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Member Reviews

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

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This one was hard for me to get into. It was so slow in the beginning. Thankfully it picked up, but didn’t keep my attention like I hoped.

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This was a good read but it just wasn't the read for me. I did not know it was a Christian book when I requested it and that is truly not something that interests me so it did take away some enjoyment for me. Although, it truly did have a lot of really good aspects and I know a lot of people will love it.

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Writing was mediocre, characters were one-dimensional, narration was all but monotone. The best thing about this book was the Canadian pronunciation of the words out, about, and sorry.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for providing the audio arc in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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This is a Romantic Suspense. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I loved the narrator. This book pulled me into the story from the beginning, and I really did not want to put it down. I loved all the action/suspense and seeing all the secrets being revealed/drama. I loved all the characters. There was so much put into this book, and it was done so well. Loved it. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

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First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Darlene L. Turner, and Harlequin Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always looking for new and exciting authors, I turned to Darlene L. Turner and this novel. A serial killer stalks a small Ontario town and sends everyone into a tizzy, none more than Consesble Oaklynn Brock. Sitting on a secret of her own, Brock tries to determine if this is a copycat of a killer who is behind bars or a new criminal who is using past crimes to lure the authorities out to play a game. In a chilling story with religious undertones, Darlene L. Turner spins a story that is well worth the reader’s attention.

After a rocky past, Constable Oaklynn Brock is happy to have found the bucolic community of Kenorapeake Falls. The small Ontario community is sure to help cleanse Oaklynn from her violent past. All of a sudden, she’s sent to investigate some deaths that ring a bell for her. While the victims appear to have committed suicide, Constable Brock sees something everyone is missing; the tell-tale sign of a known serial killer. While no one knows her secret, Constable Brock grew up with a serial killer for a father who is now behind bars. These killings mirror those of her father’s, making it seem as though there is a copycat on the loose, one who knows who she is and may target her as well.

Caleb Greene emerges to help on the case. He is part of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a unique task force with some intel that could blow the case wide open. Caleb is wary of working alongside Constable Brock, but must put that aside to ensure the killer is found. A new and powerful religious cult has been gaining membership in the area. The Light Paragons have been casting a wide net and finding new interest with each post they may to the unsuspecting locals.

As the parallels between the killings and the cult continue, Constable Brock works with Caleb to pinpoint their next move. Both are sitting on secrets they cannot allow to get out, but are also growing closer to one another. Constable Brock is being tracked and it is only a matter of time before this copycat killer will haunt her in ways her father could not finish all those years ago. Darlene L. Turner brings a chilling story to life with this novel that I can only hope will expand into a series.

Discovering a new author can often prove highly entertaining for me, especially when they write well and contribute to a genre I enjoy. Darlene L. Turner creates a strong idea that pits a serial killer against a member of law enforcement in a small Canadian community. The narrative builds with ease and offers great themes, both criminal and religious. The characters show themselves as well-developed and multi-dimensional, adding depth to an already great story. The plot points are able to create an alluring piece, while also adding a religious aspect for those who find this important. Darlene L. Turner has a knack for keeping the story edgy and left me wondering where things are headed next.

Kudos, Madam Turner, for this scintillating story.

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Echoes of Darkness is a gripping, fast-paced listen that kept me engaged from start to finish. Darlene L. Turner does a great job weaving suspense with emotion, and the characters, particularly the lead, felt real and layered. I appreciated the depth of the backstory, the steady buildup of tension, and the themes of resilience and justice.

The narration was well done and easy to follow, with just enough variation in tone and pace to keep things interesting without being overdone. I listened during my commute and found myself looking forward to getting back in the car just to hear what happened next.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook, I’m giving it four stars only because there were a few moments that felt slightly predictable, and I would’ve loved a bit more complexity in the villain’s arc. That said, it was still a solid story with heart and suspense, and I’d absolutely listen to more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audio copy!

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I really enjoyed reading this book! From the very beginning we get action and it doesn’t stop until the very end! If you like books with serial killers and cults this book is for you! Oaklynn is a police officer fighting her past which is merging with her present. Daughter of a serial killer she is tasked with capturing the latest one threatening her town. Caleb is a special task force officer brought in to work beside her to bring the serial killer to justice. The plot was amazing in this book! The pov of the serial killer and cult practices made it just creepy enough. I really was captivated by this book. I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

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Look at me, getting all brave and venturing out of my comfort zone! Serial killer stories usually aren’t my go-to suspense genre but this one intrigued me. It might have been that beguiling cover, actually, so deceptively serene with only a hint of mystery in the way the heroine is glancing back over her shoulder.

So, was it creepy? Definitely. Over the top? Not so much…quite tame for seasoned readers I would imagine. There’s an eerie stalkerish vibe that sent chills up my spine all the way through. The suspense is riveting with exceptional storytelling skill. It was easy to get swept away into the grit and grime of a particularly nasty case…I just didn’t read this one after dark. Bwahahaha!

Intense in both the investigation and the personal lives of our hero and heroine. Oaklynn in particular is wrestling with some really heavy stuff that’s left her distanced from God. Loved the way the author seamlessly wove a significant faith thread throughout the story without it coming across as heavy handed. Very organic to the story and the lives of these characters.

There are some brutal scenes (though not overly descriptive) and a host of heavy subject matter which sensitive readers might find difficult to read about. Though, again, not overly descriptive and no over-the-top gratuitous scenes. Turner manages to breathe grace and hope into even the direst circumstances. This isn’t a light, escape read though, so keep that in mind when you settle down to lose yourself in this gripping romantic suspense.

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Lenor A. Woodworth. I really liked the way she portrayed these characters, delivered their dialogue and even gave voice to the creepy villain POV scenes (eeeek!) Made for some thrilling listening!

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

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Thanks to harlequin audio and NetGalley for this arc!

I enjoyed listening to this one a lot. It was a palette cleanser if you will, for me, in the midst of a bunch of romance novels I’ve been intoxicated it was exciting enough to bring me back into this genre of fiction and I very much enjoyed it!

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Title: Echoes of Darkness
Author: Darlene L. Turner
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Leonor A. Woodworth
Publisher: Harlequin Audio and Love Inspired Trade
Genre: Serial Killer, Christian Romance
Audiobook Pub Date schedule for June 24, 2025
Rating 4 Stars
Pages: 368

Story is centered in the small city of Kenorapeake Falls, Ontario; a place where Constable Oaklynn Brock believes she can finally outrun her violent past.
She has been assigned to investigate a series of deaths- feared to be caused by a serial killer.
Constable Brock cannot reveal that she knows how a serial killer thinks because she grew up with one.
She is aware of the similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer. There are suspicions that it is a copycat also rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power.

Oaklynn and her team are assigned a special task force and are working with Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad.
However Caleb has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn.
We soon learn that Oaklynn and Caleb each have secrets that would be helpful to know in order to solve this case.

Story is listed as Christian which I always enjoy ~ as there is hope as well as no explicit sex or language.

In this case Oaklynn is the daughter of an infamous serial killer. He sexually abused her when she was young. When she told her mother about it and she confronted him, he killed her.
Oaklynn had been a strong believer but she changed as she was sure there wasn’t a God who would allow such evil.

Oaklynn became a police officer as she felt she would be able to help if God wouldn’t.
As the story continues the Paragon cult followed the ‘Suicide Slayer’ and is killing people in the same manner the Suicide Slayer would have.

When the Paragon is revealed - I was surprise to learn who it was!

Caleb has a strong belief in Christ. He understands Oaklynn feels the way she does.
Caleb prays for Gods help with Oaklynn as well as solving this case.

I enjoyed following Oaklynn and Caleb grow closer as well as heal!

Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this audiobook.
Audiobook Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 24, 2025.

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A woman who grew up in a household ruled by a serial killer, becomes a police officer as an adult. She keeps her past a secret, but now crimes in her jurisdiction mirror the ones her father committed years before. Great storyline, and well drawn characters, the only problem I have is the main character’s name, just too silly and trite

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This novel is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves a beautifully crafted blend of suspense, mystery, and heartfelt emotion. 🔍✨ The small, seemingly tranquil town of Kenorapeake Falls hides dark secrets beneath its peaceful surface, and the story masterfully unravels these layers with finesse. The protagonist, Constable Oaklynn Brock, is such a compelling character—her quiet resilience and inner strength shine through as she navigates the shadows of her past while confronting a cunning serial killer. 🖤🔪

What truly captivated me was the way the story explores themes of family, identity, and the lingering effects of trauma. Oaklynn's past ties to a notorious killer, the Suicide Slayer, add a haunting depth that lingers long after each chapter. The suspense is palpable, especially as she and Caleb Greene from the Canadian Watchers Squad delve into a mysterious cult called the Light Paragons, whose growing influence threatens to engulf everything. The tension between uncovering the truth and protecting loved ones is woven seamlessly into the narrative, making every page a thrill to read. 💫🌿

The chemistry between Oaklynn and Caleb is subtly charming, adding a touch of warmth and hope amidst the darkness. Their journey is as much about confronting external threats as it is about facing their own inner demons. The story’s eerie atmosphere, combined with moments of vulnerability and courage, creates a captivating reading experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish. 💖🔐

I absolutely loved how the author delves into the complexities of human nature and the courage it takes to confront one’s past. This book is a beautifully crafted reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is strength to be found—and sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is face our fears head-on. 🌟✨

If you’re a fan of thrilling mysteries with a touch of femininity, emotional depth, and a sprinkle of suspense, I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating story. It’s a mesmerizing journey into the shadows that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. 📚💕

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