Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita: Review

Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita cover

Sometimes an opportunity is missed when the reader isn’t informed that a book is part of a must-read series. I remember when book number one came out by this author but I was unable to read and review at the time.

Coming up in early spring is booked number two in this series, Cara Kennedy #2, which I did pick up for review which you can read below. This story needs both books together, as a fair warning to you, dear reader.

Village in the Dark is an interesting and cool slant at a murder/mysterious disappearance. Check out my full thoughts below.

Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita cover

Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita
Series: Cara Kennedy #2
Publisher: ‎ Berkley (February 13, 2024)
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593336700

OVERVIEW:
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.

Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita Review

I feel a bit sad – Most of the book was spent tying things together while trying to figure out the complete story since I had missed book number one. I feel it is a lost opportunity for the reader and I hope that even the word Sequel would be included on the book cover for the potential reader.

Be that as it may, the story is a unique and interesting tale that is loaded with memorable, deep characters who are the epitome of tough Alaskans. Thick-skinned, wary of strangers, loners, survivors; including those trying to hide from society.

The author has crafted a story that is complex and deeply inner-twined with book one. In this sequel, the main character, Cara, and others are being hunted as they are searching for answers in the murder of her husband and child.

With detailed descriptions and short, concentrated chapters, each page ramps up the reader with meticulous action, crime sprees, and murder; teasing us with twists and turns along the way. The climax is intense and fast-paced with surprises along the way.

Village in the Dark is an impressive read that will get your attention. It’s a good thriller shot through with suspenseful action.

3.5 STARS!!

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *