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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
The Dark is a claustrophobic read in a fascinating setting – engaging and well written.
Unusual who-dunnit with a flawed but feisty heroine Kate set in the Antarctic’s pervading menace of ice and darkness. At first it was so hard to feel sympathy with her. If you can get past the stereotype and the often irrational and incomprehensible behaviour of the lead character then I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
This is more like Agatha Christie Whodunnit novel.
This is such a perfect read for cold dark nights.
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unusual who-dunnit with a flawed but feisty heroine Kate set in the Antarctic’s pervading menace of ice and darkness. At first it was so hard to feel sympathy with her. If you can get past the stereotype and the often irrational and incomprehensible behaviour of the lead character then I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
This is more like Agatha Christie Whodunnit novel.
This is such a perfect read for cold dark nights.
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I would really recommend this book to anyone who is getting into the murder mystery genre like myself. The writing is absolutely fantastic and it genuinely made my heart race at certain moments. At first I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to go along with the mc but I was definitely proved wrong.
There’s a lot of tension and build up but it kind of just fizzles out and starts building up again. There’s not really a satisfying resolve or explanation for a few smaller things.
There’s a lot of tension and build up but it kind of just fizzles out and starts building up again. There’s not really a satisfying resolve or explanation for a few smaller things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death
Moderate: Medical content, Murder, Pregnancy
Minor: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail
Thank you to Author, Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 rounded to 3
What I loved about this book is the setting. It is a locked-room mystery set in Antarctica. The claustrophobic atmosphere and isolation were beautifully captured. I loved reading about how research stations function in those conditions.
The plot had potential! It started off slow but picked up the pace in the second half. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. Kate, the main protagonist was annoying and irritating. I couldn't stand reading about her. I might have loved this book more without Kate. There is only so much I can read about the lead character popping pills and taking all the wrong decisions.
2.5 rounded to 3
What I loved about this book is the setting. It is a locked-room mystery set in Antarctica. The claustrophobic atmosphere and isolation were beautifully captured. I loved reading about how research stations function in those conditions.
The plot had potential! It started off slow but picked up the pace in the second half. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. Kate, the main protagonist was annoying and irritating. I couldn't stand reading about her. I might have loved this book more without Kate. There is only so much I can read about the lead character popping pills and taking all the wrong decisions.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good book. I read with pigeonhole over 12 days and think I would have got ‘sucked in ‘ better if I read it quicker. Great descriptions of the remote location and the cold. Constantly
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A whodunnit novel set in the Antarctic during the stark and relentless 24/7 darkness of Winter. The harsh backdrop adds to the ominous atmosphere as bodies and injuries pile up and the suspect pool diminishes . Narrated by the imperfect and highly flawed new base doctor Kate, whose own demons haunt her into an unhealthy addiction with pain meds. While not entirely likeable, I found myself rooting for her, that she would pull it together long enough to find out who was the murderer and to hopefully find a way out. An action packed read, often requiring you to suspend expectations of the plausible for a good story. Well worth a read if you like a subzero thriller.
Really enjoyable psychological thriller- one might even say...chilling
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC of this book.
Release date: 19th August 2021.
The Dark takes place on a research base in Antarctica and revolves around mystery and murder both in the past and present. Dr. Kate North has left her life behind to work on the base as a last-minute replacement doctor. When she gets there, she finds out that the previous doctor has died - although she doesn't yet know how...
Emma Haughton creates a good atmosphere of silence and secrecy and uses the harsh conditions of Antarctica well to add to the mood of the characters. You can always feel the fear of what the environment itself can do to people - not just the others on the base.
The cast of characters work well, and Haughton successfully has you guessing and changing your mind over who is ultimately responsible for the murders. I was almost sad that my first guess was correct, as she worked hard to make several characters viable killers.
The main character Kate is who we view the story through, and she is the only downfall of the book. Although some of her character is explained through her trauma and substance abuse, she is quite repetitive beyond just creating the air of mystery and monotony. Maybe this was the point, but several of her other characters have more depth even without a great insight into their lives. Sonya and Caro are my favourites.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Dark and it creates a great mystery in an environment that is just as dangerous as the murderer.
3.5 stars.
Release date: 19th August 2021.
The Dark takes place on a research base in Antarctica and revolves around mystery and murder both in the past and present. Dr. Kate North has left her life behind to work on the base as a last-minute replacement doctor. When she gets there, she finds out that the previous doctor has died - although she doesn't yet know how...
Emma Haughton creates a good atmosphere of silence and secrecy and uses the harsh conditions of Antarctica well to add to the mood of the characters. You can always feel the fear of what the environment itself can do to people - not just the others on the base.
The cast of characters work well, and Haughton successfully has you guessing and changing your mind over who is ultimately responsible for the murders. I was almost sad that my first guess was correct, as she worked hard to make several characters viable killers.
The main character Kate is who we view the story through, and she is the only downfall of the book. Although some of her character is explained through her trauma and substance abuse, she is quite repetitive beyond just creating the air of mystery and monotony. Maybe this was the point, but several of her other characters have more depth even without a great insight into their lives. Sonya and Caro are my favourites.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Dark and it creates a great mystery in an environment that is just as dangerous as the murderer.
3.5 stars.