**3-Star Review: *The Gift of Darkness* by V.M. Giambanco**

*The Gift of Darkness* by V.M. Giambanco is a gritty crime thriller set in Seattle, where Detective Alice Madison is faced with a haunting case involving a brutal family murder that echoes a similar crime from two decades earlier. As Madison delves deeper, she uncovers dark secrets and connections that link past and present in chilling ways.

Giambanco sets an atmospheric tone, using Seattle’s rainy, moody backdrop to heighten the tension. Madison is a compelling protagonist, with a strong yet vulnerable personality that makes her easy to root for. The plot is layered with twists and red herrings, keeping readers engaged as the connections between the cases come to light.

However, the story occasionally suffers from pacing issues, with slower sections that detract from the suspense. Some plot points feel overly complicated, which may leave readers feeling bogged down by details. Additionally, while Madison’s character is well-developed, secondary characters lack depth, making it harder to connect with them.

Overall, *The Gift of Darkness* offers a solid crime story with a compelling lead character and atmospheric writing. While it may not be flawless, it’s an engaging read for crime thriller fans who enjoy complex plots and darker themes.

A bit of a slow burner for me. The plot was good and the crime was intriguing but I found the book took forever to get anywhere. A good read but very overlong for me and in need of a good edit.