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mackenziepotter's review against another edition
4.0
There are few authors that are automatic buys/give me the ARC the moment I get wind of it, and Minka Kent is one of them. I've read a handful of her books now and I know I'm in for a twisty, yet easy to follow book.
And After Dark was no different.
Told between the POVs of Afton and her best friend/distant relative (?) Sydney, Afton is accused and convicted for the murder of Sydney's father who had been having an affair with Afton's mother. However, Afton blacked out and doesnt remember a thing; she just knows she didn't do it.
Cast out from society, Afton watches as her best friend lives a seemingly idyllic life with her perfect house and perfect family, all while Afton works as a third shift hotel Night Auditor. Which, being in hospitality myself, I know that can take a drag on you mentally.
Once Afton starts to hallucinate events and her view on reality blurs (or refocuses), the events of that night start to fall into place and Afton might not be guilty after all.
I thoroughly enjoyed After Dark and felt that though slightly predictable, I had a few moments of doubt and disbelief. Though not in the customer service/hospitality industry. The customer entitlement on that was spot on.
I did find the Michigan Wolverines losing their basketball game to be believable enough. That passage made me chuckle.
Thank you Minka Kent and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait for the next publication.
And After Dark was no different.
Told between the POVs of Afton and her best friend/distant relative (?) Sydney, Afton is accused and convicted for the murder of Sydney's father who had been having an affair with Afton's mother. However, Afton blacked out and doesnt remember a thing; she just knows she didn't do it.
Cast out from society, Afton watches as her best friend lives a seemingly idyllic life with her perfect house and perfect family, all while Afton works as a third shift hotel Night Auditor. Which, being in hospitality myself, I know that can take a drag on you mentally.
Once Afton starts to hallucinate events and her view on reality blurs (or refocuses), the events of that night start to fall into place and Afton might not be guilty after all.
I thoroughly enjoyed After Dark and felt that though slightly predictable, I had a few moments of doubt and disbelief. Though not in the customer service/hospitality industry. The customer entitlement on that was spot on.
I did find the Michigan Wolverines losing their basketball game to be believable enough. That passage made me chuckle.
Thank you Minka Kent and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait for the next publication.
novelnotions's review against another edition
4.0
Afton was just a teenager when she was accused and ultimately acquitted of murdering her mother's lover. She has had a history of blackouts and doesn't remember committing this act . . . but could it have been possible?
Now she lives with her grandmother and works the overnight shift at a local hotel and is still close friends with Sydney and Sydney's mother, who have both stood by her and supported her since that tragic night even though her mother's lover was Sydney's father. But then the blackout seems to have started up again and Afton is questioning what's real and what's made up, bring up all those questions from years ago and Afton is committed to learning the truth.
I liked the dual narrative between Afton and Sydney leading up to the final surprising reveal and resolution. A great standalone thriller, though I wouldn't say no to a follow-up on where Afton and Sydney end up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now she lives with her grandmother and works the overnight shift at a local hotel and is still close friends with Sydney and Sydney's mother, who have both stood by her and supported her since that tragic night even though her mother's lover was Sydney's father. But then the blackout seems to have started up again and Afton is questioning what's real and what's made up, bring up all those questions from years ago and Afton is committed to learning the truth.
I liked the dual narrative between Afton and Sydney leading up to the final surprising reveal and resolution. A great standalone thriller, though I wouldn't say no to a follow-up on where Afton and Sydney end up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
samonareads's review against another edition
4.0
After Dark Minka Kent
The thriller/mystery genre is extremely hit or miss for me. It needs to grab me and hold me the whole time. If I’m not escaping my realty, then what is the point of reading? Minka Kent has never disappointed me. This is the first time I’ve read a book by her, the other three books I’ve listened to on audio book. Reading her book was just as nerve racking as listening.
Afton was a very easy to follow character who I was routing for the whole time. Minka never disappoints when the ending all comes together. Thank you Netgally for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review. I do believe Unmissing still holds the number one spot in my heart but After Dark is very close.
The thriller/mystery genre is extremely hit or miss for me. It needs to grab me and hold me the whole time. If I’m not escaping my realty, then what is the point of reading? Minka Kent has never disappointed me. This is the first time I’ve read a book by her, the other three books I’ve listened to on audio book. Reading her book was just as nerve racking as listening.
Afton was a very easy to follow character who I was routing for the whole time. Minka never disappoints when the ending all comes together. Thank you Netgally for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review. I do believe Unmissing still holds the number one spot in my heart but After Dark is very close.
bbvalentino's review against another edition
5.0
Afton’s story was a frickin whirlwind
Who needs enemies with friends like that?
Read the whole thing in one day
Who needs enemies with friends like that?
Read the whole thing in one day
barb4ry1's review against another edition
4.0
The story revolves around two childhood friends, Afton and Sydney, after Afton was convicted of killing Sydney's father. Two decades ago, Afton stabbed her mother's lover, Coach Rick Carson, claiming a blackout. Reduced to voluntary manslaughter by her public defender, Afton struggles with mental health, while Sydney deals with a troubled marriage.
A million lottery win adds a twist, but Afton's reality isn't necessarily the reality others live in.
The final twist is solid (though not shocking) and since the book is rather short and well-paced it's devorable in one or two sittings.
Format: Audiobook, at 2 x speed. The narrator does a great job here.
A million lottery win adds a twist, but Afton's reality isn't necessarily the reality others live in.
The final twist is solid (though not shocking) and since the book is rather short and well-paced it's devorable in one or two sittings.
Format: Audiobook, at 2 x speed. The narrator does a great job here.
shrinkingvixlets's review against another edition
3.0
First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review. After Dark by Minka Kent releases on November 14th, 2023.
After Dark by Minka Kent is a book of thrills and suspense. It works hard to keep the reader intrigued, and it does, however, it is not the best book I have read. The premise is interesting and it is definitely worth the read, but don't go in expecting a 5-star read.
The twists are fun but a little predictable. The writing is solid and it was a good book for what it is, though nothing stood out as 'amazing' for me. Overall, I would recommend this if you are just in need of a quick read that doesn't require too much focus to follow.
After Dark by Minka Kent is a book of thrills and suspense. It works hard to keep the reader intrigued, and it does, however, it is not the best book I have read. The premise is interesting and it is definitely worth the read, but don't go in expecting a 5-star read.
The twists are fun but a little predictable. The writing is solid and it was a good book for what it is, though nothing stood out as 'amazing' for me. Overall, I would recommend this if you are just in need of a quick read that doesn't require too much focus to follow.