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Dr. Evan Wilding #2
Dark of Night
A recent murder is ancient history in a breathtaking novel about a sacred lost treasure and poisonous retribution by the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of At First Light.
What an exotic way to die in Chicago.
When esteemed historian Elizabeth Lawrence is found in her car, killed by a cobra’s bite, only a brilliant professor of semiotics, Dr. Evan Wilding, can see the signs around her strange death. As he helps homicide detective Addie Bisset decipher the scene, the puzzles left behind offer Evan chilling passage into the mind of a killer.
Evan’s investigation merges with that of an Israeli agent, who claims Elizabeth was close to acquiring an invaluable artifact. She was also drawing the attention of unsavory treasure hunters, forgers, and thieves. Was someone desperate to expose the truth of Elizabeth’s astonishing discovery?
The deeper Evan and Addie delve into the case, the darker it gets. A murderer’s archaic crimes are just the beginning. In a race where there can be only one winner, the final victim might be Evan.
What an exotic way to die in Chicago.
When esteemed historian Elizabeth Lawrence is found in her car, killed by a cobra’s bite, only a brilliant professor of semiotics, Dr. Evan Wilding, can see the signs around her strange death. As he helps homicide detective Addie Bisset decipher the scene, the puzzles left behind offer Evan chilling passage into the mind of a killer.
Evan’s investigation merges with that of an Israeli agent, who claims Elizabeth was close to acquiring an invaluable artifact. She was also drawing the attention of unsavory treasure hunters, forgers, and thieves. Was someone desperate to expose the truth of Elizabeth’s astonishing discovery?
The deeper Evan and Addie delve into the case, the darker it gets. A murderer’s archaic crimes are just the beginning. In a race where there can be only one winner, the final victim might be Evan.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2022
1059 people are currently reading
2885 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Nickless
13 books1,002 followersBarbara Nickless is the Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of two award-winning crime series. Her first series has been optioned for television. A teacher and activist, she uses the healing power of writing to support combat veterans and civilians in the U.S. and Ukraine. She’s a three-time winner of the Colorado Book Award and a six-time winner of the CAL awards. A former fencer and falconer, Barbara lives in Colorado where she loves to hike, cave, snowshoe, and drink single malt Scotch. Not at the same time. Her most recent research travel involved taking cover from rocket fire and being grilled at military checkpoints. Her latest novel—The Drowning Game—is a spy thriller. It dropped January 1, 2025.
Sign up for Barbara’s newsletter at www.barbaranickless.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
July 20, 2022
Antiquities theft......old as civilization. Criminal networks from looters to dealers to buyers. And greed just makes the world go round.
Dark of Night is the second edition in the Dr. Evan Wilding Series. Not to worry. It reads as a perfect standalone. But after this one, you'll be hard pressed not to partake in the first.
Barbara Nickless has created a stellar character in the likes of Dr. Evan Wilding. At the core of his being is dwarfism. Smaller in stature, but mega in brain cells. Evan is a transplanted Brit, Oxford trained in Semiotics and Linguistic Paleo studies. But don't let that muddle your mind. Besides being brilliant, he has a wit as sharp as the crease in his trousers. You'll find him at the University of Chicago.
Detective Addie Bisset of the Chicago PD usually calls on Evan quite frequently for his remarkable skill of perusing crime scenes. With his background, Evan is quick to pick up on the tiniest thread or a miniscule drop of blood. But this time the situation is more personal. The body of Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence, an ancient history papyrologist, has been found dead in her car. The police believe that this case points to suicide. Evan shakes his head after something long and dark slithers onto the ground. Shades of Cleopatra.....
Elizabeth had been working on something secretive. Was she involved with the wrong people in order to keep her own institute solvent? Nickless will take us on quite the ride in this one with a bit of espionage in the wings. And Elizabeth's won't be the only dead body adding to the atmosphere.
The role of Dr. Evan Wilding is just begging for the brilliance of Peter Dinklage. He'll bring out his toned accent from Game of Thrones. Handsome, supremely intelligent, and well-crafted in his art, Dinklage has my vote. Just hope that Barbara Nickless is in the midst of a movie deal even as we speak.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Barbara Nickless for the opportunity.
Dark of Night is the second edition in the Dr. Evan Wilding Series. Not to worry. It reads as a perfect standalone. But after this one, you'll be hard pressed not to partake in the first.
Barbara Nickless has created a stellar character in the likes of Dr. Evan Wilding. At the core of his being is dwarfism. Smaller in stature, but mega in brain cells. Evan is a transplanted Brit, Oxford trained in Semiotics and Linguistic Paleo studies. But don't let that muddle your mind. Besides being brilliant, he has a wit as sharp as the crease in his trousers. You'll find him at the University of Chicago.
Detective Addie Bisset of the Chicago PD usually calls on Evan quite frequently for his remarkable skill of perusing crime scenes. With his background, Evan is quick to pick up on the tiniest thread or a miniscule drop of blood. But this time the situation is more personal. The body of Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence, an ancient history papyrologist, has been found dead in her car. The police believe that this case points to suicide. Evan shakes his head after something long and dark slithers onto the ground. Shades of Cleopatra.....
Elizabeth had been working on something secretive. Was she involved with the wrong people in order to keep her own institute solvent? Nickless will take us on quite the ride in this one with a bit of espionage in the wings. And Elizabeth's won't be the only dead body adding to the atmosphere.
The role of Dr. Evan Wilding is just begging for the brilliance of Peter Dinklage. He'll bring out his toned accent from Game of Thrones. Handsome, supremely intelligent, and well-crafted in his art, Dinklage has my vote. Just hope that Barbara Nickless is in the midst of a movie deal even as we speak.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Barbara Nickless for the opportunity.
November 14, 2022
This is the second book featuring the vertically challenged Dr Evan Wilding. He may be only 4 foot and 5 inches tall but he is very charming, witty, extremely clever and loyal to a fault. So when a friend of his, Professor Elizabeth Lawrence, is found dead in suspicious circumstances in her vehicle on a piece of waste ground slated for redevelopment he is keen to help. There is apparently a suicide note but Detective Addie Bisset of the Chicago Police Department with whom he has worked before wonders if it is genuine.
Evan is very keen to get to the bottom of this case as it seems that Elizabeth was seeking some rare ancient religious scrolls but not everyone is convinced that her motives were pure. There is a lot skullduggery in the world of ancient artefacts (who knew?) Are they real or fake? Have they been procured legally? Evan is keen to ensure Elizabeth’s name is not sullied. To add to the mystery Elizabeth was killed by the bite of a cobra- surely an odd choice for a suicide.
I have enjoyed all of Barbara Nickless’s previous books. I gave the first one in this series 5 stars and anyone who is familiar with my reviews will know I love a convoluted mystery. Unfortunately this book was simply too much! I had a lot of trouble following it. There were many characters whose motives were unclear but my major concern was the focus on the whole artefact business and that every action/interaction raised further questions and constant internal debate. It seemed like every second sentence in the book was a question, none of which were answered until the very end. And the scrolls - every conceivable issue relating to them was explored in excruciating detail.
Another disappointing element was the minimal appearances of Addie who, Evan is hopelessly is love with. I am keen to see that story line progress.
I’m sure there was a lot of research involved in collating all this detail on the artefacts/scrolls but it all made my eyes glaze over and, much as it pains to do it, I cannot give this book more than 3 stars. Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Evan is very keen to get to the bottom of this case as it seems that Elizabeth was seeking some rare ancient religious scrolls but not everyone is convinced that her motives were pure. There is a lot skullduggery in the world of ancient artefacts (who knew?) Are they real or fake? Have they been procured legally? Evan is keen to ensure Elizabeth’s name is not sullied. To add to the mystery Elizabeth was killed by the bite of a cobra- surely an odd choice for a suicide.
I have enjoyed all of Barbara Nickless’s previous books. I gave the first one in this series 5 stars and anyone who is familiar with my reviews will know I love a convoluted mystery. Unfortunately this book was simply too much! I had a lot of trouble following it. There were many characters whose motives were unclear but my major concern was the focus on the whole artefact business and that every action/interaction raised further questions and constant internal debate. It seemed like every second sentence in the book was a question, none of which were answered until the very end. And the scrolls - every conceivable issue relating to them was explored in excruciating detail.
Another disappointing element was the minimal appearances of Addie who, Evan is hopelessly is love with. I am keen to see that story line progress.
I’m sure there was a lot of research involved in collating all this detail on the artefacts/scrolls but it all made my eyes glaze over and, much as it pains to do it, I cannot give this book more than 3 stars. Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
August 1, 2022
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Dark of Night.
When Dr. Evan Wilding's friend and historian, Elizabeth Lawrence, is found dead in her car, Evan can see the signs of her strange death. As he helps homicide detective Addie Bisset decipher the scene, the puzzles left behind offer a chilling passage into the mind of a killer.
I was delighted to get this book early through NetGalley! I enjoyed it even more than the first one in the series and I feel it can be read as a stand-alone. In Dark of Night, Evan is not only trying to solve the murder of his friend, he's investigating missing ancient artifacts, and he's also dog-sitting his semi-girlfriend Christina's Corgi. (How I love Perro, the Corgi!!) I very much enjoyed reading Wilding's conversations and thoughts - the dry wit is totally appreciated! His goshawk, Ginny, had more of a minor role this time, and I hope that will change in the next book. Detective Addie Bisset was front and center, which made me smile. (Ahhh ... Addie and Evan. Will they or won't they? Write faster, Ms. Nickless!😉)
The dive into the dark side of ancient artifacts being plundered from the countries they belong to, and then offered for sale to the rich was as disgusting as it was compelling.
I absolutely recommend Dark of the night!!
#DarkofNight #NetGalley
When Dr. Evan Wilding's friend and historian, Elizabeth Lawrence, is found dead in her car, Evan can see the signs of her strange death. As he helps homicide detective Addie Bisset decipher the scene, the puzzles left behind offer a chilling passage into the mind of a killer.
I was delighted to get this book early through NetGalley! I enjoyed it even more than the first one in the series and I feel it can be read as a stand-alone. In Dark of Night, Evan is not only trying to solve the murder of his friend, he's investigating missing ancient artifacts, and he's also dog-sitting his semi-girlfriend Christina's Corgi. (How I love Perro, the Corgi!!) I very much enjoyed reading Wilding's conversations and thoughts - the dry wit is totally appreciated! His goshawk, Ginny, had more of a minor role this time, and I hope that will change in the next book. Detective Addie Bisset was front and center, which made me smile. (Ahhh ... Addie and Evan. Will they or won't they? Write faster, Ms. Nickless!😉)
The dive into the dark side of ancient artifacts being plundered from the countries they belong to, and then offered for sale to the rich was as disgusting as it was compelling.
I absolutely recommend Dark of the night!!
#DarkofNight #NetGalley
July 13, 2022
Barbara Nickless the Dark of Night is my first encounter with the author and the character of Evan Wilding.
The story itself revolves around the mystery of how a friend of Evan's died was it suicide by cobra or murder? As Evan helps the Chicago PD look into the case many suspects and motives come to light.
Barbara Nickless writing is engaging and faced past with equal amounts of tension, humor, and intrigue rounding things out.
While this was part of a series, the first book was At First Light, I never felt left out and am intrigued enough by both the writer and the character to check out further books. In particular I look forward to digging into the Sydney Rose Parnell series.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #ThomasMercer, and Barbara Nickless for the ARC of #DarkofNight.
The story itself revolves around the mystery of how a friend of Evan's died was it suicide by cobra or murder? As Evan helps the Chicago PD look into the case many suspects and motives come to light.
Barbara Nickless writing is engaging and faced past with equal amounts of tension, humor, and intrigue rounding things out.
While this was part of a series, the first book was At First Light, I never felt left out and am intrigued enough by both the writer and the character to check out further books. In particular I look forward to digging into the Sydney Rose Parnell series.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #ThomasMercer, and Barbara Nickless for the ARC of #DarkofNight.
July 18, 2022
As we’ve come to expect from her Sydney Parnell series, award-winning author Barbara Nickless offers us yet another penetrating look into parts of our society rarely glimpsed by the average person in her new book Dark of Night. This time we follow professor and semiotician Dr. Evan Wilding into the underbelly of the antiquity's world following the murder of his long-time friend. A place where ancient artifacts are exploited by the wealthy and corrupted by the faithful. Nickless guides us briskly along as Evan unravels this multi-layered mystery and then provides us with a uniquely satisfying conclusion. Her authentic world-building and believable characters kept me engaged throughout and left me eager to see more of Dr. Wilding in the future. This is a must-read!
July 11, 2022
A novel with an actual missing treasure!
Dark of Night is another mind-altering thriller by Ms. Nickless , a story of a lost ancient treasure that expertly weaves the past to the present. She takes us on a truly fascinating journey of discovery and ill-fated twists -- where ethics and greed co-mingle with self-righteousness, and secrets are revealed at a deadly price!
I was so excited to spend time with the brilliant & dry-witted Evan again, and get to know better the quirky, free-spirited Christina. Of course Addie returns in her determined professional capacity, and as Evan's first mate. There are also a few new notable characters that kept me guessing -- bringing both depth & layers -- but I don't want to put out any spoilers... ;)
Also and again, Ms. Nickless shines in her telling of this tale, as well as in her unfathomable hours of research and attention to detail. I can't imagine where her ideas stem from, but no matter as I Loved learning of ancient history while being caught in the web of her masterful mind and story telling!
All in all this novel was So Very Satisfying!
More Please...
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance copy
Dark of Night is another mind-altering thriller by Ms. Nickless , a story of a lost ancient treasure that expertly weaves the past to the present. She takes us on a truly fascinating journey of discovery and ill-fated twists -- where ethics and greed co-mingle with self-righteousness, and secrets are revealed at a deadly price!
I was so excited to spend time with the brilliant & dry-witted Evan again, and get to know better the quirky, free-spirited Christina. Of course Addie returns in her determined professional capacity, and as Evan's first mate. There are also a few new notable characters that kept me guessing -- bringing both depth & layers -- but I don't want to put out any spoilers... ;)
Also and again, Ms. Nickless shines in her telling of this tale, as well as in her unfathomable hours of research and attention to detail. I can't imagine where her ideas stem from, but no matter as I Loved learning of ancient history while being caught in the web of her masterful mind and story telling!
All in all this novel was So Very Satisfying!
More Please...
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance copy
January 13, 2023
Of course, I jumped into a series starting with the second book - which I am very prone to do. But this one sounded so interesting with its archeological background and Egyptian history that I had to request it on NetGalley. It sounded very Da Vinci Code-ish.
I was interested in the mystery itself and the main character, Evan. There definitely was a lot of research that went into this book and I enjoyed that part of it. I did get lost along the way with what seemed like an endless set of characters and suspects. I kept getting confused about who was who and what part they played in the story. But this could just be because I started with the second book and didn't get introduced to some of them in the first book.
I also thought it would have more action and adventure to do with treasure hunting and stolen artifacts - but in reality, it was just a mystery book with a few thrilling scenes. Personally, for me, this one just didn't do it and I kept finding it so easy to set down and dragged along for me. But since I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth - I kept pushing through.
I ended up giving this a 2.5-star rating rounded up to a 3. While I liked the MCs and the mystery aspect - I just found myself getting lost most of the time. I have heard great things about this author and her other series so maybe I'll give another book of hers a try.
Big thanks to Barbara Nickless, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
I was interested in the mystery itself and the main character, Evan. There definitely was a lot of research that went into this book and I enjoyed that part of it. I did get lost along the way with what seemed like an endless set of characters and suspects. I kept getting confused about who was who and what part they played in the story. But this could just be because I started with the second book and didn't get introduced to some of them in the first book.
I also thought it would have more action and adventure to do with treasure hunting and stolen artifacts - but in reality, it was just a mystery book with a few thrilling scenes. Personally, for me, this one just didn't do it and I kept finding it so easy to set down and dragged along for me. But since I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth - I kept pushing through.
I ended up giving this a 2.5-star rating rounded up to a 3. While I liked the MCs and the mystery aspect - I just found myself getting lost most of the time. I have heard great things about this author and her other series so maybe I'll give another book of hers a try.
Big thanks to Barbara Nickless, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
February 19, 2023
I ordered 'Dark Of Night' as soon as I'd finished 'At First Light', the first book in the Dr Evan Wilding series. I enjoyed the almost gothic, graphic novel feel of 'At First Light' and wanted to see what would happen next.
I was glad to see that the second book was going to go somewhere new rather than repeating the formula of the first book. We immediately left freaky serial killer territory behind and were quickly immersed in a twisty tale about the dark side of the antiquities business and the fanatical pursuit of ancient documents, as old as the Dead Sea Scrolls, that are rumoured to contain an early version of some of the books of the biblical cannons. This time Dr Evan Wilding isn't called in by the police because of his skill in semiotics. His name is found on a note in a car next to the body of a long-time colleague and friend and he quickly becomes entangled in an investigation into how she came to be fatally bitten by a snake and why she had been trying to contact him immediately before her death.
This book still had that graphic novel feel to it but this time it was using thriller tropes: a shady foreigner trading in antiquities, a Christian billionaire ready to spend whatever was needed to 'prove' that his version of the bible is historically accurate, a story of looted treasure going all the way back to Lawrence of Arabia, an enigmatic Israeli who may or may not be working for Mossad, a trail of dead bodies, killed in bizarre ways and a growing threat against Wilding's life.
The book was fun, although I found the subject matter a little less engaging than the first book. I was carried along mainly by Wilding's character. We didn't see him make much use of his semiotics skills this time but we did see him using his insight, compassion and humour to navigate his way through the maze of threats from various unpleasant people and solve the mystery of his friend's death.
By the end of the book, the shape of Wilding's life has been changed by the new responsibilities that he's assumed. I look forward to seeing what that means for him when the third book, 'Play Of Shadows' comes out in November.
I was glad to see that the second book was going to go somewhere new rather than repeating the formula of the first book. We immediately left freaky serial killer territory behind and were quickly immersed in a twisty tale about the dark side of the antiquities business and the fanatical pursuit of ancient documents, as old as the Dead Sea Scrolls, that are rumoured to contain an early version of some of the books of the biblical cannons. This time Dr Evan Wilding isn't called in by the police because of his skill in semiotics. His name is found on a note in a car next to the body of a long-time colleague and friend and he quickly becomes entangled in an investigation into how she came to be fatally bitten by a snake and why she had been trying to contact him immediately before her death.
This book still had that graphic novel feel to it but this time it was using thriller tropes: a shady foreigner trading in antiquities, a Christian billionaire ready to spend whatever was needed to 'prove' that his version of the bible is historically accurate, a story of looted treasure going all the way back to Lawrence of Arabia, an enigmatic Israeli who may or may not be working for Mossad, a trail of dead bodies, killed in bizarre ways and a growing threat against Wilding's life.
The book was fun, although I found the subject matter a little less engaging than the first book. I was carried along mainly by Wilding's character. We didn't see him make much use of his semiotics skills this time but we did see him using his insight, compassion and humour to navigate his way through the maze of threats from various unpleasant people and solve the mystery of his friend's death.
By the end of the book, the shape of Wilding's life has been changed by the new responsibilities that he's assumed. I look forward to seeing what that means for him when the third book, 'Play Of Shadows' comes out in November.
August 4, 2022
I loved this second book in the Evan Wilder series.
This time Dr. Evan Wilder not only searches for the truth of a close friend's death, but her life. Was Elizabeth Lawrence the courageous, ethical archeological crusader he thought her, or had life's cruel twists turned her into something else? Wilder, along with Addie Bisset, set out to find the truth of Lawrence's bizarre death and find themselves dealing with unscrupulous artifact dealers and middle eastern politics.
I particularly like how Nickless gives more insight into Wilder's vulnerabilities.
This time Dr. Evan Wilder not only searches for the truth of a close friend's death, but her life. Was Elizabeth Lawrence the courageous, ethical archeological crusader he thought her, or had life's cruel twists turned her into something else? Wilder, along with Addie Bisset, set out to find the truth of Lawrence's bizarre death and find themselves dealing with unscrupulous artifact dealers and middle eastern politics.
I particularly like how Nickless gives more insight into Wilder's vulnerabilities.
November 27, 2022
Another first rate mystery from award-winner Barbara Nickless. The new series starring forensic semiotician Dr. Evan Wilding showcases Nickless' intricate plotting, deep character work, and intellectual puzzle-building. Dark of Night takes these strengths and turns them up to 11 as it spins a tale of antiquities theft and dark ambition. Devious, atmospheric, and compelling, with a uniquely satisfying ending, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat from page one. A must read.
November 16, 2022
I won't re-invent the wheel, if you've read the synopsis and other reviews you are probably good with what is going on. I will tell you why I enjoy this series. I can't say it enough, this is not your typically main character and I love Evan, Sometimes writers have the main character far from what we all look like, it's okay but I like different...like most of us. Evan is a tad short, he is smart, likeable character, true-blue, sometimes snarky and assist his friend detective Addie but this particular mystery death involves a friend of Evan's. I'm always fascinated with mysteries that involve artifacts too. So this series ticks all the boxes for me....not to mention Barbara Nickless is a great writer, takes talent to write in a way that you emerge yourself into the story. This is book #2, looking forward to #3 and make sure you don't skip book #1. Enjoy. A big thank you out to Barbara, the editors, NetGalley and all the others.
June 25, 2022
3.5 Stars 🌟
This is the second book in this series, but we have seen Dr. Evan Wilding before in other books by this author. I really, really liked Evan and was looking forward to this series. Unfortunately, this book didn't garner the same feelings for me. I'm not sure what it was about the book - the plot maybe? But it was really challenging to get into. I kept putting it down to go do other things and I never really felt the "need" to pick it back up. You know that feeling. The feeling where you just HAVE to know what is happening and can't wait to start reading again? Well, I didn't feel that.
I think the thing I enjoyed with the last book was the relationship between Evan and Addie. They are both still in this book, but it seems different. There is something missing between the two. Evan is with Christina, but you get the feeling from the onset that those two aren't really good together and then there is another person added to the mix and that REALLY bothered me.
About the plot, it was confusing. It took FOREVER to get the ball rolling. By the last quarter of the book, things seem to finally take off and from that point on, I definitely wanted to know what was going on, but that is a long time to wait. If I hadn't already read things by this author and really liked what I read, I'm not sure that I would try again.
Every author can have an off book and I'm hoping that is all this was. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the next book (if there is one) will get back to whatever it was that made the first book so good.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
This is the second book in this series, but we have seen Dr. Evan Wilding before in other books by this author. I really, really liked Evan and was looking forward to this series. Unfortunately, this book didn't garner the same feelings for me. I'm not sure what it was about the book - the plot maybe? But it was really challenging to get into. I kept putting it down to go do other things and I never really felt the "need" to pick it back up. You know that feeling. The feeling where you just HAVE to know what is happening and can't wait to start reading again? Well, I didn't feel that.
I think the thing I enjoyed with the last book was the relationship between Evan and Addie. They are both still in this book, but it seems different. There is something missing between the two. Evan is with Christina, but you get the feeling from the onset that those two aren't really good together and then there is another person added to the mix and that REALLY bothered me.
About the plot, it was confusing. It took FOREVER to get the ball rolling. By the last quarter of the book, things seem to finally take off and from that point on, I definitely wanted to know what was going on, but that is a long time to wait. If I hadn't already read things by this author and really liked what I read, I'm not sure that I would try again.
Every author can have an off book and I'm hoping that is all this was. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the next book (if there is one) will get back to whatever it was that made the first book so good.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
December 7, 2022
A well respected professor of semiotics - Dr. Evan Wilding- (signs & symbols) also consults with the Chicago police department. He is called in when an historian- Elizabeth Lawrence- is murdered or is it suicide, apparently by a cobra. An ancient treasure, a stew of characters all flow into the story trying to find the supposed treasure and at the same time confounding each other's efforts to do the same and/or solve the murder.
There are a few interesting components to the characters and the story but from my perspective, the confusion and complexity dilutes the potential for a good mystery. Second book I've read by this author and my opinion has not improved.
There are a few interesting components to the characters and the story but from my perspective, the confusion and complexity dilutes the potential for a good mystery. Second book I've read by this author and my opinion has not improved.
March 2, 2023
I love the Dr. Evan Wilding series. I'm pretty much in love with Dr. Wilding: he drives a custom-fitted Jaguar, owns a falcon, and is a brilliant forensic semiotician (with a British accent). He's also a dwarf which adds interesting dimensions to his character. The mystery involves a live cobra, ancient manuscripts, shady antiquities dealers, and the object of Evan's unrequited desire, Detective Addie Bisset. If you enjoy a smart mystery with more than average character depths, this is the book for you. Highly recommend!
December 5, 2022
I was so impressed with the first in Barbara Nickless's Dr. Evan Wilding series At First Light that I immediately ordered the second in the series, Dark of Night. Author Nickless demonstrates great plotting, fascinating historical references, little-known trivial tidbits, and intriguing characters. I adore the main character, Evan Wilding, Ph.D., an intelligent professor who is a four-foot, five-inch tall dwarf. He overcompensates for his height with a brain that is as delightful as it is immense. He is a tenured college professor who moonlights for the Chicago Police Department as a forensic semiotician, an expert in the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation.
When a corpse is found in a parking lot in a run-down area of Chicago, it is identified as noted historian Elizabeth Lawrence, a friend of Wilding's as well as a great-niece of T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Wilding joins Detective Addie Bisset and her partner Detective Patrick McBrady as well as a member of Israel's Mossad to solve the crime. As the corpses add up, they realize they are facing a killer with a religious obsession. To find him, the team must shift through legitimate as well as illegitimate purchases and purchasers of archeological finds from Israel, Cambodia, and Jordan while searching for the missing papyri of Moses.
Dark of Night, like At First Light, incorporates many subjects I find fascinating. I've been entranced with T. E. Lawrence since seeing David Lean's fabulous movie, Lawrence of Arabia, when I was ten years old. I've read Lawrence's own book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and Robert Graves's (of I, Claudius fame) Lawrence and the Arabs. I've also been on archeological digs, though searching for Native American artifacts, not missing tracts of the Bible. My favorite thrillers are the Gabriel Allon series written by Daniel Silva, and the Dr. Evan Wilding series has all the sophistication of a Silva novel. I plan to continue reading them as they are written.
When a corpse is found in a parking lot in a run-down area of Chicago, it is identified as noted historian Elizabeth Lawrence, a friend of Wilding's as well as a great-niece of T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Wilding joins Detective Addie Bisset and her partner Detective Patrick McBrady as well as a member of Israel's Mossad to solve the crime. As the corpses add up, they realize they are facing a killer with a religious obsession. To find him, the team must shift through legitimate as well as illegitimate purchases and purchasers of archeological finds from Israel, Cambodia, and Jordan while searching for the missing papyri of Moses.
Dark of Night, like At First Light, incorporates many subjects I find fascinating. I've been entranced with T. E. Lawrence since seeing David Lean's fabulous movie, Lawrence of Arabia, when I was ten years old. I've read Lawrence's own book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and Robert Graves's (of I, Claudius fame) Lawrence and the Arabs. I've also been on archeological digs, though searching for Native American artifacts, not missing tracts of the Bible. My favorite thrillers are the Gabriel Allon series written by Daniel Silva, and the Dr. Evan Wilding series has all the sophistication of a Silva novel. I plan to continue reading them as they are written.
January 24, 2023
One of the things I know for sure is that Barbara Nickless is a brilliant author and her books are intensely enjoyable. This one was no exception. Having read and enjoyed the first in this series, I knew I would most certainly not regret reading the second one. Now I find myself eagerly awaiting the next one. Dr Evan Wilding is a most fascinating character and I find myself warming more to him all the time. Ms Nickless has the ability to create extremely good characters who capture the imagination and, indeed the hearts of her readers. This particular adventure was full of danger, sorrow and excitement and we were treated to the thoughts of a professional as he tried to solve the mystery before him. The subject was intensely interesting and I really found myself wanting to know more about the subject involved, and trying to work out who the killer was and why they killed. As in all good books, there was also the personal aspect and Evan certainly has his fair share of ups and downs. The addition of a cute Corgi puppy made the book complete for me – another thing that this author realises will grab at the heartstrings of most people, the addition of a dog with a big role to play in the proceedings.
I am really hoping that there may be more Sydney Parnell books to come, but in the meantime I will welcome more from Dr Wilding and his best friend Addie Bisset.
I am really hoping that there may be more Sydney Parnell books to come, but in the meantime I will welcome more from Dr Wilding and his best friend Addie Bisset.
November 16, 2022
By Barbara Nickless, continues her inexorable march to fame with the latest installment of the adventures of her endearing and brilliant, but height challenged semiotician, Dr. Evan Wilding. At four feet six inches tall, his body suffers from dwarfism, but his mind is brilliant as he studies signs and symbols and their relationship to the physical world. He’s an expert with Middle Eastern languages, cuneiform and hieroglyphics, a full professor at the University of Chicago, as well as a consultant for the Chicago PD at the behest of Detective Addie Bisset . . . with whom he’s in love. But it’s a courtly love from afar, unrequited and one-sided, never to be consummated.
Detective Bisset calls Dr. Wilding in when an old friend and mentor of his, Elizabeth Lawrence, is found dead—bitten by an Egyptian Cobra. Wilding is certain her death was murder, based upon his long-standing friendship with the irascible historian. The police believe she may have committed suicide because she had just months to live with terminal cancer. Evan thinks Elizabeth’s work with a privately funded biblical museum over some sketchy-provenances in their antiquities acquisitions from the Middle East may be the real reason for her death. That’s when Evan meets a stealthy Israeli named Ronen Avraham, a likely Mossad operative who helps in the quest to repatriate looted artifacts which properly belong to the country of origin. Then there’s the ethically challenged multi-multi-millionaire named William Kelley, who’s financing the museum. Known as the Moses Papyri, the scrolls in question may contradict the known gospels and have the power to re-write biblical history. The problem is that they may have been acquired legitimately, or they may have been stolen by looters. But you’ll have to read this outstanding, well-researched and exciting thriller for yourself to find out. Ms Nickless is writing with a style and grace that will put her on every mystery fan’s reading list and propel her name to the top of the best-seller charts!!
Detective Bisset calls Dr. Wilding in when an old friend and mentor of his, Elizabeth Lawrence, is found dead—bitten by an Egyptian Cobra. Wilding is certain her death was murder, based upon his long-standing friendship with the irascible historian. The police believe she may have committed suicide because she had just months to live with terminal cancer. Evan thinks Elizabeth’s work with a privately funded biblical museum over some sketchy-provenances in their antiquities acquisitions from the Middle East may be the real reason for her death. That’s when Evan meets a stealthy Israeli named Ronen Avraham, a likely Mossad operative who helps in the quest to repatriate looted artifacts which properly belong to the country of origin. Then there’s the ethically challenged multi-multi-millionaire named William Kelley, who’s financing the museum. Known as the Moses Papyri, the scrolls in question may contradict the known gospels and have the power to re-write biblical history. The problem is that they may have been acquired legitimately, or they may have been stolen by looters. But you’ll have to read this outstanding, well-researched and exciting thriller for yourself to find out. Ms Nickless is writing with a style and grace that will put her on every mystery fan’s reading list and propel her name to the top of the best-seller charts!!
November 3, 2023
If I had a do-over I might look into being a semiotician. This little known profession is the study of signs, symbols, and signification. It is the study of how meaning is created, not what it is. Nickless has created a totally esoteric protagonist. Not only is Evan Wilding a professor of semiotics, he is also a dwarf, a falconer, and one who views the world with grace and equanimity. In Dark of Night, Nickless tackles the subject of plundered antiquities and the savage underground of unscrupulous dealers in the art trade. The wonderful characters, the deep friendship between Addie and Evan, and the dialogue that manages to convey information without sounding like a back story dump have created a work that demands more volumes. Evan's involvement is personal; this time the victim is known to him. Was it murder or suicide? It has been decades since I was in Chicago. With Nickless skillful use of setting to enhance the plot, I felt like I was back in the Windy City.
Very highly recommended
Very highly recommended
November 18, 2022
This is the second book in the Evan Wilding series but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Evan's friend Elizabeth is found dead - but he can't believe that she committed suicide. His friend (and secret crush) Addie investigates the case with her work partner Patrick and it turns out that, indeed, there are some things that don't add up. When a second person turns up dead, there are real fears for the safety of everyone involved in the case.
This was a complicated book and I found it hard to concentrate, in parts. I think the novel could have done with a bit of a trim - we didn't need quite as much detail as we got and it detracted from the thrill of the story.
I still enjoyed it although I would like to see a little more attention paid to Addie and Evan's friendship.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.
Evan's friend Elizabeth is found dead - but he can't believe that she committed suicide. His friend (and secret crush) Addie investigates the case with her work partner Patrick and it turns out that, indeed, there are some things that don't add up. When a second person turns up dead, there are real fears for the safety of everyone involved in the case.
This was a complicated book and I found it hard to concentrate, in parts. I think the novel could have done with a bit of a trim - we didn't need quite as much detail as we got and it detracted from the thrill of the story.
I still enjoyed it although I would like to see a little more attention paid to Addie and Evan's friendship.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.
November 30, 2022
Another fun ride with Evan and Addie. I did have some minor gripes with this one (not really anything to do with the story itself) but it was still a great experience overall.
Quick hits:
+ Evan is still such a fun main character. Incredibly smart, but also flawed, making him a very believable character.
+ Evan's collaboration with others is always a treat.
+ Evan's introspection and growth in this book. This story is personal to him, and gets him to reflect on himself, his role at the university, and his future.
+ The crime was much more nuanced around this time. I have no problems reading about serial killers like book 1, but I appreciate mixed criminology in a series, and this one definitely took some unexpected twists that made this a different mystery than the first.
- I would have liked more Addie and Patrick in this one. Unlike book 1 where their collaboration was very intertwined, this feels much more like Evan's story that happens to involve the police instead of the other way around. This wasn't bad, but it felt much more like all of the plot revolved around this with the occasional appearance with some information for Evan.
- The resolution between characters felt a little forced and awkward to me. I'm being deliberately vague here to avoid spoilers. I didn't mind where the relationships ended up, but it really didn't feel natural to me from where we started to where we ended. Especially considering how just out of the blue and fast everything was.
I enjoyed this ride once again just like book 1, although I'd say on my initial read of this I enjoyed it a little less than book 1. I had more noticeable gripes in this one compared that made this more of a mixed bag trending towards great. I'll definitely continue in the series, and I think my gripes will not be repeated in the next adventure.
Quick hits:
+ Evan is still such a fun main character. Incredibly smart, but also flawed, making him a very believable character.
+ Evan's collaboration with others is always a treat.
+ Evan's introspection and growth in this book. This story is personal to him, and gets him to reflect on himself, his role at the university, and his future.
+ The crime was much more nuanced around this time. I have no problems reading about serial killers like book 1, but I appreciate mixed criminology in a series, and this one definitely took some unexpected twists that made this a different mystery than the first.
- I would have liked more Addie and Patrick in this one. Unlike book 1 where their collaboration was very intertwined, this feels much more like Evan's story that happens to involve the police instead of the other way around. This wasn't bad, but it felt much more like all of the plot revolved around this with the occasional appearance with some information for Evan.
- The resolution between characters felt a little forced and awkward to me. I'm being deliberately vague here to avoid spoilers. I didn't mind where the relationships ended up, but it really didn't feel natural to me from where we started to where we ended. Especially considering how just out of the blue and fast everything was.
I enjoyed this ride once again just like book 1, although I'd say on my initial read of this I enjoyed it a little less than book 1. I had more noticeable gripes in this one compared that made this more of a mixed bag trending towards great. I'll definitely continue in the series, and I think my gripes will not be repeated in the next adventure.
February 27, 2023
I am not a huge crime fiction reader, but I will always make time for this series. Dr. Evan Wilding is such a great character! I would love to see this series jump to streaming starting Peter Dinklage. I would watch it in a heartbeat.
Like the first one, this was a complex mystery, this time focused on Biblical antiquities. Good background on the topic.
My complaint is that that female characters are a little flat. I'm eager to see Evan and Addie get together (eventually...) but I really want Addie to get better fleshed out.
Also: would love to see more of Ronen Avraham. Or a spinoff with him!
Like the first one, this was a complex mystery, this time focused on Biblical antiquities. Good background on the topic.
My complaint is that that female characters are a little flat. I'm eager to see Evan and Addie get together (eventually...) but I really want Addie to get better fleshed out.
Also: would love to see more of Ronen Avraham. Or a spinoff with him!
November 25, 2022
Loving this new series
This second book in the Dr. Evan Willing series was better than the first. A little more spare, which lent itself well to the academics the story backdrop involves. Anthropology and archaeology are favorite interests of mine and as a professor I once had said, really involves all the sciences, which plays well here, yet stays witty enough to not be plodding. Looking forward to the next Dr. Willing story.
This second book in the Dr. Evan Willing series was better than the first. A little more spare, which lent itself well to the academics the story backdrop involves. Anthropology and archaeology are favorite interests of mine and as a professor I once had said, really involves all the sciences, which plays well here, yet stays witty enough to not be plodding. Looking forward to the next Dr. Willing story.
November 21, 2022
Well written and researched. This is an author I will come back to time and time again. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Not quite as much as the first in this series. I there was a disconnect between the two MCs in this one and I miss their connection and report. Also, the subject matter while interesting wasn't quite didn't engage me as much, as in other books of hers. It'a all personal preference and I will happily continue reading her books.
November 23, 2022
Well crafted 'Who Done It'
I've read every one of Barbara Nickless' stories and enjoy her characters and plot twists.
I have only two critical comments:
1. There are only 6 Books in the Bible that start with the letter 'P' not 7: Psalms, Proverbs, Philippians, Philemon, 1 Peter and 2 Peter.
2. "Thou shall not kill" is not the first commandment in the Bible. Its not even the first of the BIG 10. In Genesis. 2:16-17 God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. One rule and that was one too many.
I've read every one of Barbara Nickless' stories and enjoy her characters and plot twists.
I have only two critical comments:
1. There are only 6 Books in the Bible that start with the letter 'P' not 7: Psalms, Proverbs, Philippians, Philemon, 1 Peter and 2 Peter.
2. "Thou shall not kill" is not the first commandment in the Bible. Its not even the first of the BIG 10. In Genesis. 2:16-17 God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. One rule and that was one too many.
November 25, 2022
Dr Evan Wilding is a wonderful hero.
Another great read with the understated slouth Dr Wilding and his Chicago PD detective friend Addie. Very involved story with well developed characters providing the setting for the genius Wilding to make his remarkable deductions.
Looking forward to the next in the series. Sad that we have to wait another year for its release.
Another great read with the understated slouth Dr Wilding and his Chicago PD detective friend Addie. Very involved story with well developed characters providing the setting for the genius Wilding to make his remarkable deductions.
Looking forward to the next in the series. Sad that we have to wait another year for its release.
December 2, 2022
Another excellent installment featuring Dr. Evan Wilder, the famous Semiotician and professor, who helps out the police on difficult cases. His BFF and crush, Detective Addie Bishop is featured on the case of the murder of one of his colleagues.
This time around Dr. Wilder even has a dog pal, that he is pet sitting which adds in a humorous aspect. The dog is named Perro, which is Spanish for dog.
It’s also nice to see that Dr. Evan Wilder, has a bit of a personal life now!
Well thought out characters, with lots of twists and turns and a nail biting final scene.
This time around Dr. Wilder even has a dog pal, that he is pet sitting which adds in a humorous aspect. The dog is named Perro, which is Spanish for dog.
It’s also nice to see that Dr. Evan Wilder, has a bit of a personal life now!
Well thought out characters, with lots of twists and turns and a nail biting final scene.
July 24, 2024
CAWPILE 7.14
4 STARS
Read for Final Book Support Group Round 13- Continue a series prompt.
I couldn't wait to jump into the second book of this series after flying through the first last week. I really enjoy Even as a main character and there was a super, super cute Corgi in this one.
I can't wait to go into Play of Shadows, the final book or at least the latest book published. I hope the series is longer but I'm very excited to get up to date.
4 STARS
Read for Final Book Support Group Round 13- Continue a series prompt.
I couldn't wait to jump into the second book of this series after flying through the first last week. I really enjoy Even as a main character and there was a super, super cute Corgi in this one.
I can't wait to go into Play of Shadows, the final book or at least the latest book published. I hope the series is longer but I'm very excited to get up to date.
October 20, 2022
Elizabeth, a historian is murdered and clues are left on the scene, Dr. Evan, a professor of Semiotics and homicide detective Addie are on the case to solve her murder. As they dig deeper, they will soon discover that this case will take a dark turn. Elizabeth discovers an artifact that others will kill to acquire and Evan, if he’s not careful might catch the killer’s attention. An exciting thriller with amazing characters.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 25, 2022
Dr Wilding
Another get story. Never guessed who killed Elizabeth but did figure Christina would dump the good Evan.
Looking forward to more, book 3!
Another get story. Never guessed who killed Elizabeth but did figure Christina would dump the good Evan.
Looking forward to more, book 3!
January 10, 2023
I very much am enjoying this series. I especially like the narrator of the Audible format. Dr. Evan Wilding is an intriguing character with an incredible mind. This is the second of the series. I have preordered the third. This plot involves itself with antiquities stealing, death by cobra, unsavory characters, and good detective work.
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