
Member Reviews

🔪"The Dark Hours" by Amy Jordan🔪
"The Dark Hours" is a gripping thriller that will keep your heart racing! A violent serial killer is on the loose in Ireland, and the tension is undeniable.
Julia Harte, a determined rookie Garda, is the heart of this story. Her ambition to excel in a challenging male-dominated field is admirable, but her journey is far from easy. A routine noise complaint leads to a devastating tragedy, leaving scars that haunt her both professionally and personally.
Fast forward thirty years, and Julia is retired and tucked away in a quaint, remote town with her lovable sidekick, a little dog named Mutt, whom she rescued from an upsetting situation. But tranquility is short-lived when her former boss reaches out—Cork is under siege by a new serial killer, one who is eerily replicating the crimes of the past.
For an even more immersive experience, I recommend the audiobook version of "The Dark Hours". The audio format adds a new dimension to the story, skillfully navigating between the two timelines and intertwining Julia's emotional journey with her professional challenges.
As Julia returns to Cork to lend her expertise, she quickly realizes that the copycat killer is always one step ahead, making this cat-and-mouse game more dangerous than ever. This dark and unsettling police procedural is not just a story, it's an immersive experience that will captivate you from the first page to the last.
Thank you to HTP/Harlequin Audio and the author for providing access to the ALC and ARC through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own!
#TheDarkHours #AmyJordan #NetGalley #HTPInfluencers #HarlequinAudio #GiftedARCS #Ireland #Debut #ARC #capcut #lefttoread #reader #read #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbooklovers #thepulse #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #lovetoread #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer #booktok #bookish

Amy Jordan is an author new to me. As someone born in Ireland I always keep my eyes open for new talent and I found some here with this debut novel. I honestly can’t believe it is a debut. As mentioned it has Tana French and Jane Harper vibes and I love that the main character is in her 60s and brings her dog everywhere. The dual timelines keep the plot moving and we see some great character development on the part of Julia. The writing is excellent and this is so much more than another serial killer book. The themes of unintended consequences, human resilience and connection are evident and read as extremely authentic. I could relate to the young and to the old Julia. There’s plenty of suspense and twists and turns and I honestly couldn’t put this down. I finished it in under 24 hours.
I will definitely be picking up this author’s next release. Thank you so much to the author, the publisher, Harlequin, and to Net Galley for the review copy.

Review of The Dark Hours by Amy Jordan
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Amy Jordan’s The Dark Hours is a gripping, atmospheric tale that expertly weaves character growth with a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Thanks to NetGalley, I had the privilege of diving into this haunting novel before its release, and it did not disappoint.
The heart of The Dark Hours lies in its deeply layered characters. Jordan has a knack for writing people who feel achingly real, flawed yet compelling. Each character's arc is thoughtfully developed, with their motivations and internal conflicts slowly unraveled as the story progresses. Even the secondary characters are richly drawn, adding depth and complexity to the world Jordan creates.
As for the plot, it’s a masterclass in pacing. Jordan balances tension and quieter, introspective moments perfectly, creating a story that is both emotionally resonant and hard to put down. The narrative’s twists and turns feel earned, not forced, and they kept me on the edge of my seat without straying into predictability.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it explores its themes—of resilience, human connection, and the shadows we carry—without ever feeling heavy-handed. The prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes that linger long after you turn the final page.
The only reason this isn’t a full five-star read for me is that I wanted a bit more resolution for one subplot. While the ambiguity works in some ways, it left me craving just a touch more closure. Still, it’s a minor critique in an otherwise stellar novel.
If you enjoy richly developed characters, a gripping story, and a touch of darkness that keeps you thinking, The Dark Hours is absolutely worth your time. Amy Jordan is a writer to watch, and I can’t wait to see what she delivers next.

The Dark Hours follows Guarda Julia as she solves multiple murders in two timelines, 1994 and 2024. The twists and turns in this thriller kept me on my toes and wanting more. Amy Jordan did a great job weaving in the various characters and leaving the reader questioning every detail. As an avid thriller reader, I was taken by surprise at multiple points when the story changed direction. Julia’s knowledge of criminality was challenged at every point in 1994, but in 2024 she was considered a professional. From the struggles in her marriage to the struggles of excelling as a woman in a male field, this book pushes the boundaries in the small Irish communities the book is set. I am excited to see where Amy Jordan goes from here, this book was perfect.

The Dark Hours by Amy Jordan is a crime novel.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
In 1994, Julia Harte, a police officer in Ireland, lost both her partner Adrian, and her husband Philip. Both were because of a case involving a serial killer named James Cox. Although she helped put him away, she suffered both physically and emotionally.
In 2024, Julia Harte, retired police officer, returns to the home she had left 30 years ago. The book that she had written has been found next to the bodies of two young girls. The positioning of the bodies is identical to those left by James Cox, who has recently died. There's a copycat killer out there, and she is determined to help prevent any more deaths.
My Opinions:
For a debut novel, I was quite impressed. The whole thing gripped me tight from start to finish.
The book alternated between the two time-lines, and two stories. There was no confusion, and both held my attention equally.
The plot was really good, and the characters strong. I absolutely loved Julia. It's not often you have an older woman as the main protagonist in a crime novel, and she was great! Talk about a determined, strong woman, who knows her own mind, and is willing to sacrifice everything to find the answers.
I really can't find any fault with this book. This was simply a brilliant debut novel, and I can't wait to see what this author writes next!

A great debut mystery! This is a well-plotted and well-written novel that focuses on Julia Harte, a former Garda detective. Now in her 60s, Julia comes out of sort-of-retirement and back to her old stomping grounds in Cork to help track down a serial killer, one who seems to have the same MO as the killer whom Julia tracked down thirty years earlier — and who died in prison. The intricately woven plot and the realistic characters makes this a compelling and interesting page turner —and a very enjoyable read. I hope that this is just the beginning of a new series highlighting Julia and her further adventures.

Irish Detective Julia Harte will always remember her worst case thirty years ago that took her partner and now someone is back with a copycat murder. She's moved away from Cork and is living in isolation, but she and her old boss are called back in to consult. The killer let her live last time, but she might not be so lucky this time.
This book was suggested for readers of Tana French and Jane Harper and for once, I totally agree with the comp. I really enjoyed this Irish police procedure from a debut author. I ended up reading this in one day as I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be watching to read more by Amy Jordan.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

The Dark Hours by Amy Jordan is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Julia Harte, a former investigator who helped bring down one of Ireland’s most notorious serial killers, has chosen the quiet coastal village of Cuan Beag to disappear. But peace is fleeting, and when a copycat killer begins terrorizing the village, Julia is reluctantly thrust back into the world she tried to escape.
Jordan excels in creating a tense, atmospheric narrative that keeps readers hooked from the first page. The small village setting adds a layer of claustrophobic unease, and Julia’s complex character—haunted by past events and her own personal losses—feels real and relatable. As she steps back into the investigation, it’s clear that she’s no longer the naïve rookie she once was. She's now a woman driven by a fierce determination to stop the killer at all costs.
The plot is a masterclass in pacing, with just the right amount of twists to keep you guessing, but never feeling manipulated. Jordan also delves deeply into the psychology of both the killer and Julia, making for an emotionally resonant read. This is a story that’s not just about catching a killer; it’s about facing one's past and confronting the darkness inside.
With taut prose, chilling suspense, and a multi-layered protagonist, The Dark Hours is a must-read for thriller fans. Just be warned: once you start, you might find it hard to put down.

A taut and twisty dual time line thriller that sees retired Garda DI Julia Harte pulled from her quiet life in 2024 to deal with what appears to be a copycat of a serial killer she stopped in 1994. What makes this most interesting is seeing the growth in Julia over time-not only in her detective skills but better in her humanity. This has good atmospherics and is well paced (not always the case in this genre). Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A good read.

"For just a few minutes more she needed to pretend that everything was normal. And most of all, she needed to push the question, the one that wouldn't quit, out of her mind. Why had she been allowed to survive the night?"
4/5 ⭐
WOW, WHAT A DEBUT!!!
This book is such a wild ride that I think it’s more fun to go in blind—but here’s a little teaser to tempt you:
+ a retired police officer haunted by a case that just won’t let go
+ an Irish crime thriller that’ll keep you guessing
+ dual timeline that adds layers of intrigue
+ chilling copycat serial killer
Reading this felt like watching an episode of Criminal Minds—it was gripping, intense, and well paced. It unfolds really really well and it had me hooked the entire time!
If you’re looking for a sharp, edge-of-your-seat thriller, this is one I’ll absolutely be recommending!

While this was a twisty before and now timeline tale.
While you read and think you have thinks figured out... you do not have it figured out. This author keeps little fact out of your reach and you will get thrown for a curve.
Great job.. this is how it should be done.

This was an amazingly dark first debut novel,
That was a quick read that keep me to the edge of my seat all night long.

I really wanted to like this book based on the publicity that I read and I thought it had potential but if I read one more time about Julia telling people to call her by her name I thought I’d scream. So, repetitive characteristics of the main characters, better character development needed-better editing? And the last page was abrupt as though the author knew how she wanted to end it but just threw something at the ending.

In 1994 Detective Inspector Julia Harte was instrumental in catching a killer. However the case changed her life forever and now, 30 years later, a new killer seems to be copying the old crimes. Now 60 years old, Julia's former boss contacts her about coming out of retirement to consult with the Garda on this new case. With each new development there are more links to the 1994 murders and to Julia herself. Once again 2 girls have been killed and the police need to Julia's insight to prevent more deaths. Jumping back and forth between both cases, this book immediately pulls you in and the action is non-stop. Julia and and the other characters in this novel were really interesting and I would love to read a sequel. #NetGalley. #TheDarkHours

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: January 28, 2025
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
This was such a great dark and eerie fast paced thriller that has you on your toes at all times. I loved how our author used dual timelines and they did it very very well, no confusion, gaps etc (we get the serial killer and the copycat in this book and so well done), I loved it as I do considering I’m a sucker for a book with multiple timelines. This was incredibly written, I felt so many emotions and at the end I got what I was hoping for. I will now continue to watch for more by Amy Jordan, a wonderful way to start off the 2025 reading season with a 5 star!
Large thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well as Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Police Procedural, Dual Timelines, Strong Villian, Multilayered, Dark, Fast Paced, Serial Killer

Unfortunately, I DNF’d this book at 25% in. I found the plot to be very slow moving, and I felt that, by the 25% mark, all we had seen our main character do was drink brandy and remember a bit of what happened to her in 1994. Things had progressed so slowly that I just didn’t care what happened next. I found it very hard to connect to our main character Julia, as she didn’t feel like a real person I should care about. Maybe if we had known a bit more about her as a person this would have been different.

My thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Amy Jordan and Netgalley.
Man oh man was this book dark! I loved it!
It seems like this might be a new series. "I'm not sure" but boy howdy am I hoping!
I loved the story and characters. Recommended.

Amy Jordan’s “The Dark Hours” is a debut crime thriller. Set in Ireland, the story follows retired Detective Inspector Julia Harte. Thirty years after capturing a prolific serial killer, Julia is living in Cuan Beag, a small coastal town on the east coast of Ireland. It’s hours away from Cork where she worked.
Soon after the book begins, Julia receives a call from her old mentor. He and she have been asked to consult on a recent double murder. The case is eerily similar to the serial killer she captured and who she (and the reader) knows died recently while incarcerated.
Julia decides to travel back to Cork to help consult on the case. As she works with the investigators to determine the motive and identify the killer, she struggles with the memories of the initial killings.
The chapters alternated, at times, between the 1994 events, as well as the present-day of 2024. I thought I had figured out the motive and identity of the present-day killer, but I was pleasantly surprised and happy to be wrong.
Based on how it was written and how it ended, I could see this book becoming the first book in a series. It was also nice to have Julia be older than most main characters are in thrillers and suspense novels.
Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

THE DARK HOURS - I enjoyed this story, its interesting characters and intriguing story lines. I like the author's writing style and the lack of hollywood-style drama. Although the vulgar language was at a minimum, I could have done without it. The copycat was a total surprise. Source: Netgalley. 4*

Amy Jordan's The Dark Hours is a deliciously creepy debut thriller from an exciting new voice in Irish crime fiction. Retired police detective Julia Harte finds her peace shattered when a horrific event from her past seems to be repeating itself. I loved the use of alternating timelines (1994 and 2024) and appreciated the novel's focus on an older protagonist. While I had an inkling about one or two of the twists, I was quite happily in the dark otherwise and found the novel unputdownable. Fans of Dervla McTiernan, Tana French, etc. will enjoy Jordan's writing. And I am already eagerly anticipating seeing what she writes next!