Book review: The Darkness Around Her + competition

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Published by Bonnier Zaffre

Synopsis: When Lizzie Barnsley is murdered along a canal after escaping her abusive boyfriend, Dan Grant is called in to represent her alleged killer, Peter Box. The evidence is strong, but did he actually do it? He didn't know Lizzie, so why would he kill her? 

As Dan and his investigator, Jayne Brett, begin their case, they discover a number of murders and disappearances along the canals, including the brutal killing of fourteen-year-old Rosie Smith ten years earlier. Rosie's stepfather Sean had been accused of her murder, but then Dan finds out that Peter tried to confess to that crime as well and was ignored. 

With a client who won't tell anyone what really happened, Dan and Jayne have their work cut out, but when it becomes clear that Peter Box can't have been involved in every murder and disappearance, they realise that they may have stumbled on to something far more sinister.

But the clock is ticking and time is running out for the next victim…

How did this book end up in my hands? I won this book online but I alternated reading the physical copy with listening to the audiobook version on the BorrowBox app, depending on where I was at the time.

Was it a page-turner? A page-turner if there ever was one… hence the continuous alternation between book and audiobook, so that I didn’t have to miss any reading opportunity.

Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? Yes, the synopsis describes quite well the structure of the novel but my reading experience exceeded my expectations, especially considering that I’m not usually drawn to legal thrillers.

Did I like the ending? [no spoilers] There isn’t a single paragraph of this novel that I didn’t like!

Three words to describe it. Suspenseful. Sinister. Gripping.

Do I like the cover? Yes, I love the cover. It’s the first thing that caught my attention, probably because I love canal walks. It’s a shame that now I will be constantly looking around me on such occasions!

Have I read any other books by the same author? No but I really want to! This book is the second in a trilogy and - although it is a perfect stand-alone read - I'd love to know what came before it and what will come next!

Will I be recommending this book? Yes, absolutely. If you’re looking for a book that will make you hold your breath quite a few times, this is it. It’s also a good choice if you enjoy shouting at fictional characters that can’t hear you!

Anything else? Yes! The publisher has kindly offered one copy of The Darkness Around Her to go to a lucky reader! All you have to do is follow me on Twitter and retweet the competition post by 10/03. UK only. All comments left below will count as extra entries (one per person). Good luck!

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