Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

Dark and twisty but still keeping in line with the Christian suspense genre. There was great backstory with both our leads. Oaklynn as the daughter of a serial killer and Caleb who once was part of a cult. There was great character development and many on the edge of your seat moments. I enjoyed how the barriers slowly came down for our couple, not only turning to each other but in their relationship with God. There were many great side characters who would make a perfect lead for another book. I hope this is turning into a series!

4 stars

I loved this book! It was 10 stars worth in terms of suspense, which started immediately and did not let up! Oaklynn is in the lead in a police force charged in stopping a serial killer in their sleepy little town in Ontario. Caleb is one of the Watchers in a special task force also on the team. Both seem to have their own special knowledge of cults, secrets and killings. Does this give them special insights? Fears? Willingness to ask God for help? If you love suspense, do not miss this book!
I am especially grateful to the publishers for allowing me to read this book! The thoughts expressed are my own.

Thrilling twists and turns:
This was an enjoyable Christian romantic suspense novel. I particularly loved the intrigue and suspense that had me invested in finding out how it was all going to play out. Whilst a little deeper and darker than your average suspense novel, I thought this was nevertheless well counterbalanced with faith and a touch of romance. Oaklynn and Caleb had traumatic pasts which they needed to overcome and overall I was pleased to see their growth and healing.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This mystery was hard to put down! While I enjoyed the suspenseful ride, I will say that it comes with a trigger warning, since Oaklynn has been through some pretty horrific things (not graphic, but it is something that comes up quite a bit, understandably). I did wish that she hadn't held on to her secrets so long, since I felt like she was impeding the investigation by continually acting like she didn't know why she was targeted.

This book brought a lot of conflicting emotions for me. The plot is intriguing, and you're sucked into the story right away. Both Oaklynn and Caleb are characters you can't help liking, and the supporting cast of Caleb's family and Oaklynn's colleagues are interesting as well. However, there were several points where the plot felt forced - especially surrounding the killer watching them work - and like previously competent law enforcement officials had been dumbed down for a few moments.

In addition to this, both main characters felt rather two-dimensional. They had their jobs and their trauma, but after that, things felt a bit wooden. Caleb's bond with his siblings is supposed to be really strong, but we're only told that and shown a few caricatures of it, not seeing anything of depth or anything that feels like it would take place in a real-world sibling relationship. And the POVs from the killer. those felt stilted and awkward and like they were put in simply because the author had info she wanted the readers to know, and so the killer is telling us about himself, in ways that feel super unnatural.

Despite this, the writing was good, the plot pretty fast-paced, and though I correctly guessed the killer within the first chapter, several excellent red-herrings in the rest of the book made me second-guess myself, keeping the killer's identity a mystery until the end.

I listened to Echoes of Darkness in one day because I simply couldn’t put it down! From the very beginning, this story pulled me in with its suspense, twists, and action. I kept trying to solve the mystery, but Darlene L. Turner kept me guessing right up until the reveal at the end — and I love when that happens.

The tension, danger, and the emotional depth of the characters made this such an engaging read. If you enjoy romantic suspense that keeps you hooked and guessing, definitely add this one to your list.

4.5 stars

This was a really good book! This Christian romantic suspense was fast paced for most of the book. Both our heroine and hero are working on a case that turns out to be a serial killer copycat. Both of them also have secrets about their pasts: Oaklynn was the original serial killer’s daughter and Caleb was involved with a cult when he was a teenager. As the stakes rise higher and higher, a stalker draws near, and everyone is threatened. These two must decide whether they’ll keep their secrets or tell the truth. I did not figure out the perpetrators (I thought I had and I was floored when the real ones were revealed). This is a just kisses romance, intimacy level 2. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Trigger Warnings: Child Sexual Abuse

"We all have darkness within us. We just have to choose to snuff it out. Wise words. But would that darkness consume him all over again?"

Constable Oaklynn Brock is determined to fight her childhood trauma by putting other wrong doers into jail. But when her current case hits close to her past, she is not sure that she can survive. Will she be a victor or a victim?

As a part of the elite Watcher Group, Caleb Greene knows that his skills could help solve the serial killer case. Yet having to go back into a situation reminiscent of his past is overwhelming at best. Can he fully overcome his past to embrace transformation as well as forgiveness?

The back story added interest to the plot even though some of Oaklynn's past is truly horrible. Her choice to overcome evil is not always easy. Because of all of the intensity and back story, I would call this book a psychological thriller. Just enough details are given to add weight to the story without being graphic or overly edgy. The book is unpredictable, and I did not guess the villain.

Romance plays a part in this story. The small-town setting is compelling since one gets connected to the townspeople. Faith and overcoming evil are both critical to the plot.

The cast of characters in this book are very memorable. I am hopeful that this book is the start of a new series as the Watchers (aka "the good guys") are worth getting to know. As for the "bad guys," hopefully none of them appear again. The Protege is truly a creepy character!

Potential trigger alerts: mentions of childhood abuse; cult behavior; crimes, suicide. Although this book may not be for every reader, there is a strong element of redemption. The characters overcome their tough pasts by learning to trust in God despite the circumstances. In my opinion, this book is for older teens and up.

Despite the tragedies involved, I do recommend this book for readers who enjoy romantic suspense. Glad that I read and listened to the book through copies on NetGalley. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

Gripping Romantic Thriller That Keeps You Guessing!

I’ve been reading Darlene Turner for years, so when I heard about Echoes of Darkness—her first Love Inspired Trade novel—I couldn’t wait to dive into this romantic thriller!

From the very first page, the story takes off and doesn't slow down. I was completely drawn in by Oaklynn and Caleb’s chemistry and how their relationship developed amidst chaos and danger. Both characters are dealing with deep emotional trauma, all while racing to stop a serial killer who appears to be copying the gruesome crimes of Oaklynn’s own father. The plot is layered with suspense, emotional depth, and just the right amount of romance.

One of the most chilling aspects was getting the serial killer’s point of view—it added a creepy intensity that kept me on the edge of my seat. While I did have an idea of who the killer might be, Turner did a fantastic job of keeping me second-guessing until the reveal.

If you're a fan of Jessica Patch or enjoy fast-paced romantic suspense with emotional depth, definitely add Echoes of Darkness to your list!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 4 stars.

“Suicide Slayer Dead. Constable Oaklynn Brock’s coffee mug slipped from her fingers and smashed to the floor as she read the newspaper article on her cell phone.”

Darlene L. Turner’s full-length Love Inspired book starts out with a bang and consternation that will continue all throughout this new book, Echoes of Darkness. Heads up, Echoes of Darkness is darker and grittier than anything I’ve read yet by Turner. A psychological thriller, I would compare Turner’s new writing style to that of Nancy Mehl or Jessica Patch. There WILL be terror.

Oaklynn is terrified for two, maybe three reasons. She has a community to protect from the Light Paragons, a dangerous cult that recruits young people. If the recruits discover the true nature of the cult, and try to get out, their individual bodies are found with a chilling message for Oaklynn. Oaklynn’s biggest terror, aside from the responsibility mounting as the body count rises, comes from within. “Does evil pass through a family’s bloodline? Could she have that gene? Could she take a life so easily, like her father?”

Oaklynn has done so much to put her father’s serial killings behind her, in a compartment in her heart, where she is the only one who knows of that part of her life. Yet, it is very apparent that the new serial killer knows her quite well.

Oaklynn’s team is difficult. Not only does she have an officer who is jealous of her position as lead investigator on the team, but her team has to work with an unusual outside group. The mayor has insisted that the Canadian Watchers Squad, an elite force led by Caleb Greene, join forces with the police. If only Caleb didn’t hate Oaklynn!

Both Oaklynn and Caleb have reason to fear in spades! Can God see them through these fears to the light on the other side? Caleb encourages Oaklynn with these words. “…until we face our fears head-on, they’ll never go away. Remember, God calls us to walk through them with Him.” Unfortunately, Caleb, too, will have to dive deeper in the land of fear he never wanted to revisit, in a desperate effort to help solve this case. His father reminds him, “Preach has called his warriors. They’ll be on their knees the entire time you’re there. He can’t hurt you or manipulate you any longer. You have God on your side. Remember that.” But… will the darkness end with them still alive, or will both Caleb and Oaklynn be watching the final victory from the Heavenly grandstand?

Whew!! More intense, more into the mind of a serial killer than I usually read. But Turner makes sure to show that there is still Light in the darkest night.

I received an ARC of this book from the author via NetGalley. I also pre-ordered my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“What had she just done? Alienated herself from the one person who could probably pluck her from the depths of her shadowy tomb. “

“Maxwell once told me our lights shine the brightest in the darkness.”

“How could a loving God allow such evil in this world?” “I don’t know the answer to that, Oaklynn, only that humanity is sinful, and that sin has perverted our world. God doesn’t want that. God is the only light in the blackness.”

“Son, we don’t understand why, but sometimes God allows difficult circumstances in our lives to not only teach us something, but to help others.”- Maxwell Greene

“God will meet you in the darkest corner and provide the light for you to escape. You just have to let Him in.”

A riveting, dramatic suspense tale dealing with a copycat serial killer who carries on the evil work of his deadly hero. This psychological thriller wraps readers in its web as it delivers punches and surprises. Both main characters have darkness in their pasts that may hinder or help in stopping the murders, which seem to be connected to a powerful cult. The troubling tale isn’t too graphic, thankfully, but it does grip your attention and won’t let go. The author wove many threads into a powerful and compelling piece. I also appreciate the faith element. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. all opinions are my own. #EchoesofDarkness #NetGalley

This is such a twisty, complicated psychological thriller. The two main characters have each suffered unspeakable trauma when they were young. When a serial killer turns up on Kenorapeake Falls, the police are tasked with working with the Canadian Watchers Squad. And Constable Brock is assigned to lead the team investigating the murders.

There is plenty of suspense and danger as the story progresses and you are kept guessing as to who the copycat serial killer is. Then there's also the cult aspect to the story which is interwoven with the murders.

Constable Oaklynn Brock is living in a small town in Ontario trying to find her place. Her childhood was traumatic her father was a serial killer. She has changed her name and put distance from his murders.
When her father commits suicide in prison and it makes the front page of the paper; people start being killed in her little town. Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad is sent in to help track down the new serial killer. The murders are being staged like the ones Oaklynn's father committed.
The new serial killer is leaving notes to let Oaklynn know he is aware of who she really is and she doesn't know who to trust.
Very twisted tale of a cult, a serial killer and who to trust. Keep me guessing until the end.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Suspense, action packed and romance all in one. This book will have you guessing until the end.

Oaklynn was raised by an abusive father and turns on him. Her aunt takes her in and she moves on with her life under her changed name but evil finds her and the taunting and stalking begins. Caleb is brought in to assist Oaklynn in an investigation which turns out to be way too personal for Oaklynn.

Great read and a nice HEA ending.

Wow! I am going to have such a book hangover after reading this story! This was honestly one of the best psychological thrillers I have read in a long time! Full of heart pounding suspense and unexpected twists and turns, this is a book you will not want to miss! The faith and inspiration weaved throughout the story topped this off at a full 5 stars for me!
Content Considerations: Sexu@l@buse of a child.

*A huge thank you to Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is great read! It's full of action, suspense, drama and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It will keep you guessing until the end. I loved it!! If you are a fan of Christian suspense, you will love this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin - Romance via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Some scars don’t fade.
They ache long after the bleeding stops.
They whisper memories we’d rather forget.
They remind us what darkness can do.
And sometimes... they remind us what God has already done.

Echoes of Darkness isn’t a story you coast through. It’s raw. Chilling. It reaches into the places we try to hide and dares to ask what we’ll do when evil doesn’t knock — it enters.
And when it does… will I still trust God? Will I still seek His face and believe, with confidence, that He is holding me tightly in His powerful embrace?

Oaklynn Brock is no stranger to shadows. Her past is more than complicated. It pulses under every decision, every fear, every guarded word. Her scars aren’t buried. They help carry the story.
The echo that lingered was her scarred heart, still pressing forward toward truth, toward healing, toward the one true God she was longing to trust.

“God changed my life. What about you?” Caleb Greene asks her that and the question doesn’t leave quietly. He’s steady. Marked by his own surrendered past. The kind of character who doesn’t just speak faith — he walks it, step by step. Even when, especially when, evil presses in hard.

Here’s another quote I carry with me: “Lord, I’m sorry … I don’t understand why they did what they did, but You do. You’ve forgiven my wrongs. It’s my turn. I forgive them and release them and my past to You.” This is a story of psychological intensity, yes — cults, killers, fear. But it’s also a story of release. Of laying down bitterness before it becomes identity. Caleb’s prayer is one of the most honest I’ve read in fiction. And that same honesty runs like a current beneath the chaos.

“God, protect me from evil.” That’s a lifeline — one I found myself whispering as the tension closed in. There’s real darkness here. Not fantasy. Not exaggerated. Real evil. Real trauma. Real scars.
But also: real Light. Real redemption. Real Jesus.

The only way through a world this broken is to grip His hand like your life depends on it — because it does. Evil never rests. Neither does our blessed, powerful Savior.

Echoes of Darkness isn’t just a title — it’s what trauma does. It echoes. Long after the moment passes. Long after the light returns. But in the hands of God, even those echoes are tamed. Even the darkness must answer to Him. And those scars? They don’t disappear. But they no longer define us. They become altars — places where His grace echoes louder than our pain.

I received a digital copy ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner is a gripping Christian thriller that will appeal to fans of Jessica R. Patch. Set in Canada, the unique location adds a fresh feel to the story—though it took a moment to adjust to the regional language, it didn’t take long for me to get pulled into the suspense.
Constable Oaklynn Brock is assigned to a disturbing serial killer case and must team up with Caleb Greene and the Canadian Watchers Squad. The dynamic between Oaklynn and Caleb is slow-building and well-developed, with both characters carrying personal secrets that add depth to their interactions. Caleb, with his background in psychology, immediately senses Oaklynn’s emotional walls, and his gentle, insightful nature makes him an especially likable hero from the start.
The inclusion of the serial killer’s point of view ramps up the tension. Turner expertly maintains suspense while keeping the graphic details of the violence off the page.
The supporting characters in the Watchers Squad are intriguing, and I’m hopeful they’ll each get their own stories in future books—there’s definite series potential here.
Turner weaves in strong Christian themes, particularly the power and challenge of forgiveness, in a way that feels natural and heartfelt.
Echoes of Darkness delivers fast-paced action, layered characters, and a message of healing. It's a thrilling and thoughtful read I’m happy to recommend.
Trigger warnings: mentions of past child abuse.
Violence - There are several deaths, mentions of past abuse, and cult activities

I loved this book! It reads like a mainstream thriller without all the language and graphics! This one had my attention throughout the whole book. I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to end. A little warning…you may not want to read this at night! It scared me a little, but in a good way! The characters are well developed, and I loved the chemistry between Oaklynn and Caleb! I highly recommend this one! You won’t regret it! I received this book from NetGalley through the publisher for my honest opinion.

First time reading this author. I think the pacing of the story ticked along well with frequent bouts of danger that was legit danger and not just for page-turning's sake. The characters were well rounded out and their actions mirrored the trauma of their past. I enjoyed their dynamic and slow falling for each other felt realistic considering the circumstances they were in. Overall, a solid read and would definitely read this author again!