Heartbreaking Thriller You Should Read
The best book I've read in awhile, this is an excellent thriller. The writing is crisp and authentic. The prologue begins with the scene of a murder where and we are instantly thrown into the story. A confused young boy is traumatized by his witness to the murder of his parents. Then in chapter one, we meet the protagonist, the haunted Liam Dempsey, who travels to Tallston to find out about his brother's murder only to discover there have been other murders in the small city. The mystic of the story mounts as we are introduced to an array of interesting characters, all with difficult situations, and some sad circumstances. This well-paced story will keep you turning pages. The more we learn about Liam, his problems and shortcomings, the more we appreciate his strengths. The most revered is his ability to love even after being rejected, perhaps that's why he is able to accept others around him who are far from perfect. This is not only a conspiracy thriller, it also is a heartbreaker. You'll jump in your seat and grab the tissues. After reading this story you may reconsider the definitions of normal and beauty. You may discover the meaning of true unconditional love. I highly recommend this book. ( )

The River Is Dark by Joe Hart - A Must Read Heartbreaking Thriller You Should Read
The best book I've read in awhile, this is an excellent thriller. The writing is crisp and authentic. The prologue begins with the scene of a murder where and we are instantly thrown into the story. A confused young boy is traumatized by his witness to the murder of his parents. Then in chapter one, we meet the protagonist, the haunted Liam Dempsey, who travels to Tallston to find out about his brother's murder only to discover there have been other murders in the small city. The mystic of the story mounts as we are introduced to an array of interesting characters, all with difficult situations, and some sad circumstances. This well-paced story will keep you turning pages. The more we learn about Liam, his problems and shortcomings, the more we appreciate his strengths. The most revered is his ability to love even after being rejected, perhaps that's why he is able to accept others around him who are far from perfect. This is not only a conspiracy thriller, it also is a heartbreaker. You'll jump in your seat and grab the tissues. After reading this story you may reconsider the definitions of normal and beauty. You may discover the meaning of true unconditional love. I highly recommend this book. ( )

1 / 5

DNF at 60%

I just couldn't connect to the plot, the writing, or the characters. It started to feel like a chore to read, and I don't like feeling that way, so I'm throwing it on my DNF shelf. ( )

Had some great moments, and descriptive sections. I wanted to hear more about the antagonist, he deserved a bigger role, it could have made the story creepier. ( )

The River Is Dark by Joe Hart is a highly recommended, fast paced thriller that will hold your attention right to the end.

The opening scene is of a frightened young boy trying to escape from a murderer. Then the action focuses on Liam Dempsey. Liam has just learned that his brother, Allen, and sister-in-law, Suzie, have been brutally murdered in the small town of Tollston, Minnesota where his physician brother had his medical practice. What he doesn't know until he arrives in Tollston is that another couple, who just happened to be best friends of his brother, was murdered that same week. A young boy has survived, but is in a coma.

The homeless man called Nut told Liam, “Wasn’t two weeks ago Jerry and Karen Shevlin were found the same way as the ones last night. Their boy was luckier, but not by much. Lost an arm from the elbow down and hasn’t woke up yet. Poor little bugger, he can’t be more’n ten or eleven.”
Liam set his cup down and turned to fully face the man. “You’re telling me there was a double murder here last week?”

While law enforcement won't specifically say that the two murders are related, clearly they are - but there doesn't seem to be a sinister connection between the two couples that would give anyone a reason to murder them. Liam was previously a homicide detective for the Minneapolis police department, so he inserts himself into the investigation after he is questioned as a suspect. Liam also renews his acquaintance with Dani, a friend of his sister-in-law. Dani and Liam begin to work together, with some assistance from the local sheriff. From their investigation, Liam has good reasons to believe that more people might be in danger.

The River Is Dark sets a furious pace and leaps along to the end. It is well written and a perfect choice for anyone looking for that fast-paced thriller with gory details and a plot that moves at break-neck speed to the end. While there aren't many rabbit trails and false leads to spread the action out, the conclusion is nicely done. Most readers will connect with Liam as a character and want him to succeed.

This is a re-release of a previously published edition.


Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer for review purposes. ( )