Gathering Dark by Candice Fox
Publisher: Forge Books
Publication Date: March 16, 2021
Date Read: March 25, 2021
Length: 393 pages
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
★★★★☆
Gathering Dark is a new standalone thriller set in Los Angeles from #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author Candice Fox.
A convicted killer. A gifted thief. A vicious ganglord. A disillusioned cop. Together they’re a missing girl’s only hope.
Dr. Blair Harbour, once a wealthy, respected pediatric surgeon, is now an ex-con down on her luck. She’s determined to keep her nose clean and win back custody of her son. But when her former cellmate begs for help to find her missing daughter, Blair is compelled to put her new-found freedom on the line.
Detective Jessica Sanchez has always had a difficult relationship with the LAPD. And her inheritance of a multi-million dollar mansion as a reward for catching a killer has just made her police enemy number one.
It’s been ten years since Jessica arrested Blair for cold-blooded murder. So when Jessica opens the door to the disgraced doctor late one night she expects abuse, maybe even violence. What comes next is a plea for help…
My Review
I really enjoyed this book! I have read and enjoyed several books written by Candice Fox in the past so I jumped at the chance to read this book. This story grabbed my attention from the start and kept me eagerly turning pages until the very end. I am so glad that I decided to read this wonderful book.
This story is told from two points of view. Blair was a wealthy doctor at one point in her life but that was before she served time in jail for murder. Blair now works at a local convenience store and is trying to do what needs to be done so she can spend more time with the son she gave birth to in prison. Jessica is the detective that put Blair away. Jessica recently inherited a multi-million dollar mansion much to the dismay of her co-workers within the LAPD. It is apparent that she is at a difficult point in her life. When Blair’s friend from prison asks for help when her daughter goes missing, these two will form an unlikely alliance to find some answers.
I really liked the characters in this book. Blair seemed like she was a good person and she was really determined not to get in trouble. She knew what she was risking to help her friend but she couldn’t find it in her to say no. Jessica was at a crossroads in her life. She was a good cop and liked her job for the most part. Inheriting the house messed everything up and opened her eyes at the same time. The secondary characters were equally well done. Sneak, Blair’s friend, was a vital part of the story and often kept things interesting. Blair’s son played a pivotal role in the story and made connections to both Blair and Jessica.
The mystery in this book kept me guessing. I was eager to find out what really happened to Blair’s friend’s daughter. As things got more complicated and new people came into play, I found myself even more curious about what had really happened and what the motive might have been. I was also very curious about the crime that sent Blair to prison. I was very pleased that the details of that crime were addressed as a second, and equally interesting, mystery in this book.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this to be an incredibly entertaining and well-written mystery thriller that was filled with wonderfully unique characters. I love the fact that the book kept me guessing until the very end. I cannot wait to read more of this talented author’s work.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Forge Books via NetGalley.
About the Author
CANDICE FOX is the award-winning author of Crimson Lake and Redemption Point. She is also co-writer with James Patterson of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Never Never, Fifty Fifty, and the forthcoming Liar Liar. She lives in Sydney.
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Gathering Dark by Candice Fox
Oh it looks like a good thriller
I love that this book kept you guessing until the end, and I like that is a stand-alone! Thanks for such an intriguing suggestion, Carole 😀
I love the sound of this book. And that cover would definitely make me grab a copy. And how awesome that this book kept you guessing until the end. I'll keep this book in mind when I'm looking for a thriller.
Great review! 😉
Ohh this is new to me. A good indication of a worthy mystery/thriller is if it keeps you guessing, so definitely a good one!
I have been eyeing this book, so now I am even more fascinated! Great review.
Sounds like it really rouses the curiosity and has several interesting plot threads going on.
Fantastic review Carole! I think I would enjoy this one. I think I have seen others by this author but have not read her.
Anne – Books of My Heart
I had my eyes on this one. Glad to know it was a solid read.
Wow, this one sounds interesting. What a fall from grace Blair had.
I hope her other books live up to your expectations!
It has been a while since my last thriller, I need one soon
This is the first time I saw this book. Sounds like a really good mystery!