"Zoe has a knack. She could crawl into the mind of a killer, think like he did, sometimes even guess what he’d do next. But it was a gift with a price. She’d often find herself trapped in the mind of the victim as well. See their last moments, feel them almost as if they were her own.”

Everything that I loved from the first book in the Zoe Bentley series is back in this book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I can't remember when I last enjoyed a murder mystery this much (other than the first book, of course). Zoe is going after a serial killer once again, and I could NOT put this book down. All the characters and character relationships I fell in love with in the previous book came back in full force - Zoe, Andrea, Tatum, Marvin, and Freckle the cat, who reminds me of Crookshanks from Harry Potter (and, of course, Harry Barry).

There are obviously moments of suspense, since this is a mystery/thriller, but I also found myself chuckling out loud because of humorous comments sprinkled in here and there. These comments provide such comic relieve in an incredibly suspenseful, and oftentimes creepy, story, and Mike Omer does an amazing job balancing the suspense and humor. The amount of humor used preserves the integrity of the genre and intensity of the book while allowing the reader some respite from that intensity. Most of these funny comments surround Tatum and his relationships with Marvin and Zoe. I truly love good banter, and Zoe and Tatum can banter with the best of them. I love that they can care about each other without the usual romantic feelings that create unnecessary drama.

I had two questions while and after reading this book, that aren't necessarily problems with the book but more general wonderings:
1. How does Zoe continually have these life and death encounters with serial killers?
2. Are local law enforcement and FBI always at each others' throats? I feel like books and TV shows are always pitting them against each other. - This is a very general question that I've had for a while.

I'll end with a quote that really exemplifies the comic relief that Mike Omer does such a good job balancing the scariness with: “Tatum struggled with the dilemma, unsure if he should intervene. On one hand, if Zoe exploded, they might be kicked off the case and out of the station. On the other hand, it would be amusing. Decisions, decisions.”

Well, he’s done it again; thanks for sucking up hours & hours of my time, Mr Omer. Although who wouldn’t prefer reading this delight vs housework/remodeling?!
As usual, Zoe Bentley is such a relatable, genuine character; a little “off” but in an almost endearingly clueless way. This tale strode right along at a perfect clip, nearly hitting all the marks & keeping you pulled in. Pick this up, peeps.... then go read all of this author’s backlist, if you’re new to him. I’ll be tight here, waiting on my “thank you!”s ;-)

I measure the worth of a thriller on on how quickly I finish it after crossing the 50% mark. To me, a solid murder mystery has a slow build, making sure that you get to know the characters, the situation at hand, and the perspective of the killer as well. Once the plot is well established, it should be a breakneck race to the end.

This book definitely does that in spades. This morning, I was roughly 45% of the way through it.... and I just finished it now. The plot largely reminds me of the CSI episode where Greg is buried alive or the Ryan Reynolds movie called "Buried," but with much more meaning and nuance. I also saw shades of Red Dragon in some of the elements.

The novel does an excellent job of exploring the current murder spree, the continued, overall Zoe/Glover arc, and a gripping analysis of our social media obsessed world. The best fictional serial killers are the ones who make you think "Hey this guy might actually have a point, were it not for the whole murdering business." The person who commits these grimes does that, but I would have liked to see a little more into their backstory overall.

I read the first Zoe Bentley mystery as my Kindle First read in summer/fall 2018 and was excited to get this one as an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I recommend both books in the series and cannot wait to see where it goes next!

Let me begin by saying 5 stars is not nearly enough for this masterpiece!!! I can admit that book 2 is generally a huge let down for me in most series... THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE TIMES!!!! Let me repeat that... This is not one of those letdown books!!

The whole time I was reading this book, I felt as though I was in a race, right a long with the characters. There were times I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what would happen, and times I held my breath in anticipation of what was next and in the end it was completely 100% worth it.

I will eagerly await the next book in this series!

This is the second book of the Zoe Bentley series and another winner. I LOVED this book and the continuation of Zoe's story. This book has Zoe and Tatum travelling to try to stop a serial killer who is burying girls alive. Super quick and awesome read. I can't wait for more.

Only side note: PLEASE MORE MARVIN! He is the BEST!

I am so glad I downloaded this book on a weekend when I didn't have plans, because I literally could not put it down and spent the entire day reading! Near the end I thought FOR SURE I had figured out who the serial killer was but in reality I had no clue! I was blindsided, in the best possible way! I have to say I am torn on whether I want Zoe and Tatum to get together romantically. I feel like it is building up to that and I appreciate that the author doesn't just rush into it, that he is letting their friendship build. but I also really like that they have a close friendship and a deep respect for eachother. And that now Tatum's Grandpa is taking care of Zoe's sister, it's like they are one big family and I love that.

this book starts with action and keeps your heart pumping all the way through. I had no clue there was a book 1 , that is how well this is as a stand alone. This was a first for me by Mike Omer. This will not be the last. Fantastic story. Beyond being a thriller, a mystery this is scary as you understand a lot of this could take place in your world. A creepy thriller whose characters have flaws and strengths. This is considered a Zoe Bentley mystery. She is a forensic psychologist who is blunt, as someone said, beyond blunt. No sugar coating, putting it all out there. Her partner is an actual FBI agent Tatum. I like that we see their life's also, its not just the victim, the evil doer and them. You get to know Tatum's grandfather, who makes me thing of the older jewish character on the new show The Village, makes me shake my head and laugh. We see Zoes sister who has been touched by the evil Zoe chases. This is a fantastic read, with red herrings and an ending I didn't see coming. I am so ready for book 3, PLEASE. Thank you Mike Omer, Thomas & Mercer and Net Galley! All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.

Mike Omer has done it again with another fast paced, witty, easy read. Even though this is the second book in his series, it could be ready as a stand alone and Omer did a great job of mixing the previous storyline with the new one. This was one of the best police procedural series I have read. I love both Zoe and Tatum. They are engaged and very believable characters. I also enjoyed how the narration goes back and forth between the killer, the fbi agent, the profile, and the reporters points of view. It really gives you a full view of the entire story from every angle. The plot was originally and it was full of twists and turns. I can't wait for the next one to come out!

I received this ARC free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley!

This is the second book in the series, but it appears you can read this one without reading the first. It would obviously be helpful to read the first though.

A video titled "Experiment Number One" has popped up online ou tof nowhere. In this video, you'll see a girl clawing at the ceiling of her own grave. FBI forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley is on the case with her partner Special Agent Tatum Gray. But soon another video pops up and another girl winds up dead.

This is a fast-paced thriller with a unique and intense storyline.

A gripping thriller that doesn't let go. The story is one that preys upon real fears. The ongoing secondary plot is intriguing and being revealed at a brilliant pace. Zoe is one of the most unlikable, compelling characters I have ever read. I keep waiting for the author to reveal that she is on the autism spectrum, it would explain a lot. Tatum is slowly becoming one of my favorite FBI agent characters. And who doesn't love Marvin? His antics and personality add a perfect dose of humor. This is quickly becoming one of my must read series!

This is book two in the Zoe Bentley Mystery series and it is spectacular. Mike Omer does a superb job at balancing the old storylines with the new, making this a great read for both novel and veteran fans alike. Every character has their own breadth that allows the mingling of dialog between the cast feel natural and effective. Omer’s niche to break plot tension with witty sarcasm plays effectively with the ominous atmosphere that he has developed. Zoe and her partner, Tatum, have this natural gravity around them that makes the reader continue to want more. Great read! 5 stars

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #InTheDarkness

Second book in new series met or maybe even exceeded my expectations

SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST BOOK YET

I enjoyed the first book in this series A KILLER'S MIND very much so I wondered if the author could keep the momentum going. And he definitely did.

FBI consultant forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley and FBI Special Agent Tatum Gray are called in to consult on a serial killer case in a small town in Texas. Well, it's not a serial killer case yet. The police have found one woman buried alive - but her burial was videotaped and labeled "Experiment Number 1" so it doesn't seem likely that the killer will stop at one.

Plus Zoe is still dealing with the threat of the serial killer that escaped in the first book and then threatened her sister.

I like this team. Zoe is very blunt (understatement) but seems able to see into the killers' minds. And Tatum is no slouch himself.

There are some definite creepy moments in this book especially if you're claustrophobic like I am. Also, a twist at the end that I didn't see coming surprised me.

Marvin, Tatum's grandfather, is back in book two and he's still a favorite character of mine.

I received this book from Amazon Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

This is a second book in a police procedural series, which can be read without the first one, but I would recommend starting at the beginning to get the full story with the overarching plot.

This second instalment deals with a serial killer burying women alive and I was pleasantly surprised that the author skipped the obvious solution for something actually unexpected.

The series has great mysteries, humor and likeable characters (especially Tatum’s grandfather, he’s too funny). Highly recommend.

I was waiting so patiently for this book to be released! The second installment of a FBI Profiler series, featuring an Agent Zoe Bentley was very intense The storyline is very unique, not your same old serial murderer read. I enjoyed every minute of this book and had to force myself to put it down. Looking forward to book number three!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
#netgalley

I really enjoyed this book.

It was the usual detective story in many aspects. You have a serial killer. There's the FBI working with the local police. You have the suspense of trying to stop the killer before he strikes again.

What I liked about this one was the method of killing was different...it wasn't the usual "carve them up". I also liked the FBI agents, and the relationship between them.

Thanks to Net Galley for an advance copy. That did not affect my review.

In the Darkness is a great thriller that I could not put it down. I loved this book and it was written well.

Absolutely love this series. The author keeps you on your toes. I look forward to see more from this series and author.

FBI forensic psychiatrist Zoe Bentley has got not just one but two killers to worry about. The first, Rod Glover, has been a thorn in her side for years, but now he’s upping the stakes, sending Zoe pictures of himself with her sister. And then there’s the psycho who sent a video of a woman buried alive, titled Experiment number one. You can bet more victims will follow in this high octane crime thriller

This is a really well constructed crime thriller. It has believable characters, a good storyline, and the pacing is spot on. A very addictive read throughout. Can't wait to read more from this author.