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Violet Darger #7

Dark Passage

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The corpse juts from the heaping bulge of the landfill. Milky white flesh laid bare by the front loader's blade. Naked. Female. Face down in the garbage.

When three bodies turn up in a landfill outside of Philadelphia, FBI profiler Violet Darger heads to Pennsylvania to investigate. Right away there's a major complication.

The emaciated corpses appear to have been starved to death.

Darger arrives in time for the autopsies. Watches withered bodies laid out on the stainless steel slabs of the morgue, their faces crusted with sandy soil, skin pulled taut around knobby cheekbones.

What kind of a person could carry out such harsh acts? Figuring out the warped psychology might be the key to solving the case.

Forensic evidence helps Darger trace the bodies to a particular dumpster in West Philadelphia. It's the first step down the long, dark passage this case leads her through.

Because the city is full of deadly secrets -- horrors waiting beneath the surface.

In her most shocking and bizarre case yet, the darkness comes for Darger in a way it never has before. Surrounds her. Envelops her. Will she find her way back to the light?

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2021

1512 people are currently reading
1848 people want to read

About the author

L.T. Vargus

52 books1,101 followers
Lex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.

FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com

BOOKS BY LT VARGUS

The Violet Darger series



The Victor Loshak series


The Charlotte Winters series

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5 stars
3,093 (58%)
4 stars
1,598 (30%)
3 stars
495 (9%)
2 stars
88 (1%)
1 star
29 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
Profile Image for L.T. Vargus.
Author 52 books1,101 followers
Read
January 31, 2021
FINALLY!!! Violet Darger and Victor Loshak are back together in the 7th novel in the Violet Darger thriller series. Get your copy now: http://mybook.to/darkpassage



Praise for the Violet Darger series:
"Wow, just wow! If you like scare-you-half-to-death mystery books this is the one for you. It starts with a bang and just doesn't stop." -Ada Lavin

"If you are a fan of Silence of the Lambs, this book is a spiritual successor." -Amazon customer

"I devour each installment in this series the instant it is available." -Shelley R. Klouzal

Order your copy now: http://mybook.to/darkpassage

Profile Image for Erth.
4,680 reviews
October 27, 2021
In this great latest book, our intrepid hero's are asked to help the investigation of deaths involving a cult, dumpster & landfill crime scenes and some very scary experiences in darkened tunnels. An addicting read and a great read all the way through.
391 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2021
This is a good read. It is not quite as gripping as some of the books in the series but is still very good. I am looking forward to read more from these authors.
Profile Image for Wayward Readers Book Blog.
556 reviews14 followers
March 18, 2021
Violet Darger is back in all her smartass, snarky glory and what a wild ride! Veteran fans of the series have been patiently waiting for this book and it does not disappoint. The narrative is complex, fast paced, and even has a few laughs thrown in. Vargus and McBain have created a cast of odd and exquisite characters that keep the reader entertained page after page. When it all comes to an end the only thing you’ll want is more! Loved it!



#keepthelightson #violetdargerseries #alphabitchclub #badassbitches #teamowen #imnotscaredyourscared #bookish #bookstagram #allbookedup #bookbloggin #kindlegoals #readnow #ltvargus #theelusivetimmcbain
Profile Image for D. George.
339 reviews
June 8, 2021
As Usual...

...when we're with Darger and/or Loshak, these books are always at least good, and usually great. Interesting case in this one as well.
18 reviews
July 8, 2021
Captivating

This story is a non stopper. Read start to finish in one day. Literally couldn’t put it down. So many twists and turns. Now I can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Jim.
1,108 reviews19 followers
June 20, 2021
Book 7 in series. A very good read. A very good series. Violet travels to Philadelphia to unravel a weird mystery with four bodies showing up in a local land fill. Loshak is also along for the ride. Violet however carries the bulk of the book. Check out this very well done series.
1 review1 follower
June 3, 2021
Totally terrifying serial killer nightmare!

Kept my heart pounding with twists & turns throughout the storyline, right up to the very end! YIKES! Don't read this in a dark room!

66 reviews
June 1, 2021
Strange behavior

An unusual story but great characters! Twisted crime, strange happenings and dedicated cops along with the FBI go after the clues to capture the "bad guy"!
Profile Image for Laura.
19 reviews
March 11, 2021
Too short

I truly enjoy that these characters feel real and behave like real people, with quirks and peculiarities.
Awesome storytelling.
I find it hard to put any of these books down and can't wait for the next one.
7 reviews
February 20, 2021
Another great book . . .

I've been reading these book since the beginning of the Violet Darger series. I'm so glad to see Violet and Victor back together again. Those book have been my favorites. This was an exciting book , as usual. I wholly recommend it. Keep them coming.
Profile Image for Paulette Gerkovich.
86 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2021
I honestly don’t know why I keep reading this series. Maybe the books are like a slightly annoying friend who you kind of start to miss after you haven’t seen them for awhile. Then you get together and realize they still can’t write.
11 reviews
March 2, 2021
Another great gripper/nail-biter with Violet Darger at the helm! I love her grit, determination, and cut-throat bravery. She has her human side for sure—claustrophobia and some love-interest insecurities at times—but she becomes almost super-human when the situation demands it. And boy does it!

The masterminds behind it all—Vargus and McBain—prove once again that they can not only send you on a powerful thrilling ride, but they can immerse you in situations you’ve never experienced without you even realizing it. Their knack for subtle but educational imagery is uncanny, like I now know what it feels like to be inside of a hazmat suit even though I will probably never be near one myself. And I don’t know whether some subjects are just well researched, or one or both authors have lived some of the various situations. All I know is that when I do come across something in their books that I myself have experienced, it’s an almost spooky shot of reality—it is THAT good. Having personally experienced the perverse side of trying to communicate with shifty but “happy” cult leaders when my own sister disappeared over 40 years ago, I can honestly say that the impressions and insights surrounding Darger’s and Loshak’s time with “The Children of the Golden Path” are spot on!

Selfishly, I’m really hoping Vargus and McBain outlive me, and keep up this amazing writing pace of theirs, so that I never have to run out of their awesome books. Can’t wait for more expertly crafted creepiness and thrills with Darger, Loshak, and the rest! Thanks again.
Profile Image for Ada Lavin.
84 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2021
The title Dark Passage brilliantly sums up the new book by L.T. Vargas and Tim McBain. It takes you on a dark passage on the hunt for the newest twisted serial killer dreamed up by this talented team of writers for FBI profilers Darger and Loshak.

Never for the feint of heart, this book doesn't disappoint. Finding four bodies buried in Philadelphia's garage dump. Starved and dehydrated the bodies thrown away with the trash. Who would do such a thing and why. Did they get lost at the cult Children of the Golden Path? With the charismatic leader Curtis. What were his disciplines when you stepped out of line? Was it the strange character Worm who worked at the cult? Who couldn't be found now? Or was it someone else? Someone pulling the stings on everyone involved?

Vargas and McCain once again keep you guessing until the very end. Until they want you to know just what is going on in this book. That is a difficult thing for an author to do.

I'd like to thank L.T. Vargas and Tim McBain for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dawn Myers.
1,303 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2021
In my opinion L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain did not disappoint wit the seventh Violet Darger book. They give you suspense, mystery, blood, creepy, darkness and twist and turns. Dark Passage is a perfect title. For me the best part is Loshak and Violet were working together again. If you like FBI profiler stories, in my opinion this a perfect book for you. Some of the twist I saw coming from a mile away but I'm okay with that. L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain gives you three stories in one, Violet and Loshak, Lily and Cora, and Cowboy and Worm. Dark Passage kept me twisting. In my opinion Dark Passage is a on the edge of you seat page turner. I would highly recommend. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy.
Author 2 books
April 25, 2021
Loved so pleased to see Violet and Loshak working together once more - I've missed their interaction and teasing. I think this is the first time Violet doesn't end up hurt too badly. Well written once again. Can't wait to see how things go on from here though I worry about what happens when Loshak retires and where this leaves Violet as she doesn't have many friends on the force.

A bit surprised about Loshak back with Jan and it confused me for a bit but I guess will find out about that in his spin off books while Violet was off on her own. Must admit I didn't see that one coming with Luck but know he was not right for Violet just like Owen's not right either. Hopefully the next book will be out soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
118 reviews5 followers
February 2, 2021
This seventh installment of the Violet Darger series left me feeling like I needed to take a shower and sleep with the lights on. As McBain and Vargus get better and better, (near perfection at this point), of giving you one juicy, gruesome, chapter after another, their stories unfold leaving you unsettled and wanting more. This one was no exception. I am in awe of the graphic detail that these two authors put into every book in this series. Honestly, I could not put it down until I soaked up every last chilling word. Without giving any of the story line away, a great deal of Dark Passage happens in the title itself. Creepy as hell...which I would imagine, is one long dark passage in itself. Not to be missed.
218 reviews
March 30, 2021
Another winner

L.T. Vargas says she wants to spend the rest of her life "writing creepy stuff." She sure got it creepy enough with this one! Dark Passage deals with a lot of underground scenes...tunnels and caves, both of which give me the creeps. This writing duo describes the scenes so well, you feel like you are there. I was actually glad to reach the end of this one.
This series is exceptionally well-written and edited. Fast paced, gripping, likeable realistic heroes and evil-personified villains. No fluff, no fillers, just a darn good story!
Profile Image for Lisa Reid.
8 reviews
February 4, 2021
Darger & Loshak together again

Violet Darger and Victor Loshak are working a case together again. I've missed them working together so I'm glad they're together again. What can I say other than this is another fantastic, dark, twisted, and smelly (I caught myself also breathing through my mouth) read by Vargus and McBain. The stink doesn't last long. A lot happens from the beginning to the end and it's very fast paced. I am not disappointed.
180 reviews
February 6, 2021
Good book

I really liked this story it had a few twist and turns I did not expect at all.. These are my two very favorite authors. Together they make an awesome team. This book wasn't all the way crazy which gave me some opportunity to put it down and go to work in the middle.
To the editor.:
I've never found typos in vargas/mcbain books before but I counted 4. They were reiterated text, not actual typos. Maybe have a new eye test read it
Profile Image for Heather.
Author 1 book26 followers
February 13, 2021
Whew, this one was quite a ride. It was creepy, thrilling, and twisty--everything you'd expect from Vargus and McBain books. The writing is superb, keeping me just as engaged as the plot did. I couldn't wait to find out how all the pieces connected, so this was a page-turner for sure. Bonus points for the vivid characters and a kick-ass cover. I can't wait for the next book in this series to see where Violet Darger ends up next!
Profile Image for Keysman Keith Cannon.
161 reviews
June 27, 2021
Loshak and Darger at it again

This became a new favorite from the Violet Darger series, as bodies were uncovered at a local landfill. Four bodies found, all women, stumped the local authorities so Loshak and Darger were called to investigate. After Loshak was called away, Violet was alone. It took awhile for Darger to realize that local girls from a mining town were disappearing. As. Darger investigated, she began to feel that a local miner was involved somehow, so She followed him into the mine. Danger Darger as she narrows down the field to one miner that she follows into the mine as part of the investigation. What could go wrong? Almost everything!

Well written and filled with suspense. Enjoy!

Well written and full of s
Profile Image for Lisa Kuhn.
16 reviews
March 30, 2021
Great book once again! Violet Darger proves once again how fearless she is by fighting with a murderer in a darkened cave with absolutely no light and no idea in which direction she should proceed. She was not daunted by this at all. She did it singlehandedly, chasing him into the waiting arms of her fellow officers. She solved the murder! I can hardly wait to see what is next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
827 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2021
Very entertaining

Heart pounding, exciting, page turning novel with Violet Darger. Tunnels, lots of dark dank tunnels. Four victims discovered in the dump in Pennsylvania. Good story except where Darger goes alone to another house owned by their suspect. That part is unbelievable.
10 reviews
May 18, 2021
Final book?

I like to read an entire series before I pass judgment. Well this was the last one…..so far. I sincerely hope there will be more. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. It delivers what is promised. Each book is a unique thriller plunging Violet into new dangers. I stayed riveted to my tablet through each of the seven stories. This last book ended with a cliffhanger so I’m hoping there’s more to come.
22 reviews
February 7, 2021
I love this series but this last book, by far, was the scariest one yet. I had to keep putting it down to catch my breath but you’ll have to read it to know what took my breath away! No spoiler but honestly, don’t miss and stay out of dark places!!
47 reviews
April 18, 2021
As the cover states A GRIPPING SERIAL KILLER THRILLER.
DARK PASSAGE is that and more. The authors have done a superb job with this I- can’t- put- it- down page turner. This is my first read by the authors and DARK PASSAGE exceeded my expectations.
290 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2021
More Please!

I love your Father & Loshak books! They are so well written& they hold the reader's attention. I always have to read the entire book in one sitting - I can't stand tone interrupted! I am looking forward to be next book. I hope it comes out soon!
Profile Image for Vicki Gilbertson.
425 reviews11 followers
February 6, 2021
Violet and Victor back together again! One hell of a ride that is for sure. Some really crazy stuff and digging their way up and out of things.
Profile Image for Sandra Raver.
12 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2021
Can’t get enough of Special Agents Darger and Loshak! Keep the series going LT and Tim! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews

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