I received In the Darkness from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the blurb on NetGalley for In the Darkness I completely missed that it’s a second in a series. I’m so glad I wasn’t paying attention to that because if I had I might have skipped over this book.

Zoe Bentley is such a great character with her love for her sister, her misunderstandings of basic behavior even though she specializes in it, and her apparently beakish nose. I’m definitely interested in reading the first book as the series is called Zoe Bentley Mystery.

Tatum was sometimes really annoying. But when I look at his behavior after I’ve finished the book I can understand completely why he was so ticked off. However, I’m still in favor with his grandpa’s opinion: you’re acting like a child. I mainly feel this way because he held a grudge against Zoe for something she said and apologized for. I dislike grudges generally. Yet like I said he improves when you think about exactly what is was she technically accused him of.

Tatum’s grandfather is an important character for comedic relief and moving along the emotional storyline. His antics and voice are entertaining and kept me interested in the world back “home.” I loved the feud between the cat and the fish.

With Zoe’s sister I was glad that she came across as cautious, but not overly fearful. Zoe is just about a basket case when it comes to her sister. Can’t say I blame her, but I also can’t blame her sister for being fed up with it. I was surprised by the turn Rod Glover took toward the end in this book. I’m also curious to see what will happen with that situation in the next book.

Some sections came across a little forced such as the early banter between Tatum and Zoe. This got better as it went along. One section that kind of made me laugh but also made me think “why” was a section in which a witness has chronic hiccups. It’s funny, but I was also wondering if it would somehow come into play by a hiccup being recorded on the burial video or something equally odd and far-fetched. Spoiler, this didn’t happen.

I also enjoyed the Shrodinger angle as many serial killers are either exceptionally smart or like to believe that they are this smart. Using a well-known name from physics was a nice touch to add depth. And with hindsight it does technically hint at the killer, but I didn’t notice it before the big reveal.

I was surprised about who the killer was which is an important note when reading a police procedural/ mystery. I’ve also found that this type of book isn’t quite like an Agatha Christie where the reader is given all the information and has to find the killer based on it, rather it is a trickle of information that slowly fills in the puzzle but not in time (dun dun dunn!!!) I enjoy both types of mystery. It also fulfills my need for a less taxing read while not being drivel. It’s kind of like reading a Bones episode.

Something to keep in mind is that most of the issues I pointed out I didn’t notice while I was reading. They required further thought and came out while I was writing this review. While I was reading I was fully immersed in the story and the characters which is a huge bonus for me.

I would recommend this for people who enjoy police procedural shows, books and movies. I also think most mystery lovers can enjoy this and can challenge themselves to discover the killer before it is revealed.

The first book was good but this one is even better. Now we got the exposition out of the way, the author can really focus on the characters and the action. Zoe and Tatum travel to Texas to investigate a video showing a woman being buried alive. Is it a hoax? If it isn't, it may be the first of many, since it's called "Experiment number one." Zoe can really get into the mind of a killer but this time she is distracted by Rod Glover, the serial killer that she stopped when she was a teenager and who is now stalking Zoe's sister. When a new video comes out, Zoe will have to figure out a way to leave her personal baggage behind and find the murderer. There are plenty of suspects and red herrings. One of the twists was not exactly original but the plot still took unexpected turns. But, as important as the action is, the characters are the key. Zoe and Tatum have evolved personally and professionally, and their relationship with each other and their respective family members is dynamic and always changing. A solid plot makes for addictive reading. I can't wait for the next volume.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this arc.

A Killer's Mind -- the first Zoe Bentley story-- is somewhere in my kindle library, unread. So I read this second story anyways. It starts off predictably with a serial killer (to be) killing his 1st displayed victim in graphic detail.
Then the story switches over to Zoe's POV. It continues this flip/flop throughout the book. But each chapter is titled with date and location so it's easy to follow along. The pacing is fairly steady, but interrupted by a secondary story line concerning Zoe's sister and references back to Zoe's past. So I had several "Huh? What??" moments during this read.

I liked Marvin, Freckle and the fish. The rest of the characters? Not so much. I thought both protagonists, Zoe and Tatum's adolescent attitudes out of place given their positions. I thought Zoe's undisguised superiority with everyone, that is was unbelievable she was still walking around whole and unharmed. Her infantizing of her sister really floored me... I have 2 younger sisters who would GLADLY take turns tearing me apart if I even attempted to call them baby names.

While many others have enjoyed these stories, they just aren't for me.

This is the first book from this author that I have read. The book was an interesting, enjoyable mystery filled with good suspense. This is a book which I would recommend to others.

This was a really good psychological thriller. I loved how it gave insight into the characters’ thinking and actions. The plot was strong and kept my attention. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

This is a full size novel, but it's easy to read with not too many characters and not too complicated timeline. The plot and story are excellent, as are the characters.

Zoe is trying to solve not only one but two cases and in the end her life and her sisters are in serious danger. Such a great new installment in this series. I loved it from the start and couldn't stop reading, this was a nail biting ride start to end.

The author wrote a thriller that started with a bang and just kept going! The twists kept coming, so I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

In the Darkness
(Zoe Bentley Mystery #2)
by Mike Omer

Kindle Edition
Expected publication: June 25th 2019 by Thomas & Mercer




Goodreads synopsis:
A forensic psychologist fights a mental war against two serial killers in this disturbing thriller from Mike Omer, Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of A Killer’s Mind.

An online video of a girl clawing at the ceiling of her own grave could be the worst thing FBI forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley has ever seen. Perhaps even more disturbing is the implication of the video’s title: “Experiment Number One.”

Zoe and her partner, Special Agent Tatum Gray, work as fast as they can to find the monster behind the shocking video, but soon another one shows up online, and another girl turns up dead. Meanwhile, a different murderer is on Zoe’s mind. Rod Glover has been tormenting her since childhood, and his latest attack is a threatening photo of himself with Zoe’s sister. As Glover’s threats creep toward action, Zoe’s torn between family and duty.

Zoe must think fast to prevent another murder. With her own family’s safety on the line, Zoe feels she’s never been in more danger. And while she’s always known her job could send her to an early grave, she always assumed she’d be dead first.


***

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Zoe Bentley mystery series.

This book was pretty thrilling and exciting. The whole concept was fascinating. At first the police didn’t think the first death they discovered was the work of a serial killer but slowly Zoe made them believe and realize this truth. The kill was too advanced and organized to be his first.

A girl was found dead in a box created by a monster. She had been buried alive and put on live video so the killer could get his rocks off thinking he was becoming famous. She had been titled Experiment Number One but she wasn’t his first. As they discover more women disappearing and found in boxes buried alive, the closer they get to the killer but the madman seems to always know what they are thinking when they search. He evades them.

There is a pretty significant twist at the end of this that I don’t think anyone will see coming. Quite a roller-coaster ride. Excellent story. I highly recommend it. This is one of those books you just don’t want to put down. You will rush to the end with your own theories. My ideas kept changing from chapter to chapter. And I had no clue whodunit. You probably won’t either. The author really had me snowed.

Great flow, pacing and suspense off the charts. I am surprised I had not heard of Omer before. I will be definitely be checking out other books by him in the future.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

What is better than a serial killer thriller? A double serial killer thriller! There is not 1 but 2 serial killers on the loose in Mike Omer’s In the Darkness and Zoe is chasing both of them, her one major problem? One of the killers is also chasing her.

This is the second book in the series and although I haven’t read the first book I followed the story without any issues, obviously one of the serial killers, Rod Glover, has come from the first book there was enough back story for me to be able to follow so if like me this is your first book by Mike Omer you will still throughly enjoy it.

The characters are all well fleshed out, Zoe and her partner Special Agent Tatum Grey have a great relationship that reads well but my favourite character was Marvin, Tatum’s grumpy, skydiving, grumpy old grandfather! He made me chuckle on several occasions 😀

As Zoe and Tatum travel to Texas to follow a case of a woman who has been buried alive and broadcast across the internet Zoe’s sister comes face to face with the serial killer Rod Glover. Torn between being at home protecting her sister and staying in Texas to help the police catch the Schrodinger’s killer they battle against the clock to save another woman who has also been buried alive and being broadcast across the internet named ‘experiment two’

This is one for all those taphephobic people out there just like me. (I had to google it and it is the fear of being buried alive!)

A claustrophobic, dark tense plot that has you gasping for breath along with the victims!

In the Darkness will be published on 25 June 2019 and is available for pre order now, it will also be available to read for free via kindle unlimited.

Thank you to the author Mike Omer, publishers Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest and independent review.
https://debbiesbookreviews.wordpress.com/2019/06/23/in-the-darkness-by-mike-omer/

In the Darkness find forensic psychologist Zoe Bennet once again chasing a serial killer alongside partner FBI special agent Tatum Gray. Still reeling from her close encounter with her own personal stalker and serial killer Rod Sterling. Called in on a new case, Zoe is juggling Rod stalking her little sister, Andrea and a killer labeling his kills as experiments. Stepping into the killers shoes has always served Zoe in the past but this case quickly puts Zoe in the path of danger as Andrea comes under fire too. Tatum's grandfather adds a dash of humor that lightens up the dark suspense that blew me away when the whodunnit smacked me upside the head. Totally addictive, Zoe is a character that will always keep you coming back for more. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Now it's definitely time to read the first book in this series!

Zoe Bentley is a psychological profiler for the FBI. Both Zoe and an FBI agent (Tatum Gray) are sent to San Angelo, Texas on a case. Meanwhile, Roy Glover, once a neighbor to Zoe's family, is we think, stalking Zoe's sister, Andrea. Zoe was worried about leaving her alone at home. Tatum's grandfather his pet fish and his shotgun keep Andrea company.

A woman is videotaped (with sound) being buried alive. Copies of this tape were sent to a few places (including the police) in San Angelo. The woman buried was in a box in a deeply dug hole that was covered over. Old cases are viewed and a number of names of former perpetrators and thrown around. But this is different - it is labeled "Experiment 1". Zoe knows there will be more. Nicole Medina was buried - why? Publicity stunt? Political statement? Zoe is hesitant with those theories. With her psychological background, Zoe thinks about an old experiment called "Schroedinger's cat in which a cat is trapped within a box. Soon, we find "Experiment 2" and the serial killer theory takes a front seat.

The reader will have a difficult time putting this thriller down. I know I did! A superb story!

Many Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a truly wonderful read!!!

In the Darkness is the second book in the Zoe Bentley thriller series. Dr. Zoe Bentley is a civilian consultant with the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI. Her forte is serial killers, kindled by an encounter with one when she was 14. Zoe is extremely focused and tends to say what she thinks, a trait that doesn’t win her many friends. Her biggest asset--and weakness--is her imagination. It's an asset when it allows her insight into the killer's mind but is detrimental when her ability to empathize with victims threatens to overwhelm her.

This book has two plots. The first is the hunt for the Schrodinger Killer which comprises the self-contained story within the book. The second is part of a story arc that began in the first book--Zoe's hunt for the serial killer from her childhood. That cat-and-mouse game continues here.

The book alternates between present-day from multiple points of view, and flashbacks from the unknown killer’s point of view. In the first half of the book, I thought the flashbacks broke the continuity of the story. Even with that caveat, this is book worth reading.

I received a digital ARC via NetGalley.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I was so excited to see the second book was available.
In this book you get to know Zoe and Tatum a little better. I honestly felt the best part was seeing their relationship progress. I love that they are not romantically involved but, I'm also not totally against in the future; way in to the future. Zoe is a bit like Sheldon on the Big Bang Theory but, she isn't a rip-off of that character though. She is much milder but, very data driven. There are some basics that she does not understand about human relationships. She offends Tatum deeply and she doesn't understand that she did it. She also makes it worse when she tries to make it better. Tatum has spent enough time with Zoe to know that she needs a little extra data when it comes to emotions and reactions but, he is seriously amazed by her lack of understanding. They have the beginnings of a true partnership and friendship and it is funny watching it grow as long as they can survive their different tastes in music.
The serial killer was creepy and scary. The killer also ended up being a surprise for me. For this type of book I can usually guess before the end.
The suspense was good and everything outside of the mystery was entertaining. I enjoyed the character building and it only added to the story. I get annoyed if there is too much romance or unnecessary extras in my mysteries.
There was also a continuation of the unsolved mystery from the first book. I preferred how this was handled in the second book compared to the first.
Zoe's sister and Tatum's grandfather also make appearances. They are on the verge of being too much but, it gets reined in just in time.
Overall, this was a good mystery. It was creepy and gross but, not so much that I needed to curl up in the fetal position. It makes me think of the tv show Criminal Minds before they had to get more extreme. I genuinely enjoyed Zoe and Tatum. They are flawed but, fun.

Is it weird to say that I loved this book? Mike Omer’s Zoe Bentley books are about serial killers, there are some pretty disturbing stuff on them but I couldn’t not read these books.

In the Darkness starts with a woman being buried alive. And not just that. She is being filmed. The video is titled “Experiment Number One” so they ask for help. Zoe Bentley and Tatum Grey are sent to help the police. As Zoe and Tatum races to find the killer, Zoe has other issues as well. Because Rod Glover is back.

What I liked the most is the way Zoe works through every little detail, every tiny piece of evidence to get closer and closer to the killer. She is a really well-developed character. She is something like an outsider but as the story goes and you bet to know her more and more she developes into something else. She developes into a woman who is caring, extremely intelligent, very protective and able to change. She feels like a real person.
Tatum is fun. In the first book he felt like he was just there because the story needed a man next to Zoe but in this book I really appreciated his being there for her.

I highly recommend this book and I advise to read the first one before reading this.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Mike Omer for my copy. All opinions are my own.

What I Liked

I’m not sure what it says about me as a person, but I love a good serial killer novel and Mike Omer definitely delivered. In the Darkness is an entertaining mystery that managed to surprise me.

The story is told through multiple POVs. We get chapters from both Zoe and Tatum, as well as the serial killer and several other supporting characters. I often times prefer a story to be told through first person POV, but the third person really worked for this story.

I really enjoy Zoe’s partner, Tatum. He pretty much makes this series for me. He’s smart, protective, and often times brings the comic relief. I also like his relationship with his crazy grandfather, Marvin.

What Didn’t Work for Me

I have a hard time connecting with Zoe. I feel like there’s been a fair amount of character development done with her throughout the series so far, but for some reason she still feels a bit one-note and cliched. Her reactions to things are often inconsistent as she swings between almost total lack of empathy and major emotional melt downs.

While I found the story pretty entertaining, I felt like the writing could have used just a bit more editing. The dialogue sometimes felt a little off. It also felt a little longer than it needed to be.

Overall

Overall, I enjoyed In the Darkness. Though I thought the writing could use just a bit more editing at times, the mystery was well done and I was a little surprised with who the serial killer turned out to be. I like the partnership between Tatum and Zoe and look forward to seeing how it evolves as the series continues.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars

This is the second book in the Zoe Bentley series. And this time FBI forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley and her partner Special Agent Tatum Gray are hunting a sadistic killer in Texas who kidnaps young women to burying them alive.
At the same time Zoe and her sister are dealing with their own stalker, a killer who they knew in their childhood.
‘In The Darkness’ is a good, solid, police procedural book. And suspenseful too. I had no idea who the killer was until the reveal at end. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
A 3.5 stars from me.

Another Intriguing View Into a Serial Killer’s Mind

This novel opened with a young woman being buried alive. Her soon-to-be killer has placed an infrared camera and microphone in the box in which she was confined. He then streamed the video and audio of the young woman dying over the Internet. The video was captioned, “Experiment Number One.” The uploader’s user name was Schrodinger. The main storyline shifts to the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit where the heroine, Dr. Zoe Bentley, trying to convince the unit chief to allow her to work on the Glover Case. Glover is a serial killer who Zoe discovered and reported that lived near her as a child. Her unit chief states that she will allow her after taking on this case in San Angelo where a young woman has been murdered. While not a serial killer yet, the video’s caption and uploader’s user name appear ominous. The novel takes off from here.

The primary main storyline involves two threads. The first thread followed Dr. Zoe Bentley and Special Agent Tatum Grey as they work with the local police and FBI in tracking down Schrodinger. A second tread was of Schrodinger in the current timeframe and scenes from his past that forged him into the man he had become. Added to this mix was a secondary thread that involves Zoe, his sister, Tatum and his grandfather Marvin. This thread portrays Glover stalking Zoe and her sister. All of these threads with their many twists, turns and misdirections were woven into an engaging story that captured my interest. I read every chance I had and even late into the night. I could not put his novel down.

The B-storyline largely involves Zoe and Tatum that builds on the first novel. Much insight to these two characters is revealed in their interactions and interactions with the sister and grandfather. I do not believe that you, as the reader, will miss anything in this novel without reading the first novel.

As a warning to the readers, there were multiple scenes of women buried alive being streamed live with video and audio. Some readers may find these scenes very intense and disturbing. Let the reader be warned. As for language, there were only two f-bombs and other less vulgar language. This for me was very little that it did not register until I returned to specifically search for the language. Lastly, there were not any sex scenes, but there were sex acts, just implied not described.

What I liked about this novel was the authors used discussions between Zoe and Tatum on the investigation status and their hypotheses as part of their profiling. It provided more than adequate background so that I never felt lost while reading.

Based upon the above, I rate this novel with five stars. I strongly recommend reading this novel. I believe that you will enjoy it also.

I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this novel early.

If the thought of being buried under anything is horrific then the beginning of this book is going to give you a serious case of the heebee jeebies! A young woman's torment is being streamed live from an unmarked grave somewhere outside San Angelo, Texas, as it is refilled with dirt, confirming her almost inevitable death, with no hope of escape. This is the problem Dr Zoe Bentley and Special Agent Tatum Gray have been called in to help solve even as both of them are dealing with difficult situations of their own.

The 'unsub' is a creepy guy and I had no idea ahead of time who he actually was, nor did I spot the main 'hint' until it was way too late. The second storyline fitted in well and didn't lessen the tension one bit even though, for Zoe and Tatum, it was happening many hundreds of miles from their current location.

I really enjoyed Zoe and Tatum; their burgeoning partnership will hopefully continue into further books but Marvin, Tatum's grandpa, was the undisputed star, even though he was a part of the subplot for the most part. He too will, fingers crossed, return to frustrate his grandson and continue his antagonistic relationship with Freckle the cat!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the previous book or enjoys a chilling story which, by leaving a few unanswered questions, offers the promise of more to come.

Wow, what a great follow up to book 2! I finished this in less than 2 days and read about 70% of it in one sitting! A super engaging read that I would recommend to anyone and especially Law and Order lovers!