This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Vivid descriptions. Kept me captivated from the first page to the last. An excellent read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

There's a lot going on in Geneva's life- and she's not one who always makes the right decision. In fact, she often makes the exact wrong decision, starting with the fact that she's still drinking vodka even while attending the AA meetings she so very much needs. A reporter for a small town newspaper, she finds herself dealing with a disparate series of bad thing stories- a wife who kills her husband, a missing girl- and then the newspaper is put up for sale and Hollywood arrives in town. Geneva's personal struggles, not only with alcohol but also with the daughter of her dad fiancé and her continuing attraction to a married man who can do her no good, sometimes overwhelm the mystery so beware if you're looking forward to a straightforward story. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.

Geneva Chase is a hard nosed reporter, always trying to get the scoop on a great story. She's also a guardian to Caroline, her deceased fiance's daughter. She's done a lot of things she regrets but the worst is falling off the wagon and drinking again.
This book meshes Geneva's personal back story with the things happening in her town. News worthy stories. A teacher run A away with a student, a famous actor is putting on a play at their theatre, young girls are being kidnapped and sold unto slavery. She is trying to report on these stories and still function as a "mother" and a reporter.
Well written story.
4 Stars

I read both books in the series within a week, and I have to say I love what the author has offered so far. The plot is well composed, pacey and believable. I am certainly looking forward to read more adventures of Geneva.

In the second installment, Geneva still has her own personal battles to fight: grief over her fiance, alcoholism, and parenting. A missing case of a teenage girl and few brutal murders keep Geneva busy on her crime beat as a newspaper reporter. The cases are interesting to follow though the motives behind the brutalities are slightly little weak albeit the they sound perfectly legitimate.

All in all, "Darkness Lane" is a satisfactory read with a good plot that has potential. I sure look forward to the future releases by the author.

Geneva is a newspaper reporter fighting alcoholism and the growing threat of unemployment while trying to raise a rebellious child. She’s covering a couple of stories, including the woman, who tired of being beaten by her husband, sets him on fire and the case of a missing teenager and her English teacher, who has also vanished. Geneva tries to work both stories (could there be a connection?), even as her newspaper goes on the auction block. Kies has created such a compelling, damaged, kick ass heroine in Geneva, she’s every woman who’s ever been dealt a bad card, but still managed to pick herself up and find a way forward. Highly recommended