Jessica Patch continues to wow readers with her psychological thrillers about the Strange Crimes Unit. These novels are like romantic suspense on steroids! FBI special agent Violet Rainwater was very mysterious in the first book of the series. In a Cry in the Dark we get both her backstory and a current crime that could be linked. Violet is, of course, called upon to serve with the SCU team to catch the killer and put to bed the mystery that shrouds her past. Detective John Orlando also has a link to the current crime and appears to lend a hand.

Patch sends the reader from cave to treetop from basement to holler in search of a criminal who is murdering women in small town Kentucky. Everyone is a suspect, and no one is safe.

Patch is a go-to read for me and this book did not fail to deliver in intrigue, suspense, and even romance, but one of Patch’s main draws is the element of hope sprinkled throughout her novels. There is hope even in the midst of chaos.

This book can be read as a stand-alone even though characters from the previous book appear in this one.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy psychological suspense or watchers of television shows like Criminal Minds.

I absolutely didn’t guess the reveal and I really enjoyed the book. Good storyline and plot twist. I hope there is a second book coming out to this.

This book totally gave me Criminal Minds vibes! Similar characters, FBI team = found family, loving sarcasm, and sadistic killer cases. The story moved quickly and wasn't incredibly easy to figure out, and a few twists made it even more satisfying to those of us who don't like a simple solution. Readers are privvy to more information than the main character, Agent Violet Rainwater, which made me want to yell at her in warning when things got tense. I loved the slow burn between Violet and Detective John Orlando, and Violet's insecurities about who she is deep down and being her "father's daughter" bring an intriguing amount of seriousness and depth to their budding romance. The case itself is very interesting and the macabre details are perfect for fans of more serious crime and thriller novels. Just an FYI: God and religion are pretty big themes and is a big part of the plot, for those who might be adverse to this topic.

**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for a DRC in exchange for this review.**

I'd heard that Jessica R. Patch was the queen of crime suspense in the Christian fiction genre. A Cry in the Dark is gritty, creepy, intense, and definitely lives up to the author's reputation.

Violet Rainwater is a psychologist on an FBI task force that handles some of the most deviant crimes. She feels called to this work as her life began in trauma - her teen mother was abducted, held captive, raped, and became pregnant. Violet fears that she contains her father's evil nature and an incident from her past haunts her.

The task force is deployed to a small Kentucky town to investigate the brutal murders of three women. Isolated in the Appalachian Mountains, the people of Night Holler have their own form of justice and don't welcome outsiders. As crimes continue to occur, can Violet and her team stop the serial killer?

This story is dark and intriguing, especially as Christian fiction, and content warnings abound. Yet Ms. Patch skillfully weaves in a powerful storyline about faith, bits of humor, and even romance. I really appreciate when Christian fiction characters deal with messy and awful aspects of life, just as people of faith face terrible events in their lives, and this is a great example. While this plot includes some horrible crimes, it is ultimately hopeful.

Thank you to Love Inspired Trade and NetGalley for the review copy. I will definitely read more novels by this author.

Jessica R. Patch has written an amazing, well written psychological thriller that shines light on the darkness of the world we live in. The faith element keeps the book from being too dark because it gives hope for the future. If you like Criminal Minds, you’ll like this book. This story follows Violet Rainwater of the FBI SCU South Division to the hills of Kentucky. A small town called Night Hollow but pronounced Night Holler is experiencing strange and scary murders. Violet partners with John Orlando of the Memphis PD Missing Persons Unit to uncover the reasons behind the murders as well as who is killing women in Night Hollow. This storyline is gritty and delves into the mind of a serial killer. The faith element runs throughout the story as a gentle and calming presence. There's a hint of romance. Twists and turns keep the reader wanting to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book.
I received and ARC of this book from NetGalley. There was no requirement for a good review. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

I read this book a while ago, but I never got a chance to review it because I had too many deadlines to meet at the time. So, I've returned to give this a somewhat proper review because I've read many books since this one, and my memories are getting a bit fuzzy.

I remember that this follows an FBI group of investigators that work on strange crime scenes. Each of the members has a unique talent that he or she brings to the table to make them a great team. This story is told through the perspective of Violet, who is the team's profiler. The group is investigating the disappearance of several "holler" women in the hills of Kentucky. Yes, I had to look up what "the holler" meant. I'm from the deep south where the land is flat and marshy, so holler is not a word we typically use. Anyways, I digress. So, while the team tries to solve this mystery, Violet also gets rattled because somehow this investigation is reminding her of a former serial killer that she's dealt with as well as her own mysterious past. There are some gruesome details and major creep vibes happening in this story, so fair warning. I thought it was well-written, and it honestly reminded me of an episode of a show you'd watch on the ID channel. This is a compliment as I can never get enough of those shows! Finally, I want to add that the author did a nice job of adding the discussion of faith, and how having faith can ultimately save you and set you free from your own internal demons or sins.

I also want to note that I read in reviews that this book is actually the second in a series. I was unaware of this when I read it, and it worked perfect as a stand alone. Since then, I've learned that this book is more of a spin-off from another title called Her Darkest Secret. Either way, I'm quite interested in reading that one now too because I'd like to know more about the other characters from the investigative team.

Cheers to a pretty good murder mystery set in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky!

This was a good follow up to the last book. Showing off a different character. I enjoyed. Will keep reading the series.

I received a complimentary copy and this review is purely my own.
A Cry in the Dark is a good inspirational suspense book.
It is an easy read and it has mystery and it's set in Kentucky.

If you like all those criminal investigation shows you will love this book!!! Shows are good but when you have a book of investigation work it is 10x better. this book will keep you guessing till the end , you. Won’t want to put it down and it will leave you wanting more and make you think how truly sick dark and twisted people are. But i love how it shows how Gods mercy and love is amazing and how he is always with us in a troubles darkest times .

Once again this author gives us a fast paced, page turning, edge of your seat thriller! She nailed the tidbits and accuracy of life and loyalty in the hollers of the Appalachian mountains. Violet’s past comes out and we discover all the secrets. There was a good amount of mystery and suspense as the team tries to beat the murderer. I want to gush all about it but that will give spoilers! Violet and John had great interactions while each tried to figure out the mysteries of their past. John’s is heartbreaking as he discovers the truth, but the hope throughout it all is wonderful. I loved it and it will be a bookshelf keeper.

Someone is killing women in a bizarre manner in a holler in Kentucky. It's up to Violet and the team to catch the killer and prevent more devastation to this tight-knit and tight-lipped community.

Jessica writes one of her best works with A Cry in the Dark. The story was woven tightly so that there isn't really room for fluff. More than that, this story goes beyond whodunit. Jessica writes about the myriad of ways we are broken and how broken people hurt people. But there is always hope and healing.

It has been a minute since I have read a book this good, this thrilling, with such an amazing message of hope and love at its center. A book that reminds us that even through all the bad, there is still hope.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for this digital advanced reading copy of A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch. Every time I get approved for an ARC I feel like I won the lottery or something lol I'm such a dork!

Check out this amazing book, you will not regret it. I give it a solid 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. There are some triggers, like visual representations of murder, domestic violence, etc.

This is also a Christian novel❤️ Total plus for me 😊I love how she was able to balance it all out in a way that you would enjoy reading the novel, whether you are Christian or not.

So good! But don't take my word for it, go check it out 😉 Keep in mind that everyone has different tastes, and you may not like it as much as I did, but that's okay and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Happy Reading ❤️

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch follows FBI special agent Violet Rainwater who was introduced in Her Darkest Secret where a special FBI group investigated the Nursery Rhyme Killer. This time the group heads to Kentucky deep in Night Hollow or the Holler as the locals call it. They are investigating The Blind Eye Killer or BEK because he takes the eyeballs out of his victims (women) & sews their eyes shut. As the team investigates they keep running into the ol' same problem. No one wants to talk because the Holler takes care of its own & they insist "they" will figure the killer and take care of them. Along for the ride, is Detective John Orlando. He thinks this case is connected to his wife's murder a few years. Both Violet and John are searching for something as they investigate the BEK. She's looking for her "father," who abducted her mom and several women years ago and made them have his babies. She's always on the search. She won't give up until she finds him like John won't give up until he uncovers who murdered his wife. As they work together, John starts to see something in Violet that he never thought he'd have again. Violet also starts to slowly thaw that ice around her heart and feelings start creeping in. Will the agents crack the case in time before other girls get murdered? It's a crazy mad creepy twisted whodunit that you won't want to miss (just make sure you read it during the daytime).
I really enjoyed this book. If you love true crime like I do then you will definitely love this book too. Jessica R Patch can really look into sick twisted characters and wrap them up in beautiful storylines that will leave you feeling hope and redemption. As with most Love Inspired Suspense, you know they are faith based. But unlike other Love Inspired Suspense books her stories tend to really explore the darkest recesses of the mind. I like how this is like a true crime story with a happy ending and God's love shining through. We don't usually get that in real true crime. I'm looking forward to reading about the other team members. I can't wait to find out who's next. I was given a copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

This was a real page turner of a thriller. From the very beginning it grabs you and pulls you into the story of a young woman who was conceived in the most horrible way. From a life that is not filled with any kind of love. But from a fear. A fear that she will be just like "him."

Violet is a detective with a group who goes all over the place to solve the strangest of cases. A lot of them are serial killer/religion based crimes. She's working hard to prove that she is a good person despite everything she's been taught. Her life was not a good one and she was constantly reminded of her background. Where she came from. Who her father was. That she was just like him or would be. Can she prove that to be false? Can she make herself believe that she deserves to be loved. That she is not a monster.

John is working on the Blind Eye Murders with Violet and the whole team. They are called to the hills of Kentucky. To the Night Hollows(hollers) after three young women are found in a cave brutally murdered with their eyes removed. John is convinced that his wife was killed by the same murderer. He also is very attracted to Violet.

There are many secrets in the Hollows. They take care of their own. At least that is what they say. I think some do and then you have the ones that are only out for themselves. The cold hearted ones. Those you better look out for. They will hurt you. They will stop you at all costs. They are the "religious" ones. While I don't believe in all the religion aspects of this book it did make it way more interesting when trying to figure out who did it. Who the killer was. I was way off. I really thought I had it all figured out but I was so wrong. I was shocked when I finally read who it was and what he had done and why.

There are quite a few twists and turns in this book and quite a lot going on. Drug runners. Prostitution. Murder. Serial killing. Rape(though not explicit). Even a love story in the making if you will. John and Violet. I rooted for him to break her icy exterior. Melt her heart. Help her see that she was so worthy of love.

Thank you #NetGalley, #JessicaRPatch, #Harlequin, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Five huge edge of your seat stars.

A fast-paced psychological thriller! A story set deep in the hollar of Kentucky with many twists and turns that keep you guessing. Ms. Patch adequately captures the leeriness often found in backwood communities where strangers are not welcome. Her vivid descriptions help you to visualize the story as if you are living it.

Relatable characters and a chilling storyline keep you reading long into the night while also making you look over your shoulder. Jessica Patch is now another one of my must read authors! I can’t say enough good things about this book!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.*

This book is a sequel but can be read out of order. In this book, Violet finds her team and herself going to the deep hollers of Kentucky to try to solve the murders of young women who have been murdered by the Blind Eye Killer. Violet realizes that the small town she arrives in isn't quaint but is full of suspicious people who have their own way of handling business.

During the investigation, Violet and her team, who specialize in Strange Cases, of detectives are dealing with a deranged killer who is using their religious beliefs to go after young women in their town. There is a lot of religious talk about how people use their beliefs for excuses to do bad things, but the author does a great job to show how religion can also show the light to people as well.

This book deals with heavy topics such as human trafficking, murder, violence against women, and drug trafficking, but also speaks about the importance of religion, love, friendship, and forgiveness. While I don't believe this book is for everyone, I do believe people who enjoy detective thrillers from a psychological standpoint would highly enjoy this book. I loved all of it!

Interesting characters, intriguing plot and lots of suspense made this a great story. The faith element was very inspiring and I was interested in how shared faith would help some characters.

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.
This is a complicated story that has a lot twists and turns. John and Violet have pasts that they are trying to put behind them. Violet has never felt love and knows nothing about being part of a normal family. John had a wife who never wanted a child and went undercover weeks after their child was born. Then she was killed. This story brings them together. As they search for a murderer, they discover they might be searching for the same person who destroyed their past.

This is a good mystery that I recommend to all.

I was given this book by Love Inspired via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch gives us just a snapshot of some of the horrific evil in this world. The book also gives readers hope in that no matter our past, our circumstances, or regrets, or our lack of love there is One who reaches in and holds out hope. Hope of a better future and restoration and eventual judgment (maybe not in our lifetime) for the wrong doers in our lives.

Violet Rainwater was introduced in Her Darkest Secrets as part of a special investigative team that focuses on strange crimes. The villains are creepy, sometimes hidden right in front of us, and the suspense is high in this book. There is a lot happening in this small holler in Kentucky to keep Violet and her co-workers on their toes.

But right alongside the darkness, light shines in. Sometimes it comes in the form of a revelation of one of the characters. Others it comes from another person. And one of the best things about light is that even the smallest bit permeates the dark. The more lights that build, the more the darkness retreats until all that is left is light.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Set deep in the hills of Kentucky, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.
Investigators come in to try and solve the mystery but are hampered by the local folk of Night Holler.
They have their own ways and their own laws.
And no one is talking…

FBI special agent Violet Rainwater is persistent and determined to catch this serial killer who possesses a twisted agenda. Violet is aided by Detective John Orlando., but even John has his own ulterior motive. You see, he is convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder. 

Violet also has her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to locate the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Only then maybe she can find peace. Given her father.’s genes, Violet us terrified she might be like him.

This is a chilling tale as the present knocks heads with with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss. Their investigation must unravel the sick and twisted connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s will finally uncover her roots.

Violet is a tough and determined female, whose entire life has been hard and devoid of human love, so much so that she doesn’t even believe that God could love her.

A Cry In the Dark is a compelling thriller with a spiritual thread woven into the mystery.
This is a well written, gritty psychological thriller that will consume the reader from the beginning.
I highly recommend!