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Darkwater Cove #5

Find Her Before Dark

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She can't turn her back on a young person in need. But in this hidden community, a secret could get her killed. Darcy only wants to live a peaceful life with her family. But the past won't stop following her. And now the FBI has a message for Darcy... A new serial killer hunts the night. And he kidnapped a girl with Down syndrome. Darcy leaves Julian and her children to pursue a vicious killer, but the idyllic community of Veil Lake is a death trap. Too many shadows and hidden dangers. Aided by Agent Ketchum of the FBI, Darcy sets out to rescue Faith, a girl the local police can't locate. But she's pursuing the most twisted mind she's encountered, a darkness like no other. When Darcy discovers more victims than clues, she has only her instincts and determination to keep her alive as she closes in on the killer. When darkness falls, one of them will die. Praise for Dan "I was actually turning pages on my Kindle so fast, I thought I would burn it out." - Amazon Review "One of the most exciting writers to burst upon the scene in quite some time." - Brian Keene, Bram Stoker Award-Winning Author "Characters that you can care about. Read this in one sitting. Scary as hell. Locked my doors even." - Amazon Review "Dan builds tension like few others can. His prose is rich and his characters are memorable. I dare you to read a Padavona story with the lights out." - Zach Bohannon, author of the Empty Bodies series "Read the complete series. Absolutely awesome author." - Amazon Review Indie Thriller Novel of the Year Finalist

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2020

868 people are currently reading
189 people want to read

About the author

Dan Padavona

100 books607 followers
Author of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.

Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.

I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.

My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.

More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.

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5 stars
707 (65%)
4 stars
312 (28%)
3 stars
54 (4%)
2 stars
7 (<1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Dawn Myers.
1,299 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2020
Well Dan Padavona had me sitting on the edge of my seat turning the pages. In my opinion he did not disappoint with Find Her Before Dark the fifth book in the Darkwater Cove Series. Dan Padavona threw a twist toward the end, it was a two part twist, I figured half of it. Dan Padavona hid the villain till he was ready for you to know who it was, sometimes he introduces the villain early, not this time. Julian and Darcy's life is put to the test with this case. You get suspense, frustration, and continuation of Darcy's struggles with life and family relationships. Yes, this is the fifth book in the series, you don't necessarily need to read previous books, I would highly recommend doing so, it helps with some of Darcy's backstory. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
Profile Image for Jennifer Snider.
106 reviews9 followers
December 30, 2021
❗️Research age demographics, CWs, and TWs for these books prior to reading to determine whether or not they're appropriate for you.

An excellent read as was expected. I was worried that as a newly married woman Darcy might not offer as much enthusiasm in her quest to catch another Serial killer. Hunter home for break and Jennifer in full swing of socializing they should've all been home enjoying each other's company but murder & Mayhem wait for no one.

Darcy an Julian both put show great work ethic and true diligence while trying to apprehend the Doll Face Killer. I managed to fly through this in a few hours but still couldn't put it down. I have to admit I was totally thrown off but the extra psychopath added in the end but it just made the story all the better.
Loads of actions and plenty of intriguing mystery to keep you busy for hours.

Happy Reading 📚 😊


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38 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2021
A great addition to the Series

Once again I was very pleased with this book. As I've said in other reviews I've posted, this is the second series of Dan Padavona's that I've read and I've truly enjoyed them both, they are well written stories that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and are as advertised "gripping Psychological thrillers" but what I personally appreciate most about his work is his ability to give the reader what is promised in a thriller while also giving you lovable and likeable characters you can identify with and get behind to root for. I want nothing more than to see agent Geller and Detective Haines save the day and defeat the bad guy, which in stories like these, is usually the inevitable outcome. There are other writers who I find do this and make each story predictable and almost boring but bc I love these characters so much, I enjoy the journey and I love seeing them evolve. Dan is amazingly talented at giving a story full of murder and mayhem tons of heart and I appreciate that.
Profile Image for Cattie Whaley.
299 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2022
Hold on tight!

In this installment of the Darcy Gellar (Haines) series, Darcy is once again pulled back by the FBI when a serial killer is terrorizing Veil Lake. The killer holds his victims for 3 days before he kills them. His latest victim is an 18 year old young lady with Down syndrome. When Dwrcy finds out who he has taken, she has no choice but to help. But what rabbit hole is she jumping in to? Shes finally without nightmares and off the drugs. Will this case do her head in, or is she able to get into the mind of the killer in time to find the young women or will he claim another victim? This book was heart stopping the entire way through. I stayed up waaaaaaay past my bed time to finish it cause I had to know what was going to happen (and you won't believe what happens!) Now onto the next one! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jeanne.
931 reviews
September 8, 2020
Find Her Before Dark, the fifth book in the Darkwater Cove series, is a nail-biter. A new serial killer stalks the town of Veil Lake and time is running out for Faith. This latest kidnapped victim of the Doll Face Killer is a teenager with down syndrome. Retired FBI agent and the best profiler the FBI has had in years, Darcy is pulled back in to help solve the case and find Faith - alive. Padavona builds tension with every twist and turns in this great psychological thriller. Well worth the read. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
921 reviews11 followers
April 15, 2021
Suspenseful throughout!

What happens when Darcy is approached by FBI agent Ketchum and asked to come do a profile on the doll face killer because he took a young woman with down syndrome and they figure they only have three days to find her? Well, for one, you can't put the book down and get behind on housework. When things get even more exhilarating and Julian goes missing, you get engrossed even further! Read the book, and you will be as into it as I have been!
Profile Image for Christina.
16 reviews
November 5, 2020
As usual

As usual, Dan brought the characters alive, pulled at heart strings, and delivered a believable story. Darcy is a talented PI that once again helps the FBI with another case. Dan’s talent of bringing the story alive has me hooked to the series and rooting for the good guys.
1,507 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2020
Find Her Before Dark

This is a vey good thriller but it did not have the suspense and intrigue like the last four books in this series. It was still a good thriller. I recommend this book and series.
1,985 reviews22 followers
January 28, 2021
Very good read

Very dedicated characters facing uncharacteristic challenges and a twisted ending no one could see or even believe. This series gets more interesting with each installment.
Profile Image for taffykathiegmail.com.
573 reviews
March 5, 2021
Families depend on you. You have to make the right decisions!

So glad Darcy came to her senses. The stories get better & better. You are living their lives. Every emotion is felt as you walk along with her in the moment!
497 reviews
April 14, 2021
Excellent

I really enjoy these books!! It’s hard to put them down with all the action and suspense not to mention the great twists and turns. I love the characters and I can’t wait to read another one.
98 reviews
August 2, 2022
Another great Read

It's great following DarcyGeller Haines on her quests to profile and find killers . Love the characters and all
The scrapes they get into . Great series of books
3 reviews
Read
February 29, 2024
Thrilling

This book kept me on the edge of my seat!! All of the Darkwater Cove series have been awesome, however, this one placed me right there in the midst of the mayhem!!!!!
Bravo Mr. Paragons Bravo
5 reviews
March 1, 2021
5 stars

Great great book would recommend to everyone I know. I couldn’t put the book down. Very well written. Loved it!
288 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2021
Excellent continuation

An excellent continuation of a great series. The characters are well developed and presented. The plots are intriguing and suspenseful.
269 reviews
Read
December 2, 2021
Fair

Unrealistic. I my 50+ years of pediatrics, I never saw a Mongol who was capable or completing high school. Poor.
Profile Image for Tonya.
178 reviews
February 1, 2022
Book #5 in a series. Although Darcy’s kids don’t really play much of a role in this story like the past books, it was still thrilling & gripping. This are fast, easy reads.
721 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2022
Hidden secret comes out when it rains

Five stars bone chilling suspense a page turner from the beginning to the end you get inside the lead character mind outstanding work
172 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2022
Another Serial Killer....

Darcy can't stay away. The FBI doesn't have any profilers with her experience. Off she goes and Julian follows shortly after.
Profile Image for Bobbi Stoffers.
262 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2022
Another great read!

Darcy and Julian are in for the ride of their life as another serial killer takes charge and the killing begins.
Profile Image for jean buck.
513 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2023
Will faith be found in time?

Another suspenseful mystery.It starts on page one and draws you in. Difficult to put down until the mystery is solved.
22 reviews
June 4, 2023
Readolic

Just can't get enough, I don't know how he does it, coming up with new plots. Always full of suspense twists and turns. Again this book does not disappoint. On to #6!!
47 reviews
September 22, 2020
A girl with Down Syndrome has been kidnapped and the police have 3 days to find her. This psycho killer has been following a ritual that keeps his victims alive for 2 days, but on the 3rd he kills them. Darcy lives a happy life now married to Jillian. However, she is coaxed back to the BAU team who desperately need her insightful serial killer tracking skills. Any reader who is looking for a good thriller will not be disappointed.

I was given a copy of this book and now I am giving my honest review.
3,790 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2023
Dan Padavona is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, at least based on this series. I can’t stop turning the pages. Darcy is such a strong character, but is so vulnerable at the same time. Julian is awesome as well. I won’t spoil anything, I will just say pick up this series and get ready!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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