The Darkness

Henry Parker #5

by Jason Pinter

A young man is found murdered, his bones crushed nearly to dust before his body was dumped into New York's East River

In New York there are hundreds of murders a year, but this one is different. Somebody is sending a message. And shockingly, the victim has ties to my brother, Stephen Gaines, recently murdered by an elusive drug lord known only as the Fury.

For years this kingpin has been shrouded in darkness. Stephen was executed just as he was about to shed some light. Working alongside my mentor, Jack O'Donnell, I'm going to find the truth behind this blood-soaked curtain. But the more we reveal, the more we realize just how dark the Fury's plans are. And that no matter how brutal the violence has been, we haven't seen anything yet….

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Adult Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published November 24, 2009

About the author

Jason Pinter is the bestselling author of HIDE AWAY and A STRANGER AT THE DOOR in his Rachel Marin series, as well as six other novels: the acclaimed Henry Parker series (The Mark, The Guilty, The Stolen, The Fury, and The Darkness), the stand-alone thriller The Castle, as well as the middle-grade adventure novel Zeke Bartholomew: SuperSpy, and the children’s book Miracle. His books have over one million copies in print worldwide and have been optioned for film. He has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Thriller Award, Strand Critics Award, Barry Award, and Shamus Award, and more

He is the Founder and Publisher of the independent publisher Polis Books, as well as Agora, an imprint launched in 2019 dedicated to diverse and underrepresented voices in crime fiction. He was honored by Publishers Weekly’s Star Watch, which “recognizes young publishing professionals who have distinguished themselves as future leaders of the industry.” He has written for the New Republic, Entrepreneur, the Daily Beast, Esquire, and more. He lives in New Jersey, with his wife and their two daughters. Visit him at www.JasonPinter.com, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @JasonPinter.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 The complete Henry Parker (5 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (5/29/2020)! 🎁

[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darkness by Jason Pinter is a dark thriller. The plot instantly swept me into its web of murder, drugs, and violence. This novel was full of twists and turns. Intrigued, engaged, and full of suspense. Every page pulled me further into the chase. A deadly game of good versus evil. Blackmail, threats, and death. The fear factor is raised to new heights. Inside The Darkness, a man is found murdered right before he was about to shed some evidence. A message well received. A drug lord has some sinister plans as the duo team continued their search for the truth...the evilness only expanded. I haven't read any of Jason Pinter's previous novels but this one was good. It caughtmy attention. Perked my curiosity. It led me on a journey.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in series I've read. (#'s 2-4-5). I've enjoyed each book better than the last. Protagonist Henry Parker a newspaper reporter is more detective than scribe. Along with Henry in this mystery is his mentor and idol, the always irascible Jack O'Donnell. Fast paced with plenty of suspense this is a really good read. Although the one small negative I have about book is an unexpected twist to cast in conclusion. Five stars out of five possible stars. Check it out. Good series.

[Sheila Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fast-paced thriller, New York Gazette reporter Henry Parker and his newly sober, recovering-alcoholic mentor, Jack O'Donnell, are on the trail of a mysterious, ingenious, totally ruthless drug lord known as the Fury, who is masterminding a New York City cartel that's distributing a dangerous, extremely addictive designer drug called the Darkness. This criminal ringleader has no compunctions about brutally killing anyone who might interfere with the organization's plans.

There's plenty of action here, and quite a lot of explicit violence, plus an intriguing, complex plot, an excellent cast of characters, and even some bits of satirical humor, most obviously found in Henry's conversation with the newspaper's gossip columnist, Tony Valentine. More subtly, there's a narrative that follows an unemployed trader named Morgan Isaacs, laid off by his bank and in desperate need of money to maintain his super-luxurious lifestyle, who keeps rationalizing to himself his acceptance of a lucrative job offer by the Fury's nefarious cartel.

Pinter does a good job of describing the back story, but I recommend reading the previous book in the series, "The Fury," before starting "The Darkness." The two books are really more like one book split into two volumes. "The Darkness" doesn't end in as blatant a teaser as "The Fury" does, but there is a promise of more action to come in the author's next book, "The Invited."

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is 5th book in the Henry Parker series by Jason Pinter and by no means is it a stand alone book. It is the follow-up to the previous book, The Fury (Henry Parker Novels). You can read this book without having read The Fury, but there will be a lot of details lost and I would think a lot of added confusion. The Fury was a poorly edited book and difficult for me to get through, so I cannot recommend it, so that makes it difficult for me to recommend this book as well. It is written much better than the prior book without all the glaring editing errors, but I still found it to be a bit lacking. The overall story never seemed to really come through for me. Although the Fury was explained, the story did not make enough sense to me. Plus, I found too much to be expected and a little overdone. In fact, I actually rolled my eyes at the end of the book because I thought it was too dramatic.

Overall, this book is better than the last, but still not great in my book. It is contrived and the author seems a little out of touch with the age of his character (who was said to be 25 in the last book, but acts more like he is 35). Details do not seem to flow together well and I found myself wondering how the characters could be so stupid when they are supposed to be smart people. The author has a decent writing style, but still has a lot more growth to become a really good writer.

*I received this book from the Amazon Vine program.*

[Mirella Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ini buku bener bener nyambung dari seri sebelumnya. Tetep aja keren, secara di buku ini jadi ketauan dalang narkoba kelas kakap, di mana kakak tiri Henry kerja jadi pengedar dan tewas dibunuh.

Sementara si Paulina Cole? Tetep aja menyebalkan dengan gaya tengilnya itu. Tapi, tau rasa dia pas ada orang yang mengancam kehidupan anak gadisnya. Tapi... Canggih banget tuh konspirasi gembong narkoba. Bikin plot sedemikian rupa, sampe si Cole, Henry ama Jack O'Donnel kelimpungan nyari sumbernya.

Akhir cerita rada menyedihkan. Yah, secara saya bener bener gak nyangka aja ada kejadian itu. Di tambah lagi, I was hoping there was no hero killed, but, hey I'm not the author. I'm sure Jason Pinter has his own plot when he created this novel...

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the three Pinter books I've read. The plot was more suspensful, original, and twisting than the others, and even had some historical basis. The characters were also slightly more developed, though still very stereotypical.

Overall, a fun read that kept the pages turning. I really wish I could give 3.5 stars but I'll round up here and say it could be a good introduction to the Henry Parker series.

[Zoya.Diaries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know that this book is part of a series yet I was able to read it as a stand alone.

The novel captures the life of a young reporter and his sharp mentor Jack O'Donnell tracking the mystery revolving an addictive drug known as 'Darkness.' Its action packed, violent, full of suspense, push comes to shove grey characters, narcotics world and plot twist in modern day New York.

In my opinion, the book should appeal to those who enjoy a good thriller with captivating writing and credible characters.

[Tina Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed!

The beginning of the book starts with telling us Amanda and Henry lived in different apartments, but the end of the last book they had just rented an upgrade and were moving in together. Other than that discrepancy, the book was great! Jack and Henry working together once again to find the Fury! A drug called The Darkness was sweeping NYC, and it was wreaking havoc on the users. Henry and Jack want to find out who is behind this poison. You will not be disappointed in this one!

[Laura Tancredi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a conclusion!

I didn't rate the individual books in the series. To be honest, The Mark, was rather hard to get into and keep my interest. But then I read The Guilty and I realized these characters needed time to develop and have their story unfold. Of course, The Stolen The Fury, The Hunters and finally The Darkness were read in rapid succession. Fantastic books with a rewarding and satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend the series.

[Glen Leavens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good thriller. Jack is off of booze and we are all happy for his return. A good reporter story of developing sources and a return to the original club from the Hunters. I feel for the guys making a lot of money and laid off facing the choice to sell drugs or go bankrupt. It makes for a good book. In life, I am glad most make the choice to swallow pride and get another less paying job.

[karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I read the entire series. The first two I could not put down despite some annoyances. With each successive book there were more typos and inconsistencies. I felt that book five was the least plausible and that the writing was lazy or hasty and full of clichés. The descriptions of the city were hackneyed and missed the mark.

I read the Rachel Marin series first and found those books more enjoyable.

[P J Van Benthusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an incredible last book.

I enjoyed this series immensely. It was amazing to see how these characters developed. The stories were riveting and kept you turning pages. There were lots of surprises and the stories were pertinent to our lives. It was a melancholy ending but very fitting. Great read.

[Helen A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Haven't left a review of the other books became I decided to review the series. I literally fell in love with the characters and their stories. Will be encouraging my friends to read this series.

[Donna Redman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Series

Thoroughly enjoyed ALL the books. This last one especially was bittersweet. The characters were well developed, the pace exciting and the ending satisfying. Good Work!

[Wanda Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insidious villian!


Enjoyed the book.....second one of his that I've read, but will not be the last. Good characters and story line with a cleaver villian that I enjoyed hating. You shouldn't be disappointed. "The Fury" is a winner.

[Tony Rampling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't put his books down till they are done, then i can't wait for the next one...

[Rebecca Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my god!!! How could you?!

I’ve grown so attached to everyone that’s been in each of these books and I just couldn’t believe the author actually went and did the unthinkable!!! 💔😭😭

[janet Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent character development!

Just finished the Henry Parker series. I would love to see more from Jason Pinter. Have already read Rachel Marin books.

[Margaret Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

It could be true...it’s what keeps you on the edge. Realizing the impact of the Contra affair on our own country made it all worthwhile, the rest was acing on the cake

[Jerry Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the other Henry Parker books several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed (5 stars). This one was just okay for me... rounded up to 3 stars

[Shirley Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closure

Anyone who likes great twisted conclusions should read these books. Very fun characters, locations and Situations. These stories are colored and drawn by a master writer.

[Marianne Stehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series. I do not have the next (which appears to be the last) book in the series, I hope to get my hands on. it. I wish this was a 30-40 book series.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book didn't pique my interest until I was about halfway through it. I only wish the author would've written the entire book with the intense fervor which he successfully accomplished in the second half of same.

The author has chosen Henry Parker, a newspaper reporter, as the main character in his novels. Henry is attempting to learn who killed his brother. He recognizes it has something to do with his brother's elevated involvement in the distribution of street drugs. He's assisted in his investigation by a friend in the NYPD.

A brusque female who works as a reporter for a competitive newspaper comes to him describing how she was kidnapped for a brief period & forced to write an article for her newspaper concerning the potency of a new street drug. They told her they would kill her daughter in college if she failed to do so or if she went to the police about it. Henry finally concludes that since the drug was so new on the streets, the reason for the threat was because it would be a form of free advertising in a column by the city's most widely-read reporter.

During his investigation, he learns that young men in the corporate financial sector, who recently lost their jobs due to the economy, were being recruited to distribute this new drug & others. The recruiters felt these men, who were instructed to dress in business attire, would not give off the appearance of someone distributing drugs. They were promised a pay equal or better than their previous positions, allowing them to maintain their standing in the community. Most of their customers were business professionals.

Henry eventually learns that those behind the operation were a small group who worked closely together when America was attempting to oust Noriega during the 80's. Among them were 2 brothers, one of which was killed in Panama, after which the other brother assumed his identity. A female was in this group & in control of marketing the drug, with a supply that would fill a football field.

Henry & his pals corner them where the huge cache of drugs are stored, leading to multiple deaths & a hairy ending.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need more Henry Parker!

I’m sad this is the last Henry novel. Really enjoyed getting to know the characters. Highly recommend the entire series.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues the story from the prior novel, The Fury. As we learned in the last book, Henry learned that he had a brother named Stephen Gaines. Henry and Stephen’s relationship was very short as Stephen was murdered. The prime suspect is none other then Henry Parker’s father. Henry must clear his father’s name before it is too late. Luckily for Henry, his old mentor, Jack O’Donnell has agreed to help.

Paulina Cole, Henry’ rival has been kidnapped. She was released later but on one condition…Paulina has to publish a story. Could Paulina’s kidnapping somehow related to Stephan Gaines’s death?

I have read several books by Mr. Pinter now and I have to say that I have enjoyed every one of them. I am a fan. The Darkness is a one sit read! Mr. Pinter will get your adrenaline pumping with his Henry Parker novels. Henry is a combination of Clark Kent mixed with a hound dog. Once Henry is on the trail, he is hard to derail; in addition to underneath Henry’s exterior does lay a nice guy. I can’t believe how this book ended. It was a surprise to me. In the author’s notes, Mr. Pinter mentions that this story is fiction but it is based loosely on true events. To think that events like this did happen makes this story scary. I am looking forward to reading The Invited.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite of the Henry Parker novels.

The book has some rather intense violence up front and as a squeamish reader, I was a bit worried. But, Pinter doesn't disappoint and the violence serves its purpose without becoming gratuitous.

THE DARKNESS has the luxury of being far enough along in the series that most of the characters have been well developed leaving the story itself to take center stage. Though, the further development of Jack, in particular, is a delight and I love his role in this one. Paulina, too, takes on a new depth adding color to an already colorful character.

The plot was interesting as well, delving into the history of illegal narcotics and the fictional introduction of a new, highly addictive drug to the streets of NYC. As Pinter's characters respond to this monumental catastrophe, the story unfolds in surprising and thrilling ways.

Jason's gift, really, is the way he keeps the pages flipping. Several times a chapter would end and I simply had to keep reading. The adventure of reading a Henry Parker novel is a fast one and one that stays with you. So many thanks to Jason for a great read and for the ordinarily heroic reporter that is Henry Parker.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started slow and I didn't realize it was a series but I went in and delved into the story any way. There was a sense that I missed something somewhere alone the line which can be typical of reading a book outside of the series. It could be violent but this is what I liked the best. I liked the pacing of the book. It was running pretty quick and it was interesting enough.

It was about a reporter trying to uncover the next big story which turns out to be the deaths of several drug dealers and subsequently something that is whirling around in the drug trade. A drug that would bring about the desperate times that was created by the crack epidemic of the eighties.

With this reporter is a hardened journalist mentor tagging along on trying to find out the truth about who is putting out this drug that threatens to destroy New York City.

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local: Manhattan/New York. Fast paced, action packed. Professional desperate men in financial ruin due to today's economic hard times are drawn in by the lure of fast easy money. Drug related crime novel packs a whollup. This novel is preceded by The Fury, I didn't read it and enjoyed this just fine. He covers what we need to know from the prequel. In this one Henry Parker, journalist for the NY Gazette and his mentor Jack O'Donnell, his girlfriend Amanda and his buddy cop Curt unravel evil in New York, BIG time. Satisfying conclusion.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read anything by Jason Pinter and it was a good book! Fast paced, quick and great--didn't want to put down book! I really enjoyed how reporters really handled the whole story! I thought the plot was interesting different and scary so, GREAT summer read! Will read the others by him.