sooky's review
4.0
Sydney and Clyde are one of my favourite duos! In this book they are investigating a gruesome murder that leads to some pretty dark revelations. The story was twisty and dark as usual, but I felt like we didn't get as much about Sydney herself as in the previous books.
jdelaossa's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a must-read series for all suspense/thriller and crime fiction fans!
My Brief Synopsis:
War vet and former railway cop, Sydney Parnell takes her prowess for solving crimes and honed gut instinct to Denver as a novice homicide detective. Parnell, her K9 partner, and nemesis Len Bandoni are tasked with solving multiple unexpected crimes. Arduous for a veteran homicide detective, let alone a novice.
Book Review
TW: murder, violence, sexual assault, use of phrase “illegal” immigrants, brief animal violence
Gone to Darkness begins with an incredible prologue titled, “The Coming Dark”. My skin prickled, hair standing on end. Nickless pulled me in despite the terror that came with these thoughts.
“He’d spent months collecting every scrap he could. So he could take her in. So he could inhale her.”
-Prologue, The Coming Dark
“He loved that the room was always cold.”
-Prologue, The Coming Dark
Plot & Characters
From that first line to the very last, my attention never wavered because Nickless had such a grasp on the plot. The novel was unwavering in its flow. Chapter transitions were smooth as butter, and her main characters easy to humanize and empathize with. The introduction of characters Evan Wilding, a forensic semiotics expert and Len Bandoni as Parnell’s homicide partner were my favorite additions.
The only aspect with which I felt disengaged was with a couple of characters involved in the “elite” club that is at the heart of the novel. They felt too contrived. It could just be that my frame of reference didn’t allow me to fully appreciate their character and traits fully.
World-building
Nickless did a bang-up job of capturing the industrial nature of Parnell’s Denver-based environment. Throughout the story, I had some seriously vivid imagery from Parnell’s experiences, her thoughts, and the interactions between her and the many characters she comes in contact with. That was my favorite part of this novel. It felt gritty, twisted, and with a darkness that was palpable throughout.
Themes
(Two major ones. Of course there are more.)
Darkness & PTSD
I found a particular quote that to me parallels the internal struggle Parnell has been facing regarding her active duty experiences that continued to haunt her throughout the novel.
“...to a place nigh, somewhat retir’d there to sit a while and bemoan his condition. Where he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of his tribe, which make the Chorus, who seek to comfort him what they can."
-John Milton, “Samson Agonistes“
Parnell’s war experiences are her darkness, resulting in her battle with PTSD. “Samson Agonistes” plays over repeatedly in my head because she is haunted by this: witnessing traumatic injuries and death; not being able to save everyone; and reliving those moments long after her veteran status. She finds herself reminiscing the horror those memories contain (“to a place nigh, somewhat retir’d there to sit a while and bemoan his condition”). She “sees” her ghosts (“Where he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of his tribe”). Does she obtain that comfort (“who seek to comfort him what they can”)? You’ll have to read to find out.
Perseverance
This seems to be an obvious theme. Parnell continues to do what she feels is right despite the discussions from above telling her very frankly to essentially “knock it off”. She works tirelessly to prove herself capable and worthy of this new appointment as homicide detective for Denver’s Major Crime Unit. The only one with a K9 partner (who is fabulous.) Most importantly, she works through her trauma despite all the violence, death, and mystery she’s entangled in.
Favorite Quotes
“Someone once told me that murder cops are the foot soldiers in the battle between good and evil.”
-Sydney Parnell. Personal Journal.
“Hey, Golden Girl. Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.”
-Len Bandoni. Private conversation.
“If trauma is the darkness that knocks us off our path, then life is about finding our way home. But first, we must learn to navigate the dark.
-Sydney Parnell. Personal journal.
“And I wondered for the first time, if it was possible to resurrect the living.”
-Sydney Parnell. Personal journal.
“Life, rookie, is an accumulation of heartbreak.”
-Len Bandoni. Private conversation.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend this book to any suspense/thriller lover. To anyone that enjoys a strong female-led police procedural or a crime thriller. Even the “whodunnit” fan will find many aspects of this novel enthralling. You could read this as a stand-alone however, there’s much more to gain through the first three novels in the series.
I'd love to connect with you on ig
check out my blog for other reviews
My Brief Synopsis:
War vet and former railway cop, Sydney Parnell takes her prowess for solving crimes and honed gut instinct to Denver as a novice homicide detective. Parnell, her K9 partner, and nemesis Len Bandoni are tasked with solving multiple unexpected crimes. Arduous for a veteran homicide detective, let alone a novice.
Book Review
TW: murder, violence, sexual assault, use of phrase “illegal” immigrants, brief animal violence
Gone to Darkness begins with an incredible prologue titled, “The Coming Dark”. My skin prickled, hair standing on end. Nickless pulled me in despite the terror that came with these thoughts.
“He’d spent months collecting every scrap he could. So he could take her in. So he could inhale her.”
-Prologue, The Coming Dark
“He loved that the room was always cold.”
-Prologue, The Coming Dark
Plot & Characters
From that first line to the very last, my attention never wavered because Nickless had such a grasp on the plot. The novel was unwavering in its flow. Chapter transitions were smooth as butter, and her main characters easy to humanize and empathize with. The introduction of characters Evan Wilding, a forensic semiotics expert and Len Bandoni as Parnell’s homicide partner were my favorite additions.
The only aspect with which I felt disengaged was with a couple of characters involved in the “elite” club that is at the heart of the novel. They felt too contrived. It could just be that my frame of reference didn’t allow me to fully appreciate their character and traits fully.
World-building
Nickless did a bang-up job of capturing the industrial nature of Parnell’s Denver-based environment. Throughout the story, I had some seriously vivid imagery from Parnell’s experiences, her thoughts, and the interactions between her and the many characters she comes in contact with. That was my favorite part of this novel. It felt gritty, twisted, and with a darkness that was palpable throughout.
Themes
(Two major ones. Of course there are more.)
Darkness & PTSD
I found a particular quote that to me parallels the internal struggle Parnell has been facing regarding her active duty experiences that continued to haunt her throughout the novel.
“...to a place nigh, somewhat retir’d there to sit a while and bemoan his condition. Where he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of his tribe, which make the Chorus, who seek to comfort him what they can."
-John Milton, “Samson Agonistes“
Parnell’s war experiences are her darkness, resulting in her battle with PTSD. “Samson Agonistes” plays over repeatedly in my head because she is haunted by this: witnessing traumatic injuries and death; not being able to save everyone; and reliving those moments long after her veteran status. She finds herself reminiscing the horror those memories contain (“to a place nigh, somewhat retir’d there to sit a while and bemoan his condition”). She “sees” her ghosts (“Where he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of his tribe”). Does she obtain that comfort (“who seek to comfort him what they can”)? You’ll have to read to find out.
Perseverance
This seems to be an obvious theme. Parnell continues to do what she feels is right despite the discussions from above telling her very frankly to essentially “knock it off”. She works tirelessly to prove herself capable and worthy of this new appointment as homicide detective for Denver’s Major Crime Unit. The only one with a K9 partner (who is fabulous.) Most importantly, she works through her trauma despite all the violence, death, and mystery she’s entangled in.
Favorite Quotes
“Someone once told me that murder cops are the foot soldiers in the battle between good and evil.”
-Sydney Parnell. Personal Journal.
“Hey, Golden Girl. Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.”
-Len Bandoni. Private conversation.
“If trauma is the darkness that knocks us off our path, then life is about finding our way home. But first, we must learn to navigate the dark.
-Sydney Parnell. Personal journal.
“And I wondered for the first time, if it was possible to resurrect the living.”
-Sydney Parnell. Personal journal.
“Life, rookie, is an accumulation of heartbreak.”
-Len Bandoni. Private conversation.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend this book to any suspense/thriller lover. To anyone that enjoys a strong female-led police procedural or a crime thriller. Even the “whodunnit” fan will find many aspects of this novel enthralling. You could read this as a stand-alone however, there’s much more to gain through the first three novels in the series.
I'd love to connect with you on ig
check out my blog for other reviews
lexiedm14's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5.
As always, I love the books in the series. This one was no exception. Although it wasn't as fast paced and intense as the third books, I really enjoyed reading this. It was also really great to see Sydney take on this new role.
Although the last 50 pages were really intense and I loved it, I did feel like the ending was a bit abrupt.
As always, I love the books in the series. This one was no exception. Although it wasn't as fast paced and intense as the third books, I really enjoyed reading this. It was also really great to see Sydney take on this new role.
Although the last 50 pages were really intense and I loved it, I did feel like the ending was a bit abrupt.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Gone to Darkness
4 Stars
Now a homicide detective with the Denver Major Crimes Unit, Sydney Parnell and her K-9 partner, Clyde, investigate the death of a young man whose tortured corpse was found in a railway refrigeration car. The case leads them to a secret club known as The Superior Gentlemen whose members appear harmless enough on the surface, but darker undercurrents lie beneath. Can Sydney unravel their secrets before it is too late for the next victim?
An improvement on the previous installment as the focus returns to the police procedural style of the first couple of books. The theme focuses on a growing problem in society involving young men, often from privileged backgrounds, with a profound sense of entitlement and deeply ingrained misanthropy and misogyny.
The case itself is relatively straightforward as Sydney partners with an older detective, Leo Bandoni, to collect evidence and question witnesses. They formulate a hypothesis and follow the clues to the eventual showdown with the villains. Nevertheless, there are some spine-tingling moments throughout the narrative as Sydney finds herself the target of a stalker.
The real highlight of the book is the character development now that Sydney is laying her past to rest and forging a new path in a new position. She is slowly coming to terms with the people in her life, both old (her romance with Michael Cohen) and new (her partnership with the curmudgeonly Bandoni).
Overall, an enjoyable read with some compelling if darker themes. I hope that Nickless will continue with the series.
4 Stars
Now a homicide detective with the Denver Major Crimes Unit, Sydney Parnell and her K-9 partner, Clyde, investigate the death of a young man whose tortured corpse was found in a railway refrigeration car. The case leads them to a secret club known as The Superior Gentlemen whose members appear harmless enough on the surface, but darker undercurrents lie beneath. Can Sydney unravel their secrets before it is too late for the next victim?
An improvement on the previous installment as the focus returns to the police procedural style of the first couple of books. The theme focuses on a growing problem in society involving young men, often from privileged backgrounds, with a profound sense of entitlement and deeply ingrained misanthropy and misogyny.
The case itself is relatively straightforward as Sydney partners with an older detective, Leo Bandoni, to collect evidence and question witnesses. They formulate a hypothesis and follow the clues to the eventual showdown with the villains. Nevertheless, there are some spine-tingling moments throughout the narrative as Sydney finds herself the target of a stalker.
The real highlight of the book is the character development now that Sydney is laying her past to rest and forging a new path in a new position. She is slowly coming to terms with the people in her life, both old (her romance with Michael Cohen) and new (her partnership with the curmudgeonly Bandoni).
Overall, an enjoyable read with some compelling if darker themes. I hope that Nickless will continue with the series.
smakk1337's review against another edition
3.0
This is a typical Sydney Parnell story. Her PTSD from the war, her desire to do it all herself. All come rushing back in this new novel by Barbara Nickless.
Sydney a new homicide detective is thrown right back into murder and mystery surrounding her beloved trains from the jump. However starting off on a hunch that her very seasoned partner doesn't believe is going to get her anywhere. Turns into a game of cat and mouse between Sydney and our killer.
The mystery in the book is wonderful and keeps you guessing. Nickless is wonderful at giving us heart pounding thriller action. With that being said I do really wish more focus would have been placed on some growth of Sydney's. We really didn't develop her relationship with her boyfriend too much this book as the emphasis seemed to focus on new characters that I think we will see again and growing them.
Overall this is a solid book in the series and worth the read.
*I listened to the audiobook*
Sydney a new homicide detective is thrown right back into murder and mystery surrounding her beloved trains from the jump. However starting off on a hunch that her very seasoned partner doesn't believe is going to get her anywhere. Turns into a game of cat and mouse between Sydney and our killer.
The mystery in the book is wonderful and keeps you guessing. Nickless is wonderful at giving us heart pounding thriller action. With that being said I do really wish more focus would have been placed on some growth of Sydney's. We really didn't develop her relationship with her boyfriend too much this book as the emphasis seemed to focus on new characters that I think we will see again and growing them.
Overall this is a solid book in the series and worth the read.
*I listened to the audiobook*
meera01's review against another edition
3.0
I was not a fan of this one as much I had been of the previous one. This was slow and kind of confusing with the too numerous characters. I still enjoyed it but mostly because I like the characters and not necessarily for the story.
ashemoore's review against another edition
4.0
I received this is a giveaway. I enjoyed this book and recommend it if you like reading a mystery/thriller that involves a police investigation.
I read the first book in the series and then jumped to this one. While the career is a little different, this book was still easy to follow and it told you what you needed to know about the characters. As the case is also different, you don't miss anything by skipping to this book, as the current cased begins at the start of this book. I really don't feel like I missed anything by skipping the second and third books in this series.
The way the book is written, you know about each step of the investigation and what is going on with the characters. The book keeps you guessing about what is going to happen.
The writing draws you into the story, and it starts of quickly. As you can easily follow what is going on, you become invested in the story to find out what is going on and what is going to happen. The writing also paints the picture and creates the story.
I read the first book in the series and then jumped to this one. While the career is a little different, this book was still easy to follow and it told you what you needed to know about the characters. As the case is also different, you don't miss anything by skipping to this book, as the current cased begins at the start of this book. I really don't feel like I missed anything by skipping the second and third books in this series.
The way the book is written, you know about each step of the investigation and what is going on with the characters. The book keeps you guessing about what is going to happen.
The writing draws you into the story, and it starts of quickly. As you can easily follow what is going on, you become invested in the story to find out what is going on and what is going to happen. The writing also paints the picture and creates the story.
lexiedm14's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5.
As always, I love the books in the series. This one was no exception. Although it wasn't as fast paced and intense as the third books, I really enjoyed reading this. It was also really great to see Sydney take on this new role.
Although the last 50 pages were really intense and I loved it, I did feel like the ending was a bit abrupt.
As always, I love the books in the series. This one was no exception. Although it wasn't as fast paced and intense as the third books, I really enjoyed reading this. It was also really great to see Sydney take on this new role.
Although the last 50 pages were really intense and I loved it, I did feel like the ending was a bit abrupt.
anjana's review against another edition
4.0
One can pick up this book as a start to the series because it shows a significant change in the life of Sydney Rose. If read out of order, it would be harder to understand her psyche because of the way her prior experiences shaped her. Most of it is not repeated or even recollected in this instalment, which in itself is rare in series’.
Sydney Rose is now a proper cop in the murder investigation department. She is lower on the hierarchy since she is just starting out and is saddled with a partner who does not trust or like her completely. He is the earlier partner of her boyfriend. This essentially means that the investigation she jumps headfirst into is almost a family affair with a cross-over feel. It begins with the familiar, a train track and veers into dangerous territory from that. It is as dark if not darker than the previous works and the language sometimes reflects that situation. The mystery itself was unique in some ways and I had no clue about what was coming next. I like the depth of this series but would not recommend it to anyone who does not have the stomach for the more grisly details that thrillers like this usually contain. I would read/listen to the next if I get the chance since there is one loose thread from the broader storyline still left to tie up. Finally, I have heard a lot of audiobooks narrated by this narrator and she has done an excellent job in this one, as always.
Sydney Rose is now a proper cop in the murder investigation department. She is lower on the hierarchy since she is just starting out and is saddled with a partner who does not trust or like her completely. He is the earlier partner of her boyfriend. This essentially means that the investigation she jumps headfirst into is almost a family affair with a cross-over feel. It begins with the familiar, a train track and veers into dangerous territory from that. It is as dark if not darker than the previous works and the language sometimes reflects that situation. The mystery itself was unique in some ways and I had no clue about what was coming next. I like the depth of this series but would not recommend it to anyone who does not have the stomach for the more grisly details that thrillers like this usually contain. I would read/listen to the next if I get the chance since there is one loose thread from the broader storyline still left to tie up. Finally, I have heard a lot of audiobooks narrated by this narrator and she has done an excellent job in this one, as always.
smakk1337's review against another edition
3.0
This is a typical Sydney Parnell story. Her PTSD from the war, her desire to do it all herself. All come rushing back in this new novel by Barbara Nickless.
Sydney a new homicide detective is thrown right back into murder and mystery surrounding her beloved trains from the jump. However starting off on a hunch that her very seasoned partner doesn't believe is going to get her anywhere. Turns into a game of cat and mouse between Sydney and our killer.
The mystery in the book is wonderful and keeps you guessing. Nickless is wonderful at giving us heart pounding thriller action. With that being said I do really wish more focus would have been placed on some growth of Sydney's. We really didn't develop her relationship with her boyfriend too much this book as the emphasis seemed to focus on new characters that I think we will see again and growing them.
Overall this is a solid book in the series and worth the read.
*I listened to the audiobook*
Sydney a new homicide detective is thrown right back into murder and mystery surrounding her beloved trains from the jump. However starting off on a hunch that her very seasoned partner doesn't believe is going to get her anywhere. Turns into a game of cat and mouse between Sydney and our killer.
The mystery in the book is wonderful and keeps you guessing. Nickless is wonderful at giving us heart pounding thriller action. With that being said I do really wish more focus would have been placed on some growth of Sydney's. We really didn't develop her relationship with her boyfriend too much this book as the emphasis seemed to focus on new characters that I think we will see again and growing them.
Overall this is a solid book in the series and worth the read.
*I listened to the audiobook*