Nazi-occupied Paris:
Henri Lefort of the Paris police is directed under Gestapo threat to find a missing German doctor. Who is subsequently found dead. As the investigation begins, another murder occurs, this body a Frenchman. The new victim worked at the same hospital as victim #1. Are these deaths related or coincidence?
Lefort begins probing with the help of his sister/roommate and their neighbor, Princess Mimi Bonaparte (jumping from real life onto the page). As he unravels the mystery, the nefarious Nazi experiments come to light.
The beginning of the Resistance movement in France is also introduced during the course of the investigation.
Dark and suspenseful, a worthy sequel to the series.

This is the 2nd in the Henri Lefort series by Mark Pryor. Do you need to read the first book? Not required but the background is certainly helpful to fully understand the characters. He does a good job of continuing to build the nuances of the main characters with this 2nd book. Synopsis: Henri Lefort if a French policeman tapped by the Gestapo to hunt down a murderer of one of their doctors. The story takes you through the process of identifying who did it but also how each clue builds the reason why—which is not what you think in the early chapters. He does well at building the story and drawing you in. I am not sure I am convinced by all the events, but I was willing to go along with them to see where they led. His writing flows well and the book is well edited. Recommended for those who like mysteries and the WWII era. 4 stars.

The Dark Edge of Night follows the Police Inspector Henri Lefort is ordered by the Gestapo to investigate the disappearance of Dr. Viktor Brandt. During this investigation, Henri Lefort is also required to do his regular detective job and conducts several other investigations.
This book not only provides you with several mysteries to solve, but also gives you a look into the daily life of Paris during the second world war as well as several historical figures that the main character Henri Lefort encounters in his personal and professional life. At the end of the book is a list of the characters who are based on historical figures with information about them and more reading recommendations.
I really enjoyed reading the book and loved the main character. He has his own way of doing things and gets himself in quite a bit of trouble, but in the end keeps looking for the truth and making things right. The book has a fast pace and I appreciated the bits of German and French language included in the story.
When I started reading this novel, I did not realize this is the second book in the series, however I did not feel that I needed to read the first book to be able to read this book. I am however very interested in the first book and have put it on my list to read.
I recommend the book to readers who love mystery and historical fiction.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with the Advanced Reader Copy!

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this mystery that takes place in Occupied France where a cop with secrets is tasked to find a missing doctor working on a mysterious project.

When learning about history or even living it a lot of people don't understand that life, does go on. War is not just battles or even atrocities, it is the small things that people do, and the the bigger things they do to survive. Kids still go to school, fields still need to be harvested, restaurants still need servers, and crime, like rust, never sleeps. Law enforcement is still needed, sometimes co-opted by the government to help in war efforts, sometimes by the occupiers to aid in their draconian tasks. And some just to solve the everyday crimes that still go on. Even in wartime humans rob, kidnap, blackmail and murder. The Dark Edge of Night by the writer Mark Pryor is the second book in a series featuring French policeman Henri Lefort, and his efforts to survive the fall of his country, and the efforts of the Occupiers to bend him to their will.

The time is 1940 in Paris near Christmas. The City of Lights is occupied by the German forces, the war is in a waiting game, food is scarce, as is hope. Henri Lefort and his sister are surviving only with the help of the neighbor the Princess Marie Bonaparte who supplies them with food and for Henri psychological advice for his experiences in the last war. Henir is forced by the Germans, again, to look for a missing doctor, one that is considered critical for the war effort, but Henri is at a loss to why. At the same time Henri is asked to investigate a murder where the victim has suffered horrible wounds after death. As Henri begins to work on both cases he finds that these separate cases have many things in common, which lead to a small suburb outside of Paris, to a hospital that shouldn't exist. The more Henri digs the more groups Henri comes across, Nazis, the burgeoning Resistance, American spies and journalists. And a killer who remains as elusive as peace.

Another very good novel about life in wartime by Mark Pryor. The mystery is very good, touching on real events and incorporating real characters like Marie Bonaparte, the reporter Eric Sevareid, and the remarkable OSS agent Virginia Hall. Henri is an character that Pryor is not afraid to make less than heroic, sometimes even mean to people like his sister, and not afraid of taking all the gifts that the Princess gives him. It is rare when characters especially in series books act less than noble, and it is refreshing. The minor characters are all well developed and in some cases I would like to see a lot more about them. Paris is also a character and Pryor has a very good grasp of what the city is like, from banning croissants, to other little things that really give the reader a sense that they are there, and this is what the times were like. The stakes also seem higher in this boo.There is a lot of darkness, and not much hope in the characters, though it is interesting to see that some of them are really coming back to the fight. Which is reassuring as I would like to read more in this series.

Recommended for history readers as well as mystery readers. Pryor has a really nice writing style that sets the scene and makes a person understand what Paris might have been like. For readers of Alan Furst and J. Robert Janes series about detectives in occupied Paris, the St. Cyr and Kohler mysteries.

I am a big fan of the Hugo Marston series by Mark Pryor so I was excited to read the Henri Lafort series. First I had to backtrack and read the first book in the series, Die Around Sundown, which somehow I missed before I began this book, The Dark Edge of Night, the second in the series. I was so fortunate to get a prepublication copy. I love these two series both set in Paris but at different time periods. The Henri Lafort series has an unusual setting, Paris 1940 during the German occupation. This adds a whole additional level of complexity to the plots.
Imagine our hero in these books ( two so far) operating as a French policeman in German occupied France and having to solve mysterious events at the request of the German occupied forces. And worse, failing to do so would have fatal consequences.
It is every bit as intriguing as it sounds. The extra fun for me is that I just happened to be in Paris at the moment and can follow along with Henri as he walks along the Seine following clues and avoiding clashing with the German soldiers.
At the end of the book, I was fascinated to read that several of the characters in this book are based on real people.
The plots here are expertly devised and the author does a great job setting the scene. It is easy as a reader to imagine what the challenges were to be living in Paris in 1940. Mobility is limited, food is in short supply, and the Germans ( the Bosche, a disparaging word used by the French to describe the unwelcome occupying force) makes everyone’s life difficult. I have read many history novels of the WW2 error, but this one has a unique twist.
Henri Lafort, a French policeman, along with his fellow companions, tries to satisfy the demands of the Germans that he solve crimes affecting German citizens and avoid the consequences of failure, all the while not compromising his loyalties to France and not being too helpful.
It’s an interesting premise and an interesting read. I look forward to more books in this series.

The Dark Edge of Night by Mark Pryor is a gripping and unputdownable murder mystery set in the tumultuous era of occupied Paris during World War II. Inspector Henri Lefort, a resolute and principled detective, finds himself caught in a web of secrets, lies, and atrocities as he tackles the daunting task of solving a missing person case involving a Nazi doctor. Pryor's skillful storytelling and evocative writing bring the characters and historical setting to life, immersing the reader in a world filled with danger and intrigue.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading The Dark Edge of Night. Mark Pryor's storytelling prowess had me completely engrossed in the plot, eagerly turning page after page to uncover the next revelation. The seamless blend of history, mystery, and compelling characters kept me captivated from start to finish. I was left in awe of Pryor's ability to create such a rich and atmospheric world, where the stakes were high and the tension palpable.

Henri Lefort, a protagonist who despises the Nazis, is a truly fascinating figure, grappling with the challenges of maintaining his integrity in an oppressive regime. The bond between Henri and his sister Nicola, who assists him in his investigations, adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the narrative. Pryor masterfully weaves together the threads of multiple mysteries, keeping the reader on edge with unexpected twists and turns until the satisfying conclusion.

The Dark Edge of Night seamlessly combines history and mystery, transporting readers to the dark and dangerous streets of occupied Paris. Pryor's meticulous research is evident throughout the novel, as he expertly captures the atmosphere and tension of the era. The book paints a vivid picture of life during that challenging time period, highlighting the resilience of individuals like Henri Lefort who risked everything to fight against injustice. With its blend of suspense, action, and human emotion, this book is a standout in the historical police procedural genre.

Mark Pryor's masterful combination of historical accuracy, intriguing characters, and a tightly woven plot makes this second installment in the Inspector Henri Lefort series a true page-turner. With its ability to transport readers to a dark period in history while keeping them on the edge of their seats, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and satisfying reading experience.

My full review and links will be provided closer to publication date

Mark Pryor has developed a new series and this is the second book. The series revolves around Henri Lefort a detective with the Paris police who has several secrets in his past which make for interesting reading. It is set in Paris after the Germans have occupied Paris and reminds me of the Alan Furst and his books before and during WWII. A well written book and and an interesting story about some of the testing that the Germans did to justify their racial purity claims. His books have always been enjoyable and this one was the same. I would recommend it.

1940, Paris, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-figures, history-and-culture, law-enforcement, Occupied France, secrets, lies, veterans, integrity, atrocities, murder, murder-investigation, missing-persons, Germans, detective, real-horror, unputdownable*****

It's tough being an honest cop in an occupied country where the occupiers have their own ideas about right and wrong and how to keep the locals under their bootheels. The Bosche have taken over France and Paris is the worse for it, but police detective Henri Lefort does his best in spite of it all. The book is well written and riveting. One only wishes that it was not based on so much truth.
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

So excited to see second in series for Inspector Henri Lefort!! This book could easily be read as a stand alone as much of what happened in book one can be gleaned from this one.
I enjoyed this book very much, the characters are great- with new ones added to Henri, Mimi and Nicola's lives.
The mystery presented to Henri by the German occupiers is that of a missing physician involved in a mysterious project for the Germans. The plot was a little confusing to me at times with murder and mayhem definitely taking over.
My favorite part of any series is following character development and this book really delivers that.
I was at times overwhelmed by the heinousness of the Nazis and really felt the frustration of the French who were occupied.
I really enjoy this authors writing style and will look forward to more Henri Lefort mysteries. They are full of suspense ( twists plus), history and wit.
Thanks to NetGalley, Mark Pryor and Minotaur Books/St Martin's Press for a copy to read and review! Can't wait for the next installment. Expected publication date 8/15/2023

The Dark Edge of Night is a gripping murder mystery taking place in Paris shortly after the Nazis took control of France during World War II. Our investigator, Henri Lefort, a man who despises the Nazis, is put on the case of finding a missing Nazi doctor. Along the way, he also picks up a murder investigation. Could the two be related?

As he investigates, he receives a great deal of help from a police department secretary named Nicola Prehn. During the course of the story, it is revealed that they are brother and sister, but keep it under wraps outside of their home. Through their conversations and those with and about their neighbor, Mimi, we find we have yet another mystery on our hands. Is this resolved?

At first, I had a difficult time getting into this book, but as the mysteries Lefort was trying to solve became more involved and the more I learned about Henri and Nicola, the more immersed into the book I became. It got to the point where I couldn't wait to see what happened next with the story's unexpected twists and turns. Things were also confusing whereas from the get go, there was this big secret about Henri Lefort that seemed to get in the way. When I finished the book, I was more than pleasantly surprised and much more than satisfied! I hope more books of this series are coming!

The second in the Henri Lefort series finds Henri once again forced to work for the Nazis occupying Paris. He has a week to find a missing German neurologist who is involved in a secret project.
At the same time, his neighbor is demanding he investigate the disappearance of children from care homes and, he has murder to investigate. Can he balance all three?
This is a tightly plotted police procedural that puts Henri in grave danger. The ending is nail-biting as a assassination in the rail station must go exactly as planned.
Thanks to St.Martin's Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Interesting plot with characters that entertain. Set in France after the German occupation, Henri investigates murders, French and German that all become intertwined. Good read. I assume there will be more.

The Dark Edge of Night is book two in the Inspector Henri Lefort series by Mark Pryor.

What an exciting new series. Hands down a favorite historical police procedural.
Just like the storyline the characters came to life with Pryor’s evocative writing skills and I could feel how they were feeling throughout the storyline.
Mark sets his scenes with precision, allowing you to delight in the story, reveal after reveal. He blends history and mystery together so seamlessly.
His thoroughly immersive plot is a tangled web of secrets, rumors, lies, deceptions, and betrayals that slowly unravels to shocking effect.
The fantastic police detective Henri Lefort, is determined to solve homicides and he does it so well.
I was so caught up in the storyline that I couldn’t stop reading but also never wanted it to end!
Mark Pryor delivers a phenomenal story of mystery, suspense, intrigue, action, human emotion, and keeps us continually coming back for more.

A gripping, poignant, and wonderfully told story that completely swept me away.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Minotaur Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

It's 1940. The Germans have taken over most of Europe, including Paris. Henri Lafort is an inspector on the Parisian police force. Being a policeman is hard enough. But constantly having to glance over your shoulder as you are monitored by your conquerors makes life even more stressful. Especially when they tell you that if you fail to solve a particular crime, they will kill you!

A German doctor is missing. The Germans want him found. So, Lafort is enlisted. But his regular duties must be done. A french man is found, brutally murdered. As Lafort digs in, he finds that the murders are related. And the German and his fellow doctors are engaged in some hair-raising research. Assisted by his sister and an officer who might not be who he says he is, Lafort continues his investigation.

This fast-paced read is a great, murder mystery. Well-written, with wonderful character development, it captures your attention until the final word. With the setting in war-weary Paris, it gives an elusive view of life during that challenging time period. I highly recommend this book for the reader who loves history and mystery.

Paris 1940, and Detective Henri Lefort is ordered by the Nazi government to find a missing German doctor. He soon finds a few dead bodies. Great historical details, difficult ethical questions, and a complex plot the author brings together well by the end. The second in a series but it works as a standalone read - I actually didn't know there was an earlier book until after I had finished it. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Minotaur for the ARC. #MarkPryor #TheDarkEdgeofNight

Inspector Henri Lefort again performs wonderfully as he walks the tightrope of being a French policeman in Nazi occupied Paris. He uncovers the ugly truths about evil program rooting out "defective" children and must devise a strategy to bring this practice to a halt. The characters and action are both colorful and interesting, and even though the topics are grim there is a light thread of humour based in Henri's character that keeps the grim reality bearable. We learn more about Henri's history in this second book of the series.

I really love the way Mark Pryor tells a story. I'm a long-time fan of the Hugo Marston series and when this new historical fiction series with Henri Lefort started, I just knew I would be as drawn to it because I simply love the way Pryor writes. In this second installment we are really seeing a lot of character development, which is such a hallmark of his writing.

I find the combination of strong, character-driven, storytelling/backstory revelation with the ongoing historical rollout of the occupation of Paris to be the perfect combination for a mystery series. The writing is smooth and spot on, as is the pacing. This is another fantastic series for Pryor...

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of The Dark Edge of Night. My opinions are unsolicited and my own.

This novel follows Die Around Sundown, but may be read as a stand alone book.

In this installment of Inspector Henri Lefort's adventures in occupied Paris 1940, he is again tasked by the Germans with locating a missing doctor. Dr. Viktor Brandt is critical to medical "research" being conducted in a nearby town. But, before Leforte can begin the missing person search, he is called to the scene of a murder, which in his eyes takes precedence over a missing German. Lefort must determine if the murder victim is linked to the missing scientist, and exactly what research was the good doctor conducting? If he didn't have enough on his plate, Lefort's private life is moving in a direction that he never expected. Through a labyrinthine plot, Lefort solves the case and uncovers a Nazi scheme so abhorrent he must risk everything to stop it.

Mark Pryor is a master storyteller whose novels are so deliciously twisty that one will find difficulty putting one down before it's finished.

The Dark Edge of Night: A Henri Lefort Mystery
by Mark Pryor is a fantastic historical police procedural that is the second book in this promising series. I loved it.

This book, and series, has it all: mystery, suspense, action, twists, turns, history, well-developed characters, wit, wisdom, and kept me engaged throughout.

It continues where the first book, Die Around Sundown, left off and while you don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one, I do recommend doing so, as it will greatly enhance your understanding and experience with this one.

Paris, December 1940…finds Henri Lefort, French police detective forced to solve a missing persons case by a high-ranking Nazi official…find the missing Dr…or else…

As Henri investigates, more questions, complications, and angles arise, and he needs all the help he can get from Nicola, Mimi, and new acquaintances to solve this high-stakes case…as well as the additional curveballs thrown his way.

Excellent pacing, details, surprises, and plot. I truly love this series, and cannot wait for the next book.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Minotaur Books/ St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/15/23.

this was a great sequel in the Henri Lefort Mystery series, it had what I enjoyed from the first book and the characters felt like the same people. It was so well done and I was invested in solving the mystery. Mark Pryor has a great writing style and I can't wait to read more in this series and the author.

“Don’t be insolent!” he yelled. Before I could open my mouth and be insolent again, he drew his hand back and slapped me across the face. I staggered back, pain searing my right cheek, anger exploding inside me. I stepped forward, but the old man tugged on my arm, holding me back. “He didn’t do it, monsieur,” the old man said. “He couldn’t; he was here with me.”