I can’t really say that I enjoyed reading a book about characters suffering the after effects of war and PTSD. But I tend to gravitate to those types of stories when I choose a book to read and review in this genre. Not sure why; perhaps it’s empathy or understanding.
Regardless of why this book called my name when I read the synopsis, I’m so glad I picked it up. It’s an excellent story with psychological twists and turns plus a murder mystery all wrapped into one. Read on for my full review.
Deep Into the Dark by P. J. Tracy
ISBN-13: 978-1250754943
Publisher: Minotaur Books; 1st edition (January 12, 2021)
ABOUT:
Sam Easton―a true survivor―is home from Afghanistan, trying to rebuild a life in his hometown of LA. Separated from his wife, bartending and therapy sessions are what occupy his days and nights. When friend and colleague Melody Traeger is beaten by her boyfriend, she turns to Sam for help. When the boyfriend turns up dead the next day, a hard case like Sam is the perfect suspect.
But LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan, whose brother recently died serving overseas, is sympathetic to Sam’s troubles, and can’t quite see him as a killer. She’s more interested in the secrets Melody might be keeping and the developments in another murder case on the other side of town.
Set in an LA where real people live and work–not the superficial LA of Beverly Hills or the gritty underbelly of the city–Deep into the Dark features two really engaging, dynamic main characters and explores the nature of obsession, revenge, and grief.
Deep Into the Dark by P. J. Tracy Review
I have to admit this book surprised me a bit. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I have never heard of this author before. Some of the pre-reviews were supportive yet slightly mixed. But I dove in anyway. Thank god!
The author completely sucked me in with an impressive storytelling ability that includes the depths of despair with psychological torment from PTSD. But it also became a murder mystery with two separate parts of the story connecting into one.
One side is the police detective’s point of view as they’re searching for the killer of gruesome murders in the city. The second view involves two coworkers whose lives begin to intertwine and intersect in a very unlikely manner.
These two pieces eventually become one through a very twisted and slippery slope. With one focus on the character with psychological and traumatic brain injuries, you have to wonder what’s truth and what is fiction through much of the story. Intense and intricate!
The author includes some mind-bending twists especially towards the end of the book that cement this as a fabulous read. Especially for those that enjoy cop fiction, psychological twists, and murder mystery, the author hits all pieces in this raw, realistic, and gritty story.
Deep Into the Dark is the start of a new series and if this is any indication as to what is to come, sign me up! Fast-paced, heart-pounding, and complex! This is one author who is on my radar for future reads.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.