A Cry in the Dark

The Criminal Minds tv-series just got bested by Jessica R Patch! Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! You think you know who did it, but let me tell you, you are so wrong!! Jessica has the ability to draw you into her story! You won't be able to put this book down as you want to see what happens to John and Violet. Will they catch the killer in time? Will Violet find the healing she needs? Will John . . . So much uncertainty but be assured all will be answered! I just love the way how Jessica bring God's light into the darkness of this world! Exceptional story!

Set in Kentucky and as about as creepy and exciting as can be!! Wow what a book!! I absolutely love this book!! When you read this book, make sure that the lights are on and your night is free because you won't be able to put this down!!!!

Some stories deserve more than five stars! This is one of them!
I love the Strange Crimes team! Their camaraderie and humorous banter really lighten up the serious subjects covered in the story. A Cry in the Dark is a great continuation to the series!
“But like words spoken that couldn’t be taken back, what they might see couldn’t be unseen. And some things should never be looked upon.” What will they find in Night Holler?
“Her heart wasn’t a fairytale castle with the possibilities of happily-ever-after.” Can Violet find peace, closure, hope, and love?
Read to find out!
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Another thrilling suspense from Jessica R Patch! “A Cry in the Dark” takes us to the hills of Kentucky where young women are being brutally murdered. Violet, an agent of the SCU, is an unlikely heroine determined to solve a mystery in her past while fighting the darkness permeating a small Kentucky hollow. In her sequel to “Her Darkest Secret”, Jessica R Patch keeps her reader in suspense as she weaves a tale of good/evil and introduces characters that seem good and some are just downright creepy. Patch is a master of surprise. ”A Cry in the Dark” is a must read!

For those who love dark and creepy with great characters, twists and turns galore, and faith woven through, Jessica Patch delivers again. Once again, not a bedtime story.

Bravo! And this is coming from a person who never read a psychological thriller until read Jessica Patch's first in the series, Her Darkest Secret.

The author did a brilliant job of weaving the past and present. It was seemless. When I thought I knew whodunit...plot twist! The author wove faith into the story in a very natural way.

I can't wait for the authors next psychological thriller. Preorder now. Thank me later.

I was given an early copy from the author and publisher. This honest review is mine alone.

DO NOT DISTURB . . . . READING TIL FINISHED!!
Interrupt me at your own risk!

HANG ON TIGHT! IT IS QUITE A RIDE!!

Oh my gosh!! What a BOOK! I loved this book ~ from start to finish ~ this book grips you from the word GO and does not stop at the end . . . . I was like – wait I want more . . . . WOW just WOW from the moment I started to read “A Cry in the Dark” I knew I was in for quite the ride. This book had it all ~ action, adventure, good versus evil, characters who cared about one another – friendships/relationships all while trying to catch a killer or two?

I was blown away in the first book, “Her Darkest Secret” – so I was like wait is there a book two? Sure enough “Cry in the Dark” is the second book in this series which focused on Violet but of course all of the agents were there as they worked together to find the killer. This book about relationships ~ between family, friends, other law enforcement folk, people who one once thought they could trust and yet maybe not so much, and God. It is about trust and having one another’s back– trusting your fellow agents as they go into the dark and dangerous searching for the killer. It is also about trusting yourself – while in the pursuit of a criminal. Working together as a team to chase away the darkness that has shadowed the ‘holler’.

WOW!! I could not put this book down – so make sure you have a clear schedule to read this book as it is one that once you start ~ you will not want to breathe until it is over! I cannot wait til the next book!

I want to say thank you to the author, Jessica R. Patch and her publisher for the early copy of this book. The review is mine alone.

Jessica Patch does it again.
This book was amazing! Edge of your seat suspense. I am loving this series and can't wait for Ty's story.
This book had me going one way and then wham it went another way that I didn't even think of. It was great how Violet found the answers to her past by solving the case she and John with her team was on. But the ending! I was blown away. You've got to read it!!!

I received a copy of this book...
WOW.
Riveting...
Full of action and plot twists...
Criminal Minds in book form.
However not for the squeamish or faint of heart and with that caveat I recommend this book...
I have taken Criminal Psychology and a Criminal Pwithsychology class taught by the FBI so I was prepared for this type of book...

Wow! The depth of the criminal psyche in this book is intense at times but really leaves so much distaste in your mouth for the perpetrator... until I read more and then my heart broke for the broken. As the backstory of Violet and her mother unraveled, I just wanted to reach into the pages and just hug both of their tormented and battered hearts. I also really liked that the entire backstory wasn't given at once but leaked throughout the book like the clues being followed to catch the killer.

The crime and suspense and mystery aspects of the story were superbly written and followed suit with others by this same author, but the accompanying story of love, surrender, and redemption was such an integral part of it all coming together. The creepiness may have kept me up at night but plot twists kept me guessing and the love stories warmed my heart... and I'm not just talking about the romance that develops between characters.

There is a spiritual element to the storyline, but even (and especially) if you've been turned off by religion in the past, this book touches on some of those things that make religion wrong in so many ways and instead focuses on what can be discovered when religious preconceptions are pushed out of the way. All in all, this was an excellent read, and I'm excited to hopefully read more stories from these characters in the future.

Many thanks for the ARC. These opinions are all my own and completely unsolicited.

A Cry in the Dark follows the previous book, Her Darkest Secret. The same FBI team is now sent to the mountains to investigate the heinous murder of a few young women found in a cave. The story focuses on Violet, the team's profiler, her background and traumatic history surrounding her birth.

There's a distinct Criminal Minds feel to her stories, with dark and creepy vibes, which may not be for everyone. However, it effectively highlights the need for the Gospel and a Savior in their darkest moments. I definitely look forward to reading the next ones!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.

this is a revitting suspense story from start to finish. the group is brought in to find the person that take the eyes from the women he or she then kills . this is set in the ky hills. way back in the hills. do not want to give anything away but is you like suspense and and dark happenings you will want to read the book i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch

The Strange Crimes Unit is called to work a case in eastern Kentucky when the tortured bodies of three young women are found. Violet Rainwater feels the darkness (evil) present as soon as she and the rest of the SCU team arrive in Night Hollow. Detective John Orlando joins Violet and the team to stop the twisted serial killer before he kills again. Violet must face her past and what she believes about her self-worth. Can John help her find her way to faith and love while searching for the sadistic killer as she appears to also be a target?

Jessica R Patch has written a twisted, psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing. There is a good balance of faith, without being preachy, to keep the creepy darkness from being overwhelming. If you like a good thriller with a little romantic attraction and a dose of faith, don't miss this book! I received an advance digital copy. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinion.

I could not put this book down! Jessica Patch has written another masterpiece! In this psychological thriller, FBI Agent Violet Rainwater, along with the Strange Crimes Unit, and Detective John Orlando, chase down a serial killer who has left three bodies in a cave in Eastern Kentucky. There were twists and surprises at every turn! I absolutely love the characters in this story, and their chemistry with each other! I felt like I was there with them! If you love a page turning thriller, and a story of love, hope, and God’s light in a dark world, this is the book for you! It will leave you smiling! A DEFINITE MUST READ!!!

Y’all. I devoured this book. It has Criminal Minds vibes, with Truth making it’s way to the characters. It kept me guessing the entire time. And then when I thought I had it figured out, surprise! A Cry in the Dark truly highlights the dark side of humanity. But it also shows how God’s love shines through that darkness when you cry out to Him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Cry in the Dark is a tense, captivating book. Once I opened it up I didn't want it to end.
I really enjoyed Her Darkest Secret so to have the opportunity to read this authors work again is amazing.

An action packed and an unputdownable read.
Action, suspense and totally absorbing.
Characters I felt so connected to and a setting I don't want to escape from.
I was born and raised in Kentucky close to Appalachian Mountains so I instantly connected with the setting.
I thought I had it figured out more than once.. total surprise.

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

Harlequin & Love Inspired Trade,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my blog, platforms, BookBub, B&N, Kobo and Waterstone closer to pub date.

This book y'all is definitely worthy of 5 stars and more!
When I saw this story was set in Kentucky I was so excited because that's where I lived for 30 some years.
The way Patch wrote this, it made feel like I was right at home! Thanks Jessica!
I didn't want to leave after I came to the end. I had to come back to Florida.
She made me hold my breath all the way through the story and she's definitely good at making you guessing who the purp is.
I didn't know until almost the end!
Lots of exciting turns and twists going on that's for sure.
In some of the places my hairs even stood up on the back of my neck and I had to turn around to make sure no one was there. ( I was reading this at night and on the bus).
So very good and left my heart feeling full and satisfied .
Here's a favorite quote that I loved
Funny until right now she hadn't realized that while her mom and grandmother didn't love her, she did have the love of family. Guess she'd been focusing on what she didn't have instead and it had blinded her to what she did.
Meaning that she had the love of God.
I loved the many prayers and inspirational messages that were included to help Violet, Ruby and Fiona through their storms and life's journeys along the way.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review.. All opinions expressed are my own.

‘She realized she had no hope. No light. No salvation.’

How do I even begin to write a review for a book that completely captivated me during the reading?
I’ve pondered that a while and still don’t believe I can do it justice. I’ve been a Jessica Patch fan
since I read her first book. Which, by the way, I’ve read three times. I’ve re-read many of her other
books, too. She’s good. And she is able to switch genres effortlessly. Her rom coms are so much fun.
Then she can totally slay a suspense novel. (No pun intended.)
When she wrote the first book in this series, Her Darkest Secret, she showed us how deep her talent went. I loved that book and felt she did her very best work there. Now, with this one, Patch has proven her talent knows no bounds. She is absolutely stunning here. She is totally adept at a crime/suspense novel. I’m serious. This is way better than Criminal Minds. She takes her readers into that dreary Kentucky holler and I immediately felt as if I were there with the characters. The atmosphere was just electric with tension. I felt the despair of many of the residents, trapped in a life that had no meaning and with no way out that they could see.

‘No one thought anything bad could happen to them. Until it did.’
Patch has also created one of the strongest, toughest, female characters I believe I’ve ever read in the character of Violet Rainwater. Violet, whose entire life has been so hard and devoid of human love. And Violet doesn’t believe that God could even love her. Patch has woven a spiritual thread here that is mighty to see and read. And also to feel deep down in your heart. And the secondary characters of the FBI group are wonderful. I certainly look forward to reading Tiberius Granger’s story some day. Hopefully.

‘No one had ever prayed for her.’

Jessica Patch has more than proven that she has a powerful talent. I knew that, but this was absolutely outstanding! Bravo and well done! This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.

this was such a well done mystery book, Jessica R. Patch has a great writing style and it works so well for the genre. I was invested in the story and trying to figure out what was happening in this story. The characters were really well done and felt like real people and in a real situation. I was glad I was able to go through this story and look forward to more from Jessica R. Patch.

"I thought for sure she’d end up dead, you know? But not by some serial killer. In the holler? How does that even happen?” Landra pursed her lips and shook her head. “I told her over and over she could get out. Do it on her own. I do. Work two jobs and have two kids because I refused to let a man put hands on me. Then she gets out and…this. Talk about being shortchanged.”

I definitely enjoyed this book. It had a dark mystery with a tough smart agent, Violet searching for a killer. Violet is a product of her mother's rape and grew up hated by her mom and grandmother. She became a special unit agent who has an instinct for searching out the worst of the worst. Is her ability to figure out what the killer thinks when stalking them because she's so good or is she so good because she herself could slip over to the same dark side as them? Her mother thinks she's the evil incarnate of her father. Could she be? Violet struggles herself wondering. I was so pleased this book captures your desire to read about serial crime with a strong protagonist without foul language needed! It tells of some of the character's faith in God without it being preachy. You will like the characters and the story moves quickly. No drag to this book. You are kept guessing and wanting to read on into the night. I highly recommend this book. Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for this ARC this is my honest opinion. Read it!

Wow, what a wild ride! It kept me guessing throughout the story. A good follow up to Her Darkest Secret.

Oh my word! This author has done it again, in creating a mysterious web of events that we get the privilege of joining together with Violet and the team to solve. Every page of this book transports you into another realm where the characters and story seamlessly jump off the page and creep into the readers imagination. The only downfall to this book and series is that it has ruined other books and authors for me, as it seems nobody can touch the depth of storytelling that Jessica can and I can’t find books that hold my interest nearly to the extent that her books do. This tale is gritty and believable, keeping you hooked to the very last word. Just when you think you have it figured out, you’re tossed more curveballs that remind you that you have no idea where you’re going, but the journey is incredible, so you don’t mind. I am in love with these characters, Jessica’s writing style, and how well these stories paint such vivid pictures in the readers mind. I cannot wait for book number 3 in this series! This book is phenomenal and a must read for anyone who loves Christian suspense and thrillers!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. This book captivated my attention from the first page! The characters all have a rich story to tell. The storyline kept me guessing throughout. There were moments of nail-biting and drama. This is not a story that lets you rest. Just when you think you have it figured out, another kink in the story appears. If you like thrillers and suspense, this is the book for you!

A Cry In The Dark
Jessica R Parch
Wow, Jessica Patch has herself a winner deep in the Kentucky hills, where three woman have been murdered. Suspense, mystery, twist and turns, danger, and faith. be sure to have a good gripe on your seat because you will need to. I could not put it down. Grabs you from the start and does not let go till the end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

After "Her Darkest Secret," I knew the rest of the Strange Crimes books would be auto-reads. I've long been a fan of Jessica R. Patch, but HDS proved her skills are truly next-level. "A Cry in the Dark" takes us into Violet Rainwater's POV, and it does NOT disappoint. Violet's history is revealed from the beginning, but layers of depth and the answers she seeks unfold bit by bit as the novel continues, woven intimately into the case she and the SCU are working to solve and ever present in the back of her mind. Violet's dry and often dark humor adds a layer of light to the dark subject matter, and I appreciated that John understands her in a way even her own team doesn't always get.

It would have been so easy for Ms. Patch to establish a formula after the success of HDS, but I was impressed with the uniqueness of this case and of these characters, as well as the fact that the H/h from the previous book were assigned elsewhere and thus were unavailable for much of Violet's story. It worked well to allow her leadership style to emerge while we still had familiar faces in Tiberius and Owen showing up to help and provide more overt comedic relief. Newcomer John has a painful past of his own that's more directly related to this Kentucky holler than Violet's, but neither of their backstories overshadow the actual work of the case at hand in need of solving.

Everything comes together in a well-paced, high-stakes thriller that keeps the pages turning and the booklight burning late into the night if you make the mistake of picking it up in the dark. (Or in the gym, as I did, only to get thoroughly creeped out when ""I Think We're Alone Now and "I'll Be Watching You" came over the speakers at creepily apt times as I huffed and puffed on the elliptical... Thankfully I survived LOL!) Now I anxiously await Tiberius's book. Keep them coming, Ms. Patch!

Once again Jessica grabs you right from the start, and you can't put the book down. Definitely full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Can't wait for the next one!

A gripping page turner that will have you holding your breath and afraid to turn out the lights! A Cry in the Dark is incredibly well written and just as thrilling as book one in this series. Jessica Patch does such an amazing job writing about darkness in the world but then flooding it with light. Her writing always has me coming back for more!

Wow! Violet and John’s story is a high-octane race against time that kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. Violet’s past is heart-wrenching and I love the way the author used it to show light in a dark world. The characters are well-rounded and likable. The plot moved along nicely with some great twists. The tension and conflict in this story were well placed. This puts the reader right into the story, holding their breath. The author’s use of sensory is done effectively. It brings the words on the page to life. Loved it. Highly recommend A Cry in the Dark.

**I received no compensation and the opinions in this review are my own.

I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could! An absolutely fantastic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are many elements of surprise and twists that keep you in suspense! I highly recommend this book!

What a great way to kick off my reading year. Wow! This was another non-stop thrill ride from Jessica R. Patch. There were so many twists and turns. Just when I thought I’d solved it, I was hit with a curveball that kept me guessing until the very end. I can’t wait for book three!

A Cry in the Dark is Christian romantic suspense at its grittiest. The light shines brightest when directed at the darkest places, and Night Hollow is definitely one of those places. Author Jessica Patch shows the depth of the despair there, but also how the light overcomes. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."--John. This is a book that you'll want to lock your doors and close your drapes before you start reading it. The suspense is incredibly tense, and there is a lot of action. Good luck on deciding who the villain is! The plot has twists and turns like the mountain roads. The main characters' back stories are very interesting and color their present-day actions. I strongly recommend this well-written romantic suspense book.
I received a complimentary review through NetGalley from the publisher.

Fantastic, even if it was a little scary for me. One day I went to donate blood, and I had the book with me to read while I waited my turn. But when it was my turn, I was turned away because my pulse was racing! Yikes! Well done, Jessica Patch. I felt like I was right there for all the excitement.

Wow! This psychological thriller by Jessica R. Patch captured me from the moment I began reading. The character development is amazing and the depths of the criminal psyche pull you in and don’t let go until the end. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing to the very end. I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

Wow! What a suspenseful story! The plot is filled with shocking and surprising twists and turns. While reading, this one made me pause and listen for noises in my surroundings. Author Jessica R. Patch weaves mystery, danger, faith and love into a great story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

A Cry in the Dark is written by Jessica R. Patch. This can be read as a stand alone - but it's predecessor, Her Darkest Secret is also a good read and you will want to get to know the agents in the Strange Crimes Unit. They investigate ritualistic crimes that have a religious undertone. This book is darker then her normal works, but the author has written a powerful message about God's forgiveness into the story.

Violet Rainwater is a product of a kidnapping. Her mother and grandmother have never really wanted anything to do with her unless it was money. This has left Violet with a lot of walls built up and a lot of anger and hurt. She wants to find the man that is responsible for her being born. She keeps to herself and really does not let anyone in. Her team is summoned to the hills of Kentucky - to investigate murders of women who had their eyes taken out. What she did not count on in is finding connections to her past deep in the hills.

Noone wants to talk to the outsiders. They will lie, cover for each other and send Asa and the team in circles. Even the sheriff's office. However, Violet and Detective John Orlando (whose wife was killed in a similar manor while working undercover) are seeing through their lies. They see everyone as a suspect.

This is an emotional psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I thought everyone was a suspect . This book does touch on trafficking, drinking and premarital sex - but the author handles it with tact and grace.

I am enjoying this series. I love seeing the grittier side of the author. I cannot wait until the next release. You will NOT want to miss this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Jessica Patch has written another winner. Fantastic plot that kept me riveted to the book. Could not put this one down a real page turner. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

You know the saying, “Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!”? Well, this disturbingly dark and white-knuckled thriller evokes “killers and stalkers and malevolence! Oh my!” in my mind.

A Cry In The Dark dives deep into Violet Rainwater’s life and backstory. Deep in a holler community of Kentucky, three women have been brutalized and murdered. Violet, her team and a detective named John with past ties to this area are consulted to find the killer of these women. But this community is not what it seems and hides a very dark not-so-secret way of life.

No one is willing to talk. No one is willing to share the entire story. Because when someone in the holler steps out of line, they disappear. Everyone in the holler has a dark side.

As the body count rises, Violet and her team are on a tight timeline to keep the women of this Kentucky holler community from all becoming victims of this sinister serial killer. But has Violet caught the eye of the killer as well? “More like escaping the unseen eyes gazing upon her. Like a force salivating to approach her. Consume her. Devour her.”

Jessica R Patch has a way with diving deep into the disturbing darkness of mankind. Through ninety percent of this thriller, she takes you into one of the most dark sides of humanity. Jessica has such a way with words to make her readers emotionally invested in her characters. So many times I wanted to reach into the pages and hug the hurting and oppressed.

The darkness can almost feel overwhelming, but Jessica always brings the Light in. And what I LOVE is that she shares the message and absolute truth that God does not run from our own darkness. No matter how twisted and disturbed the darkness may be, the darkness runs from Him and the light that He brings.

Jessica, you have such a phenomenal writing gift as well as a much needed perspective into the misconceptions of what I consider the “Americanized” version of Christianity. Please do not stop sharing your gift as well as your message!

*Thank you to Jessica and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. I did not receive and compensation in exchange for this review.*

A Cry in the Dark continues the story of Detective Violet Rainwater, introduced first in Her Darkest Secret. This story is creepy, thrilling, and exhilarating. Set in Kentucky, Violet and John come together with a few agendas and attempt to shut down the Blind-Eye Killer for good. This story has childhood trauma, domestic abuse, and sexual assault triggers, but is also a reminder of God’s purpose and the hope that is found in Him. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Wow! What a dark, scary, suspenseful adventure! An investigative branch of the FBI is sent to rural Kentucky when a serial killer it targeting young women. It had me guessing my theories the whole time. Violet is a fascinating character filled with darkness. John is full of light despite his tragic background. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

This book was dark and entirely captivating! Plenty to keep you hooked and up reading all night! It's a 5 star read you won't want to miss!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The following is my own opinion. This was the first book I have read from Jessica Patch and it was a great thriller/mystery. I chose this book because it was "that time of year" and it was Christian-based; this book did not disappoint. I liked Violet's character and the romantic tension between her and John. John was a true gentleman who was committed to his faith and respected Violet and where she was in her journey. I liked the creepy setting of the backwoods of Appalachian country and how recluse the community was and how "they handled things their own way." There were a few unexpected twists and turns at the end. One thought I had was I wished more time was given to Violet finding her faith in the dire moment(s). Other than that, a great read with a great Christian message. I will be reading more of Jessica Patch.

<b> <i>A Cry in the Dark</i> is an intriguing inspirational romantic suspense novel.</b>

<b>Plot at a glance:</b> FBI special agent Violet heads to the Kentucky hills to solve the mysterious and brutal murders of three women. The local townsfolk aren't helping her investigation but luckily Violet can lean on Detective John Orlando for help. When the investigation hits close to Violet's unresolved past, she'll have to look deep within herself if she's going to make it out alive and stop the killer.

While technically a standalone novel, it takes place after <i>Her Darkest Secret</i> and features the same special crimes unit first introduced in that novel.

<b>Recommended for fans of Criminal Minds and Love Inspired Suspense category romances.<b>

<i>Thanks to NetGalley, Love Inspired Trade, and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada) for the chance to read this digital ARC.</i>