This is a really cleverly plotted and completely captivating thriller of a book. It’s a little different to many of the genre, being a mix of mystery, thriller and crime novel.

The second in a new series, by an author who is only a recent find for me, this book can be read as a standalone, but I personally read the first one in the series beforehand, and it really gives a greater insight into the characters if you do so. Blake and Byron are fascinating characters, with complex backstories, and the development of the relationship between them is very intriguing and builds with each novel.

The focus in this book is quite different to the previous one, and we delve into the world of the homeless. It’s an insightful and gripping book, and very hard to put down.

Full of tension and twists, this book will completely draw you in, I’d recommend it for anyone looking for a compelling novel with a difference. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

When Shannon dies being of no fixed abode & reeking of booze Blake finds that hard to believe. Her friend had been on the wagon for a long time, she had an apartment & worked to help the homeless. Shannon had been looking for a young homeless girl that seemed to have disappeared so Blake decides to take up her quest. A homeless charity does not seem to be as charitable as it appears.
When she meets up again with Detective John Byron after the events six months ago (told in The Last Time She Died) they end up working from different angles.

This was an enjoyable read, highlighting the plight of the homeless- no it is NOT a "Lifestyle Choice" It was nice to catch up with Blake & Byron & I look forward to their next outing. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Wow, what a book! I started it and was hooked - just could not stop reading. Fast paced, brilliantly written, incredibly gripping. A stand out thriller.

The Girl in the Dark | Zoë Sharp | ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Murder Mystery? Yeah.
A gritty, grisly, bloody, heart-thumping murder mystery!
But, oh my, it's so much more!

In all its page-turning glory, The Girl in the Dark, seems so real and authentic, it reads almost like a true-crime documentary.

Ex-con Blake and ex-copper Byron join forces to explore and expose London's dark under-belly, dirty cops, institutional corruption, exploitation of the poor and the homeless and solve multiple murders and disappearances of people, otherwise dismissed and disowned by our socio-political structure.

It indeed is a jaw-dropping, edge of the seat crime thriller, but add to that layers of intrigue, nasty corruption and a subtly strong empathetic voice in support of the ignored and the hapless, that makes you question our basic morals and the value of life and the dignity of disadvantaged fellow human beings.

I read it in a day, and though this is perfect as a standalone, I am going back to the previous book of the Blake-Byron universe, because this thirst needs further quenching.

Thanks @authorzoesharp for this gem!

This second book in the Byron and Blake series can be read as a standalone. It has many twists and turns and is quite long (could have been a tad shorter in my opinion). I thoroughly enjoyed it, if you are a fan of police procedures, you will love it. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #TheGirlintheDark #NetGalley

It always takes me a wee bit to get into this series but once I’m in I can’t stop. I need this slow burn part to amp up…please. 😉

I’m a fan of both Byron and Blake also Lex intrigues me. I’m interested to see where the series is going.

The Girl in the Dark is book two in the Blake and Byron Thrillers. The series is written by Zoë Sharp. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. Since I did not read the first book, I did not have any issues following along. The book drew me in within the first few pages and is packed full of action and suspense.

Blake has come from some sad circumstances, she was helped out and off the streets by Shannon. When Shannon is found abandoned on the side of the road, Blake wants justice for her friend. She owes her so much. She finds out that Shannon was searching for someone or something. Could it all be tied together.

Blake teams up with Detective Byron. Both need to figure out where the missing people have gone. Blake knows that Shannon had such a heart for the hopeless. They find out that young, vulnerable, fearful young teens are being targeted.

I liked the banter between Blake and Byron. Their characters evolve over the book. I hope to read more of their story. Both have issues with the world - and how dark it has become.

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

Zoë Sharp is probably best known for her high octane novels about former soldier and professional bodyguard Charlie Fox. In their heyday, the Charlie Fox novels were ‘must reads’, but tapered off in appeal towards the end, and Zoë’s post-Fox books were also a little lacklustre. However, Zoë’s last novel, The Last Time She Died, was a ripper. Introducing the pairing of policeman Detective John Byron and maverick street girl Blake Claremont, it held attention from the beginning to the exciting conclusion.

With The Girl In The Dark, Zoë once more returns to Blake and Byron, with a tough crime novel set on the dark streets of London. Shannon was a woman who went out of her way to help the homeless of the city. A tragic hit and run, however, leaves her dead on the side of the road. Before she died, Shannon was searching for answers. She knew that people were going missing, never to be seen again. Blake owes her survival on the streets to Shannon, and when she hears of her death she sets off to find out where Shannon had been before her death and why she was so frightened. With Byron’s assistance she is determined to extract vengeance on the ruthless men and women who prey on the homeless.

The Girl In The Dark is a good, exciting crime thriller that showcases Zoë’s skills for brisk pacing, twisty plotting, edgy characters and a leavening of social conscience. The story quickly reels the reader in and keeps them engrossed all the way to the abrupt ending. Blake and Byron are a good pair, with different styles and strategies, and their divergent approaches enables Zoë to keep the tension and the suspense at a high level. Most of the action is viewed from Blake’s perspective, but Zoë also shifts the viewpoint to other characters, which works well. I particularly liked Police Commander Shamshi Daud, with her no nonsense approach to policing, and some of the homeless characters.

In all, The Girl In The Dark is an enjoyable read. The Last Time She Died probably had a greater sense of mystery about it, but this new entry is still very good, and I am looking forward to the next Blake and Byron thriller.

To see the full review and more go to: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/m...

The Girl in the Dark is the second book in the Blake and Byron series and sadly this crime thriller book I did not enjoy. The cover was amazing and the plot sounded really good but the plot got confusing for me once I started reading it. This book was too long for me and I thought it could be shorter. Overall this was one I did not enjoy because of how long it was and the plot. I would still suggest this book to readers to try if you like crime thriller books. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for The Girl in the Dark in exchange of my honest review.

After reading the 1st one I had a feeling this was going to take off. Once Blake & Byron were set loose!
Great storyline. Lots of grab moments & Blake did not disappoint.
I do like Byron’s steadiness though & Lex too.
This touches on homelessness & people being used to benefit and it’s handled well & I really enjoyed it.
Looking forward to many more

Review of the book:

The Girl in the Dark is the second book in the series of Blake and Byron Thrillers. Blake is perplexed by the death of a friend, Shannon. Life on street is not easy and no one knows it better than Blake.
Byron, who was a Detective Superintendent at a young age, is now working for Independent office for Police Conduct. He goes on to investigate a death of a woman who died after leaving the police custody. Blake, who is on the other side of the spectrum, comes to know of Shannon’s death and starts investigating it. Byron and Blake are poles apart that’s an understatement, and this gives an extra value to to the narration.

There are moments edge of the seat moments and the reader cannot stop wondering what happens next!

The author portrayal of homelessness and related issues are well written and well researched. The other aspect that held my attention all through out the book is the contrasting characters of Blake and Byron.
I haven’t read the previous book, but it has motivated me enough to read it.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girl in the Dark.

My rating for the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Girl in the Dark by Zoë Sharp.
Blake and Byron Thrillers Book 2.
The woman falls. Her body begins to shake. Her brown eyes turn upwards, showing a mix of panic and desperate hope. She takes a deep breath and says one 'Blake.' Then her eyes close, her face pales, and she goes still forever… The victim: Shannon, a woman who went out of her way to help the lost and hopeless, left abandoned to die by the side of the road. Where was she in those last few days before her death, and why was she so frightened?The avenger: Blake Claremont, who knows only too well how it feels to be alone on the streets of a big city. Blake survived, thanks to Shannon. She’s determined to find out who killed her friend, and why.Before she died, Shannon was searching for answers. She knew that people were going missing… never to be seen again. Now, with the help of Detective John Byron, Blake must take up Shannon’s investigation. She knows these streets and the predators who walk in the darkness. She will follow in Shannon’s footsteps until she finds her target: the ruthless men and women who steal people’s lives and will do anything to protect their secrets.And then, they will pay.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover which drew me in. I did like the short chapters too. I liked Blake and Byron. I did like the locations at the start of each chapter. I love how zoe draws you in. I couldn't put it down. There is some shady characters. I certainly didn't expect that. I did love the end and was wondering if that was going to happen. I'm so glad it did. I hope there is more to come. 5*.

Thrillers are my favorite book genre, so I'm always so excited to find new authors who write amazing thrillers. This book is the second in a series and can be read as a standalone. I haven't read book 1 and felt I was able to jump right in to the story with no problems, but I'm excited to go back and read the first book to gain more insight into the main characters and their backgrounds.

I really love police procedural books, but this one has a little different take on that subgenre that I really enjoyed.

A new to me author and it did not disappoint. It was binge-able, full of action and twisty. This is book 2 but can be read as a stand alone although I'm sure if you read book 1 - you would understand the FMC more. Definitely recommend this one.

T his one tops the first book. There is so much suspense! I was hooked from the beginning. I really love the characters. Blake and Byron leap off the pages. The mystery is tension filled and full of surprises. And the ending put a huge smile on my face.. I can't wait for the next book.

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I loved the first book in this series so I was very eager to read the next instalment. I wouldn’t say its necessary to read the first book but it would help with a bit of the back story on Blake and Byron if you have.

Blake is a survivor. She is used to doing everything for herself and not worrying about the consequences so when Blake decides to conduct her own investigations and gets herself in danger she doesn’t see why Byron is so upset. Byron is settling into his new job in IPOC (Independent Office for Police Conduct). Its a new challenge for him and his first case, helping Blake, definitely ruffles some feathers. I love both characters and was on the edge of my seat worrying about Blake.

This book is full of suspense and mystery. Zoë does an excellent job of building the tension. Zoë really makes us wonder who we should trust in this book. Blake and Byron meet some real shady, characters and uncover some really disgusting practices. There are a few different elements to this story that all thread together nicely.

As well as the writing one thing I loved was that at the beginning of each chapter we are told the location.

If you are looking for a story full of tension, mystery and intrigue then this is one for you.

I recently read the first new book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it so was pleased to be able to pick up where we left off and see what happened next! The two characters couldn't be more different and that's what makes them very enjoyable to read about. Blake Claremont is a young woman who in book one reappeared at her family home following a long period of being away. She is a feisty character that really does have her own mind and trust literally about two people! This latest book sees her living on the streets, which at first I didn't understand but it soon all became clear.

Blake is determined to find out what happened to Shannon who was one of the few people that made sure Blake was okay. Now Shannon is dead and Blake feels an intense sense of loyalty to find out what is going on and why. On the other end of the spectrum Detective John Byron is now working in a specific role looking into potential police corruption.

This latest book delves into a world where the homeless are being victimised in a terrible way but with Blake not giving an inch, god help them all! Both Blake and John are brilliant characters and I especially love Blakes friend Lex Vaganov! Between Lex and John's old boss Shamshi Daud they make an awesome team. This whole book and storyline I thoroughly enjoyed and I cannot wait to see where the series goes.

4.5⭐

This is an intriguing story and not the standard police procedural I was expecting. Which was a nice surprise.

As main characters Blake and Byron aren't your average detectives in fact they aren't really detectives.

At least Byron isn't anymore. But he was and has now taken on a special role for the Met and after an unforgettable first encounter with Blake. He's desperate to see her again.

Only he's shocked to learn she's back living on the streets. But there is an explanation for this. As Blake is trying to hunt down a young girl, she believes can help solve the death of an old friend. A death Blake is sure the local police have played a role in.

Which is how Byron and his new job come into play.

And with twists, edge-of-your-seat action and interesting characters. Who share more than a superficial connection. This was an utterly enjoyable and engaging read. That easily kept me reading long into the night and I'd definitely read more from this series and author in the future.

Sharp intricately weaves a tale of desperation, loyalty, and retribution through the gritty streets of the city, a setting that is as much a character as Blake and Shannon themselves. The narrative expertly balances emotional depth with relentless pacing, ensuring that readers are both moved and enthralled. Blake, a survivor of the harsh realities of street life, embodies resilience and a fierce sense of justice. Her journey from a beneficiary of Shannon’s kindness to the avenger of her death is compelling and richly developed. I love that this novel puts homelessness in the spotlight!

The partnership between Blake and Detective John Byron adds a dynamic layer to the investigation, blending Blake's street-smarts with Byron's investigative acumen. This alliance is pivotal as they delve into a sinister world where individuals vanish without a trace, and the value of a life is tragically underestimated by those lurking in the shadows. The book draws readers into a world where the line between right and wrong blurs in the quest for justice.

Zoe Sharp can write. I can think of few authors who are equal to her brand of slow burn mysteries or excitement from a thriller’s first page. The Girl in the Dark (Blake and Byron Thrillers #2) is somewhere in the middle between a thriller and a mystery.
It’s been six months since John Byron and Blake Claremont met in the first book of this series., The Last Time She Died . Byron has been on medical leave since his heroic and tragic efforts in ending a terrorist attack two years ago. Byron had been asked to investigate a con artist, Blake Claremont, since he was in the area where she popped up. It’s not necessary to read this first, as The Girl in the Dark works fine as a standalone, however, you would be doing yourself a great disservice if you did not read it in the future.
Byron has decided he is not going back to London’s MET even though he was a well-respected Detective Superintendent. Instead, he has been talked into working for the IOPC, the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Byron’s brief is to discreetly investigate complaints against the police, prior to the IOPC opening a major case file and wasting time on spurious complaints.
Byron has a notification set up in case Blake ever has interaction with the police. She is arrested when the police pull a raid in a decrepit abandoned building where so many homeless are trying to sleep. This is the first time Byron has been able to contact Blake and he is appalled that she is back to living rough again.
Blake is investigating the suspicious death of Shannon, the woman who took Blake in hand after she hit the streets ten years ago. Shannon helped Blake, a naïve and broken fifteen-year-old survive living rough. Blake also feels honor bound to locate a fifteen-year-old, Kensey, who Shannon had recently taken under her wing.
London's homeless community is large, so this has been a difficult and fruit-less task until recently. Shannon might have been severely injured while in police custody so Blake and Byron find themselves working together once again. Byron investigating possible police misconduct and Blake trying to locate Kensy.
Sharp doesn’t pull any punches. She doesn’t try to pretty up the reality of her settings. This time Sharp explores living rough and police misconduct. Fair warning don’t get to attached to any one character. This applies to any of Sharp's books so is not a spoiler.
Zoe presents a grim reality in her setting and backgrounds. The plots are a different kettle of fish, Sharp writes imaginative stories presenting chilling “what ifs”. The Girl in the Dark reminds us of a life we prefer to think of as invisible.
There are several points of view, drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the story. This isn’t always comfortable to read.
Maybe its because I’m old, but I truly dislike when main character’s names are so similar.
I remember so many of Zoe Sharp’s books extremely well despite the many years it’s been since I have read some of them. Sharp’s books stick. I have no doubt The Girl in the Dark will be with me for a long time to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC. Opinions are my own.