I read a lot mainly in suspense, mystery, and horror genres, but do get a bit eclectic now and then. This book looked right up my alley, but sadly I just couldn't get into it. If you like books that are very, very heavy on descriptive narrative, then you may enjoy this book. That style of writing doesn't work well for me so I couldn't really get as engaged as I normally would and actually didn't finish it - I ended up skimming over the excessive detail that bogged down the plot flow. I found myself checking back and forth several times because there was so much unnecessary detail I lost the story line. Once it looked liked things were moving, there was nothing unique or new going on, so I eventually gave up.

Maybe this book was just not my thing. I felt that in the beginning Elliot came off as almost aloof and therefore not very likable. I had a hard time getting into the story and it took a lot of unexpected turns, and not necessarily in a good way.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Essence of Darkness by French author Tom Clearlake was quite an adventure. It begins with an FBI investigation in the small town of St. Mary's, Pennsylvania. Special Agent Eliott Cooper is on a case involving the strange disappearance of 5 children between the ages of 3 and 5. In the course of his investigation, he finds a hidden evil in the surrounding woods. What has he found in the woods and what does it mean for him, the missing children, and ultimately life as we know it on Earth? Agent Cooper witnesses an event that will be the catalyst to great change in life as he knows it. After this moment be prepared for a wild ride that is a hybrid of mystery, thriller, suspense, supernatural, religion, and secret organizations. I really want to say more, but I can't because I don't want to spoil anything for readers. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes any of the above genres or who enjoy the talents of authors like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, or HP Lovecraft.

A new author for me and what a sick mind. A mystery thriller well sprinkled with horror. Something has awakened and has designs on the human race. It all starts with abducted children. I literally devoured this book in one sitting. It got my heart racing and gave me goosebumps on my goosebumps. Reminds me of the Necroscope series which I devoured when I was younger. This author has a very furtile and twisted imagination which had me gripped. As the author himself says this is the first of his books to be translated and I can't wait to read more. Please!!!! An easy five stars and so Highly Recommended. A MUST READ for all readers of this genre.
Thanks to Moonlight and Netgalley for the ARC.