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The Dark
🎧Listening Length = 13 hours and 25 minutes
A “superlative locked-room mystery” (The Sunday Times): Doctor Kate North thought that traveling to an Antarctica research station would be a fresh start — until she realizes that the death of the doctor she’s replacing might not have been an accident… “The kind of heart-pounding, sleep-stealing read that you want to recommend to everyone” (USA Today bestselling author Cass Green).
ONE DEAD BODY
TWELVE SUSPECTS
TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR DARKNESS
In the most inhospitable environment - cut off from the rest of the world - there's a killer on the loose!
A&E doctor Kate North has been knocked out of her orbit by a personal tragedy. So when she's offered the chance to be an emergency replacement at the UN research station in Antarctica, she jumps at the chance. The previous doctor, Jean-Luc, died in a tragic accident while out on the ice.
The move seems an ideal solution for Kate: no one knows about her past; no one is checking up on her. But as total darkness descends for the winter, she begins to suspect that Jean-Luc's death wasn't accidental at all. And the more questions she asks, the more dangerous it becomes for them all . .
A “superlative locked-room mystery” (The Sunday Times): Doctor Kate North thought that traveling to an Antarctica research station would be a fresh start — until she realizes that the death of the doctor she’s replacing might not have been an accident… “The kind of heart-pounding, sleep-stealing read that you want to recommend to everyone” (USA Today bestselling author Cass Green).
ONE DEAD BODY
TWELVE SUSPECTS
TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR DARKNESS
In the most inhospitable environment - cut off from the rest of the world - there's a killer on the loose!
A&E doctor Kate North has been knocked out of her orbit by a personal tragedy. So when she's offered the chance to be an emergency replacement at the UN research station in Antarctica, she jumps at the chance. The previous doctor, Jean-Luc, died in a tragic accident while out on the ice.
The move seems an ideal solution for Kate: no one knows about her past; no one is checking up on her. But as total darkness descends for the winter, she begins to suspect that Jean-Luc's death wasn't accidental at all. And the more questions she asks, the more dangerous it becomes for them all . .
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2021
366 people are currently reading
9357 people want to read
About the author
Emma Haughton
24 books180 followersThe Dark, Emma Haughton’s chilling new thriller for adults, will be published by Hodder in August 2021.
Emma grew up in Sussex; after a stint au pairing in Paris and a couple of half-hearted attempts to backpack across Europe, she studied English at Oxford University then trained in journalism. During her career as a journalist, she wrote many articles for national newspapers, including regular pieces for the Times Travel section.
Following publication of her picture book, Rainy Day, Emma wrote three YA novels. Her first, Now You See Me, was an Amazon bestseller and nominated for the Carnegie and Amazing Book Awards. Better Left Buried, her second, was one of the best YA reads for 2015 in the Sunday Express. Her third YA novel, Cruel Heart Broken, was picked by The Bookseller as a top YA read for July 2016.
Find out more at www.emmahaughton.com or www.facebook.com/emmahaughtonwriter. Or get in touch via Twitter: @Emma_Haughton
Emma grew up in Sussex; after a stint au pairing in Paris and a couple of half-hearted attempts to backpack across Europe, she studied English at Oxford University then trained in journalism. During her career as a journalist, she wrote many articles for national newspapers, including regular pieces for the Times Travel section.
Following publication of her picture book, Rainy Day, Emma wrote three YA novels. Her first, Now You See Me, was an Amazon bestseller and nominated for the Carnegie and Amazing Book Awards. Better Left Buried, her second, was one of the best YA reads for 2015 in the Sunday Express. Her third YA novel, Cruel Heart Broken, was picked by The Bookseller as a top YA read for July 2016.
Find out more at www.emmahaughton.com or www.facebook.com/emmahaughtonwriter. Or get in touch via Twitter: @Emma_Haughton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 817 reviews
July 27, 2021
Emma Haughton writes a thriller set in the vast unforgiving, desolate landscape of the Antarctic, beautiful but hostile. particularly in the winter months when the dark descends on the region. It is 2021, the flawed A&E Dr Kate North is left traumatised and broken after a personal tragedy, struggling to cope, so when she is offered the opportunity of becoming a relief medic on an Antarctic research station looking after a 12 member team, she jumps at the chance, becoming the 13th team member. However, whether she is really in a position to fulfill the duties required, given the current state of her mental health, in such a remote and bleak location, cut off from the world for the winter months is not something she considered, and neither, suprisingly, do those who recruit her for such a challenging position.
The troubled Kate is replacing her predecessor, Jean-Luc, who met with an accident, something she soon becomes aware that not everyone believes it was an accident, suspicions, paranoia and tensions run rife on the station. The pill popping Kate is not made to feel unwelcome and feels the hostility, and makes poor decisions, and there is a killer amongst them as she embarks on a dangerous, chilling and twisted investigation, and we learn of her past in the narrative. There are many aspects of this locked room mystery I enjoyed, chief among them the atmospheric and rich descriptions of the harsh and frozen Antarctic landscape. However, I found it difficult to invest in any of the characters, including Kate.
Overall, this is a claustrophobic, dark and engaging read for the most part, but the mystery part was not as compelling as I would have liked. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
The troubled Kate is replacing her predecessor, Jean-Luc, who met with an accident, something she soon becomes aware that not everyone believes it was an accident, suspicions, paranoia and tensions run rife on the station. The pill popping Kate is not made to feel unwelcome and feels the hostility, and makes poor decisions, and there is a killer amongst them as she embarks on a dangerous, chilling and twisted investigation, and we learn of her past in the narrative. There are many aspects of this locked room mystery I enjoyed, chief among them the atmospheric and rich descriptions of the harsh and frozen Antarctic landscape. However, I found it difficult to invest in any of the characters, including Kate.
Overall, this is a claustrophobic, dark and engaging read for the most part, but the mystery part was not as compelling as I would have liked. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
April 12, 2021
3.5
It’s 12th February 2021 and the start of Dr Kate North’s year as a doctor for the United Nations Antarctic Ice Station (UNA). She’s been sent as replacement for the previous doctor, Jean-Luc, who dies in a tragic accident and it’s also a fresh start for Kate. She’s to care for the Winter Team of 12, Kate making it 13, unlucky for some. Kate narrates the tale.
This is a locked room mystery set in a vast inhospitable ice wilderness as winter dark descends. There are some good descriptions especially at the beginning especially of the silence, the cold, the impact of the altitude and it’s a great setting for a thriller. It lends itself to creating and conveying a feeling of claustrophobia, you’re totally cut off as there’s no way out for months which makes for some genuine intensity in the storytelling. There are some twists and turns, there’s a bunch of suspects (well 12 if we exclude Kate!), it’s a bit creepy at times with tension ramping as temperatures plummet and the Antarctic dark cloaks all. It’s good on the dynamics of the team, there’s a feeling of wariness and treading on eggshells especially as the mystery surrounding Jean-Luc grows.
However, the main problem for me is Kate. She blunders about, opens her mouth and blurts things out which is hugely annoying whilst popping pills. Perhaps that’s why! Her circular thoughts are also irritating, things dawn on her too late, she makes foolish decisions and she’s a real Debbie Downer having a negative effect on the other characters. Then suddenly towards the end she assumes the role of leadership?!! One (or two) steps too far. There are a lot of characters too which is a bit confusing and this also means they’re not well fleshed out. There are some fortuitous finds and some statements of the obvious. The present day events are interspersed with Kate’s back story which has little bearing on events in Antarctica and that could have been given at the start as an explanation for her accepting the post. The last part is quite exciting although no real explanation is offered for the perpetrator’s actions.
Overall, it’s a great setting for this type of thriller and there are some good, enjoyable sections and with a better lead character I think it would be a winner!
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the arc in return for an honest review.
It’s 12th February 2021 and the start of Dr Kate North’s year as a doctor for the United Nations Antarctic Ice Station (UNA). She’s been sent as replacement for the previous doctor, Jean-Luc, who dies in a tragic accident and it’s also a fresh start for Kate. She’s to care for the Winter Team of 12, Kate making it 13, unlucky for some. Kate narrates the tale.
This is a locked room mystery set in a vast inhospitable ice wilderness as winter dark descends. There are some good descriptions especially at the beginning especially of the silence, the cold, the impact of the altitude and it’s a great setting for a thriller. It lends itself to creating and conveying a feeling of claustrophobia, you’re totally cut off as there’s no way out for months which makes for some genuine intensity in the storytelling. There are some twists and turns, there’s a bunch of suspects (well 12 if we exclude Kate!), it’s a bit creepy at times with tension ramping as temperatures plummet and the Antarctic dark cloaks all. It’s good on the dynamics of the team, there’s a feeling of wariness and treading on eggshells especially as the mystery surrounding Jean-Luc grows.
However, the main problem for me is Kate. She blunders about, opens her mouth and blurts things out which is hugely annoying whilst popping pills. Perhaps that’s why! Her circular thoughts are also irritating, things dawn on her too late, she makes foolish decisions and she’s a real Debbie Downer having a negative effect on the other characters. Then suddenly towards the end she assumes the role of leadership?!! One (or two) steps too far. There are a lot of characters too which is a bit confusing and this also means they’re not well fleshed out. There are some fortuitous finds and some statements of the obvious. The present day events are interspersed with Kate’s back story which has little bearing on events in Antarctica and that could have been given at the start as an explanation for her accepting the post. The last part is quite exciting although no real explanation is offered for the perpetrator’s actions.
Overall, it’s a great setting for this type of thriller and there are some good, enjoyable sections and with a better lead character I think it would be a winner!
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the arc in return for an honest review.
September 16, 2021
2.5 rounded to 3
This book had a great premise with all the elements that should have appealed to me. I love a 'locked-room' mystery, and its Antarctic location has the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen. Kate, the protagonist/narrator, and 12 murder suspects from different nations are stranded in the never-ending darkness at the UN research station in Antarctica. They will be there for eight months during the dark, freezing Antarctic winter until transportation comes for them the following summer. The last planes and ships have left with the summer workers. Bitter cold, 24 hour days of darkness, and turbulent weather conditions mean they must await summer for any rescue. The inhospitable temperatures, the endless ice fields with dangerous crevasses, the silence, the high altitude, and descending darkness keep the workers confined to the base unless their duties call for them to venture outside. The frozen, confining environment is creepy, hostile, and claustrophobic.
There is a great plot here, but the leading character was so annoying that it detracted from my enjoyment. When their popular doctor was killed on a field trip due to faulty equipment, blame and suspicion disrupted group dynamics, and the growing tension is tangible. Boredom and loneliness can lead to emotional problems and personal rivalries, and strife when not carrying out their duties. I assume the research station was inland as the area was devoid of wildlife. Penguins, sea lions, etc., would have relieved the monotony and given the workers some diversion and amusement.
Dr. Kate North has been recruited to work as a relief medic to the 12 remaining winter workers at this bleak, remote setting. It is a mystery how the screening overlooked her precarious mental state, resulting from a personal tragedy. We read about her fearful and twisted thoughts and her impulsive and rash actions. Kate is highly anxious, prone to panic attacks, paranoid, and worries that she is not up to the job and that no one will like her. She tends to blurt out thoughtless comments that result in hurt feelings and further tension and division in the group. Even worse, she gulps down a massive mixture of pills; pain killers, sleeping pills, tranquillizers, and other mind-altering medication. She steals pills meant for the station when her own supply becomes diminished and becomes increasingly unstable and forgetful. She cannot handle liquor well and, in a drunken state, has a one-night fling with Drew, an American field worker but tells him this must never happen again. She becomes attracted to Arne, a vehicle mechanic from Iceland.
There is antagonism and suspicion within the group. Some are hostile, blaming the Scottish field assistant, Alex, for neglecting maintenance and inspection and faulty equipment that led to the previous doctor's death. A few believe an unknown group member murdered the doctor. Kate becomes obsessed with the idea that her predecessor was deliberately killed, and now a new murder has occurred and may be related. She fears more of the winter group may be in danger from one of their own members. Kate begins to investigate, fearing for everyone's safety, and uncovers some clues and documents. The station manager sharply warns her not to interfere, or she will be locked in her room.
This indicates that Kate may be on the right track. Another murder and injury occur.
Unbelievably, Kate has muddled her way into the connections between the killings, but the serial killer's identity and some of the motivation are yet unknown. This places the group in further jeopardy. In a sudden, stunning turnaround, Kate assumes a leadership role. She performs a difficult and heroic lifesaving operation. The station's power and communications have been cut in the action-packed conclusion, plunging the rooms into blackness without heat, light or water. Someone is on the loose with a stolen gun. Shots ring out. The final twist is shocking and unbelievable, but the finale is satisfactory, with the killer finally revealed.
I loved the desolate setting and the edgy 'locked room' mystery. This would be a better story for me with a more likeable, better-adjusted, and less annoying protagonist.
This book had a great premise with all the elements that should have appealed to me. I love a 'locked-room' mystery, and its Antarctic location has the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen. Kate, the protagonist/narrator, and 12 murder suspects from different nations are stranded in the never-ending darkness at the UN research station in Antarctica. They will be there for eight months during the dark, freezing Antarctic winter until transportation comes for them the following summer. The last planes and ships have left with the summer workers. Bitter cold, 24 hour days of darkness, and turbulent weather conditions mean they must await summer for any rescue. The inhospitable temperatures, the endless ice fields with dangerous crevasses, the silence, the high altitude, and descending darkness keep the workers confined to the base unless their duties call for them to venture outside. The frozen, confining environment is creepy, hostile, and claustrophobic.
There is a great plot here, but the leading character was so annoying that it detracted from my enjoyment. When their popular doctor was killed on a field trip due to faulty equipment, blame and suspicion disrupted group dynamics, and the growing tension is tangible. Boredom and loneliness can lead to emotional problems and personal rivalries, and strife when not carrying out their duties. I assume the research station was inland as the area was devoid of wildlife. Penguins, sea lions, etc., would have relieved the monotony and given the workers some diversion and amusement.
Dr. Kate North has been recruited to work as a relief medic to the 12 remaining winter workers at this bleak, remote setting. It is a mystery how the screening overlooked her precarious mental state, resulting from a personal tragedy. We read about her fearful and twisted thoughts and her impulsive and rash actions. Kate is highly anxious, prone to panic attacks, paranoid, and worries that she is not up to the job and that no one will like her. She tends to blurt out thoughtless comments that result in hurt feelings and further tension and division in the group. Even worse, she gulps down a massive mixture of pills; pain killers, sleeping pills, tranquillizers, and other mind-altering medication. She steals pills meant for the station when her own supply becomes diminished and becomes increasingly unstable and forgetful. She cannot handle liquor well and, in a drunken state, has a one-night fling with Drew, an American field worker but tells him this must never happen again. She becomes attracted to Arne, a vehicle mechanic from Iceland.
There is antagonism and suspicion within the group. Some are hostile, blaming the Scottish field assistant, Alex, for neglecting maintenance and inspection and faulty equipment that led to the previous doctor's death. A few believe an unknown group member murdered the doctor. Kate becomes obsessed with the idea that her predecessor was deliberately killed, and now a new murder has occurred and may be related. She fears more of the winter group may be in danger from one of their own members. Kate begins to investigate, fearing for everyone's safety, and uncovers some clues and documents. The station manager sharply warns her not to interfere, or she will be locked in her room.
This indicates that Kate may be on the right track. Another murder and injury occur.
Unbelievably, Kate has muddled her way into the connections between the killings, but the serial killer's identity and some of the motivation are yet unknown. This places the group in further jeopardy. In a sudden, stunning turnaround, Kate assumes a leadership role. She performs a difficult and heroic lifesaving operation. The station's power and communications have been cut in the action-packed conclusion, plunging the rooms into blackness without heat, light or water. Someone is on the loose with a stolen gun. Shots ring out. The final twist is shocking and unbelievable, but the finale is satisfactory, with the killer finally revealed.
I loved the desolate setting and the edgy 'locked room' mystery. This would be a better story for me with a more likeable, better-adjusted, and less annoying protagonist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
Doctor Kate North has accepted the unique and exciting opportunity to be a winter replacement doctor for a thirteen member team station based in unforgiving Antarctica. Kate was an excellent A&E (accident & emergency) doctor but she encountered a horrific personal tragedy which included getting addicted to pain killers and now she only wants to gets a fresh start with her life and this sounds as if would be the perfect place to begin a new journey to free herself of all her demons. Unfortunately, Kate really wasn't prepared for the extreme and relentless, brutal conditions that her new home will hold for the next year and there will not be another relief plane for another six months no matter what happens on the base (even death). When Kate first arrived she was disappointed with the greeting she received, while she didn't expect a celebration, she never expected to be snubbed by several members who barely acknowledged her including her new boss. Kate wonders if she'll be able to overcome the difficulties that will present themselves and begins thinking she may have made a huge mistake. What The Heck Is She Doing in "No Man's Land!"
Unbeknownst to Kate there are many secrets simmering within the team just waiting for someone to dish them out and expose information that could bring about some serious repercussions and Kate just can't seem to leave well enough alone. There will be several, long months of total darkness to come and while Kate has get another secret (crippling,fear of the dark), she will discover that some of the secrets others are hiding could possibly bring about some seriously, dangerous situations and even possible, suspicious deaths, and if Kate doesn't stop her investigating and invasive snooping, she might find herself very much, alone in the dark while thinking she is safe from any predators, yet an unscrupulous and cold-blooded killer is only steps away watching Kate's every move in " The Dark"".
What a fantastic story! This is definitely my kind of book, while I'm partial to locked room mysteries I just crave dark, suspenseful stories based in the lonely cold or someone being isolated in a snowbound or frigid environment so this book checked off all the buttons for me and I wasn't disappointed. Exceptional writing pertaining to descriptions of the brutal, isolated conditions and also the great beauty that Antarctica holds for the viewer and somehow translates over to the reader. I enjoyed all the characters good or bad and I loved the deeply flawed Kate with all her personal and medical problems. Kate was a good person who was impulsive at times leading to some very poor decision making which caused strife among some of the team members disrupting the presumed harmony. Kate's addictions and trying to hide her sins made her a vulnerable, realistic and relatable character even when one doesn't want to think about health care professionals doing drugs or having addictions, sadly many do because they are human and capable of making many unfortunate errors as well as any other person but they need to be held to higher standards because the health professionals are holding the safety and the lives of others in their hands and they should be held accountable if they drink alcohol or use drugs to get high in any way while in their workplace. I just didn't want this story to end since I was so caught up in the mystery and drama and the frigid, bleak environment. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Emma Haughton's books and I highly recommend "The Dark" to any reader who enjoys a good story along with a frigid locked room mystery!
I want to thank the publisher "Mobius Books"/ Hodder & Stoughton" and Netgalley for this terrific and fun story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have give this enjoyable book a rating of 4 CLAUSTROPHOBIC AND FREEZING 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
Unbeknownst to Kate there are many secrets simmering within the team just waiting for someone to dish them out and expose information that could bring about some serious repercussions and Kate just can't seem to leave well enough alone. There will be several, long months of total darkness to come and while Kate has get another secret (crippling,fear of the dark), she will discover that some of the secrets others are hiding could possibly bring about some seriously, dangerous situations and even possible, suspicious deaths, and if Kate doesn't stop her investigating and invasive snooping, she might find herself very much, alone in the dark while thinking she is safe from any predators, yet an unscrupulous and cold-blooded killer is only steps away watching Kate's every move in " The Dark"".
What a fantastic story! This is definitely my kind of book, while I'm partial to locked room mysteries I just crave dark, suspenseful stories based in the lonely cold or someone being isolated in a snowbound or frigid environment so this book checked off all the buttons for me and I wasn't disappointed. Exceptional writing pertaining to descriptions of the brutal, isolated conditions and also the great beauty that Antarctica holds for the viewer and somehow translates over to the reader. I enjoyed all the characters good or bad and I loved the deeply flawed Kate with all her personal and medical problems. Kate was a good person who was impulsive at times leading to some very poor decision making which caused strife among some of the team members disrupting the presumed harmony. Kate's addictions and trying to hide her sins made her a vulnerable, realistic and relatable character even when one doesn't want to think about health care professionals doing drugs or having addictions, sadly many do because they are human and capable of making many unfortunate errors as well as any other person but they need to be held to higher standards because the health professionals are holding the safety and the lives of others in their hands and they should be held accountable if they drink alcohol or use drugs to get high in any way while in their workplace. I just didn't want this story to end since I was so caught up in the mystery and drama and the frigid, bleak environment. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Emma Haughton's books and I highly recommend "The Dark" to any reader who enjoys a good story along with a frigid locked room mystery!
I want to thank the publisher "Mobius Books"/ Hodder & Stoughton" and Netgalley for this terrific and fun story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have give this enjoyable book a rating of 4 CLAUSTROPHOBIC AND FREEZING 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
May 10, 2022
This had promise but lacked execution the setting in Antartica a place so isolated & barren where a murder takes place & twelve suspects.
Unfortunately I couldn’t feel anything as I got through this book it wasn’t thrilling at all couldn’t feel tension building throughout for me it was meh.
Unfortunately I couldn’t feel anything as I got through this book it wasn’t thrilling at all couldn’t feel tension building throughout for me it was meh.
June 11, 2025
Dr. Kate North is the newly arrived medical provider to a remote Antarctic research station, a replacement for the previous doctor Jean-Luc who died in a tragic fall on the ice. Suspicions swirl as to whether Jean-Luc's death was an accident or an act of foul play.
Two stars for the descriptions of the setting and glimpses of what life may be like on an isolated research station in such an inhospitable environment. But beyond that, I'm afraid The Dark was pretty disappointing. Fifty percent of this book was focused on interpersonal drama in the station, with a lot of sniping and grumpiness among the crew, and Kate putting her foot in her mouth time and time again with her new roomies, while swooning at the cute boys and indulging her pill addiction.
The MC is entirely unbelievable as a medical professional, especially one that went through what she claims early on was rigorous screening and training to get the job in Antarctica. Apparently, that screening didn't include blood tests that would have revealed a serious problem with opioids, and that training didn't include how to offer mental health counseling to the researchers at the station who would be dealing with extreme isolation, homesickness, and being confined in close quarters for a prolonged period of time. Nor did that training enable our hapless doctor to know how to respond to a variety of medical emergencies (or even harsh words!) without raiding the supply cabinet for the nearest pill packet. And did I mention she's afraid of the dark and has decided to spend months in Antarctica during polar night? That about sums up what you need to know about this doc's decision making skills.
At the 50% mark, another death happens but it's not all that shocking or even interesting, and Kate manages to bungle her investigative efforts into this newest tragedy at pretty much every turn.
Early in the book, one character mentions they are reading Dark Matter by Michelle Paver. My best advice to anyone looking for some polar chills would be to read that excellent book instead.
Two stars for the descriptions of the setting and glimpses of what life may be like on an isolated research station in such an inhospitable environment. But beyond that, I'm afraid The Dark was pretty disappointing. Fifty percent of this book was focused on interpersonal drama in the station, with a lot of sniping and grumpiness among the crew, and Kate putting her foot in her mouth time and time again with her new roomies, while swooning at the cute boys and indulging her pill addiction.
The MC is entirely unbelievable as a medical professional, especially one that went through what she claims early on was rigorous screening and training to get the job in Antarctica. Apparently, that screening didn't include blood tests that would have revealed a serious problem with opioids, and that training didn't include how to offer mental health counseling to the researchers at the station who would be dealing with extreme isolation, homesickness, and being confined in close quarters for a prolonged period of time. Nor did that training enable our hapless doctor to know how to respond to a variety of medical emergencies (or even harsh words!) without raiding the supply cabinet for the nearest pill packet. And did I mention she's afraid of the dark and has decided to spend months in Antarctica during polar night? That about sums up what you need to know about this doc's decision making skills.
At the 50% mark, another death happens but it's not all that shocking or even interesting, and Kate manages to bungle her investigative efforts into this newest tragedy at pretty much every turn.
Early in the book, one character mentions they are reading Dark Matter by Michelle Paver. My best advice to anyone looking for some polar chills would be to read that excellent book instead.
January 11, 2022
There are so many suspects and the atmosphere is brilliant!
Dutch review: https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2022...
Dutch review: https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2022...
June 6, 2021
Kate North signs up for a year as a doctor on the United Nations Antarctic Station after a personal tragedy, which has left her scarred and heart broken. Running away from her problems seemed a good idea, but – when she arrives – she is immediately struck by the less than welcoming atmosphere and an undercurrent of strained suspicion and animosity on the base. The previous doctor, Jean-Luc Bernas, died in an accident and it seems that not everyone believes it occurred without either negligence or more suspicious human intervention.
Although Kate is not a greatly sympathetic character, with her reliance on medication and rather blundering approach to problems, the setting is excellent and the remote research station, plunged into darkness, creates a compelling atmosphere. As Kate struggles with the cold, remote leadership of station leader, Sandrine, the suspicion of other members of the group and the desolation of feeling alone, the situation escalates and leads to danger and death.
Overall, this is a fairly typical mystery, but the setting makes up for my slight lack of empathy for the characters to make this an interesting read. Best read during the winter, rather than during the sunny summer weather, to get more out of the cold, creepy atmosphere. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Although Kate is not a greatly sympathetic character, with her reliance on medication and rather blundering approach to problems, the setting is excellent and the remote research station, plunged into darkness, creates a compelling atmosphere. As Kate struggles with the cold, remote leadership of station leader, Sandrine, the suspicion of other members of the group and the desolation of feeling alone, the situation escalates and leads to danger and death.
Overall, this is a fairly typical mystery, but the setting makes up for my slight lack of empathy for the characters to make this an interesting read. Best read during the winter, rather than during the sunny summer weather, to get more out of the cold, creepy atmosphere. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
September 5, 2021
One dead body, Twelve Suspects, Twenty Four Hour Darkness....
If that doesn’t have you intrigued!!! I have to say that I think this the first book that I have read set in Antartica. The whole atmosphere of the setting was creepy and intense the whole time. Never ending darkness and not knowing what was out there watching. The effort it took just to go outside with all the layers and protective clothing. Not for me at all. It felt cold just reading about it 🥶
The Dark follows A&E Doctor Kate North and her decision to travel to the UN research station in Antartica as the replacement doctor. The former doctor dies in an accident on the ice. When she gets there is is obvious that nobody wants to talk about it, and the more she does find out, the more it appears that it wasn’t an accident. So isolated and alone, fear sets in and then there is a body....
Highly recommend this intense thriller. Thanks to Hachette Australia for sending this advanced copy my way.
If that doesn’t have you intrigued!!! I have to say that I think this the first book that I have read set in Antartica. The whole atmosphere of the setting was creepy and intense the whole time. Never ending darkness and not knowing what was out there watching. The effort it took just to go outside with all the layers and protective clothing. Not for me at all. It felt cold just reading about it 🥶
The Dark follows A&E Doctor Kate North and her decision to travel to the UN research station in Antartica as the replacement doctor. The former doctor dies in an accident on the ice. When she gets there is is obvious that nobody wants to talk about it, and the more she does find out, the more it appears that it wasn’t an accident. So isolated and alone, fear sets in and then there is a body....
Highly recommend this intense thriller. Thanks to Hachette Australia for sending this advanced copy my way.
October 4, 2021
Doctor Kate North has accepted the unique and exciting opportunity to be a winter replacement doctor for a thirteen member team station based in unforgiving Antarctica. Kate was an excellent A&E (accident & emergency) doctor but she encountered a horrific personal tragedy which included getting addicted to pain killers and now she only wants to gets a fresh start with her life and this sounds as if would be the perfect place to begin a new journey to free herself of all her demons. Unfortunately, Kate really wasn't prepared for the extreme and relentless, brutal conditions that her new home will hold for the next year and there will not be another relief plane for another six months no matter what happens on the base (even death). When Kate first arrived she was disappointed with the greeting she received, while she didn't expect a celebration, she never expected to be snubbed by several members who barely acknowledged her including her new boss. Kate wonders if she'll be able to overcome the difficulties that will present themselves and begins thinking she may have made a huge mistake. What The Heck Is She Doing in "No Man's Land!" ) Unbeknownst to Kate there are many secrets simmering within the team just waiting for someone to dish them out and expose information that could bring about some serious repercussions and Kate just can't seem to leave well enough alone. There will be several, long months of total darkness to come and while Kate has get another secret (crippling,fear of the dark), she will discover that some of the secrets others are hiding could possibly bring about some seriously, dangerous situations and even possible, suspicious deaths, and if Kate doesn't stop her investigating and invasive snooping, she might find herself very much, alone in the dark while thinking she is safe from any predators, yet an unscrupulous and cold-blooded killer is only steps away watching Kate's every move in " The Dark".
What a fantastic story! This is definitely my kind of book, while I'm partial to locked room mysteries I just crave dark, suspenseful stories based in the lonely cold or someone being isolated in a snowbound or frigid environment so this book checked off all the buttons for me and I wasn't disappointed. Exceptional writing pertaining to descriptions of the brutal, isolated conditions and also the great beauty that Antarctica holds for the viewer and somehow translates over to the reader. I enjoyed all the characters good or bad and I loved the deeply flawed Kate with all her personal and medical problems. Kate was a good person who was impulsive at times leading to some very poor decision making which caused strife among some of the team members disrupting the presumed harmony. Kate's addictions and tying to hide her sins made her vulnerable, realistic and relatable even when one doesn't want to think about health care professionals doing drugs or having addictions, sadly many do because they are human and capable of making many unfortunate errors as well as any other person although they need to be held to higher standards because the health professionals are holding the safety and lives of others in their hands and they should be held accountable if they drink alcohol or use drugs to get high in any way while in their workplace. I just didn't want this story to end since I was so caught up in the mystery and drama and the frigid, bleak environment. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Emma Haughton's books and I highly recommend "The Dark" to any reader who enjoys a good story along with a frigid locked room mystery!
I want to thank the publisher "Mobius Books"/ Hodder & Stoughton" and Netgalley for this terrific and fun story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have give this enjoyable book a rating of 4 CLAUSTROPHOBIC AND FREEZING 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
What a fantastic story! This is definitely my kind of book, while I'm partial to locked room mysteries I just crave dark, suspenseful stories based in the lonely cold or someone being isolated in a snowbound or frigid environment so this book checked off all the buttons for me and I wasn't disappointed. Exceptional writing pertaining to descriptions of the brutal, isolated conditions and also the great beauty that Antarctica holds for the viewer and somehow translates over to the reader. I enjoyed all the characters good or bad and I loved the deeply flawed Kate with all her personal and medical problems. Kate was a good person who was impulsive at times leading to some very poor decision making which caused strife among some of the team members disrupting the presumed harmony. Kate's addictions and tying to hide her sins made her vulnerable, realistic and relatable even when one doesn't want to think about health care professionals doing drugs or having addictions, sadly many do because they are human and capable of making many unfortunate errors as well as any other person although they need to be held to higher standards because the health professionals are holding the safety and lives of others in their hands and they should be held accountable if they drink alcohol or use drugs to get high in any way while in their workplace. I just didn't want this story to end since I was so caught up in the mystery and drama and the frigid, bleak environment. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Emma Haughton's books and I highly recommend "The Dark" to any reader who enjoys a good story along with a frigid locked room mystery!
I want to thank the publisher "Mobius Books"/ Hodder & Stoughton" and Netgalley for this terrific and fun story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have give this enjoyable book a rating of 4 CLAUSTROPHOBIC AND FREEZING 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
February 6, 2025
Ta książka to istny kocioł. Potężny gar wypełniony potrawką, której składniki przywodzą mi na myśl kolejno:
a) opowiadania Bułhakowa ("Zapiski młodego lekarza", mówi to panu coś?)
b) Exitus Letalis, pióra naszej lokalnej mangaczki KattLett
c) czytaną nie tak dawno "Rozgrywkę" A. Reynolds
Zarówno rosyjskie nowele, jak i rodzimy wytwór mangowy wspominam z ogromną sympatią, zatem - niespodzianka - wcale nie trudno domyślić się, jak odebrałam "Mrok".
Nie było mowy o dobrym pierwszym wrażeniu. Obawiałam się kolejnej teenage dramy w wykonaniu nieskorych do dyskusji dorosłych, w której alkohol pełni rolę odrębnego bohatera. Na szczęście im dalej w lodową pustynię, tym lepiej. Zyskałam wprawdzie kolejne już potwierdzenie, że motyw zamkniętej przestrzeni nie może plasować się w kręgu moich ulubieńców. Zamiast intrygować, frustruje. Choć może jest to reakcja, którą powinno się traktować na równi, gdy idzie o pożądany feedback? Nie wiem - i chyba jeszcze długo nie chcę ponownie tego rozstrzygać.
Co do reszty, wciągnęłam się bez reszty. Dość zręcznie zobrazowana patowość - naturalnie pozorna - uzależnienia, ekstremalne warunki (niech pierwszy rzuci kamieniem ten, kto nie ugiąłby się pod ciężarem arktycznego lęku), wreszcie pełen wachlarz skrajnych reakcji, których wiarygodność wzmaga zarówno przestrzeń, jak i czas.
Cieszę się, że ten jeden raz intuicja mnie zawiodła - prawdziwie przednia rozrywka!
a) opowiadania Bułhakowa ("Zapiski młodego lekarza", mówi to panu coś?)
b) Exitus Letalis, pióra naszej lokalnej mangaczki KattLett
c) czytaną nie tak dawno "Rozgrywkę" A. Reynolds
Zarówno rosyjskie nowele, jak i rodzimy wytwór mangowy wspominam z ogromną sympatią, zatem - niespodzianka - wcale nie trudno domyślić się, jak odebrałam "Mrok".
Nie było mowy o dobrym pierwszym wrażeniu. Obawiałam się kolejnej teenage dramy w wykonaniu nieskorych do dyskusji dorosłych, w której alkohol pełni rolę odrębnego bohatera. Na szczęście im dalej w lodową pustynię, tym lepiej. Zyskałam wprawdzie kolejne już potwierdzenie, że motyw zamkniętej przestrzeni nie może plasować się w kręgu moich ulubieńców. Zamiast intrygować, frustruje. Choć może jest to reakcja, którą powinno się traktować na równi, gdy idzie o pożądany feedback? Nie wiem - i chyba jeszcze długo nie chcę ponownie tego rozstrzygać.
Co do reszty, wciągnęłam się bez reszty. Dość zręcznie zobrazowana patowość - naturalnie pozorna - uzależnienia, ekstremalne warunki (niech pierwszy rzuci kamieniem ten, kto nie ugiąłby się pod ciężarem arktycznego lęku), wreszcie pełen wachlarz skrajnych reakcji, których wiarygodność wzmaga zarówno przestrzeń, jak i czas.
Cieszę się, że ten jeden raz intuicja mnie zawiodła - prawdziwie przednia rozrywka!
October 23, 2022
Pulled in by the synopsis. UN base station in Antartica, preparing to hunker down for winter. No light, no plane, no one else but the few winter crew members for the next 6 months! In typical fashion, every one has their own secrets. The main character, Kate, is a last minute substitute for the base's previous doctor. As he tragically and unexpectedly died in an accident, an accident with more questions than answers.
As the story continues, we learn a bit more about the other crew members. Then not before long a crew member is found dead. Dead or murdered? While unexpected mechanical and infrastructure problems begin to occur with the base. Another member is found dead. As if a mysterious death of yet another crew member had not stroked their fear. If the base continues to break down, and they lose their heat source. The remaining crew members begin to believe if they are to die. The "how" will be determined by the winner of the race: The Killer or 50 below temperatures.
Ultimately enjoyed reading this story. There was certainly room for more edge; more suspense in the writing. Overall a decent 3 to 3.5 star read.
*Thank you to Mobius Books, Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley for the DRC!
As the story continues, we learn a bit more about the other crew members. Then not before long a crew member is found dead. Dead or murdered? While unexpected mechanical and infrastructure problems begin to occur with the base. Another member is found dead. As if a mysterious death of yet another crew member had not stroked their fear. If the base continues to break down, and they lose their heat source. The remaining crew members begin to believe if they are to die. The "how" will be determined by the winner of the race: The Killer or 50 below temperatures.
Ultimately enjoyed reading this story. There was certainly room for more edge; more suspense in the writing. Overall a decent 3 to 3.5 star read.
*Thank you to Mobius Books, Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley for the DRC!
July 12, 2022
A fun isolation thriller that has lots of claustrophobia and atmosphere with the snowy Antarctic setting; however, I found the main character pretty blah to follow and that kept this from being a standout. Still, perfectly entertaining if not memorable
May 4, 2021
I'm a huge fan of interesting settings. The setting here - a small research station in Antarctica, in mid-winter with 24-hours darkness for months on end - is one of the most dangerous and original settings I've ever come across. So it's no surprise that I LOVED this book!
The icy environment seems dangerous enough at the start of the book. But later in the story, when the temperature plunges and the lights go out leaving us in total darkness, tension ramps up to a totally chilling level.
I always love books that take me to a strange new world and let me experience life in the shoes of the people who live there. The author does exactly that here, providing a fascinating insight into what life in Antarctica is actually like: the protective clothing they have to wear outside to protect them from the deadly cold - they'd die in minutes without it; the limited diet (no fresh fruit or vegetables for months on end), the lifestyle, blood tests, mid-winter festivities, and more chillingly: accidents and medical problems and improvised emergency medical treatments.
There are constant reminders of the harsh cold just beyond the glass and ominous hints of how the darkness and isolation have been known to drive people mad.
The tiny details made the setting seem totally authentic. Someone grows hydroponic vegetables, and the pitifully small lettuce leaves are savoured by the group; the main character, a doctor, eyes the dental forceps praying she never has to use them. One character creates a homemade putting green to practice her golf, some characters find the motivation to work out, others turn to alcohol or sink into depression. It got me wondering how I would spend my 'day' if there was 24-hours darkness for weeks on end.
I loved the diverse cast of characters and didn't guess who the killer was. They all seemed suspicious, with lots of dark secrets gradually being revealed, so I kept changing my mind.
I think The Dark will appeal to fans of Sarah Pearse's novel The Sanatorium, which I also loved. Both novels have a strong but troubled female main character, great writing with a really strong sense of place, a largish cast of characters who are strangers with secrets, isolated cold settings and a truly sinister feel.
This was one totally chilling read! I think it's going to be a huge hit.
The icy environment seems dangerous enough at the start of the book. But later in the story, when the temperature plunges and the lights go out leaving us in total darkness, tension ramps up to a totally chilling level.
I always love books that take me to a strange new world and let me experience life in the shoes of the people who live there. The author does exactly that here, providing a fascinating insight into what life in Antarctica is actually like: the protective clothing they have to wear outside to protect them from the deadly cold - they'd die in minutes without it; the limited diet (no fresh fruit or vegetables for months on end), the lifestyle, blood tests, mid-winter festivities, and more chillingly: accidents and medical problems and improvised emergency medical treatments.
There are constant reminders of the harsh cold just beyond the glass and ominous hints of how the darkness and isolation have been known to drive people mad.
The tiny details made the setting seem totally authentic. Someone grows hydroponic vegetables, and the pitifully small lettuce leaves are savoured by the group; the main character, a doctor, eyes the dental forceps praying she never has to use them. One character creates a homemade putting green to practice her golf, some characters find the motivation to work out, others turn to alcohol or sink into depression. It got me wondering how I would spend my 'day' if there was 24-hours darkness for weeks on end.
I loved the diverse cast of characters and didn't guess who the killer was. They all seemed suspicious, with lots of dark secrets gradually being revealed, so I kept changing my mind.
I think The Dark will appeal to fans of Sarah Pearse's novel The Sanatorium, which I also loved. Both novels have a strong but troubled female main character, great writing with a really strong sense of place, a largish cast of characters who are strangers with secrets, isolated cold settings and a truly sinister feel.
This was one totally chilling read! I think it's going to be a huge hit.
February 7, 2021
This reminded me of the Point Horror books I read as a teen. Creepy, but might as well have advertised the murderer with a huge neon sign.
What it did well was atmosphere. I loved the feeling of being stuck in Antarctica (especially as I'd just finished a monster thriller set in the Artic)-- the sense of disconnection, deadly cold, and no way out. If the main character had been even a smidgen more appealing, this might have worked better, but she blunders about accusing everyone and their mum.
Overall a fun read, but nothing memorable.
ARC via Netgalley.
What it did well was atmosphere. I loved the feeling of being stuck in Antarctica (especially as I'd just finished a monster thriller set in the Artic)-- the sense of disconnection, deadly cold, and no way out. If the main character had been even a smidgen more appealing, this might have worked better, but she blunders about accusing everyone and their mum.
Overall a fun read, but nothing memorable.
ARC via Netgalley.
August 28, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
After the tragic death of the station doctor, Jean-Luc, at the UN Research Base in Antarctica, A&E doctor Kate North arrives to replace him. She will spend the next twelve months looking after the staff, which over the winter will mean there are just thirteen of them.
Kate applied for the job after a tragic accident in which she was badly injured and her partner was killed. Still grieving and on high-dose pain medication she sees the challenge of working in Antarctica as a way of starting again, it isn’t long though before she is unsure she has made the right decision.
Kate starts to suspect that someone on the base killed Jean-Luc but the more she pushes for answers the more danger she puts herself in.
I’ve read a few books set in desolate lands and have always enjoyed the feeling of stillness, claustrophobia, and tension that they bring and The Dark was no different, in fact, setting a thriller in such a cutoff, isolate place is perfect. It certainly makes the plot feel intense and urgent. Author Emma Haughton has done a great job of creating scenery so vividly that it made me feel chilly whilst reading.
The Dark came across as a modern-day Whodunit in that Kate realises that someone on the base killed her predecessor Jean-Luc and that any one of the other twelve crew members could be the culprit as they were all present the day he fell to his death and she will stop at nothing to uncover who the killer is.
I became fully invested in the characters. You do have to wait until right near the end to discover which crew member killed Jean-Luc though I had my suspicions from around halfway through. The Dark was an enjoyable, eerie thriller that was fast-paced and absorbing right from the off.
After the tragic death of the station doctor, Jean-Luc, at the UN Research Base in Antarctica, A&E doctor Kate North arrives to replace him. She will spend the next twelve months looking after the staff, which over the winter will mean there are just thirteen of them.
Kate applied for the job after a tragic accident in which she was badly injured and her partner was killed. Still grieving and on high-dose pain medication she sees the challenge of working in Antarctica as a way of starting again, it isn’t long though before she is unsure she has made the right decision.
Kate starts to suspect that someone on the base killed Jean-Luc but the more she pushes for answers the more danger she puts herself in.
I’ve read a few books set in desolate lands and have always enjoyed the feeling of stillness, claustrophobia, and tension that they bring and The Dark was no different, in fact, setting a thriller in such a cutoff, isolate place is perfect. It certainly makes the plot feel intense and urgent. Author Emma Haughton has done a great job of creating scenery so vividly that it made me feel chilly whilst reading.
The Dark came across as a modern-day Whodunit in that Kate realises that someone on the base killed her predecessor Jean-Luc and that any one of the other twelve crew members could be the culprit as they were all present the day he fell to his death and she will stop at nothing to uncover who the killer is.
I became fully invested in the characters. You do have to wait until right near the end to discover which crew member killed Jean-Luc though I had my suspicions from around halfway through. The Dark was an enjoyable, eerie thriller that was fast-paced and absorbing right from the off.
August 18, 2021
The Dark is a compulsive and claustrophobic locked-room thriller set against the frigid temperatures of Antarctica and where a brutal murderer may just be biding his time before preying on his next victim. 35-year-old Kate North is a single British medical doctor from Guildford, Surrey, who is desperately seeking an escape from her quotidian life after a catastrophic accident. Serious and conscientious Kate hopes to bury her past in the splendour and isolation of the icy expanse alongside other members with expertise in a variety of areas such as human leadership, plumbing and motor vehicle maintenance and all of them hailing from different places around the world. But escaping her demons proves harder than she anticipates – as does dealing with those of her dozen fellow crew members. Signing up for a stint at the research facility, Kate had been incredibly excited to see what opportunities the experience would afford her and her job description was to provide general medical, surgical and dental care for the great of the team, to conduct experiments and research on the impact of the isolation and constant darkness on the crew. Everything starts off swimmingly and even the prospect of 8 months of darkness cannot bring the great mood down of those posted there.
But it doesn't take long for the remoteness and solitude to affect the group’s mental health with them become increasingly paranoid and anxious. Kate had been brought in as a replacement to Jean-Luc, who was tragically killed in a climbing accident. However, he may have been investigating a mystery before he met his fateful end. Soon the group begin being targeted one by one with no one apart from the killer themselves knowing exactly who the danger is. The group view each other with suspicion, trust is at an all-time low and no one knows what might happen next or exactly who may be taken. Stuck in a part of the world with no quick escape route or exit plan, can the group survive the murderer in their midst or will they all perish before help has a chance to arrive? This is a compelling and heart-pounding thriller with the isolated setting really making it a cracker of a book. The thought that the place could be harbouring a serial killer is horrifying and the tension and nail-biting twists throughout only add to the sheer terror you feel as a reader. It keeps you guessing until the end and the fast-paced narrative combined with a group of strangers who have to depend on and trust each other implicitly and the cinematic yet oppressive atmosphere, and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
But it doesn't take long for the remoteness and solitude to affect the group’s mental health with them become increasingly paranoid and anxious. Kate had been brought in as a replacement to Jean-Luc, who was tragically killed in a climbing accident. However, he may have been investigating a mystery before he met his fateful end. Soon the group begin being targeted one by one with no one apart from the killer themselves knowing exactly who the danger is. The group view each other with suspicion, trust is at an all-time low and no one knows what might happen next or exactly who may be taken. Stuck in a part of the world with no quick escape route or exit plan, can the group survive the murderer in their midst or will they all perish before help has a chance to arrive? This is a compelling and heart-pounding thriller with the isolated setting really making it a cracker of a book. The thought that the place could be harbouring a serial killer is horrifying and the tension and nail-biting twists throughout only add to the sheer terror you feel as a reader. It keeps you guessing until the end and the fast-paced narrative combined with a group of strangers who have to depend on and trust each other implicitly and the cinematic yet oppressive atmosphere, and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
The Dark has to be the ultimate locked room mystery in an isolated setting. Have you ever heard of anywhere more isolated than Antarctica during winter, with permanent darkness and no possibility of getting in or out for several months? Just thinking about it gives me anxiety!
Dr. Kate North arrives at a UN research station in Antarctica to replace the previous doctor, who died on an accident on the ice. But, did it really was an accident? When one of her new colleagues hints that the doctor’s death was a murder, Kate tries to find out the truth about the accident but soon another staff member is found dead so things get a bit tricky. Will they survive in those conditions for several months with a killer in their midst?
I’m not a big fan of darkness. I’m not afraid of it, but the thought of being surrounded by it 24/7 during several months doesn’t seem like an appealing idea to me. The writing was so vivid I could see myself there and felt the claustrophobia of that environment more than once. The cold atmosphere inside the station between all the people working there was at times even more chilling than the sub-zero temperatures outside. Add some rivalry and suspicious to a hostile environment and you have a time bomb!
If you’re expecting a fast paced thriller you’ll have to look elsewhere. The Dark has a calm rhythm that, like the darkness of the title, creeps up on you until it has you completely in its grip. Kate and her colleagues will have to face not only the threats of a killer but those of nature, and I’m not sure which ones I’d fear more.
Overall, a typical locked room mystery in a pretty original and extreme setting that will make you feel the cold.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Dark has to be the ultimate locked room mystery in an isolated setting. Have you ever heard of anywhere more isolated than Antarctica during winter, with permanent darkness and no possibility of getting in or out for several months? Just thinking about it gives me anxiety!
Dr. Kate North arrives at a UN research station in Antarctica to replace the previous doctor, who died on an accident on the ice. But, did it really was an accident? When one of her new colleagues hints that the doctor’s death was a murder, Kate tries to find out the truth about the accident but soon another staff member is found dead so things get a bit tricky. Will they survive in those conditions for several months with a killer in their midst?
I’m not a big fan of darkness. I’m not afraid of it, but the thought of being surrounded by it 24/7 during several months doesn’t seem like an appealing idea to me. The writing was so vivid I could see myself there and felt the claustrophobia of that environment more than once. The cold atmosphere inside the station between all the people working there was at times even more chilling than the sub-zero temperatures outside. Add some rivalry and suspicious to a hostile environment and you have a time bomb!
If you’re expecting a fast paced thriller you’ll have to look elsewhere. The Dark has a calm rhythm that, like the darkness of the title, creeps up on you until it has you completely in its grip. Kate and her colleagues will have to face not only the threats of a killer but those of nature, and I’m not sure which ones I’d fear more.
Overall, a typical locked room mystery in a pretty original and extreme setting that will make you feel the cold.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2021
For me, this was like Agatha Christie on speed. Which is perhaps appropriate as Kate, the main character, is a pill popping Doctor. Are the pills the reason for her bad decisions throughout the book, or is she just flakey? Either way, she is totally unlikeable as she stumbles from one disaster to another within the 'closed door' setting of Antarctica. She suspects everyone, at some time, as does the reader, faced with more red herrings than a Fishmonger!
Three quarters of the way through, she is forced to go cold turkey, turning into Superwoman in a totally implausible about turn. Wouldn't like to judge which is the most implausible scenario as there are so many.
I read this with Pigeonhole over 12 staves, and for me this dragged the story out. Every time the tension was raised, it was spoiled by cliche after cliche until everything was neatly tied up with a bow in the last couple of pages, as though the writer had run out of steam. My fellow Pigeon's comments were better for me than the story I was reading. Thanks to Pigeonhole and Emma Haughton for the opportunity to read.
Three quarters of the way through, she is forced to go cold turkey, turning into Superwoman in a totally implausible about turn. Wouldn't like to judge which is the most implausible scenario as there are so many.
I read this with Pigeonhole over 12 staves, and for me this dragged the story out. Every time the tension was raised, it was spoiled by cliche after cliche until everything was neatly tied up with a bow in the last couple of pages, as though the writer had run out of steam. My fellow Pigeon's comments were better for me than the story I was reading. Thanks to Pigeonhole and Emma Haughton for the opportunity to read.
June 18, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Dark.
I was excited my request was approved.
The premise sounded intriguing; an isolated camp in Antartica surrounded by darkness 24/7 and people you barely know.
Sadly, this wasn't as thrilling as I had hoped. In fact, I downright disliked it.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Kate North is a doctor struggling with drug addiction after a horrific car accident took the life of her fiance and almost ended hers.
When she joins a camp in Antartica as a replacement doctor, she finds the crew mostly friendly, but the death of a former colleague has foreshadowed the atmosphere and led to increased tension and anxiety among the staff.
When Kate discovers the dead colleague had suspicions about someone among the staff, she takes it upon herself to do a little investigating of her own, but her personal crisis threatens her credibility and when another death occurs, Kate realizes more people will die unless she does something.
I didn't like Kate; I understand she's struggling with addiction and guilt over the accident, as well as grieving for her fiance, but I found it difficult to believe her as a competent medical professional.
Most of her thoughts revolve constantly about how hunky and handsome some of the men are in the crew.
She mentions it often and when she has suspicions about one of them, she's disheartened because she believed this person might have loved her.
Seriously? Is she an adult or a teenager? Is she and this guy dating?
How well does she even know this person to assume he loves her?
The writing is good, and I enjoyed the world building; the isolation of the camp, the stark beauty of Antartica, how you can feel alone (but in a good way) in a place like that; the tasks and rituals the staff did to survive mentally and emotionally, their responsibilities and duties, what a doctor in a camp like that needs to do to keep everyone safe, sound and sane.
The story's pacing was painfully slow; there was little to no suspense or urgency; definitely not exciting, mostly we get plenty of scenes where Kate is feeling sorry for herself or nosing around and learning everyone's secrets. And, oh yeah, mooning over one of the dudes.
Her addiction, naturally, makes her an unreliable character, and her adolescent-like behavior makes it hard to like her, much less sympathize with.
There was not one character I really liked or related to, and the ending, though not a huge surprise, was anti-climatic.
The Dark had a good premise, but the suspense was lacking, and the main character lacked maturity and strength.
I was excited my request was approved.
The premise sounded intriguing; an isolated camp in Antartica surrounded by darkness 24/7 and people you barely know.
Sadly, this wasn't as thrilling as I had hoped. In fact, I downright disliked it.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Kate North is a doctor struggling with drug addiction after a horrific car accident took the life of her fiance and almost ended hers.
When she joins a camp in Antartica as a replacement doctor, she finds the crew mostly friendly, but the death of a former colleague has foreshadowed the atmosphere and led to increased tension and anxiety among the staff.
When Kate discovers the dead colleague had suspicions about someone among the staff, she takes it upon herself to do a little investigating of her own, but her personal crisis threatens her credibility and when another death occurs, Kate realizes more people will die unless she does something.
I didn't like Kate; I understand she's struggling with addiction and guilt over the accident, as well as grieving for her fiance, but I found it difficult to believe her as a competent medical professional.
Most of her thoughts revolve constantly about how hunky and handsome some of the men are in the crew.
She mentions it often and when she has suspicions about one of them, she's disheartened because she believed this person might have loved her.
Seriously? Is she an adult or a teenager? Is she and this guy dating?
How well does she even know this person to assume he loves her?
The writing is good, and I enjoyed the world building; the isolation of the camp, the stark beauty of Antartica, how you can feel alone (but in a good way) in a place like that; the tasks and rituals the staff did to survive mentally and emotionally, their responsibilities and duties, what a doctor in a camp like that needs to do to keep everyone safe, sound and sane.
The story's pacing was painfully slow; there was little to no suspense or urgency; definitely not exciting, mostly we get plenty of scenes where Kate is feeling sorry for herself or nosing around and learning everyone's secrets. And, oh yeah, mooning over one of the dudes.
Her addiction, naturally, makes her an unreliable character, and her adolescent-like behavior makes it hard to like her, much less sympathize with.
There was not one character I really liked or related to, and the ending, though not a huge surprise, was anti-climatic.
The Dark had a good premise, but the suspense was lacking, and the main character lacked maturity and strength.
October 2, 2021
Nature’s Locked Room
I’d been waiting for this, as an avid reader and Antarctaphile (?), and it was an enjoyable read. Kate (who has a Back Story) is sent into the team of overwinterers due to the tragic death of the previous doctor. The international crew are by turns welcoming and stand-offish, and the dynamics become clear as the story progresses. Then: there’s a death. Is everything as it seems? Who carries a secret? At this stage it may be easier to determine who doesn’t have a secret.
Antarctica is the ultimate locked room challenge - possibly beaten by the Arctic with the added danger of polar bears. There is nowhere to go, not if you value your peripheral circulation, or indeed, your circulation full stop. The author does a great job of presenting the environment as just as big a threat as the perpetrator inside. There’s not much to describe with just white, especially in the depths of an polar winter, but the scenery, isolation, and physical/psychological effects on the winterers was well worded. However, I have to admit that the only thing that gave me goosebumps was the referral several times in the story to a New Zealand cattle ranch.
Dairy farm.
It’s a dairy farm.
I’d been waiting for this, as an avid reader and Antarctaphile (?), and it was an enjoyable read. Kate (who has a Back Story) is sent into the team of overwinterers due to the tragic death of the previous doctor. The international crew are by turns welcoming and stand-offish, and the dynamics become clear as the story progresses. Then: there’s a death. Is everything as it seems? Who carries a secret? At this stage it may be easier to determine who doesn’t have a secret.
Antarctica is the ultimate locked room challenge - possibly beaten by the Arctic with the added danger of polar bears. There is nowhere to go, not if you value your peripheral circulation, or indeed, your circulation full stop. The author does a great job of presenting the environment as just as big a threat as the perpetrator inside. There’s not much to describe with just white, especially in the depths of an polar winter, but the scenery, isolation, and physical/psychological effects on the winterers was well worded. However, I have to admit that the only thing that gave me goosebumps was the referral several times in the story to a New Zealand cattle ranch.
Dairy farm.
It’s a dairy farm.
August 14, 2021
i am in spain but the s is silent
rtc
rtc
January 12, 2023
Enjoyable thriller in a fascinating setting, just a shame the main character was so irritating!
July 19, 2021
A new variation on the famous And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. A dozen scientists locked in their habitats during the Artic winter… who talk about a murder. Or wasn’t it? It can also count as a ‘locked room’ mystery, because it’s not that people are running around freely in the pitch-black outside, with temperatures that can reach minus 60. Soon the main character, medical doctor Kate, starts to have even more reservations about her work among those people than she had before. Although they seem a steady group of colleagues and welcome her friendly enough, there is something chilly in the air (pun intended!).
The book made for a light read and if it wasn’t for the fact that Kate is an addict who’s swallowing pills like candy all day, I would have given it one star more. I can understand where the pill-popping comes from, but seriously? I counted sometimes a dozen very strong pills a day she took… even when she didn’t need them. No way she would have been allowed to come near patients, let alone pills. However, there are some good things to, of course. I mention lovely knitting work and delicious food. You’ll have to read to book to find out more.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
The book made for a light read and if it wasn’t for the fact that Kate is an addict who’s swallowing pills like candy all day, I would have given it one star more. I can understand where the pill-popping comes from, but seriously? I counted sometimes a dozen very strong pills a day she took… even when she didn’t need them. No way she would have been allowed to come near patients, let alone pills. However, there are some good things to, of course. I mention lovely knitting work and delicious food. You’ll have to read to book to find out more.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
January 23, 2021
The Dark is a really good read overall, atmospheric, chilling and the kind of claustrophobic setting that makes for a great thriller.
The writing is very good indeed at times actually making you shiver within the descriptive setting and the mystery element is very clever, a locked in set of suspects, a lot of twists and turns and very addictive.
I unfortunately had one huge (very subjective and personal) bugbear that prevented me being able to give a 5* review whilst also remaining honest. The main protagonist and her pill pushing obsession. Every page it felt like she was either swallowing pills, thinking about where her next pill was coming from, worrying about the pills, which of course makes her head fuzzy, unable to react sensibly which leads her to constantly berate herself which then well more pills. It drove me completely potty! And oh gosh haven't we been there and done that with oh so many psychological thrillers?
BUT that aside I can see why The Dark will and should do well. The chilly setting, the creepy ambience and the engaging story should please a majority of readers.
The writing is very good indeed at times actually making you shiver within the descriptive setting and the mystery element is very clever, a locked in set of suspects, a lot of twists and turns and very addictive.
I unfortunately had one huge (very subjective and personal) bugbear that prevented me being able to give a 5* review whilst also remaining honest. The main protagonist and her pill pushing obsession. Every page it felt like she was either swallowing pills, thinking about where her next pill was coming from, worrying about the pills, which of course makes her head fuzzy, unable to react sensibly which leads her to constantly berate herself which then well more pills. It drove me completely potty! And oh gosh haven't we been there and done that with oh so many psychological thrillers?
BUT that aside I can see why The Dark will and should do well. The chilly setting, the creepy ambience and the engaging story should please a majority of readers.
September 30, 2023
This book officially saved me from the slump I was being dragged to by being dissapointed in the last 7 books!!! I devoured this, barely blinking and breathing throughout- it kept you on suspense the whole time never did I get bored. The atmosphere and setting was fantastic. -Imagine being trapped in Antartica in the full darkness with your crew and bodies are starting to drop one by one.. yikes
It had Among Us vibes where there's an imposter in the crew who keeps killing people. It all wrapped up nicely, the ending was great although considering the whole pace of the book, the ending was really abrupt and short, cranked up to a few pages. I really missed this suspense and angst a good thriller gives you, now I was blessed!!
It had Among Us vibes where there's an imposter in the crew who keeps killing people. It all wrapped up nicely, the ending was great although considering the whole pace of the book, the ending was really abrupt and short, cranked up to a few pages. I really missed this suspense and angst a good thriller gives you, now I was blessed!!
September 16, 2021
THE DARK
by Emma Haughton
What I liked
💥Setting was in Antarctica where they had months of darkness
💥A closed room kind of murder mystery
💥The MC was a doctor
💥Changing dynamics
💥Increasing body count
Pregnancy and premature birth. Cesarian done in unbelievable circumstances.
💥A whodunit
What I didn't like
💥MC kept popping pills like nobody's business even from the locked pharmacy
💥NOT so intelligent MC
💥She kept grating on my nerves
💥Repetitive dialogues
💥Slow burn mystery
💥Reason for murders was not strong.
by Emma Haughton
What I liked
💥Setting was in Antarctica where they had months of darkness
💥A closed room kind of murder mystery
💥The MC was a doctor
💥Changing dynamics
💥Increasing body count
Pregnancy and premature birth. Cesarian done in unbelievable circumstances.
💥A whodunit
What I didn't like
💥MC kept popping pills like nobody's business even from the locked pharmacy
💥NOT so intelligent MC
💥She kept grating on my nerves
💥Repetitive dialogues
💥Slow burn mystery
💥Reason for murders was not strong.
October 12, 2021
Dit is zó koud dat het zinderend wordt! 🥶 Vier en halve sterren, mijn recensie op Samenlezenisleuker:
https://samenlezenisleuker.wordpress....
https://samenlezenisleuker.wordpress....
November 8, 2022
3.5
Der Klappentext zu "The Dark" klang sehr interessant und ich war sehr gespannt was mich in der Antarktis begleitet.
Zu Beginn begleiten wir die Ärztin Kate wie sie ihren Job auf der Station in der Antarktis übernimmt und alles erst einmal kennenlernen muss. Dies fand ich zunächst sehr interessant, da man hier viel über das Leben auf einer Station in der Antarktis lernt. Auch über Kate lernt man viel, die ebenfalls mit Problemen und ihrer Vergangenheit zu kämpfen hat. Mit Der Zeit haben sich die Beschreibungen dann aber doch etwas gezogen und die Handlung kam nicht so richtig voran.
Erst in der zweiten Hälfte passiert dann mehr und es wird auch spannender. Das Ende ging mir dann ein wenig zu schnell und das Buch war dann auch ein bisschen zu plötzlich beendet.
Die Charaktere lernt man ganz gut kennen, aber Sympathien hatte ich eher für wenige. Einige Personen habe ich auch bis zum Ende durcheinander gebracht. Kate ist ebenfalls ein wenig speziell und ich mochte ihre Art nicht immer.
Das Setting war für mich absolut gelungen. Die Autorin beschreibt die Station und die eisigen Landschaften mit sehr vielen Details und so manchmal konnte man das beklemmende Gefühl der Charaktere gut nachempfinden.
Insgesamt war das Buch für mich eine gute Unterhaltung, die leider die eine oder andere Länge hat.
Der Klappentext zu "The Dark" klang sehr interessant und ich war sehr gespannt was mich in der Antarktis begleitet.
Zu Beginn begleiten wir die Ärztin Kate wie sie ihren Job auf der Station in der Antarktis übernimmt und alles erst einmal kennenlernen muss. Dies fand ich zunächst sehr interessant, da man hier viel über das Leben auf einer Station in der Antarktis lernt. Auch über Kate lernt man viel, die ebenfalls mit Problemen und ihrer Vergangenheit zu kämpfen hat. Mit Der Zeit haben sich die Beschreibungen dann aber doch etwas gezogen und die Handlung kam nicht so richtig voran.
Erst in der zweiten Hälfte passiert dann mehr und es wird auch spannender. Das Ende ging mir dann ein wenig zu schnell und das Buch war dann auch ein bisschen zu plötzlich beendet.
Die Charaktere lernt man ganz gut kennen, aber Sympathien hatte ich eher für wenige. Einige Personen habe ich auch bis zum Ende durcheinander gebracht. Kate ist ebenfalls ein wenig speziell und ich mochte ihre Art nicht immer.
Das Setting war für mich absolut gelungen. Die Autorin beschreibt die Station und die eisigen Landschaften mit sehr vielen Details und so manchmal konnte man das beklemmende Gefühl der Charaktere gut nachempfinden.
Insgesamt war das Buch für mich eine gute Unterhaltung, die leider die eine oder andere Länge hat.
Read
February 6, 2022This is a perfect locked room mystery. A doctor, Kate, is going through the worst time in her life, so when the opportunity to work as a doctor at an UNA research station in Antarctica she takes it. Never mind the fact that she’s afraid of the dark, has a fear of flying, and has bit of an addiction problem. She’s going there as a replacement for the previous doctor as he died in a tragic accident and froze to death. Everyone at base is still dealing with his loss and she has a tough time fitting in. Eventually she does settle in but starts uncover some things she feels aren’t adding up with reference to the late doctors death. And then… Somebody else dies, and this time it’s definitely no accident. I thought this was binge-worthy and atmospheric-I could feel the cold and now I’m terrified of somehow dying of exposure. I thought there was a satisfying resolution and the clues were there all along. I appreciate that the author did her research by reading blogs and watching videos from real Antarctic researchers. I thought this was super fun and I highly recommend it!
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For more book talk, check out my podcast Book Talk, etc! https://www.booktalketc.com New episodes every week.
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