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Evan Buckley #10
Touching Darkness
After Jay Killinger is mistakenly shot dead in PI Evan Buckley's place in Laredo, Texas, Evan learns that Jay left a mysterious package for him with his attorney. Ignoring all sensible advice and his own fears, Evan sets off on a reckless, ill-fated road trip through the southern states in a vain attempt to banish the demons that haunt him and shore up his courage before confronting the dark secrets that await him. What did Jay leave him? And who are the relentless grim men who will kill to get to it first?Everything changes when he stops for a young girl huddled at the side of the road on a deserted stretch of highway. It’s clear she’s running away from someone or something, however vehemently she denies it. At times angry and hostile, at others scared and vulnerable, he’s almost relieved when she runs out on him in the middle of the night. Except he has a nasty premonition that he hasn’t heard the last of her. Nor does it take long before he’s proved horribly right, the consequences dire for himself and Detective Kate Guillory.Meanwhile the dogs of his past continue to snap at his heels as his mentor Elwood Crow’s son Caleb pursues an agenda of his own, forging an unholy alliance with the spiritual and moral blight that is Avery Pentecost, calling into question where his allegiances truly lie.As if Evan needed reminding, touch evil and evil touches you back in ways you won’t easily forget.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2020
287 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 4, 2020
Another great read from James Harper. The story picks up where Book 9 left off. Because it has been a while since I read book 9 I was confused. However after that first chapter and refreshing my memory from the last chapter of the the previous book I was caught up in the story.
Chapter 2 opens up with Evan Buckley doing what he does best. He’s taking a road trip, following the path that his light wife took when she disappeared. Along the way he picks up a young girl, a bad tempered cat, and a dead dog. After that things just get worse.
The story is filled with twists and turns and a few uncomfortably violent scenes. I found myself squeamish in a few places. Of course they desire to get to the bottom of it all kept me reading. How Buckley avoids getting himself killed is beyond me. He seems to have a guardian angel.
As usual Mr. Harper has delivered an intense read filled with interesting characters a story that drags you through every twist and turn.
I’ve given it five stars because honestly it’s A good novel. I like series novels for the characters show up over and over. I could’ve shorted this one a novel for the initial confusion with the first chapter. If you have not read Book 9 in the series you will not understand the opening of the story. That isn’t to say you can’t enjoy this but you will have some confusion.
Chapter 2 opens up with Evan Buckley doing what he does best. He’s taking a road trip, following the path that his light wife took when she disappeared. Along the way he picks up a young girl, a bad tempered cat, and a dead dog. After that things just get worse.
The story is filled with twists and turns and a few uncomfortably violent scenes. I found myself squeamish in a few places. Of course they desire to get to the bottom of it all kept me reading. How Buckley avoids getting himself killed is beyond me. He seems to have a guardian angel.
As usual Mr. Harper has delivered an intense read filled with interesting characters a story that drags you through every twist and turn.
I’ve given it five stars because honestly it’s A good novel. I like series novels for the characters show up over and over. I could’ve shorted this one a novel for the initial confusion with the first chapter. If you have not read Book 9 in the series you will not understand the opening of the story. That isn’t to say you can’t enjoy this but you will have some confusion.
July 1, 2020
Seems I put it on the wrong Touching Darkness (There are two!) I started reading Evan Buckley a few months ago as got the first book free. James Harper is one of the reasons I joined Kindle Unlimited.
Although I don't read Action/Thriller/Detective books as much as Horror/Sci Fi so because of that I've been getting through this series about one a month. That unfortunately meant I hadn't caught up with events beforehand, however that is a good reason to see if this book is good as a stand alone book if you just wanted to jump in. The answer is YES!
Of course it's spoilt some of the story from the early books for me leading to this 'episode' in Mr Buckley's life but I'm ok with it and you will be as well. It's as usual such an easy read nothing boring about it, no need to skip pages (I do this in other books occasionally if it's not moving the story along)
The usual well written fun storyline I expect from James Harper. I'll have defo caught up by the next one and I look forward to it. Fully recommended if you jump in now or go to the very start.
Although I don't read Action/Thriller/Detective books as much as Horror/Sci Fi so because of that I've been getting through this series about one a month. That unfortunately meant I hadn't caught up with events beforehand, however that is a good reason to see if this book is good as a stand alone book if you just wanted to jump in. The answer is YES!
Of course it's spoilt some of the story from the early books for me leading to this 'episode' in Mr Buckley's life but I'm ok with it and you will be as well. It's as usual such an easy read nothing boring about it, no need to skip pages (I do this in other books occasionally if it's not moving the story along)
The usual well written fun storyline I expect from James Harper. I'll have defo caught up by the next one and I look forward to it. Fully recommended if you jump in now or go to the very start.
May 28, 2020
Fantastic! Extremely fast paced with enough twists and turns to keep you reading all night until you turn the last page!! Evan Buckley can’t do anything the easy way, even a random act of kindness turns into a crazy nightmare. Buckley definitely has his heart in the right place even though he is pushed to cross the line into darkness he finds a way to pull back. The characters in this novel were all very real and relatable. I can’t wait for the next adventure for Evan Buckley👍👍👍👍
September 13, 2020
Okay,
I've been taught never to pick up a girl when she's hitch hiking. She wasn't even doing that and he still stopped. What do you think could have happened? Just about everything and anything does and more. You'll be in for a good ride that just may not end up where you think it would. Another great Evan Buckley story.
I've been taught never to pick up a girl when she's hitch hiking. She wasn't even doing that and he still stopped. What do you think could have happened? Just about everything and anything does and more. You'll be in for a good ride that just may not end up where you think it would. Another great Evan Buckley story.
May 29, 2020
Compulsive Reading
Evan and Kate relationship is everlasting and Evan will always solve his cases even though he isn’t paid to do it. His tactics are brilliant. The entire series needs to be read.
Evan and Kate relationship is everlasting and Evan will always solve his cases even though he isn’t paid to do it. His tactics are brilliant. The entire series needs to be read.
September 18, 2020
Evan Buckle has once again given us a plot that has a lot of twists and turns. Evan is the guy who helps a person and what follows is a tangle mess for him of who is telling the truth. A good series, with a plot that flows, well done. Given Arc for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
October 22, 2020
Good
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February 23, 2021
Totally Gut Wrenching Raw
Buckley ambles and blunders thru life innocent and guilty. This time once again Harper starts down one highway with you and then you end up on and express way to hell. Very raw. But you are left wondering about some of the players.Must read.
Buckley ambles and blunders thru life innocent and guilty. This time once again Harper starts down one highway with you and then you end up on and express way to hell. Very raw. But you are left wondering about some of the players.Must read.
October 14, 2021
Once again, James Harper has nailed it in this Evan Buckley thriller. There is never a dull moment in his life, and, as result, everyone’s life around him. I am already dreading the point when this series ends!
August 8, 2022
They keep getting better
I love the banter between Kate and Evan. The interwoven storyline has me hooked. I am reading this series one book after another so I don't miss anything.
Hope you enjoy the read.
I love the banter between Kate and Evan. The interwoven storyline has me hooked. I am reading this series one book after another so I don't miss anything.
Hope you enjoy the read.
June 8, 2020
Took me a while to get into the story, but once I did it was one hell of a ride. Just wish it lasted longer!
June 16, 2020
Good, but not as good as the previous books in this series, still keeps you hanging to see what's next for Evan.
July 30, 2020
Great series. Keeps you wanting more. Ready for the next one!
September 7, 2021
I'm hooked....
Highly recommend the Evan Buckley series. Evan and crew are truly unique characters and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Highly recommend the Evan Buckley series. Evan and crew are truly unique characters and I can't wait to read the next installment.
January 8, 2022
Love the series
I like the continuing story, the use of humor makes a dark story not so sad. The characters are well developed
I like the continuing story, the use of humor makes a dark story not so sad. The characters are well developed
January 14, 2022
Different
Interesting enough to keep reading late into the night. I really like the vivid descriptions. I've read the of these so far & they don't disappoint.
Interesting enough to keep reading late into the night. I really like the vivid descriptions. I've read the of these so far & they don't disappoint.
September 2, 2024
Love this series
October 1, 2022
Back to Laredo for a house, paperwork and definitely more trouble.
September 8, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
A fine continuation in this series comprised of the tale of Evan and Kate - this one has some horrific scenes but as usual the characters are stellar, the plot complex, the travel well defined, and the conclusion uplifting. Can't go wrong with James Harper. As with most series, the book is stand-alone but much more compelling if read in sequence with the rest of the story. James Harper is a writer I am pleased to recommend to friends and family. He tells a fine tale, mixing the PI theme with police procedural very successfully.
REVIEWED on August 21, 2024 at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on B&N or Kobo.
A fine continuation in this series comprised of the tale of Evan and Kate - this one has some horrific scenes but as usual the characters are stellar, the plot complex, the travel well defined, and the conclusion uplifting. Can't go wrong with James Harper. As with most series, the book is stand-alone but much more compelling if read in sequence with the rest of the story. James Harper is a writer I am pleased to recommend to friends and family. He tells a fine tale, mixing the PI theme with police procedural very successfully.
REVIEWED on August 21, 2024 at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on B&N or Kobo.
May 8, 2020
A Nail–Bitter and Addictive thriller.
If you have never read any of the previous Evan Buckley books; it doesn’t matter “read this one at least!” I actually shouted out at one point when the bad guy got his just deserves and another evil man did something I was just not expecting. Yet it raised a smile and a comment I made, “Great!”
The story was haunting, exhilarating engaging and yet amusing all thrown in-between the horror and breath taking story of a young girl Loretta picked up at the side of the road with a dead dog in her lap and a cat in a orange and black Tiger stripe pet box. The girl has attitude and a hidden past and is being chased by sociopath monster of a man and Evan does what he does best, gets involved and tries to do the girl a favour. Evan Buckley and his partner detective Kate Guillory at its best and a story so horrendous in parts just keeps you reading more. The book is exhilarating invigorating and refreshing and as I’ve said at times left me cheering for the good guys and girls; not forgetting Caleb who I now know more about than in previous books and Kinda like him a bit. But only at a distance and course there is the inevitable twist at the end you never see coming.
James write s in a style going style that grabs you from the off getting you hooked with no pre-ambling you just can’t help but like and so, easy to read. The storyline is tense but all with a touch of humour thrown in that makes you feel comfortable with and get you to love Evan’s and his mind set. An astonishing and surprising book in that it is so good so much so you can’t put the damn book down. If you are going to read one book this week, month or this year make it this book, you will not regret if you love a good thriller.
If you have never read any of the previous Evan Buckley books; it doesn’t matter “read this one at least!” I actually shouted out at one point when the bad guy got his just deserves and another evil man did something I was just not expecting. Yet it raised a smile and a comment I made, “Great!”
The story was haunting, exhilarating engaging and yet amusing all thrown in-between the horror and breath taking story of a young girl Loretta picked up at the side of the road with a dead dog in her lap and a cat in a orange and black Tiger stripe pet box. The girl has attitude and a hidden past and is being chased by sociopath monster of a man and Evan does what he does best, gets involved and tries to do the girl a favour. Evan Buckley and his partner detective Kate Guillory at its best and a story so horrendous in parts just keeps you reading more. The book is exhilarating invigorating and refreshing and as I’ve said at times left me cheering for the good guys and girls; not forgetting Caleb who I now know more about than in previous books and Kinda like him a bit. But only at a distance and course there is the inevitable twist at the end you never see coming.
James write s in a style going style that grabs you from the off getting you hooked with no pre-ambling you just can’t help but like and so, easy to read. The storyline is tense but all with a touch of humour thrown in that makes you feel comfortable with and get you to love Evan’s and his mind set. An astonishing and surprising book in that it is so good so much so you can’t put the damn book down. If you are going to read one book this week, month or this year make it this book, you will not regret if you love a good thriller.
September 18, 2020
A rollercoaster of non-stop mind-blowing action. One plot over another all tying into a spine-tingling psychological thriller. Twists and turns that are so unpredictable you are left going wow no way! A powerful duo Kate and Evan keep you in your toes wanting to know where things are going to go. Will they or won't they? Seeing one of the bad guy get his comeuppance is icing on the cake. You can't put this one down. Get this book. Received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Merged review:
A rollercoaster of non-stop mind-blowing action. One plot over another all tying into a spine-tingling psychological thriller. Twists and turns that are so unpredictable you are left going wow no way! A powerful duo Kate and Evan keep you in your toes wanting to know where things are going to go. Will they or won't they? Seeing one of the bad guy get his comeuppance is icing on the cake. You can't put this one down. Get this book. Received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Merged review:
A rollercoaster of non-stop mind-blowing action. One plot over another all tying into a spine-tingling psychological thriller. Twists and turns that are so unpredictable you are left going wow no way! A powerful duo Kate and Evan keep you in your toes wanting to know where things are going to go. Will they or won't they? Seeing one of the bad guy get his comeuppance is icing on the cake. You can't put this one down. Get this book. Received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
May 12, 2020
PHENOMINAL!! I mean oh my goodness! I haven't read the previous 9 books and obviously there were things that happened or the connection/non-connection between people that would've been nice to have read but I didn't feel like that hindered me knowing what was going on. As most has flashbacks or something like that explaining what happened to an extent. This was a captivating book that I had to read til the end. The suspense...that was great but then the twists....umm I'm not sure what to say other than marvelous! I didn't see the last twist til right before it came out. I want more and more! I laughed some, was definitely disgusted & pissed and on the edge of my seat trying to see what happens. This would be a great movie!! ABSOLUTLY LOVED IT!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING!!
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 1, 2020
This is the latest in the Evan Buckley series and leaves off where the last one finished. The story story begins with Caleb being abducted by Newcomb who request Caleb to kill Evan or else he will supply incriminating information to Pentecost. Evan, meanwhile has begun a road trip to Laredo to discover what Jay left him other than the house. On this road trip, he meets "Loretta/Lily) who will play a part later in this story. Kate also received a request from Newcomb as well.
The action throughout will keep your interest and only at the conclusion of the story will you find out how all of these events intertwine. This is a must read and I recommend it highly.
The action throughout will keep your interest and only at the conclusion of the story will you find out how all of these events intertwine. This is a must read and I recommend it highly.
May 8, 2020
This another great read by James in this book he manages to give the reader as many plots as you can handle, plenty of action that will keep you turning pages. Evan is on his own for most of the book with his long suffering Kate on the end of the phone, Evan still has not found out what has happened to his wife but on his road trip uncovers a hole lot of trouble. This book will keep you wanting more from Evan Buckley PI
I have read this book as an ARC and have left this review of my own free will
I have read this book as an ARC and have left this review of my own free will
May 23, 2020
Evan Buckley always finds himself in a mess but this time he doesn't have Kate to help pull him out. He's on his own and both the police and a murderer are watching him!
This series keeps getting better and better. If you haven't read the previous books don't worry the author does a great job of giving you the little bit of background you need. A great stand alone book.
I received an advanced reader copy but the opinions and review are my own honest comments.
This series keeps getting better and better. If you haven't read the previous books don't worry the author does a great job of giving you the little bit of background you need. A great stand alone book.
I received an advanced reader copy but the opinions and review are my own honest comments.
May 8, 2020
An unusual start will make you pause until you recognize characters from the previous book, then it’s action as usual with no let up while the plot twist and turns keeping you guessing about every new wrinkle. This book is not only fast paced, but slightly haunting…And the ending will surprise you. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book
May 8, 2020
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this fast paced, action packed thriller. Evan Buckley steps into it again when he picks up a hitchhiker, who disappears and leaves him stranded. I am a big fan of the Evan Buckley series and this one doesn't disappoint. I would highly recommend it.
May 8, 2020
Evan Buckley is still haunted by his wife's death. He goes on the route she took hoping to resolve his demons. Someone wants Evan dead. The house left to him is set on fire while Evan is in the house. A girl he gives a ride and picks us a dead dog is found dead. This is another page turning thriller.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews