A Friend in the Dark Book Review: A Thrilling Mystery with a Touch of Romance

A Friend in the Dark Book Review

Name: A Friend in the Dark Book

Launch: 8 September 2020

Author: Gregory Ashe, C.S. Poe 

Genre: Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Crime

Rating: ★★★★

Buying Link: Amazon

A Friend in the Dark Book Review

A Friend in the Dark by Gregory Ashe and C.S. Poe is the first book in the Auden & O'Callaghan Mystery series, which follows the unlikely partnership of Rufus O'Callaghan, a streetwise confidential informant, and Sam Auden, a former Army soldier, as they investigate the suspicious death of their mutual friend, Jake, a police detective in New York City. The book is a fast-paced and engaging mystery that combines suspense, action, humor, and romance in a satisfying way. The authors have created a compelling duo of protagonists who complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, and who share a sizzling chemistry that evolves from distrust to friendship to something more. The book also explores themes such as loyalty, justice, corruption, trauma, and identity, and offers a realistic and diverse portrayal of New York City and its inhabitants.

One of the strengths of the book is the characterization of Rufus and Sam, who are both complex and flawed, but also likable and sympathetic. Rufus is a smart and resourceful young man who has survived on the streets by using his charm, wit, and connections. He has a loyal streak and a sense of humor, but he also struggles with low self-esteem, trust issues, and a drug addiction. Sam is a strong and brave former soldier who has traveled across the country in search of answers and redemption. He has a sense of honor and duty, but he also suffers from PTSD, guilt, and anger. The authors do a great job of showing the development of their relationship, from their initial clash of personalities and values to their gradual understanding and respect, to their undeniable attraction and affection. The book also balances the mystery and the romance aspects well, giving enough attention and tension to both, without overshadowing or distracting from each other.

Another strength of the book is the plot, which is well-crafted and intriguing, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing and invested. The book starts with a bang, as Rufus discovers Jake's body in an alley, and Sam arrives in New York to find out the truth. The book then follows their joint investigation, as they uncover clues, chase suspects, dodge bullets, and face danger. The book also reveals the backstory of Jake, Rufus, and Sam, and how their lives intersected and affected each other. The book also introduces a cast of supporting characters, some of whom are helpful, some of whom are hostile, and some of whom are not what they seem. The book also incorporates elements of humor and banter, which lighten the mood and add to the charm of the book. The book also has a satisfying and emotional ending, which wraps up the main mystery, but also leaves some room for further exploration and development in the next book.

One of the weaknesses of the book is the editing, which could have been more polished and consistent. The book has some typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues, which can be distracting and confusing for the reader. The book also has some inconsistencies and contradictions, such as the timeline of events, the details of the characters' backgrounds, and the logic of some actions and decisions. The book also has some scenes and dialogues that feel unnecessary or repetitive, which could have been trimmed or revised to improve the flow and pace of the book.

Overall, A Friend in the Dark is a highly enjoyable and entertaining read, that will appeal to fans of mystery, thriller, and romance genres. The book has a captivating and original premise, a dynamic and endearing pair of protagonists, a gripping and suspenseful plot, and a sweet and steamy romance. The book also has a lot of potential for further growth and improvement, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a thrilling mystery with a touch of romance.

Questions for further discussion:

• What did you think of the setting of New York City and how it influenced the story and the characters?
• What did you think of the supporting characters, such as Jake, Danny, Leo, and Kelly, and how they contributed to the plot and the themes of the book?
• What did you think of the writing style and the tone of the book, and how they matched the genre and the mood of the book?
• What did you think of the balance and the integration of the mystery and the romance aspects of the book, and how they enhanced or detracted from each other?
• What did you think of the ending of the book, and what are your expectations and hopes for the next book in the series?