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One Dark, Two Light
New Year's Eve, London. Outside the Hope & Glory pub, a man has been left to die. A victim of extraordinary violence, he will never walk or speak again. He remains in hospital, nameless, until criminal defense lawyer Sarah Kellerman walks onto his ward. Sarah barely recognizes the man she once worked with—he was honorable and kind—what was he involved in? Who wanted him dead? But in her race to uncover the truth, Sarah comes to realize there are two men in her life that she never really knew at all. From one of crime fiction's most compelling voices, One Dark, Two Light sees the personal and criminal collide, as Sarah reaches into the darkest corners to bring secrets into the light.
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2020
19 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Mancini
8 books436 followersRuth Mancini is an author and criminal defence lawyer. Her background as a solicitor adds authenticity to her crime and psychological fiction. She has spent two decades representing those accused of crimes, navigating courtrooms and police stations. Her storytelling prowess and legal background combine to create thrilling reads that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.
She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.
She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 15, 2020
This is my first taste of Ruth Mancini's crime fiction series featuring criminal defence lawyer, Sarah Kellerman, a wonderful blend of the personal and crime. Sarah is a single mother, with a young autistic son, Ben, his father, Andy, couldn't cope with Ben's disability, leaving them for Australia. After struggling to care for Ben for so long on her own, Andy returns, wanting to be a father to Ben again, something that Sarah is ultimately happy about, as Ben's interests are paramount and Andy once again gets involved in his care. Sarah has been in a tentative relationship with Will but he has not been in touch so she is thinking the worst, until it turns out Will has been in hospital with a serious infection that threatens the loss of his leg and possibly even his life. Will claims the infection arose from a scratch when Sarah visits him in hospital, although she senses there is more to it than that.
Whilst at the hospital, Sarah recognises a patient with life threatening injuries, but whose identity has been unknown to the medical staff for the three months since being admitted. He is Mark Felding, a custody sergeant at a police station, a kind and compassionate family man who she had liked, and she cannot understand how he could possibly not have been missed by others. On New Year's Eve, he had been mugged and then run over by a car. His family are informed, his wife, Karen and their two children, Sarah gets to know Karen, bumping into the family at the hospital, overseen by a DCI Hollis. Sarah is warned off from getting involved with Karen by Detective Chief Superintendent John Sinclair, informed that Mark had been an undercover officer infiltrating a drugs line network, but had mishandled his role, becoming arrogant. However, Sarah cannot let it go as this description of Mark does not tally with what she knows about him. She begins to look into what happened to Mark, particularly when a young vulnerable client of hers, 15 year old Jerome is arrested and charged with mugging Mark. She is aided by a suspended undercover cop, Burdie, and a witness, Jaydeep, an IT man with aspirations to be a private eye.
I really loved the character of Sarah created by Mancini, she just feels so down to earth, a loyal friend to others, juggling the heavy responsibilities of her work, whilst trying to support Will, Karen and her family, whilst being a mother to Ben. She goes over and beyond for her clients such as Jerome, even when he pushes her away, she understands his insecurities and the impact of a lack of father on his life. This is great crime fiction, compelling, with a realistic feel that is a breath of fresh air, I loved how the multiple threads connected in the story and how it all blended with Sarah's personal life. Many thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC.
Whilst at the hospital, Sarah recognises a patient with life threatening injuries, but whose identity has been unknown to the medical staff for the three months since being admitted. He is Mark Felding, a custody sergeant at a police station, a kind and compassionate family man who she had liked, and she cannot understand how he could possibly not have been missed by others. On New Year's Eve, he had been mugged and then run over by a car. His family are informed, his wife, Karen and their two children, Sarah gets to know Karen, bumping into the family at the hospital, overseen by a DCI Hollis. Sarah is warned off from getting involved with Karen by Detective Chief Superintendent John Sinclair, informed that Mark had been an undercover officer infiltrating a drugs line network, but had mishandled his role, becoming arrogant. However, Sarah cannot let it go as this description of Mark does not tally with what she knows about him. She begins to look into what happened to Mark, particularly when a young vulnerable client of hers, 15 year old Jerome is arrested and charged with mugging Mark. She is aided by a suspended undercover cop, Burdie, and a witness, Jaydeep, an IT man with aspirations to be a private eye.
I really loved the character of Sarah created by Mancini, she just feels so down to earth, a loyal friend to others, juggling the heavy responsibilities of her work, whilst trying to support Will, Karen and her family, whilst being a mother to Ben. She goes over and beyond for her clients such as Jerome, even when he pushes her away, she understands his insecurities and the impact of a lack of father on his life. This is great crime fiction, compelling, with a realistic feel that is a breath of fresh air, I loved how the multiple threads connected in the story and how it all blended with Sarah's personal life. Many thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC.
October 1, 2024
The second installment in the series about lawyer Sarah. The first book was brilliant, I really loved everything it offered. This one, not so much. It would have been better if she had an exciting case where the clock was ticking, but I felt no real suspense here. It was still interesting to hear about her personal life however, and I do like her as a character.
April 2, 2020
Favorite Quote:
I’m not asking you for a favour, here, Andy. I’m asking you to be a father. It’s unconditional. There are no rewards, no prizes, no strings attached. We’re parents because we chose to be parents… I am not going to thank you for looking after your own son. If you truly believe that fathers are important enough to fuck up our lives, then stick around this time and be one!
My Review:
This was a confounding and complex plot with several complicated and well-nuanced storylines, frustrating and deeply flawed characters, and fatally compelling social issues. I was incensed and fully invested as the tale was ingeniously plotted, thrummed with tension, was maddeningly paced, and had me grinding my teeth and pulling at my ragged cuticles - yet I couldn’t put it down and huffed and hissed at any interruption to my reading. I wanted to give every character a smack to the head with my kindle at some point as no one was fully trustworthy and everyone was tainted and to blame for something, just like in real life. Except for me of course, as I have lived an exemplary life and have been a total delight to everyone I’ve ever met. ;)
I’m not asking you for a favour, here, Andy. I’m asking you to be a father. It’s unconditional. There are no rewards, no prizes, no strings attached. We’re parents because we chose to be parents… I am not going to thank you for looking after your own son. If you truly believe that fathers are important enough to fuck up our lives, then stick around this time and be one!
My Review:
This was a confounding and complex plot with several complicated and well-nuanced storylines, frustrating and deeply flawed characters, and fatally compelling social issues. I was incensed and fully invested as the tale was ingeniously plotted, thrummed with tension, was maddeningly paced, and had me grinding my teeth and pulling at my ragged cuticles - yet I couldn’t put it down and huffed and hissed at any interruption to my reading. I wanted to give every character a smack to the head with my kindle at some point as no one was fully trustworthy and everyone was tainted and to blame for something, just like in real life. Except for me of course, as I have lived an exemplary life and have been a total delight to everyone I’ve ever met. ;)
March 5, 2020
In 2018 I read and loved In The Blood by Ruth Mancini. this was the first book featuring lawyer Sarah Kellerman.. In 2020 Sarah is back in One Dark, Two Light.
Sarah Kellerman is an awesome woman - a full time lawyer who genuinely cares about her clients and will do anything to help them, She is also a single mother to her autistic son, Ben. She never stops and is always tired. But she has recently started dating again and is happy with Will. But she hasn't heard from him in a while, before discovering that he is in hospital with an infection. When she goes to see him she spots another patient that she recognises. The patient is a police officer she has worked with called Mark Fielding. He has been lying there for 3 months and nobody knows who he is. Once Sarah identifies him she starts to learn what happened to him and wonders who would mug him and run him over. Like a dog with a bone she sets out to find the culprit. At the same time she is dealing with her ex and Ben's father re- entering their lives,
This book is so good! There is a lot happening and none of it is obvious. The ending was a complete surprise to me and it worked.
Thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Sarah Kellerman is an awesome woman - a full time lawyer who genuinely cares about her clients and will do anything to help them, She is also a single mother to her autistic son, Ben. She never stops and is always tired. But she has recently started dating again and is happy with Will. But she hasn't heard from him in a while, before discovering that he is in hospital with an infection. When she goes to see him she spots another patient that she recognises. The patient is a police officer she has worked with called Mark Fielding. He has been lying there for 3 months and nobody knows who he is. Once Sarah identifies him she starts to learn what happened to him and wonders who would mug him and run him over. Like a dog with a bone she sets out to find the culprit. At the same time she is dealing with her ex and Ben's father re- entering their lives,
This book is so good! There is a lot happening and none of it is obvious. The ending was a complete surprise to me and it worked.
Thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
December 19, 2024
While visiting her boyfriend in the hospital, Sarah Kellerman recognizes a victim of a violent hit and run. Her young client is in jail, wrongfully charged for the crime. Can she prove his innocence?
This book is part 2/3 of the Sarah Kellerman books (technically they are not listed as a series but feature the same protagonist). I seem to have read these books in the wrong order…3, 1, 2 but I they also work as stand alones. This was probably my least favorite plot of the three books, as it could easily have been edited down fifty or so pages, but I still enjoyed it. Too much time is spend on Sarah’s personal life instead of the court case. Overall, I would classify these books as very light legal thrillers.
Tracey Ann Wood narrates the first two books in the series and does a fantastic job.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
This book is part 2/3 of the Sarah Kellerman books (technically they are not listed as a series but feature the same protagonist). I seem to have read these books in the wrong order…3, 1, 2 but I they also work as stand alones. This was probably my least favorite plot of the three books, as it could easily have been edited down fifty or so pages, but I still enjoyed it. Too much time is spend on Sarah’s personal life instead of the court case. Overall, I would classify these books as very light legal thrillers.
Tracey Ann Wood narrates the first two books in the series and does a fantastic job.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
March 5, 2020
One Dark, Two Light is the second book to feature lawyer Sarah Kellerman and boy is it an exciting and excellent legal thriller. Whilst it would help to read the opening instalment in the series before this there is enough backstory to help you follow along. Sarah Kellerman is a criminal defence lawyer and mother to autistic son, Ben. Her husband Andy left as he claimed he simply couldn't handle his son's disability and now lives in Australia; Sarah amazingly manages to juggle caring for Ben and her time-consuming and intense legal career. Now Andy is back in the UK and wants to resume seeing his son. Sarah is also in a new relationship with Will but he's been strangely silent recently. Then she learns he has been admitted to hospital and may need his infected leg amputated but his explanation as to what happened seems shady and Sarah doesn't believe him.
Whilst there she spots a patient she recognises; he has life-threatening injuries and has spent three months in hospital without them knowing his identity. He is custody sergeant Mark Fielding who on New Year's Eve was mugged and brutally run over with a vehicle. She is warned not to get involved by Chief Superintendent John Sinclair as Mark had been working as an undercover officer infiltrating a drugs gang. Sarah isn't entirely convinced what she's being told. One of the aspects I love about the book is that it strikes the perfect balance between Sarah’s complicated personal life and the cases and actually connects the two in a believable manner. This is a compelling, engrossing and fascinating read and Sarah is a beautifully developed and realistic character. It's refreshingly original and down to earth with a cleverly written and twisty plot.
From start to finish this is an addictive read with plenty of mystery and deception. It is an entertaining and authentic page-turner. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC.
Whilst there she spots a patient she recognises; he has life-threatening injuries and has spent three months in hospital without them knowing his identity. He is custody sergeant Mark Fielding who on New Year's Eve was mugged and brutally run over with a vehicle. She is warned not to get involved by Chief Superintendent John Sinclair as Mark had been working as an undercover officer infiltrating a drugs gang. Sarah isn't entirely convinced what she's being told. One of the aspects I love about the book is that it strikes the perfect balance between Sarah’s complicated personal life and the cases and actually connects the two in a believable manner. This is a compelling, engrossing and fascinating read and Sarah is a beautifully developed and realistic character. It's refreshingly original and down to earth with a cleverly written and twisty plot.
From start to finish this is an addictive read with plenty of mystery and deception. It is an entertaining and authentic page-turner. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC.
November 2, 2023
"One Dark, Two Light"........
is the number "Two" book I recently listened to by talented author Ruth Mancini.....and I am hooked.
Even though "One Dark, Two Light" is the author's second book showcasing defense attorney protagonist Sarah Kellerman, this book can be read as a standalone read.
When Sarah Kellerman walks into a hospital ward to visit her boyfriend, she spots a nameless man who was violently assaulted and. as a result, is unable to walk or speak.
Sarah recognizes the man as a police officer.
Who did this to the police officer and why?
Just like the first book in this series, the book was well-plotted, fast-paced, character-driven, and unpredictable.
I listened to the audiobook read by Tracey Ann Wood, who did a brilliant job with the narration.
I look forward to listening to Ruth Macini's future titles.
March 1, 2020
Sarah is a lawyer. She has an autistic son called Ben. Her husband Andy had walked out on them a couple of years ago. He said he couldn't cope with his sons disability. He went to Australia but now he's back wanting to play his part again. Sarah is in a new relationship with Will. He is in the hospital fighting an infection in his leg. Whilst visiting Will, Sarah spots an old colleague, Mark Fielding. Mark had been a police custody sergeant but he had recieved life threatening injuries on New Year's Eve. Three months later and he's still fighting the battle. From here on in the plot thickens.
This is a cleverly written and twist filled read. The plot is somewhat complex. Secrets are being hidden. If I was ever in trouble, I'd like someone like Sarah representing me. She doesn't let anything get in her way. This is an addictive read from the beginning. The story is multilayered. There is quite a few characters but they all have their part to play. All the loose ends are tied up at the end. A good solid read. This is the first book that I've read by the author but I will be looking out for more from her in the
future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Head Of Zeus and the author Ruth Mancini for my ARC in exchange for an honest review .
This is a cleverly written and twist filled read. The plot is somewhat complex. Secrets are being hidden. If I was ever in trouble, I'd like someone like Sarah representing me. She doesn't let anything get in her way. This is an addictive read from the beginning. The story is multilayered. There is quite a few characters but they all have their part to play. All the loose ends are tied up at the end. A good solid read. This is the first book that I've read by the author but I will be looking out for more from her in the
future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Head Of Zeus and the author Ruth Mancini for my ARC in exchange for an honest review .
March 7, 2020
A brilliant book by author Ruth Mancini. An edge of the seat thriller which kept me completely engrossed in the darkness of the night of New Year's Eve.
Sarah Kellerman a solicitor went to meet her friend Will at the hospital where she saw a man on the next bed whom she knew from work. A hit and run victim. Mark. A cop who had wife and kids who were never notified about the accident. Sarah took over.
My first book by this author, and the main character grew on me as I kept reading. She was as tenacious as a bull dog and her bite was as strong as her bark. The writing invited me to enter the dark tunnel of the story where I could see no light. It was smooth and compuslive.
Sarah kept my interest focused on her. There were times when I wanted to tap a warning on her shoulder, but nothing could sway her. The character was quite foolhardy but I couldn't fault her sense of justice. The book was swift paced as it moved on. Twin lights could be seen when Sarah received help from unexpected quarters.
And the ending... Oh damn... It was explosive. I suspected one aspect of it and I was blown away by what the author revealed right at the end.
An explosive, thrilling read.
Sarah Kellerman a solicitor went to meet her friend Will at the hospital where she saw a man on the next bed whom she knew from work. A hit and run victim. Mark. A cop who had wife and kids who were never notified about the accident. Sarah took over.
My first book by this author, and the main character grew on me as I kept reading. She was as tenacious as a bull dog and her bite was as strong as her bark. The writing invited me to enter the dark tunnel of the story where I could see no light. It was smooth and compuslive.
Sarah kept my interest focused on her. There were times when I wanted to tap a warning on her shoulder, but nothing could sway her. The character was quite foolhardy but I couldn't fault her sense of justice. The book was swift paced as it moved on. Twin lights could be seen when Sarah received help from unexpected quarters.
And the ending... Oh damn... It was explosive. I suspected one aspect of it and I was blown away by what the author revealed right at the end.
An explosive, thrilling read.
June 17, 2020
While this is my first time reading Ruth Mancini, ONE DARK, TWO LIGHT is the second book to feature solicitor Sarah Kellerman. I wasn't aware this was a series but having read this book I will be interested to check out the first one
"In the Blood"
.
It's New Year's Eve and a man walks drunkenly home from the Hope and Glory pub. But just a couple of minutes after midnight he becomes the victim of a vicious attack then brutally run over and left for dead. Barely alive, he is taken to the hospital but no one knows who he is as he has no ID. He is a mystery.
But one morning three months later solicitor Sarah Kellerman walks into the hospital to visit her boyfriend Nick, a barrister, and passes the mystery man's room. A flicker of a memory and she recognises him instantly. Mark Felding was a custody sergeant based at one of the police stations in London that she frequented for clients. But he suddenly disappeared and no one really knew what happened to him. So what happened to him? Why did no one know who he was? And why wasn't he reported missing?
Sarah begins to dig into the mystery behind Mark's disappearance in an effort to learn what truly happened to him and in the process one of her clients, a young Jamaican 15 year old boy Jerome, is brought in for questioning over the theft of a 4x4 not far from the estate on which he lives. Although Jerome's form is for stealing cars, Sarah believes him when he says he didn't steal this one. In his eyes, a black 4x4 with blacked out windows on an estate like his belongs to drug dealers and he steers clear of those. But the police who question him are adamant - a black teen wearing a hoodie was seen in the vicinity.
Then Sarah is approached by DCI John Sinclair at court one day who informs her that Mark has been working undercover for the past two years infiltrating a drug gang. But Mark had turned rogue and started dealing himself, his life thus spiraling. But none of this struck Sarah as being true. She believes she was being warned off. But she continues to look into Mark's attack. But when Jerome is picked up once again - this time for the attempted murder of a police officer - Sarah knows something deeper is going on.
Meanwhile, Sarah's personal life is somewhat in disarray. Her partner, Will, is in hospital with a life threatening condition that could result in the amputation of his leg. Will is somewhat cagey about what happened and is reluctant to discuss it that when Sarah pushes him she doesn't believe his explanation. And now her ex husband Andy, who walked out on her and her autistic son Ben two years before, has returned wanting to start again. Sarah doesn't have time to deal with Andy but he proves to be an eager babysitter as he learns to bond with his non-verbal son. Despite walking out on them two years ago because he couldn't deal with his son's disability, Andy steps up and proves to be an eager and competent carer for Ben in Sarah's absence.
A slow burn thriller, ONE DARK, TWO LIGHT is a cleverly written, complex and twist-filled read. As secret after secret is exposed, Sarah is determined to get to the truth about what happened to Mark. She lets nothing stand in her way, not even when the risk becomes greater and her client's life is at stake.
I'm not sure what I think about Sarah, although if I was ever in trouble I'd certainly want her in my corner. And I found it hard connecting with the story around her son. I know he is autistic and non-verbal but I didn't find him real because he didn't connect with anyone...though for someone like him I know that is completely normal. He just seemed like something on the edge of dream...it's hard to explain. But in Sarah's place, I don't know how she managed to hold down a full time legal career and be a full time carer to Ben. Andy's re-entrance couldn't have come at a better time, as he could start to share some of the responsibility with caring for him when Sarah is called away.
ONE DARK, TWO LIGHT is a solid and compelling read. Its story content is not normally something I am enamoured with - council estates, drug dealing - but this one was different. And with so many secrets to uncover, I was still able to figure out who was responsible...one on count...while still being surprised at the end.
An explosive read, ONE DARK, TWO LIGHT is thrilling and compelling with an incredibly complex plot. Recommended for thriller fans.
I would like to thank #RuthMancini, #NetGalley and #HeadOfZeus for an ARC of #OneDarkTwoLight in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
It's New Year's Eve and a man walks drunkenly home from the Hope and Glory pub. But just a couple of minutes after midnight he becomes the victim of a vicious attack then brutally run over and left for dead. Barely alive, he is taken to the hospital but no one knows who he is as he has no ID. He is a mystery.
But one morning three months later solicitor Sarah Kellerman walks into the hospital to visit her boyfriend Nick, a barrister, and passes the mystery man's room. A flicker of a memory and she recognises him instantly. Mark Felding was a custody sergeant based at one of the police stations in London that she frequented for clients. But he suddenly disappeared and no one really knew what happened to him. So what happened to him? Why did no one know who he was? And why wasn't he reported missing?
Sarah begins to dig into the mystery behind Mark's disappearance in an effort to learn what truly happened to him and in the process one of her clients, a young Jamaican 15 year old boy Jerome, is brought in for questioning over the theft of a 4x4 not far from the estate on which he lives. Although Jerome's form is for stealing cars, Sarah believes him when he says he didn't steal this one. In his eyes, a black 4x4 with blacked out windows on an estate like his belongs to drug dealers and he steers clear of those. But the police who question him are adamant - a black teen wearing a hoodie was seen in the vicinity.
Then Sarah is approached by DCI John Sinclair at court one day who informs her that Mark has been working undercover for the past two years infiltrating a drug gang. But Mark had turned rogue and started dealing himself, his life thus spiraling. But none of this struck Sarah as being true. She believes she was being warned off. But she continues to look into Mark's attack. But when Jerome is picked up once again - this time for the attempted murder of a police officer - Sarah knows something deeper is going on.
Meanwhile, Sarah's personal life is somewhat in disarray. Her partner, Will, is in hospital with a life threatening condition that could result in the amputation of his leg. Will is somewhat cagey about what happened and is reluctant to discuss it that when Sarah pushes him she doesn't believe his explanation. And now her ex husband Andy, who walked out on her and her autistic son Ben two years before, has returned wanting to start again. Sarah doesn't have time to deal with Andy but he proves to be an eager babysitter as he learns to bond with his non-verbal son. Despite walking out on them two years ago because he couldn't deal with his son's disability, Andy steps up and proves to be an eager and competent carer for Ben in Sarah's absence.
A slow burn thriller, ONE DARK, TWO LIGHT is a cleverly written, complex and twist-filled read. As secret after secret is exposed, Sarah is determined to get to the truth about what happened to Mark. She lets nothing stand in her way, not even when the risk becomes greater and her client's life is at stake.
I'm not sure what I think about Sarah, although if I was ever in trouble I'd certainly want her in my corner. And I found it hard connecting with the story around her son. I know he is autistic and non-verbal but I didn't find him real because he didn't connect with anyone...though for someone like him I know that is completely normal. He just seemed like something on the edge of dream...it's hard to explain. But in Sarah's place, I don't know how she managed to hold down a full time legal career and be a full time carer to Ben. Andy's re-entrance couldn't have come at a better time, as he could start to share some of the responsibility with caring for him when Sarah is called away.
ONE DARK, TWO LIGHT is a solid and compelling read. Its story content is not normally something I am enamoured with - council estates, drug dealing - but this one was different. And with so many secrets to uncover, I was still able to figure out who was responsible...one on count...while still being surprised at the end.
An explosive read, ONE DARK, TWO LIGHT is thrilling and compelling with an incredibly complex plot. Recommended for thriller fans.
I would like to thank #RuthMancini, #NetGalley and #HeadOfZeus for an ARC of #OneDarkTwoLight in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 4, 2019
Outside the Hope and glory pub a man is a victim of extraordinary violence and is left for dead.
He is taken to hospital, but no-one knows who he is. His wallet has been stolen and he is a mystery. That all changes the day Sarah Kellerman goes into the hospital to visit her colleague and recognises the guy in the hospital bed as Mark a policeman whom she had worked with over the years. But why didn't anyone know who he was, if he was a police officer? Why wasn't he reported missing? and as she begins to dig it sets of a series of cover ups and lies and she knows something big has been covered up. But by who? and why?
Ruth Mancini has done it again with another smasher of a mystery, with twists and turns and hidden secrets. A legal theme runs through this story as Sarah is a solicitor and she has to deal with the drama of her child's dad reappearing after a few years absence and her boyfriend Will who also seems to have been keeping secrets from her.
I enjoyed this, easy reading and would recommend.
Thank you for the ARC Net Galley.
He is taken to hospital, but no-one knows who he is. His wallet has been stolen and he is a mystery. That all changes the day Sarah Kellerman goes into the hospital to visit her colleague and recognises the guy in the hospital bed as Mark a policeman whom she had worked with over the years. But why didn't anyone know who he was, if he was a police officer? Why wasn't he reported missing? and as she begins to dig it sets of a series of cover ups and lies and she knows something big has been covered up. But by who? and why?
Ruth Mancini has done it again with another smasher of a mystery, with twists and turns and hidden secrets. A legal theme runs through this story as Sarah is a solicitor and she has to deal with the drama of her child's dad reappearing after a few years absence and her boyfriend Will who also seems to have been keeping secrets from her.
I enjoyed this, easy reading and would recommend.
Thank you for the ARC Net Galley.
June 18, 2025
3.5 stars. Not full of twists like The Woman on the Ledge but entertaining all the same.
November 20, 2022
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"I’m not asking you for a favour, here, Andy. I’m asking you to be a father. It’s unconditional. There are no rewards, no prizes, no strings attached. We’re parents because we chose to be parents… I am not going to thank you for looking after your own son. If you truly believe that fathers are important enough to fuck up our lives, then stick around this time and be one!"
Sarah Kellerman is my hero; why? She's an excellent solicitor who genuinely cares about her clients and will do anything to help them; she's a single mother to her autistic son, Ben, since her husband, Andy, left because he couldn't handle not having a "normal" son; she never stops and is always tired but manages both sides of her life effortlessly.
Now, Andy has unexpectedly come back to be a father to Ben and her new boyfriend is lying in the hospital, where Sarah recognises an unidentified man who has been there for three months...
The prologue to this story, I have to mention, is what caught me!
One Dark, Two Light is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery within a mystery - well-paced, excellent characters, great storyline - but, as someone with neurodivergence in their family, I was here for Ben the whole time. I loved this book! So Much!
I read this as part of "Reading Only Thrillers For A Week" video on my YouTube channel - which went quite awry, by the way - and if you want to know every single thought about it, and the others, please do pop round the channel or click here. #WatchLikeSubscribe
Neither GoodReads nor the book itself makes it known in any way, but One Dark, Two Light is the second book to feature solicitor Sarah Kellerman. I wasn't aware this was a series but having read this book I will be interested to also check out the first one, In the Blood.
"I’m not asking you for a favour, here, Andy. I’m asking you to be a father. It’s unconditional. There are no rewards, no prizes, no strings attached. We’re parents because we chose to be parents… I am not going to thank you for looking after your own son. If you truly believe that fathers are important enough to fuck up our lives, then stick around this time and be one!"
Sarah Kellerman is my hero; why? She's an excellent solicitor who genuinely cares about her clients and will do anything to help them; she's a single mother to her autistic son, Ben, since her husband, Andy, left because he couldn't handle not having a "normal" son; she never stops and is always tired but manages both sides of her life effortlessly.
Now, Andy has unexpectedly come back to be a father to Ben and her new boyfriend is lying in the hospital, where Sarah recognises an unidentified man who has been there for three months...
The prologue to this story, I have to mention, is what caught me!
One Dark, Two Light is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery within a mystery - well-paced, excellent characters, great storyline - but, as someone with neurodivergence in their family, I was here for Ben the whole time. I loved this book! So Much!
I read this as part of "Reading Only Thrillers For A Week" video on my YouTube channel - which went quite awry, by the way - and if you want to know every single thought about it, and the others, please do pop round the channel or click here. #WatchLikeSubscribe
Neither GoodReads nor the book itself makes it known in any way, but One Dark, Two Light is the second book to feature solicitor Sarah Kellerman. I wasn't aware this was a series but having read this book I will be interested to also check out the first one, In the Blood.
March 5, 2020
Sarah Kellerman is a lawyer, she’s also a single mum to Ben as her partner had left them many months before. She had started seeing Will, but he seems to have just started ignoring her.
However, she receives a message to say Will is in hospital fighting a really nasty infection, hence the disappearing act. So she goes to visit him in hospital and he’s very unwell but hopefully will recover, while she’s there, Sarah sees someone she knows, Mark Felding, a custody sergeant and a well respected officer, so why does no one know his name.
He had been the victim of a mugging and then a hit and run, due to a head injury he hasn’t been able to tell anyone who he was. So at least Sarah can now let them know and his poor family are told.
She’s concerned why nobody has reported him missing?
Well, then Sarah’s ex turns up wanting to try again, another woman is visiting Will and he clearly wants his relationship with Sarah kept secret and she really has concerns about what people are saying about Mark, as this doesn’t match what she’s knows about him…..
But, does she really know these two men at all? Can she find the truth about what has happened to Mark….or will being warned of by a Senior Police Officer put her off?….as if !!!!
I really enjoyed this twisty thriller, with its clever plotting and well developed characters. Sarah is a great, relatable character and she’s just such an empathetic person and really wants to help her clients and others. She’s dogged in her determination to get the truth. I read this in one sitting as I was hooked from start to finish. A compelling thriller and a great read.
Thank you to Victoria Joss at Head Of Zeus Books, for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, for the promotional material and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest and unbiased review.
However, she receives a message to say Will is in hospital fighting a really nasty infection, hence the disappearing act. So she goes to visit him in hospital and he’s very unwell but hopefully will recover, while she’s there, Sarah sees someone she knows, Mark Felding, a custody sergeant and a well respected officer, so why does no one know his name.
He had been the victim of a mugging and then a hit and run, due to a head injury he hasn’t been able to tell anyone who he was. So at least Sarah can now let them know and his poor family are told.
She’s concerned why nobody has reported him missing?
Well, then Sarah’s ex turns up wanting to try again, another woman is visiting Will and he clearly wants his relationship with Sarah kept secret and she really has concerns about what people are saying about Mark, as this doesn’t match what she’s knows about him…..
But, does she really know these two men at all? Can she find the truth about what has happened to Mark….or will being warned of by a Senior Police Officer put her off?….as if !!!!
I really enjoyed this twisty thriller, with its clever plotting and well developed characters. Sarah is a great, relatable character and she’s just such an empathetic person and really wants to help her clients and others. She’s dogged in her determination to get the truth. I read this in one sitting as I was hooked from start to finish. A compelling thriller and a great read.
Thank you to Victoria Joss at Head Of Zeus Books, for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, for the promotional material and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest and unbiased review.
November 11, 2019
I really engaged with Sarah Kellerman in the first book to feature her so was very happy to dive back into her world, one of legal shenanigans and stressful parenting..
When visiting hospital she recognises a friend from her past, seriously injured and seemingly anonymous. This sets off a chain of events that has Sarah involved in lies and cover ups. Meanwhile her personal life is also somewhat in upheaval with the reappearance of her childs Dad and the hidden secrets new love Will has been keeping…
The plotting is intricately engaging, the mystery element clever and twisty- Ruth Mancini sure can spin a good yarn- and with Sarah has given us every woman, balancing work and parenthood, supporting and nurturing a special needs child and still having something of her own life. In Two Dark One Light all of these things collide to give the reader an addictive, layered story that keeps you avidly turning the pages.
Excellent legal drama, entertaining and authentic, let’s hope for many more Sarah Kellerman adventures.
Recommended.
March 9, 2020
One Dark, Two Light is my first but definitely not my last read by this author as this was a great read.
Sarah is a single mum to Ben who is autistic. While visiting her boyfriend Will in hospital she sees an old colleague in a nearby bed. He was beaten up and left to die. With being told to not get involved and wondering what Will is hiding from her Sarah finds herself wanting to know the truth.
A really well written story with a great storyline. I’ll certainly be recommending this to my friends.
Sarah is a single mum to Ben who is autistic. While visiting her boyfriend Will in hospital she sees an old colleague in a nearby bed. He was beaten up and left to die. With being told to not get involved and wondering what Will is hiding from her Sarah finds herself wanting to know the truth.
A really well written story with a great storyline. I’ll certainly be recommending this to my friends.
November 4, 2024
The last of the Sarah Kellerman books for me to read as I have read them all in the wrong order, however each book can be read as a standalone quite easily. I really love Ruth Mancini’s style of writing, the detail, the characterisation, the flow of the book, everything is on point. I raced through this book, it was really hard to put down and had me gripped. Sarah is such a believable character struggling with work/life balance and her inquisitive nature. A compelling read that sees the multi layered story all come together with a really good twist at the end.
December 7, 2022
This was my first Ruth Mancini book and I get why she was recommended.
To keep it short and simply, I really enjoyed this book. The plot had me hooked, I found myself halfway through without realising in one night.
Some of the conversations however do feel a bit long and drawn out. I also wasn't fond of Will's character.
Regardless, I do recommend!
To keep it short and simply, I really enjoyed this book. The plot had me hooked, I found myself halfway through without realising in one night.
Some of the conversations however do feel a bit long and drawn out. I also wasn't fond of Will's character.
Regardless, I do recommend!
January 15, 2022
this would be a five star book If everything wasn’t so drawn out.
Every scene, every convo, every plot point explained is just way too long.
I listened on audiobook and could jump forward five minutes and be in the same room with the same people saying the same stuff.
On paper, it’s one of those books you can flick pages and pages forward and nothing new has happened.
This is a great shame as this writer creates excellent likeable characters and writes a nice, contemporary story with a good ending.
If she could just cut everything by 30% she’d be a winner.
Every scene, every convo, every plot point explained is just way too long.
I listened on audiobook and could jump forward five minutes and be in the same room with the same people saying the same stuff.
On paper, it’s one of those books you can flick pages and pages forward and nothing new has happened.
This is a great shame as this writer creates excellent likeable characters and writes a nice, contemporary story with a good ending.
If she could just cut everything by 30% she’d be a winner.
January 22, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Ruth Mancini, so my first meeting with criminal defence lawyer Sarah Kellerman. This is a well written, well p,otter story. Engaging from the start.
Sarah is not just a lawyer, she is also mum to her autistic son Ben, the father Andy, had walked out and flown off to Australia unable to handle, his sons disability. Now he is back, wanting to be dad again. Sarah agrees because for her Ben is her top priority.
Sarah is in a fairly new relationship with Will, but as she hasn’t heard from him, she thinks that maybe the relationship is over, until she learns he is in hospital with a severe infection, that could lead him to lose his leg. Will claims the infection comes from a scratch, Sarah is dubious about his explanation.
It’s whilst she is visiting Will that she spots an old friend, a patient in another bed with severe life changing injuries, but for some reason his identity is unknown by the hospital, despite him having been there for three months. He is a police officer, Mark Fielding, who works as a custody sergeant, Sarah finds it difficult to understand how he couldn’t have been missed. He had been mugged and run over on New Years Eve. Why had no one been looking for him? Why wasn’t he reported missing? If he’s a John Doe at the hospital why has no one looked into him, to try and find out who he is? Especially after such a brutal attack and injuries.
The plot thickens, his wife Karen and family are informed. As Sarah gets to know Karen. Sarah is warned off from getting involved with Karen by DCS John Sinclair, he tells her Mark had been working as an undercover officer, had infiltrated a drugs gang, but had got too cocky and arrogant. Having known Mark, Sarah finds this difficult to believe. She begins looking for answers, and finds a series of lies and cover ups, but why? By who? All she knows us it’s something big.
This story is told through multiple threads, Sarah juggling work, home life, her new relationship. It’s not easy. This is a great legal drama. With some great characters. I highly recommend.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #HeadofZeus for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
Sarah is not just a lawyer, she is also mum to her autistic son Ben, the father Andy, had walked out and flown off to Australia unable to handle, his sons disability. Now he is back, wanting to be dad again. Sarah agrees because for her Ben is her top priority.
Sarah is in a fairly new relationship with Will, but as she hasn’t heard from him, she thinks that maybe the relationship is over, until she learns he is in hospital with a severe infection, that could lead him to lose his leg. Will claims the infection comes from a scratch, Sarah is dubious about his explanation.
It’s whilst she is visiting Will that she spots an old friend, a patient in another bed with severe life changing injuries, but for some reason his identity is unknown by the hospital, despite him having been there for three months. He is a police officer, Mark Fielding, who works as a custody sergeant, Sarah finds it difficult to understand how he couldn’t have been missed. He had been mugged and run over on New Years Eve. Why had no one been looking for him? Why wasn’t he reported missing? If he’s a John Doe at the hospital why has no one looked into him, to try and find out who he is? Especially after such a brutal attack and injuries.
The plot thickens, his wife Karen and family are informed. As Sarah gets to know Karen. Sarah is warned off from getting involved with Karen by DCS John Sinclair, he tells her Mark had been working as an undercover officer, had infiltrated a drugs gang, but had got too cocky and arrogant. Having known Mark, Sarah finds this difficult to believe. She begins looking for answers, and finds a series of lies and cover ups, but why? By who? All she knows us it’s something big.
This story is told through multiple threads, Sarah juggling work, home life, her new relationship. It’s not easy. This is a great legal drama. With some great characters. I highly recommend.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #HeadofZeus for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.
March 9, 2020
I read the synopsis for 'One Dark, Two Light' and it certainly sounded like just the kind of legal thriller that I have a particular fondness for. My addiction to legal thrillers is partly down to my addiction to 'Law & Order' and a soft spot for Jack McCoy. Anyway enough about me so back to the book review I must go. I was eager to start reading and so without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my cup of tea and settled down to read. Oh boy, did I enjoy reading 'One Dark, Two Light' or what? In other words, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'One Dark, Two Light' but more about that in a bit.
It didn't take me long at all to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first couple of chapters I knew that I was definitely going to enjoy this book. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. When will I learn? Let's just say that sleep was delayed for a good couple of hours and I had a sleep hangover the following morning. I started reading the book as soon as I got up the following morning. I wasn't able to read the book over the course of 24 or even 48 hours because boring things like life got in the way but I did manage to finish reading the book over the course of 4 days. As soon as I picked the book up, that was it I completely immersed myself in the story. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded grew and grew. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Sarah Kellerman.
'One Dark, Two Light' is extremely well written. The author grabbed my attention from the synopsis alone and then the story inside the book just sealed the deal as it were. Ruth has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Whilst reading this book I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that I was a legal eagle myself and that's all down to Ruth's fantastic writing style and her use of extremely vivid and realistic descriptions. Ruth is a lawyer by trade, which only adds extra authenticity to the story.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'One Dark, Two Light' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Ruth's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It didn't take me long at all to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first couple of chapters I knew that I was definitely going to enjoy this book. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. When will I learn? Let's just say that sleep was delayed for a good couple of hours and I had a sleep hangover the following morning. I started reading the book as soon as I got up the following morning. I wasn't able to read the book over the course of 24 or even 48 hours because boring things like life got in the way but I did manage to finish reading the book over the course of 4 days. As soon as I picked the book up, that was it I completely immersed myself in the story. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded grew and grew. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Sarah Kellerman.
'One Dark, Two Light' is extremely well written. The author grabbed my attention from the synopsis alone and then the story inside the book just sealed the deal as it were. Ruth has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Whilst reading this book I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that I was a legal eagle myself and that's all down to Ruth's fantastic writing style and her use of extremely vivid and realistic descriptions. Ruth is a lawyer by trade, which only adds extra authenticity to the story.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'One Dark, Two Light' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Ruth's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
March 6, 2020
You’re invested in this story from the first page. The relatable characters are easy to empathise. Drama, twists and intensity keep you absorbed and turning the pages, right until the end. Cleverly written the story, unfolds like a Pandora’s box of betrayal and lies. There are three main plot lines, two of which converge as the story progresses. The world-building is authentic, underscored by obvious knowledge, and research of the criminal and legal world and how they interact.
Character-driven, the main protagonist Sarah, a dedicated defence lawyer becomes personally involved in a case, which is prejudiced by a chance encounter. Sarah is easy to like, she’s emotional, impulsive and tenacious, good news for her clients but she often risks her safety. Her home life is complex when her ex returns and her boyfriend is gravely ill. She is someone you want in your corner if you need help.
Fast-paced the story has disturbing, sinister undertones. The ending brings the plot strands to a believable, if unexpected conclusion, which is perfect for this addictive read.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Character-driven, the main protagonist Sarah, a dedicated defence lawyer becomes personally involved in a case, which is prejudiced by a chance encounter. Sarah is easy to like, she’s emotional, impulsive and tenacious, good news for her clients but she often risks her safety. Her home life is complex when her ex returns and her boyfriend is gravely ill. She is someone you want in your corner if you need help.
Fast-paced the story has disturbing, sinister undertones. The ending brings the plot strands to a believable, if unexpected conclusion, which is perfect for this addictive read.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 25, 2020
A good legal thriller that kept me on the edge till the end.
I appreciated the storytelling, the solid mystery, the well researched background, and the fleshed out cast of characters.
Even if I had no issues with the plot or the characters I think it's better to read the previous instalment.
Hope to read the next book soon.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I appreciated the storytelling, the solid mystery, the well researched background, and the fleshed out cast of characters.
Even if I had no issues with the plot or the characters I think it's better to read the previous instalment.
Hope to read the next book soon.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 9, 2024
Another new author for me.
I really enjoyed this semi-police procedural thriller despite the fact those usually aren’t of much interest to me.
Very excited to read other works from the author especially her new book scheduled to be published soon, Woman on the Ledge!
I really enjoyed this semi-police procedural thriller despite the fact those usually aren’t of much interest to me.
Very excited to read other works from the author especially her new book scheduled to be published soon, Woman on the Ledge!
December 29, 2021
this book is honestly so good, sarah (main character) has such a good role and her character is honestly amazing
February 23, 2022
Rather drawn out but I carried on until the end and over all I give it 3*.
Not brilliant, not dreadful, just pretty average.
Not brilliant, not dreadful, just pretty average.
March 15, 2020
It’s New Year’s Eve in a dodgy inner London boozer, The Hope and Glory, and one regular’s had enough. He leaves as the countdown begins but it’s the last one he’ll ever hear. Someone runs up from behind and attacks him with an iron bar and as he stumbles a 4 x 4 runs him down. Someone definitely wants him dead.
Sarah Kellerman has a complicated lifestyle. She’s in court with her 15 year old client, Jerome and his mum Georgina as he’s given a final chance after being accused of stealing cars. Meanwhile her ex-Andy has returned from Australia and wants her and their young son Ben to be a happy family again. But Andy left them as he couldn’t cope with Ben’s autism and learning difficulties – has he really changed? She’s also concerned about her new boyfriend, Will, who seems to have done a vanishing act. Is he just not interested?
When a call from a local hospital reveals Will’s whereabouts Sarah immediately goes to visit him. But, as she’s leaving, Sarah is aghast to see a man she recognises lying in bed trying to remove a tube from his throat. As the nurse deals with it, Sara tells her of his identity. He’s been lying there for 3 months since New Year’s Eve and, with no identification and no-one coming forward, he has remained unknown.
He’s Mark Felding, an ex-policeman, who was suspended from the force after drugs were found in his locker and became estranged from his wife, Karen, and their two children. But then Sarah discovers that Mark was part of an undercover operation involving drugs and the Hope and Glory and had started to cause problems. This doesn’t sound like the Mark that Sarah knew and she starts to do her own investigating despite being warned off. But who would want to kill him – the drug dealers that he was chasing, Karen, his colleagues and why has the only witness never been contacted by the police?
Things just don’t add up. A witness with footage of the hit and run has never been contacted by the police, the 4 x 4 involved may have links to the police and Mark’s initial attacker may have come from close to home. Who can Sarah trust as those closest to Mark seem to have their own agendas
But did one of them may have wanted him dead.
However, it’s Jerome who’s arrested for the attempted murder of a policeman after Mark’s wallet is found in his bedroom. Understandably, Georgina is distraught. In the middle of this Sarah visits the Hope and Glory and ends up buying heroin and crack cocaine, the one dark, two light of the title. As she sits at a table surrounded by regulars who assume she’s another druggie a stranger suddenly shouts at her and seems to know her. He then pulls her outside and Sarah is bundled into a waiting car…has she gone too far?
This is a cracking, very well plotted, gripping thriller and really races along. Ruth Mancini uses her legal background well especially when Sarah describes being a solicitor ‘as being a bit like a prostitute. You’re allowed to do it but you’re not allowed to tout for business.’ I could sense Sarah’s frustration with Jerome’s home situation and the temptations that were in his life. The novel has an inner London setting with rundown council estates cheek by jowl with posh, expensive houses and pubs that sell more than beer. This could be a cliché but the author’s deft handling of it means that it becomes an integral part of the plot. I liked Sarah even if she did seem a little foolhardy in visiting the Hope and Glory alone. The challenges of having a severely disabled child were well portrayed and were also a key plot element of Ruth Mancini’s previous novel, In the Blood, which featured Sarah. She was a sympathetic yet feisty character with a lot on her plate but also a steely determination to see justice done.
An amended version of this review appeared on SHOTs e-zine http://www.shotsmag.co.uk/book_review...
May 13, 2025
After finishing ‘In the blood’ last week, I wanted pick up another one of Ruth’s books straight away. They are gripping and just so easy to read but with a personal element to them too. Having already read ‘The woman on the ledge’ in early 2024, I decided to go for the one that followed ‘In the blood’ in terms of original publication date: ‘One dark, two light’.
I was pleasantly surprised that it picked up, in terms of time passed, quite soon after ‘In the blood’, which was fab as whilst I wanted another good thriller, I also really wanted to know what life had next in store for Sarah Kellerman, the criminal defence lawyer, who features in these books. She is just wonderful: both in terms of personal strength and in the sense that she has such a strong moral compass and if she believes someone is innocent, she does not give up easily trying to prove this, even if the odds are stacked up against her. This is once again true in this book.
In the early hours of New Years Day, a man is viciously assaulted and then run over. Is it a hit and run? Is it gang related? All that is certain that whilst he is alive, he cannot move or talk and lies heavily sedated in a London hospital, his identity unknown. That is until Sarah walks onto his ward visiting her boyfriend Will and recognises him as one of the custody sergeants she had regularly come across through her work in the past. She remembers him as a kind, family man.
This moment of recognition is the beginning of the unravelling of a story, which someone tried very hard to hide but as I’ve said, Sarah Kellerman is very good at not giving up in trying to uncover the truth! Why would no one recognise a police officer? And why is Sarah’s client being arrested for offences around the same time this hit and run happened when Sarah is convinced her client is innocent.
I once again loved Sarah’s perseverance in her search for the truth and I also loved getting to know her a bit more in her personal life and I was so pleased how the story was brought to a close on every level. Another brilliant book by Ruth and one I’d highly recommend again.
I was pleasantly surprised that it picked up, in terms of time passed, quite soon after ‘In the blood’, which was fab as whilst I wanted another good thriller, I also really wanted to know what life had next in store for Sarah Kellerman, the criminal defence lawyer, who features in these books. She is just wonderful: both in terms of personal strength and in the sense that she has such a strong moral compass and if she believes someone is innocent, she does not give up easily trying to prove this, even if the odds are stacked up against her. This is once again true in this book.
In the early hours of New Years Day, a man is viciously assaulted and then run over. Is it a hit and run? Is it gang related? All that is certain that whilst he is alive, he cannot move or talk and lies heavily sedated in a London hospital, his identity unknown. That is until Sarah walks onto his ward visiting her boyfriend Will and recognises him as one of the custody sergeants she had regularly come across through her work in the past. She remembers him as a kind, family man.
This moment of recognition is the beginning of the unravelling of a story, which someone tried very hard to hide but as I’ve said, Sarah Kellerman is very good at not giving up in trying to uncover the truth! Why would no one recognise a police officer? And why is Sarah’s client being arrested for offences around the same time this hit and run happened when Sarah is convinced her client is innocent.
I once again loved Sarah’s perseverance in her search for the truth and I also loved getting to know her a bit more in her personal life and I was so pleased how the story was brought to a close on every level. Another brilliant book by Ruth and one I’d highly recommend again.
March 11, 2020
It seems that lately I am discovering more and more new series to be addicted, so please don’t hate me if your pile of books increases drastically!
One Dark, Two Light is the story of the criminal defense lawyer Sarah Kellerman, she is visiting a “friend” at the hospital when she recognizes a John Doe patient at the UCI and this will be the moment her life will turn upside down… ready?
I am sure you’ll be wondering what makes this book different from the others, starting that it’s not really a case Sarah is trying to defend or has a client, she simply tries to help the family in a difficult situation, the husband has been missing for 3 months, no one has answers and it seems that no one has been asking for questions. Weird isn’t it? If I tell you that the John Doe is a police officer and no one is looking for him? Then you’ll suspect that someone knows more than they are saying, am I right? Yes, as you can imagine this will be a complicated and twisted case, but told in a plain way, there are detectives but Sarah is not, so she will start “investigating” the same way you or me would do. So, the case is interesting but the perspective from the reader is like you see the story as it were a movie; the characters feel real and the situation too, sad and unlucky, but possible.
We’ll have an insight of Sarah’s life too; her work, her son and the two man in her life. I’ll say that I didn’t like much Andy, but I don’t think anyone would like him… and I’ll have to read another book to have a clear opinion about Nick, for now he seems a good man, we’ll see…
After this book, I really can’t wait to know how Sarah’s life will continue, the case is solved, but there are a few questions at the end of the story that I can’t wait to discover the answers!
If you are looking for an interesting case with real characters this is your book, ready?
One Dark, Two Light is the story of the criminal defense lawyer Sarah Kellerman, she is visiting a “friend” at the hospital when she recognizes a John Doe patient at the UCI and this will be the moment her life will turn upside down… ready?
I am sure you’ll be wondering what makes this book different from the others, starting that it’s not really a case Sarah is trying to defend or has a client, she simply tries to help the family in a difficult situation, the husband has been missing for 3 months, no one has answers and it seems that no one has been asking for questions. Weird isn’t it? If I tell you that the John Doe is a police officer and no one is looking for him? Then you’ll suspect that someone knows more than they are saying, am I right? Yes, as you can imagine this will be a complicated and twisted case, but told in a plain way, there are detectives but Sarah is not, so she will start “investigating” the same way you or me would do. So, the case is interesting but the perspective from the reader is like you see the story as it were a movie; the characters feel real and the situation too, sad and unlucky, but possible.
We’ll have an insight of Sarah’s life too; her work, her son and the two man in her life. I’ll say that I didn’t like much Andy, but I don’t think anyone would like him… and I’ll have to read another book to have a clear opinion about Nick, for now he seems a good man, we’ll see…
After this book, I really can’t wait to know how Sarah’s life will continue, the case is solved, but there are a few questions at the end of the story that I can’t wait to discover the answers!
If you are looking for an interesting case with real characters this is your book, ready?
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