Thursday, April 11, 2024

Village in the Dark

Title: Village in the Dark
Author: Iris Yamashita
Published: Kindle, Hardcover 288 pages
Format: February 13, 2024 by Berkley
Genre: Police Procedural
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Cara Kennedy #2

First Sentence: The frigid wind whipped up eager snow eddies off the knolls of the cemetery ground in South Anchorage.

Blurb: On a frigid February day, Anchorage Detective Cara Kennedy stands by the graves of her husband and son, watching as their caskets are raised from the earth. It feels sacrilegious, but she has no choice. Aaron and Dylan disappeared on a hike a year ago, their bones eventually found and buried. But shocking clues have emerged that foul play was involved, potentially connecting them to a string of other deaths and disappearances.

Somehow tied to the mystery is Mia Upash, who grew up in an isolated village called Unity, a community of women and children in hiding from abusive men. Mia never imagined the trouble she would find herself in when she left home to live in Man’s World. Although she remains haunted by the tragedy of what happened to the man and the boy in the woods, she has her own reasons for keeping quiet.

Aided by police officer Joe Barkowski and other residents of Point Mettier, Cara’s investigation will lead them on a dangerous path that puts their lives and the lives of everyone around them in mortal jeopardy.

My Opinion: Village in the Dark captures the reader’s attention from the very start. The brisk pacing makes it a perfect quick read, and the narrative is skillfully crafted to keep the pages turning. Yamashita’s storytelling shines through with an intriguing twist that adds depth to the plot. The decision to limit scenes at the Davidson Condos in Point Mettier is a clever move, allowing the characters to explore new horizons and maintain a fresh perspective. The character of Cara is particularly well-developed, with a backstory that unfolds across the series. This book is a commendable addition to the series, offering a satisfying blend of mystery and character development.

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