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The Darkness in the Light
A psychiatrist’s patients are dying—are they suicides related to a new antidepressant, or is there something even more sinister going on in the northernmost town in the US? A riveting new thriller from internationally bestselling author Daniel Kalla.
After Brianna O’Brien takes her own life, Dr. David Spears blames himself. Though he understands suicides can be a tragic occurrence in psychiatric practice, this loss hits him particularly hard. With Brianna, he’s convinced he missed crucial warning signs. When David suspects Brianna’s friend, Amka Obed—whom he’s also been treating virtually—is in crisis, he flies to the remote Arctic community of Utqiagvik, Alaska, only to discover that she has disappeared.
While the regional police are confident that Amka will turn up safe, David and the town’s social worker, Taylor Holmes, have serious doubts. Each battling their own demons, David and Taylor launch an investigation, determined to help uncover the truth about what happened to Amka. David wonders if a new antidepressant he recently prescribed both Amka and Brianna played a role in what took place. Taylor, who’s familiar with the locals, suspects a drug lord with connections to Amka’s boyfriend.
Who is right? Where is Amka? Is she still alive?
What begins as a missing persons inquiry and suspicion over a pharmaceutical cover-up quickly evolves into a terrifying journey of treachery and death—one that will horrify this isolated town and endanger many more lives.
After Brianna O’Brien takes her own life, Dr. David Spears blames himself. Though he understands suicides can be a tragic occurrence in psychiatric practice, this loss hits him particularly hard. With Brianna, he’s convinced he missed crucial warning signs. When David suspects Brianna’s friend, Amka Obed—whom he’s also been treating virtually—is in crisis, he flies to the remote Arctic community of Utqiagvik, Alaska, only to discover that she has disappeared.
While the regional police are confident that Amka will turn up safe, David and the town’s social worker, Taylor Holmes, have serious doubts. Each battling their own demons, David and Taylor launch an investigation, determined to help uncover the truth about what happened to Amka. David wonders if a new antidepressant he recently prescribed both Amka and Brianna played a role in what took place. Taylor, who’s familiar with the locals, suspects a drug lord with connections to Amka’s boyfriend.
Who is right? Where is Amka? Is she still alive?
What begins as a missing persons inquiry and suspicion over a pharmaceutical cover-up quickly evolves into a terrifying journey of treachery and death—one that will horrify this isolated town and endanger many more lives.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2022
18 people are currently reading
1295 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kalla
19 books568 followersBorn, raised, and still residing in Vancouver, Daniel has worked as an ER Physician for the past twenty years. He is also the author of fifteen published novels, which have been translated into thirteen languages.
In his latest novel, THE DEEPEST FAKE, a tech CEO and AI pioneer’s carefully curated life is unraveling—his wife is cheating, someone is defrauding his company, and he’s just been handed a fatal diagnosis. He’d end it all, if only he could trust his own reality. As deepfakes and deception blur the lines between truth and illusion, the novel explores the challenges and pitfalls of safeguarding reality in an age when it can be fabricated.
Daniel received his B.Sc. and MD from the University of British Columbia, where he is now a clinical associate professor. He is the proud father of two girls and a poorly behaved but lovable mutt, Milo.
In his latest novel, THE DEEPEST FAKE, a tech CEO and AI pioneer’s carefully curated life is unraveling—his wife is cheating, someone is defrauding his company, and he’s just been handed a fatal diagnosis. He’d end it all, if only he could trust his own reality. As deepfakes and deception blur the lines between truth and illusion, the novel explores the challenges and pitfalls of safeguarding reality in an age when it can be fabricated.
Daniel received his B.Sc. and MD from the University of British Columbia, where he is now a clinical associate professor. He is the proud father of two girls and a poorly behaved but lovable mutt, Milo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 5, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this riveting medical mystery by Dr. Daniel Kalla. The author is an ER doctor in Vancouver, and this is the 5th of his riveting medical thrillers I have read and enjoyed. Medical mysteries seem to be less common than in the past, and I am always pleased to find a new, exciting and believable one based on scientific facts.
In this compelling novel, Dr. David Spears, in Anchorage, Alaska, was telecommunicating with patients during the COVID crisis. He found this helpful in checking on patients with emotional problems in the far North. After several of his patients attempt or commit suicide, he feels guilty for not doing more to save them. He feels that lack of personal interaction was a hindrance. A young mother, Brianna, in the Arctic village of Utqiagvik commits suicide shortly after their video conference and her four-year-old daughter was barely saved in time. Dr. Spears is beginning to suspect that a new anti-depressant medication he has been prescribing may be contributing to the suicides.
Dr. David Spears had been treated for depression in the past and had taken the new drug recommended by his doctor, mentor and friend, Doctor Javier Gutierrez. This medication helped relieve his dark emotional state, but he fears this drug may have side effects connected to suicidal thoughts in some people. His friend, Javier, is heavily involved with the pharmaceutical company that manufactures this medicine, and David suspects there may be a coverup regarding some patients becoming more suicidal.
Wracked by guilt for recommending the drug, David travels to the small, close-knit community where Brianna died. He learns that Amka, Brianna's best friend, has vanished. Amka was also his patient, and David fears she may have committed suicide. He becomes friends with a female social worker and the local GP who knew both girls. David now finds himself investigating sexual abuse, rape, possible conspiracy by the pharmaceutical company, increased illegal drug trade by rival competitors, injury and murder, missing persons, secrets, threats, blackmail, and revenge.
With the help of the social worker and local doctor, David establishes a list of the dead and missing girls' friends, families, and various suspects to interview. As he comes close to discovering some hidden truths, David is seriously injured by unknown masked culprits. The nature of his injuries makes him unable to return to Anchorage to spend promised time with his beloved daughter. After recovery, he continues to search for the truth. Javier, his doctor and friend, concerned with David's physical and mental health, comes north to visit. By this time, David is angry at him, believing he is covering up the deadly side effects the drug may be causing.
There is a shocking twist of events and narrative halfway through the book.
Is the drug responsible? Is a sexual predator somehow involved? How much blame can be placed on illegal drug traffickers? Has murder been committed, and by whom? So much mystery! So much turmoil to get answers!
Recommended for fans of a puzzling, complex medical mystery with plenty of suspense and shocking twists. I look forward to reading more books by Doctor Daniel Kalla.
In this compelling novel, Dr. David Spears, in Anchorage, Alaska, was telecommunicating with patients during the COVID crisis. He found this helpful in checking on patients with emotional problems in the far North. After several of his patients attempt or commit suicide, he feels guilty for not doing more to save them. He feels that lack of personal interaction was a hindrance. A young mother, Brianna, in the Arctic village of Utqiagvik commits suicide shortly after their video conference and her four-year-old daughter was barely saved in time. Dr. Spears is beginning to suspect that a new anti-depressant medication he has been prescribing may be contributing to the suicides.
Dr. David Spears had been treated for depression in the past and had taken the new drug recommended by his doctor, mentor and friend, Doctor Javier Gutierrez. This medication helped relieve his dark emotional state, but he fears this drug may have side effects connected to suicidal thoughts in some people. His friend, Javier, is heavily involved with the pharmaceutical company that manufactures this medicine, and David suspects there may be a coverup regarding some patients becoming more suicidal.
Wracked by guilt for recommending the drug, David travels to the small, close-knit community where Brianna died. He learns that Amka, Brianna's best friend, has vanished. Amka was also his patient, and David fears she may have committed suicide. He becomes friends with a female social worker and the local GP who knew both girls. David now finds himself investigating sexual abuse, rape, possible conspiracy by the pharmaceutical company, increased illegal drug trade by rival competitors, injury and murder, missing persons, secrets, threats, blackmail, and revenge.
With the help of the social worker and local doctor, David establishes a list of the dead and missing girls' friends, families, and various suspects to interview. As he comes close to discovering some hidden truths, David is seriously injured by unknown masked culprits. The nature of his injuries makes him unable to return to Anchorage to spend promised time with his beloved daughter. After recovery, he continues to search for the truth. Javier, his doctor and friend, concerned with David's physical and mental health, comes north to visit. By this time, David is angry at him, believing he is covering up the deadly side effects the drug may be causing.
There is a shocking twist of events and narrative halfway through the book.
Is the drug responsible? Is a sexual predator somehow involved? How much blame can be placed on illegal drug traffickers? Has murder been committed, and by whom? So much mystery! So much turmoil to get answers!
Recommended for fans of a puzzling, complex medical mystery with plenty of suspense and shocking twists. I look forward to reading more books by Doctor Daniel Kalla.
March 14, 2022
For his twelfth thriller, Kalla takes us to the remote Arctic community of Utqiagvik, Alaska with a disquieted medical doctor who is concerned about his patients who are dying by suicide. Dr. David Spears desperately works to decide if the suicides are related to a new antidepressant or if there’s something else going on in this isolated town. With the help of the tight-knit community, he uncovers shocking information. His initial quest now becomes something much larger - a missing person inquiry, a potential pharmaceutical cover-up and fall out from increased drug trade activity.
Kalla exposes the benefits and disadvantages of virtual medicine and psychiatry. While it improves care by medical professionals in remote geographic communities, readers see the frustration that doctors may have encountered while accommodating telemedicine for treatment and evaluation during the pandemic. Kala intimates that virtual care offers all the convenience and safety, but lacks the immediacy and intimacy of a one-on-one appointment. When meeting patients online, practitioners confront a host of issues as readers will notice in Dr. Sears’ exasperated attempts in finding answers. Moving forward, while it’s apparent that telemedicine may be here to stay, it’s our responsibility to contribute to the care continuity with a doctor who knows our history and be aware of the cost-benefit in choosing on-demand virtual access. Kala’s book is a conduit to discussions surrounding telehealth.
Kala also explores how we treat mental health and ourselves. He reveals the unrelenting pressure of depression that those in Arctic regions disproportionately experience. Readers will draw the link, weak as it is, between the isolation of the Arctic community with the isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical professionals are reporting that the pandemic may be exacerbating pre-existing health disparities, or at the very least, manifesting widespread depression-like symptoms in the undiagnosed. It’s important what we do with this information and how we intervene. Kalla’s book is a great springboard to initiate discussions.
This extremely well-written and thought-provoking read raises awareness about another deadly and silent epidemic - suicide. Dealt with the passion and sensitivity that we’ve come to expect from Dr. Kalla, this is a 5-star look at a serious mental health crisis and the tools we use in diagnosing and treating it.
I was excited to receive this gifted advance copy and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. I was under no obligation to provide this review.
Kalla exposes the benefits and disadvantages of virtual medicine and psychiatry. While it improves care by medical professionals in remote geographic communities, readers see the frustration that doctors may have encountered while accommodating telemedicine for treatment and evaluation during the pandemic. Kala intimates that virtual care offers all the convenience and safety, but lacks the immediacy and intimacy of a one-on-one appointment. When meeting patients online, practitioners confront a host of issues as readers will notice in Dr. Sears’ exasperated attempts in finding answers. Moving forward, while it’s apparent that telemedicine may be here to stay, it’s our responsibility to contribute to the care continuity with a doctor who knows our history and be aware of the cost-benefit in choosing on-demand virtual access. Kala’s book is a conduit to discussions surrounding telehealth.
Kala also explores how we treat mental health and ourselves. He reveals the unrelenting pressure of depression that those in Arctic regions disproportionately experience. Readers will draw the link, weak as it is, between the isolation of the Arctic community with the isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical professionals are reporting that the pandemic may be exacerbating pre-existing health disparities, or at the very least, manifesting widespread depression-like symptoms in the undiagnosed. It’s important what we do with this information and how we intervene. Kalla’s book is a great springboard to initiate discussions.
This extremely well-written and thought-provoking read raises awareness about another deadly and silent epidemic - suicide. Dealt with the passion and sensitivity that we’ve come to expect from Dr. Kalla, this is a 5-star look at a serious mental health crisis and the tools we use in diagnosing and treating it.
I was excited to receive this gifted advance copy and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. I was under no obligation to provide this review.
May 3, 2022
Another superb medical thriller by one of my favorite authors.
Set in remote Utqiagvik, Alaska, this unique story focuses on depression, suicide, and the practice of psychiatry. Although Dr. David Spears lives in Anchorage, he sees patients virtually and visits the isolated northernmost points in Alaska routinely to check in on them. He's particularly worried when one of his young female patients commits suicide. Then her best friend disappears. Concerned about the possible deleterious effects of a new antidepressant that he had prescribed to both, he flies to Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow). There is a lot going wrong in this small community and David is not prepared for all that happens after he arrives.
The writing is excellent and the clinical detail always very interesting and informative. Characters are well-developed and the twists and turns are intricate and welcome. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the locale and could visualize and feel as if I were there, experiencing everything.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss for this much anticipated e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend well ahead of the publication date in May, 2022.
My most immediate regret is knowing that I have a very long time to wait before Daniel Kalla's next book.
Set in remote Utqiagvik, Alaska, this unique story focuses on depression, suicide, and the practice of psychiatry. Although Dr. David Spears lives in Anchorage, he sees patients virtually and visits the isolated northernmost points in Alaska routinely to check in on them. He's particularly worried when one of his young female patients commits suicide. Then her best friend disappears. Concerned about the possible deleterious effects of a new antidepressant that he had prescribed to both, he flies to Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow). There is a lot going wrong in this small community and David is not prepared for all that happens after he arrives.
The writing is excellent and the clinical detail always very interesting and informative. Characters are well-developed and the twists and turns are intricate and welcome. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the locale and could visualize and feel as if I were there, experiencing everything.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss for this much anticipated e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend well ahead of the publication date in May, 2022.
My most immediate regret is knowing that I have a very long time to wait before Daniel Kalla's next book.
May 1, 2022
The Darkness in the Light by Daniel Kalla is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Simon and Shuster and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Dr. David Spears is a psychiatrist, working out of Anchorage Alaska. A number of his patients are actually in the Arctic, and he "sees" them via video chat. One of his patients up there, Brianna, just committed suicide, and he feels guilty for missing the warning signs. A friend of hers, Amka, who is also his patient, is taking it hard, and David decides it is time for him to visit the remote community to check up on her.
David has had his own issues. His wife took his daughter, and they are living in Seattle, so visits are tough, and when his anticipated father/daughter trip gets cancelled on top of the recent suicides, David's own depression gets amped up. He has been on a fairly new anti-depressant called Ketopram, which he swears saved his life. But now he is having doubts. A few of his patients that are on this drug have committed suicide lately, and he starts to wonder if it may not be the wonder drug he had anticipated. His own friend/psychiatrist has invested heavily into this drug, and David can't convince him there is a problem.
Upon visiting the remote arctic town, David and Taylor Holmes (the town's social worker) take up the hunt for Amka, who is now missing. David's fear that Amka's use of Ketopram may send her over the edge. Taylor, on the other hand, thinks her disappearance could be down to her drug-dealing boyfriend and his connections. But there are a lot of connections, and the investigation will prove treacherous.
My Opinions:
Okay, about 1/2 way through the book was a MAJOR twist. I certainly did not see that one coming! The author took a giant leap, and I followed. I actually think the book got even better after that jump.
The book looks into pharmaceuticals, both legal and illegal. Other topics include mental health issues, suicide and abuse. So, overall, pretty dark, sensitive topics. The author handled them all with grace. The plot was good, as was the pace.
The characters were all really well developed, and you either loved them or hated them, but they seemed "real".
It was a really good, fast read, and it kept my attention from start to finish. What more can I ask?
Here's hoping your next read is 5 stars !!!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 16, 2022
Medial thrillers, one of my favourite genres. This one is about a psychiatrist, David, who practices is Alaska. One of his patients from near the Arctic circle died from suicide, then another goes missing. He then flies to the remote area to see what is wrong. He ends up finding a lot more than he bargained for. Taylor then has to continue to search for answers in this heart pounding thriller that makes you feel like you are up in the arctic.
September 24, 2025
Anything by this Canadian author is the September Book Club read. Daniel Kalla is an ER Doctor in Vancouver and writes contemporary fiction crime stories with medical themes.
This story is fast moving and takes place in Alaska. The narrator is a psychiatrist and the time frame is current. Patients are suicidal but the good doc questions whether the meds have something to do with it.
Rather than tell you the story, I’ll rather share insights on the writing.
There are plenty of smaller plots throughout that build the storyline as well as a variety of characters. Short chapters keep the plots , issues, and characters fresh. I do like this author’s writing style.
The suicide attempts/successes, the depressive nature of the patients, the drug money scene (both illicit and pharmaceutical) make this a somewhat dark story. The interpersonal relationships between the doctors, law enforcement, patients and social workers is intriguing. The combination of the two to resolve the plots goes a long way to keep the readers interest.
The story also jumps to a variety of destinations as contacts and characters arise.
But the relationships of the community members is what drives the plots. The interactions between the doctors, psychiatrists and social workers, their patients and families and the police in this small far north community where everyone knows everyone and their business, makes for a real complication of secrets… and the unraveling of them is inevitable. As one resident noted they were all a bunch of “escapees and misfits who were hiding out at the end of the earth”. But the author manages to reveal those secrets and resolve the various plot lines in a way that wasn’t quite expected. Well done!
I will certainly read more books by this author.
This story is fast moving and takes place in Alaska. The narrator is a psychiatrist and the time frame is current. Patients are suicidal but the good doc questions whether the meds have something to do with it.
Rather than tell you the story, I’ll rather share insights on the writing.
There are plenty of smaller plots throughout that build the storyline as well as a variety of characters. Short chapters keep the plots , issues, and characters fresh. I do like this author’s writing style.
The suicide attempts/successes, the depressive nature of the patients, the drug money scene (both illicit and pharmaceutical) make this a somewhat dark story. The interpersonal relationships between the doctors, law enforcement, patients and social workers is intriguing. The combination of the two to resolve the plots goes a long way to keep the readers interest.
The story also jumps to a variety of destinations as contacts and characters arise.
But the relationships of the community members is what drives the plots. The interactions between the doctors, psychiatrists and social workers, their patients and families and the police in this small far north community where everyone knows everyone and their business, makes for a real complication of secrets… and the unraveling of them is inevitable. As one resident noted they were all a bunch of “escapees and misfits who were hiding out at the end of the earth”. But the author manages to reveal those secrets and resolve the various plot lines in a way that wasn’t quite expected. Well done!
I will certainly read more books by this author.
April 8, 2022
"Your Moose Is Cooked!" 😳😳😯😱😯🤯🤯
⊰ The Darkness In The Light by Daniel Kalla ⊱
Ffllluuuufff Me Sideways & Upside Down!! What The Horsy Carousal Ride Did. I. Just. Read?!? 😳 My eyeballs have been tickled & my brain has been pounced upon like a kids dancing jamboree! Mother Floofin Fluffer & All The Fluffy Friends!! 😯 This is long so bare with me! Okay, Okay, first let me start off by saying, this novel packed a huge punch (can you tell?!) & the very beginning of it resonated so personally because I suffered horrendously from major depression as a teenager & well into my young adult years (including the "awful" thoughts) before finally getting better, although not perfect after meds & lots of therapy. I am so happy that Kalla touched on & explored this issue in this book as it's still such a stigmatized topic even today.
Dr. David is a psychiatrist in a city in Alaska, & can relate far better with his patients than most doctors can - as he himself a few years prior dealt with mental health issues. A fairly new antidepressant called Ketopram is what helped saved his life as some of his patients as well. However, now something is happening in one of the close communities & to his patients. They're committing suicide & one other has disappeared. While Dr. David continues to battle against his own demons, can he uncover just what is happening to his patients? Is it coincidence or something far more sinister?
Kalla always knows how to write a book with medical jargon and terminology that a simpleton reader such as I, can understand and enjoy the book so much more for it! He is the utmost King of Medical Thrillers to me. When I need my medical thriller fix, he's who I turn to. Genius! Twisty! Dark & Captivating. Riveting like all his other books. A pro at writing an excellent build up, perfect pace & superb shocks & revelations. Every. Single. Time. A true master as both a doctor, & a writer. I cannot rave big enough about this book. Thriller readers - this will satiate your appetite!
🔴 Trigger Warning: Mental Health Illness & Suicidal Thoughts / Actions of Patients
Thank you to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster Canada for this DARC.
Release Date: May 3, 2022
I give this beyond 5 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
⊰ The Darkness In The Light by Daniel Kalla ⊱
Ffllluuuufff Me Sideways & Upside Down!! What The Horsy Carousal Ride Did. I. Just. Read?!? 😳 My eyeballs have been tickled & my brain has been pounced upon like a kids dancing jamboree! Mother Floofin Fluffer & All The Fluffy Friends!! 😯 This is long so bare with me! Okay, Okay, first let me start off by saying, this novel packed a huge punch (can you tell?!) & the very beginning of it resonated so personally because I suffered horrendously from major depression as a teenager & well into my young adult years (including the "awful" thoughts) before finally getting better, although not perfect after meds & lots of therapy. I am so happy that Kalla touched on & explored this issue in this book as it's still such a stigmatized topic even today.
Dr. David is a psychiatrist in a city in Alaska, & can relate far better with his patients than most doctors can - as he himself a few years prior dealt with mental health issues. A fairly new antidepressant called Ketopram is what helped saved his life as some of his patients as well. However, now something is happening in one of the close communities & to his patients. They're committing suicide & one other has disappeared. While Dr. David continues to battle against his own demons, can he uncover just what is happening to his patients? Is it coincidence or something far more sinister?
Kalla always knows how to write a book with medical jargon and terminology that a simpleton reader such as I, can understand and enjoy the book so much more for it! He is the utmost King of Medical Thrillers to me. When I need my medical thriller fix, he's who I turn to. Genius! Twisty! Dark & Captivating. Riveting like all his other books. A pro at writing an excellent build up, perfect pace & superb shocks & revelations. Every. Single. Time. A true master as both a doctor, & a writer. I cannot rave big enough about this book. Thriller readers - this will satiate your appetite!
🔴 Trigger Warning: Mental Health Illness & Suicidal Thoughts / Actions of Patients
Thank you to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster Canada for this DARC.
Release Date: May 3, 2022
I give this beyond 5 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
March 11, 2024
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
The moment I finished The Darkness in the Light, I immediately added some of Daniel Kalla’s backlist titles to my shelves. Remote location, winter vibes, psychology & mental health based mystery, all wrapped in an engaging writing style. A winning combo that kept me turning page way past my bedtime.
This book shared many of the elements that make me love Nordic noir so much. In addition to that as someone who works with people experiencing mental health challenges I am always hyper-aware of how they are represented in thrillers & suspense novels. I think Dr. Kalla’s personal work experience shone through both in the way he portrayed the patients and the therapists in the story, but especially when one exists at the intersection of those two identities.
Arctic community of Utqiagvik, Alaska read like a character in the story in its own right. I felt as invested as Dr. Spears in figuring out what happened to Brianna and Amka. If you enjoy incredibly well written psychiatric mysteries, you will not want to miss this one!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
The moment I finished The Darkness in the Light, I immediately added some of Daniel Kalla’s backlist titles to my shelves. Remote location, winter vibes, psychology & mental health based mystery, all wrapped in an engaging writing style. A winning combo that kept me turning page way past my bedtime.
This book shared many of the elements that make me love Nordic noir so much. In addition to that as someone who works with people experiencing mental health challenges I am always hyper-aware of how they are represented in thrillers & suspense novels. I think Dr. Kalla’s personal work experience shone through both in the way he portrayed the patients and the therapists in the story, but especially when one exists at the intersection of those two identities.
Arctic community of Utqiagvik, Alaska read like a character in the story in its own right. I felt as invested as Dr. Spears in figuring out what happened to Brianna and Amka. If you enjoy incredibly well written psychiatric mysteries, you will not want to miss this one!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 2, 2022
Looking for a great medical thriller that may keep you up at night?
-> ->-> The Darkness in the Light by @danielkallawrites
I’ve now read several of this author’s books and have loved them all. Being an ER doctor at a local hospital, Dr. Kalla surely has lots of inspirations for stories and we know we are getting the facts straight from the expert.
Structure wise, I really enjoyed the short chapters that upped the pace and found the dialogue to be very realistic. Kalla made a choice to change the point of view mid way through the book which was a very effective and original device.
The setting of the northern most city in North America of Utqiagvik was quite fascinating and learning tidbits of Inuit culture is always welcomed by me. The author managed to change my opinion multiple times on one of the characters and I was invested in all the characters.
This book takes on some very serious topics including suicide. Sensitive reader should know this before going in. There are also other trigger warnings that may spoil the plot but I will list them in my review on Storygraph and you can DM me if you want to know.
I posted the synopsis in my previous post if you want to check that out. I feel good in highly recommending The Darkness in the Light and hope you will read it when it is published on May 3, 2022. I will be joining the zoom with the author on May 16 as part of the Canadian Book Enablers. Thank you to @netgalley and @simonschusterca for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
-> ->-> The Darkness in the Light by @danielkallawrites
I’ve now read several of this author’s books and have loved them all. Being an ER doctor at a local hospital, Dr. Kalla surely has lots of inspirations for stories and we know we are getting the facts straight from the expert.
Structure wise, I really enjoyed the short chapters that upped the pace and found the dialogue to be very realistic. Kalla made a choice to change the point of view mid way through the book which was a very effective and original device.
The setting of the northern most city in North America of Utqiagvik was quite fascinating and learning tidbits of Inuit culture is always welcomed by me. The author managed to change my opinion multiple times on one of the characters and I was invested in all the characters.
This book takes on some very serious topics including suicide. Sensitive reader should know this before going in. There are also other trigger warnings that may spoil the plot but I will list them in my review on Storygraph and you can DM me if you want to know.
I posted the synopsis in my previous post if you want to check that out. I feel good in highly recommending The Darkness in the Light and hope you will read it when it is published on May 3, 2022. I will be joining the zoom with the author on May 16 as part of the Canadian Book Enablers. Thank you to @netgalley and @simonschusterca for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
August 5, 2023
Going into the weekend & wanted to share a book I was able to read a few months ago that I’m super excited for. But before I give more of a review I want to say that this is my favourite of his. The chapters were perfect length, the story so easy to sink into and the draw between a medical thriller and mental health hooked me immediately. Escapism with grit. Oh, and a twist that I wasn’t expecting mid way that made me sad but was important to the story… 𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘬… 𝘯𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴.
It’s a book that centres around a psychiatrist named Dr David Spears: A man who loses a patient to suicide and cannot let the idea fester that he might have been missing something or a warning sign. The loss & future disappearance of Brianna’s friend, takes him up to Alaska where he connects with the local social worker to look into the cases. From there, it digs into therapy and pharmaceutical drugs for patients with a lean into the intricacies between drug companies and the medical community.
𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱…. 𝘌𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳.
It’s a book that centres around a psychiatrist named Dr David Spears: A man who loses a patient to suicide and cannot let the idea fester that he might have been missing something or a warning sign. The loss & future disappearance of Brianna’s friend, takes him up to Alaska where he connects with the local social worker to look into the cases. From there, it digs into therapy and pharmaceutical drugs for patients with a lean into the intricacies between drug companies and the medical community.
𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱…. 𝘌𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳.
March 4, 2022
THE DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT is a gripping, heartbreaking, and enthralling suspense so vividly immersive that I was hooked from the first page. With crisp, powerful writing and two extremely compelling voices, Daniel Kalla draws you in to the remote, intriguing world of the Arctic and the tragic, inexplicable suicide clusters that have ravaged a small, tight-knit town. Kalla is a clever master of surprise, dropping subtle clues and expertly changing course, so you can't possibly look away until the mystery is solved. It's an absolute must-read from a remarkable talent.
April 25, 2022
A Psychological/medical thriller
“I’m not trying to kill myself” How many times have I heard those words?
“You’re not suicidal” “You just don’t want to extend your life any longer than necessary”
Patients are dying- are the suicides related to a new antidepressant or is there something more sinister going on.
During the Covid crisis, Dr. David Spears communicates by video conference with his patients in Utgiagvik, a small village in the Arctic most have emotional problems and desperate needs his help. Till Brianna, a young mother, committed suicide and her daughter almost died with her. Brianna was on a new anti-depressant he has been prescribing to his patients, she was not the only one to die while taking this medication. Was this drug responsible? Dr. Spears determined to find out, heads out to the remote village....What will he find out once there....and what will happen to him.....
Holy moly what an exciting read one that will resonate to those who are suffering from depression where meds and therapy are prescribed to help them. In this novel a spin turns this medical thriller into a mystery where something is uncovered far more sinister that battling demons. Mr. Kalla is an expert in buildup and perfectly pacing his words to shock us with tidbits of clues but of course he keeps us on our toes till the very last chapter were we have twists after twists. I never guessed the outcome. Excellent writing filled with interesting clinical details on antidepressant. A bit of originality given to a narration which changes point of view mid-way, although it seemed curious and slightly confusing at first, all turned out to be very effective in the long run.
“The Darkness in the Light” is a gripping and heartbreaking read vividly said to draw us in to the remote world of the Arctic where drugs and tragic clusters of suicide do ravages in small and tight knit towns.
What a compelling story: well said and well-done.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing this riveting medical mystery.
“I’m not trying to kill myself” How many times have I heard those words?
“You’re not suicidal” “You just don’t want to extend your life any longer than necessary”
Patients are dying- are the suicides related to a new antidepressant or is there something more sinister going on.
During the Covid crisis, Dr. David Spears communicates by video conference with his patients in Utgiagvik, a small village in the Arctic most have emotional problems and desperate needs his help. Till Brianna, a young mother, committed suicide and her daughter almost died with her. Brianna was on a new anti-depressant he has been prescribing to his patients, she was not the only one to die while taking this medication. Was this drug responsible? Dr. Spears determined to find out, heads out to the remote village....What will he find out once there....and what will happen to him.....
Holy moly what an exciting read one that will resonate to those who are suffering from depression where meds and therapy are prescribed to help them. In this novel a spin turns this medical thriller into a mystery where something is uncovered far more sinister that battling demons. Mr. Kalla is an expert in buildup and perfectly pacing his words to shock us with tidbits of clues but of course he keeps us on our toes till the very last chapter were we have twists after twists. I never guessed the outcome. Excellent writing filled with interesting clinical details on antidepressant. A bit of originality given to a narration which changes point of view mid-way, although it seemed curious and slightly confusing at first, all turned out to be very effective in the long run.
“The Darkness in the Light” is a gripping and heartbreaking read vividly said to draw us in to the remote world of the Arctic where drugs and tragic clusters of suicide do ravages in small and tight knit towns.
What a compelling story: well said and well-done.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing this riveting medical mystery.
April 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and s&s publishing for the arc of this medical thriller by Daniel kalla.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a medical thriller before? I ask that as a question as if everyone else should know. Haha.
I really enjoyed this book. It had lots of good twists and turns. I wasn’t truly sure whodunit, and I like that in a thriller. I had a guess between two characters and one was correct, but that’s what we all want right? A book that makes you guess and think!
This book does have some heavy topics though. Really heavy on suicide, drug use, big pharma, assault. All not easy things to read, write or talk about. If none of these things trigger you, and you enjoy thrillers, this is the book for you. Easy to read, and not hard to follow.
This is my first book by Daniel kalla and I don’t think it will be the last!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a medical thriller before? I ask that as a question as if everyone else should know. Haha.
I really enjoyed this book. It had lots of good twists and turns. I wasn’t truly sure whodunit, and I like that in a thriller. I had a guess between two characters and one was correct, but that’s what we all want right? A book that makes you guess and think!
This book does have some heavy topics though. Really heavy on suicide, drug use, big pharma, assault. All not easy things to read, write or talk about. If none of these things trigger you, and you enjoy thrillers, this is the book for you. Easy to read, and not hard to follow.
This is my first book by Daniel kalla and I don’t think it will be the last!
July 25, 2023
This was such a great book I didn’t want to put it down from the very beginning. It was filled with some shocking twists and turns, the characters were interesting and it was well written. This was my first Dan Kalla book, I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
December 29, 2024
The perfect book to get me out of a reading slump! This was a page turner, despite the tough subject matter. Predictable, but still a great read!
May 18, 2023
This dark story is very well written and the setting in Alaska is exactly right. The darkness in David matches the darkness in Alaska - but even in Alaska there are light and sunny days. The characters worked well together and I enjoyed the cultural references a lot.
I would love to read more books by Daniel Kalla.
I would love to read more books by Daniel Kalla.
April 18, 2022
Book Review
The Darkness in the Light by Daniel Kalla
⚠️Triggering Themes⚠️
Suicide
Addiction
Depression
Big Pharma
Rape
Teenage pregnancy
Overdose
This book hit a bit too close To home for me, it was a difficult read. So lets focus on the writing….
Spoilers ahead
Kalla set the stage for misdirection. From the very beginning I thought I had it figured out. David the good Dr would come to the rescue of his patient and Big Bad Pharma would be to blame. Kalla had me wrapped around his finger as I read…he built up so much empathy for David and his patients I couldnt not turn the page to see if he could save one more. I believed he could do it. I hoped he could also find a way to save himself along the way. I was wrong.
As I got further immersed in the story Kalla’s writing started to breed doubt. Like David’s patients, I couldn’t trust my thoughts. I found myself lost between truths and lies with no clear path forward.
Eventually, after many pages turned, and many WTF moments a light shone ahead. It was not the ending I expected or wanted….. there were a couple of details I could do without (Taylor’s backstory) but what is a mystery without the red herrings? There were some parts I wanted more closure on ( David’s family), the community, Amka - but arent there always loose ends in a good thriller?
A Compelling read with characters and plots that will linger in your thoughts long after the last page.
Thank you to @simonandschusterca for my gofted copy in return for an honest review
The Darkness in the Light by Daniel Kalla
⚠️Triggering Themes⚠️
Suicide
Addiction
Depression
Big Pharma
Rape
Teenage pregnancy
Overdose
This book hit a bit too close To home for me, it was a difficult read. So lets focus on the writing….
Spoilers ahead
Kalla set the stage for misdirection. From the very beginning I thought I had it figured out. David the good Dr would come to the rescue of his patient and Big Bad Pharma would be to blame. Kalla had me wrapped around his finger as I read…he built up so much empathy for David and his patients I couldnt not turn the page to see if he could save one more. I believed he could do it. I hoped he could also find a way to save himself along the way. I was wrong.
As I got further immersed in the story Kalla’s writing started to breed doubt. Like David’s patients, I couldn’t trust my thoughts. I found myself lost between truths and lies with no clear path forward.
Eventually, after many pages turned, and many WTF moments a light shone ahead. It was not the ending I expected or wanted….. there were a couple of details I could do without (Taylor’s backstory) but what is a mystery without the red herrings? There were some parts I wanted more closure on ( David’s family), the community, Amka - but arent there always loose ends in a good thriller?
A Compelling read with characters and plots that will linger in your thoughts long after the last page.
Thank you to @simonandschusterca for my gofted copy in return for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2022
This author never disappoints. Gritty, realistic themes and an interesting Alaskan setting. A major twist part way through had me gasping.
April 23, 2022
Prepare yourself for a book hangover because you won’t be able to put down this addictive mystery.
I’m ashamed to admit this is my first Daniel Kalla novel though he has long been on my radar. Doctor by day and writer the rest of the time, Kalla is known for his medical thrillers. I’m really glad I finally picked up one of his books because it was a good one.
Kalla does a great job of incorporating the bleak but beautiful Alaskan landscape into the novel to the point where the setting almost feels like another character. The book starts out in Anchorage and then transitions to the very remote town of Utqiagvik. It’s that very remoteness that contributes to the almost claustrophobic sensation the reader has and it creates a glorious tension. At the same time, Kalla highlights the challenges faced by remote communities and some of the ways health care professionals and law enforcement work to overcome them.
The characters are very well developed and I felt like I really got to know both main characters. The book begins from David’s point of view, a psychiatrist working with patients both in Anchorage and in Utqiagvik. He is a very caring person who goes to great lengths to help his patients. Part way through the book we switch to Taylor’s perspective and I also loved her character. As the social worker in a very remote town, she makes a big difference in the lives of all the townspeople.
I liked that Kalla chose the topic of mental health for this book. After two long years of the pandemic, more of us than ever are facing barriers to our mental health so the timing for this book couldn’t be better. I felt Kalla provided a well-balanced look at the numerous challenges faced by both those struggling with their mental health and those that treat them. I particularly liked that he chose to have David struggle with depression. Not only did we get more detail on how depression looked to him because he is a main character, it showed that no one is immune and even a psychiatrist can face mental health issues.
Overall a suspenseful great read. I highly recommend it. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about that book hangover.
Thanks, Simon and Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Click on the link to read more reviews on our blog: https://yourbookishlife.com/book-revi...
I’m ashamed to admit this is my first Daniel Kalla novel though he has long been on my radar. Doctor by day and writer the rest of the time, Kalla is known for his medical thrillers. I’m really glad I finally picked up one of his books because it was a good one.
Kalla does a great job of incorporating the bleak but beautiful Alaskan landscape into the novel to the point where the setting almost feels like another character. The book starts out in Anchorage and then transitions to the very remote town of Utqiagvik. It’s that very remoteness that contributes to the almost claustrophobic sensation the reader has and it creates a glorious tension. At the same time, Kalla highlights the challenges faced by remote communities and some of the ways health care professionals and law enforcement work to overcome them.
The characters are very well developed and I felt like I really got to know both main characters. The book begins from David’s point of view, a psychiatrist working with patients both in Anchorage and in Utqiagvik. He is a very caring person who goes to great lengths to help his patients. Part way through the book we switch to Taylor’s perspective and I also loved her character. As the social worker in a very remote town, she makes a big difference in the lives of all the townspeople.
I liked that Kalla chose the topic of mental health for this book. After two long years of the pandemic, more of us than ever are facing barriers to our mental health so the timing for this book couldn’t be better. I felt Kalla provided a well-balanced look at the numerous challenges faced by both those struggling with their mental health and those that treat them. I particularly liked that he chose to have David struggle with depression. Not only did we get more detail on how depression looked to him because he is a main character, it showed that no one is immune and even a psychiatrist can face mental health issues.
Overall a suspenseful great read. I highly recommend it. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about that book hangover.
Thanks, Simon and Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Click on the link to read more reviews on our blog: https://yourbookishlife.com/book-revi...
April 25, 2022
I’m a big fan of Daniel Kalla’s writing but I found The Darkness in the Light to be a particularly disturbing read. Mental health in itself is difficult subject area.. The Darkness in the Light takes the reader further by introducing other sensitive subject areas which magnify the already very complicated nature of the mental health issues of the story’s characters. Pushing through the book was a bit of a struggle at parts but well worth the time invested.
Thank You to Simon & Schuster Canada, NetGalley and Daniel Kalla for the opportunity to read and reflect on this ARC.
Thank You to Simon & Schuster Canada, NetGalley and Daniel Kalla for the opportunity to read and reflect on this ARC.
April 15, 2022
The topics of virtual medicine, psychiatry and suicide are the main topics of this novel which makes it an intense read.
Dr. David Spears' psychiatry practice includes a small remote town in northern Alaska. Zoom calls are supplemented by a local social worker, and regularly include in-person visits. David's own depression is controlled by a new drug, Ketopram, overseen by his boss and friend Dr. Javier Gutierrez. David begins to question this new drug.
Tracing the life of a suicide victim soon becomes 3 victims in this tragic, compelling story.
Definitely another Daniel Kalla deep, dark, drama. Well-written but tough subject to read about.
I volunteered to read an ARC through Net Galley.
Release date May 3, 2022.
Dr. David Spears' psychiatry practice includes a small remote town in northern Alaska. Zoom calls are supplemented by a local social worker, and regularly include in-person visits. David's own depression is controlled by a new drug, Ketopram, overseen by his boss and friend Dr. Javier Gutierrez. David begins to question this new drug.
Tracing the life of a suicide victim soon becomes 3 victims in this tragic, compelling story.
Definitely another Daniel Kalla deep, dark, drama. Well-written but tough subject to read about.
I volunteered to read an ARC through Net Galley.
Release date May 3, 2022.
April 30, 2022
When his patient in a northern Alaskan town commits suicide, David is riddled with guilt ; when a second patient disappears, he feels compelled to investigate .
✔️ at About 55% - an unexpected twist !
✔️ definitely a page turner - I read it in one sitting
✔️ I enjoyed reading about the town of Utqiagvik, Alaska
🎥 a great choice for a screen adaptation ; I can just imagine how beautiful the cinematography would be too !
✔️ at About 55% - an unexpected twist !
✔️ definitely a page turner - I read it in one sitting
✔️ I enjoyed reading about the town of Utqiagvik, Alaska
🎥 a great choice for a screen adaptation ; I can just imagine how beautiful the cinematography would be too !
June 8, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
Very good read with a twisted ending.
A doctor immersed in a small community doing appointments via zoom (thanks to Covid) noticed a trend among his patients; they were all prescribed the same fairly new anti-depressant and they all had suicide attempts if not successful attempts and he felt there was a relation to the attempts and the drug they were all on - including himself.
I’ve read a few of Kallas books before and this one is a lot like the others, a page turner that leaves you hungry for more so you binge read.
Very good read with a twisted ending.
A doctor immersed in a small community doing appointments via zoom (thanks to Covid) noticed a trend among his patients; they were all prescribed the same fairly new anti-depressant and they all had suicide attempts if not successful attempts and he felt there was a relation to the attempts and the drug they were all on - including himself.
I’ve read a few of Kallas books before and this one is a lot like the others, a page turner that leaves you hungry for more so you binge read.
June 15, 2022
I must admit this is my first novel by Canadian ER physician and won't be the last. Liked the short chapters and changing POV and of course the twist. Screen play anyone?
November 3, 2022
Another excellent medical thriller by Kalla, well done!
June 6, 2022
A medical thriller set in Alaska? Sign me up! Daniel Kalla is an incredible author, bringing so much of his real life medical knowledge to his writing, making the most interesting and heart pumping medical thrillers I've ever heard of! Please note that this book is FULL of trigger warnings including suicide, sexual assault, rape, overdose, and depression.
Kalla's characters are always so real. They are full of faults, but also just genuine characters that are so easy to like and root for. I truly wasn't sure where this book was haded, or what was coming next as I read. The ending truly blew me away. I loved the Alaskan setting, bringing so many issues to light in such a tasteful way, along with Big Pharma drama at the same time. Daniel Kalla truly has met his market with medical thrillers and this book is no exception, I highly recommend picking it up! Off to read more of his backlist now!
Kalla's characters are always so real. They are full of faults, but also just genuine characters that are so easy to like and root for. I truly wasn't sure where this book was haded, or what was coming next as I read. The ending truly blew me away. I loved the Alaskan setting, bringing so many issues to light in such a tasteful way, along with Big Pharma drama at the same time. Daniel Kalla truly has met his market with medical thrillers and this book is no exception, I highly recommend picking it up! Off to read more of his backlist now!
April 26, 2022
I've always loved a good medical thriller and Daniel Kalla is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors in the genre. And bonus he's Canadian. This newest novel takes us to the farthest reaches of Alaska in Utqiagvik and focuses on virtual medicine, suicide and the use of anti-depressants. Kalla has never been one to shy away from sensitive topics, coming from a background in emergency medicine.
I loved both David and Taylor's characters. Both of them for their empathy and dedication to their clients. They broke my spree of unlikeable mains. Amidst an influx of suicides in this small close knit northern community the two work together to find out what is precipitating the closely timed deaths and how they're connected. Kalla weaves a great tale with bread crumbs to several suspects and reasonings. I did suspect one of the twists early on but not how deeply it was intertwined. Which is the best kind of twist. This was one of my most anticipated reads for spring and it did not disappoint. Huge thanks to Simon and Schuster for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
**TW: suicide, sexual assault, sexual assault of a minor, unknowing drugging, overdose, murder**
I loved both David and Taylor's characters. Both of them for their empathy and dedication to their clients. They broke my spree of unlikeable mains. Amidst an influx of suicides in this small close knit northern community the two work together to find out what is precipitating the closely timed deaths and how they're connected. Kalla weaves a great tale with bread crumbs to several suspects and reasonings. I did suspect one of the twists early on but not how deeply it was intertwined. Which is the best kind of twist. This was one of my most anticipated reads for spring and it did not disappoint. Huge thanks to Simon and Schuster for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
**TW: suicide, sexual assault, sexual assault of a minor, unknowing drugging, overdose, murder**
December 19, 2023
The plot was pretty obvious and the writing was just okay. What really got me was the terrible editing. I’ve never seen so many errors in a single book.
December 17, 2022
Overall a satisfying read. The red herring could have been executed more skillfully; at times, I found it smothering.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2022
So many reasons to give this medical thriller five stars...it was published just this year, and acknowledges how Covid has affected health care, with the positive side effect of pushing virtual psychiatric care forward, so necessary in the far north and in the Arctic. The writing is taut and straight forward, yet not staccato or boring. Every sentence is important and leads to the next naturally, with little fluff or meaningless filler.
The book take a sharp and very unexpected turn just past the halfway mark. I won't go into details but it's something I've rarely seen/read. I'm not sure I like it, and I don't think the new direction is as successful as the original trajectory, but it certainly adds to the suspense.
The most important thing about this book, for me, is how it shines a light on suicidal thoughts and mental health. These are topics I almost always turn away from when choosing reading material but I'm glad I didn't in this case. As the author states in his acknowledgements, suicide leaves much devastation amongst those it touches; his work in the emergency room has unfortunately provided him many stories to reflect on while writing this book.
The book take a sharp and very unexpected turn just past the halfway mark. I won't go into details but it's something I've rarely seen/read. I'm not sure I like it, and I don't think the new direction is as successful as the original trajectory, but it certainly adds to the suspense.
The most important thing about this book, for me, is how it shines a light on suicidal thoughts and mental health. These are topics I almost always turn away from when choosing reading material but I'm glad I didn't in this case. As the author states in his acknowledgements, suicide leaves much devastation amongst those it touches; his work in the emergency room has unfortunately provided him many stories to reflect on while writing this book.
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