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Detective Gaby Darin #2
Darkest Night
DS Gaby Darin has a puzzle on her hands, a puzzle that defies explanation.
Christine de Bertrand certainly got more than she was expecting from the casual hook-up after a night celebrating the anniversary of her divorce. Arrested at the scene she has no explanation or alibi. She also has no one on her side apart from her ex-husband. She’s as confounded as everyone else as to the unexplained presence of the dead body in her bed - the dead body of a woman when she’s positive she went to bed with a man…
Christine de Bertrand certainly got more than she was expecting from the casual hook-up after a night celebrating the anniversary of her divorce. Arrested at the scene she has no explanation or alibi. She also has no one on her side apart from her ex-husband. She’s as confounded as everyone else as to the unexplained presence of the dead body in her bed - the dead body of a woman when she’s positive she went to bed with a man…
289 pages, ebook
First published July 17, 2020
272 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Jenny O'Brien
28 books155 followersHi and thanks for stopping by.
I took up writing about twenty years ago when I first came up with a plot for a book, and I haven't stopped since. When I’m not writing, I’m ferrying around 3 teenagers or working as a nurse. I’m also an all-year-round sea swimmer.
I write what I love to read, which is romance and thrillers.
My next release, out February, 2026, is The Resistance Knitting Club, a World War 2 historical novel set in Guernsey, the UK and France. I am currently working on my third WW2 novel.
If you like my writing please get in touch - my social media links are below (I’m rarely on Goodreads so it’s best not to drop me a message here). I also have a newsletter, which you can sign up to via my website.
Jenny O
Facebook: Jenny O'Brien Guernsey Writer
Twitter: scribblerjb
Instagram: scribblerjb
I took up writing about twenty years ago when I first came up with a plot for a book, and I haven't stopped since. When I’m not writing, I’m ferrying around 3 teenagers or working as a nurse. I’m also an all-year-round sea swimmer.
I write what I love to read, which is romance and thrillers.
My next release, out February, 2026, is The Resistance Knitting Club, a World War 2 historical novel set in Guernsey, the UK and France. I am currently working on my third WW2 novel.
If you like my writing please get in touch - my social media links are below (I’m rarely on Goodreads so it’s best not to drop me a message here). I also have a newsletter, which you can sign up to via my website.
Jenny O
Facebook: Jenny O'Brien Guernsey Writer
Twitter: scribblerjb
Instagram: scribblerjb
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 12, 2020
Gabrielle Darrin #2
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Gabby Darrin has a puzzle on her hands, a puzzle that defies explanation. Christine de Bertrand certainly got more than she was expecting from the casual hook-up after celebrating the anniversary of her divorce. She also has no one on her side apart from her ex-husband. She can't explain why there is a dead body in her bed. The body of a woman and Christine is positive she went to bed with a man.
I haven't read the first book in this series but it did read well as a standalone.DC Gabby Darrin is a feisty character. She's also flawed, she drinks too much and has terrible hangovers but she still gets the job done. The story is told from multiple points of view. It's filled with suspense, mystery and lots of action. The pace is steady and you'll be kept guessing throughout.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ Digital and the author Jenny O'Brien for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Gabby Darrin has a puzzle on her hands, a puzzle that defies explanation. Christine de Bertrand certainly got more than she was expecting from the casual hook-up after celebrating the anniversary of her divorce. She also has no one on her side apart from her ex-husband. She can't explain why there is a dead body in her bed. The body of a woman and Christine is positive she went to bed with a man.
I haven't read the first book in this series but it did read well as a standalone.DC Gabby Darrin is a feisty character. She's also flawed, she drinks too much and has terrible hangovers but she still gets the job done. The story is told from multiple points of view. It's filled with suspense, mystery and lots of action. The pace is steady and you'll be kept guessing throughout.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ Digital and the author Jenny O'Brien for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
Christine de Bertrand had been divorced for two years although she still loved her husband. But the night she met with her best friend Kelly, to celebrate her 30th birthday with a night of drinking proved to be one she wished she’d never embarked on. Waking the morning after with no recollection of the night before, along with a massive hangover, she was surprised to realise someone else was in the bed with her. But after a fortifying shower, then coffee she went to wake that person, only to be horrified by the bloodied body of a woman…
DS Gaby Darin and her partner Owen Bates arrived at the scene of the murder to an open and shut case – so they thought. Arresting Christina for the murder was the obvious solution, but as the days went by, both Gaby and Owen were starting to have doubts about what originally looked obvious. What was going on? Gaby hadn’t struck anything quite so bizarre in her working life, but she was determined to get to the bottom of it.
Stabbed in Wales is the 2nd in the Gabriella Darin series by Jenny O’Brien and it was excellent. Gripping, intense, breathtaking and hard to put down, the deepening mystery wasn’t solved until the very end – and I’d had no idea! I’m really looking forward to #3 in the series, sometime soon I hope. Recommended.
This book has disappeared from Amazon's shelves and is being re-released by a different publishing house with a different title, sometime in 2020 (notes from author at end of Stabbed in Wales) The first, Missing in Wales, has reappeared with the new title Silent Cry, and #3 is also due for publication in 2020
DS Gaby Darin and her partner Owen Bates arrived at the scene of the murder to an open and shut case – so they thought. Arresting Christina for the murder was the obvious solution, but as the days went by, both Gaby and Owen were starting to have doubts about what originally looked obvious. What was going on? Gaby hadn’t struck anything quite so bizarre in her working life, but she was determined to get to the bottom of it.
Stabbed in Wales is the 2nd in the Gabriella Darin series by Jenny O’Brien and it was excellent. Gripping, intense, breathtaking and hard to put down, the deepening mystery wasn’t solved until the very end – and I’d had no idea! I’m really looking forward to #3 in the series, sometime soon I hope. Recommended.
This book has disappeared from Amazon's shelves and is being re-released by a different publishing house with a different title, sometime in 2020 (notes from author at end of Stabbed in Wales) The first, Missing in Wales, has reappeared with the new title Silent Cry, and #3 is also due for publication in 2020
June 25, 2020
Christine De Bertrand wakes up to her worst nightmare: rather than the man she went to bed with, lying beside her is her housemate, Nikki – dead. With no memory of the night before, Christine can’t explain what happened, and the police are baffled.
For DC Gaby Darinit’s a mystery she’s determined to solve. When another woman goes missing, Gaby faces a race against time to uncover the link between the two victims and find the man who vanished from Christine’s bedroom. But as Gaby gets close, the killer gets closer – and soon one of Gaby’s own team is in unimaginable danger.
This was such an amazing book. I haven't read the first book featuring DC Gaby but I will definitely try to go back and read it because I absolutely loved this one.
It kept me hooked on right till the end. The story is narrated by multiple characters. but at no point does it create any sort of confusion. It has enough suspense and twists to keep you engaged till the end. It was such a page turner and I couldn't guess the culprit till the end!
Highly recommended! I’m eagerly anticipating the next book.
Thank You to NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC!!
For DC Gaby Darinit’s a mystery she’s determined to solve. When another woman goes missing, Gaby faces a race against time to uncover the link between the two victims and find the man who vanished from Christine’s bedroom. But as Gaby gets close, the killer gets closer – and soon one of Gaby’s own team is in unimaginable danger.
This was such an amazing book. I haven't read the first book featuring DC Gaby but I will definitely try to go back and read it because I absolutely loved this one.
It kept me hooked on right till the end. The story is narrated by multiple characters. but at no point does it create any sort of confusion. It has enough suspense and twists to keep you engaged till the end. It was such a page turner and I couldn't guess the culprit till the end!
Highly recommended! I’m eagerly anticipating the next book.
Thank You to NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC!!
July 25, 2020
Rating: 3.5/5
“Kindness personified to the dead, less so with the living."
Jenny O’ Brien does a wonderful job of making the readers feel what the characters do throughout the book. This novel is written from different perspectives and there are different tones for each character. Paul and Christine’s separation was melancholic, Gaby and Rusty’s story was full of light-hearted banter and awkwardness, Nikki’s depressive mental state. The writing contained brevity, quite literally. Parallel to Gaby, the reader feels frustrated and impatient. There are so many unanswered questions and the mystery couldn’t be solved sooner. Nikki was the most intriguing of all the characters. She stole all the attention. Although chapters vary in length, the pacing is consistent. The romance subplots were elegantly written. All the scenarios between the couples were simply beautiful.
“...Her and Rusty?Hell would freeze over first and, with global warming, that was never going to happen.”
The climax could be developed better. The big reveal/explanation for the crimes occurred felt vague, it required more detail. If more chapters were written in Nikki’s perspective, it would’ve added depth to the story. O’Brien conveyed her nature in some of her actions but her character felt thrown aside at the end of the book.
‘Darkest Night’ is recommended to all mystery genre readers. ARC provided by HQ Digital and NetGalley. Thank you.
Full review: https://www.inabookshell.com/2020/07/...
“Kindness personified to the dead, less so with the living."
Jenny O’ Brien does a wonderful job of making the readers feel what the characters do throughout the book. This novel is written from different perspectives and there are different tones for each character. Paul and Christine’s separation was melancholic, Gaby and Rusty’s story was full of light-hearted banter and awkwardness, Nikki’s depressive mental state. The writing contained brevity, quite literally. Parallel to Gaby, the reader feels frustrated and impatient. There are so many unanswered questions and the mystery couldn’t be solved sooner. Nikki was the most intriguing of all the characters. She stole all the attention. Although chapters vary in length, the pacing is consistent. The romance subplots were elegantly written. All the scenarios between the couples were simply beautiful.
“...Her and Rusty?Hell would freeze over first and, with global warming, that was never going to happen.”
The climax could be developed better. The big reveal/explanation for the crimes occurred felt vague, it required more detail. If more chapters were written in Nikki’s perspective, it would’ve added depth to the story. O’Brien conveyed her nature in some of her actions but her character felt thrown aside at the end of the book.
‘Darkest Night’ is recommended to all mystery genre readers. ARC provided by HQ Digital and NetGalley. Thank you.
Full review: https://www.inabookshell.com/2020/07/...
October 1, 2022
Volume 2 of this series was a lot better than the first book in my opinion. The story opens in the middle of the action with Christine waking up with a bad hangover and finding to her horror that she has been sharing the bed not with a man she brought home the previous night - something she has certainly not made a habit of - but with the dead body of a woman she knew from college and had been giving a home to for the past few weeks. She then becomes the chief suspect in the murder. The book is told partly from her point of view and partly from the dead woman's in a few flashbacks, but mainly from the viewpoint of Gaby Darin, the detective whose adventures form this series.
This time Gaby is much more a central character and the reader gets a clearer idea of what occurred in Cardiff, the first blot on her copybook which was referred to in book 1 but not fully spelled out. Now Gaby has had another transfer this time to North Wales and is hoping to live down her experience in Swansea where she feels responsible for not flagging up her doubts about a senior officer - something she had been reluctant to do after being scapegoated for whistleblowing in Cardiff. She has made some friends including Amy, the Family Liaison Officer who befriended her in Swansea and who managed to transfer with her. She is starting to find acceptance at last and some recognition of her abilities, though I did find her rather meteoric rise through the ranks after years of being held back rather hard to believe. I do not find the writing or characters engaging enough to continue the series, but am rating this volume as a 3 star read.
This time Gaby is much more a central character and the reader gets a clearer idea of what occurred in Cardiff, the first blot on her copybook which was referred to in book 1 but not fully spelled out. Now Gaby has had another transfer this time to North Wales and is hoping to live down her experience in Swansea where she feels responsible for not flagging up her doubts about a senior officer - something she had been reluctant to do after being scapegoated for whistleblowing in Cardiff. She has made some friends including Amy, the Family Liaison Officer who befriended her in Swansea and who managed to transfer with her. She is starting to find acceptance at last and some recognition of her abilities, though I did find her rather meteoric rise through the ranks after years of being held back rather hard to believe. I do not find the writing or characters engaging enough to continue the series, but am rating this volume as a 3 star read.
March 30, 2024
I read the first Gaby Darin book back in 2019 and enjoyed it. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get back to this series, but I'm glad I did. Set in Wales, this is an area that I have only read a few books set here. Christine de Bertrand, is a teacher, a recent divorcee and going blind. She is out for the night and picks up a man in a bar and invites him back to her place. That's the last thing she remembers until waking up with her roommate dead in her bed. She is arrested as she has no alibi and no explanation for what happened.
I enjoyed this police procedural and had a difficult time figuring out what had happened. Gaby and her team have few clues to follow, until another murder occurs. I enjoyed the setting of Pembrokeshire, which added a different dimension and feel to the story. The crimes are one plot, but Christine's personal life added a relatable storyline as well. This is a character driven police procedural that I enjoyed. I enjoyed how they went about figuring out who the killer was and what the motive was as well. A series that I hope to continue reading. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. Janine Cooper-Marshall is a new narrator for me, and I enjoyed her performance of this story.
I enjoyed this police procedural and had a difficult time figuring out what had happened. Gaby and her team have few clues to follow, until another murder occurs. I enjoyed the setting of Pembrokeshire, which added a different dimension and feel to the story. The crimes are one plot, but Christine's personal life added a relatable storyline as well. This is a character driven police procedural that I enjoyed. I enjoyed how they went about figuring out who the killer was and what the motive was as well. A series that I hope to continue reading. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. Janine Cooper-Marshall is a new narrator for me, and I enjoyed her performance of this story.
July 4, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of Darkest Night, the second novel to feature DC Gaby Darin of Police Wales.
Gaby has moved to Llandudno and is settling in as she is asked to head a murder investigation which initially looks open and shut. Christine de Bertrand wakes up after a heavy night out she can’t remember to find her flatmate, Nikki, stabbed to death in bed beside her. Christine vaguely remembers a man but with no proof she soon becomes the prime suspect. Then another woman goes missing.
I enjoyed Darkest Night which has an unusual plot premise and a likeable protagonist. I haven’t read the first novel in the series, Silent Cry, so I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. The plotting is clever with, not so much twists as unexpected turns. It moves forward constantly with a series of small developments that build to the big picture. I like this kind of novel which holds the interest with logical, step by step investigation as it always makes me want more. I wasn’t quite as keen on the format which I found slightly distracting. It is told from various points of view and that bit works fairly well but there are various flashbacks to past events, often told from Nikki’s point of view. I can’t say they added much to the narrative for me.
I like Gabby Darin. She’s smart and capable but not quite able to recognise this in herself. This lack of confidence doesn’t stop her doing her job but it does lead to moments of self doubt. In short she’s a very human, relatable character. There is much reference to past events in her life in this novel so it would have been better for me as a reader if I’d read Silent Cry first to give me a better understanding of what drives her now.
Darkest Night is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Gaby has moved to Llandudno and is settling in as she is asked to head a murder investigation which initially looks open and shut. Christine de Bertrand wakes up after a heavy night out she can’t remember to find her flatmate, Nikki, stabbed to death in bed beside her. Christine vaguely remembers a man but with no proof she soon becomes the prime suspect. Then another woman goes missing.
I enjoyed Darkest Night which has an unusual plot premise and a likeable protagonist. I haven’t read the first novel in the series, Silent Cry, so I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. The plotting is clever with, not so much twists as unexpected turns. It moves forward constantly with a series of small developments that build to the big picture. I like this kind of novel which holds the interest with logical, step by step investigation as it always makes me want more. I wasn’t quite as keen on the format which I found slightly distracting. It is told from various points of view and that bit works fairly well but there are various flashbacks to past events, often told from Nikki’s point of view. I can’t say they added much to the narrative for me.
I like Gabby Darin. She’s smart and capable but not quite able to recognise this in herself. This lack of confidence doesn’t stop her doing her job but it does lead to moments of self doubt. In short she’s a very human, relatable character. There is much reference to past events in her life in this novel so it would have been better for me as a reader if I’d read Silent Cry first to give me a better understanding of what drives her now.
Darkest Night is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 19, 2020
What can I say? But, wow!!! I have just finished this brilliant book and I am lost for words - in a good way, mind! I've found myself a new favourite author! 😃
I couldn't have asked more from this book, it has everything that keeps me 'wanting' to turn the pages: strong characters, great storyline, cleverly plotted and perfect setting. I love books that have me on-edge and wondering what on earth is going to happen next. I try to figure it all out in my mind but stories such as this, that are expertly written, I can never work them out!
This author left no stone unturned and I feel very lucky and grateful that I have found this new to-me author.
DC Gabriella (Gaby) Darin, heads this new case and I liked her straight away. She has a reputation for being a bit of a rottweiler, but I found her respectful and sensitive to her team members and even some suspects. The team work well together and when one case soon becomes two cases, they're pushed to their limits. I couldn't wait to find out, if, and how the cases were linked. The author has really thought out, and worked through each scene, with precision.
With so many links cropping up during the case, you'd think that the motive would be easy to work out, but no, the author skilfully throws another spanner in the works and then I had something else to think about.
I love the author's writing style and she occasionally, subtly, uses her own experience which I like and find very interesting.
As I said, I could not for the life of me predict the ending and once it all came perfectly together, I thought I should have known that! But no, I never could have guessed.
I loved that for one character, there was a happy ending, you don't get that too often in a crime/thriller book.
I highly recommend this author's work and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to HQ digital via NetGalley for allowing me to read Darkest Night.
This is my honest, and unbiased review.
I couldn't have asked more from this book, it has everything that keeps me 'wanting' to turn the pages: strong characters, great storyline, cleverly plotted and perfect setting. I love books that have me on-edge and wondering what on earth is going to happen next. I try to figure it all out in my mind but stories such as this, that are expertly written, I can never work them out!
This author left no stone unturned and I feel very lucky and grateful that I have found this new to-me author.
DC Gabriella (Gaby) Darin, heads this new case and I liked her straight away. She has a reputation for being a bit of a rottweiler, but I found her respectful and sensitive to her team members and even some suspects. The team work well together and when one case soon becomes two cases, they're pushed to their limits. I couldn't wait to find out, if, and how the cases were linked. The author has really thought out, and worked through each scene, with precision.
With so many links cropping up during the case, you'd think that the motive would be easy to work out, but no, the author skilfully throws another spanner in the works and then I had something else to think about.
I love the author's writing style and she occasionally, subtly, uses her own experience which I like and find very interesting.
As I said, I could not for the life of me predict the ending and once it all came perfectly together, I thought I should have known that! But no, I never could have guessed.
I loved that for one character, there was a happy ending, you don't get that too often in a crime/thriller book.
I highly recommend this author's work and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to HQ digital via NetGalley for allowing me to read Darkest Night.
This is my honest, and unbiased review.
July 10, 2020
If you're looking for a murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, then this is the book for you.
I loved that this isn't a typical murder mystery and the plot just seemed to get thicker and thicker and the story went on. The plot was well paced and cleverly thought out to keep the mystery alive and the book exciting. Seeing all the pieces of the puzzle slowly slot together was so enjoyable and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. It's written in multiple viewpoints and in a logical sequence. I loved seeing the different perspectives and it truly made me wonder whether or not the narrators were reliable.
One of the main things I liked about the book was that the characters felt so relatable, none more so than the main protagonist Gaby. I've not read the first book in the series to know her back story, but she came across as being anxious about her position in the police force and doubting herself more than she needed to. She's not expecting to get the promotion she has and to be working on such a big case, though initially it seems like a simple case. Despite that, she's one of the brightest on the force and truly is a force to be reckoned with.
It was refreshing to read a book so jam-packed with suspense, action and mystery. You don't need to have read the first book in the series to appreciate and fully enjoy this gripping book as it easily works as a standalone novel.
A thoroughly enjoyable book from start to finish.
I loved that this isn't a typical murder mystery and the plot just seemed to get thicker and thicker and the story went on. The plot was well paced and cleverly thought out to keep the mystery alive and the book exciting. Seeing all the pieces of the puzzle slowly slot together was so enjoyable and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. It's written in multiple viewpoints and in a logical sequence. I loved seeing the different perspectives and it truly made me wonder whether or not the narrators were reliable.
One of the main things I liked about the book was that the characters felt so relatable, none more so than the main protagonist Gaby. I've not read the first book in the series to know her back story, but she came across as being anxious about her position in the police force and doubting herself more than she needed to. She's not expecting to get the promotion she has and to be working on such a big case, though initially it seems like a simple case. Despite that, she's one of the brightest on the force and truly is a force to be reckoned with.
It was refreshing to read a book so jam-packed with suspense, action and mystery. You don't need to have read the first book in the series to appreciate and fully enjoy this gripping book as it easily works as a standalone novel.
A thoroughly enjoyable book from start to finish.
July 10, 2020
I've been looking forward to reading Darkest Night ever since completing Silent Cry; whilst each is a stand-alone read this is shaping up to be a cracking series!
DC Gaby Darin is now attached to the force in Swansea and her first case there is very puzzling indeed; Christine De Bertrand went to bed with a man she can barely remember the next morning - but woke up next to her flatmate. And as if that wasn't strange enough, Nikki is lying in a pool of her own blood. And so the investigation begins, only to be made more complicated by the disappearance of a second woman. What is going on in the south of Wales - and can Gaby and her team get on top of it all?
What a humdinger of a read! So much going on, so many possibilities and who to believe or discount? I freely admit to a fondness for Gaby and I find myself rooting for her both personally and professionally. Gaby aside, this is a complex and engrossing thriller which had my brain working overtime. I read this one in record time - I literally could not put it down and certainly couldn't go to sleep until I knew how it all worked out. Jenny O'Brien writes in an easy flowing manner but produces a complex crime scenario which is never easily solved. I loved this novel - even though I was yawning the morning after - and look forward to reading more of this series. A stunning crime thriller, well worth all five sparkling stars and the highest recommendation.
DC Gaby Darin is now attached to the force in Swansea and her first case there is very puzzling indeed; Christine De Bertrand went to bed with a man she can barely remember the next morning - but woke up next to her flatmate. And as if that wasn't strange enough, Nikki is lying in a pool of her own blood. And so the investigation begins, only to be made more complicated by the disappearance of a second woman. What is going on in the south of Wales - and can Gaby and her team get on top of it all?
What a humdinger of a read! So much going on, so many possibilities and who to believe or discount? I freely admit to a fondness for Gaby and I find myself rooting for her both personally and professionally. Gaby aside, this is a complex and engrossing thriller which had my brain working overtime. I read this one in record time - I literally could not put it down and certainly couldn't go to sleep until I knew how it all worked out. Jenny O'Brien writes in an easy flowing manner but produces a complex crime scenario which is never easily solved. I loved this novel - even though I was yawning the morning after - and look forward to reading more of this series. A stunning crime thriller, well worth all five sparkling stars and the highest recommendation.
July 11, 2020
Christine De Bertrand wakes up to her worst nightmare: rather than the man she went to bed with, lying beside her is her housemate, Nikki – dead. With no memory of the night before, Christine can’t explain what happened, and the police are baffled.
For DC Gaby Darin, newly arrived in Swansea from Llandudno after her last case ended in tragedy, it’s a mystery she’s determined to solve. When another woman goes missing, Gaby faces a race against time to uncover the link between the two victims and find the man who vanished from Christine’s bedroom. But as Gaby gets close, the killer gets closer – and soon one of Gaby’s own team is in unimaginable danger.
This is the second book in the series , it could easily be read on its own but I must admit after being granted a copy by NetGalley I bought the first book so that I could read them in order & I’m glad I did as by the time I read this book I felt that I knew Gaby. A well written page turner that had me gripped from the started & with the twists & turns along the way I was engrossed all the way through. A fast paced story & strong characters all added to my enjoyment. I hope the are plenty of more books to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
For DC Gaby Darin, newly arrived in Swansea from Llandudno after her last case ended in tragedy, it’s a mystery she’s determined to solve. When another woman goes missing, Gaby faces a race against time to uncover the link between the two victims and find the man who vanished from Christine’s bedroom. But as Gaby gets close, the killer gets closer – and soon one of Gaby’s own team is in unimaginable danger.
This is the second book in the series , it could easily be read on its own but I must admit after being granted a copy by NetGalley I bought the first book so that I could read them in order & I’m glad I did as by the time I read this book I felt that I knew Gaby. A well written page turner that had me gripped from the started & with the twists & turns along the way I was engrossed all the way through. A fast paced story & strong characters all added to my enjoyment. I hope the are plenty of more books to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 14, 2020
Darkest Night is the latest in a series by Jenny O'Brien in which one of our characters, Christine, wakes up to find the dead body of her friend sleeping right beside her. Very creepy, and what. a way to begin an old fashioned whodunit!
The Darkest Night is without a doubt a classic murder mystery, and would be a great series to follow along if you're interested in more modern takes! The set up was original, and I enjoyed the ending, and the only part where it faltered was the middle.
I didn't feel like the mystery was gaining as much traction as I would've hoped, and I found the chapters told in different perspectives very confusing. Most of them were obviously written in the point of view of our detective, and we only had a few written in the suspect's POV. This felt a little bit random to me and just an easier way for the author to tell a story the detective might not have found out. I would've just gone all of the chapters told in the detective's point of view, because I found the other ones taking me out of the story I was already immersed in.
If you're looking for a whodunit that doesn't have too much complexity but aren't looking for something too cozy, Darkest Night is the perfect in-between.
The Darkest Night is without a doubt a classic murder mystery, and would be a great series to follow along if you're interested in more modern takes! The set up was original, and I enjoyed the ending, and the only part where it faltered was the middle.
I didn't feel like the mystery was gaining as much traction as I would've hoped, and I found the chapters told in different perspectives very confusing. Most of them were obviously written in the point of view of our detective, and we only had a few written in the suspect's POV. This felt a little bit random to me and just an easier way for the author to tell a story the detective might not have found out. I would've just gone all of the chapters told in the detective's point of view, because I found the other ones taking me out of the story I was already immersed in.
If you're looking for a whodunit that doesn't have too much complexity but aren't looking for something too cozy, Darkest Night is the perfect in-between.
July 19, 2020
Awesome! From the first few sentences, I was actually scared by the plot - what a gripper! Christine has a night out that I had many times in the past (the bit about getting tipsy and not being able to remember anything). I happily read along thinking 'I can relate to Christine ... find those paracetamols'. Then ~ wow! What happened next had me choking on my toast! How scary is this plot? A shock is lurking in her bed it's the stuff of nightmares and I was swept away thinking about how this kind of thing could happen to anyone. Then I realised that I was sitting in the comfort of my garden reading an awesome book by Jenny O'Brien. I am liking Detective Gaby Darin and I enjoyed the character development thread with her colleague Rusty. The plot is great - you won't guess who the villain is. Looking forward to reading the next one.
October 15, 2020
Christine gets too drunk with a girlfriend and doesn't even realize she has taken a man home with her till she wakes up and her foggy brain starts to work a little. While she thinks he is still in her bed, she goes back to her room to find that it's her roommate in her bed.... dead.... murdered!
The story is about Detective Gabi trying to find the murderer. I didn't think I'd ever finish, it seemed to go on and on, and there were times I got confused with the many characters and different dates we were reading about, but, overall, it was a good book, and I'm glad I read it. First in the series that I've read, so I'm tempted to check out the others.
The story is about Detective Gabi trying to find the murderer. I didn't think I'd ever finish, it seemed to go on and on, and there were times I got confused with the many characters and different dates we were reading about, but, overall, it was a good book, and I'm glad I read it. First in the series that I've read, so I'm tempted to check out the others.
July 22, 2020
I love Jenny's writing and this fabulous series. Gaby Darin is one of the better detectives out there in today's police procedural genre. Having just moved to the area of Llandudno she is tasked with heading the murder of a local woman. Thinking this will be an open and shut case nothing could be further from the truth. Christine de Bertrand wakes up after a heavy night of drinking to find her flatmate, Nikki dead.
This is where the case gets interesting, she tells the police she shared her bed with a strange man, but there is no sign of him in the flat. Did she kill her flatmate, a woman she was trying to pluck up the courage to ask to leave her flat?
Christine becomes the detectives prime suspect but she has doubts, something doesn't add up.
To say more would spoil the plot. Loved Silent Cry but this book is even better, if that's possible. Loved the twists and turns and the way it was written grabbed me from the opening line.
Can't wait for the third book in this brilliant series from this talented author.
This is where the case gets interesting, she tells the police she shared her bed with a strange man, but there is no sign of him in the flat. Did she kill her flatmate, a woman she was trying to pluck up the courage to ask to leave her flat?
Christine becomes the detectives prime suspect but she has doubts, something doesn't add up.
To say more would spoil the plot. Loved Silent Cry but this book is even better, if that's possible. Loved the twists and turns and the way it was written grabbed me from the opening line.
Can't wait for the third book in this brilliant series from this talented author.
June 19, 2024
Audio version of this book 📕- a good addition to the series
June 15, 2020
An excellent book i love DC Gaby Darin such a feisty character that pulls you in wanting more,its good to see old and new characters it keeps the story real.i will highly recommend this book.5*
October 7, 2020
The plot is fabulous, but the writing is abysmal! The reader often gets lost as to who's saying or doing what; the use of pronouns CAN be done in such a way as to know the subject being referred to, often it does require further specification than just the one pronoun alone! I think that's the major problem, but probably not the only one! The book could definitely have used an additional edit!
I liked the characters and their descriptions and representations. I didn't like the stated reason for the divorce, but I often don't like the stated reasons for divorces – which is not to say that I don't believe in divorce! I do wish that she had gone more into Nikki and her awful mom; what a misanthrope!
Anyway, overall I would rate the book's plot four stars, but the overall 2 1/2 or 3 at best.
I liked the characters and their descriptions and representations. I didn't like the stated reason for the divorce, but I often don't like the stated reasons for divorces – which is not to say that I don't believe in divorce! I do wish that she had gone more into Nikki and her awful mom; what a misanthrope!
Anyway, overall I would rate the book's plot four stars, but the overall 2 1/2 or 3 at best.
June 18, 2020
This is the second book in this series and has previously been published as ‘Stabbed in Wales ‘. I read the first one as well and I think it’s a great idea to relaunch this series and hope that the next books will follow as well.
After the dramatic events in Swansea, Gaby has been reposted at Llandudno in North Wales. She seems to fit in and even gets promoted. Her first case as DS looks like an open and shut case, but the suspect is adamant that she didn’t kill the victim. Not everything fits in this case.
When Christine takes a stranger back home after her birthday bash, she expects to wake up to a hangover. But instead of the stranger, she finds the naked dead body of her housemate, covered in blood in her bed. She doesn’t have a clue what has happened and the police arrest her as the sole suspect.
The first part of the book consists mainly of the experiences of Christine. The author cleverly manipulates the reader with a few words that make or break our sympathy for a suspect. You know that Christine is innocent, or not? That all depends on whether she’s a reliable narrator or not. You simply don’t know in this kind of books if she tells the truth. The premise is brilliant but the story takes a major turn when another redhead goes missing and both cases seem to be related. From that moment on, Christine’s story becomes less important but at least there’s hope for her love life.
In this volume, we get a clearer picture of some of the supporting characters that it makes me think that Gaby will settle down in this new location. Not everybody was happy with her arrival in the team but she gets on with most of her new colleagues. Only the pathologist seems to have it in for her. The family liaisons officer she befriended in the last story has followed her to this new area. If anything, she’s getting promoted a bit too quickly to remain real.
Vivid pictures with even smell included, point out the horror of discovering a murder victim. The author gives very detailed descriptions of a crime scene, so if you’re squeamish sometimes you better skip a page.
Owen is a favourite of mine. He’s got a photographic memory, something that’s very handy for a police officer. But he’s also a loving husband and father, with excellent work ethics. Sometimes he gets that much drawn into a case, that Gaby has to remind him to go home to his pregnant wife.
After the dramatic events in Swansea, Gaby has been reposted at Llandudno in North Wales. She seems to fit in and even gets promoted. Her first case as DS looks like an open and shut case, but the suspect is adamant that she didn’t kill the victim. Not everything fits in this case.
When Christine takes a stranger back home after her birthday bash, she expects to wake up to a hangover. But instead of the stranger, she finds the naked dead body of her housemate, covered in blood in her bed. She doesn’t have a clue what has happened and the police arrest her as the sole suspect.
The first part of the book consists mainly of the experiences of Christine. The author cleverly manipulates the reader with a few words that make or break our sympathy for a suspect. You know that Christine is innocent, or not? That all depends on whether she’s a reliable narrator or not. You simply don’t know in this kind of books if she tells the truth. The premise is brilliant but the story takes a major turn when another redhead goes missing and both cases seem to be related. From that moment on, Christine’s story becomes less important but at least there’s hope for her love life.
In this volume, we get a clearer picture of some of the supporting characters that it makes me think that Gaby will settle down in this new location. Not everybody was happy with her arrival in the team but she gets on with most of her new colleagues. Only the pathologist seems to have it in for her. The family liaisons officer she befriended in the last story has followed her to this new area. If anything, she’s getting promoted a bit too quickly to remain real.
Vivid pictures with even smell included, point out the horror of discovering a murder victim. The author gives very detailed descriptions of a crime scene, so if you’re squeamish sometimes you better skip a page.
Owen is a favourite of mine. He’s got a photographic memory, something that’s very handy for a police officer. But he’s also a loving husband and father, with excellent work ethics. Sometimes he gets that much drawn into a case, that Gaby has to remind him to go home to his pregnant wife.
May 24, 2021
Poor DC Gaby Darin! She had a pretty rough ride in the first book of this series — Silent Cry — and life isn't treating her much better in this latest gripping read. Mind you, things aren't exactly peachy for Christine de Bertrand who drunkenly goes to bed with a male stranger and wakes up to a female corpse.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Llandudno setting of this story, evoking childhood memories (albeit minus dead bodies). Gaby is a complex character with the tenacity of a terrier and the self-esteem of… well, someone who doesn't see themselves in a very flattering light. Yet, you cannot help warm to her and wish her well as she deals with a complex case and a prickly pathologist by the name of Rusty Mulholland.
There are some darkly amusing lines, as well as poignant ones:
'They wouldn't even allow me a belt for my jeans and as for shoe-laces…'
'I may be wrong, but I've never heard of anyone managing to commit suicide with a bottle of conditioner and a wide-toothed comb.'
People's grief couldn't be managed like a MacDonald's drive-through and she'd be here for as long as it took.
Without giving anything away, I have high hopes for a sprinkling of happiness for DC Darin in the third book, Fallen Angel. But who knows what the hugely talented author has in store…
I thoroughly enjoyed the Llandudno setting of this story, evoking childhood memories (albeit minus dead bodies). Gaby is a complex character with the tenacity of a terrier and the self-esteem of… well, someone who doesn't see themselves in a very flattering light. Yet, you cannot help warm to her and wish her well as she deals with a complex case and a prickly pathologist by the name of Rusty Mulholland.
There are some darkly amusing lines, as well as poignant ones:
'They wouldn't even allow me a belt for my jeans and as for shoe-laces…'
'I may be wrong, but I've never heard of anyone managing to commit suicide with a bottle of conditioner and a wide-toothed comb.'
People's grief couldn't be managed like a MacDonald's drive-through and she'd be here for as long as it took.
Without giving anything away, I have high hopes for a sprinkling of happiness for DC Darin in the third book, Fallen Angel. But who knows what the hugely talented author has in store…
June 7, 2023
Another interesting installment, this one Book 2 in the Detective Gaby Darin series. Taking the unusual route of reading these books out of order, this reader has still managed to enjoy the relationships and characters as we come to learn more about Gaby and her current team at North Wales MIT. Including of course, (who could help but find him fascinating?) the gruff and enigmatic red-headed pathologist Dr. Rusty Mulholland.
In this edition the story catapults to a start as we meet Christine de Bertrand, a thirty-year old hearing-impaired teacher, who wakes up confused after a night of birthday partying to find the body of her roommate Nikki Jones, stabbed with bloody precision, and horrifically situated beside Christine in her own bed.
As the story unwinds, Christine, her academic ex-husband Paul, their Cambridge past, and the exclusive boys school they end up teaching at, combined with all the auxiliary clues and characters introduced, form an interesting and absorbing backdrop for an intriguing mystery, which this reader found as tense and compelling as each of the mysteries in this series to date.
Without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), before the final pages we will meet several redheads, more than one maniac with murderous intent, drama and danger for Gaby’s team, and at least one other victim of bloody homicide. Although this reader did find the ending a little unsatisfying, on a couple of points, this well-written read twisted and turned and managed to keep me pinned to the edge of my seat.
A great big thank you to the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
In this edition the story catapults to a start as we meet Christine de Bertrand, a thirty-year old hearing-impaired teacher, who wakes up confused after a night of birthday partying to find the body of her roommate Nikki Jones, stabbed with bloody precision, and horrifically situated beside Christine in her own bed.
As the story unwinds, Christine, her academic ex-husband Paul, their Cambridge past, and the exclusive boys school they end up teaching at, combined with all the auxiliary clues and characters introduced, form an interesting and absorbing backdrop for an intriguing mystery, which this reader found as tense and compelling as each of the mysteries in this series to date.
Without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), before the final pages we will meet several redheads, more than one maniac with murderous intent, drama and danger for Gaby’s team, and at least one other victim of bloody homicide. Although this reader did find the ending a little unsatisfying, on a couple of points, this well-written read twisted and turned and managed to keep me pinned to the edge of my seat.
A great big thank you to the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
June 22, 2020
The Darkest Night by Jenny O'Brien is the second book featuring detective Gaby Darin. I missed her first, but will go back to read and catch up on Gaby's books. I loved Darkest Night - a thriller, who-dun-it from the first page.
Christine de Bertrand goes out drinking, comes home with a man and wakes up the next morning with her roommate stabbed to death in her bed. Looks simple - she killed her roommate, but Gaby and her team will soon learn that nothing is simple in this case.
Another woman goes missing, she could be Christine's sister - who would want to harm a woman who looks like a murder suspect? Is it Christine's ex or someone else? When a member of Gaby's team is in direct danger from a killer, she has to act fast to save her friend before there is another dead woman.
Such a good book! Told from multiple points of view, readers are treated to the innermost thoughts of the main characters. Really enjoyed this thrill ride of a book.
Christine de Bertrand goes out drinking, comes home with a man and wakes up the next morning with her roommate stabbed to death in her bed. Looks simple - she killed her roommate, but Gaby and her team will soon learn that nothing is simple in this case.
Another woman goes missing, she could be Christine's sister - who would want to harm a woman who looks like a murder suspect? Is it Christine's ex or someone else? When a member of Gaby's team is in direct danger from a killer, she has to act fast to save her friend before there is another dead woman.
Such a good book! Told from multiple points of view, readers are treated to the innermost thoughts of the main characters. Really enjoyed this thrill ride of a book.
July 17, 2020
Having loved Silent Cry I was delighted to get hold of Darkest Night to follow Detective Gaby Darin’s next case. The set-up for the book is excellent, with a seemingly inexplicable crime scene and a cast of intriguing characters with complex relationships. The main mystery kept me turning the pages, but there are many smaller questions to unravel too, which increased the suspense. All this culminates in a nail-biting end to this twisty crime thriller!
August 24, 2020
Nice mystery/thriller that keeps you intrigued, I wanted to know what had happened. Enough twists to keep you entertained for a while and not too predictable. Safe bet if you're looking for a new mystery.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review ***
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review ***
February 3, 2023
Great book
Another brilliant book by Jenny O'Brien. This series is getting better and better . If you love a great crime series this is the one you need to read
Another brilliant book by Jenny O'Brien. This series is getting better and better . If you love a great crime series this is the one you need to read
June 15, 2020
An excellent book i love DC Gaby Darin such a feisty character that pulls you in wanting more,its good to see old and new characters it keeps the story real.i will highly recommend this book.5*
June 19, 2021
Before I begin my review, I'd like to say that despite my three stars I did think the premise of this novel was very good. But so much was unexplored, lost and not conceived that would have made it a richer story. We didn't get enough back story to Christine to make her the protagonist, she became a secondary character, eclipsed by the dead Nikki. Also I wasn't thrilled by the constant references to Gaby's weight, when will women stop writing this way and embrace the differences in each other, rather than perpetuate that fuller figures are not ideal.
The narrative at times was clunky and read almost like a creative writing student essay as there was so many pieces that could have been constructed so much better. The few errors there were, weren't glaring - e.g. Nikki is said to be wearing a T shirt when first discovered stabbed, then afterwards is referred to as being naked. There was an example of the use of 'woman' singular when referring to the plural. AND my biggest bugbear, using the word GOTTEN when GOT is sufficient. These American phrases are slowly creeping into English literature and I find them pernicious and detrimental to the language.
Gabby is difficult to like, her dialogue can be abrasive E.G. using the phrase 'mummy' in a patronising way to a male colleague on page 149 was uncalled for and put me off her. Also there are numerous passages that are irrelevant to the story and added nothing, E.G. the M&S blouse costing £39.99 - it slowed the pace and gained a yawn from me.
Sadly the book has very little police procedure, and the dénouement was rushed and dropped in over the last twenty pages with no links really from the text that were strong, just a handful of tenuous ones that made sense to the characters but made me question where they'd suddenly sprung from.
The book has received many better ratings than I have given it showing that again it's all subjective and I'm sure many people have, and many will enjoy it, sadly I didn't really, I found it slow and lacking any meat on its bones.
The narrative at times was clunky and read almost like a creative writing student essay as there was so many pieces that could have been constructed so much better. The few errors there were, weren't glaring - e.g. Nikki is said to be wearing a T shirt when first discovered stabbed, then afterwards is referred to as being naked. There was an example of the use of 'woman' singular when referring to the plural. AND my biggest bugbear, using the word GOTTEN when GOT is sufficient. These American phrases are slowly creeping into English literature and I find them pernicious and detrimental to the language.
Gabby is difficult to like, her dialogue can be abrasive E.G. using the phrase 'mummy' in a patronising way to a male colleague on page 149 was uncalled for and put me off her. Also there are numerous passages that are irrelevant to the story and added nothing, E.G. the M&S blouse costing £39.99 - it slowed the pace and gained a yawn from me.
Sadly the book has very little police procedure, and the dénouement was rushed and dropped in over the last twenty pages with no links really from the text that were strong, just a handful of tenuous ones that made sense to the characters but made me question where they'd suddenly sprung from.
The book has received many better ratings than I have given it showing that again it's all subjective and I'm sure many people have, and many will enjoy it, sadly I didn't really, I found it slow and lacking any meat on its bones.
April 22, 2021
DC Gaby Darin is an interesting character. Bright, brash, overweight, lonely, and very good at her job. I enjoyed the first book in the series very much, which made me eager to pursue this series. It’s turning out to be a corker!
The Pembrokeshire setting added to the overall ambiance of the book.
The characters were very well developed and I thoroughly enjoyed reading of their personal relationships and work exploits.
The crime(s) were fascinating, and caused me to question my own skill at figuring out the murderer. I did NOT manage to, which speaks well of the author’s plotting prowess.
The book was suspenseful and compelling – I read it in two days. Also, I absolutely love the cover!
I’m certain that anyone who enjoys a well-written, character-driven, police procedural will love this book, and this series. Recommended!
4.5 stars rounded up
For this and more than 600 other fiction reviews visit: https://fictionophile.com
The Pembrokeshire setting added to the overall ambiance of the book.
The characters were very well developed and I thoroughly enjoyed reading of their personal relationships and work exploits.
The crime(s) were fascinating, and caused me to question my own skill at figuring out the murderer. I did NOT manage to, which speaks well of the author’s plotting prowess.
The book was suspenseful and compelling – I read it in two days. Also, I absolutely love the cover!
I’m certain that anyone who enjoys a well-written, character-driven, police procedural will love this book, and this series. Recommended!
4.5 stars rounded up
For this and more than 600 other fiction reviews visit: https://fictionophile.com
August 24, 2020
From reading the summary of this book I thought it would be really interesting! A girl who wakes up to her roommate dead in her bed, intrigue from the start. Unfortunately, it did not keep me intrigued at all during this book. I would not call it a bad book but I did not connect with it. I found the writing hard to visualize but at the same time it gave off so many details in spots that I wanted to tell the characters to just get to it already. I was determined to power through and keep reading but there wasn't anything that kept me wanting more all the way to the end. I did not feel any connection to the characters nor did I seem to have a need to know who the killer was. If you have a different method of understanding text you may enjoy this book but as a person who visualizes what she reads this book was sadly not for me.
September 27, 2019
Book two. Nikki Jones is found stabbed and not only thatTracy Price is reported missing. The two detective sergeants Gabby Darin and Owen Bates have not one but two cases on their hands. A lot of suspects but is there any connection with the two? What can I say about this book? Wow it will knock your socks off, so much going on as you read, twists turns full of suspense. Just when you think you have cracked it the story takes you another way in. I was enthralled reading right to the end the second book in the Gabriella Darin series couldn't ask for a better read .
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