Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea Narrator: Nina Alvamar
Published by Recorded Books on May 28, 2019
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 9 hours, 8 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
The truth is easy to miss, even when it’s right in front of us. As a forensic reconstructionist, Rory Moore sheds light on cold-case homicides by piecing together crime scene details others fail to see. Cleaning out her late father’s law office a week after his burial, she receives a call that plunges her into a decades-old case come to life once more.
In the summer of 1979, five Chicago women went missing. The predator, nicknamed The Thief, left no bodies and no clues behind—until police received a package from a mysterious woman named Angela Mitchell, whose unorthodox investigation skills appear to have led to his identity. But before police could question her, Angela disappeared. Forty years later, The Thief is about to be paroled for Angela’s murder—the only crime the DA could pin on him. As a former client of her father’s, Rory becomes reluctantly involved with the killer—though he continues to insist he didn’t murder Angela. Now he wants Rory to do what her father once promised: prove that Angela is, in fact, still alive.
As Rory begins reconstructing Angela’s last days, another killer emerges from the shadows, replicating those long-ago murders. With every startling discovery she makes, Rory becomes more deeply entangled in the enigma of Angela Mitchell—and in The Thief’s tormented mind. Drawing connections between past and present is the only way to stop the nightmare, but even Rory can’t be prepared for the full, terrifying truth that is emerging .
Three people tell us their story from various time periods and while they are all people looking at crimes, they have no connection we know. Some Choose Darkness tells us their points of view and we learn where their lives cross paths eventually.
The male is a serial killer nicknamed The Thief. We hear about his past, the pleasure of killing and now he is about to be released on parole after 40 years. Angela, the woman from the past has OCD and is very observant; she studies the crimes of the thief and eventually is sure she knows who he is. The final woman is present day, Rory. She reconstructs crimes, particularly murders. Rory ends up working to learn the truth about the Thief and what happened to Angela.
I’ve only read two books now by Donlea and it is always a mind bender. You think you know or understand things and you don’t. He takes you down the path and does reveal the truth but it isn’t what you might guess. I did figure out the relationship between the women before Rory did. Many aspects I had to be told the story.
I cared about the women and worried for them. The Thief never seems like a good guy. The details are chilling; the path is suspenseful. I really enjoyed listening to this one.
Narration:
Nina Alvamar is a new to me narrator but I enjoyed her performance. The story is primarily stream of thought of 3 people – 2 females and a male. There is limited dialog so it feels more like a reading. Her voice was easy and pleasant. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
About Charlie Donlea
Charlie Donlea is the USA TODAY and International bestselling author of SUMMIT LAKE, THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN and DON’T BELIEVE IT. His fourth novel, SOME CHOOSE DARKNESS is available now (5/28/19). He resides in Chicago with his wife and two young children.
He spends a part of each year fishing with his father in the far reaches of Canada, where the roads end and lakes are accessible only by floatplane. These majestic trips to “God’s Country” inspired the setting for Summit Lake. With so many choices of entertainment and countless other books to choose from, he thanks you for spending your time and treasure on his creation.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- 2019 Releases
- COYER Hunt
Oh always interesting to have books like that!
The way the story was intertwined and told was masterful. Rory has an interesting career and is a fascinating person.
i love everything about the book and enjoyed your great review
Thank you! It’s always hard to convey what you think without spoiling. I did enjoy this book very much and I’m glad you did also.
I’ve read everyone of his books and can’t wait to get to this one! Excellent review, Anne?
Thank you! You are the one who got me started with him.
I love forensic stories. Got to try this one! Makes me think of the Eve Duncan series by Iris Johansen.
This is a different kind of forensic but still uses science and is fascinating.