Gathering Dark is an unexpected treat- how did I not hear about this book (and author) sooner? It follows two alternating points of view:
- Blair, a wealthy ex-surgeon who recently finished a decade-long prison sentence for murder is fighting for custody of her son and building a new life.
- Jessica, a LAPD detective who inherited a multi-million dollar mansion from a grateful client… but be careful what you wish for.
The two stories converge as both women aim to solve the perplexing disappearance of 20-something Dayly Lawlor.
While I had a little trouble relating to the main characters at first, they are undeniably likable and Fox is highly skilled at character development. She was able to bring even the most diminutive roles to life and every personality jumps off the page. The dialogue is snappy and entertaining and I found myself regaling my family with the amusing antics of the characters over the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Despite the title and some of the more serious subject matter, Gathering Dark brought me sheer joy and had me cackling often. Candice Fox has a first-rate sense of humor and I especially enjoyed a certain scene featuring ‘Hugh Jackman’ at the gas station. While the most defining feature of this book is its fun and offbeat essence, the plot is inventive and well-written.
Gathering Dark was fast-paced, had brilliant detail and kept me on my toes. I was perpetually surprised by the author’s uncanny knack for flipping the script and taking the story in a whole new direction. I also loved how everything was tied up in a bow by the end, but in a (mostly) believable way. If you’re a fan of extraordinary mysteries with zany characters that will make you laugh out loud, then Gathering Dark is a must-read.
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
You can click here to grab a copy of Gathering Dark.
