What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Dark Past
In this gripping novel by the author of Don’t Believe Her , one phone call brings a buried horror back to the surface—and upends a family’s life . . .
When Sara answers the phone and hears the name Drake Mills, it makes her blood run cold. It is a name from her past. A name she would rather forget.
Keeping the call a secret from her husband and her daughter, Marcie, Sara instead decides to confide in someone else from her past, a woman who knows all about Drake Mills.
Eventually, Sara is forced to disclose the truth to her husband. What she doesn’t realize is that Marcie senses something is going on with her parents, and when she discovers a book in the attic written by her mother, an account of how she survived a serial killer, it opens a door that Sara preferred to keep firmly locked . . .
When Sara answers the phone and hears the name Drake Mills, it makes her blood run cold. It is a name from her past. A name she would rather forget.
Keeping the call a secret from her husband and her daughter, Marcie, Sara instead decides to confide in someone else from her past, a woman who knows all about Drake Mills.
Eventually, Sara is forced to disclose the truth to her husband. What she doesn’t realize is that Marcie senses something is going on with her parents, and when she discovers a book in the attic written by her mother, an account of how she survived a serial killer, it opens a door that Sara preferred to keep firmly locked . . .
- GenresPsychological Thriller
302 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2021
28 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 14, 2021
HER DARK PAST is a gripping psychological crime thriller by Jane Heafield! Having really enjoyed her previous novels, I was anxious to start this one.
Her Series Include:
Yorkshire Murder Thrillers
1. Dead Cold (2020)
2. Cold Blood (2021)
Her Novels Include:
Don't Believe Her (2021)
Her Dark Past (2021)
This is the review of Her Dark Past.
Sara’s teenage daughter, Marcie calls her mum to the phone, while Sara had been in the barn. The phone call is from a solicitor that mentions the “Drake Mills”, currently in prison wants to meet her. Upon hearing that name from the past, makes her blood run cold…a name that she wanted to forget.
Sarah hung up and never told her husband, Joe or her daughter, Marcie, about the call, and kept it a secret. Instead, Sarah decides to confide in someone else from her past, a woman who knows all about Drake Mills. This woman was, Jenny Pitchford, a retired Detective Inspector who had handled the cases against Drake.
Sarah is an attempted rape and murder survivor by a serial killer-Drake…and now the killer wants to meet her?
Eventually, Sara is forced to disclose the truth to her husband. But Marcie senses something is going on with her parents, and when she discovers a book in the attic written by her mother, 20 years ago, called “Her Dark Past”, an account of how she survived a serial killer. But Sarah had wished for this history to be firmly locked away.
Marcie starts to read the book. This psychological thriller is told over two timelines; the present and the past, through a book written by one of the victims.
Sarah realizes that she must confront her fears to repair her confidence that would provide healing.
This gripping psychological thriller will have you flipping the pages until the final twist at the end that you don’t see coming. A great read!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Her Series Include:
Yorkshire Murder Thrillers
1. Dead Cold (2020)
2. Cold Blood (2021)
Her Novels Include:
Don't Believe Her (2021)
Her Dark Past (2021)
This is the review of Her Dark Past.
Sara’s teenage daughter, Marcie calls her mum to the phone, while Sara had been in the barn. The phone call is from a solicitor that mentions the “Drake Mills”, currently in prison wants to meet her. Upon hearing that name from the past, makes her blood run cold…a name that she wanted to forget.
Sarah hung up and never told her husband, Joe or her daughter, Marcie, about the call, and kept it a secret. Instead, Sarah decides to confide in someone else from her past, a woman who knows all about Drake Mills. This woman was, Jenny Pitchford, a retired Detective Inspector who had handled the cases against Drake.
Sarah is an attempted rape and murder survivor by a serial killer-Drake…and now the killer wants to meet her?
Eventually, Sara is forced to disclose the truth to her husband. But Marcie senses something is going on with her parents, and when she discovers a book in the attic written by her mother, 20 years ago, called “Her Dark Past”, an account of how she survived a serial killer. But Sarah had wished for this history to be firmly locked away.
Marcie starts to read the book. This psychological thriller is told over two timelines; the present and the past, through a book written by one of the victims.
Sarah realizes that she must confront her fears to repair her confidence that would provide healing.
This gripping psychological thriller will have you flipping the pages until the final twist at the end that you don’t see coming. A great read!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
November 15, 2021
Sara was abducted and assaulted when she was a teenager.. she was the one who got away. Prior to Sara this man had attacked, assaulted, murdered other young women. He was eventually caught and is now serving 2 life terms with no expectation of parole.
Today, she learns that the man wants her to visit him in prison. To apologize? To ask forgiveness? To see if she's forgotten him?
Sara went on to marry the man who saved her from the serial killer. Their daughter, Marcie, knows nothing about her parents' pasts ... until she finds the book her mother wrote that details how she survived a serial killer.
This gripping novel is filled with suspense, angst, lies, and secrets. They all seem to be hiding something ... Sara, her husband, her daughter, the now retired detective who first worked her case. The combination of emotional, intellectual and moral qualities distinguishes each individual separately and together. The story is told by Sara through today's remembrances and through pages from her book. It's a real page-turner and the conclusion is absolutely riveting.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction/psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Today, she learns that the man wants her to visit him in prison. To apologize? To ask forgiveness? To see if she's forgotten him?
Sara went on to marry the man who saved her from the serial killer. Their daughter, Marcie, knows nothing about her parents' pasts ... until she finds the book her mother wrote that details how she survived a serial killer.
This gripping novel is filled with suspense, angst, lies, and secrets. They all seem to be hiding something ... Sara, her husband, her daughter, the now retired detective who first worked her case. The combination of emotional, intellectual and moral qualities distinguishes each individual separately and together. The story is told by Sara through today's remembrances and through pages from her book. It's a real page-turner and the conclusion is absolutely riveting.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction/psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 4, 2022
Thank you Bloodhound Books for the copy in exchange for a honest review. Sara recieves a call saying Drake Mills would like to speak to her. Sara is plunged back into the past she has been trying to forget where she survived a attack by a serial killer. Absolutely outstanding, well written, fast paced thriller.
November 6, 2021
Lucky enough to read an ARC of this and was not disappointed. When Sara received a call it opens up a catalogue of events that will change her life forever. Who is Drake Mills ? As the author reels us in with two timelines we delve deeper into Sara's past but also present situation. Would you meet the man the gives you nightmares ? Well written and a really great read
October 26, 2021
In this psychological thriller , an unexpected phone call opens up a past Sara has kept hidden from her teenage daughter Marcie. Sara escaped from a serial killer.
I really enjoyed reading this ARC .
Straight away I felt drawn into the story, comfortable with the authors descriptive style of writing.
As Marcie finds and reads her mothers written account of her experience, I had a sense of anticipation, waiting to hear how the story unfolded then and also how this was tied to Saras’future .
I was rather disappointed to have guessed the twist about half way through the book. For this reason I gave 4 stars. Regardless, it was a really good read with credible characters and I didn’t want to put the book down.
I will look out for more novels by Jane Heafield.
I really enjoyed reading this ARC .
Straight away I felt drawn into the story, comfortable with the authors descriptive style of writing.
As Marcie finds and reads her mothers written account of her experience, I had a sense of anticipation, waiting to hear how the story unfolded then and also how this was tied to Saras’future .
I was rather disappointed to have guessed the twist about half way through the book. For this reason I gave 4 stars. Regardless, it was a really good read with credible characters and I didn’t want to put the book down.
I will look out for more novels by Jane Heafield.
November 7, 2021
Sara is happily married to Joe, with a teenage daughter, Marcie, but when Sara receives a call from a firm of solicitors who tell her that Drake Mills wants to see her, Sara is afraid. Afraid of facing Drake Mills, the man who almost killed her two decades ago, the man they called the Doll Slasher due to his choice of victims & method of killing. Sara eventually decides to see what Drake wants to find closure, but when her daughter finds a book in the attic, a book where Sara detailed all about the killings & her ordeal, it brings the past into the present.
This was my first book by the author, but it won't be my last. It was a gripping read, fast-paced with twists & turns. I had worked it out by halfway through, but I read a lot of thrillers so it takes a lot to surprise me, & it didn't make any difference to the reading experience. I'm not usually a big fan of dual timelines, but I really liked moving between the two timelines between the present day & what was happening in Sara's book, I think it worked well in this case. Recommended if you like nail-biting reads with dark themes - my only warning is that it contains some graphic scenes of sexual violence.
My thanks to publishers, Bloodhound Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
This was my first book by the author, but it won't be my last. It was a gripping read, fast-paced with twists & turns. I had worked it out by halfway through, but I read a lot of thrillers so it takes a lot to surprise me, & it didn't make any difference to the reading experience. I'm not usually a big fan of dual timelines, but I really liked moving between the two timelines between the present day & what was happening in Sara's book, I think it worked well in this case. Recommended if you like nail-biting reads with dark themes - my only warning is that it contains some graphic scenes of sexual violence.
My thanks to publishers, Bloodhound Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
November 4, 2021
This is my first book by this author, it is described as a gripping psychological crime thriller and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Sara receives a phone call about a man from her past she hoped never to hear of again, from there her life is never going to be the same. After keeping a secret from her daughter for her whole life she now has to open up and with the help of her husband Joe and a retired detective, she has to come to terms with her past and relive memories she hoped she would never have to speak of.
It is told from Sara’s point of view but in two ways, the past and the present, for me, the past sometimes went on too long and I had forgotten where we were in the present but it didn’t distract from the story too much. It focuses a lot on the family dynamic of Sara, her husband Joe and their daughter Marcie.
The plot hooked me in straight away and I finished this book in less than 2 days. The serial killer part was well written and although graphic in parts I didn’t find it overly gruesome. The twists and turns throughout really kept me guessing and the ending was a complete surprise.
Sara receives a phone call about a man from her past she hoped never to hear of again, from there her life is never going to be the same. After keeping a secret from her daughter for her whole life she now has to open up and with the help of her husband Joe and a retired detective, she has to come to terms with her past and relive memories she hoped she would never have to speak of.
It is told from Sara’s point of view but in two ways, the past and the present, for me, the past sometimes went on too long and I had forgotten where we were in the present but it didn’t distract from the story too much. It focuses a lot on the family dynamic of Sara, her husband Joe and their daughter Marcie.
The plot hooked me in straight away and I finished this book in less than 2 days. The serial killer part was well written and although graphic in parts I didn’t find it overly gruesome. The twists and turns throughout really kept me guessing and the ending was a complete surprise.
October 1, 2021
Thank you to the author for an early read of this book.
This is a good and enjoyable read. Sara gets an unexpected phone call one morning which is an unwanted reminder from her past, leading her to revisit it and to face it head on. I liked that the story was told through the different characters and from their perspectives. I loved the dual time lines and felt the book moved from past to present times very effortlessly. The characters were mostly likeable, realistic and believable. I thought the authors writing was good and engaging, the book was nicely paced and I really liked the addition of the book excerpts that, for me, were a great addition to the story and increased the tension. I half guessed the ending and who was involved, just not the how or why so the reveal towards the end didn’t particularly surprise me. Overall, a good, entertaining read which has a lot going on in it that kept me turning the pages.
3.5 stars
This is a good and enjoyable read. Sara gets an unexpected phone call one morning which is an unwanted reminder from her past, leading her to revisit it and to face it head on. I liked that the story was told through the different characters and from their perspectives. I loved the dual time lines and felt the book moved from past to present times very effortlessly. The characters were mostly likeable, realistic and believable. I thought the authors writing was good and engaging, the book was nicely paced and I really liked the addition of the book excerpts that, for me, were a great addition to the story and increased the tension. I half guessed the ending and who was involved, just not the how or why so the reveal towards the end didn’t particularly surprise me. Overall, a good, entertaining read which has a lot going on in it that kept me turning the pages.
3.5 stars
October 31, 2021
I’ve read books by this author before and always enjoy them. This was no exception. A heart stopping psychological drama told in two timelines; the present and the past, the latter in the form of a book written by one of the victims. Some great characters and an interesting storyline.
Briefly, Sara is happily married to Joe, the man who saved her from a terrible event, and they have a daughter Marcie. But their lives are about to change when she is contacted by solicitors acting for Drake Mills, a man she has been trying and failing to forget. With help of a retired detective she decides to face her nemesis but first she has to tell her family…
This is a tense read with a fair smattering of quite graphic violence and it certainly kept me turning the pages. In the spirit of honesty I did have an inkling of one the twists in the tale but the actual reason and the full story was shocking. A good read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Sara is happily married to Joe, the man who saved her from a terrible event, and they have a daughter Marcie. But their lives are about to change when she is contacted by solicitors acting for Drake Mills, a man she has been trying and failing to forget. With help of a retired detective she decides to face her nemesis but first she has to tell her family…
This is a tense read with a fair smattering of quite graphic violence and it certainly kept me turning the pages. In the spirit of honesty I did have an inkling of one the twists in the tale but the actual reason and the full story was shocking. A good read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 7, 2021
This was a very good psychological thriller. The story draws you in right from the start, and never loosens it's grip right to the end.
The story is told in 2 timelines by Sara, a victim of Drake Mills but who managed to survive his attack. 1 timeline is the past where 20 years ago Drake Mills aka The Slasher, raped and killed several women and the present, where Sara received a call saying Mills wants her to visit him in prison and he will only talk to her. Sara already has nightmares about what happened to her so this brings everything further out into the open.
This is such a tense tale. You really get a sense of what Sara and her family are going through and are none the wiser as to why Drake Mills wants to see her after all this time. The tension never lets up throughout and there's some very enjoyable twists to keep you hooked. I'll certainly look out for more books from this author.
The story is told in 2 timelines by Sara, a victim of Drake Mills but who managed to survive his attack. 1 timeline is the past where 20 years ago Drake Mills aka The Slasher, raped and killed several women and the present, where Sara received a call saying Mills wants her to visit him in prison and he will only talk to her. Sara already has nightmares about what happened to her so this brings everything further out into the open.
This is such a tense tale. You really get a sense of what Sara and her family are going through and are none the wiser as to why Drake Mills wants to see her after all this time. The tension never lets up throughout and there's some very enjoyable twists to keep you hooked. I'll certainly look out for more books from this author.
August 5, 2022
Sara was the one that got away from a serial killer (he had killed 3 previous victims). She ended up falling in love with and marrying the guy who rescued her that night of the attack; however, she still has nightmares about the attack. She is still friends with the detective who investigating the attacks. When the detective reaches out to Sara and tells her that the attacker, who is serving 2 life terms in prison, wants to meet her, Sara reluctantly agrees. The only good thing that comes from that visit is that her nightmares stop.
Sara and Joe's daughter, Marcie, has no idea about this part of her parents' past until she discovers the book Sara wrote about the ordeal and when Joe starts acting strangely, Marcie gets concerned and does her own investigating. What is he hiding and why does he disappear in the middle of the night?
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the ebook and the opportunity to read and review it. This review is my own opinion.
Sara and Joe's daughter, Marcie, has no idea about this part of her parents' past until she discovers the book Sara wrote about the ordeal and when Joe starts acting strangely, Marcie gets concerned and does her own investigating. What is he hiding and why does he disappear in the middle of the night?
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the ebook and the opportunity to read and review it. This review is my own opinion.
November 4, 2021
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by this author, & it certainly won’t be the last. Another stomach clenching psychological thriller.
Predominantly told over two timelines - the present where Drake Mills raises his ugly head again & twenty years ago when he first appeared.
The story revolves around Sara, her husband Joe, their daughter Marcie & retired detective Jenny. Sara is unexpectedly contacted by solicitors on behalf of Drake Mills; a man she has been unsuccessfully trying to forget for decades. He wants to meet her. She reaches out to Jenny for assistance but must also explain all to her family.
There are tense moments with limited graphic scenes, but that just made my imagination work harder.
A well-rounded story with some good twists. Recommended.
Predominantly told over two timelines - the present where Drake Mills raises his ugly head again & twenty years ago when he first appeared.
The story revolves around Sara, her husband Joe, their daughter Marcie & retired detective Jenny. Sara is unexpectedly contacted by solicitors on behalf of Drake Mills; a man she has been unsuccessfully trying to forget for decades. He wants to meet her. She reaches out to Jenny for assistance but must also explain all to her family.
There are tense moments with limited graphic scenes, but that just made my imagination work harder.
A well-rounded story with some good twists. Recommended.
November 15, 2021
This is the first book that I read from author Jane Heafield but I promise you it won’t be the last. This book grabs you since beginning and doesn’t let go of you until you finish reading it, the author tangles you in the plot web until you end up thinking that what you read cannot be possible.
The book is told in a dual timeline, present time and the horrific acts that happened twenty years ago, as you read the two timelines slowly their time difference starts to narrow until the past becomes the present.
The writing is very well done and the complexity of the characters is well explained and defined, I liked the way the story advances and the plot thickens until it reaches the unexpected summit at the end of the book.
The book is told in a dual timeline, present time and the horrific acts that happened twenty years ago, as you read the two timelines slowly their time difference starts to narrow until the past becomes the present.
The writing is very well done and the complexity of the characters is well explained and defined, I liked the way the story advances and the plot thickens until it reaches the unexpected summit at the end of the book.
November 15, 2021
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet by her. This is a suspenseful story that I enjoyed from beginning to end. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters who brought the story to life as well. This is a well written story that has twists and turns like no other. They had me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. This is a fast paced story that is not only engaging but full of suspense and action. I enjoyed the growth of the plot throughout the story as well. I highly recommend this book. It is worth the pick up for sure.
November 7, 2021
I have not read a novel by Jane Heafield before this one, but I'm happy I was introduced to this author! It was well written and the characters came to life. I did figure out the twist quite early in the book, but I'm wondering if the author meant that to happen. It certainly had me worried about the main characters even more than I had been before I knew. In addition, at the end of the novel, you get to find out the details about what was going on behind the scenes. I loved this page-turner and I can't wait to read another by Mrs. Heafield!
November 13, 2021
This was my first book by this author but it won't be the last. This was a real 'page turner' book and I read it in one session and just loved it. I did work out what was going to happen, but I read a lot, but didn't know how and why so that was the fun bit.
It seems that all books now have different timelines, this one worked - one a true crime novel and one the present.
Just loved the ending.
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
It seems that all books now have different timelines, this one worked - one a true crime novel and one the present.
Just loved the ending.
I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
November 14, 2021
I received this as an ARC in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the story and found it quite a compelling read. Lots of twists and shocks throughout. Sara is shocked when she receives a phone call about her past. She doesn't't want this to affect her present and future and is unsure what to do and how to deal with it. Lots of disruption follows and it is a book you won't be able to put down!
I really enjoyed the story and found it quite a compelling read. Lots of twists and shocks throughout. Sara is shocked when she receives a phone call about her past. She doesn't't want this to affect her present and future and is unsure what to do and how to deal with it. Lots of disruption follows and it is a book you won't be able to put down!
November 3, 2021
A good read. 1st book I have read by this Author. A strong story line & main Character. The Story starts with a phone call which brings back memories from her past. The book is written jumping from present to part which I always find annoying, however the book is well written & the twist at the end is mind boggling.
November 12, 2021
Not the first time of reading this author and again Jane has written a great thriller to read. Told in a dual timeline, the past story is written as a book by one of the victims. There are some graphic scenes in it however they are not gratuitous and are integral to the plot.
A good page turning novel with one or two twists to keep you guessing.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
A good page turning novel with one or two twists to keep you guessing.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
November 14, 2021
A compelling novel the lengths serial killers will go to protect their secret. Sara was the only victim of the “Slasher” to survive. She thought she was safe until her attacker wanted to meet face to face. The story was told in a way that explained most things until the end……then the twist. No spoilers here, so if you want to read an excellent psychological thriller this is the one to read.
November 18, 2021
This story is about a woman who lived to tell her story about surviving a serial killer. She wrote a book that she wishes she hadn't long ago, and now her past is wanting something from her. But what? There are secrets that come to light and boy is there a big one!!!! I did not see that part coming at all. A very good psychological story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Read
October 2, 2021A great story that hooks the reader on the first page. A survivor of an attempted rape and murder by a serial killer must face her past when the killer asks to meet her.
The story moves quickly with a twist at the end that you don’t see coming. This book is definitely worth a read.
The story moves quickly with a twist at the end that you don’t see coming. This book is definitely worth a read.
October 26, 2021
Sarah was victim to a serial killer but managed to survive and be known as his final victim. Years later a chilling twist comes to light after her attacker requests a meeting at the prison he is incarcerated in. A brilliantly dark and sinister story which will leave you reeling.
November 3, 2021
A good read. Strong storyline & main Character. The story starts with a phone call which brings back traumatic memories of her past. This book jumps from present to past which always drives me bananas. However the twist at the is mind boggling. I did enjoy this book very much.
November 7, 2021
Gripping, tense read that keeps you guessing!
The story is told by Sara’s viewpoint, who managed to escape being a serial killers victim, flicking between past and present. Thrillers are my favourite genre and this one didn’t disappoint!
ARC
The story is told by Sara’s viewpoint, who managed to escape being a serial killers victim, flicking between past and present. Thrillers are my favourite genre and this one didn’t disappoint!
ARC
November 12, 2021
Well this will not be my last book written by Jane Heafield grips you right from the first page and once I started reading it could not put it down until i had finished reading would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me..
October 27, 2021
4 1/2 stars
November 1, 2021
This is a thriller and once started I just wanted to keep reading it. It is quite graphic and has violent scenes depicted. A good read.
Read
December 7, 2021Had a feeling
Long and drawn out. It took a while to get into this story. I more or less had figured out most of it part way through.
Long and drawn out. It took a while to get into this story. I more or less had figured out most of it part way through.
October 10, 2022
Thriller?
Initially I would have given this a higher rating but the end fell short for me. This story spans 20 years about a horrible incident that comes back to haunt the victim.
Initially I would have given this a higher rating but the end fell short for me. This story spans 20 years about a horrible incident that comes back to haunt the victim.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews