Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this arc.

Jesse have a very traumatizing childhood and this surely lead to some issues when she become an adult. The way she handles things is very relatable and as well as her obsession to the singers. Avid fans as they say. There’s a lot in her that was misinterpreted and the book gave her justice, the overall outline and suspense are good. I really enjoyed reading it.

Jessie Duval had a rough childhood in the foster care system. The only thing that made things bearable for her was the music of two country music stars. In her eyes, they had the perfect life and were the perfect family that she wished to be a part of. Jessie ends up following them on tour and eventually is arrested for stalking. After serving time she tries to get her life together by working for a catering company. But when she works a party and her idols show up to the party,Jessie is panicked. When one of them ends up murdered, Jessie is the prime suspect. Jessie doesn’t think she would harm anyone. Or would she? This book was a slow start for me. I wish it’d had more dialogue and less of Jessies in her own head thoughts. But the mystery surrounding what really happened amps up towards the end. Quick read for someone looking for a distraction right now!

I wanted to support R.J Jacobs when I heard he had a new book coming out. I have his previous novel, And Then You Were Gone, on my bookshelf but I haven’t gotten to it yet. So, going in I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as writing style, twist, and character development. I had a feeling that I would enjoy it. That feeling was correct!

I love a good psychological thriller and this was just that. The chapters were well written and the page length was perfect. Our main character, Jessie, develops pretty early on letting the reader know of her past. I constantly was questioning the well being of the main character and what was really going on with Shelley. While we have secondary characters that are privileged and unlikeable but I feel that strengthens the connection to the main character more. This book addresses trauma and obsession. When going through a trauma Jessie held onto the music from the Owens and in her mind it saved her, which is a big reason for her obsession. I felt so bad for Jessie throughout the book and just wanted to give her pop tarts and orange peanut butter crackers! The book also made me miss Nashville by all the references to the city. Overall, the story was entertaining and will keep you on the edge of your seat! This was a great book by a great author. Highly recommend to the thriller fans!

Jesse Duvall endures a horrible past that was in no way her fault. The only things that kept her going was her idolization of country music stars Shelly & Owen. Her obsession with them lands her in prison for a short while and when she’s out her life consists of a therapist, being by herself and working for a catering company. Jesse lives this job and excels at it until she works a graduation party, and who are two of the guests but Shelly & Owen. Not only that but her boss tells her they’re catering a large party at their house next week.
Interesting premise, though the writing lagged at times. It’s hard not to feel sorry for Jesse, her past and her continued naiveness.

This was a fast paced read that will have you guessing until the end.

I was looking for something to read that would give me a reality escape and this book was the answer! I loved that the author gave us a backstory right away. It helped me understand the character much more. While this was a highly enjoyable read for me, there were some parts that lagged and some parts that felt rushed. It wasn’t enough to take away from the story and the story ended up finding its way. There are some really good twists and I like that I couldn’t figure out who did it. I was so engaged in the story that I didn’t put it down once. I HAD to know how it would end!

This is a great thrilling suspense filled read! Somewhere in the Dark is my first R.J. Jacobs read. I enjoyed his writing style and look forward to reading more. I give this 4 stars.

I enjoyed this book. Lots of intense emotions. As people in this world we all have different realities. This story really brought that message home. Nice character development and full of how our lives compare and contrast each other.

Jesse had a difficult life. Foster homes and a year in darkness took their toll. Regardless, with the help of a sympathetic therapist, Ms. Parsons, Jesse is coping. Along with therapy and a catering job with a friendly crew to work with - she is somewhat a part of Nashville's everyday life.

She had become violent at times in her life. This along with her obsession of country rockers Shelly and Owen.
Couple this with a whole lot of jealousy on Jesse's part - and she had ended up serving time, earlier.

While on a catering job who does Jesse run into?

A great, fast read that I recommend for those who span a number of genres.

Many Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a very good read!

I wish I had some good concrit for this, but all I can really say is that it was a smart, fast read. Despite her difficulties, Jessie was a very relatable, sympathetic character, and I enjoyed spending time with her as she navigated a tough world.

Jessie has had a troubled past, her obsession with singer Shelly James got her into big trouble once. But that’s ll over now, and Jessie is living a happy and successful life. Then she discovers that she will have to work an event that Shelly James will be at; she knows she scared Shelly before, but she’s different now. Still, when the singer is found murdered, police consider Jessie their number one suspect. In order to prove her innocence, Jessie will have to enter Shelly’s world and find the real killer. Jacobs plays a good cat and mouse game, leaving readers wondering…did she or didn’t she?

After a childhood full of neglect, Jessie Duval has finally got it together, an apartment in Nashville and a job with a catering company, she is finally thriving. All that changes when Jessie works an event where celebrities will be in attendance, including singer Shelly James, the one person from her past she must avoid at all cost.

Jessie doesn't hate Shelly, quite the opposite. One summer, she followed Shelly's tour everywhere. Shelly wasn't flattered tho, she was terrified by Jessie, especially after Jessie was arrested. But after a year of therapy, Jessie understands what happened. She's not the same person anymore.

Jessie does what she can to avoid Shelly and do her job, but when Shelly is found dead, Jessie's troubled past comes tumbling out and she quickly becomes the main suspect in the high profile murder. As the police close in on her, ignoring other credible leads, Jessie realizes she is the perfect scapegoat for Shelly's murder. It will be pinned on her unless she finds the real killer. And no one knows Shelly's life and inner circle better than her. But she will have to go deeper if she wants to find the truth.

I finished this book an afternoon because I couldn't put it down, I needed to find out "who dunit?" I have heard of this author but this is the first book I have read of theirs, this was an interesting story and I loved the premise. I'd give it 4-4.5 stars.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.