Wow. What a ride. This gripped me from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. Fantastic characterisation and storyline that kept the suspense right to the end.

I have read a few books by this author before and enjoyed them. I noticed this on my kindle and thought I would give it a try. I didn’t realise it was part of a series, but it works ok as a standalone. There’s history with some of the characters that would probably have benefitted from me reading the other books in the series, but it didn’t have a major impact on the story.

Lacey Flint works for the Marine Unit of the Met Police. When she’s involved in rescuing a baby from the river, a huge investigation is set in motion as ‘incels’ are causing havoc across London. The ringleader is someone from Lacey’s past and he’s determined to get revenge.
The Incels are vile and that part of the book felt scarily plausible. It does make you wonder what would happen if they tried to infiltrate society and change how women are treated.

This book held my interest and I was curious to find out how it would pan out. A couple of bits I felt were predictable but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. I didn’t mind the characters but also didn’t root for any of them, maybe I would feel differently if I’d read the other books in the series.

The book felt really long but I’m not sure if it was me rather than the book.

3.5 stars rounded to 3.

Good book with a well written storyline, a good psycological thriller. I have read other books by this author which were enjoyable and can add this to the list

**The Dark** by **Sharon Bolton** is a chilling, atmospheric psychological thriller that plunges readers into the dark corners of human nature, with a mystery that is as haunting as it is complex. Bolton, known for her skill in crafting tense, character-driven suspense, delivers a novel that grips from the very first page and keeps the reader guessing until the last.

### Plot Overview:
The story centers around **Lacey Flint**, a detective who is haunted by her past and still recovering from the traumatic events of a previous investigation. She is called in to investigate a case that is unsettlingly close to home—a woman has been found murdered, seemingly the victim of a horrific, ritualistic killing. As Lacey begins to dig deeper into the case, she uncovers a series of chilling connections to other deaths, each more mysterious and violent than the last.

The victims all have one thing in common: they were women, and their deaths are inexplicably tied to dark, ancient legends. As Lacey uncovers more about the killer’s identity, she begins to realize that she might be next. There’s a sense that she is being watched, and the killer seems to be aware of her every move. The deeper she gets into the case, the more personal the investigation becomes, forcing Lacey to confront not only the dangers of the case but her own fears and unresolved trauma.

The novel is filled with twists and turns, with multiple layers of mystery surrounding the murders. As Lacey uncovers secrets that have been buried for years, she must decide whether she can trust her colleagues, her own instincts, and whether she can stop the killer before she becomes the next victim.

### Character Development:
**Lacey Flint** is a complex and deeply flawed protagonist, making her one of the most compelling characters in the genre. She is tough, determined, and intelligent, yet she carries a burden of guilt and trauma from her past that affects her actions and decisions. Lacey is emotionally guarded and distrustful, and her internal conflicts make her feel more real and relatable. Her vulnerabilities make her a compelling character to follow, and as the story progresses, readers see how her past shapes her present choices.

The secondary characters, particularly those in Lacey’s police unit, are well-rounded and add depth to the story. **Mark Joesbury**, a fellow detective, shares an intriguing dynamic with Lacey. Their complex relationship adds a layer of emotional depth to the book, as it grows from mutual respect to a more personal connection. However, as the investigation unfolds, their relationship is tested, and Lacey must grapple with the line between professional boundaries and personal involvement.

The various victims and suspects in the novel are similarly well-crafted, with their own motives and backgrounds adding to the complexity of the case. Each character adds a piece to the puzzle, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear that no one is exactly as they seem.

### Writing Style:
Sharon Bolton’s writing is atmospheric, precise, and unsettling. She excels at creating an oppressive, tense mood that permeates the entire novel. The setting, particularly the dark, foggy streets of London, plays an essential role in the tone of the story. Bolton’s descriptive prose is vivid and helps immerse the reader in the grim world of the investigation, where nothing is quite as it seems.

The pacing is steady but relentless, with the plot slowly unfolding as more and more clues are uncovered. There’s a palpable sense of danger that builds throughout the novel, particularly as Lacey gets closer to the truth. Bolton expertly builds suspense by revealing bits of information at just the right moments, keeping the reader hooked while maintaining an aura of mystery. The plot twists, which are carefully constructed, add unexpected depth to the story and keep the reader on edge.

### Themes:
1. **Obsession and Guilt**: A major theme in *The Dark* is the impact of guilt and the obsessive drive to find the truth. Lacey’s internal struggles with her past actions and her obsessive need to solve the case make her a deeply human character. The novel explores how the weight of guilt can drive someone to make dangerous choices, and how that obsession can blur the lines between right and wrong.

2. **Trauma and its Aftermath**: Lacey’s emotional scars from previous cases—and the trauma she’s experienced—are central to the plot. As she unravels the mystery, she is forced to confront the ghosts of her past. The novel does an excellent job of exploring how past traumas influence present behavior and how they can affect relationships and decision-making.

3. **The Darkness Within**: The concept of “darkness” in the novel goes beyond the murders themselves—it’s also about the darkness within the characters. The book examines how everyone, even the most seemingly upstanding individuals, can harbor secrets and darkness. The theme of hidden evil runs throughout the novel, as Lacey confronts the fact that the killer could be someone she knows and trusts.

4. **Trust and Betrayal**: As Lacey uncovers more information, she begins to question who she can trust, both within the police force and in her personal life. This theme of trust—and the betrayals that come with it—adds an extra layer of complexity to the novel. It becomes clear that no one is immune from suspicion, which keeps the tension high throughout the book.

### Emotional Impact:
*The Dark* is a tense, emotionally charged thriller that pulls readers into the psychological depth of its characters. Lacey’s internal struggle with her past is just as compelling as the external mystery she’s trying to solve. The novel taps into primal fears—of being watched, of losing control, and of confronting one’s own demons. The emotional stakes rise as Lacey’s obsession with solving the case grows, and readers will feel the weight of her decisions as she nears the dangerous truth.

Bolton’s skillful handling of Lacey’s trauma, along with the mounting pressure of the investigation, creates a powerful emotional resonance that lingers long after the book is finished. The psychological aspects of the story, including Lacey’s mental and emotional state, heighten the tension and make the book more than just a standard thriller.

### Final Thoughts:
*The Dark* by Sharon Bolton is a top-tier psychological thriller that combines a gripping plot, complex characters, and a haunting atmosphere. The novel delivers on its promise of suspense, offering a tightly wound narrative that explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the darkness within us all. Lacey Flint is a flawed, fascinating protagonist whose emotional journey adds depth to the suspense, and the twists and turns in the story will keep readers hooked until the very end.

Bolton’s ability to create a sinister, immersive atmosphere and her talent for crafting unexpected plot twists make this book a standout in the genre. Fans of psychological thrillers with strong character development and a dark, brooding tone will find *The Dark* a deeply satisfying read.

If you enjoy authors like **Gillian Flynn**, **Tana French**, or **Ruth Ware**, *The Dark* will resonate with you. It’s a masterfully constructed thriller that explores the shadows lurking within the human mind, and it's a must-read for fans of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries.

**"The Dark" by Sharon Bolton – 4 Stars!**

Alright, let’s talk about Sharon Bolton’s *The Dark*! Picture this: a suspense thriller that pulls you straight into the adrenaline-fueled world of DC Lacey Flint, who's no stranger to danger and big secrets. Bolton delivers her signature twisty plotlines, giving us a mystery that’s as much about survival as it is about outsmarting the enemy.

Lacey is all grit, wrapped up in layers of intrigue, and let’s be honest—Bolton knows how to keep her characters sharp and fiercely human. It’s intense, like a late-night binge where you keep saying “just one more chapter,” only to realize it’s 2 a.m. and your heart’s pounding! The pacing? Chef’s kiss. There are moments I was tempted to check over my shoulder; it’s *that* gripping.

This one might be a bit dark for some, but if you’re up for a smart, thrilling ride, *The Dark* won't disappoint. It might just make you double-check those locks at night, though!

#ThrillerLovers #SharonBolton #TheDark #MustRead

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

It was super tense and fast paced all the way through. It did highlight some of the events are a threat to us in this day and age and these whilst uncomfortable these were true. Excellent book!

I'm new to the Lacey Flint series, but it didn't matter because her back story was given some explanation and this worked perfectly fine as a standalone novel too. I found this a gripping read and once I'd started it, I was unable to put it down. The tone and content of the book is unsurprisingly sinister and it did give me some anxiety because of how believable it was that this situation could come to pass - extreme but possible. It's an excellent book, but maybe it's not quite true to say I enjoyed it.

I absolutely loved the Lacey Flint series when I first read it and with such a big gap between this novel and the last, I was wary about reading The Dark. I didn't have to worry, it turned out to be a gripping and action-packed story.

The story centres around incel culture, who are usually men who are involuntarily celibate and blame women, good-looking men and modern culture for all their problems. This has become more and more mainstream over the years, so I've heard a lot about these types of people before, but their ideas and beliefs still angered me all the same.

Lacey is still her own worst enemy and stubborn to the core, but you see her soften a bit and begin to let people in, which was nice to read.

What I liked about this story is even though I've read all the previous books, I got a fresh perspective on Lacey and we found out a few things about her past, which had been touched upon previously but not in this detail.

I will say this is a very tense story. Sometimes I had to put it down as it was a little stressful to read, but I kept coming back as I love the characters so much and wanted to know what happened in the end.

A gritty and gripping police procedural. If you have not read this series and love police procedurals, then I would highly recommend them.

Having read a few other books from Sharon Bolton, I was excited to read this book and revisit a character I’ve met before.

Lacey Flint is full of secrets and is always on edge and this book is no different, we visit her past and see how it affects her future. With a big threat caused by the men matters movement caused early on in the book, we see how the threat grows and how Lacey ties into it and the others around her.

I really enjoyed this book with all its twists and turns, reading this book made me want to revisit Sharon Boltons previous books that I haven’t read in a while and look forward to more looks in the series involving Lacey Flint!

This book has such a creepy feel to it. This is a dark action paced story which was addictive. The plot was realistic. I loved the characters. They are well written and believable.

Lacey Flint is hiding a big secret. It's caused her to change jobs and kept her from the man she loves, but a chance encounter with a past acquaintance threatens to jeopardise everything.

Now living and working on the Thames, Lacey is perfectly placed when the unthinkable happens and a baby is left to the mercy of the unforgiving waters.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg, and soon she will have to contend with the wrath of a large group of "incels" (involuntary celibates), operating on the dark web. They blame their lack of romantic success on women and they are out for revenge.

Fast paced and exciting, with great twists and interesting well drawn characters. I started reading without realising this was book 5 in the series. By then I was already hooked and couldn't stop, but I'll definitely be taking a look at the rest of the series.

Really enjoyed this - will definitely be recommending and looking forward to the next one by this author!

I can’t believe how long I’ve sat on this book!
A great police procedural!
Slightly dry but an easy book to read. I didn’t want to put it down & can’t wait to read more by the author

Unfortunately I really did not connect with this book and despite numerous attempts, I have had to mark as dnf.

Another great read by Sharon Bolton. Its hard to keep track of all the detective series, but for this book I did not have to refer to the net to find out any connections. A great book to read even if its the first time you are picking any of her books.

From the very start this had me completely hooked! It was so tense, so thrilling! I did feel a little lost in the middle but then bang! It grabs you again, a great read!

This was gripping to read and very fast paced, although I did find it to be a little predictable in places. A solid thriller though

Another glitch in NetGalley I think as I read this over a year ago, wrote a review, but has reappeared in my listing.

Loved the book if recollection serves me correct. Have always enjoyed Sharon Bolton. Great plot and you can easily read it as a standalone.

My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for allowing me to read an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

A great book by Sharon Bolton. I haven’t read any of her books but I will be looking to read her other’s starring Lacey Flint.

Absolutely loved this book!

Sharon Bolton you are amazing!

I was hooked throughout and couldn't put this book down.

Thank you for accepting my ARC request.