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Iris in the Dark
A single mother faces her worst fear―the past―in a provocative novel of suspense by the author of The Speed of Light.
Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years. So when Iris is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.
But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker. He’s a caring, reassuring presence who’s making her feel safe and alive again. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal, and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help. They’re reaching out to terrorize her.
Now the only way for Iris to move forward in life is to confront the past she’s been running from…a threat that has now followed her into the dark.
Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years. So when Iris is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.
But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker. He’s a caring, reassuring presence who’s making her feel safe and alive again. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal, and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help. They’re reaching out to terrorize her.
Now the only way for Iris to move forward in life is to confront the past she’s been running from…a threat that has now followed her into the dark.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2022
379 people are currently reading
4136 people want to read
About the author
Elissa Grossell Dickey
2 books226 followersElissa Grossell Dickey is a former journalist who now works as the communications and marketing director for her local public school district. Stories have always been a big part of Elissa’s life—from getting lost in a book as a child to reading to her kids at bedtime. She has shared her personal story of living with multiple sclerosis through blog posts for the National MS Society. Though she grew up among the lakes and trees of northern Minnesota, Elissa now lives on the South Dakota prairie with her husband and children. She is the author of The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark. Learn more at elissadickey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
June 13, 2022
About the book: “A single mother faces her worst fear―the past―in a provocative novel of suspense by the author of The Speed of Light.
Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years. So when Iris is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.
But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker. He’s a caring, reassuring presence who’s making her feel safe and alive again. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal, and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help. They’re reaching out to terrorize her.
Now the only way for Iris to move forward in life is to confront the past she’s been running from…a threat that has now followed her into the dark.”
Iris in the Dark is a character-driven story featuring its namesake, Iris, who is one tough cookie. Her story is one of survival and growth with a big chunk of romance and a dab of suspense. She’s left a past behind she’s not proud of, and that past is catching up with her. I loved Iris and wanted the best for her and her son Finn. Lowell is a father figure for her, and such a big hearted, warm character.
My favorite aspect of the story other than the sparkly characters was its page-turning pacing.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years. So when Iris is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.
But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker. He’s a caring, reassuring presence who’s making her feel safe and alive again. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal, and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help. They’re reaching out to terrorize her.
Now the only way for Iris to move forward in life is to confront the past she’s been running from…a threat that has now followed her into the dark.”
Iris in the Dark is a character-driven story featuring its namesake, Iris, who is one tough cookie. Her story is one of survival and growth with a big chunk of romance and a dab of suspense. She’s left a past behind she’s not proud of, and that past is catching up with her. I loved Iris and wanted the best for her and her son Finn. Lowell is a father figure for her, and such a big hearted, warm character.
My favorite aspect of the story other than the sparkly characters was its page-turning pacing.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
December 21, 2021
"Don't keep running back to the one person that you need to walk away from." (Unknown)
Not gonna lie.......Iris in the Dark sat across from me with a 3 Star rating. It started out strong and then wandered into too many alley ways. I think that Elissa Grossel Dickey wasn't too sure how to get her main character onto higher ground. The over-the-shoulder look into the past spoke volumns of the extreme baggage that Iris Jenkins was dragging about. What won me over was the Author's Note at the end. Ms. Dickey, this should have been your beacon of light throughout and not the "mystery" that didn't have enough "thriller" attached.
Iris Jenkins is a survivor. Plain, simple, and the truth. She literally ran for her life and that of her unborn son, Finn. Iris was ridiculed, abused, and tormented by her ex-boyfriend. She landed in a truck stop without a prayer or a plan. Lowell Gordon and his partner eyed this young, traumatized woman and found a place for her in their home until she gave birth. Their sincere kindness was a life line for Iris and Finn.
Iris is now the assistant to Lowell who is the editor of the Prairie Daily News. Finn has just turned seven and is the joy that makes her rise each day. But the newspaper may be bought out soon and Lowell offers Iris the position of event planner in his Windy Acres lodge. She and Finn move in and adjust to the new surroundings.
But it appears that Iris' past from Minneapolis is catching up with her here in South Dakota. Someone is aware that Iris was involved in some shady business with her ex back there. Iris fears for her life and that of her son, Finn. She's so tired of running......but she's out of options.
Iris in the Dark is built on a solid foundation. Dickey can sure write. If you follow the original intention of this novel, it will be a satisfying read. Perhaps Dickey can fine-tune those false starts and stops that weaken this storyline. But it's surely worth a looky look by the readers. Take it for a spin and see what you think when it comes out in 2022.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Elissa Grossell Dickey.
Not gonna lie.......Iris in the Dark sat across from me with a 3 Star rating. It started out strong and then wandered into too many alley ways. I think that Elissa Grossel Dickey wasn't too sure how to get her main character onto higher ground. The over-the-shoulder look into the past spoke volumns of the extreme baggage that Iris Jenkins was dragging about. What won me over was the Author's Note at the end. Ms. Dickey, this should have been your beacon of light throughout and not the "mystery" that didn't have enough "thriller" attached.
Iris Jenkins is a survivor. Plain, simple, and the truth. She literally ran for her life and that of her unborn son, Finn. Iris was ridiculed, abused, and tormented by her ex-boyfriend. She landed in a truck stop without a prayer or a plan. Lowell Gordon and his partner eyed this young, traumatized woman and found a place for her in their home until she gave birth. Their sincere kindness was a life line for Iris and Finn.
Iris is now the assistant to Lowell who is the editor of the Prairie Daily News. Finn has just turned seven and is the joy that makes her rise each day. But the newspaper may be bought out soon and Lowell offers Iris the position of event planner in his Windy Acres lodge. She and Finn move in and adjust to the new surroundings.
But it appears that Iris' past from Minneapolis is catching up with her here in South Dakota. Someone is aware that Iris was involved in some shady business with her ex back there. Iris fears for her life and that of her son, Finn. She's so tired of running......but she's out of options.
Iris in the Dark is built on a solid foundation. Dickey can sure write. If you follow the original intention of this novel, it will be a satisfying read. Perhaps Dickey can fine-tune those false starts and stops that weaken this storyline. But it's surely worth a looky look by the readers. Take it for a spin and see what you think when it comes out in 2022.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Elissa Grossell Dickey.
May 24, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic version of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 7, 2022
Elissa Grossell Dickey’s second novel, “Iris in the Dark” is a little bit romance, a little bit spooky “things that go bump in the night” and a little bit of “starting over”, wrapped up in the “general fiction” genre.
Iris has been working as a journalist for the last eight years, after a tragic accident left her alone with her unborn son. Now her son is seven and Iris is facing termination from the newspaper, so when she is offered the chance to run an inn for a short time, she jumps at the chance. Finally, Iris and her son Finn have found somewhere to settle in and Iris is slowing starting to let her guard down, including letting her feelings for the inn’s chef and caretaker, grow. But Iris is haunted, in ways that no one in her new town could even guess at, and when her secrets threaten to spill out and reveal all, Iris has to decide if she’s finally found something worth sticking around for.
“Dark” was a quick read and I found myself flipping through the pages easily. The story is told from Iris’ standpoint, primarily in the present day although we do get a few snippets from her previous life, told slowly and in reverse order. The secrets Iris keeps are held close to the chest, slowly being excavated like gum off of a shoe, until the final big reveal when everything spills out in a pulse-pounding and powerful climax.
Iris is a likable character, and she was easy to root for, especially as she painstakingly and desperately ensures that her son, Finn, is safe and out of harm’s way. It is difficult to not empathize with Iris as she struggles between consistency for her son and safety for them both. There were a lot of obvious moments in this novel (for example, the introduction of the “inn’s cook” Sawyer was a blatant attempt at giving Iris a love interest) and of course the downright dirty, dislikable characters were in it up to their eyeballs, leaving no surprises as to who was involved.
That being said, “Dark” has a lot of romantic, sappy moments and quite a few jump scare moments, but overall it belongs somewhere right in the middle. There is never a dull moment, and although “Dark” is only the second novel for Dickey, she has the initial talent to go far.
Expected publication date: June 7, 2022
Elissa Grossell Dickey’s second novel, “Iris in the Dark” is a little bit romance, a little bit spooky “things that go bump in the night” and a little bit of “starting over”, wrapped up in the “general fiction” genre.
Iris has been working as a journalist for the last eight years, after a tragic accident left her alone with her unborn son. Now her son is seven and Iris is facing termination from the newspaper, so when she is offered the chance to run an inn for a short time, she jumps at the chance. Finally, Iris and her son Finn have found somewhere to settle in and Iris is slowing starting to let her guard down, including letting her feelings for the inn’s chef and caretaker, grow. But Iris is haunted, in ways that no one in her new town could even guess at, and when her secrets threaten to spill out and reveal all, Iris has to decide if she’s finally found something worth sticking around for.
“Dark” was a quick read and I found myself flipping through the pages easily. The story is told from Iris’ standpoint, primarily in the present day although we do get a few snippets from her previous life, told slowly and in reverse order. The secrets Iris keeps are held close to the chest, slowly being excavated like gum off of a shoe, until the final big reveal when everything spills out in a pulse-pounding and powerful climax.
Iris is a likable character, and she was easy to root for, especially as she painstakingly and desperately ensures that her son, Finn, is safe and out of harm’s way. It is difficult to not empathize with Iris as she struggles between consistency for her son and safety for them both. There were a lot of obvious moments in this novel (for example, the introduction of the “inn’s cook” Sawyer was a blatant attempt at giving Iris a love interest) and of course the downright dirty, dislikable characters were in it up to their eyeballs, leaving no surprises as to who was involved.
That being said, “Dark” has a lot of romantic, sappy moments and quite a few jump scare moments, but overall it belongs somewhere right in the middle. There is never a dull moment, and although “Dark” is only the second novel for Dickey, she has the initial talent to go far.
July 2, 2022
Iris in the Dark by Elissa Grossell Dickey is a book I was looking forward to reading. The description sounded enticing. The opening chapters were well-written, setting up the story and I was pleased to be digging into this thriller. This is the tale of Iris and her young son Finn, who live in South Dakota and the gist is that she moved to the country to evade a brutal past. When she learns that her job at the local paper may not last, Iris moves to a lodge to find out if managing it will be a good fit. There will be the usual caretaker who quickly becomes the love interest in a most unrealistic fashion. There are indications that her past may be following her. I gave up on Iris in the Dark with forty pages left to read and I could not have cared less about the ending. Many of the characters were bland and whiny. The plot was completely without realistic scenarios. I understand this is a work of fiction but it should be at least somewhat believable. This is only my own opinion and I am sure that many will enjoy this novel. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2022
Ever baked a cake having followed the recipe perfectly only to discover it came out looking differently than the photo in the cookbook? It may still be edible, taste good, or even salvageable, but not quite as you’d imagined. I have, and it left me slightly disappointed. This book was like that for me!
Two of the main weaknesses, in my opinion, are related to character development and fact-checking. I found too many holes in the narrative that had me pausing …”Wait, huh? Didn’t she just ….” and “Huh? If she’s so overprotective, how come….” I wonder if I could have connected better with the characters if they’d stayed in their roles? I also wondered if perhaps too much was crammed into one book? Romance, single mother, creepy lodge, drug trafficking, all kinds of abuse (including alcohol and drugs), illness, death…whew! I read to be entertained and when it edges towards depressing and frustrating, it’s difficult to continue.
Please check trigger warnings prior to reading. This book is full of them!
I can see why this is profiled as general fiction; it’s a little bit of many genres! It did follow the genre guidelines and concentrated on the daily conflicts of the protagonist. Personally, I was more drawn to the mystery/creepy aspect and could see so much unused potential. I could see the author wanted to explore the strength of motherhood. Unfortunately, with so much going on in this book, Iris Jenkins didn’t pull through for me. I hope this book finds the right reader.
I was gifted this book by Elissa Grossell Dickey, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Two of the main weaknesses, in my opinion, are related to character development and fact-checking. I found too many holes in the narrative that had me pausing …”Wait, huh? Didn’t she just ….” and “Huh? If she’s so overprotective, how come….” I wonder if I could have connected better with the characters if they’d stayed in their roles? I also wondered if perhaps too much was crammed into one book? Romance, single mother, creepy lodge, drug trafficking, all kinds of abuse (including alcohol and drugs), illness, death…whew! I read to be entertained and when it edges towards depressing and frustrating, it’s difficult to continue.
Please check trigger warnings prior to reading. This book is full of them!
I can see why this is profiled as general fiction; it’s a little bit of many genres! It did follow the genre guidelines and concentrated on the daily conflicts of the protagonist. Personally, I was more drawn to the mystery/creepy aspect and could see so much unused potential. I could see the author wanted to explore the strength of motherhood. Unfortunately, with so much going on in this book, Iris Jenkins didn’t pull through for me. I hope this book finds the right reader.
I was gifted this book by Elissa Grossell Dickey, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 1, 2022
The writing kept me rapidly turning pages, and I was invested in seeking a happy ending for Iris and her son.
Iris was a character that was easy to like, despite the fact that she was so fearful and constantly on the alert. I did find her low self-esteem trying at times - you just want to tell her to stop being such a wuss and stand up for herself. Her anxiety was palpable, yet it seemed over the top at times. Though, to be fair, if I had her upbringing I might act the same way.
The romance aspect of the book was well executed, and seemed authentic, though there were aspects of the plot that seemed slightly contrived, as in 'too good to be true'. There seemed a perfect balance between the romance and the suspense to be a worthy contender in the romantic suspense genre.
This is an easy read even as it touches on some sensitive issues. Fans of the author, romantic suspense, and women’s stories will want to check this one out.
Iris was a character that was easy to like, despite the fact that she was so fearful and constantly on the alert. I did find her low self-esteem trying at times - you just want to tell her to stop being such a wuss and stand up for herself. Her anxiety was palpable, yet it seemed over the top at times. Though, to be fair, if I had her upbringing I might act the same way.
The romance aspect of the book was well executed, and seemed authentic, though there were aspects of the plot that seemed slightly contrived, as in 'too good to be true'. There seemed a perfect balance between the romance and the suspense to be a worthy contender in the romantic suspense genre.
This is an easy read even as it touches on some sensitive issues. Fans of the author, romantic suspense, and women’s stories will want to check this one out.
June 30, 2022
I am struggling with this review.
I looked at other reviews, and people LOVED this book. I honestly, thought it was just ok. The writing, was good, the story was really interesting, but I just could not get invested in this book.
Did you ever see a movie that seems to always take place in the dark, so you are always struggling to see the picture and it takes away from the enjoyment? This was like the literary version of that. It just had a heavy, dark feel and not in a good way. I struggled to connect with the characters. I kept putting it down and picking it back up. I was interested enough to keep going, but not interested enough to read it in one or two sittings (or even four or five).
Before you take my review as gospel, keep in mind that I usually prefer books with more action that mood, books that some consider to be more superficial (I loved the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and hated a Man Called Ove).
I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.
I looked at other reviews, and people LOVED this book. I honestly, thought it was just ok. The writing, was good, the story was really interesting, but I just could not get invested in this book.
Did you ever see a movie that seems to always take place in the dark, so you are always struggling to see the picture and it takes away from the enjoyment? This was like the literary version of that. It just had a heavy, dark feel and not in a good way. I struggled to connect with the characters. I kept putting it down and picking it back up. I was interested enough to keep going, but not interested enough to read it in one or two sittings (or even four or five).
Before you take my review as gospel, keep in mind that I usually prefer books with more action that mood, books that some consider to be more superficial (I loved the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and hated a Man Called Ove).
I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.
December 4, 2021
IRIS IN THE DARK investigates the shadowy corners of one woman’s past—and how they try to reclaim her, just as she finally finds some light. It’s a moving and suspenseful story with prose as impactful as its characters’ journeys. I read this one in a single sitting, pulled along by the novel’s stunning revelations and Elissa Grossell Dickey’s beautiful storytelling.
June 16, 2022
From the moment I started Iris in the Dark by Elissa Grossell Dickey I knew I was going to like it, and I thought it was so good that I didn't want to put it down! This is a really quick read, and you could easily read it in one sitting. I loved that it was fairly suspenseful as well as being an emotional story that was at times a sucker punch to the heart. There are some tough things Dickey touches on like abuse, and I was surprised by how many moments actually brought tears to my eyes. Emotions of the characters also run high, and even though I knew Iris had done things she wasn't proud of, she was a super sympathetic character and I not only felt for her but loved her as well. It made me so happy that she knew her worth and was able to get out of a bad situation, even if the past does try to catch up with her in a scary and uncomfortable way.
There is also a little bit of a romance aspect to Iris in the Dark, even though this is in no way the point of the book. I loved having it though as it was a heartwarming piece and brought some happiness to the book along with the sadness and toughness of the story itself. Iris's son was completely adorable as well, and there were a few times I laughed out loud, so don't think this is a doom and gloom story because there really is a lot of light to it too. That being said, I did want to punch one of the cops in the mouth, so there are frustrating characters to be had here and parts that will definitely make you mad. Iris in the Dark is also on Kindle Unlimited for those of you that have it and are interested in checking it out. I got the audiobook off of there and the narrator Christine Williams was a pleasure to listen to, so I highly recommend it. I will be going back to read Dickey's debut for sure, and I will read whatever she writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There is also a little bit of a romance aspect to Iris in the Dark, even though this is in no way the point of the book. I loved having it though as it was a heartwarming piece and brought some happiness to the book along with the sadness and toughness of the story itself. Iris's son was completely adorable as well, and there were a few times I laughed out loud, so don't think this is a doom and gloom story because there really is a lot of light to it too. That being said, I did want to punch one of the cops in the mouth, so there are frustrating characters to be had here and parts that will definitely make you mad. Iris in the Dark is also on Kindle Unlimited for those of you that have it and are interested in checking it out. I got the audiobook off of there and the narrator Christine Williams was a pleasure to listen to, so I highly recommend it. I will be going back to read Dickey's debut for sure, and I will read whatever she writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 23, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
Iris in the Dark by @elissaadickey this book is due to be released on 7th June 2022. Free copy provided via netgalley.
WARNINGS - this book contains human trafficking, nearly all of the main types of abuse, and prostitution.
SYNOPSIS: Iris Jenkins knows bad things happen. She has tried to run away from bad events for years. She is asked by her friend and boss Lowell to look after his lodge in South Dakota. She becomes close to Sawyer Jones. However, when Iris and her son (Finn) are asleep, she hears a voice via a walkie talkie, and it knows parts of her past.
At first I struggled with the book. I didn't dislike it though. I probably read it in about 3 ish days. However, once an event happened in the book (not saying as that is a big spolier), I could not put it down. Some of the events that happened I did predict, but there was one event that I did not predict. I preferred reading what happened 8 years ago, compared to the present time.
I think it is a good book, but as I said, I did find some of the events predictable, which I think took some of the enjoyment out of it.
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Iris in the Dark by @elissaadickey this book is due to be released on 7th June 2022. Free copy provided via netgalley.
WARNINGS - this book contains human trafficking, nearly all of the main types of abuse, and prostitution.
SYNOPSIS: Iris Jenkins knows bad things happen. She has tried to run away from bad events for years. She is asked by her friend and boss Lowell to look after his lodge in South Dakota. She becomes close to Sawyer Jones. However, when Iris and her son (Finn) are asleep, she hears a voice via a walkie talkie, and it knows parts of her past.
At first I struggled with the book. I didn't dislike it though. I probably read it in about 3 ish days. However, once an event happened in the book (not saying as that is a big spolier), I could not put it down. Some of the events that happened I did predict, but there was one event that I did not predict. I preferred reading what happened 8 years ago, compared to the present time.
I think it is a good book, but as I said, I did find some of the events predictable, which I think took some of the enjoyment out of it.
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
May 14, 2022
Iris's story means a lot to me, and I hope it means a lot to readers, too. Thank you for reading!
February 19, 2022
TW: cancer, physical abuse, dead spouse, human trafficking, alcoholism, drug abuse
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:A single mother faces her worst fear―the past―in a provocative novel of suspense by the author of The Speed of Light.Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years. So when Iris is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker. He’s a caring, reassuring presence who’s making her feel safe and alive again. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal, and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help. They’re reaching out to terrorize her.Now the only way for Iris to move forward in life is to confront the past she’s been running from…a threat that has now followed her into the dark.
Release Date: June 7th, 2022
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Pages: N/a
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ (1 star for the creepy feeling of the plot & 1 star for how easy it is to read this book)
What I Liked:
• Seems like a creepy plot
• Easy to read
What I Didn't Like:
• Mentioning Menards (I worked there for 3 years)
• The writing sounds amateur
• Iris is a complete idiot
• Using abuse as a subplot for a romance and plot line
• Constantly says Legos when it pronounced Lego, there is no s.
• Instant romance
• Cheesy lines
• The ending isn't good
Overall Thoughts:This had moments where it made little sense; Sheri says she has 3 kids then gets a text from her oldest who is a boy and says he's supposed to be watching his siblings. Her daughter is 15 so that's weird.
Sawyer is made out to be better because his wife died rather than them being divorced.
Iris just meets all these people and it's like they are best friends. Sawyer has known her for one day and he's already staring at her with puppy dog eyes and reassuring her there is nothing between him and Sherri.
Iris is WAY too trusting. She doesn't know anything about Sawyer but she let's this man hang out with her son. She even let's her son take him to his room unsupervised. My red flags would be up if a man was hanging out with my kid while I wasn't around.
For a woman that is terrified of someone she sure feels comfortable letting her son run off by himself.
I hate Iris. She tells Finn no to looking at toys at Menards (they don't have toys in their stores only seasonally 👀) but then Sawyer says he'll take him to look at them. Dude is undermining her and doing what he wants, again she let's him go with him - alone! He is a stranger that keeps finding reasons to be alone with him. Then then....a little girl wanders up to her and she gets this Spidey sense that something is wrong and thinks the man kidnapped the girl. Like lady stay in your lane! Some guy you don't know is walking around with your son and you're more worried about this girl. She talks about how overprotective she is and she is not. In the beginning of her getting to the lodge she has a weird feeling about the two hunters that are checking out and wanting breakfast but she leaves Finn in the room with him until he comes in to talk to her. That's not overprotective. She leaves her son with strangers all the time.
There were so many errors in this story it drove me crazy! Iris talks about cleaning the kitchen while Sawyer is out with Cole, but she just cleaned the kitchen that morning when Natalie came over so why is she cleaning it now..she only got Finn a bowl of cereal.
So plot draws you in because it sounds creepy but we've all read this story before 100 times.
Iris is one of those women that needs constant saving from men.
Lowell calls Iris to tell her that someone was waiting in his office on Monday. She asks him who and he says Bradyen. She doesn't ask Lowell what he wanted but rushes off the phone assuming that he's the one behind all of this. It's not weird that he would be in the office as he works for the Lowell's newspaper. It could be about anything and here Iris goes rushing off to accuse Bradyen of screwing with her.
There are just too many weird coincidences that circle around Iris and her past; Jane works at a domestic violence shelter, Natalie was suggesting a report for human trafficking, and Cole is a drug user and dealer.
I had to skim some pages. It gets annoying that almost every page someone is telling Iris she is a great mom. So annoying.
The book tries to leave each chapter on these cliffhangers but it can't because you're already like eight steps ahead of Iris. So you already know this information there's no shock value when she realizes what's happening. Which I don't even know how she doesn't know what's happening at this point.
Natalie ends up being the one that takes spin and is the one who is talking to her through the walkie-talkie because she is mad that Iris didn't take her out of the car when her mother was killed in the car accident that Iris boyfriend was driving. And then they come to this conclusion afterwards when Iris comes to get Finn that everything's okay and she doesn't hate her and now everybody is okay and she's no longer angry. Like she's been holding onto this grudge for years and shes now over it in 2 seconds. That's what's wrong with the ending. Every time there is a conflict it seems like it's taken care of so easily about any real issue. Is usually solved in a page.
By the ending I'm confused as to why she changed her name and ran away to escape Rex. Rex wasn't even after her so that went no where.
Final Thoughts: No offense but this book just wasn't good. Too much going on that went no where. Gives you the message that it's woman power but our main character relies on men to help her through her life. Plots go no where and ones that were brought up just seemed basic in nature
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:A single mother faces her worst fear―the past―in a provocative novel of suspense by the author of The Speed of Light.Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years. So when Iris is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker. He’s a caring, reassuring presence who’s making her feel safe and alive again. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal, and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help. They’re reaching out to terrorize her.Now the only way for Iris to move forward in life is to confront the past she’s been running from…a threat that has now followed her into the dark.
Release Date: June 7th, 2022
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Pages: N/a
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ (1 star for the creepy feeling of the plot & 1 star for how easy it is to read this book)
What I Liked:
• Seems like a creepy plot
• Easy to read
What I Didn't Like:
• Mentioning Menards (I worked there for 3 years)
• The writing sounds amateur
• Iris is a complete idiot
• Using abuse as a subplot for a romance and plot line
• Constantly says Legos when it pronounced Lego, there is no s.
• Instant romance
• Cheesy lines
• The ending isn't good
Overall Thoughts:This had moments where it made little sense; Sheri says she has 3 kids then gets a text from her oldest who is a boy and says he's supposed to be watching his siblings. Her daughter is 15 so that's weird.
Sawyer is made out to be better because his wife died rather than them being divorced.
Iris just meets all these people and it's like they are best friends. Sawyer has known her for one day and he's already staring at her with puppy dog eyes and reassuring her there is nothing between him and Sherri.
Iris is WAY too trusting. She doesn't know anything about Sawyer but she let's this man hang out with her son. She even let's her son take him to his room unsupervised. My red flags would be up if a man was hanging out with my kid while I wasn't around.
For a woman that is terrified of someone she sure feels comfortable letting her son run off by himself.
I hate Iris. She tells Finn no to looking at toys at Menards (they don't have toys in their stores only seasonally 👀) but then Sawyer says he'll take him to look at them. Dude is undermining her and doing what he wants, again she let's him go with him - alone! He is a stranger that keeps finding reasons to be alone with him. Then then....a little girl wanders up to her and she gets this Spidey sense that something is wrong and thinks the man kidnapped the girl. Like lady stay in your lane! Some guy you don't know is walking around with your son and you're more worried about this girl. She talks about how overprotective she is and she is not. In the beginning of her getting to the lodge she has a weird feeling about the two hunters that are checking out and wanting breakfast but she leaves Finn in the room with him until he comes in to talk to her. That's not overprotective. She leaves her son with strangers all the time.
There were so many errors in this story it drove me crazy! Iris talks about cleaning the kitchen while Sawyer is out with Cole, but she just cleaned the kitchen that morning when Natalie came over so why is she cleaning it now..she only got Finn a bowl of cereal.
So plot draws you in because it sounds creepy but we've all read this story before 100 times.
Iris is one of those women that needs constant saving from men.
Lowell calls Iris to tell her that someone was waiting in his office on Monday. She asks him who and he says Bradyen. She doesn't ask Lowell what he wanted but rushes off the phone assuming that he's the one behind all of this. It's not weird that he would be in the office as he works for the Lowell's newspaper. It could be about anything and here Iris goes rushing off to accuse Bradyen of screwing with her.
There are just too many weird coincidences that circle around Iris and her past; Jane works at a domestic violence shelter, Natalie was suggesting a report for human trafficking, and Cole is a drug user and dealer.
I had to skim some pages. It gets annoying that almost every page someone is telling Iris she is a great mom. So annoying.
The book tries to leave each chapter on these cliffhangers but it can't because you're already like eight steps ahead of Iris. So you already know this information there's no shock value when she realizes what's happening. Which I don't even know how she doesn't know what's happening at this point.
Natalie ends up being the one that takes spin and is the one who is talking to her through the walkie-talkie because she is mad that Iris didn't take her out of the car when her mother was killed in the car accident that Iris boyfriend was driving. And then they come to this conclusion afterwards when Iris comes to get Finn that everything's okay and she doesn't hate her and now everybody is okay and she's no longer angry. Like she's been holding onto this grudge for years and shes now over it in 2 seconds. That's what's wrong with the ending. Every time there is a conflict it seems like it's taken care of so easily about any real issue. Is usually solved in a page.
By the ending I'm confused as to why she changed her name and ran away to escape Rex. Rex wasn't even after her so that went no where.
Final Thoughts: No offense but this book just wasn't good. Too much going on that went no where. Gives you the message that it's woman power but our main character relies on men to help her through her life. Plots go no where and ones that were brought up just seemed basic in nature
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 3, 2022
IRIS IN THE DARK begins with an epigraph by the great Emily Dickinson, called “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark.” At that point in the book, before the narrative began, I knew I’d enjoy this novel. And I did. Very much so. The book is the story of Iris, who is trying to live a new and different life after escaping from abuse in the past. A single mother, Iris must deal with all the struggles of single parenthood alone, and she bears the financial burden of raising her son, Finn, by herself. We get a good idea of Iris’s anxieties and concerns in the present while also being given snippets of the past abuse. I liked this book for multiple reasons: it showcases a strong character who isn’t afraid to accept help at times, it gives hope to those who might be in similar circumstances, and it encourages us to be aware of others who might be struggling. Fast-paced and well-written, IRIS IN THE DARK is a great follow-up to THE SPEED OF LIGHT.
December 9, 2021
Elissa Grossell Dickey's does a great job of sharing her main character's story. Iris in the Dark dives into the past of a woman. The haunting past of the woman comes back to try and drag her back down, then comes the light! This story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved this book and would gladly recommend it to anyone!
June 8, 2022
Iris Jenkins thought the worst was behind her when she fled her old life eight years ago. Stuck in an abusive relationship, Iris got pregnant. This was her wake up call. The day Iris got away was the beginning of her new life.
But old habits die hard. Years have gone by, but that hasn’t kept Iris from looking over her shoulder. Sure she’s worried about herself, but her bigger worry is for her son, Finn who knows nothing of the life she led before. Instead she, as well as almost everyone who knows her, see her as kooky and overprotective.
Then Iris is given the opportunity to manage a friend’s lodge in South Dakota. Reluctant at first, she decides to take a chance. There she meets the handsome neighbor and property caretaker, Sawyer Jones. Sawyer is charming and inviting, quickly earning Iris’s hard to earn trust. But when Sawyer’s brother comes to town, along with other mysterious happenings, Iris begins to wonder if the past she thought she outrun has finally caught up to her.
Iris in the Dark is the sophomore release by @elissaadickey and one that’s every bit as page turning as her first novel. Elissa was one of the first authors I connected with on Bookstagram when I started, so her writing will always hold a special place in my heart. This gorgeous book just released this week so go grab this and her previous release, The Speed of Light, now!
But old habits die hard. Years have gone by, but that hasn’t kept Iris from looking over her shoulder. Sure she’s worried about herself, but her bigger worry is for her son, Finn who knows nothing of the life she led before. Instead she, as well as almost everyone who knows her, see her as kooky and overprotective.
Then Iris is given the opportunity to manage a friend’s lodge in South Dakota. Reluctant at first, she decides to take a chance. There she meets the handsome neighbor and property caretaker, Sawyer Jones. Sawyer is charming and inviting, quickly earning Iris’s hard to earn trust. But when Sawyer’s brother comes to town, along with other mysterious happenings, Iris begins to wonder if the past she thought she outrun has finally caught up to her.
Iris in the Dark is the sophomore release by @elissaadickey and one that’s every bit as page turning as her first novel. Elissa was one of the first authors I connected with on Bookstagram when I started, so her writing will always hold a special place in my heart. This gorgeous book just released this week so go grab this and her previous release, The Speed of Light, now!
February 2, 2022
A nail-biter of a thriller, with a looming sense of dread etched on every page, shot through with hope, love, and purpose as Iris navigates complicated emotions and confronts a troubling history that threatens the simple small town life she’s always longed for. I could not put it down!
June 4, 2022
Iris is a survivor. She literally ran for her life and the life of her unborn child. Iris has been ridiculed, tormented and abused all her life, but her boyfriend pushed her to a new low so when she final gets the strength to leave, she does. She turns up at a truck stop without any money or a plan but Lowell Gordon and his partner see this traumatized young woman and decide to help her. Their kindness saves Iris and her unborn baby.
Iris is now working for Lowell and living in one of his properties with her son, Finn, who has just turned 7. Lowell is looking to sell some of his businesses so he can retire, and offers Iris the chance to move out to the country and run his lodge for him. Iris decides to take a chance on country living and although she is always looking over her shoulder for her past to catch up with her, she thinks maybe they’re finally safe until one day she hears a voice coming from her son’s walkie-talkie and finds out that her past may not be her past anymore. With the help of the caretaker on the land, she faces her demons and starts a new life. They say all things done in the dark always come to light, and Iris is left to deal with the consequences of that.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Iris is now working for Lowell and living in one of his properties with her son, Finn, who has just turned 7. Lowell is looking to sell some of his businesses so he can retire, and offers Iris the chance to move out to the country and run his lodge for him. Iris decides to take a chance on country living and although she is always looking over her shoulder for her past to catch up with her, she thinks maybe they’re finally safe until one day she hears a voice coming from her son’s walkie-talkie and finds out that her past may not be her past anymore. With the help of the caretaker on the land, she faces her demons and starts a new life. They say all things done in the dark always come to light, and Iris is left to deal with the consequences of that.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
May 29, 2022
Iris has a past and so far has kept her secret hidden but someone knows something and Is taunting her. Who could it be? A creepy talking walk-in talkie, some romance and mystery. Has it all. Story unravels well, has some predictable twists and some that are unpredictable. Overall good story and very fast easy read.
Thanks to Netgalley for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Let me start off by saying that this is the most beautiful cover I’ve seen in a while.
This novel features Iris, a single mother who has escaped her past life with the help of her generous boss, who has now trusted her with house-sitting his lodge in the prairie. There she not only finds a peaceful home for her son and herself, but she also meets her charming neighbour Sawyer and his daughter. However, her past seems to have caught up with her after all these years.
To be honest, I was afraid this would be just another cheesy romance, but this turned out DARK. There are several heavy topics in this, so I’d recommend checking out the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to certain subjects.
It took me some time to warm up to the main character. She reads a bit robotic at first, so I felt pretty disconnected from her in the beginning. The romance also happened a bit too quickly for my taste, but I was surprised by how invested I was in Iris‘ backstory.
The atmosphere up until the end is incredibly unsettling, and the author did a really good job of sprinkling in chapters from Iris‘ past to explain why she acts a certain way in the present.
Iris in the Dark is definitely a surprising read, I’ll look forward to reading future works by the author.
Thanks a lot to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
Let me start off by saying that this is the most beautiful cover I’ve seen in a while.
This novel features Iris, a single mother who has escaped her past life with the help of her generous boss, who has now trusted her with house-sitting his lodge in the prairie. There she not only finds a peaceful home for her son and herself, but she also meets her charming neighbour Sawyer and his daughter. However, her past seems to have caught up with her after all these years.
To be honest, I was afraid this would be just another cheesy romance, but this turned out DARK. There are several heavy topics in this, so I’d recommend checking out the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to certain subjects.
It took me some time to warm up to the main character. She reads a bit robotic at first, so I felt pretty disconnected from her in the beginning. The romance also happened a bit too quickly for my taste, but I was surprised by how invested I was in Iris‘ backstory.
The atmosphere up until the end is incredibly unsettling, and the author did a really good job of sprinkling in chapters from Iris‘ past to explain why she acts a certain way in the present.
Iris in the Dark is definitely a surprising read, I’ll look forward to reading future works by the author.
Thanks a lot to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
June 14, 2022
Chilling and Suspenseful!
Iris and her son Finn has been on the run for a reason that isn’t revealed to the readers until the second half of this book. She is taking over a B&B of her friends cabin and she tells herself she will be safe here.
The police, think she is a crazy person, wasting their time with constant calls panicking someone is attempting to break in her place. What is her story and is she even believable?
I loved how the author slowly built this story up, shielding the reader, from the past to make it a whirlwind fast paced twisted ending. Page-turner!
This was the first I’ve read from this author but I will definitely be reading more.
Thank you for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Iris and her son Finn has been on the run for a reason that isn’t revealed to the readers until the second half of this book. She is taking over a B&B of her friends cabin and she tells herself she will be safe here.
The police, think she is a crazy person, wasting their time with constant calls panicking someone is attempting to break in her place. What is her story and is she even believable?
I loved how the author slowly built this story up, shielding the reader, from the past to make it a whirlwind fast paced twisted ending. Page-turner!
This was the first I’ve read from this author but I will definitely be reading more.
Thank you for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 22, 2022
I loved this author's debut novel and enjoyed this one as well! She creates such engrossing concepts, with flashbacks to flesh out her stories. This was dark, but satisfying in the way everything came together. I also am a fan of heartwarming epilogues set at Christmas, and was pleased that this suddenly became a seasonal read.
I could have done without the language and the romance scene, but overall will be for sure reading the next release from the author!
I could have done without the language and the romance scene, but overall will be for sure reading the next release from the author!
May 31, 2022
*Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Elissa Grossell Dickey, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Did you ever read one of those books that make you want to scream at the main character?
Iris in the Dark started off really strong, but the premise of two men meeting a woman at a rest stop, buying her a house to stay in and giving her a full-time job doesn't really happen. And that story is never fully explained.
Iris comes from meager beginnings, growing up with her grandmother, as her mom is an addict. When her grandmother dies, she falls into an abusive relationship, which involves many forms of abuse, drugs, trafficking. When they get in a car accident, she flees with no money and somehow meets two men at a rest stop and is set for life. The book begins seven years after that car accident when her job is in jeopardy after the newspaper she works at is sold. The man who gifted her the original home is now gifting her a hunting lodge. Iris then falls in love with the caretaker at the lodge but is always looking over shoulder, thinking her ex's friends are after her.
Despite some editing errors and plot holes, I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the fast pace and succinct writing. Iris' character is quite contradictory, but if you got past that, it is an enjoyable storyline.
Did you ever read one of those books that make you want to scream at the main character?
Iris in the Dark started off really strong, but the premise of two men meeting a woman at a rest stop, buying her a house to stay in and giving her a full-time job doesn't really happen. And that story is never fully explained.
Iris comes from meager beginnings, growing up with her grandmother, as her mom is an addict. When her grandmother dies, she falls into an abusive relationship, which involves many forms of abuse, drugs, trafficking. When they get in a car accident, she flees with no money and somehow meets two men at a rest stop and is set for life. The book begins seven years after that car accident when her job is in jeopardy after the newspaper she works at is sold. The man who gifted her the original home is now gifting her a hunting lodge. Iris then falls in love with the caretaker at the lodge but is always looking over shoulder, thinking her ex's friends are after her.
Despite some editing errors and plot holes, I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the fast pace and succinct writing. Iris' character is quite contradictory, but if you got past that, it is an enjoyable storyline.
May 27, 2022
Thank you to @letstalkbookspromo for having me on this tour of Iris in the Dark.
This was my second novel from Elissa Grossell Dickey, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed!
Iris Jenkins is a single mom raising her 7 year old son, Finn, in a small South Dakota town. With a sordid past behind her, Iris is looking ahead while keeping one eye on the past. Desperate to feel safe once and for all, she takes up her boss’ offer to check out and run his lodge business for a week. When she meets the local handyman, Sawyer, sparks fly. As she begins to get the lay of the land and comfortable in the idea of this new life, she begins hearing screams in the middle of the night coming from her son’s walkie-talkie. Scared that her past has finally caught up to her, Iris is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery once and for all.
I really loved this story. It had a lot of great elements to it - mystery, thriller, romance. While I did guess a lot of the main plot points, I absolutely loved the writing and overall storytelling. The love that Iris has for her son reminded me so much of my own love for my two children. A mother would do absolutely anything for her children, and Iris shows us that. I was also so happy to see Iris finally find her family, the people she always needed in her life.
This was my second novel from Elissa Grossell Dickey, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed!
Iris Jenkins is a single mom raising her 7 year old son, Finn, in a small South Dakota town. With a sordid past behind her, Iris is looking ahead while keeping one eye on the past. Desperate to feel safe once and for all, she takes up her boss’ offer to check out and run his lodge business for a week. When she meets the local handyman, Sawyer, sparks fly. As she begins to get the lay of the land and comfortable in the idea of this new life, she begins hearing screams in the middle of the night coming from her son’s walkie-talkie. Scared that her past has finally caught up to her, Iris is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery once and for all.
I really loved this story. It had a lot of great elements to it - mystery, thriller, romance. While I did guess a lot of the main plot points, I absolutely loved the writing and overall storytelling. The love that Iris has for her son reminded me so much of my own love for my two children. A mother would do absolutely anything for her children, and Iris shows us that. I was also so happy to see Iris finally find her family, the people she always needed in her life.
June 6, 2022
This book is gripping! I flew through it. I rooted for Iris from page one. What she went through is terrible. Then her past comes back to haunt her. It’s understandable that she won’t let her son out of her sight. A mama bear book for sure! I was happy the book wasn’t scary to me but rather a bit creepy. I loved the twist and how it all came together.
June 1, 2022
Scary on the prairie. Iris has a past to hide and when she moves out to a lodge she thinks someone is out to get her. What I thought this book was about actually turned into something much different.
What I liked best about the book was that it was set in South Dakota, my favorite state. I had empathy for Iris, but wondered if she wasn’t overly paranoid. At times I thought the plot was a little thin, but it finished strong.
It worked out for Iris, but for many it doesn’t.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the early copy.
What I liked best about the book was that it was set in South Dakota, my favorite state. I had empathy for Iris, but wondered if she wasn’t overly paranoid. At times I thought the plot was a little thin, but it finished strong.
It worked out for Iris, but for many it doesn’t.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the early copy.
June 29, 2022
3/5 ⭐️
Enjoyable. It didn’t have the best twists ever, but still p good. I enjoyed the plot for what it was.
Enjoyable. It didn’t have the best twists ever, but still p good. I enjoyed the plot for what it was.
August 9, 2022
The summary of this book on Kindle Unlimited drew me in - it sounded exactly the kind of thing I like to read, but... I ended up very disappointed. None of the characters are really all that likeable.
Iris is whiny, entitled, and bratty -- which is odd considering her past. She seems to lack empathy and self awareness. On top of that, expecting 99% of other children not to eat peanuts because of her son's allergy is incredibly selfish. Peanut products are convenient, easy and affordable snacks for a lot of families, and pushing this anti-peanut agenda on people is such a selfish, rude, and petulant thing to do. She wasn't even friendly about it. The fact that she chooses to throw tantrums over explaining her side rationally is irritating above all else.
I really couldn't stand Iris. I don't care to find out what happens to her, therefore I didn't finish this book. I gave up about half-way through.
Iris is whiny, entitled, and bratty -- which is odd considering her past. She seems to lack empathy and self awareness. On top of that, expecting 99% of other children not to eat peanuts because of her son's allergy is incredibly selfish. Peanut products are convenient, easy and affordable snacks for a lot of families, and pushing this anti-peanut agenda on people is such a selfish, rude, and petulant thing to do. She wasn't even friendly about it. The fact that she chooses to throw tantrums over explaining her side rationally is irritating above all else.
I really couldn't stand Iris. I don't care to find out what happens to her, therefore I didn't finish this book. I gave up about half-way through.
December 15, 2021
What drew me to this book was it's blurb. This sounded like a really interesting, creepy and dark story and unfortunately this book was the opposite of that.
This book had the foundations to be really good but it just fell short at every hurdle.
I think the main problem with this novel was the characters. They were all very hard to connect with as they never felt fully fleshed out, just very sterotypical and made very odd, illogical decisions through out the book. There was just none of that suspense and gripping atmosphere within these pages that was alluded to in the description. I also hated the insta love that was in this novel, not to mention that the romance felt like it jumped straight out of a YA novel.
This was just a bad experience for me to read, I only kept going because I wanted to find out the ending but even that wasn't worth it in the end.
This book had the foundations to be really good but it just fell short at every hurdle.
I think the main problem with this novel was the characters. They were all very hard to connect with as they never felt fully fleshed out, just very sterotypical and made very odd, illogical decisions through out the book. There was just none of that suspense and gripping atmosphere within these pages that was alluded to in the description. I also hated the insta love that was in this novel, not to mention that the romance felt like it jumped straight out of a YA novel.
This was just a bad experience for me to read, I only kept going because I wanted to find out the ending but even that wasn't worth it in the end.
June 7, 2022
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I was expecting a more suspenseful novel after reading the blurb of Iris in the Dark but it was more of a women's fiction with some suspense and romance elements added to it. I am a fan of women's fiction novels but that just wasn't what I wanted from this novel. The story felt very simple and straight forward, the latter I appreciated. The author didn't really beat around the bush and went straight to business. I was a bit intrigued and wondered how the story would develop. But I didn't love the characters or plot that much. I thought the story was okay and I was able to finish the book so there was something that kept me going. I also love the cover but it didn't really match the story in my opinion.
I was expecting a more suspenseful novel after reading the blurb of Iris in the Dark but it was more of a women's fiction with some suspense and romance elements added to it. I am a fan of women's fiction novels but that just wasn't what I wanted from this novel. The story felt very simple and straight forward, the latter I appreciated. The author didn't really beat around the bush and went straight to business. I was a bit intrigued and wondered how the story would develop. But I didn't love the characters or plot that much. I thought the story was okay and I was able to finish the book so there was something that kept me going. I also love the cover but it didn't really match the story in my opinion.
December 9, 2021
I read this in one sitting! Elissa Grossell Dickey's "Iris in the Dark" is a fast-paced read. As suggested by the title, darkness in its many guises is a recurring theme. Protagonist Iris is trying to make a life for herself and her child, following a difficult past. The author explores the ways in which abuse can affect and dictate elements of our personality. I really felt for Iris and was completely caught up in her story, both past and present.
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