A good read.
After witnessing a murder Abi now has to be careful for her own life. Things take a dark turn in this story which is carefully woven and definitely kept me reading.

The basics; Abi is witness a hit and run, when she returns from the nearest phone booth after calling the police, an officer is already at the scene, but the victim is gone. No one believes Abi, but she knows what she saw. The officer is kind, offering her suggestions as to what may have happened seeing there is “no accident”. Later, when she sees the victim on the news as a missing person, she is determined to prove that she was right. Abi knew what she saw and everyone else questioned what she thought she saw. This story was tense and gripping. There was a lot of gaslighting and manipulation. Twists and turns, having you rooting for Abi and the truth to be revealed. She doesn’t make the best choices, which make it harder to to prove she is a reliable witness and to be trusted. Loved the dual timelines, I really felt as though it helped me connect more with her life.

Oh my god! I cannot even begin to put into words how much I loved this book. I binged it in one sitting, so make sure you have no plans when you start it!

This plot has so much to give to its readers, criminal activity, violence, manipulation, domestic violence, self-doubt and gaslighting on another level, even I was gaslit by one of the characters. At no point does it become confusing and the different aspects work well together.

Abi was such a lovely character, I was really drawn to her, loving her self-development as she was re-building her life, the interactions between her and friends at the Spanish class were some lighthearted relief amongst the darker storylines.

I don’t want to risk any spoilers, so just buy the book! You won’t be disappointed.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Alone In The Dark' by Joanne Ryan.

Another brilliant book by this fantastic author that is very well written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that it felt like I was standing next to the characters throughout.

This is another great read from the very talented Joanne Ryan and I am looking forward to seeing what she comes out with next!! I have previously read Joanne's 'Keep Your Friends Close' and 'Don't Let Her In' and while I thoroughly enjoyed reading them both I must say that this is definitely my favourite!! The fact that Joanne's writing skills and descriptions are continuously improving from book to book also shines through the pages. In this fantastic book we meet Abi who is alone jogging early one morning when she witnesses a hit and run. Abi contacts the police and ambulance but when she arrives back at the scene of the crime having to get to the closes telephone box, the first responder is there but the body is not. Abi is struggling as it is with hiding her past from her family and friends and struggling with work after drinking and driving but when people start questioning what she sees things go from bad to worse. Where did the man see seen get run over go? Is she imagining things? Well, this is the exact reason you need to grab your copy of this book today, to find out yourselves! I promise you that you will not regret it!! This book is filled with tension, mystery, secret, lies, twists and everything that you could ask for in a psychological thriller plus more!! It is gripping, fast paced, addictive and filled with suspense, a perfect page turner for all fans of psychological thrillers!! This is one of those absolutely fantastic books that I just could not put down!! Any time I told myself I would read just one more chapter and do some house work something happened which meant I just had to know what would happen next!! Joanne does a fantastic job using multiple timelines and weaving the chapters together perfectly to give the reader a bigger picture of what Abi is thinking and feeling without giving too much away whilst also adding more secrets and twists into the mix!! There were several things going on and plenty of action to keep you turning the pages!! There is a range of characters who are all strong and realistic but some of them are unreliable and/or unlikeable. I did like Abi and although I don't agree with one of the things that she had done I felt a huge amount of empathy for her and was rooting for her from the very start and was hoping that things would work out for her although whether they do or not is for you to find out yourself when you grab your copy! I absolutely devoured it in one sitting of a few hours as every time I said I would just finish the chapter then get on with something else there was always an event happening in the book which meant that I just had to know what was going to happen next!! Joanne's evocative writing skills ensures the surroundings, characters and atmosphere all come to life so it feels like you are in the storyline with the characters feeling their confusion and fear. I was not expecting the twists so a HUGE congratulations to Joanne! I have read hundreds of thrillers so it is getting harder and harder to surprise me but Joanne took me on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns where I didn't know who I could trust and by the end I think I had suspected each and every character!! A thoroughly good book that will keep you guessing throughout!! Well done Joanne on yet another huge success and here's to your next one!!.

Overall a gripping, addictive and mysterious psychological thriller filled with twists!!!

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This is the third book I’ve read by Joanne Ryan, and much like the previous two I found this to be an enjoyable if slightly unremarkable read. The story moved along quickly, flipping between past and present (which I always enjoy), with an intriguing beginning that grabbed my attention and a well developed plot that maintained that attention throughout. The main downside for me was Abi’s internal monologue; I found her very repetitive and a little grating at times. BUT I also appreciated the fact that she is a genuinely decent character, with morals and empathy and a desire to do the right thing even if it’s not the easiest path.

I wouldn’t really consider this to have any twists as such, none of the revelations in the second half were a surprise to me. But again, I enjoyed the way these revelations unfolded, so this isn’t necessarily a flaw in my eyes.

Overall a good read, and an author I will continue to follow and read more of.

Oh, and the final chapter? 🤌🏻 Perfection.

Thank you @rachelsrandomresources and @theboldbookclub for my copy of Alone In The Dark to read and review 🙏🏻

Alone in the Dark is my third venture into a thriller by Ryan and is definitely my favourite to date.

It's an addictive twisty thriller that immediately had me gripped from the opening paragraphs.

'Because life is about choices; there is always a choice. I made the wrong one. In just one second I ruined my life'.

And there you have it, the three sentences that had me sold and compelled to keep reading.

The pace was fast right from the off with the suspense and tension palpable. My heart spent most of the book in my mouth as I anticipated what was going to happen to Abi.

Fantastic book, thoroughly enjoyed it and I anticipate reading more from Ryan very soon.

I have enjoyed everything I've read to date my Ryan, and this book didn't disappoint! Abi witnessed a hit and run, and when she returns from the nearest phone booth calling the police, an officer is at the scene, but the victim is gone. No one believes Abi, but she knows what she saw. When she sees the victim on the news as a missing person, she is determined to prove that she was right.

Abi was a very likable main character. Even though I didn't love all of the choices she made, I found myself rooting for her. She suffered through trauma in her life, and I wanted her to win in the end. Abi knew what she saw and everyone else questioned what she thought she saw. This story was tense and gripping. The plot develops in dal timelines, Abi's "then" and her "now". This helped give depth to Abi, and brought her character to life. There were twists and turns along the way as I watched Abi fight to be seen as reliable and trustworthy. Another solid read by Ryan!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4/5 stars: Control, lies, and finding inner strength

Alone in the Dark by Joanne Ryan is an intense psychological thriller that portrays the harm inflicted by men's manipulation and emphasises the importance of trusting one's instincts to pursue truth.

Alone in the Dark is an addictive, page-turning read and one you’ll rattle through. Ryan’s pacing is solid, with each chapter escalating the tension until its inevitable conclusion. Her ability to blend domestic suspense with social commentary ensures that the novel resonates on multiple levels, generously allowing us to connect deeply with the protagonist and her journey.

For those who enjoy exploring the darker aspects of human nature and societal issues, Alone in the Dark offers much to appreciate, complemented by a fast-paced narrative that keeps you riveted until the end.

Recommended for fans of:
- Frieda McFadden. B. A. Paris, C. L. Taylor, and Paula Hawkins
- TV shows such as Angela Black and The Sinner
- A fast-paced book you can finish in a day

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources (blog tour), Boldwood Books, NetGallery, and the author, who generously gave me early access to the book in exchange for an honest review.

#BoldwoodBooks #AloneInTheDark #BlogTour

Alone In The Dark by Joanne Ryan, abby has been through a lot and it changed her life in many different ways while out jogging at four in the morning she sees a man get hit by a car and having no cell phone she leaves him to call emergency services but when she returns all she finds is Officer Simon he is kind and explains the many different things that could’ve happened to have the man be gone when she return but when she sees a missing man on the news and believes that is the victim. She calls officer Simon his attitude is contrary and completely different from his previous attitude towards her. This isn’t the first time in Abby‘s life she’s been treated with distain not to mention his trying to gaslight her The more she tries to find out the truth, the more strange things happen, not to mention she feels someone is following her. She believes she should really just let it go. The only good thing in her life is John who she met at Spanish class her parents and her best friend Mel. Unfortunately it seems the universe is working against her because at every turn something nags the back of her mind or she gets another clue but essentially she finds out more and more about the event she is starting to wish she never saw. Not to mention her exes new girlfriend shows up begging for her help and her ex is the last bone she wants poking out of her secret closet. This book was so good I love a book with multiple mysteries that is definitely this book throughout the story we learn more about what’s happening and what happened in Abbys life to cost her to go from a high flying career woman to a stocker at a grocery store although she appreciates everything in her life before it’s over just being a live will be what she appreciates the most. I love books by Joanne Ryan and I must be honest and say this book was kind of predictable but I still really enjoyed it I liked Abby who almost never irritated me throughout the whole book and I was definitely rooting for her. This is a great thriller for those who just like reading great thrillers this is a great choice. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #JoannRyan, #AloneInTheDark,

ALONE IN THE DARK
Joanne Ryan

I am so thankful to be a part of promoting ALONE IN THE DARK by Joanne Ryan. ALONE IN THE DARK was released earlier this year and it deserves more attention than it got. With only 55 ratings to date on Goodreads, this book is my UNDER THE RADAR BOOKS pick of the month.

Let’s get into what I liked about it and why it got one less star than it should have. It’s probably all my fault.

Her favorite time to run is when she’s ALONE IN THE DARK. On one such night, she stumbles upon something that will alter her course and change her life forever.

What she sees that night is almost too strange to believe and soon those very beliefs come into question in Joanne Ryan’s ALONE IN THE DARK.

I enjoyed my time reading. The writing was good and easy to read. I liked the carriage of the story, but it really had an unsatisfying plot. Not much here to surprise you, nothing here is going to blow your mind. It unwound just the way I thought it would. I think the problem might have been that it was too simple.

I gave it four stars, but it easily could’ve gotten five, if it had not been so straightforward. If all the roads didn’t lead to the same place, the ride would have been more interesting. I do not remember there being any false leads or any red herrings. Everything mentioned had a point. And instead of filtering through clues to solve the mystery everything was laid out in front of you for the taking.

I imagine if you hadn’t read 1000 thrillers like I have, you’d have had a more rewarding experience. I read it in one sitting, and I can’t imagine if I had put it down, that there would be anything calling me back to the story.

One thing, but it’s a big deal for me as a reader. I recommend this title wholeheartedly with one major caveat, don’t expect your mind to be blown, don’t put it in a perilous position on your TBR, position it wisely and you’ll be golden.

ALONE IN THE DARK is on Kindle Unlimited and available where books are sold. If you decide to pick it up, come back here, and let’s talk about it.

Thanks to Joanne Ryan, Rachel's Random Resources, Netgalley, and Boldwood Books for inviting me to be a part of this tour and for the opportunity to provide feedback!

ALONE IN THE DARK…⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alone in the Dark by Joanne Ryan

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

She witnessed a murder… but nobody’s dead It was a quiet night, like any other, when Abi went for her usual night-time run. It was her escape from all the stresses of life, the thing she did so she was stronger than the man who’d once hurt her so badly.

But then – as she turns a quiet corner – she sees a car hitting somebody. Rushing forward, as the driver screeches off into the night, she realizes the man in the road has already died.

After rushing to call for help, Abi returns to find a policeman already waiting. But there’s no body. No one is there.

Abi knows what she saw. But everyone else thinks she’s lost her mind. Everyone except one person. Who wants her to stay silent.. forever.

My Opinion

From the first run I was hooked, with a fast pace it was difficult to stop reading. At just under 300 pages this is a relatively quick book that is quite easy to finish in a few evenings or over a weekend. Abi witnesses a hit and run but with no body will anyone believe her?

This was my first book by Joanne Ryan but I already have my next one lined up. Follow Abi as she tries to pick herself up after having a rough time.

Rating 4/5

Gripping, tense, and hard to put down, Alone in the Dark kept me on my toes and turning the pages! I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, the writing, and the mystery behind what Abi witnessed on her late night run.

While out running, Abi witnesses a man getting hit by a car which quickly drives away. When she rushes to the man, he looks dead and she runs for help. When the authorities arrive after she reports the hit-and-run, there is no body. The investigators question Abi's version of events and her mental health. Did she actually see a man get hit? Is she reliable? Where is the body?

This was a tense and tight mystery where Abi stands by what she saw and those in her life question what she saw. I rooted for Abi and along with her, I wanted to know the truth! I enjoyed how the author built upon the mystery, the tension, the mounting sense of danger, and suspense. Plus, there are a fair amount of twists in this book which kept me on my toes and turning the pages.

I also enjoyed how the author uses 'then' and 'now' chapters to provide readers with a fuller glimpse into Abi's life and past. This was a nice device and introduced a subplot in addition to the main plot. Both worked very well for me and all came together nicely in the end.

Well written, well thought out and gripping!

A brilliant read - super twisty and it gripped me from the start, with the crazy tense prologue.

Abi is rebuilding her life, after escaping an abusive relationship and losing her licence due to a DUI charge. When she is out for a run, she witnesses a hit and run accident, with the victim left for dead in the road, but when she returns, having left to call the police, the body has gone. From that point on, nobody believes anything she says, the police are sure she is deranged and add a conviction into the mix, Abi is considered to be an entirely unreliable witness.

I liked Abi, her character was well written and I admired her determination to find out the truth, depsite the police's dismissiveness of her. The pacing was great, I flew through this page turner and although one of the twists was easy to figure out, there were plenty more jaw droppers in the mix, that I didn't see coming.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Joanne Ryan and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I felt the suspense from the beginning, as the protagonist, Abi, witnessed an incident. I found there was something about some of the other characters that made me a little bit uneasy, and I felt uncertain about who I might choose to trust, in Abi’s place.

I felt that I learned a lot about Abi through her narrative, and I found her relatable in some ways, particularly the way that she expressed herself. As the story progressed, it started to play with my head. The chapters themselves were fairly short, and often ended in an ambiguous or surprising way.

This was a suspenseful thriller, and easy to read in one sitting too. Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

While the plot doesn't sound original, Joanne Ryan's treatment definitely gives it some original twists. This is the first book of hers I've read, but I was impressed with the way she pulled me in from the first chapter and held my attention through a binge read. Luckily my family likes pizza.

When a young woman witnesses a death by hit and run and the body disappears before anyone else sees it, she'll find herself doubting what she saw. Circumstances will conspire to keep readers guessing exactly what she saw until Ryan's surprise ending.

It took a bit for me to get into this book I felt like it was a bit slow paced and dragged on at times. The story was good it just needed a bit more for me to really enjoy it fully.

Abi runs in the dark to avoid people seeing her during the day - after all, what if they know about her past?

When one night she witnesses a hit and run but the body disappears, Abi is terrified and those she thinks she can trust continue to surprise and disappoint her. It’s hard enough that she’s rebuilding her life after the traumatic breakup of a relationship that wasn’t quite what it seemed…

I couldn’t put this down and felt the writing was well-paced and varied, and the underlying flashback theme sensitively handled.

A woman is losing a deadly race, but the reader doesn't know why. The story unfolds gradually, revealing who the woman is, who is pursuing her and why in this twisty, often dark, psychological suspense. Abi, the woman, is an unreliable narrator; she has suffered domestic violence, which led to a series of life-changing incidents that have left her emotionally vulnerable. The reader invests in Abi as she tries to voice her concerns. I like the story's intensity, the toxic ethos that leaves Abi alone in the dark and the impactful final chapters that lead to a resonating conclusion.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This was such a exciting and twisty read, I was hooked right away and had to keep reading as I needed to know more!

Abi is out for her usual night time run when she sees a man get run over by a car. They stop and get out of the car but drive off leaving the man on the road. Abi goes to get help and when she returns there is a police officer there but nobody on the road. So what happened to the man? And is Abi now in danger? Once I started reading this book I was unable to stop. It's very talented writing and one of the best I have read of this genre. It keeps you thinking from the moment you start reading and you suspect every single character at one stage or another. I felt the dark vibes which gave me goosebumps. It is a dual timeline one in which we learn of Abi's previous abusive relationship to the present of the hit and run. It's hard not to love this book and I believe it needs lots of recognition. Hugely recommend!