Book Review: The Darkest Night

Reviewed By: Carol - SLC - RAM

The Darkest Night     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jodie Larsen
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Kaycee Miller # 2
Hawk Publishing, 2003, 238 pages, $21.95 (hard cover)

This is Jodie Larsen's second installment in her series featuring Kaycee Miller, a psychologist and expert at handwriting analysis, and Kaycee's romantic interest, Max Masterson, a dog handler who works in search and rescue. The author gives us a lot of insight into her main characters and just the right amount on those who are more peripheral to the story. The author really draws the reader inside the story, allowing the reader to develop a good feel for the characters and actually become emotionally involved. You know those movies where you are on the edge of your seat hollering "no, no, no, don't do that!" to the main character? The Darkest Night is exactly THAT kind of thriller on paper.

This time around, Kaycee gets involved in a case that has grabbed national attention when the FBI asks her to analyze the handwriting of individuals who have died from starvation, dehydration and exposure in our national parks in an effort to determine whether the deaths are the result of 'suicide by nature' or foul play. Max is himself involved in a search for the latest victim. The author brings the reader up close and personal to search and rescue procedures, giving a bird's eye view of just what this incredible field entails. The reader shares a roller coaster ride of raw emotions as rescuer is pitted against time and nature.

The Darkest Night is a thrilling adventure with several plot twists that makes it difficult to put down until the last page has been turned. I missed the first book in this series, but I'm determined to read it as soon as possible and then check for the next installment in Jodie Larsen's Kaycee Miller series.

Carol - SLC - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carol - SLC - RAM