Exposed in Darkness

Happy Tuesday.  Many of you are probably expecting a review of The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian today (which was released on January 8). However, I did not realize that today was January 10--Book Release Day (it could happen to anyone). A few of the new novels that were published today are Dead Cold Brew by Cleo Coyle, She Stopped for Death by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli, Beyond the Carousel by Bette Lee Crosby (it is wonderful), A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn, The Guests on South Battery by Karen White and Dead and Breakfast by Kate Kingsbury.

Exposed in Darkness is Heather Sunseri’s first adult suspense novel.  Brooke Fairfax has been mourning the death of her husband, Teddy for the last year. Brooke quit her job as an FBI analyst and shut out everyone.  Then she receives an email with a video attached from Romeo.  Brooke has also not heard from Romeo in the year since Teddy passed away.  Romeo is a CHS (confidential human source) that only worked with Brooke.   The video shows the murder of Melissa Centers, Kentucky’s lieutenant governor.  It is believed that the actual target was Kentucky’s governor, Truman Spencer.  Truman happens to be Brooke’s brother-in-law.  Special Agent Mike Donaldson contacts Brooke to get her to rejoin them for the case.  Brooke refuses their request, but she will not let anything happen to Truman.  Brooke packs and heads for Kentucky.  The FBI believes that businessman, Declan O’Roark might be behind the crime, and they want Brooke to get close to him.  The attraction between Declan and Brooke is instantaneous, but Brooke feels guilty about her feelings (because of Teddy).  Then there is a second victim.  He died after drinking bourbon from Declan’s Elkhorn Reserve Distilleries (just like Melissa Centers).  Someone is trying to set up Declan and Brooke is determined find out who these heinous acts.  Will Brooke be able to find the perpetrator before there are more victims?

Exposed in Darkness is well-written and it will capture your attention right away.  This is not the type of book that you can skim.  There are many necessary details (I only gave you a small summary).  It does slow down the pace of the book a little bit, but I was still riveted.  I found the mystery to be complex with many twists and turns.  I had to pay very careful attention so I could gather the clues and figure out who was behind the crimes.  At the end of the book, the reader will still be left with one question.  Who is Romeo?  Unfortunately, readers will have to wait for the next book to get answers (we hope).  The good news is that we do not have long to wait.  I give Exposed in Darkness 4.5 out of 5 stars.  I did find that the romance between Declan and Brooke was predictable and a little soppy.  I wish the romance portion had been as sophisticated as the rest of the novel.  Otherwise, I just loved Exposed in Darkness and look forward to reading Cut in Darkness (release date is April 4).  Heather Sunseri did a masterful job with her first adult novel (she has written young adult novels prior to Exposed in Darkness).  If you enjoy novels of suspense, I highly suggest Exposed in Darkness.

I appreciate you visiting to check out my latest book review.  I am currently reading Cruel Winter by Sheila Connolly.  I will return tomorrow to evaluate another novel.  I hope you have an enjoyable night.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader