This was a difficult read. The story is dark and disturbing. At times, I almost gave up, but I had to finish it for review. The FBI is attempting to discover the identity of a serial killer who is one of the worst. His murders are chilling to say the least. The language is too much for me, and I did not care for the plot. All in all, this is just a book that I could not read again. That being said, the reader who enjoys this type of horrendous murder mystery might be fine.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for an advance copy of Into Darkness, the first novel to feature FBI Special Agent Shannon Ames of the New York Bureau.

When reporter Monica Forbes disappears Shannon is sent to assist the NYPD investigation because Monica is not the first. Two weeks before the body of reporter Eva Diaz was found strangled and the FBI suspects a vendetta against the press. Unfortunately Monica is not the last victim and Shannon finds herself in a deadly hunt for the killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed Into Darkness which is an exciting read with plenty of action, twists and turns. There is little new in the plot but it is put together well and is very readable. It is mostly told from Shannon’s point of view but there is a chapter from Monica and a few from a teenager called Josie. I liked the one from Monica as it sets the scene in describing her ordeal, horrible and plausibly organised, this latter adding the chill factor. I’m not sure about Josie’s chapters. They are needed for later plot developments but I can’t help feeling that they give away a little much, allowing the reader to make a few educated guesses.

The plot is non stop action, normally with Shannon in the thick of it. The whole situation is quite clichéd with the physically indestructible agent taking on the Bureau’s wrong thinking and saving the day due her determination and ability to see more clearly than more experienced agents. Whatever, it’s exciting, easy to read and I like escapist fiction.

Shannon Ames is not an easy study. Determined and smart, yes but there’s much more to her and that’s still to be revealed. There is a reserve to her and hints about her past so I’m looking forward to her next outing and getting to know her better.

Into Darkness is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Into Darkness is the story of Shannon Ames, an FBI agent who is adjusting to life in New York City while also working on her first serial killer case. Someone is targeting news reporters. Even though her colleagues initially dismiss her theories Ames keeps working to figure out the motive for the killings. The book is slower in parts but picks up the pace once Ames figures out why the reporters are being targeted. Ames is an interesting character who deserves a second book.

Into Darkness: A Shannon Ames Thriller by T.J. Brearton is a fast-paced, thrilling mystery. Rookie Special Agent Shannon Ames is assigned to a case about one murdered reporter and one missing reporter, and the story takes off on a twisting and thought-provoking ride. Right from the start, the book explodes with action. Shannon is a likable character; she was real and didn’t make any stupid decisions or moves. 

The storyline was interesting and engaging and mirrors a bit of what is happening in the media today with disinformation and taking social responsibility. 

At times, I got irritated with some of the dialogue and the “I mean, I know, Umm, Yeah, Yeah, like …" etc. I know that is how some people talk, but it is distracting when you are reading a book. It became irritating.

All in all, the story and the perpetrator were plausible, and the ending was satisfactory.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

#IntoDarkness #NetGalley