In the Deep Dark

by Tony Urban

A grieving widower. A sadistic murderer. A video tape that shows too much.

On the night of his 60th birthday, Sheriff John Mucklow’s wife dies in a car accident. He thought her death was the worst thing to ever happen to him. He was wrong.

Seeking a diversion from his grief, John throws himself into investigating the recent disappearance of a local teenager. After discovering a video depicting a bizarre murder with occult undertones, John becomes obsessed with catching the killer.

As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, John spirals into a world more dangerous than he ever knew existed. Can he get out in time, or will he lose himself in the depths of the deep dark?

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2022

About the author

A professional photographer, writer and fan of general weirdness (both real and imagined), Tony has traveled tens of thousands of miles seeking out everything from haunted locations, UFO crash sites and monsters like Bigfoot and the Mothman. In a previous life, he worked in the independent movie industry but he finds his current career much more exciting.

Tony's first writing memory involves penning a short story about taking a road trip with his best friend and his dog (two different creatures) to watch KoKo B Ware in a professional wrestling event in Pittsburgh. He wrote that epic saga while in the 3rd grade and it was all downhill from there. His first books were a series of o)eat travelogues but recently his zombie apocalypse series, "Life of the Dead" has been a bestseller online and grossed out readers all over the world. His ultimate goal in life is to be killed by a monster thought by most to be imaginary. Sasquatch, werewolves, chupacabras, he’s not picky. If that fails, he’d enjoy making a living as a full time writer. Which of those two scenarios is more likely is up to the readers to decide.

Please sign up for my mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/P8lc9

Reviews

[Nickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Deep Dark by Tony Urban has hit me on many levels; I want to share my adoration for this book, but keep it spoiler free so nothing is ruined for you other “Dear Readers”.

Urban takes us back into the town of Sallow Creek, where Sheriff John, his family and the community face challenges of death, deception, depravity and demons of the mind. The opening two chapters had the strength to pull me into the book and force me to watch the devastation, and the depth of the characters and story development are well worth the investment. While there are moments of extreme horror, the scenes are meaningful and mindfully placed to take us on a journey that forces us to feel, both physically and mentally, what the characters feel, even those of the villain(s). Lush descriptions of brutality are softened by memories of love and longing: longing for people, longing for the past, but also for a future that can not be what it was supposed to be.

It’s hard to say what it will take to break each of us; break our psyche and long for the end. This story certainly explores many possibilities, some so hard to imagine that I had to take breaks in reading to simply digest and process. To me, this is truly the best kind of horror story because it is based in reality and combines the extremes of love and hate that warp the thoughts and behaviors of people. In my opinion, this is yet another 5 star book written by Tony Urban, who has my gratitude, for sharing this story and dipping even further into the depths of horror.

[Cheryl A. Rathbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror in its truest form

I love horror books, but this one... this one transported me to someplace really dark, really scary. Grief, madness, dereliction, extreme torture, both self-induced and not. This has it all. In places, I had to stop before I could start again. This is a story not for the faint of heart, by any means. If this were a movie, I would not watch it because the book will stay with me in my nightmares long enough. Between Seven & Silence of the Lambs, this is both gutteral & incredible. Read it & see for yourself.

[Bonnie Farabaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting from beginning to end

A spine chilling read that completely held your attention through out the whole book. Unexpected twists and turns that enhance the reading experience. I love Tony's descriptive writing skills....you can actually see and smell what the characters do. Being from the same neck of the woods as Tony.....the local characteristics thrown in were awesome to read! I would definitely recommend but not for those with weak stomachs.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the narration of Matthew Crow; he can bring it all together. The plot, characters, the horror and the pain of are main character to life.

I would definitely recommend but not for those with weak stomachs. Certainly not while eating or any time near eating. This has it all, scary. grief, madness, extreme torture, both self-induced and not. A story plot that will have you pulled in from the very start. Excellent writing the depth of the characters and story development are well worth the investment. The character of Sheriff John Mucklow, is so real and you feel your heart go to him.

[Teri Persona Non Grata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrible

Graphic torture.edit
Kept me on the edge of my seat. And there are people like Unger out there.
If you're looking for a warm fuzzy story, this isn't it.
Raw and descriptive.
I stayed up until 3 am to finish it

[Katie Lambeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, what a ride! I listened to the audiobook so the horror and gore were intensely high for me. There were times I gagged and almost had to stop playing it! But wow, the way it is written and the imagery you think of…it’s something that will stick with you!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love listening to both this author and narrator. This was totally different but wow so engaging. I just had to keep listening. perfect.

[R. E. Shambrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally surprised by this book. I was expecting a typical small towns thrift saved the day story. This was a brutal read on many levels. Gonna look for more by the author.
Highly recommend!!