Olivia is an imperfect narrator, and she is open about that. The book is something of a slow burn in the beginning as she explains her relationship with Dane, her husband, Frank, her ex-husband, and a series of other entanglements. I might have been a little bored with the pace when reading, but the narrator does a fantastic job of drawing you inside Olivia’s head and building suspense. I really liked the development and changes in Olivia’s relationship, and the characters, over time. I was incorrect about whodunit even though there were many clues I missed. This isn’t a super fast paced thriller, but more of a classic mystery with great character development and a focus on Olivia’s life and relationships.
I really recommend the audiobook on this one! The narrator was fantastic and made Olivia a sympathetic and interesting character study, which was somewhat hard to do l!
We begin the book with Olivia admitting she is happy her husband is dead, but stating that she didn’t kill him herself. As the book unfolds, and we see Olivia emerge as the main suspect after the man previously convicted of the crime is exonerated, our main question is whether Olivia is in fact the murderer.
Olivia is an imperfect narrator, and she is open about that. The book is something of a slow burn in the beginning as she explains her relationship with Dane, her husband, Frank, her ex-husband, and a series of other entanglements. I might have been a little bored with the pace when reading, but the narrator does a fantastic job of drawing you inside Olivia’s head and building suspense. I really liked the development and changes in Olivia’s relationship, and the characters, over time. I was incorrect about whodunit even though there were many clues I missed. This isn’t a super fast paced thriller, but more of a classic mystery with great character development and a focus on Olivia’s life and relationships.
I really recommend the audiobook on this one! The narrator was fantastic and made Olivia a sympathetic and interesting character study, which was somewhat hard to do l!
March 5, 2020
Olivia starts her narration by saying her husband is dead, and she is pleased
Quite a way to start a book but also it kinda peaks there as well, oh the rest of the story is acceptable thriller but never really ‘gets you’ like that first line does
The book takes you on a journey past and present into Olivia’s life and loves and focuses on the man who has admitted to her hubby ( Dane’s) murder and how is he proven NOT to be the killer and as eyes focus back on Olivia for the murder how she then copes with this and with the help of ‘Brock’ a kinda podcast crime investigator looks to ‘solve, who did it’
Olivia Isn’t likeable in the slightest and nor are any of the characters to be honest, there is repetition and the book could have done with 50 or so less pages but there is a viable story and an almost WOW factor ending when the killer and accomplice of sorts is unmasked
Yes I guess you would say it was a good read, just
6/10
3 Stars
April 5, 2020
Won’t recommend this to devoted thriller fans because they may find this ‘sane’ compared to the others. Personally, I enjoyed it somehow. It was very easy to read and direct. The twists were okay and I was quite surprised.
March 3, 2020
This book is very well-written - it took me only a long train ride to finish it. On the other hand, I found it too predictable for my taste and to be honest, I didn't like the main character, Olivia, very much, except for what she does in the last chapter.
I must admit that I've already forgotten parts of the plot - so apparently it was not an unforgettable experience for me.
This is not to say it is was not a pleasure to read. I liked the style and therefore I hope to read another book by Miranda Smith soon.
Thanks to Netgally and Boukoture for this digital ARC.
I must admit that I've already forgotten parts of the plot - so apparently it was not an unforgettable experience for me.
This is not to say it is was not a pleasure to read. I liked the style and therefore I hope to read another book by Miranda Smith soon.
Thanks to Netgally and Boukoture for this digital ARC.
May 26, 2020
I have a thing for great covers and this one is everything, which is what drew me initially to this book. For a debut work, I thought it was a wickedly clever, slow-burn whodunnit.
The book is told from the viewpoint of protagonist, Olivia Miller, and begins eighteen months after the murder of her second husband Dane. Initially, Olivia was the prime suspect, until a homeless man was found with his wallet and confessed to committing the crime; however, just before his trial was set to begin, it comes to light that it was a false confession and the so-called evidence begins to crumble, and suspicion once again falls on Olivia. Olivia meets crime blogger and journalist, Brock Bowen, and the two of them set out to find the real killer and prove Olivia's innocence once and for all.
I thought Smith did a great job with the storyline structure, with alternating chapters before and after the murder. She provides a great backstory on Olivia, whose circumstances and poor choices take her from having everything with her first husband, Frank, and young son Jake, to losing it all when she leaves Frank to be with Dane. Although Olivia wasn't exactly a likable character for most of the book, I thought Smith's portrayal of her circumstances were believable, and I sympathized with Olivia's plight and found myself rooting for her. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming, and while I somewhat figured out "whodunnit," I thought it made for a satisfying, memorable conclusion.
While there was nothing super mind-blowing about it, I still very much enjoyed it! As a debut work, I think Smith established that she is one to watch for in the suspense thriller genre, and I look forward to her next book. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for the fabulous cover!
The book is told from the viewpoint of protagonist, Olivia Miller, and begins eighteen months after the murder of her second husband Dane. Initially, Olivia was the prime suspect, until a homeless man was found with his wallet and confessed to committing the crime; however, just before his trial was set to begin, it comes to light that it was a false confession and the so-called evidence begins to crumble, and suspicion once again falls on Olivia. Olivia meets crime blogger and journalist, Brock Bowen, and the two of them set out to find the real killer and prove Olivia's innocence once and for all.
I thought Smith did a great job with the storyline structure, with alternating chapters before and after the murder. She provides a great backstory on Olivia, whose circumstances and poor choices take her from having everything with her first husband, Frank, and young son Jake, to losing it all when she leaves Frank to be with Dane. Although Olivia wasn't exactly a likable character for most of the book, I thought Smith's portrayal of her circumstances were believable, and I sympathized with Olivia's plight and found myself rooting for her. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming, and while I somewhat figured out "whodunnit," I thought it made for a satisfying, memorable conclusion.
While there was nothing super mind-blowing about it, I still very much enjoyed it! As a debut work, I think Smith established that she is one to watch for in the suspense thriller genre, and I look forward to her next book. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for the fabulous cover!
March 4, 2020
Thank You to Netgalley, Author Miranda Smith, and Bookouture for my advanced copy of Some Days Are Dark , for my review!
Some Days Are Dark - has a dynamic opening line that will get your attention immediately
" I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people might think I killed him."
A well written and clever Mystery Thriller., with a good ending!
Some Days Are Dark - has a dynamic opening line that will get your attention immediately
" I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people might think I killed him."
A well written and clever Mystery Thriller., with a good ending!
March 13, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Olivia returns home to find her husband had been murdered. He'd been shot. Olivia isn't what you'd call unhappy about the situation. Olivia is the prime suspect. But then someone admits to killing Dane. But the man is acquitted and Olivia is the prime suspect again.
The story is told in the before and after the murder. Olivia is addicted to pain medication after being involved in a car accident. That was how she met her second husband, Dane. Thenstory covers drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Olivia isn't a very likable character. Theres a few twists to this tale. The pace is steady. Quite a good debut novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Miranda Smith for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia returns home to find her husband had been murdered. He'd been shot. Olivia isn't what you'd call unhappy about the situation. Olivia is the prime suspect. But then someone admits to killing Dane. But the man is acquitted and Olivia is the prime suspect again.
The story is told in the before and after the murder. Olivia is addicted to pain medication after being involved in a car accident. That was how she met her second husband, Dane. Thenstory covers drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Olivia isn't a very likable character. Theres a few twists to this tale. The pace is steady. Quite a good debut novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Miranda Smith for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2022
4.5 stars
Good story.
Olivia and Frank and their son are happy until Olivia isn't. She gets hooked on pain killers after a car accident and has an affair with her supplier.
Olivia leaves Frank for Dane then Dane is suddenly murdered.
I kind of guessed the murderer half way but the story was still good.
The ending was okay but could have been better.
Good story.
Olivia and Frank and their son are happy until Olivia isn't. She gets hooked on pain killers after a car accident and has an affair with her supplier.
Olivia leaves Frank for Dane then Dane is suddenly murdered.
I kind of guessed the murderer half way but the story was still good.
The ending was okay but could have been better.
March 21, 2020
"People aren't all bad or all good...Pain comes in all sorts o' shades, honey."
This is a debut that I'd categorize as domestic drama with a mystery at its core. Who killed Dane Miller on that hot July night in Whitaker, Tennessee?
Since she found the body, police initially question his wife, Olivia Miller. She's the prime suspect for awhile but then, a confession by Marcus Rowe, a small-time thief, takes the pressure off until he later recants and is set to be released. Olivia, living in the condo that she and her dead husband had shared, is now back in the spotlight. Though she's not unhappy he's dead, she wants to clear her name but has no idea exactly who her husband was after all. That's because she's a pill popper, a party girl and a big drinker. In fact, she had left her nice home and former husband, Frank Grier, to be with Dane. In addition, she had to give up custody of her son to Frank because of all the attention focused on her as the possible killer. Her life is a big mess and someone needs to answer for the murder. NO SPOILERS.
I really dragged through this one and I'm not sure why it wasn't able to hold my attention and interest. Part of the issue, I'm sure, is that I absolutely couldn't stand Olivia and the rest of the characters in the story really weren't all that likeable either. Dane was a loser, for sure, but Olivia wasn't exactly a real catch herself. All her decisions were made under the influence and they were all mostly bad. The narrative is told in alternating BEFORE and AFTER chapters detailing all events that led up to the crime and then everything that happens when Dane is shot. A journalist with a popular blog and dreams of writing a best-selling true crime novel shows up in town to try to get some answers for his followers and wants Olivia to help him out. But everyone has secrets and tells likes (as always) and it takes awhile to get the whole story. The writing was good, it's just that the plot wasn't anything new and I'm sure most will have the whole thing sussed out before the halfway mark. It lacked any tension or suspense for me and I just wanted confirmation and to be done.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I would look at a new title by this author in the future.
This is a debut that I'd categorize as domestic drama with a mystery at its core. Who killed Dane Miller on that hot July night in Whitaker, Tennessee?
Since she found the body, police initially question his wife, Olivia Miller. She's the prime suspect for awhile but then, a confession by Marcus Rowe, a small-time thief, takes the pressure off until he later recants and is set to be released. Olivia, living in the condo that she and her dead husband had shared, is now back in the spotlight. Though she's not unhappy he's dead, she wants to clear her name but has no idea exactly who her husband was after all. That's because she's a pill popper, a party girl and a big drinker. In fact, she had left her nice home and former husband, Frank Grier, to be with Dane. In addition, she had to give up custody of her son to Frank because of all the attention focused on her as the possible killer. Her life is a big mess and someone needs to answer for the murder. NO SPOILERS.
I really dragged through this one and I'm not sure why it wasn't able to hold my attention and interest. Part of the issue, I'm sure, is that I absolutely couldn't stand Olivia and the rest of the characters in the story really weren't all that likeable either. Dane was a loser, for sure, but Olivia wasn't exactly a real catch herself. All her decisions were made under the influence and they were all mostly bad. The narrative is told in alternating BEFORE and AFTER chapters detailing all events that led up to the crime and then everything that happens when Dane is shot. A journalist with a popular blog and dreams of writing a best-selling true crime novel shows up in town to try to get some answers for his followers and wants Olivia to help him out. But everyone has secrets and tells likes (as always) and it takes awhile to get the whole story. The writing was good, it's just that the plot wasn't anything new and I'm sure most will have the whole thing sussed out before the halfway mark. It lacked any tension or suspense for me and I just wanted confirmation and to be done.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I would look at a new title by this author in the future.
June 20, 2020
Olivia arrives home to find her husband on the sofa .. dead of a gunshot. They had argued violently the night before ... and the police look as her as a prime suspect.
But someone confesses to the crime .. a low level criminal. Olivia can now relax and admit to herself that she's actually glad her husband is dead. That solves so many problems in her life.
But then the man recants his confession and proof is found that he was nowhere the residence of Olivia. She's back on the post again.
No one really seems to believe that she had nothing to do with his death .. .not her first husband, his fiancee, friends and associates, the police, especially one very determined detective who literally stalks her every move.
So if she didn't kill him ...who did? and why?
The story bounces from Olivia's life before her husband was killed and then afterwards. Olivia becomes known as the woman who left her family, husband and son, to be with another man.
But if the police and the world think she’s guilty, there’s only one thing she can do—prove her innocence herself. Even if that means putting her own life in danger… And her own investigation comes across a lot of information about her husband ... secrets he never shared with her ... another life that he kept hidden.
This is a riveting thriller ... full of surprises with stand-out characters. Highly suspenseful, especially when a true crime blogger becomes involved. Olivia would do well to remember keep your friends close, your enemies closer. The double-whammy unexpected ending is like icing on the cake. Highly recommend this one!
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
But someone confesses to the crime .. a low level criminal. Olivia can now relax and admit to herself that she's actually glad her husband is dead. That solves so many problems in her life.
But then the man recants his confession and proof is found that he was nowhere the residence of Olivia. She's back on the post again.
No one really seems to believe that she had nothing to do with his death .. .not her first husband, his fiancee, friends and associates, the police, especially one very determined detective who literally stalks her every move.
So if she didn't kill him ...who did? and why?
The story bounces from Olivia's life before her husband was killed and then afterwards. Olivia becomes known as the woman who left her family, husband and son, to be with another man.
But if the police and the world think she’s guilty, there’s only one thing she can do—prove her innocence herself. Even if that means putting her own life in danger… And her own investigation comes across a lot of information about her husband ... secrets he never shared with her ... another life that he kept hidden.
This is a riveting thriller ... full of surprises with stand-out characters. Highly suspenseful, especially when a true crime blogger becomes involved. Olivia would do well to remember keep your friends close, your enemies closer. The double-whammy unexpected ending is like icing on the cake. Highly recommend this one!
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 29, 2020
Well, golleee! This one sucked me in at the start and didn't let go till the end. What's not to like about a story that begins with a wife who found her husband murdered saying she's glad someone did him in? So what if the wife is somewhat of a sorry example of a human being, and so what if I guessed the whodunit about two-thirds of the way in - none of that mattered a whit. This is a totally engrossing story I really, really didn't want to put down.
Once married to steady-as-a-rock Frank, the restless and unfulfilled Olivia leaves him for adventure-loving Dane, who used to be Frank's employee. She and Frank share custody of their young son, Jake, at least until Dane is murdered and Olivia - who's overly fond of illegal drugs and alcohol, the former provided mostly by her new husband - is believed by most to be his killer. Even when someone else is convicted of Dane's murder, she's cut no slack; her friends abandoned her, her photography business is in shambles and a local cop won't stop harassing her because he's convinced of her guilt. Even Frank, with whom she shares custody of their child, has replaced her with a new, beautiful wife.
Even in her mostly drugged-out state, though, she knows she didn't do it; but she's not convinced the guy who confessed did it, either. As the story evolves, readers get behind-the-scenes looks at Olivia's life before Dane's murder as well as what's happening to her in the present. Toward the end, her current and former life start to merge amid a flurry of exciting twists and surprises. Definitely a winner - many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
Once married to steady-as-a-rock Frank, the restless and unfulfilled Olivia leaves him for adventure-loving Dane, who used to be Frank's employee. She and Frank share custody of their young son, Jake, at least until Dane is murdered and Olivia - who's overly fond of illegal drugs and alcohol, the former provided mostly by her new husband - is believed by most to be his killer. Even when someone else is convicted of Dane's murder, she's cut no slack; her friends abandoned her, her photography business is in shambles and a local cop won't stop harassing her because he's convinced of her guilt. Even Frank, with whom she shares custody of their child, has replaced her with a new, beautiful wife.
Even in her mostly drugged-out state, though, she knows she didn't do it; but she's not convinced the guy who confessed did it, either. As the story evolves, readers get behind-the-scenes looks at Olivia's life before Dane's murder as well as what's happening to her in the present. Toward the end, her current and former life start to merge amid a flurry of exciting twists and surprises. Definitely a winner - many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
April 24, 2020
When you pick up a book by a debut author, you can't always be certain where it will go. No worries with
Some Days Are Dark.
This multilayered book opens with Olivia being rather pleased that her husband is dead. No, she is not jumping up and down, but must work on not showing her relief. What happened in her marriage to lend these feelings to Olivia? That remains a mystery and is slowly unraveled.
One clear layer to this story is the fact that her husband's murderer is acquitted. Does this then put Olivia in the limelight as a possible suspect, perhaps the most likely one? Olivia is not the only player in this book. As a matter of fact, her alibi is her ex and their son. A lot of digging ensues, including a crime blogger Brock, who ends up being in Olivia's corner, and does his very best to prove her innocence.
In the popular style of Before and After clues are revealed and the reader gets to see who Olivia is, what happened in her first marriage, and where she is now. This fast-moving story certainly kept my attention throughout. I loved the suspense, the pacing and the exciting conclusion. I will definitely grab the next book by this promising author.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
One clear layer to this story is the fact that her husband's murderer is acquitted. Does this then put Olivia in the limelight as a possible suspect, perhaps the most likely one? Olivia is not the only player in this book. As a matter of fact, her alibi is her ex and their son. A lot of digging ensues, including a crime blogger Brock, who ends up being in Olivia's corner, and does his very best to prove her innocence.
In the popular style of Before and After clues are revealed and the reader gets to see who Olivia is, what happened in her first marriage, and where she is now. This fast-moving story certainly kept my attention throughout. I loved the suspense, the pacing and the exciting conclusion. I will definitely grab the next book by this promising author.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 11, 2020
I was on the fence with requesting to review this book, but glad I soldiered on. It's a phenomenal thriller that had me gripped from the start to the very end. Author Miranda Smith does a wonderful job of using the past and present to tell the story of a woman who is not upset that her current husband was murdered, but who most likely isn't guilty. I highly recommend, and look forward to more from this author.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2020
Just wonderful! Thrilling and packed with twists. I read this addictive and wonderful book in one engrossed and heart pounding sitting. The writing is assured, superb. The tension is taut throughout and the pace never slackens. Hard to believe this is a debut. I am so thrilled to have discovered this author and will be recommending her and this book to everyone! Brilliant. Although it's only a month into the new year I know this will be one of my top reads of 2020!
March 17, 2020
Some Days Are Dark
was so good it was difficult to believe it was a thriller début.
Olivia Miller is married to Frank, her loving husband and the couple have an adorable little boy, Jake, as well as a beautiful new home. Yet Olivia is not content; she never feels good enough, she has no one to talk to and often wonders if the grass is greener... Olivia leaves Frank for thrill-seeking, adventure-loving Dane, but then Dane is found murdered in their home - and Olivia is the prime suspect. But somebody else confesses to Dane's killing.
The story alternates between before and after Dane's murder and exposes Olivia's relationships with her first husband Frank, and then Dane, her second. Wonderfully addictive and engrossing, I read Some Days Are Dark in one go. Miranda Smith's writing is assured, the tension is taut throughout, and the pace never flagged at all.
A fantastic read from a brilliant author I'm delighted to have discovered.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Olivia Miller is married to Frank, her loving husband and the couple have an adorable little boy, Jake, as well as a beautiful new home. Yet Olivia is not content; she never feels good enough, she has no one to talk to and often wonders if the grass is greener... Olivia leaves Frank for thrill-seeking, adventure-loving Dane, but then Dane is found murdered in their home - and Olivia is the prime suspect. But somebody else confesses to Dane's killing.
The story alternates between before and after Dane's murder and exposes Olivia's relationships with her first husband Frank, and then Dane, her second. Wonderfully addictive and engrossing, I read Some Days Are Dark in one go. Miranda Smith's writing is assured, the tension is taut throughout, and the pace never flagged at all.
A fantastic read from a brilliant author I'm delighted to have discovered.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 7, 2021
This book did start off with a great line where narrator Olivia tells the reader her husband is dead and she’s glad but can’t tell people or they will think she killed him. It was intriguing and definitely caught my interest. The story bounces between the present and the past pretty well although it did drag a little at times. Olivia was a little hard to connect with at times, but in general was a good narrator. Olivia’s second husband Dane was killed in her home and she was the prime suspect until a man who had been found with his wallet confessed. The police and media attention caused Olivia’s first ex-husband to limit her time with her son Jake. It is almost time for the trial of the man who confessed when Project Innocence finds concrete evidence it could not be him. Desperate to not be the focus of the investigation again Olivia tries to figure out who could have killed Dane herself, but not everyone wants the truth to be found.
June 2, 2020
Some Days Are Dark is a good psychological thriller by Miranda Smith. While the twists were really good & made the plot mildly interesting the characters were really unlikeable. I did not like Olivia, Dane or Frank the three main characters in this book. Towards the end, the story started to get a bit predictable & I could tell who the culprit was, so this was not as gripping or challenging as it could have been.
Before: Olivia knows she is lucky. She has a loving husband, Frank, an adorable son, Jake, and a beautiful new home. It couldn’t be more different from her childhood on the outskirts of Whitaker, dirt poor, and dreaming of getting out. But at the end of long days with no one to talk to, always feeling like she’s not quite good enough, she starts to wonder if there’s a better life waiting…
After : Everyone in Whitaker knows who Olivia is. She’s the woman who left her family for no-good Dane Miller—and the one who most likely shot him. Now, there’s gossip about her everywhere she goes, and she barely gets to see her beloved son.
How can a perfect life fall apart so quickly? And, when you have nothing to lose, how far will you go to save yourself?
I did not like any of the characters in this book. The dislike did not come easy as Olivia struggles with drug addiction, loneliness & low self-esteem & I felt bad about judging her in her moment of weakness. But throughout the story, there were certain instances where she behaved almost selfishly & I couldn't look past those small mistakes. The plot too was okay. It only got interesting after Brock enters. I was happy with the way the book ended with that major twist. Though I did not like either the characters or story I liked the twists & Miranda's style of writing. I would definitely pick up another book if I got a chance to read one.
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture & Miranda Smith for an arc!
Before: Olivia knows she is lucky. She has a loving husband, Frank, an adorable son, Jake, and a beautiful new home. It couldn’t be more different from her childhood on the outskirts of Whitaker, dirt poor, and dreaming of getting out. But at the end of long days with no one to talk to, always feeling like she’s not quite good enough, she starts to wonder if there’s a better life waiting…
After : Everyone in Whitaker knows who Olivia is. She’s the woman who left her family for no-good Dane Miller—and the one who most likely shot him. Now, there’s gossip about her everywhere she goes, and she barely gets to see her beloved son.
How can a perfect life fall apart so quickly? And, when you have nothing to lose, how far will you go to save yourself?
I did not like any of the characters in this book. The dislike did not come easy as Olivia struggles with drug addiction, loneliness & low self-esteem & I felt bad about judging her in her moment of weakness. But throughout the story, there were certain instances where she behaved almost selfishly & I couldn't look past those small mistakes. The plot too was okay. It only got interesting after Brock enters. I was happy with the way the book ended with that major twist. Though I did not like either the characters or story I liked the twists & Miranda's style of writing. I would definitely pick up another book if I got a chance to read one.
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture & Miranda Smith for an arc!
February 14, 2020
First let me start by saying that I cannot believe this is a debut. I will gladly read all future books from this author.
The cover drew me in right away as well as the opening sentence! "I was happy my husband died, but I couldn't admit it, otherwise people might resume saying I killed him" um wow, is that not intriguing?
Olivia is maybe not the most likeable character in the world but she did love her son and that excused some of her selfish behavior for me! When Olivia’s husband Dane is murdered, people suspect she may be the killer especially irritating Detective Wooley! A homeless man confesses to the murder but ends up being proven innocent prior to trial. Now Olivia is back in the spotlight and she must prove that she is not the killer, for her and her son.
This was a great thriller that had me turning the pages. Hard to believe it was a debut!
A big thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book, greatly appreciated!
The cover drew me in right away as well as the opening sentence! "I was happy my husband died, but I couldn't admit it, otherwise people might resume saying I killed him" um wow, is that not intriguing?
Olivia is maybe not the most likeable character in the world but she did love her son and that excused some of her selfish behavior for me! When Olivia’s husband Dane is murdered, people suspect she may be the killer especially irritating Detective Wooley! A homeless man confesses to the murder but ends up being proven innocent prior to trial. Now Olivia is back in the spotlight and she must prove that she is not the killer, for her and her son.
This was a great thriller that had me turning the pages. Hard to believe it was a debut!
A big thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book, greatly appreciated!
February 5, 2021
There were few characters in the book, so the twist in the story was pretty predictable. Olivia, the narrator, was not sympathetic, to me he was too masculine to be a woman. I often did not understand her thinking and actions. He behaved selfishly and thought he could do whatever he wanted with his surroundings. But it usually does not work in real life this way. Apparently everyone loves him, his girlfriend, her husband, her ex-husband, his new wife, but in fact, everyone also believes that she is the murderer. It may have been necessary for this character to unfold the story, but for me, she became averse and disbelieving. Frank was more sympathetic to me, though I didn't understand why he still clings to his ex-wife when she doesn't love him, cheated on him, left him. Nor was it too lifelike to date her ex-husband and her new girlfriend. True, this is probably what the story needs. Therefore, since each situation was unbelievable, so did the whole story.
The book is good and exciting, apart from minor flaws. But not extraordinary, it is not on the list of my favorite books.
The book is good and exciting, apart from minor flaws. But not extraordinary, it is not on the list of my favorite books.
April 19, 2022
Како је ова жена успела да књигу од 300 страна чита 12 сати? 😢
Горе од књиге је био јужњачки акценат главне јунакиње, који се све више губи како књига напредује и на крају га уопште нема. Читам трилере хиљаду година и ово је један од ретких случајева када сам погодила убицу, из разлога што је прича постала сапуница и то је био једини начин да се све срећно оконча.
Горе од књиге је био јужњачки акценат главне јунакиње, који се све више губи како књига напредује и на крају га уопште нема. Читам трилере хиљаду година и ово је један од ретких случајева када сам погодила убицу, из разлога што је прича постала сапуница и то је био једини начин да се све срећно оконча.
February 23, 2020
The first line had me and I was ready for a twisty good read. And it was. I enjoyed the true crime junkie aspect of it.
I just felt like it was too long. Too drawn out. The ending may have packed more punch if it didn’t take so long to get there.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I just felt like it was too long. Too drawn out. The ending may have packed more punch if it didn’t take so long to get there.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2020
This book tickled me wild with its domestic drama filled with murders and lies, true crime blogger and his investigation, couples and their infidelities.
Olivia and Frank were a happy couple until a road accident and intense post operative pain left Olivia addicted to pain meds and poor decisions. She shackled up with Dane and a year later, found him dead on the couch. Police suspected her, then found someone else, acquitted him, then suspected her all over again. Whew!!
My first book by author Miranda Smith, the suspense and the need to solve the captivating whodunit kept me on my toes. I liked Olivia, she made lousy decisions and basically ruined her life in all ways. She drank and drugged herself, quite an unstable character she was, at the same time, earnest yet defensive. But she stood out in her love for her boy. There was something so pure in her, the author managed to capture that beautifully, especially when her son called out to her. She loved being a mother and lived solely for her boy.
The plot was twisted and captivating, the writing clear and showed the characters as they were. This was Olivia’s show completely, and she managed to rein me in slowly with her presence. The author made her voice quite compelling. I couldn't stop not listening to her.
A debut at its best, a killer most unexpected, and a story quite a swirly mess, this was pure fun to read.
Olivia and Frank were a happy couple until a road accident and intense post operative pain left Olivia addicted to pain meds and poor decisions. She shackled up with Dane and a year later, found him dead on the couch. Police suspected her, then found someone else, acquitted him, then suspected her all over again. Whew!!
My first book by author Miranda Smith, the suspense and the need to solve the captivating whodunit kept me on my toes. I liked Olivia, she made lousy decisions and basically ruined her life in all ways. She drank and drugged herself, quite an unstable character she was, at the same time, earnest yet defensive. But she stood out in her love for her boy. There was something so pure in her, the author managed to capture that beautifully, especially when her son called out to her. She loved being a mother and lived solely for her boy.
The plot was twisted and captivating, the writing clear and showed the characters as they were. This was Olivia’s show completely, and she managed to rein me in slowly with her presence. The author made her voice quite compelling. I couldn't stop not listening to her.
A debut at its best, a killer most unexpected, and a story quite a swirly mess, this was pure fun to read.
February 10, 2020
An engrossing fast-paced, mystery that had me questioning everyone in this suspenseful whodunit. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
April 16, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, Kim from Bookouture and Miranda Smith for a free electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating 3.5 stars!
Miranda Smith’s debut suspense novel, Some Days Are Dark, pleasantly surprised me! I must admit that I was not expecting to like the storyline, or the main characters, as much as I did.
Some Days Are Dark follows Olivia (and her complicated life) before and after she discovers the dead body of her second husband, Dane Miller, in their home in Whitaker. Before Dane’s death, we see glimpses of Olivia’s life as a mother to her young son, Jake, and wife to her first husband, Frank. In these glimpses, we also see how she first meets Dane and how their relationship develops at the expense of her marriage. After Dane’s death, Olivia becomes the primary murder suspect—who desperately struggles to clear her name—as the man who was originally convicted of murdering Dane, a year before, is acquitted and released from prison.
While I did enjoy the overall storyline, it did take me a while to read it. I don’t know if the reason for that is because I started it during the height of the global pandemic we’re all experiencing, or if it is because I did not fully connect with the book for the entire time that I was reading it.
One thing I loved is that the book opens with a bang of a first line: “I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people might think I killed him.” Unfortunately, after that great opening, it continues at a much slower pace (it is definitely a slow-burning suspense) and I found that some parts dragged on for longer than was necessary. However, once the plot picked up again, I found that I really wanted to know how it was going to end! I did not guess the ending beforehand (I hate doing that!), but I also was not completely surprised by it either.
I would also like to add that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters, particularly Olivia, Frank, and the surprise that was Brock (you’ll have to read the book to get more info on him ;)!). These characters are so well thought out and just feel like real people who are facing real-life problems and issues. I honestly think that is what I loved most about this book!
Overall, the book was good and I am looking forward to seeing what else Miranda Smith writes!
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Rating 3.5 stars!
Miranda Smith’s debut suspense novel, Some Days Are Dark, pleasantly surprised me! I must admit that I was not expecting to like the storyline, or the main characters, as much as I did.
Some Days Are Dark follows Olivia (and her complicated life) before and after she discovers the dead body of her second husband, Dane Miller, in their home in Whitaker. Before Dane’s death, we see glimpses of Olivia’s life as a mother to her young son, Jake, and wife to her first husband, Frank. In these glimpses, we also see how she first meets Dane and how their relationship develops at the expense of her marriage. After Dane’s death, Olivia becomes the primary murder suspect—who desperately struggles to clear her name—as the man who was originally convicted of murdering Dane, a year before, is acquitted and released from prison.
While I did enjoy the overall storyline, it did take me a while to read it. I don’t know if the reason for that is because I started it during the height of the global pandemic we’re all experiencing, or if it is because I did not fully connect with the book for the entire time that I was reading it.
One thing I loved is that the book opens with a bang of a first line: “I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people might think I killed him.” Unfortunately, after that great opening, it continues at a much slower pace (it is definitely a slow-burning suspense) and I found that some parts dragged on for longer than was necessary. However, once the plot picked up again, I found that I really wanted to know how it was going to end! I did not guess the ending beforehand (I hate doing that!), but I also was not completely surprised by it either.
I would also like to add that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters, particularly Olivia, Frank, and the surprise that was Brock (you’ll have to read the book to get more info on him ;)!). These characters are so well thought out and just feel like real people who are facing real-life problems and issues. I honestly think that is what I loved most about this book!
Overall, the book was good and I am looking forward to seeing what else Miranda Smith writes!
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March 8, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
This story closely follows a character named Olivia, and the timeline of before and after the death of her husband. To be honest, this one did take me a little while to get into. I throughly enjoyed reading the “before” parts of the story, but found myself somewhat less entertained reading the “after” parts.
The pros:
-I have a real love/hate thing for Olivia. At times she drove me insane with some of the choices that she made, but it’s understandable that not each character in every book is going to be likeable.
-It kept me guessing. I truly had no idea what happened to Olivia’s husband and that’s what ultimately made me refuse to DNF this one.
The cons:
-Olivia. Again, some of her choices made me roll my eyes so many times.
-This was a somewhat slow book. Up until about 3/4 of the way, I highly thought of DNF’ing this one. Luckily, it started picking up around this mark.
-Long chapters! I don’t know why, but at times this makes it hard for me to commit entirely to a book.
-I wouldn’t classify this story as a “thriller”. You most likely won’t get the racing heart, shortness of breath type of anxiety(my favorite) from reading this one. In my opinion, It’s more fiction with a side of mystery.
This book is set to be released on March 16th.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for exchange of an honest review.
This story closely follows a character named Olivia, and the timeline of before and after the death of her husband. To be honest, this one did take me a little while to get into. I throughly enjoyed reading the “before” parts of the story, but found myself somewhat less entertained reading the “after” parts.
The pros:
-I have a real love/hate thing for Olivia. At times she drove me insane with some of the choices that she made, but it’s understandable that not each character in every book is going to be likeable.
-It kept me guessing. I truly had no idea what happened to Olivia’s husband and that’s what ultimately made me refuse to DNF this one.
The cons:
-Olivia. Again, some of her choices made me roll my eyes so many times.
-This was a somewhat slow book. Up until about 3/4 of the way, I highly thought of DNF’ing this one. Luckily, it started picking up around this mark.
-Long chapters! I don’t know why, but at times this makes it hard for me to commit entirely to a book.
-I wouldn’t classify this story as a “thriller”. You most likely won’t get the racing heart, shortness of breath type of anxiety(my favorite) from reading this one. In my opinion, It’s more fiction with a side of mystery.
This book is set to be released on March 16th.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for exchange of an honest review.
April 9, 2020
This is an exceptionally well-written thriller with superb writing, excellent characterisation, and a solid realistic plot. I was shocked to learn this is the authors debut. The ending was satisfying but not a shocker to me, hence the four rather than five stars. I've pre-ordered Smith's next novel and cannot wait to read it.
December 27, 2022
Phew! This was a good one.
Olivia's husband was murdered. She was declared innocent. The main suspect was acquitted. So, who did it? The list is long. He's not missed. But finding his murderer will prove her innocence and cement it for good.
Fast paced and captivating. The ending was totally unexpected and satisfying.
Olivia's husband was murdered. She was declared innocent. The main suspect was acquitted. So, who did it? The list is long. He's not missed. But finding his murderer will prove her innocence and cement it for good.
Fast paced and captivating. The ending was totally unexpected and satisfying.
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