You'll need to take several deep breaths while reading author Jessica R. Patch's newest, A Cry in the Dark.
We met FBI Agent Violet Rainwater in Her Darkest Secret, helping to bring down the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Violet is now, with the rest of the team, on the hunt in a backwoods Kentucky mountain town - the holler - for the Blind Eye Killer (BEK). A sick, twisted person is abducting and killing "holler girls", and there is good reason for the nickname given to this monster.
While Violet is battling roadblock after roadblock - the holler hates outsiders and won't help the agents - she's also battling inner demons. She's searching for her "father", really the man who abducted and impregnated her mother, the man who broke her mother's spirit, and caused her mother to raise Violet with condemnation and without love.
Joining the FBI team is Detective John Orlando, a widower of several years, convinced these recent killings are tied to the murder of his wife, a DEA agent who had been deep undercover in the holler.
As they search for the BEK, John tries to slowly but surely crack the rock-solid emotional shell Violet has built around herself. Can John make her see that there is a light only the Lord can bring to her inner darkness? Can Violet realize she needs to only reach out to the hand the Lord never stops offering? Speaking of light...leave it on while you read this one deep into the night.
I can't wait to find out which team member the next book will focus on. You'll be excited to find out, too! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

Y’all. I devoured this book. It has Criminal Minds vibes, with Truth making it’s way to the characters. It kept me guessing the entire time. And then when I thought I had it figured out, surprise! A Cry in the Dark truly highlights the dark side of humanity. But it also shows how God’s love shines through that darkness when you cry out to Him.

A Cry in the Dark is not for the faint of heart! The title of this novel is perfect as a reflection of so many things from this novel, whether referring to the cry of an infant from a dark basement, the cry of a woman trapped and blinded, or the cries from the hearts of those in a community that is blanketed in a warped spiritual darkness.

A Cry in the Dark is book two for the Strange Crimes Unit, South Division, and follows the same team from Her Darkest Secret, with the addition of Detective John Orlando. However, you can easily pick up this book without having read the one before it.

In both of these novels there have been some things that really impressed me as a reader. These were: the ability to keep me guessing up until the big reveal, complex main characters who had to work through their emotional and psychological issues throughout the investigation, and a faith journey that was not easily undertaken by a character but organically flowed throughout the story. As a reader who loves a romantic thread in the storyline, I felt that the connection that grew between John and Violet was perfectly woven in, complementing the story and working to help guide Violet to an understanding of her value as a person that was created by God.

This is a book that should be read with the lights on and not late at night, for sure! I am excited to continue reading more books in this series as they release! And although I had an ebook copy of this novel, I actually listened to the audio version, as I did for book one, and enjoyed the wonderful narration that was done for both of these novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com/2023/03/08/review-a-cry-in-the-dark-by-jessica-r-patch/

After reading "Her Darkest Secret", I was looking forward to getting to know Violet more through her own story. A strong character who has been through the ringer with a traumatic childhood, she keeps an ongoing investigation on what happened to her mother and who her father is in hopes of figuring out who she is. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of writing about Violet's journey and her difficulty accepting that God could love her, after all she had been through.
When a series of bizarre murders leads her and the team to the hills of Kentucky, things get really weird. There are some triggers with the story, as it deals with difficult subjects. While it was hard to put down, it is a very dark story that is fairly creepy. That said, it really keeps the mind going, trying to figure out what is going on in the small town. Pick this book up when you have plenty of time on your hands, since it was hard to put down!
I received this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

A Cry in the Dark is the newest psychological thriller by Jessica Patch. This book has all the creepy vibes and will keep you guessing until the end. There are several potential suspects and just when I thought I had it figured out, the author threw in another twist which she does so well . This is a must read for lovers of shows like Criminal Minds.

This book along with the first in the series really highlights the author's ability to take readers deep into the depravity of this world in order to demonstrate a need for faith in Jesus who offers hope and a light in the darkness.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Jessica R. Patch is a master at writing Christian psychological suspense. This book is very dark at times, but out of the darkness comes hope that can only be found through Christ.

Violet is a very complex character; I have wanted to know more about her ever since being introduced to her in the first book of this series. I loved seeing her inner struggles as she learned that we are more than our past or our genetics.

One of the things I look for when reading mystery/suspense is if I can figure out who is behind it all before the big reveal. I was able to figure out most of it, but I was still kept guessing at times.

This book can be read as a standalone, but I would strongly suggest reading Her Darkest Secret first. A Cry in the Dark is very intense and we do see some of the worst sides of humanity. If you are triggered by rape or abuse, this book is definitely not for you. It is dark, but Patch uses it to point us to the Light.

I have to admit that I usually read books that are romance or romantic suspense until I started reading Her Darkest Secret by Jessica Patch and then this one which is her second book like that. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I just could not put this book down.

Jessica Patch has a way of writing that draws you in and keeps you immersed in her characters and a great story line. I would recommend that you read this book and see what you think. I can't wait for her next book to come out.

Wow!  A Cry in the Dark is a follow-up to Her Darkest Secret by Jessica Patch.  It works well as a standalone.  This is Violet Rainwater's story, wrapped around a very tight, tension filled page turner of a serial killer investigation.

FBI Agent Violet Rainwater and the Strange Crimes Unit head to Kentucky to investigate the murder of three young women.  It's a close knit area,no one is talking and the place is downright creepy. There's some great atmosphere here in these early pages that made me want to keep reading while I was totally creeped out.  That was terrific.

I really was intrigued with Violet in Her Darkest Secret and I still think she's a terrific character. She doesn't mess around and I adored her forthright and often courageous manner. But what is most important is her own personal story, which is revealed in detail as there are connections here in the "holler" for her.  There's so much emotion here.  There's a bit of a friendship to something-more happening here for Violet as well, in the form of John Orlando who is recovering from his own past pain. 

There's just so much to this story.  It's rich with emotion and it's a terrific crime thriller with a very exciting and action packed conclusion. Everyone is a suspect and anyone who is talking is probably telling lies. I don't want to reveal too much because part of what I loved about this was how the story was revealed. This was a page-turner from start to end. I could not put this down.

So overall, I recommend A Cry in the Dark and it's companion Her Darkest Secret.  One of the best suspense / thrillers I've read in 2023.

I almost quit reading, lots of creepy people in one town, violence, women being raped(no details) drug running, prostitution, and serial killer.

The crimes in this story are very disturbing - It was gritty and dark - not for the faint of heart. The twists and turns will never have you guessing who dun it’s, didn't figure out who the villain was until the reveal. The tension and conflict in this story were well placed.

I appreciate the strong faith element woven throughout the story, it effectively highlights the need for the Gospel and a Savior in our darkest moments.

If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, you will love it

While this could be read as a standalone novel, the same FBI Strange Crimes Team from her previous book is introduced here.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

A bit darker than my usual reading fare. I almost quit reading after the first chapter. I am glad I decided to give it another chance. Lots of creepy people in the holler. Who really is the bad guy? It kept me guessing and not trusting anyone. The main couple with the hint of romance helped soften the story and made it more appealing to me. The biblical reference to dark and lovely did trip me up at times. My understanding of "dark" means a person of color, not evil. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

WOW!!! This is the second of Jessica R. Patch's books that I've read, and can I just say this girl knows how to write a thriller! It has just the right amount of creep along with a moving spiritual thread, deep friendships, a painful family relationship, and a touch of romance. This story hits all the right notes to create a thrilling masterpiece! Perfection!

Violet has had a really difficult life and her greatest desire is to find her biological father and know for certain that she's nothing like him. When the case she and her team are currently working on leads her to a place where her past confronts her present, she has two cases on her plate. Violet is a must-love character. She's one of those who pushes people away because she has so much hurt in her past. But when push comes to shove, she must see justice prevail.

Each of the supporting characters are fabulous as well. Their relationship with each other is tight, familial, and what most people crave from friendships...and if you're lucky coworkers.

Jessica R. Patch definitely proves that her talent knows no bounds. And I cannot wait to read whatever comes next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This sequel focuses on the mysterious Agent Violet Rainwater who made brief, but pivotal, appearances in the earlier book, Her Darkest Secret. If there is a perfect book cover, this novel carries it. Kudos to the designers at Love Inspired. The imagery of falling rain, falling tears, and combinations thereof appears throughout the story, echoing both Violet's surname and the book's title. The crimes that bring Violet and her fellow investigators to the Kentucky hills are gruesome, so fair warning--this thriller is not for the faint of heart. In addition to trying to solve the murder investigation, Violet is also searching for answers about her own tormented past. John Orlando, a detective specializing in missing people and a minor character in Her Darkest Secret, is searching too. The killings are eerily similar to the violent death of his wife four years prior. Together John and Violet plumb the darkness in the investigation and in themselves. Will they solve the murders before more lives are lost, including their own?

Jessica R. Patch is another new-to-me author, therefore I haven't read the previous novel in this series, Her Darkest Secret, so it took me some time to figure out the relationships between the featured characters, but, what took even longer was dealing with my reaction to all the triggers in this novel, and they kick off right at the very beginning of the prologue. If you have issues with kidnapping, rape, torture, domestic violence, and some of the most gruesome and lurid crime scenes since Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal, this is most definitely not the book for you. However, if you can handle the triggers, A Cry in the Dark is one of the most suspenseful, multi-layered, tense and intriguing thrillers I've read in some time, and it gets 4 stars from this reader.

The main character in this novel is Violet Rainwater, product of her mother, Reeva's, abduction by a serial religious lunatic at age 15, her long captivity in a dark basement with other victims, her rape, and her being forced to have her abductor's child. Her mother never recovered, never wanted her, never loved her, and repeatedly told her that she was her father's daughter. Violet's grandmother agreed. Violet heard it so many times that she believed it. It's what led to her career in law enforcement as a menber of the Strange Crimes Unit, her trust issues, her fear of relationships, and her thought that her mother might just be right about her.

When Violet's team is called to Night Hollow (pronounced "holler") in the Kentucky hill country after 3 bizarre and hideously murdered and mutilated trio of female corpses are found in a cave, her team heads there at once. What's clear when they get there is that none of the locals want anything to do with strangers, especially if they're in law enforcement. What's also clear from the get-go is that there's a biblical connection to these murders, but since the locals don't want the team there, preferring their own brand of justice, almost everyone in the holler becomes a suspect, and there are more than a few red herrings thrown in to really confuse the reader, but they do keep you hooked throughout the novel. It's one heck of whodunit, especially when Violet suspects that her birth father may just be one of them.

My only issue with this novel is the way the author pushed her Christian belief system. I have no problem with talk of G-d or the Bible, but I did have a problem with it being treated as Violet's only road to salvation. I'm not a Christian, and my faith doesn't subscribe to the practice of proselytizing, nor does it promise salvation, and, quite frankly, I didn't think the proselytizing was at all necessary to the plot of this novel.

However, proselytizing aside, Ms. Patch has written one taut, suspenseful thriller, with a bit of romance thrown in, and I loved her attention to detail, to character development, and to the fact that I couldn't help but try to figure out this excellent whodunit, which kept me guessing to the very end. If you can deal with all the triggers, I think you'll be just as hooked as I was, trying to solve these grisly murders and catch the culprit.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

WOW! What a ride! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's full of suspense, drama and twists and turns. Once you start reading this book you won't be able to put it down. I loved it! This book is not for the faint at heart and it's definitely not a book to start reading at bedtime. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, you will love it. Grab this book, lock your doors and windows and settle in for a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. This book deserves more than 5 stars!
I received a complimentary copy from HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada) and Jessica R. Patch via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this story, even though it is darker than I normally read. I solved part of the mystery, but didn't see some of the twists until they were revealed. The writing was really good, and the characters were likeable and just a good story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica Patch kept me up all night reading. Talk about a suspense story!  Violet Rainwater (readers met her in Her Darkest Secret) is working a case with the Strange Crimes Unit and the team winds up in a middle of nowhere mountain town. A serial killer is targeting women, and no one in the town will talk. But Violet has secrets of her own and has been on the hunt for her own father. When the two cases intersect, Violet turns to detective John Orlando. Together they try to find out the truth and stop a serial killer as more women keep disappearing.

Jessica Patch knows how to write intense and twisted stories. I love the fast-paced nature of the story, but readers get to dive deep into Violet’s past with her. She comes face to face with her own demons and her growing feelings for John. He’s an amazing character too! Strong enough to stand by Violet and not tell her what to do but help her come to her own conclusions about her issues.

The crimes in this story are intense (read: might not be for the faint of heart readers), and there’s plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book for suspense fans who like psychological thrillers.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R Patch is an awesome book. Even tho when I read a bit of it, I didn’t think I’d like it. Once I got past that small part I couldn’t put it down. There were so many suspects that you didn’t know who the killer was and it had a surprise ending. Be sure to read this book. Jessica is in my group of favorite authors.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book given to me by the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica Patch is a Christian thriller with a romantic thread. She totally had me stumped as to who was the killer. The author did a phenomenal job of creating a cast of characters; which included several that were suspect.

This is the first time in a while I was extremely tempted to call in sick to finish a book. If you enjoy a thriller this one is highly recommended. It was gritty and dark but I was able to read it without getting disturbed. But this is about as dark as I can read.

I am thrilled when an author can create such shocking plot twists and keep me guessing till the end. I liked Violet’s character and I LOVED John. I think Ty’s story will be next and I cannot wait.

Sexual content – see violence
Violence – women were raped in the past– no details, prostitution, serial killer
Drugs/alcohol – drug running,

Deep in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, young women are being targeted by a serial killer. When the FBI is called in to investigate, Special Agent Violet Rainwater and her team search for answers. However, the locals have their own ways of delivering justice and aren't keen on letting outsiders in on their close-guarded secrets.
Even as avid readers of romantic suspense, it was definitely surprising to find such a serious crime topic for this novel. While we love a good murder mystery, the disturbing storyline didn’t fit with our natural inclination to sit back and relax with a good book. It had a dark and ominous feel that left us unsettled.
However, Patch did an excellent job of keeping us in suspense and waiting until the final pages to learn the identity of the true villain. She has created a story that portrays the darkness of sin and the light that comes from a relationship with God.

We received an advance copy through NetGalley. This is our honest review.

Whoa. Let me just start there. Seriously. I finished A Cry in the Dark a half hour ago and I'm still reeling. This dark thriller hits all the right notes of chilling atmosphere and creepy setting while being written in such a way that the author brings you deep into the holler and takes you on a desperate ride for truth and justice. More than that, though I could go on all day about the sheer brilliance of the enchanting writing style that gave me goosebumps, there are strong threads of faith and hope woven throughout the story. Violet has not had an easy life. She's desperate and sometimes scary, even--maybe especially--to herself. John is the epitome of the strong and silent type, and I loved his and Violet's dry wit and the small bits of levity that the author brought to the story. This book just put Jessica R. Patch onto my auto-buy list.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.