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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
OK, I think I am addicted. It was not exactly what I was expecting, but in the best way. Such a quick read and it kept me on my toes.
There are dual narrators, Afton and Sydney, and dual timelines, the present and 20 years ago when the two were in high school. The two are high school friends with both having a bit of a tragic past. I saw where this was heading at about halfway, but did not see the one crazy twist coming. But note seeing where this was heading did not stop my enjoyment as I wanted to know it all.
It starts with a bang of Afton killing Sydney’s father, with no recollection of it. From there it is a little bit of a slow burn drama that eventually turns into a thrilling ride of both what led up to the death and the continued fallout for both now.
It starts with a bang of Afton killing Sydney’s father, with no recollection of it. From there it is a little bit of a slow burn drama that eventually turns into a thrilling ride of both what led up to the death and the continued fallout for both now.
I wavered back and forth a little on who, if any of the characters, I liked. I’d like a character a little and then poof, I’d learn something new. It lulled me in with the easy writing style and then kept me wanting to know more about these supposed friends.
It’s my first book by the author, but not my last.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
If you're looking for a fast, thrilling read, look no further!" Minka Kent's "After Dark" is a puzzling mystery that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go.
The story centers around Afton Teachout, a character whose life is shrouded in mystery and controversy. Accused of a terrible crime during one of her blackout episodes—murdering her best friend's father—Afton's role as the protagonist is compelling and complex. She is an unreliable narrator, haunted by a history of blackouts and hallucinations, which adds a tantalizing layer of uncertainty to the story.
Afton's journey is not just about uncovering the truth of her past but also about navigating her present circumstances. After receiving an unexpected financial windfall, she embarks on a plan to help her friend Sydney escape an abusive relationship. This storyline adds moral complexity and raises the stakes, making Afton's quest for redemption and peace even more gripping.
Kent's writing style is fluid and fast-paced, making "After Dark" a perfect choice for those who love a quick and engaging read. The mystery unfolds with precision, and Kent manages to keep the suspense high throughout the book. As a reader, you're continuously challenged to piece together the fragments of Afton's past and present, which is a testament to Kent's skill in crafting a compelling narrative.
Afton herself is an extremely likable character, despite—or perhaps because of—her flaws and the ambiguity surrounding her actions. Her resilience and determination make her a protagonist that readers will find themselves rooting for, hoping against hope for her redemption and happiness.
Overall, "After Dark" is a thrilling, mind-bending journey into the life of a fascinating character. Minka Kent has once again proven her ability to weave suspense and psychological depth into a compelling narrative. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy mysteries that not only entertain but also challenge their perception of reality.
The story centers around Afton Teachout, a character whose life is shrouded in mystery and controversy. Accused of a terrible crime during one of her blackout episodes—murdering her best friend's father—Afton's role as the protagonist is compelling and complex. She is an unreliable narrator, haunted by a history of blackouts and hallucinations, which adds a tantalizing layer of uncertainty to the story.
Afton's journey is not just about uncovering the truth of her past but also about navigating her present circumstances. After receiving an unexpected financial windfall, she embarks on a plan to help her friend Sydney escape an abusive relationship. This storyline adds moral complexity and raises the stakes, making Afton's quest for redemption and peace even more gripping.
Kent's writing style is fluid and fast-paced, making "After Dark" a perfect choice for those who love a quick and engaging read. The mystery unfolds with precision, and Kent manages to keep the suspense high throughout the book. As a reader, you're continuously challenged to piece together the fragments of Afton's past and present, which is a testament to Kent's skill in crafting a compelling narrative.
Afton herself is an extremely likable character, despite—or perhaps because of—her flaws and the ambiguity surrounding her actions. Her resilience and determination make her a protagonist that readers will find themselves rooting for, hoping against hope for her redemption and happiness.
Overall, "After Dark" is a thrilling, mind-bending journey into the life of a fascinating character. Minka Kent has once again proven her ability to weave suspense and psychological depth into a compelling narrative. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy mysteries that not only entertain but also challenge their perception of reality.
mysterious
fast-paced
“ I heard her giggling, giddy and flirting like she always gets when there’s a new guy on her radar. I waited until she fell asleep to check the caller ID, because I wanted to make sure it wasn’t Eddie… I know what I saw. And I know I have to do something about it – I just don’t know what that is yet.”
My 2nd finished book of the 2024 and if this is any indication of how this year’s reading will go, I am very excited! Not only did this book hold my attention from page 1 to page 277 but, it was GOOD and I wholeheartedly ENJOYED it! My first read by Minka but, definitely not my last. I felt like I was reading a Lisa Gardner or Alafair Burke novel.
Afton has been the talk of the town since being convicted of killing her best friend’s Dad, who also happened to be sleeping with her Mom. Only, she can’t remember what happened because she blacked out, which has happened before. Years later she’s working overnights at a local hotel when she finds a crumbled up lotto ticket in her purse…
Thank you to Minka and Kate Rock for having me on this tour, this story is a 100% a 5 star read. The suspense and creep factor were absolutely incredible, After Dark is a MUST read from me!
Thank you to Minka and Kate Rock for having me on this tour, this story is a 100% a 5 star read. The suspense and creep factor were absolutely incredible, After Dark is a MUST read from me!
I enjoyed this and read it in a day! This twisty story kept me guessing and asking what is going on.
The story was told from dual POV and provided flashbacks to events that led to the present situation. Afton and Sydney have been friends their entire life, their moms are cousins and Sydney's mom Cynthia always looked out for Afton. Afton has struggled with family issues and mental health issues including rage induced blackout. She is an outcast in town after being accused of murdering the beloved football coach who was Sydney's father. Afton does not remember the night of the murder and stayed in town because of her grandmother. Her only friends were Sydney and Cynthia who after everything that happened kept Afton in their lives. Afton wants to help Sydney with her struggling marriage and confronts Sydney's husband Drew. When strange things start happening at Afton's house she begins to wonder what is happening and is Drew behind it. What is the truth and what is a hallucination? Can she trust Sydney to help her figure it out before it is too late?
Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tour and the author for providing a copy for my honest review.
The story was told from dual POV and provided flashbacks to events that led to the present situation. Afton and Sydney have been friends their entire life, their moms are cousins and Sydney's mom Cynthia always looked out for Afton. Afton has struggled with family issues and mental health issues including rage induced blackout. She is an outcast in town after being accused of murdering the beloved football coach who was Sydney's father. Afton does not remember the night of the murder and stayed in town because of her grandmother. Her only friends were Sydney and Cynthia who after everything that happened kept Afton in their lives. Afton wants to help Sydney with her struggling marriage and confronts Sydney's husband Drew. When strange things start happening at Afton's house she begins to wonder what is happening and is Drew behind it. What is the truth and what is a hallucination? Can she trust Sydney to help her figure it out before it is too late?
Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tour and the author for providing a copy for my honest review.
dark
tense
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
After Dark follows the lives of two childhood friends after one’s father is found dead and the other is accused of his murder.
It checks all the boxes:
☑️unreliable narrator
☑️toxic friendships
☑️dual POV
☑️dual timeline
I absolutely loved this book. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with plenty of character development, give this one a try!
It checks all the boxes:
☑️unreliable narrator
☑️toxic friendships
☑️dual POV
☑️dual timeline
I absolutely loved this book. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with plenty of character development, give this one a try!
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
medium-paced