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FBI: Strange Crimes Unit #2
A Cry in the Dark
Deep in the Kentucky hills, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.
But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.
And they’re not talking…
Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.
As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.
In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…
But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.
And they’re not talking…
Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.
As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.
In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…
363 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2023
109 people are currently reading
8142 people want to read
About the author
Jessica R. Patch
116 books1,128 followersJessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
February 28, 2023
‘She realized she had no hope. No light. No salvation.’
How do I even begin to write a review for a book that completely captivated me during the reading?
I’ve pondered that a while and still don’t believe I can do it justice. I’ve been a Jessica Patch fan
since I read her first book. Which, by the way, I’ve read three times. I’ve re-read many of her other
books, too. She’s good. And she is able to switch genres effortlessly. Her rom coms are so much fun.
Then she can totally slay a suspense novel. (No pun intended.)
When she wrote the first book in this series, Her Darkest Secret, she showed us how deep her talent went. I loved that book and felt she did her very best work there. Now, with this one, Patch has proven her talent knows no bounds. She is absolutely stunning here. She is totally adept at a crime/suspense novel. I’m serious. This is way better than Criminal Minds. She takes her readers into that dreary Kentucky holler and I immediately felt as if I were there with the characters. The atmosphere was just electric with tension. I felt the despair of many of the residents, trapped in a life that had no meaning and with no way out that they could see.
‘No one thought anything bad could happen to them. Until it did.’
Patch has also created one of the strongest, toughest, female characters I believe I’ve ever read in the character of Violet Rainwater. Violet, whose entire life has been so hard and devoid of human love. And Violet doesn’t believe that God could even love her. Patch has woven a spiritual thread here that is mighty to see and read. And also to feel deep down in your heart. And the secondary characters of the FBI group are wonderful. I certainly look forward to reading Tiberius Granger’s story some day. Hopefully.
‘No one had ever prayed for her.’
Jessica Patch has more than proven that she has a powerful talent. I knew that, but this was absolutely outstanding! Bravo and well done! This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.
My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
How do I even begin to write a review for a book that completely captivated me during the reading?
I’ve pondered that a while and still don’t believe I can do it justice. I’ve been a Jessica Patch fan
since I read her first book. Which, by the way, I’ve read three times. I’ve re-read many of her other
books, too. She’s good. And she is able to switch genres effortlessly. Her rom coms are so much fun.
Then she can totally slay a suspense novel. (No pun intended.)
When she wrote the first book in this series, Her Darkest Secret, she showed us how deep her talent went. I loved that book and felt she did her very best work there. Now, with this one, Patch has proven her talent knows no bounds. She is absolutely stunning here. She is totally adept at a crime/suspense novel. I’m serious. This is way better than Criminal Minds. She takes her readers into that dreary Kentucky holler and I immediately felt as if I were there with the characters. The atmosphere was just electric with tension. I felt the despair of many of the residents, trapped in a life that had no meaning and with no way out that they could see.
‘No one thought anything bad could happen to them. Until it did.’
Patch has also created one of the strongest, toughest, female characters I believe I’ve ever read in the character of Violet Rainwater. Violet, whose entire life has been so hard and devoid of human love. And Violet doesn’t believe that God could even love her. Patch has woven a spiritual thread here that is mighty to see and read. And also to feel deep down in your heart. And the secondary characters of the FBI group are wonderful. I certainly look forward to reading Tiberius Granger’s story some day. Hopefully.
‘No one had ever prayed for her.’
Jessica Patch has more than proven that she has a powerful talent. I knew that, but this was absolutely outstanding! Bravo and well done! This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.
My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
March 13, 2023
As soon as I read the first page I was hooked. If you are looking for suspense, murder and mystery, look no further. You will enjoy this book. What a spine-tingling, nail biting, breath stealing emotionally exciting ride. This was one book that I could not put down. So many twists and turns to keep me guessing to the very thrilling end. I highly recommend.
September 26, 2022
Y’all. I devoured this book. It has Criminal Minds vibes, with Truth making it’s way to the characters. It kept me guessing the entire time. And then when I thought I had it figured out, surprise! A Cry in the Dark truly highlights the dark side of humanity. But it also shows how God’s love shines through that darkness when you cry out to Him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 29, 2022
A Cry in the Dark follows the previous book, Her Darkest Secret. The same FBI team is now sent to the mountains to investigate the heinous murder of a few young women found in a cave. The story focuses on Violet, the team's profiler, her background and traumatic history surrounding her birth.
There's a distinct Criminal Minds feel to her stories, with dark and creepy vibes, which may not be for everyone. However, it effectively highlights the need for the Gospel and a Savior in their darkest moments. I definitely look forward to reading the next ones!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
There's a distinct Criminal Minds feel to her stories, with dark and creepy vibes, which may not be for everyone. However, it effectively highlights the need for the Gospel and a Savior in their darkest moments. I definitely look forward to reading the next ones!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
October 27, 2022
Wow! Violet and John’s story is a high-octane race against time that kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. Violet’s past is heart-wrenching and I love the way the author used it to show light in a dark world. The characters are well-rounded and likable. The plot moved along nicely with some great twists. The tension and conflict in this story were well placed. This puts the reader right into the story, holding their breath. The author’s use of sensory is done effectively. It brings the words on the page to life. Loved it. Highly recommend A Cry in the Dark.
**I received no compensation and the opinions in this review are my own.
**I received no compensation and the opinions in this review are my own.
December 17, 2022
I think this book could be really good - but I can't read anything with s3xual violence against women in it, so I'm DNFing before I really got too far into it. I got through the first 3 pages when I realized what was happening and it was just too much for me. I didn't realize that was the case when I requested this one as an advanced reader copy or I wouldn't have requested it tbh.
HOWEVER - I have heard great things about this author, and if you're the type that likes true crime and more serious crime dramas on TV - you'll probably really enjoy this one!
TWs: If you can't watch Law & Order SVU etc., - then this isn't the thriller for you.
HOWEVER - I have heard great things about this author, and if you're the type that likes true crime and more serious crime dramas on TV - you'll probably really enjoy this one!
TWs: If you can't watch Law & Order SVU etc., - then this isn't the thriller for you.
October 12, 2022
Set in Kentucky and as about as creepy and exciting as can be!! Wow what a book!! I absolutely love this book!! When you read this book, make sure that the lights are on and your night is free because you won't be able to put this down!!!!
March 22, 2023
I’m gonna need Christian books to come with a warning at the front because I’ve been tricked into reading one too many of these things. This author treats it like it won’t be a major part of the story until 50% of the way through and then *boom* god everywhere. It’s a no from me 🤢
Anyways, besides the annoying sir upstairs, these characters are the bran muffin of characters. Violet is bland at best and all of the men in this story could be switched out with one another on any page since they are all just caricatures of god loving men that have authority over women and know what’s best for them.
Anyways, besides the annoying sir upstairs, these characters are the bran muffin of characters. Violet is bland at best and all of the men in this story could be switched out with one another on any page since they are all just caricatures of god loving men that have authority over women and know what’s best for them.
October 1, 2022
Wow! The depth of the criminal psyche in this book is intense at times but really leaves so much distaste in your mouth for the perpetrator... until I read more and then my heart broke for the broken. As the backstory of Violet and her mother unraveled, I just wanted to reach into the pages and just hug both of their tormented and battered hearts. I also really liked that the entire backstory wasn't given at once but leaked throughout the book like the clues being followed to catch the killer.
The crime and suspense and mystery aspects of the story were superbly written and followed suit with others by this same author, but the accompanying story of love, surrender, and redemption was such an integral part of it all coming together. The creepiness may have kept me up at night but plot twists kept me guessing and the love stories warmed my heart... and I'm not just talking about the romance that develops between characters.
There is a spiritual element to the storyline, but even (and especially) if you've been turned off by religion in the past, this book touches on some of those things that make religion wrong in so many ways and instead focuses on what can be discovered when religious preconceptions are pushed out of the way. All in all, this was an excellent read, and I'm excited to hopefully read more stories from these characters in the future.
Many thanks for the ARC. These opinions are all my own and completely unsolicited.
The crime and suspense and mystery aspects of the story were superbly written and followed suit with others by this same author, but the accompanying story of love, surrender, and redemption was such an integral part of it all coming together. The creepiness may have kept me up at night but plot twists kept me guessing and the love stories warmed my heart... and I'm not just talking about the romance that develops between characters.
There is a spiritual element to the storyline, but even (and especially) if you've been turned off by religion in the past, this book touches on some of those things that make religion wrong in so many ways and instead focuses on what can be discovered when religious preconceptions are pushed out of the way. All in all, this was an excellent read, and I'm excited to hopefully read more stories from these characters in the future.
Many thanks for the ARC. These opinions are all my own and completely unsolicited.
October 1, 2022
For those who love dark and creepy with great characters, twists and turns galore, and faith woven through, Jessica Patch delivers again. Once again, not a bedtime story.
February 6, 2023
I could not put this book down! Jessica Patch has written another masterpiece! In this psychological thriller, Agent Violet Rainwater, along with the rest of the Strange Crimes Unit, and Detective John Orlando, chase down a serial killer who has left three bodies in a cave in eastern Kentucky. There were twists and surprises at every turn! I absolutely love the characters in this story, and their chemistry with each other! I felt like I was right there with them! If you love a page turning thriller, and a story of love, hope, and God’s light in a dark world, this is the book for you! A DEFINITE MUST READ!!!
October 2, 2022
Wow! What a suspenseful story! The plot is filled with shocking and surprising twists and turns. While reading, this one made me pause and listen for noises in my surroundings. Author Jessica R. Patch weaves mystery, danger, faith and love into a great story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
October 16, 2022
A Cry In The Dark
Jessica R Parch
Wow, Jessica Patch has herself a winner deep in the Kentucky hills, where three woman have been murdered. Suspense, mystery, twist and turns, danger, and faith. be sure to have a good gripe on your seat because you will need to. I could not put it down. Grabs you from the start and does not let go till the end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are met own.
Jessica R Parch
Wow, Jessica Patch has herself a winner deep in the Kentucky hills, where three woman have been murdered. Suspense, mystery, twist and turns, danger, and faith. be sure to have a good gripe on your seat because you will need to. I could not put it down. Grabs you from the start and does not let go till the end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are met own.
October 10, 2022
Another thrilling suspense from Jessica R Patch! “A Cry in the Dark” takes us to the hills of Kentucky where young women are being brutally murdered. Violet, an agent of the SCU, is an unlikely heroine determined to solve a mystery in her past while fighting the darkness permeating a small Kentucky hollow. In her sequel to “Her Darkest Secret”, Jessica R Patch keeps her reader in suspense as she weaves a tale of good/evil and introduces characters that seem good and some are just downright creepy. Patch is a master of surprise. ”A Cry in the Dark” is a must read!
September 24, 2022
Wow.
I'm overwhelmed once again at the talent of Jessica R. Patch.
RTC
I'm overwhelmed once again at the talent of Jessica R. Patch.
RTC
September 26, 2022
This book y'all is definitely worthy of 5 stars and more!
When I saw this story was set in Kentucky I was so excited because that's where I lived for 30 some years.
The way Patch wrote this, it made feel like I was right at home! Thanks Jessica!
I didn't want to leave after I came to the end. I had to come back to Florida.
She made me hold my breath all the way through the story and she's definitely good at making you guessing who the purp is.
I didn't know until almost the end!
Lots of exciting turns and twists going on that's for sure.
In some of the places my hairs even stood up on the back of my neck and I had to turn around to make sure no one was there. ( I was reading this at night and on the bus).
So very good and left my heart feeling full and satisfied .
Here's a favorite quote that I loved
Funny until right now she hadn't realized that while her mom and grandmother didn't love her, she did have the love of family. Guess she'd been focusing on what she didn't have instead and it had blinded her to what she did.
Meaning that she had the love of God.
I loved the many prayers and inspirational messages that were included to help Violet, Ruby and Fiona through their storms and life's journeys along the way.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review.. All opinions expressed are my own.
When I saw this story was set in Kentucky I was so excited because that's where I lived for 30 some years.
The way Patch wrote this, it made feel like I was right at home! Thanks Jessica!
I didn't want to leave after I came to the end. I had to come back to Florida.
She made me hold my breath all the way through the story and she's definitely good at making you guessing who the purp is.
I didn't know until almost the end!
Lots of exciting turns and twists going on that's for sure.
In some of the places my hairs even stood up on the back of my neck and I had to turn around to make sure no one was there. ( I was reading this at night and on the bus).
So very good and left my heart feeling full and satisfied .
Here's a favorite quote that I loved
Funny until right now she hadn't realized that while her mom and grandmother didn't love her, she did have the love of family. Guess she'd been focusing on what she didn't have instead and it had blinded her to what she did.
Meaning that she had the love of God.
I loved the many prayers and inspirational messages that were included to help Violet, Ruby and Fiona through their storms and life's journeys along the way.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review.. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2022
this is a revitting suspense story from start to finish. the group is brought in to find the person that take the eyes from the women he or she then kills . this is set in the ky hills. way back in the hills. do not want to give anything away but is you like suspense and and dark happenings you will want to read the book i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review
April 17, 2024
Jessica Patch does it again.
This book was amazing! Edge of your seat suspense. I am loving this series and can't wait for Ty's story.
This book had me going one way and then wham it went another way that I didn't even think of. It was great how Violet found the answers to her past by solving the case she and John with her team was on. But the ending! I was blown away. You've got to read it!!!
This book was amazing! Edge of your seat suspense. I am loving this series and can't wait for Ty's story.
This book had me going one way and then wham it went another way that I didn't even think of. It was great how Violet found the answers to her past by solving the case she and John with her team was on. But the ending! I was blown away. You've got to read it!!!
October 3, 2022
Psychological thrillers aren't my thing...unless Jessica Patch is the author. A Cry In The Dark is the author's second in the series and so far, my favorite. If you like a fast pace, page turner with a touch of romance mixed with faith and God novel, then this is for you. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an early copy from the author and publisher. The review is my honest opinion.
I received an early copy from the author and publisher. The review is my honest opinion.
February 4, 2023
You’ll need to take several deep breaths while reading author Jessica R. Patch’s newest, A Cry in the Dark.
We met FBI Agent Violet Rainwater in Her Darkest Secret, helping to bring down the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Violet is now, with the rest of the team, on the hunt in a backwoods Kentucky mountain town - the holler - for the Blind Eye Killer (BEK). A sick, twisted person is abducting and killing “holler girls”, and there is good reason for the nickname given to this monster.
While Violet is battling roadblock after roadblock - the holler hates outsiders and won’t help the agents - she’s also battling inner demons. She’s searching for her “father”, really the man who abducted and impregnated her mother, the man who broke her mother’s spirit, and caused her mother to raise Violet with condemnation and without love.
Joining the FBI team is Detective John Orlando, a widower of several years, convinced these recent killings are tied to the murder of his wife, a DEA agent who had been deep undercover in the holler.
As they search for the BEK, John tries to slowly but surely crack the rock-solid emotional shell Violet has built around herself. Can John make her see that there is a light only the Lord can bring to her inner darkness? Can Violet realize she needs to only reach out to the hand the Lord never stops offering? Speaking of light…leave it on while you read this one deep into the night.
I can’t wait to find out which team member the next book will focus on. You’ll be excited to find out, too! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
We met FBI Agent Violet Rainwater in Her Darkest Secret, helping to bring down the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Violet is now, with the rest of the team, on the hunt in a backwoods Kentucky mountain town - the holler - for the Blind Eye Killer (BEK). A sick, twisted person is abducting and killing “holler girls”, and there is good reason for the nickname given to this monster.
While Violet is battling roadblock after roadblock - the holler hates outsiders and won’t help the agents - she’s also battling inner demons. She’s searching for her “father”, really the man who abducted and impregnated her mother, the man who broke her mother’s spirit, and caused her mother to raise Violet with condemnation and without love.
Joining the FBI team is Detective John Orlando, a widower of several years, convinced these recent killings are tied to the murder of his wife, a DEA agent who had been deep undercover in the holler.
As they search for the BEK, John tries to slowly but surely crack the rock-solid emotional shell Violet has built around herself. Can John make her see that there is a light only the Lord can bring to her inner darkness? Can Violet realize she needs to only reach out to the hand the Lord never stops offering? Speaking of light…leave it on while you read this one deep into the night.
I can’t wait to find out which team member the next book will focus on. You’ll be excited to find out, too! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
October 13, 2022
The Criminal Minds tv-series just got bested by Robin Patchen! Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! You think you know who did it, but let me tell you, you are so wrong!! Robin has the ability to draw you into her story! You won't be able to put this book down as you want to see what happens to John and Violet. Will they catch the killer in time? Will Violet find the healing she needs? Will John . . . So much uncertainty but be assured all will be answered! I just love the way how Robin bring God's light into the darkness of this world! Exceptional story!
September 27, 2022
A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch
The Strange Crimes Unit is called to work a case in eastern Kentucky when the tortured bodies of three young women are found. Violet Rainwater feels the darkness (evil) present as soon as she and the rest of the SCU team arrive in Night Hollow. Detective John Orlando joins Violet and the team to stop the twisted serial killer before he kills again. Violet must face her past and what she believes about her self-worth. Can John help her find her way to faith and love while searching for the sadistic killer as she appears to also be a target?
Jessica R Patch has written a twisted, psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing. There is a good balance of faith, without being preachy, to keep the creepy darkness from being overwhelming. If you like a good thriller with a little romantic attraction and a dose of faith, don't miss this book! I received an advance digital copy. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinion.
The Strange Crimes Unit is called to work a case in eastern Kentucky when the tortured bodies of three young women are found. Violet Rainwater feels the darkness (evil) present as soon as she and the rest of the SCU team arrive in Night Hollow. Detective John Orlando joins Violet and the team to stop the twisted serial killer before he kills again. Violet must face her past and what she believes about her self-worth. Can John help her find her way to faith and love while searching for the sadistic killer as she appears to also be a target?
Jessica R Patch has written a twisted, psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing. There is a good balance of faith, without being preachy, to keep the creepy darkness from being overwhelming. If you like a good thriller with a little romantic attraction and a dose of faith, don't miss this book! I received an advance digital copy. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinion.
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November 10, 2024
Okay, wow, this book is rough and gruesome at parts. I kinda had a sick feeling in my stomach as soon I as started reading it. The bad guy is beyond sick! 🤢 He gave me the creeps! This book is very detailed in depth at certain parts which I felt were unnecessary. I didn’t really care for Violet and John’s love story…all they did was flirt with each other and it didn’t seem real. 🤷🏼♀️ And the way Violet could think like the killer could just creeped me out…like no way! And there are way too many books where the late wife has an affair…like why couldn’t the late wife just be faithful and not make the second wife like so perfect. Okay, no, absolutely not, page 305 was the last straw for me and so uncomfortable and wrong to be in a Christian book. This book was ridiculous! What a waste of time! ☹️
February 28, 2023
I received a copy of this book...
WOW.
Riveting...
Full of action and plot twists...
Criminal Minds in book form.
However not for the squeamish or faint of heart and with that caveat I recommend this book...
I have taken Criminal Psychology and a Criminal Psychology class taught by the FBI so I was prepared for this type of book...
WOW.
Riveting...
Full of action and plot twists...
Criminal Minds in book form.
However not for the squeamish or faint of heart and with that caveat I recommend this book...
I have taken Criminal Psychology and a Criminal Psychology class taught by the FBI so I was prepared for this type of book...
October 19, 2022
Wow, what a wild ride! It kept me guessing throughout the story. A good follow up to Her Darkest Secret.
November 30, 2022
You know the saying, “Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!”? Well, this disturbingly dark and white-knuckled thriller evokes “killers and stalkers and malevolence! Oh my!” in my mind.
A Cry In The Dark dives deep into Violet Rainwater’s life and backstory. Deep in a holler community of Kentucky, three women have been brutalized and murdered. Violet, her team and a detective named John with past ties to this area are consulted to find the killer of these women. But this community is not what it seems and hides a very dark not-so-secret way of life.
No one is willing to talk. No one is willing to share the entire story or what little they may know. Because when someone in the holler steps out of line, they disappear. And everyone in the holler has a dark side.
As the body count rises, Violet and her team are on a tight timeline to keep the women of this Kentucky holler community from all becoming victims of this sinister serial killer. But has Violet caught the eye of the killer as well? “More like escaping the unseen eyes gazing upon her. Like a force salivating to approach her. Consume her. Devour her.”
Jessica R Patch has a way with diving deep into the disturbing darkness of mankind. Through ninety percent of this thriller, she takes you into one of the most dark sides of humanity. Jessica has such a way with words to make her readers emotionally invested in her characters. So many times I wanted to reach into the pages and hug the hurting and oppressed.
The darkness can almost feel overwhelming, but Jessica always brings the Light in. And what I LOVE is that she shares the message and absolute truth that God does not run from our own darkness. No matter how twisted and disturbed the darkness may be, the darkness runs from Him and the light that He brings.
Jessica, you have such a phenomenal writing gift as well as a much needed perspective into the misconceptions of what I consider the “Americanized” version of Christianity. Please do not stop sharing your gift as well as your message!
*Thank you to Jessica and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. I did not receive and compensation in exchange for this review.*
A Cry In The Dark dives deep into Violet Rainwater’s life and backstory. Deep in a holler community of Kentucky, three women have been brutalized and murdered. Violet, her team and a detective named John with past ties to this area are consulted to find the killer of these women. But this community is not what it seems and hides a very dark not-so-secret way of life.
No one is willing to talk. No one is willing to share the entire story or what little they may know. Because when someone in the holler steps out of line, they disappear. And everyone in the holler has a dark side.
As the body count rises, Violet and her team are on a tight timeline to keep the women of this Kentucky holler community from all becoming victims of this sinister serial killer. But has Violet caught the eye of the killer as well? “More like escaping the unseen eyes gazing upon her. Like a force salivating to approach her. Consume her. Devour her.”
Jessica R Patch has a way with diving deep into the disturbing darkness of mankind. Through ninety percent of this thriller, she takes you into one of the most dark sides of humanity. Jessica has such a way with words to make her readers emotionally invested in her characters. So many times I wanted to reach into the pages and hug the hurting and oppressed.
The darkness can almost feel overwhelming, but Jessica always brings the Light in. And what I LOVE is that she shares the message and absolute truth that God does not run from our own darkness. No matter how twisted and disturbed the darkness may be, the darkness runs from Him and the light that He brings.
Jessica, you have such a phenomenal writing gift as well as a much needed perspective into the misconceptions of what I consider the “Americanized” version of Christianity. Please do not stop sharing your gift as well as your message!
*Thank you to Jessica and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. I did not receive and compensation in exchange for this review.*
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April 24, 2024After "Her Darkest Secret," I knew the rest of the Strange Crimes books would be auto-reads. I've long been a fan of Jessica R. Patch, but HDS proved her skills are truly next-level. "A Cry in the Dark" takes us into Violet Rainwater's POV, and it does NOT disappoint. Violet's history is revealed from the beginning, but layers of depth and the answers she seeks unfold bit by bit as the novel continues, woven intimately into the case she and the SCU are working to solve and ever present in the back of her mind. Violet's dry and often dark humor adds a layer of light to the dark subject matter, and I appreciated that John understands her in a way even her own team doesn't always get.
It would have been so easy for Ms. Patch to establish a formula after the success of HDS, but I was impressed with the uniqueness of this case and of these characters, as well as the fact that the H/h from the previous book were assigned elsewhere and thus were unavailable for much of Violet's story. It worked well to allow her leadership style to emerge while we still had familiar faces in Tiberius and Owen showing up to help and provide more overt comedic relief. Newcomer John has a painful past of his own that's more directly related to this Kentucky holler than Violet's, but neither of their backstories overshadow the actual work of the case at hand in need of solving.
Everything comes together in a well-paced, high-stakes thriller that keeps the pages turning and the booklight burning late into the night if you make the mistake of picking it up in the dark. (Or in the gym, as I did, only to get thoroughly creeped out when ""I Think We're Alone Now and "I'll Be Watching You" came over the speakers at creepily apt times as I huffed and puffed on the elliptical... Thankfully I survived LOL!) Now I anxiously await Tiberius's book. Keep them coming, Ms. Patch!
It would have been so easy for Ms. Patch to establish a formula after the success of HDS, but I was impressed with the uniqueness of this case and of these characters, as well as the fact that the H/h from the previous book were assigned elsewhere and thus were unavailable for much of Violet's story. It worked well to allow her leadership style to emerge while we still had familiar faces in Tiberius and Owen showing up to help and provide more overt comedic relief. Newcomer John has a painful past of his own that's more directly related to this Kentucky holler than Violet's, but neither of their backstories overshadow the actual work of the case at hand in need of solving.
Everything comes together in a well-paced, high-stakes thriller that keeps the pages turning and the booklight burning late into the night if you make the mistake of picking it up in the dark. (Or in the gym, as I did, only to get thoroughly creeped out when ""I Think We're Alone Now and "I'll Be Watching You" came over the speakers at creepily apt times as I huffed and puffed on the elliptical... Thankfully I survived LOL!) Now I anxiously await Tiberius's book. Keep them coming, Ms. Patch!
February 15, 2023
A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch is a thrilling chase for a serial killer. One of my favorite aspects of Patch's novel is the heroine. I loved that she has a wounded background. Not only a wounded soul, but the possibility of a character who could take the chance and go down a dark and disturbing path. Violet was introduced in the first novel, Secrets in the Dark, but allowed to share her story in this novel. Patch created a redemptive element for Violet that had me excited and thrilled. Patch did allow readers to think the serial killer was this one person, but then she will throw a twist into the ending that has the readers shaking their heads in wonder. The plot had an interesting path as the characters had to solve the mystery of who was killing all these women. The action keeps the readers guessing as they flip through the pages of the story. Of course, there is a hint of romance. Nothing really overdone, which was nicely handled. As a reader who enjoys stories like this, I hope that Patch composes another twisty tale of mystery for fans like me.
I received a complimentary copy of A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch from Harlequin Trade Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch from Harlequin Trade Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
February 8, 2023
The Holler girls of an Appalachian Mountain town in Kentucky are being murdered.
FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s is determined to catch this serial killer.
Detective John Orlando believes this is the same person who killed his wife years ago. Violet and John’s past collide in this chilling novel.
The twists and turns will never have you guessing who dun it’s, in this amazingly well written novel.
The first 25% of this book had me nearing to stop reading, but I’m glad that I continued on. It’s a really slow burn that makes up for the rough beginning so much so that I could not put it down! Each time I thought that I knew what was going to happen, I continued to realize I was so wrong.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Author for my free e-book in exchange for my honest review, I enjoyed my 1st Christian mystery very much!!
FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s is determined to catch this serial killer.
Detective John Orlando believes this is the same person who killed his wife years ago. Violet and John’s past collide in this chilling novel.
The twists and turns will never have you guessing who dun it’s, in this amazingly well written novel.
The first 25% of this book had me nearing to stop reading, but I’m glad that I continued on. It’s a really slow burn that makes up for the rough beginning so much so that I could not put it down! Each time I thought that I knew what was going to happen, I continued to realize I was so wrong.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Author for my free e-book in exchange for my honest review, I enjoyed my 1st Christian mystery very much!!
November 4, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The following is my own opinion. This was the first book I have read from Jessica Patch and it was a great thriller/mystery. I chose this book because it was "that time of year" and it was Christian-based; this book did not disappoint. I liked Violet's character and the romantic tension between her and John. John was a true gentleman who was committed to his faith and respected Violet and where she was in her journey. I liked the creepy setting of the backwoods of Appalachian country and how recluse the community was and how "they handled things their own way." There were a few unexpected twists and turns at the end. One thought I had was I wished more time was given to Violet finding her faith in the dire moment(s). Other than that, a great read with a great Christian message. I will be reading more of Jessica Patch.
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