That Darkness

This is the beginning of a new series by this author. The reader is introduced to Maggie Gardiner, a Forensic Investigator (think CSI) with the Cleveland Police Department. When Maggie is called in to investigate evidence, or lack of same, in several recent murders, she is surprised to find clues that seem to point to one killer of all the victims. All of the deceased have been on the wrong side of the law for various reasons ... they were all rapists, child molesters, etc. And none of them were held responsible for their crimes. Jack Renner is a killer. He doesn't kill because he particularly enjoys it .. he just wants them all to pay. He wants justice for the victims and closures for the families. There is a twist to this story that you discover fairly close to the beginning of this novel. No spoilers ... so all I will say is that it was unexpected, but absolutely kept me glued to my chair to see what would happen next. The ending also came as a surprise ... it certainly wasn't what I had imagined. I really enjoyed the characters. Maggie is extremely smart, and focused on her job to the exclusion of a private life. She's really good at what she does and she's calm under pressure. She makes a good serial character. Jack isn't what I expected, either, but at heart I think he's a good guy. That's something you, as a reader, will have to determine for yourself. The novel will have you thinking .... Is it better to do the right thing or the legal thing? How do you know it's the right thing if it's not legal? I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series! Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books/ NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

That Darkness by Lisa Black is supposed to be a suspense thriller. It is the first book (such a pity) in the Gardiner and Renner series. Jack Renner is a vigilante and a cop. He has decided he is guilty and is taking them out one by one. Maggie Gardiner is a fingerprint officer in the crime lab. She does, though, fill in where needed including going out to crime scenes. She is good at putting together clues to help the detectives (she is actually better than the detectives who get bored with her scientific talk). Will Maggie be able to piece together the clues and discover that Jack is the killer? What will Jack do when Maggie uncovers his crimes? That Darkness had no suspense or thrills. We know who the killer is and how he does it. We just follow Maggie as she solves the crimes and Jack tries to stay ahead of her. That Darkness reads more like a police procedural manual than a fiction novel. I had a hard time getting through this book (I read two other books while I was supposed to be reading this novel). The characters are not really likeable (and have questionable morals). I could not wait to finish That Darkness. I will not be reading any more books in this series (sorry). I give That Darkness 2 out of 5 stars (I took pity on it). That Darkness is just not my type of novel. I want more interest (the best part of mysteries is solving the crime). I like to be drawn into the story and feel that I am a part of it (and I like solving the crime). The novel includes many details on fingerprints (which I liked), fibers (hair, rugs, wool, etc.), and dead bodies (autopsies). Some of it was interesting, but it did bog down the story (it got a little too technical at times). Somehow it is better on television than in print. I received a complimentary copy of That Darkness from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Could not get through the book at all. The main characters are boring - very one dimensional. Just in the first 3rd of the book, there were many opportunities missed that could have perked up the characters and story line. Wish i could return e-books.