Cover Image: When All Light Fails

When All Light Fails

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Member Reviews

Another good one by Randall Silvis! I am a fan of the Ryan DeMarco series because both Ryan and Jayme are very relatable characters. Ryan struggles with depression and guilt and Jayme tries to be supportive but is sometimes frustrated. Silvis always does a good job of advancing the growth and relationships of the characters while giving us a heart-pounding, keep-you-up-at-night thriller. What's not to like?

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I had a really difficult time getting into this book and finally figured out it was the last in a series. I found the main characters interesting and did want to know more about their history which the prior books I'm sure would reveal.
I'm glad I stuck with the book until the end as I found Ryan's inner dialog quite thought provoking. I don't think I can fairly assess the book without having read the others in the series but I did enjoy this one but not so much that I'd want to read the others.

Thanks you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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I've read No Woods As Dark As These by Randall Silvis and absolutely loved it!
So when I seen his newest book When All Light Fails I had to get my hands on it!
So thank you NetGalley Poisoned Pen Press and Author for this advance ebook copy!

This new mystery novel was brilliant. The writing was just amazing. Beautiful actually.
I couldn't put my Kindle down. Might have read in one sitting if I'm being honest here!
I can't tell you how many times I said out loud "WoW"!

Things I liked-
The characters they are complex characters, realistic even!
The writing like I said..... Very well.down, beautifully written.
The story if you enjoy books about murder, action you'll want to read this one!

I'll post to my Goodreads and Bookstagram account closer to pub date!

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OH My. I got this book "When All Light Fails" as a wish at Netgalley. I truly loved everything about the book. Retired police sergeant Ryan DeMarco is shot and dies for a few minutes. He wakes with a beautiful attitude and some knowledge. It has the loss of yet another child, not his. I cannot say enough about this book. It had ways of forcing me to look within myself as well. LOVED IT

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This is my first Randall Silvis novel and is the fifth in the Ryan DeMarco mystery series. It starts with a showdown with what i presume is a character from a previous book and a near death experience for Ryan. The main plot then continues after his recovery when with his partner Jayne, they are hired for what seems a simple paternity case. Unfortunately it turns into a murder investigation and quickly becomes complicated. It is an extremely well written book that deals with DeMarco’s near death experience as a theme throughout. I really enjoyed reading this one and am now going to read the rest of the series!

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The Ryan DeMarco series by Randall Silvis is one of my favorite series being written today. Ryan DeMarco is a character of great depth, intelligence, empathy, kindness, knowledge, and humor. His friendship and loyalty with an interesting and engaging cast of characters is strong and one of the best things about the books - this one in particular as he does a lot of soul searching. Randall Silvis is an amazing writer.

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Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Ryan who is a private investigator. His next case is trying to find the father of a young girl. This book kept me an edge from the first page.

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This book was sent to me
By Netgalley for review on Kindle. I could. It get into this story but others might. Try it.

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I am beyond grateful that the publisher granted my wish to read an arc of When All Light Fails by Randall Silvis. The Ryan DeMarco Mystery series is one of my absolute favorites and this fifth book did not disappoint.

When All Light Fails picks up right at the climactic ending of the last book in the series. After a high tension /emotional beginning the story slows its pace. Ryan DeMarco isn't the angry grief filled man he was in previous books. He's different after his Near Death Experience, he is more at peace and easy going. Yet even his positive outlook is tested throughout the book as he struggles with the case involving a 9-year-old girl that he and Jayme both bond with.

Randall Silvis' writing is as beautiful and seamless as usual. He just has a magical way with words that brings everything he writes to life with perfect clarity. The characters and plot are strong and the crime mystery unfolds at the perfect pace.

I have grown quite attached to Ryan and Jayme, both such passionate and complex characters. Much of the novel focuses on Ryan's life altering near death experience. It has changed him greatly, and he spends a lot of time pondering the meaning of it all. The positive Ryan is a bit of a mystery to Jayme but even though that seems to have created a space between them, he is still supportive and loving with her. His love for her is just so big it makes me emotional thinking of it.

Overall, When All Light Fails is very satisfying. Ryan and Jayme have spent the series struggling and always fighting battles, physical and mental, and now they can finally have a breather. It was a peaceful ending and one I feel our main characters earned.

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Through Net Galley, I was afforded the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of When All Light Fails by Randall Silvis. This is the fifth entry in this consistently entertaining series featuring Ryan DeMarco, former PA State Trooper turned private investigator.

While the mystery is up to the high standards set by earlier DeMarco books, this mystery is secondary to the author’s writings on mortality/mysticism following a the main character’s near death experience. I would advise anyone reading When All Light Fails to read the first four books in the series prior to starting this one, the reader needs to understand/appreciate protagonist’s backstory in order to fully get what is going on in this book.

I’m going to give this one 4 Stars. I still love the characters but The book slows a bit when focusing on DeMarco’s search for meaning after his new par death experience. Still an enjoyable read but perhaps not at 5e same level as the first 4 entries in the series.

My thanks to Net Galley, Poisoned Pen Press and Mr. Silvis for the advance copy.

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Silvis is an experienced author and a good bet if you like mysteries. He writes good plots and creates interesting characters. DeMarco is a good MC as is his partner. This story has some nice twists and is sufficiently complex. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!

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First, a huge thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book! I thought the cover and the title seemed interesting - however,,.I did not realize that it is part of a series. I know if I had read the other books, I would know these characters more, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's got everything from heart stopping action and suspense to a bit of romance and drama. This is pretty good as a stand alone novel, but if you want to fully understand the characters and their back stories and such, I would suggest reading the other books too, along with this one. I'm curious enough myself to check out the others now!

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Quite a good thriller. A story more complex than I was expecting, which is good, and a writing style that I also enjoy a lot. Two majors elements well executed that give us one solid book that I recommend to reader of crime fiction/thriller with more depths!

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Emotionally charged... Ryan Demarco is a changed man since his near death experience. Charged with finding out who fathered a young girl, he finds himself ensnared in a more of deceit and ultimately murder. Another excellent chapter in one of the best Private Investigator series being written these days.

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When all Light Fails in Randall Silvis at his best. Full of suspense and intrigue, this book left me on the edge of my seat trying desperately to pick through the lies. Ryan DeMarco is a character you can't help but root for and his relationship with his partner is engrossing as always. A great read for any one who loves a suspenseful 'who done it' novel.

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I haven't read any of the other books in the Ryan DeMarco series, but that didn't hinder my reading experience in terms of plot.

Although I personally wasn't a fan of the writing/narration, I have no doubt this mystery will engage other readers.

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Fantastic thriller. Kept me on edge of my seat until very end! Thanks to publisher and NetGalley for this read.

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So so beautifully written. Makes you question your belief on life and death it’s so rich on emotion and complex in thought. I. Cannot put in words how much I loved this book ... the writing was so deep and hopeful but so real and hurting. The characters came alive in the pages. Every chapter was a masterpiece on its own. I will cherish every word.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc

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When All the Light Fails by Randall Silvis
Rating: Starred Review

Summary: Series regular DeMarco is shot by a wanted killer and has a near death vivid experience and his good friend is seriously injured stopping the killer. After his recovery DeMarco and Jamie are asked to look into a strange note sent to a local judge that is asking for the judge to claim paternity in a past relationship. Jayme and DeMarco begin looking things are not adding up and Jayme falls for the little girls because her mother is on her death bed.

Comments: Unlike a conventional crime novel Silvis explores more human thoughts and behaviors that wrap around a crime novel. Seriously great writing and is highly emotional reading. I couldn’t put the book down. Highly highly recommended. Silvis is top notch at the top of his game. If you are looking for a James Lee Burke fill, Silvis is your alternative.

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