The Darkness Within

D.I. Denning and D.S. Fisher #3

by Graeme Hampton

You can run... but death will always find you

A man is discovered on a leafy North London street, fighting for life after a brutal beating. DI Matthew Denning and his team are quickly called in to to track down the monster responsible.

Except the victim is hiding secrets of his own. His name shows that he was reported missing two decades ago - but it’s clear that the missing person is not the same man lying broken in a hospital bed.

A visit to a squalid East London flat unearths a victim with his throat slit, his body left to decompose. A sad end to any life - but when it is identified as former DCI Frank Buckfield, star of the Met police, the case takes on a new significance.

Two seemingly unrelated cases - but as Denning, along with DS Molly Fisher, investigates further, they uncover links between the two victims that lead back to a ring of silence cloaking the blackest of crimes.

But as Denning and Fisher try to track down a killer with revenge on their mind, they find themselves pitted against a psychopath who will kill to keep their secrets hidden. Can they uncover the truth, before they end up the latest victims?

The latest in the gripping London crime series featuring D.I. Matthew Denning and DS Molly Fisher, The Darkness Within is a must-read if you like Angela Marsons, L.J. Ross or Joy Ellis.

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Detective

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 2021

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darkness Within is the third instalment in the DI Matt Denning and DS Molly Fisher series, set in and around London. Fisher has recently been promoted from regular CID and has taken her place alongside colleagues, including DI Denning, in the East London Major Investigation Team (MIT), aka The Murder Squad. DI Denning is called out to a second floor flat on the Bedgebrook Estate in Hackney, notorious for drugs, violence and gangland activity. A battered old leather armchair by the window in the living room holds the body of an elderly man whose throat has been slit from ear to ear. The victim was in his late seventies, emaciated and Crime Scene Manager Sheila Gorton estimates he's been dead for up to a fortnight. According to council records the flat had been leased to one Joseph Jupp who the police assume was subletting to the victim as Jupp was only in his thirties. It isn't long before Gorton finds the victim's wallet complete with identification hidden in a tin in a kitchen cupboard. The name on the bus pass reads Frank Buckfield. An ex-DCI but what exactly happened to him to end up murdered in a squalid flat? Unfortunately, on the estate they subscribe to the Three Wise Monkeys principle - see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil - making door to door enquiries pretty much useless. Meanwhile, back at the station, the team are all in the conference room where their new DCS, Ian Harrison, is introducing himself to his colleagues.

Interrupting the gathering, Denning announces that local CID has just informed him of a serious assault, and possible attempted murder, that had just taken place in Islington. 24 Arundel Road near Highbury was a pretty swish area and when Denning and DS Deepak Neeraj arrive they are greeted by CID Detective DS Anna Klein, the one who called it in. The victim is David Cairns who has been taken by ambulance to the hospital with suspected concussion, internal bleeding and a few broken bones. A man was seen running away from the scene and if the paramedics hadn't arrived when they did he would likely be dead from the injuries sustained. Who would beat a man within an inch of his life in broad daylight in a nice neighbourhood? It becomes apparent the crimes are linked and both relate back to historical incidents from years earlier. Who is the perpetrator with a taste for revenge and can they apprehend him before he kills someone else? This is a compulsive and captivating read with plenty of action, mystery, crazy plot twists and a killer out for blood. The fact that it was told from Denning and Fisher’s perspectives made it all the more immersive, and I enjoyed learning more about each of them as people and not just investigators. The way the multilayered plot unravels and the two crimes become intertwined is well thought out and kept me riveted throughout. It's a propulsive and absorbing addition to a gritty series that is swiftly becoming unmissable. Highly recommended.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Darkness Within’ is the third book in the series to feature Detective Inspector Denning and Detective Sergeant Fisher. I read and loved the previous two books in the series and once I saw the synopsis for ‘The Darkness Within’, I instantly knew that I had to read this book as soon as possible and that I was going to be in for a treat. I was spot on because I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Darkness Within’ but more about that in a bit.
The synopsis of ‘The Darkness Within’ was enough to capture my attention and the story within the covers of the books sealed the deal as it were. To say that reading ‘The Darkness Within’ became addictive was an understatement. This book was on my mind irrespective of whether or not I actually had the book in my hand. If I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about it and if I had to put the book down for any great length of time then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. The deaths intrigued me and I felt compelled (in the nicest possible way) to keep reading to see if my suspicions as to who the murderer was and their motivation were anywhere near the truth or if I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. I found this to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Darkness Within’ is well written but then I have thought that to be true of the first two books in the series. Graeme has created a tense and dramatic plot, which will keep you guessing and which has more twists an turns to it than you could imagine. For me, the story is perfectly paced- the story starts with a bang, hits the ground running and maintains a fairly fast pace throughout. I loved the two lead characters who are excellent detectives who are not averse to defying orders from their superiors. In a way they are like rebels.
In short I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Darkness Within’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more from Graeme Hampton in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness Within by Graeme Hampton
D.I. Denning and D.S. Fisher #3

Interesting twists and turns abound in this intriguing police procedural that has the team dealing with a murder that leads back to crimes from long ago.

What I liked:
* D.I. Matt Denning: didn’t see a lot of his private life but enjoyed seeing him interact with his team, his wife, and others that he encountered on the job and elsewhere
* D.S. Molly Fisher: tenacious policewoman willing to help as s he solves cases. I enjoyed seeing her relationship with colleagues, her significant other, and those that she helped.
* The team: there is much to learn about the team as the series continues
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The twists and turns and unexpected surprises
* That the bad guys were unearthed…mostly
* That there might be justice even decades after a crime was committed
* The complexity of the story and how all the threads wove together seamlessly by the end of the book
* Wondering about what will come next in the series
* The believability of the plot
* That there was a firm conclusion – no cliffhanger
* Wondering if Alfie Kane will ever be arrested
* That there is another book to look forward to in the future.

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that the crimes in this story do occur in real life
* The ripple effect crime has on people and communities
* Saying goodbye to the characters and having to wait awhile for the next book

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars - rounded up for rating

thanks to the publisher for the ebook copy in exchange for my honest review

If you’re a fan of police procedurals then this is the series you need to get into! Once again I found myself jumping into a series without starting at the beginning, but with crime fiction series that usually doesn’t cause too much of a problem. THE DARKNESS WITHIN is book three in the DI Denning and DS Fisher series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Of course, we’ll be missing some of the character development from the first two books, but I feel like the author did a good job bringing us up to speed.

This is a pretty straight forward police procedural. Nothing too drawn out or technical, but not too crazy of a thriller. I feel like this had a great balance and didn’t have a lull in the pacing like some in the genre can have. While I would have enjoyed a little more background on our main investigators, I think the author gave us enough information to get a little invested in them! The little twists and turns the story takes didn’t come as a complete shock, but that didn’t take away from the reading experience. There are some books I can predict the ending of almost immediately and still love them.

I liked the author’s writing style, the introduction to these characters, and following along in the investigation. I definitely plan on picking up books one and two at some point so that I can get to know Denning and Fisher better. A solid police procedural with a steady pace made for an engrossing read that I flipped through in just a couple sittings.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite different to the previous book in the series. It very much focuses on the investigative side so not quite as much action although there was enough to make sure it is still an engrossing read.

Molly becomes fixated on the disappearance of a male from years before which has repercussions on her job. What I love about Molly is that she isn't afraid of going above and beyond in her role. Where as Denning tends to do everything by the book, she is a bit more of a live wire which makes things so much more interesting. Without a doubt she is may favourite between the two but Denning does come a close second.

My feelings for certain characters altered the further into the story I got and as certain revelations come to light. There are a fair few secrets and lies being covered up of which someone is determined to keep them that way and will stop at nothing to ensure they do. There is certainly an air of danger throughout.

The Darkness Within was quite a sombre read due to the nature of the storyline. How it all ends, affected me more than I had expected as like Molly, certain characters had got under my skin more than I realised. This meant that the story and characters stayed with me long after I had finished reading which is definitely a sign of a good writer. A solid and enjoyable read.

[Cate Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

The Darkness Within is pretty much a stock standard police procedural. It follows detectives Denning and Fisher as they look to solve two crimes - one, the death if an ex detective, and the other a seemingly random assault on a gentleman - that begin to unearth more questions and become entangled.

The writing is.. okay. Particularly at the start of the book it feels like the author is trying far too hard to pepper in ridiculously large words as if they make good literature. This tapers off (thank god) and the novel becomes more readable, by the end quite enjoyable.

There isn't a lot of time devoted to endearing the main characters to the reader. You get glimpses into their lives, but nothing is done to create any real attachment to any of the characters. Some of the instances where female characters have their activities described are.. slightly off. An example is Fisher having a late period, doing two negative pregnancy tests, then going to the gp because she has NEVER been irregular in her life. She gets told its probably stress messing up her hormones. I have never known a single woman who has never had a late period in her life because of stress (or because shes been under eating, or because shes been unwell, or literally a billion reasons) and in this instance an intelligent, logical woman who has two negative home test results would know her body is probably just being ridiculous and to wait a few days or even weeks. There's another instance where a woman sits down at a restaurant and proceeds to spray herself with perfume, followed by a "thats better!" - nobody in their right mind would spray perfume on themselves at the dinner table at a restaurant. First of all its rude af, and the character who does it doesn't come across as someone who is wildly socially inept. These are really minor things in relation to the novel as a whole but if you're going to try and write female characters please stop doing this crap.

All in all its an enjoyable read - the ending is very guessable, but it didn't detract from the reading of it. I found no issue coming into this novel without having read earlier instalments. If you enjoy uncomplicated police procedurals this is probably up your alley.

[Julie Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and, if I hadn’t been told it was part of a series, I would not have known simply from reading it. The fact I hadn’t read the previous books did not detract from my understanding or enjoyment of this book at all, it works perfectly as a standalone.

The book pulled me in to the story immediately, opening as it does with the rather gory discovery of the dead body of a retired police officer. From the very beginning, the author does not hold back from giving us a graphic insight in to the way a police investigation works, the pleasant and very unpleasant together. This was the most appealing part of the book to me, looking at how investigations are really happen and how the police have to juggle demands on their time, decide what to prioritise, and how those decisions can be political rather than in the best interests of the victims. It’s very sobering, to be honest.

At the beginning there seem to be two separate crimes to be investigated, one of which is more important to the top brass than the other. Luckily, the two voices we hear from throughout the book, DI Denning and DS Fisher, are not above ignoring orders from above if it goes against their instincts, and they seem to each have a good nose for something fishy, as well as a tenacity in getting to the bottom of a crime. They are the kind of police you would want on your case if you ever needed them.

I found the book very compelling. It was extremely easy to read, and gripping enough to make me race through the pages, so that several hours flew by like minutes. I absolutely love it when a book draws you so far in to the world the author has created between the pages that you are fully living it and don’t want to be pulled out. Honestly, this is one of the best examples of the genre I have read for a while and I look forward to going back and reading the preceding books in the series. I thought the two main characters were well developed and interesting enough to easily carry the story and I really enjoyed getting to know them personally as well as professionally.

An all-round great story which will keep you engrossed and entertained for however long it takes you to read it. Highly recommended as a great distraction in these lockdown days.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of fast-paced police procedurals will gobble up Graeme Hampton’s nail-biting new thriller, The Darkness Within.

DI Matthew Denning is called onto the scene of a brutal attack of a man who had been left fighting for his life on a leafy street in North London. Denning and his team are immediately on the case and vow to leave no stone unturned in their quest for justice. However, they soon realise that uncovering the truth is going to be far easier said than done as they find out that the victim in question had secrets of his own. His name shows that he had been reported missing two decades ago, however, it soon transpires that the man in the hospital bed is not the person who had vanished off the face of the earth. Worse is to come for Denning and his team when another victim is found in a squalid East End flat with his throat slit who is soon identified as former DCI Frank Buckfield. The two cases are seemingly unrelated, but could there be some connection between them? Are the twos death related? Or are there two dangerous killers on the loose?

As their investigation begins in earnest, Denning and DS Molly Fisher quickly discover that there is more to these two cases than meets the eye and as common links are found, it looks like these two victims had a connection to a dark and twisted underbelly covering up the most vicious and despicable of crimes. In a race against time to track down a deranged and unpredictable killer waiting for just the right time to step out of the shadows and make his move, will Denning and Fisher find whoever is responsible for all these heinous crimes? Or will their search for the truth end up costing them their lives?

A nerve-twisting thriller where the shocks and surprises come thick and fast, Graeme Hampton’s The Darkness Within is the perfect edge of your seat and jump out of your skin thriller. Denning and Fisher are a brilliant team and readers will enjoy watching them untangle the many twisted strands of their latest chilling case.

Brilliantly plotted, well-paced and heart-stoppingly terrifying, Graeme Hampton’s The Darkness Within is a deftly written thriller genre devotees will not want to miss.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Hera Books for an advance copy of The Darkness Within, the third novel to feature DI Matt Denning and DS Molly Fisher of The Met’s East London MIT.

A decomposing body is found in a rundown flat and is quickly identified as former DCI Frank Buckfield, a former star of The Met. Then a man is seriously injured in an attack outside his home, but he’s not who he claims to be, a man who went missing twenty years ago. What links these cases? There are several possibilities but it looks like someone is trying to keep the past hidden.

I enjoyed The Darkness Within which has a multi-stranded plot that comes together cleverly over the course of the novel. There is little pizzazz to the novel, more hard graft and a gradual connection of facts and theories. I enjoy the grind of a police procedural and find the methodology/construction fascinating as it allows me construct my own theories as the plot progresses. I like that the narrative is told entirely from the investigative point of view, in this case Denning and Fisher, as I have no more information than they do to speculate with. In this case I didn’t get much right ahead of time but I had fun trying. As I said the plot is multi-stranded and gets quite intricate in how it comes together and is further complicated by the historical elements where it is hard to prove allegations and easy for suspects to twist their story to fit their narrative of innocence. I was impressed by the way this is done, plausible and almost impossible to disprove, providing some insight into the problems real life investigations face. It should be noted that some elements of this novel are based on recognisable events.

I like Denning and Fisher who go all in on their investigations, taking no nonsense from anyone. In policing circles this could be viewed as insubordination but to me they have rather archaic views on what merits respect.

The Darkness Within is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darkness Within’ was a great police procedural that looks at the underbelly of London’s serious crime. It tackled dark subjects with a empathetic and gentle touch. Graeme manages to get the writing spot on when it comes to characters like Colin and was so engaging I devoured this in one sitting. This is the third book in the series but you can definitely read this as a stand-alone as I have and thoroughly enjoyed it.

DI Denning is called in to investigate the murder of an old drunk but it turns out he is an ex DCI Buckfield which makes it a more complicated case - was it someone who he put behind bars exacting their revenge. The team are also dealing with a violent attack on a local resident who was left for dead. When Denning looks into the case he soon discovers that the victim has been impersonating a Dr Cairns for the last 20 years. Are the two cases intertwined?

I really enjoyed this book. I especially loved the character of DS Molly and I hope we get to see more of her in the series. She showed a lot of compassion in this book, both in her personal and professional lives. To me she was the star of the team! DI Denning was a great character as well don’t get me wrong but it’s Molly for me! I think it was because she just comes across as human and normal. She gets the bus to work, eats takeaway pizza and just is down to earth! I loved that.

The pacing of the storyline is brilliant at keeping your attention. It drops hints as we go in the first half of the book but it really kicks up a gear as we head towards the resolution. I really did not want to put this down as I needed to know how it ended. As I said above this tackles some heavy issues so just be warned there might be trigger warnings for sexual abuse. However, it is done with a caring touch and it is more an overview of events rather than descriptions of acts. Graeme handles this important topic sensitively and with compassion.

I’m excited to be able to tell you that today is publication day for ‘The Darkness Within’ 🍾🍾🍾🍾. Congratulations Graeme! Lang may yer lum reek 😀

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the first time I have read a book by this author, starting part way through a series is never the best idea but I do have to say that these books well as a stand-alone. The obvious benefit of reading in order means that you get to know the characters traits and how they interact, I soon found myself getting to grip with these as I read.

This story starts with the discovery of a body, that of an ex DCI. The crime is murder, the reasons for it are not easy to come by for DI Denning and his team. This case will test them all and when results are slow to come the hierarchy do what they do best and add unnecessary pressure. Another similar murder and some accusations and rumours start to emerge of historic crimes that may have been covered-up start to emerge.

I really enjoyed this book, it is not a fast-paced story and this was good for me as I got to know more about the characters as while they were dealing with the cases before them. Sometimes it is nice to get into a more detailed book as far as the investigation, the characters and the storyline goes. As the characters are new to me I did occasionally forget who was who, but this didn't stop any enjoyment. The investigation is a slower more dogged one, knowing that something isn't right and proving it are two very different things and this kind of sums up the story in a way. Finding the evidence, connecting the dots and proving that your gut instinct is correct provides a very gripping read.

I really liked this and yes I do wish I had read the previous books, this is a series I do think I will keep going with. I really enjoyed the mix or current crimes with links to historical ones, the power struggles and how the case was worked through and sorted. A crime, with a strong police procedural and more of mystery aspect rather than a full-on crime thriller and one I would definitely recommend it.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness Within by Graeme Hampton is the third book in the the series that features DI Matthew Denning and DS Molly Fisher. This is a series that can be read as a standalone but, believe me, by the time you have read this, the other two will be in your sights.
In this particular instalment there is a man found fighting for his life after being brutally beaten up.DI Denning and his team are on the case immediately. The victim is a man who was reported missing 20 years ago, according to his name...but the actual man in the hospital bed is not the missing man. Then an ex- copper, a star of the met back in the day is discovered in a manky flat with his throat cut and decomposed.
Denning and Fisher begin to investigate both cases and as they get deeper they find links between the two men that lead back to a wall of silence that hides deep and dark crimes. As they attempt to track a killer they find they are up against a psychopath who is willing to kill to keep the secrets exactly that...secrets. Will they be able to find the truth before they become victims themselves?
A fabulous thriller! Graeme Hampton as always manages to create a twisty, tense story. His characters and his writing have you turning the pages in anticipation of what will happen next. The team have a lot to deal with, red herrings, sly witnesses, coppers that aren't exactly on the straight and narrow and to top it off they even have to handle the politicians that aren't exactly top drawer. If you like your thrillers realistic and gritty here you are and my advice is...try it!
Thanks to Book On The Bright Side and Hera Books for the copy of the book for my review today.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding the body of a former member of the Met with their throat slit is guaranteed to result in a high level investigation. An older man beaten to within an inch of his life on a quiet London street, not so much. If they are connected how do you prove it if only one crime is receiving the attention it deserves? 

This is the problem DI Matt Denning finds himself facing as he tries to keep working on both cases much to the irritation of his senior officers. Meanwhile DS Molly Fisher is concerned for the safety of a vulnerable young man who, she is sure, knows far more than he is telling about a quite horrific historical crime with links to the present day. Add to this a new DCI who wants a far more active role than is usual and life is getting very stressed for the entire team.

Once again Graeme Hampton has written a first class novel showing the darker side of London and the secrets it holds. Denning and Fisher are unusual in that both are excellent officers who let others persuade them not to follow their instincts. This time their insecurities are delved into in detail which adds extra depth to an already excellent series of books.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am sure others will too.

[ReadandRated · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars from me

Books that expose the seedier side of life and historic crimes of the like featured in The Darkness Within are a fabulous tool for raising awareness - neatly wrapped up in a gripping crime thriller! Well done, Graeme Hampton for featuring this subject matter.

The book follows the lives of Denning and Molly as they work to solve two apparently unrelated cases. In their pursuit of answers, they both inadvertently wander into murky waters - Denning truly by accident and Molly because she seems to seek out the most dangerous path!

There were times when the police procedural side of the story felt dreadfully concerning - they seem to all pull against each other at times rather then working as a team. It makes for scandalous reading, even if I wouldn't want them the be the team fighting in my corner!

Denning's family and friendships all felt a little cold to me. Molly's home life on the other hand is nothing short of a conundrum - it is hard to picture someone like her, so determined, dogged and full of inquiry, putting up with Jon. But then again, she is clearly a good lady with a good heart and who can blame her for feeling like she owe's it to him to stay?

Colin's character, his history and his predicament felt all too real and tragic, the ills we suffer in childhood certainly do shape our future.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darkness Within is the third book in the Denning and Fisher series but the first that I’ve read. I had no problem getting to know the characters or follow the storyline. Although I do intend to read the earlier books as soon as possible, I enjoyed this novel a lot.

There appears to be two separate investigations but there is a connection. And it isn’t just the one that has the two main characters getting into trouble simply for trying to do their jobs. But despite both being told to back off they aren’t willing to, and they carry on with their questioning. Thus upsetting victims, criminals and superior officers.

The investigation is sadly believable, everybody will have heard about investigations that were dropped for reasons unexplained but where you’d suspect that money or power and control were involved. The author shows the damage that caused to the individuals concerned and the way that it destroyed their life. But he also shows how a willingness to listen could make a difference.

An unusual side to this novel was that lead characters personal lives were shown and that their partners also had a voice. All too often they feature but the reader never gets to know much about them. I appreciated this a lot and I hope to see it a lot more.

I’m looking forward to reading the earlier books and from reading the author notes at the end book four definitely sounds like one to look forward to.

[Pgchuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

While there was nothing particularly wrong with this book, it left me cold somehow. Molly and Matthew are the most developed characters, but even they didn't really come alive for me - and what on earth does Molly (would anyone?) see in Jon?

The police procedural side of the story was full of officers being corrupt, officers going over each other's heads, officers being suspended, officers working unofficially, officers working unofficially with the press, officers being demoted etc etc. It didn't make you feel as if crime fighting was safe in their hands. On the plus side, Colin's character and dilemma felt realistic and therefore tragic.

If you enjoyed the first two in this series, I think you would like this instalment too.

[Sandra McCourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 3rd and his third I have read of this author. I’m finding the more I read the better the plots get. This one is no exception. It begins with a man being beaten up and they I. d him but then it turns out he is someone else completely. There are twists aplenty in this book. Links to major gangsters turned ‘good’ did he or didn’t he etc. the character of Denning is good. Don’t get much of him in his private life but DS Molly is my favourite at the moment. She is a tenacious cop out to prove herself and doesn’t mind bending rules a little to get what she wants. DI Denning needs to step up to Mollys plate. The plot is deep dark and on point. The characters are great in it and the story is heartbreakingly real . I’m looking forward to the next one

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the first third of this book I would have given it a three star. In the end, it would have received a five star but there were a few too many bits that stood in the way.
It was a convoluted story. There were a lot of moving parts. It starts with one murder and proceeds from there. The first is not the only murder, there was a brutal attack and much politics. There were at least ten characters who played significant roles in this story. It's too complicated to give a concise description, but it all works well together.

Almost five stars.

[Farida · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley and Hera books for an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I think if i would have to describe this book in word, it'd be disappointing.
The story started really well with the death of an ex-copper, a kind of introduction to the members of the police team, but after that point it started to get out of hands.
Sudden clues started to appear, lots of monotonous dialogues, the pace became so slow.
The ending wasn't finished in the best ways,too.
So overall, it was a little bit boring

[Lin Perrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy. A man is discovered in a dingy flat in North London with his throat cut and tape over his mouth. DI Matt Denning is called to the scene and the victim is soon named as a former DCI at the Met. Denning and his team including DS Molly Fisher start digging. They discover shocking crimes dating back 30 years involving very influential people. A face paced brilliant read.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a promising series featuring DS Molly Fisher and DI Denning. When the body of a former police officer is discovered in a seedy flat, the team are called to investigate. Secrets and lies are uncovered in the darker side of London and the book flows at a steady pace. It's a good solid read, with an interesting plot, and an enjoyable one. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Sophie Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I did start them in the wrong order I think. This is the first book I read since getting back into reading after years. I have got know no evil too but haven’t read it yet. I liked how it was easy to understand what’s going on as I haven’t read in years. I also love crime too so I enjoyed it quite a lot :)

[Donna Bradley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book I've read from this series. Unfortunately the only words I really have for it are lacking, dull and flat. The storyline has the potential to be a great read but the characters and writing just didn't do justice to the idea sadly.

[Jayne Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did really enjoy this book. So many are the American justice system, but to read this and how the police are under such pressures from so many angles but also alongside a gripping story line was truly enjoyable.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the DI Denning and DS Fisher series. I enjoyed this one a lot more than the other book I have read in this series. A really good police procedural that was believable and gripping

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Linda Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Darkness Within Graeme Hampton
This is book 3 in the series, and while it reads well as a standalone, I think I would have benefitted from reading the previous two books.
The story held my attention right the way through, and I liked Detectives Denning and Fischer.
The book starts with a murder and viscous assault, they seem unconnected, but are they? There is a race against time, and lives are at risk, I particularly liked the ending as the pace really picked up.

[Cynthia Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I didn't really enjoy this one but I didn't realize it was 3rd in a series until I was done reading it so that might have been part of the reason.