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Violet Darger #5.5
Into the Abyss
"Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster. For when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." -Friedrich Nietzsche
The Violet Darger series continues with this gripping novella, Into the Abyss.
Will Violet Darger agree to a face to face meeting with the man who shot her?
Still awaiting trial, infamous serial killer Leonard Stump has hinted at the locations of additional bodies — more desert graves waiting to be uncovered. He wants to talk, but he has one condition. Violet Darger must be present at the interview.
Now the pressure is on. Should Darger head to Vegas and sit down with Stump? Everyone else seems to think so.
It’s a chance to close some cases and give families closure, they say. A chance to learn something crucial about the criminal mind, they say. A chance to do something good.
So why does Darger feel like it’s all going to go terribly wrong?
While the Violet Darger novels can be read in any order, we recommend reading this short after having read the earlier books in the series. Here is the full list of Darger books in chronological
Dead End Girl (Violet Darger Book 1) Image in a Cracked Mirror (Violet Darger Book 1.5) Killing Season (Violet Darger Book 2) The Last Victim (Violet Darger Book 2.5) The Girl in the Sand (Violet Darger Book 3) Bad Blood (Violet Darger Book 4) Five Days Post Mortem (Violet Darger Book 5) Into the Abyss (Violet Darger Book 5.5)
The Violet Darger series continues with this gripping novella, Into the Abyss.
Will Violet Darger agree to a face to face meeting with the man who shot her?
Still awaiting trial, infamous serial killer Leonard Stump has hinted at the locations of additional bodies — more desert graves waiting to be uncovered. He wants to talk, but he has one condition. Violet Darger must be present at the interview.
Now the pressure is on. Should Darger head to Vegas and sit down with Stump? Everyone else seems to think so.
It’s a chance to close some cases and give families closure, they say. A chance to learn something crucial about the criminal mind, they say. A chance to do something good.
So why does Darger feel like it’s all going to go terribly wrong?
While the Violet Darger novels can be read in any order, we recommend reading this short after having read the earlier books in the series. Here is the full list of Darger books in chronological
Dead End Girl (Violet Darger Book 1) Image in a Cracked Mirror (Violet Darger Book 1.5) Killing Season (Violet Darger Book 2) The Last Victim (Violet Darger Book 2.5) The Girl in the Sand (Violet Darger Book 3) Bad Blood (Violet Darger Book 4) Five Days Post Mortem (Violet Darger Book 5) Into the Abyss (Violet Darger Book 5.5)
123 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2020
442 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Vargus
52 books1,087 followersLex 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
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 8, 2025
Police procedural, my favorite type of mystery. This is a short novella. It might be short but it's very very good. All of the books in the Agent Violet Darger series have been excellent so far. I highly recommend this series, you should give it a try.
September 22, 2019
Into the Abyss follows Violet Darger in her continued employment with Prescott Consulting and her indecision about going back to the FBI. However, her latest assignment has her confronting Leonard Stumpf, to say any more about this story would risk providing spoilers, and as a Violet Darger fan that would be unconscionable. If you are a fan of the Violet Darger stories this is a must read, while it is a quick read it is filled with content that cannot be missed! I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
September 24, 2019
Well Violet Darger is back. L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain wrote a very edgy novella. Violet ends up facing Leonard Stump. Needless to say Stump is up to playing games. Even knowing Stump is up to something Violet found herself. I saw a lot of foreshadowing in this book. I believe it is a great setup book for future stories. In my opinion, if you are a Violet Darger fan this is a must read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
September 21, 2019
Just finished! OMG, anything new from these two I just gobble up - so so glad I found them.
December 29, 2020
A quick read with Darger facing Leonard Stump again. Leonard, thankfully locked up awaiting trial, offers up the location of some of his victims only if he can see Darger once again. Some secrets are revealed, Prescott shows her true colors, and Darger makes some hard choices. A great read.
October 13, 2019
Violet Darger is back and brazenly wielding that give-a-shit-attitude readers love. If you were eagerly awaiting that big decision of a cliff hanger left unresolved in the last full length novel, Vargus & McBain, finally give readers answers. The only complaint is that there weren’t enough chapters!! I ❤️ Violet! 5 stars!
April 2, 2020
Love the Darger series
Great little read! Excellent follow up to the Leonard Stump case. Cannot wait for book seven to come out. Five star series and book.
Great little read! Excellent follow up to the Leonard Stump case. Cannot wait for book seven to come out. Five star series and book.
January 20, 2021
Great story
I love this series and look forward to more. From a fan up north. Thank you for writing these page turners
I love this series and look forward to more. From a fan up north. Thank you for writing these page turners
April 24, 2020
Missing Pieces
The novellas are really helpful for providing the closure and answers that the novels don't, but I am not really sure why the novels themselves leave the missing pieces to be explained. Other writers don't do explanatory novellas between novels. Still, each short work is enjoyable by itself, and they may be fun to write.
The novellas are really helpful for providing the closure and answers that the novels don't, but I am not really sure why the novels themselves leave the missing pieces to be explained. Other writers don't do explanatory novellas between novels. Still, each short work is enjoyable by itself, and they may be fun to write.
March 16, 2021
Violet Darger is still on leave fron the FBI and is approached once again by a private company to work on a serial killer case but this one has a big difference. She is asked to revisit her past, a nightmare from her past. Her initial reaction is a firm no but manipulation from the head of the private company has her rethinking her decision.
Then she has another big decision to make, does she return to the BAU of the FBI? To return to a different job within law i for cement? To quit law enforcement completely and try something else.
For a novella there is quite a lot packed in. The usual McBain and Vargus great writing, wondering where the story will take you next, where the twists and turns will be.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one session book and would recommend to fans of the authors and of Violet Darger. Although you could read it as a stand alone parts would make more sense, especially the relationships and history of the characters, if you have read the previous Darger books already.
Then she has another big decision to make, does she return to the BAU of the FBI? To return to a different job within law i for cement? To quit law enforcement completely and try something else.
For a novella there is quite a lot packed in. The usual McBain and Vargus great writing, wondering where the story will take you next, where the twists and turns will be.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one session book and would recommend to fans of the authors and of Violet Darger. Although you could read it as a stand alone parts would make more sense, especially the relationships and history of the characters, if you have read the previous Darger books already.
April 8, 2025
Set in Las Vegas. 125 pp. This was fine; tough to read a middle-of-a-series novella without the full background of what has gone on before, but I think I managed to pick up the pertienent vibe. It was hard to feel much of a feeling of suspense or thrill with it being so short but, again, if I was reading through the series, this story would have likely been more suspenseful and engaging.
Into the Abyss (Violet Darger, #5.5) by L.T. Vargus
Into the Abyss (Violet Darger, #5.5) by L.T. Vargus
April 30, 2023
The end?
This short novella takes Violet Darger back to Las Vegas and Leonard Stump, the serial killer who so nearly added her to his list of victims. As well as wrapping up some remaining loose ends in the Stump case, Darger also comes to terms with her own demons and sets up the next tranche of the series. But have we heard the last of Leonard Stump? I guess we’ll have to keep reading to find out.
This short novella takes Violet Darger back to Las Vegas and Leonard Stump, the serial killer who so nearly added her to his list of victims. As well as wrapping up some remaining loose ends in the Stump case, Darger also comes to terms with her own demons and sets up the next tranche of the series. But have we heard the last of Leonard Stump? I guess we’ll have to keep reading to find out.
December 13, 2021
Wow !
So, Darger was able to meet up with the serial killer that she was instrumental in putting in to jail and getting some names and places from him. What a difficult thing and brave thing she has done. At least the parents of these girls have some closure. Can't wait for more stories.
So, Darger was able to meet up with the serial killer that she was instrumental in putting in to jail and getting some names and places from him. What a difficult thing and brave thing she has done. At least the parents of these girls have some closure. Can't wait for more stories.
March 1, 2022
awesome!
Each book in the Violet Darger series is a masterpiece of intrigue, education, and terror linked to serious crimes. I’ve read them all as well as the Victor Loshak series. I don’t usually review books, I’m not a critic. However, I will say that I’ve burned through both series with my heart beating, eyes widened, & loved them!!
Each book in the Violet Darger series is a masterpiece of intrigue, education, and terror linked to serious crimes. I’ve read them all as well as the Victor Loshak series. I don’t usually review books, I’m not a critic. However, I will say that I’ve burned through both series with my heart beating, eyes widened, & loved them!!
August 23, 2023
A fantastic series
I highly recommend reading all of these novellas, even though they are not listed with the original series. You can find the reading order in most of the books descriptions, or on the authors website. A must read.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
I highly recommend reading all of these novellas, even though they are not listed with the original series. You can find the reading order in most of the books descriptions, or on the authors website. A must read.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
March 6, 2024
Into the Abyss Review
Thus far, the entire Violet Darger series of books have been intelligent and thrilling, entertaining and humorous. Each book ticks the genre boxes of good reads as the stories progress, you can’t put them down.
Thus far, the entire Violet Darger series of books have been intelligent and thrilling, entertaining and humorous. Each book ticks the genre boxes of good reads as the stories progress, you can’t put them down.
June 24, 2020
Amazing
I just can’t get enough of this character and work by these authors- keep them coming! Each book gets better and better
I just can’t get enough of this character and work by these authors- keep them coming! Each book gets better and better
March 9, 2021
Awesome novella, Violet is still kicking ass and telling everyone where to put it 👏 👍 😄
April 22, 2021
Violet goes back to face her fears of Stump. Wish she had told Loshak and got him to go with her. Brilliantly written again. Read in one sitting.
August 5, 2021
Novellas are never as satisfying as I think they will be; expectation vs reality mismatch detected
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH THE AUDIOBOOK AND EBOOK VERSIONS
Enjoyed this short story, interesting, great narration and well written. I recommend it.
Enjoyed this short story, interesting, great narration and well written. I recommend it.
October 13, 2021
Into the Abyss
Wow…can’t stop reading this series about Violet Darger FBI agent. Serial killers beware! Agent Darger is smart and tough and she won’t stop until she finds you.
Wow…can’t stop reading this series about Violet Darger FBI agent. Serial killers beware! Agent Darger is smart and tough and she won’t stop until she finds you.
July 11, 2022
A great novella from one of my favorite series.
January 23, 2024
Couldn't put it down
I have been reading this series during my lunch break, now I'm late getting back to work! Love this series not a bad one yet.
I have been reading this series during my lunch break, now I'm late getting back to work! Love this series not a bad one yet.
August 28, 2024
I love Violet Darger! Hurry up September so I can start the next one on Audible!!
April 9, 2025
Glad she is back
Glad she is back! What a crazy book into a put cops the thinking! Glad that violet is back fighting crime and crazies
Glad she is back! What a crazy book into a put cops the thinking! Glad that violet is back fighting crime and crazies
September 21, 2025
Violet Darger never fails
I want another lone mystery of Violet Darger- this one was short and sweet but I need more a regular book.
I want another lone mystery of Violet Darger- this one was short and sweet but I need more a regular book.
May 10, 2021
Another fast paced mystery with Special Agent Violet Darger. Keeps you on your toes looking for the next twist in the plot.
October 14, 2019
What can I say? Vargus and McBain hit it out of the park again! Following the events of Five Days Post Mortem Violet is still deciding if she wants to be a consultant working for Margaret Prescott. Against her better judgement and avoiding contact with her former partner Loshak, Prescott convinces her to sit in on an interview with Leonard Stump. Stump says he has information on other bodies and will not disclose them without Violet present. Does he really have info or is he just playing games to get at her?
This was another great installment and kept me hooked from the first page. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes serial killer thrillers, it's one of my favorites, although you really cant lose with any of their series!
Thank you to L.T. Vargus & Tim McBain for the review copy.
This was another great installment and kept me hooked from the first page. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes serial killer thrillers, it's one of my favorites, although you really cant lose with any of their series!
Thank you to L.T. Vargus & Tim McBain for the review copy.
October 4, 2019
Sometimes you have to be used by a friend to grow. Awful I know but a hard truth. I'm this new addition to the Darger/Lorsack series we are brought up to date with Violet Darger. Violet is working with Prescott Consulting on assignment with her old friend Leonard Stumf. During this these meetings Violet finds herself again in a battle with Leonard.
Fans of this series won't want to miss this novella in this series. It works great as a tie in and as a stand alone.
I was received this ARC novella and decided to leave this review.
Fans of this series won't want to miss this novella in this series. It works great as a tie in and as a stand alone.
I was received this ARC novella and decided to leave this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews