Fantastic, even if it was a little scary for me. One day I went to donate blood, and I had the book with me to read while I waited my turn. But when it was my turn, I was turned away because my pulse was racing! Yikes! Well done, Jessica Patch. I felt like I was right there for all the excitement.

Wow! This psychological thriller by Jessica R. Patch captured me from the moment I began reading. The character development is amazing and the depths of the criminal psyche pull you in and don’t let go until the end. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing to the very end. I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

Wow! What a suspenseful story! The plot is filled with shocking and surprising twists and turns. While reading, this one made me pause and listen for noises in my surroundings. Author Jessica R. Patch weaves mystery, danger, faith and love into a great story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

A Cry in the Dark is written by Jessica R. Patch. This can be read as a stand alone - but it's predecessor, Her Darkest Secret is also a good read and you will want to get to know the agents in the Strange Crimes Unit. They investigate ritualistic crimes that have a religious undertone. This book is darker then her normal works, but the author has written a powerful message about God's forgiveness into the story.

Violet Rainwater is a product of a kidnapping. Her mother and grandmother have never really wanted anything to do with her unless it was money. This has left Violet with a lot of walls built up and a lot of anger and hurt. She wants to find the man that is responsible for her being born. She keeps to herself and really does not let anyone in. Her team is summoned to the hills of Kentucky - to investigate murders of women who had their eyes taken out. What she did not count on in is finding connections to her past deep in the hills.

Noone wants to talk to the outsiders. They will lie, cover for each other and send Asa and the team in circles. Even the sheriff's office. However, Violet and Detective John Orlando (whose wife was killed in a similar manor while working undercover) are seeing through their lies. They see everyone as a suspect.

This is an emotional psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I thought everyone was a suspect . This book does touch on trafficking, drinking and premarital sex - but the author handles it with tact and grace.

I am enjoying this series. I love seeing the grittier side of the author. I cannot wait until the next release. You will NOT want to miss this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

What a twisted tale!

While this could be read as a standalone novel, the same FBI Strange Crimes Team introduced in Her Darkest Secret, is involved in solving a new case. This time the FBI investigators head to a Kentucky holler that is incredibly protective of its own and reluctant to trust outsiders.

The primary focus is on FBI Agent Violet Rainwater. She had a traumatic introduction to the world and childhood. She is understandably reluctant to connect with others. However, she's an outstanding agent and a huge asset to the team.

The creepy meter is high on this one. Pages were turning and this reader didn't figure out who the villain was until the reveal. I look forward to learning if this group of FBI Agents will have another novel.

Jessica Patch has written another winner. Fantastic plot that kept me riveted to the book. Could not put this one down a real page turner. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

You know the saying, “Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!”? Well, this disturbingly dark and white-knuckled thriller evokes “killers and stalkers and malevolence! Oh my!” in my mind.

A Cry In The Dark dives deep into Violet Rainwater’s life and backstory. Deep in a holler community of Kentucky, three women have been brutalized and murdered. Violet, her team and a detective named John with past ties to this area are consulted to find the killer of these women. But this community is not what it seems and hides a very dark not-so-secret way of life.

No one is willing to talk. No one is willing to share the entire story. Because when someone in the holler steps out of line, they disappear. Everyone in the holler has a dark side.

As the body count rises, Violet and her team are on a tight timeline to keep the women of this Kentucky holler community from all becoming victims of this sinister serial killer. But has Violet caught the eye of the killer as well? “More like escaping the unseen eyes gazing upon her. Like a force salivating to approach her. Consume her. Devour her.”

Jessica R Patch has a way with diving deep into the disturbing darkness of mankind. Through ninety percent of this thriller, she takes you into one of the most dark sides of humanity. Jessica has such a way with words to make her readers emotionally invested in her characters. So many times I wanted to reach into the pages and hug the hurting and oppressed.

The darkness can almost feel overwhelming, but Jessica always brings the Light in. And what I LOVE is that she shares the message and absolute truth that God does not run from our own darkness. No matter how twisted and disturbed the darkness may be, the darkness runs from Him and the light that He brings.

Jessica, you have such a phenomenal writing gift as well as a much needed perspective into the misconceptions of what I consider the “Americanized” version of Christianity. Please do not stop sharing your gift as well as your message!

*Thank you to Jessica and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. I did not receive and compensation in exchange for this review.*

A Cry in the Dark continues the story of Detective Violet Rainwater, introduced first in Her Darkest Secret. This story is creepy, thrilling, and exhilarating. Set in Kentucky, Violet and John come together with a few agendas and attempt to shut down the Blind-Eye Killer for good. This story has childhood trauma, domestic abuse, and sexual assault triggers, but is also a reminder of God’s purpose and the hope that is found in Him. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Although A Cry in the Dark is a follow up story to Her Darkest Secret by Jessica Patch, it can easily be read as a standalone. A Cry in the dark, as the title eludes, is a dark, intense, creepy, and more often than not, very disturbing story.

Once again, Asa and his team are on the search to find a serial killer before more women are murdered by the person they’ve dubbed the Blind Eye Killer, and trust me, the name is fitting in a way I would
never have expected. This story was well paced and had several twists that totally surprised me. I was glad that Violet was finally able to get some much needed answers to the many questions she had about her conception and birth. The setting of this story was perfectly creepy and perfectly fitting.

This story was, in my opinion, darker and more disturbing than Her Darkest Secret. I wasn’t quite prepared for that, but it is well written, well placed, and definitely keeps you guessing until the very end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 4 stars.

I didn't know this was a follow up to another book. It doesn't say anywhere there is another book. So I was lost on some of the references to things that happened before. It felt like I came in the middle of a story.

Lula is supposed to be 3, but talks and acts much older. With the nurses, why would Ruby let her toddler fo outside alone?? I was confused about that.

The ending was kind of predictable.

Average mystery/thriller read.

Wow! What a dark, scary, suspenseful adventure! An investigative branch of the FBI is sent to rural Kentucky when a serial killer it targeting young women. It had me guessing my theories the whole time. Violet is a fascinating character filled with darkness. John is full of light despite his tragic background. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could! An absolutely fantastic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are many elements of surprise and twists that keep you in suspense! I highly recommend this book!

I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review. A great Christian romantic suspense that kept you guessing who was committing the murders deep in the Kentucky hills. FBI special agent Violet Rainwaters has been led to Night Holler following a serial killer. When she arrives, she realizes that there is more going on in Night Holler than she first expected. Not only are the killings continuing but she uncovers a link to her own past and who her father is. Her only ally in Night Holler is Detective John Orlando who also has an ulterior motive because he believes that this case is connected to his wife’s murder. Their only problem is that people of Night Holler aren’t willing to help. The believe in taking care of their own problems. Will John and Violet catch the serial killer, will John find out who killed his wife and will Violet find out where her father is. Read to find out what happens!

This book was dark and entirely captivating! Plenty to keep you hooked and up reading all night! It's a 5 star read you won't want to miss!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The following is my own opinion. This was the first book I have read from Jessica Patch and it was a great thriller/mystery. I chose this book because it was "that time of year" and it was Christian-based; this book did not disappoint. I liked Violet's character and the romantic tension between her and John. John was a true gentleman who was committed to his faith and respected Violet and where she was in her journey. I liked the creepy setting of the backwoods of Appalachian country and how recluse the community was and how "they handled things their own way." There were a few unexpected twists and turns at the end. One thought I had was I wished more time was given to Violet finding her faith in the dire moment(s). Other than that, a great read with a great Christian message. I will be reading more of Jessica Patch.

This book was intriguing, dark, and riddled with shocking elements that kept me glued to the page. This story really showcased the darkness and depravity of sin and evil and therefore it may not be for every reader. This is a book about a serial killer and there are very descriptive and somewhat graphic scenes that were admittedly hard to read at times. I felt like the moment these characters entered Night Hollow they were engulfed in darkness that just permeated every aspect of their case. There were quite a few characters to keep up with, but they each played an part in some aspect of this plot. There wasn’t a very big romance element in this book, but it definitely wouldn’t have been natural in this setting to really have sparks flying between John and Violet. I wasn’t a fan of Violet. She was hard to like and even harder to identify with, however she was tough and intelligent which made me appreciate her place on the team. I love it when a book keeps me guessing and this one definitely did until the very end. No spoilers, but the conclusion is action packed, shocking, and will definitely keep you tense!

<b> <i>A Cry in the Dark</i> is an intriguing inspirational romantic suspense novel.</b>

<b>Plot at a glance:</b> FBI special agent Violet heads to the Kentucky hills to solve the mysterious and brutal murders of three women. The local townsfolk aren't helping her investigation but luckily Violet can lean on Detective John Orlando for help. When the investigation hits close to Violet's unresolved past, she'll have to look deep within herself if she's going to make it out alive and stop the killer.

While technically a standalone novel, it takes place after <i>Her Darkest Secret</i> and features the same special crimes unit first introduced in that novel.

<b>Recommended for fans of Criminal Minds and Love Inspired Suspense category romances.<b>

<i>Thanks to NetGalley, Love Inspired Trade, and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada) for the chance to read this digital ARC.</i>

After "Her Darkest Secret," I knew the rest of the Strange Crimes books would be auto-reads. I've long been a fan of Jessica R. Patch, but HDS proved her skills are truly next-level. "A Cry in the Dark" takes us into Violet Rainwater's POV, and it does NOT disappoint. Violet's history is revealed from the beginning, but layers of depth and the answers she seeks unfold bit by bit as the novel continues, woven intimately into the case she and the SCU are working to solve and ever present in the back of her mind. Violet's dry and often dark humor adds a layer of light to the dark subject matter, and I appreciated that John understands her in a way even her own team doesn't always get.

It would have been so easy for Ms. Patch to establish a formula after the success of HDS, but I was impressed with the uniqueness of this case and of these characters, as well as the fact that the H/h from the previous book were assigned elsewhere and thus were unavailable for much of Violet's story. It worked well to allow her leadership style to emerge while we still had familiar faces in Tiberius and Owen showing up to help and provide more overt comedic relief. Newcomer John has a painful past of his own that's more directly related to this Kentucky holler than Violet's, but neither of their backstories overshadow the actual work of the case at hand in need of solving.

Everything comes together in a well-paced, high-stakes thriller that keeps the pages turning and the booklight burning late into the night if you make the mistake of picking it up in the dark. (Or in the gym, as I did, only to get thoroughly creeped out when ""I Think We're Alone Now and "I'll Be Watching You" came over the speakers at creepily apt times as I huffed and puffed on the elliptical... Thankfully I survived LOL!) Now I anxiously await Tiberius's book. Keep them coming, Ms. Patch!

Once again Jessica grabs you right from the start, and you can't put the book down. Definitely full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Can't wait for the next one!

A gripping page turner that will have you holding your breath and afraid to turn out the lights! A Cry in the Dark is incredibly well written and just as thrilling as book one in this series. Jessica Patch does such an amazing job writing about darkness in the world but then flooding it with light. Her writing always has me coming back for more!