Very exciting from start to finish, what more can you expect from Tom Bale, I certainly will think twice before stopping my car in a secluded spot, yikes

I had a hard time getting into the story, because I didn't found it very believable. It was good though, but couldn't grip me as I wanted it to do.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture!

A new author to me. Glad I have discovered Tom Bale.
This was very fast paced and twisty, a good strong thriller.
There's so much happening in this book, never a dull moment,
the suspense is great. Edge of your seat. Loved it!

I have read a couple of Tom’s books now and I really enjoyed them. I was (im)patiently waiting for ‘One Dark Night’ and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Oh my days, it was one hell of a read and I thoroughly enjoyed it but more about that in a bit.
I have to say that I could have quite cheerfully throttled Adam at the start of this book. He is in a car with his wife and his two children when a car cuts him up. Instead of thinking of protecting his wife and children, he sees red and chases after the car. He has definitely let his temper run away with him and the red mist descends. That was his first major mistake in more ways than one. Adam does catch up with the car and that’s when he realises that he has bitten off more than he can chew. In the other car there are other men plus a woman, who insists that the men have killed her husband. The men take Adam and his family hostage and abduct them. What follows next is an at times scary, action packed, adrenaline boosting story that sees Adam and his family try to gain their freedom.
I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while longer than usual to get into this book. I don’t mean that negatively but I couldn’t seem to see past my irritation with Adam, who unnecessarily put his wife and children in danger. He made me so mad that I just kept shouting at my Kindle. I know it’s fiction but if I am convinced by the story and the characters, I tend to ‘live’ the story and ‘talk’ to the other characters as if they can hear me. I binge read the book in a couple of days, which worked with this book because it gave me a sense of how intense and dangerous a situation the family were in. I couldn’t help but want to jump inside the pages of the book to protect the bairns of the family. Once I got into the story then reading it became an addiction. Once I picked the book up, I just couldn’t put it down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I just had to read on to see if the bairns escaped with their lives in tact, to see if the authorities caught up with the kidnappers and to find out the true story of what happened. The pages seemed to turn over with increasing speed and it didn’t take me too long to race through the story. I would only intend to read a couple of chapters but that intention was soon out of the window because I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the storylines and the characters so much that I just didn’t want to put the book down.
In short, I really did enjoy reading ‘One Dark Night’ although it isn’t my favourite Tom Bale book. I would definitely recommend the book to other readers and particularly to those who enjoy psychological thriller type books. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

Tom Bale is the king of "No good deed goes unpunished"! I absolutely love his books, you're just going about your ordinary, every day business and BAM!!, you're in the middle of a psychological thriller. This was, as always with Mr Bale, very well written with fanciful plot lines made completely realistic. All the characters are well drawn and thoroughly credible. The book moves along at a brisk pace and the edge of your seat ending was highly satisfactory. If you haven't read any of Tom Bale's books, may I be so bold as to suggest you do so immediately? You can thank me later!

Talk about tense!! Within the first few pages, this story kicks off at an amazing pace and doesn’t really let up! One thing is definitely for sure, it will make you think twice about flashing your lights at the next idiot driver who cuts you up!

After a lovely family day out, the Parr family are on their way back home when another car swerves infront of them. Almost side-swiping their car and kicking up stones that break one of their headlights, Adam sees red and, against his wife Katy’s wishes, decides to chase the car down. When the car finally pulls over, Adam gets out to confront the driver. He could never have imagined what would happen next and, for the sake of the cost of a broken light, he definitely ends up wishing that he had stayed in his car.

This story is very fast-paced and the reader is thrown into the story right from the start. From that first interaction, you are pulled into an all-action, nail-bitingly tense thriller that I couldn’t help but think would make a great film. I really enjoyed how the writing gradually revealed what was going on and, even with a slightly slower paced section in the middle of the book giving you chance get your breath back, it really ramps back up again towards the end. This was my first Tom Bale book and I will definitely be looking for more of his work.

Adam,Katy and their two young children Freya and Dylan are returning home after a fun packed family outing when a speeding car cuts them up at a junction,nearly causing them to crash.Like anyone would,well if your a short tempered moron that is,Adam decides to chase after the speeding car. A stupid,reckless decision that culminates in Adam seeing something that he shouldn't,a confrontation with a gang of ruthless men who just happen to be packing guns and Adam and his family being kidnapped.

As soon as you start this book the reader is launched into a thrilling,action packed thriller. To begin with I was totally enthralled by the intense,gripping,chilling story that had me glued to my comfy chair. I felt so much fear and anxiety for the safety and lives of Katy and her two children. Ok, maybe the part where Katy was allowed to take Dylan to his friends birthday party was a bit unrealistic but who cares,it's called fiction for a reason. So I was absolutely loving this book and then the story changed direction,the pace slowed down and I found I wasn't enjoying it as much. The pace and action did pick up towards the end of the story but by then my enthusiasm had waned and I wasn't as gripped by the story as I was earlier in the book. I really didn't like Holly,she was a really annoying and irritating character and I most definitely didn't like Adam. My favourite characters were Katy,Zoe,Freya,Dylan and DI Branning. As readers have come to expect with Tom Bale`s books, the bad guys were evil,sinister individuals.

Quite a number of the chapters ended on cliff hangers,the story did contain some unexpected twists and turns,untrustworthy,unreliable characters and some truly,intense moments. Although I was slightly disappointed with this story that won't stop me from reading more books by this author in the future.

Having read a few of Tom Bale’s books before, the one thing that I always find disturbing is that he take’s an ordinary situation, an ordinary person or people and twists it into a terrifying yet utterly believable situation. Some how he manages to make the reader feel like they are in the story and I love seeing if I agree with the characters decisions, would I have done things the same way as the characters or totally different.
In One Dark Night we have Adam, Katy and their two children and after enjoying a day out they are travelling home when a split decision from Adam ends up putting them in terrible danger and turning their lives upside down. I felt desperately sorry for the family, especially the children being put in this situation. It really gave me shivers and goose bumps at times.
One Dark Night is an action packed story, full of twists and turns and even when things do quieten down a tad you are left with a feeling of unease, a feeling that all is not quite as it seems and it really had me on the edge of my seat.
Tom Bale is back with another absolute cracker of a story that had me swiping the pages of my kindle so fast I thought it might explode, it’s another book that I just couldn’t put down but at the same time I was apprehensive reading on as I knew there was more trouble ahead.
So if you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller full of action, suspense and spine tingling action then One Dark Night is definitely for you.

There is one thing that you can always count on with Tom Bale and his book and that’s that the opening chapter will grab you and hook you in. One Dark Night is no different.

This book really gripped me from the start, the thought of stopping to confront a driver who cut you up and then realising that all is not as it seems and that your family is now at risk and at the mercy of some crazy criminals just because you wouldn’t let it go.

The first half of the book was a really thrilling read, the criminals really were crazy and I was never quite sure whether all or any of the family would escape. I was gripped and didn’t want to stop reading.

The second half kept the pace up but I felt that it just went too far into being not just unlikely but implausible. Many thrilling reads tread a fine line between realism and irrealism and that’s fine by me, I’m quite happy to suspend belief a bit if I’m going to get a book that twists and turns and keeps me hooked, but I felt that One Dark Night took it just a bit too far and at times it felt just a little bit silly.

But it was still a very enjoyable read and one that I have thought about quite a lot since finishing it. If you like your books fast paced and filled with danger then One Dark Night is a book for you.

3.5* rounded up to 4*

Oh why helloooooooo, Mr Suspenseful!! Not having read a Tom Bale novel before, I had no idea what to expect. I mean, I had seen a lot of people talk about his novels on social media, yet I hadn't managed to find a spare moment to read one for myself. Until now. I had everything crossed that 'One Dark Night' wasn't going to be one of those 'over hyped' reads, and thankfully it wasn't!

'One Dark Night' covered me in goosebumps with its thrilling and eventful storyline - I have seen people with road rage before, but I have never witnessed such events like the ones described in this book. I found the theme quite uncomfortable at times because of the fact that there were innocent children stuck in the middle of their parents bad decision, however I thought that the characters were very well thought out as they came across multi layered and highly intriguing. I just happen to like characters which allow me to react to them, even if it is in frustration!!

I was rather impressed by my first read by this author as the dark, rollercoaster ride of a storyline kept me hooked. The only slight irk for me personally, was with the pace of the book, as I felt the storyline had the power to go all of the way where that was concerned. That said, the slow pace didn't lower the suspense level at all which was a huge bonus in itself.

So, would I read more books by Tom Bale? Without a doubt! It's very clear that the author has a very vivid and twisted mind which came across in his storyline very, very well. I am looking forward to seeing just how far he can go in his further novels.

A twisted, dark, and frustratingly addictive read!

This one took off from page 1 and never slowed down. When a rock damages the family vehicle Adam does what most would do and flags down the offending vehicle. He quickly realizes what a mess he's put himself and his family in when the woman in the back seat of the car starts screaming that the men murdered her husband. The entire family is kidnapped and held with the woman and the story of who, where, and mostly why unravels quickly and at a super fast pace.

Fatal Promise is the ninth book in the Kim Stone series….how the hell did that happen?! It only feels like five minutes ago since I read the first book. Anyway what did I think of the book I hear you all saying! Well OMG it was certainly worth the wait. Angela has nailed it once again with this unputdownable read. You guys are in for one hell of a treat.

So after the emotional ending of the last book this one picks up where it left off which I wont say to much about incase you haven't read it yet.

Normally the author takes us on a trip round the Black Country but with this story the plot is based more around Russells Hall Hospital and the police stations. A hospital I have been to many times….it does actually exist. One of the many things that I love about this series is that the author uses real places. And the characters come to life and jump out of the papers to you….with the added Black Country accent. Every time I heard/read Stacey’s voice I kept thinking OMG she sounds just like me! LOL

The author never loses her touch and once again the author brings us another nail biting read full of twists and turns.I honestly don't know how she does it. Each book gets better and better this is without a doubt my favourite series.

I love everything about it, if you haven't read any books in this series you are definitely missing out. It is totally addictive I cannot recommend it enough giving it all the stars.

And he does it again! Another excellent gripping read from beginning to end. I absolutely loved it. A must read!

A car driving to fast, a tossed up rock cracks a head light, who would believe that such a minor incident could leave you and your family fighting for your life. I enjoyed this book immensely. I found it to be a compelling and intense read with a lot of suspenseful action. Highly recommend!

What an exciting story, it had me gripped, full of twists and turns.
In true Tom Bale style it’s a race against time, making my heart race. I could feel the tension building through the chapters
It had my nerves jangling from the start.
Starting out with a bit of road rage, and then taking you through the country lanes racing this way and that with hardly time to draw breath.
I felt I was in one of the cars for some of the early scenes, blimey….swinging this way and that…phew. And then onto that disused building, numerous scary moments there.
Some fantastic scenes, gruesome too. Unfortunately, I could visualise them so well!
Did they all know too much and who would pay the price?

Oh how I enjoyed this book. As I said before, it feels far too long since the last Tom Bale book as released so since earlier this summer, when I heard a new book was on the horizon, I have kept my eyes peeled, waiting patiently for the release date. Expectations were high, I am more than happy to say they were met.

At the beginning of the story we meet Adam and Katy Parr, travelling home from a lovely morning out with their children Freya and Dylan. It is on a quiet country road that they are suddenly cut up by another vehicle, driving in such a manner that it causes some minor damage to their car. As the car speeds off, the red mists descends around Adam and he can think of nothing but chasing the car down to get their details and give the driver a piece of his mind. Oh, what a costly mistake as, far from finding an oblivious but ultimately apologetic driver, Adam soon finds himself in the middle of a very dangerous situation, one which puts his life and those of his family at great risk. 

This is a story in two halves. The first part of the action takes place in just one very long day and night, with the poor family, and a woman by the name of Carole, whose abduction they interrupted with the impromptu chase, being held captive in the basement of a disused farmhouse. The tension which the author manages to create in these scenes is palpable, with the gang who are responsible showing in no uncertain terms their willingness to deal with witnesses, even if this means murder. There are a few uncomfortable scenes which take place and while no violence is shown on the page, the tense of threat is ever present and it keeps the tension high.

I did really come to like the characters of Adam and Katy, although you could easily argue that Adam is a complete tool for having gotten his family into that mess in the first place rather than letting go. Despite this error in judgment, he does redeem himself by showing a determination to free himself and his family. There is also a kind of resilience in young daughter Freya who, although terrified, cares deeply for her brother and tries to help her parents in a way you can only find endearing. The bad guys on the other hand are dark and deadly, some in a truly skin crawling way. You do get to learn a little more of what drives them as the story progresses but it still will not endear you to them in any way, not even to Jay who, when all is said and done, is only driven by the same thing that drives Katy and Adam - his family.

There is a story behind the abduction, one which no-one, not the readers and not Carole herself, immediately understands and the slow reveal of this is cleverly done, keeping you turning the pages to see why and how it all plays out. There are also a few tantalising moments, scenes where it looks like Katy may be able to raise the alarm and free the family, drawing you to the point of absolute hope and then dashing it at the last moment. To be honest, that adds to the fun as who wants to read a story where everything is resolved so easily? Not me. Where's the fun in that?

The second half of the story takes place after the family has gained their freedom in what has to be described as quite a dramatic way. It deals with the emotional aftermath, the way in which the family tries to make sense of what happened and find a new normal. But if you think it's all gushy introspection then you are wrong. This is a Tom Bale book. The action isn't over yet. Once again Adam find himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, drawn into a fight which will hopefully end their ordeal once and for all, or where he will at the very least die trying. There are some of the biggest moments of action in  he final pages of this book, the scenes in which you learn how far a father will go to protect his family. Tom Bale really keeps us on edge and ups the ante in terms of drama and tension as you speed towards a final showdown. Truly gripping stuff.

Now, like the lasagna scene in See How They Run, there are times in this book when you have to suspend disbelief a little but I am completely fine with that. If not I'd be reading true crime - this is fiction. If I did have one criticism it would be over the tag line as I don't think it fully fits the story. They didn't 'stop to help', but I guess 'you stopped to swap insurance details instead of phoning the police to report a failure to stop RTC', doesn't have quite the same ring to it ... I love Tom Bale's books exactly for the sense of escapism I get from them, along with characters who create strong feeling, both good and bad, and storylines which grip you from the off and keep you invested to the very last heart stopping moments of action. 

Gripping, full of tension and some real nail-biting action, I loved reading this book. So nice to have Mr Bale back.

Flaming Nora, Bookouture seem to be making all the right moves by signing some fantastically talented authors of which Tom Bale is just one example, and so long as you can suspend your disbelief you are likely to enjoy this one. However, if you like your crime as realistic/close to real life as possible, this is probably a book to pass on as it does stray into far-fetched territory, but what is fiction for if not to showcase a writers imagination and give the reader the gift of pure escapism?

One thing you can be absolutely assured of with Tom Bale's novels is that they are totally immersive and addictive from the first couple of pages right through to the finale, and this one is no exception. As always, the writing is easy to get into, the pace perfect and the plot tightly woven and completely thrilling! It is basically the tale of a family who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The main characters of the family, Adam, Katy and their children Freya and Dylan, are sufficiently developed, although I would've liked to have known a little more background on them but that is a minor point that had no bearing on my overall enjoyment. They were very relatable and believable which meant it was straightforward to get behind them as people, and the use of current social and political issues put the setting of the story firmly in the present.

If you are a sucker for adrenaline-fuelled crime fiction with more thrills and spills than you can shake a stick at, this is definitely worth picking up so long as you don't expect realism. I look forward to the next Bale novel!

Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Adam, Katy and their two children have been out for the day. They are on their way home when an erratic driver almost runs into them. Angered by the breaking of his headlight and the other cars failure to stop, Adam chases after them. The other driver eventually stops and Adam jumps out to confront the driver. A woman in the back seat of the other car shouts for help, which then leads Jack and his family in the middle of a nightmare.

This basically s story of a family who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is not a bad story, it's a bit far fetched at times. The pace starts off quite steady, then it dips for a bit in the middle, then it picks up its pace again until the end. There are plenty of twists and surprises. The characters lacked depth and were mostly one dimensional.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Tom Bale for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a gripping read that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Katy and Adam are driving home when their car is hit by another car. Adam goes after the other car to get insurance details, but gets more than he bargained for.
His family are then kidnapped and held hostage in a damp cellar by a group of people who seem to have other things on their mind.
There’s also a very distressed woman with them in the cellar and whilst Adam and his family got involved accidentally, there seems to be no chance of them getting away.
Events spiral out of control and when you think the dust has settled more happens to put the family in danger.
The last part of the story was a bit far fetched but I was still keen to know how it would all end.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

He see his wife’s eyes watching him in the rear-view mirror, the kids up on their knees to get a better look. That’s when he hears the scream…

You’re driving home from a family outing one afternoon, when a speeding car cuts you up, nearly causing you to crash. Like anyone would, you pull over to confront the driver.

But a glance into the backseat of the speeding car reveals a woman fighting to escape. She is terrified and she’s screaming for your help: these men have murdered her husband…

What would you do?

The book started well enough but it quickly ran out of steam. It seemed to plod along with no twists or surprises.

This is the first book by this author I have read so I'm not sure if this is his normal style.

If you are a fan I'm sure you'll love it. It's just not my type of book.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in return for an honest review.