This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed. The plot is great. There is lots of suspense. A great series

Another brilliant read by a master storyteller!
It is part of the Kate Marshall series, following the protagonist, Kate Marshall, a former police officer turned lecturer, and her assistant, Tristan Harper.
The story typically combines elements of psychological suspense, intricate investigations, and character-driven narratives that keeps you engaged throughout the thrilling journey.
Highly recommended!

This is a great fast paced thriller, which I loved, and I really enjoyed reading it. I love Robert's books, and I have read some of his other books too. This is book 3 in a series.

The story is about Kate Marshall and her partner/friend Tristan, who are private investigators hired to help solve the cold case of Joanna Duncan who went missing 12 years before. Joanna was trying to expose a corrupt politician before she went missing. Could this be connected to her disappearance?

Full of twists and turns, and drama, this book really hooked me in and kept me enthralled throughout. If you love thrillers or police procedurals, then you will love this book. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Absolutely gripping from start to finish, the 3rd in a series and I just can't wait for the next one.
Robert Bryndza truly draws you in and makes you care about the protagonists in his books, you won't be able to put this one down.

I thoroughly enjoyed the next instalment of the Kate Marshall series! The plot was interesting and although I guessed who the killer was, it was still very intriguing and I couldn't wait to see how it would be resolved. There were some really interest twists and morally grey areas to ponder.

I also enjoyed Kate's development in this book as she navigates a new, closer relationship with her son and the continued knock-on effects of his father.

My only criticism was that at times I felt like was being told what Kate felt rather than being shown, however, it didn't take away from my enjoyed of this great, fast paced thriller. Looking forward to the next!

Review hadn’t saved. Really enjoyed this one- writing what fantastic and drew me in, didn’t want it to end! Always keeps me on the edge of my seat!

Another 5 star corker from Robert Bryndza - such a great writing style that draws you in and helps you sail through the pages. I’m a huge fan!

It was so great to be back with Kate & Tristan as they pick up a missing person cold case. I had a hunch who the killer was from quite early on but didn’t see the twists and turns coming until right before the big reveal.

If you’ve not read any of Robert’s books yet, you’re missing out! Whilst technically part of the Kate Marshall series, they can all be read as standalones.

I always enjoy Robert Brydza’s books and this one is no exception. His characters are well rounded and his storylines are well thought out and well researched. I’ve enjoyed the Erica Foster detective novels in the past and am pleased he’s chosen another female strong lead for this new book - Kate who along with her newly inherited Devon caravan park has started her fledgling detective agency. I’ll be looking out for more in what I expect will be another great series.

Darkness Falls Robert Bryndza

Kate Marshall's detective agency takes off when she and her partner Tristan are hired to investigate a cold case from over a decade ago. Twelve years previously, a determined young journalist called Joanna Duncan exposed a political scandal that had major repercussions. In the fallout she disappeared without trace and was never found. 

When Kate and Tristan examine the case files, they find the trail long cold, but they discover the names of two young men who also vanished at that time. As she begins to connect their last days, Kate realizes that Joanna may have been onto something far more sinister than anyone first believed: the identity of a serial killer preying on the people who few will ever miss. 

But the closer Kate comes to finding the killer, the darker things become . . .

For this third book in the series, former detective Kate has finally taken the plunge and opened her private investigation agency with the help of her ex-colleague, Tristan. Strangely, she has inherited a surf shop and caravan park too, both near her home on England's jurassic coast. Tristan is now only part-time at Ashdean University so they welcome a new case, one that looks like it could be lucrative and their most controversial case to date. It’s a cold case from twelve years ago, when the journalist Joanna Duncan left work and as she did every day, walked into the multi storey car park to collect her car and drive home. Instead she disappeared without a trace. The pair are hired by Joanna’s mum Bev and partner Bill, who is a local business owner. They’re desperate to find the truth, to get out of the limbo state they’re in - constantly waiting for the phone to ring and never able to get on with their lives.

Kate and Tristan gain access to the original case files, inside is a long list of the names and addresses of potential suspects. These include a bitter local MP who lost his parliamentary seat after Joanna did an exposé on him. It’s amazing how quickly Kate, and us, are drawn in when they realise this will be ,much more involved than they imagined. Then a local man is reported missing, someone who Kate and Tristan can link to their cold case. As a result it becomes very serious and what they thought was a cold case has warmed up considerably.

I felt like our main protagonists started to gel in the last book. Kate and Tristan have become a tight team, and this case is so compelling. I loved the insights into why the perpetrator behaved as they did, because the why is often more interesting than the who for me. However, their identity was a surprise to this reader. I loved how the case built slowly, increasing the tension, helped along by sections written from the perpetrator’s point of view. Their sections are chilling because they make it clear this is not a one off, and is much darker than any of the team expected. I think the author is clever in the way he breaks off the tension occasionally, allowing something calmer and more reflective to happen. There are also scenes deeply rooted in everyday life to remind us that our protagonists are real people with ordinary lives not superheroes. Super heroes don’t usually hire toilets. I think the author has pitched this novel perfectly between the private and the personal, the moments of tension and times of calm. I think fans of the last two books will love this third instalment and will be waiting for number four.

Kate Marshall is back again, and this time she’s more determined than ever to find the body of Joanna Duncan. Joanna was a young reporter who went missing 13 years ago, they say she vanished… but what really happened that night? Who had a motive to kill Joanna?

Well yet again, Robert Bryndza shocks me with another fantastic book! I can easily say he is my favourite thriller author ever, his writing is incredible and his books always give me the chills! There aren’t many authors who use the points of views of both the detective AND the murderer, and it’s just insane to read.

Was I shook at the outcome? Absolutely!! Someone who we knew so little about, ended up being the most awful person. And the book really does take a turn in the last 20%, it had me on the edge of my seat pretty much from start to finish.

I recommend this to all of my thriller loving friends, you won’t be disappointed and I am very much looking forward to the next story of Kate Marshall😍

TW: Murder, sexual assault, homophobic slurs, drink spiking, prostitution, rape.

Yet another brilliant easy read from Robert Bryndza. Kate Marshall is growing on me after becoming full ensconced in the Erika Foster novels. The story draws you in and moves effortlessly to the end with great intensity and page turning drama. Cant wait for the next.

Having read the previous two Kate and Tristan novels I was really keen to see where their relationships goes when investigating crime.
I did enjoy the killers POV in this one and felt that again I was turning the pages and getting through the book really quickly.
I always expect good twists from this author and this book was no different in terms of providing this.
I am already looking forward to meeting Kate and Tristan in their next big case.
Thanks to the author and publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review

Robert Bryndza is an amazing writer. He has the ability to describe scenes so thoroughly that you feel you are immersed in the book yourself, as well as having the great talent of being able to create the mystery and suspense from the very first chapter. I truly believe he is one of the best writers out there.

I was immersed in the story from the very first, dramatic, chapter and found it hard to put my kindle down despite being exhausted, which usually ended with it dropping on the floor or my head!! Worth it though! The story is based on a Political Scandal, A Cold Case, and a Serial Killer, and covers many topical issues of the time. Robert does not shy away from difficult topics.

This is Book 3 of the Kate Marshall Series (Nine Elms and Shadow Sands being books 1 & 2 - both excellent as well) and I enjoyed being immersed back in Kate's story. Kate's growth as a character is engaging, both personally and professionally. She is an excellent protagonist and the relationship she has with Tristan, he partner in the Detective Agency is building nicely. Robert has a brilliant way of portraying his characters, flaws an all, and Kate and Tristan are a very likeable duo.

I can't wait for more!

Thank you to Netgalley, and Little Brown Book Group UK for a copy of the book, at my request, in return for an honest review. I loved it so much I have also purchased the audiobook.

A really good read , cleverly written bringing several storylines together with a massive twist at the end ! A great addition to the series

Love the Kate Marshall series and cannot get enough from this author. Please keep on with this series it is one of my favourites

Absolutely brilliant. Kate Marshall is fast becoming my favourite detective, only rivalled by Robert’s other DCI series & the wonderful Angela Marson’s crime thriller series.

Highly recommend these unputdownable books!

Robert Bryndza never fails to create a book that doesn’t draw you in and make the outside world disappear!
The first book in the series, Nine Elms is still one favourite books and it is set pretty much in my own back yard so I know of the places he brings to life. Fortunately it is a lot quieter than in the books!
Since that book I have eagerly awaited each new book in this series and all of them are really well written with both characters and places coming alive across the pages!
I purchased Nine Elms in hardback and then lent it to a friend and she is now as hooked on this series as I am and has brought herself all 3 of the series so far!
Even though they are a series you don’t have to read the other’s to read this one, it works as a stand-alone and still enjoy it, but the other’s are so good if you haven’t already read them then I highly recommend you do.

I can’t rate this book highly enough! I love all of Robert Bryndza’s work, and have read all of his, including the Coco Pinchard books and the Erika Foster books. I have never not liked any of his and this includes this one. He’s a fantastic author and I look forward to reading the next one!! Thank you x x

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
I have read and enjoyed the 'Coco Pinchard' books by this author, but none of his 'detective' stories. I was very pleased to discover that this book has interesting main characters and some comical pieces of dialogue within an excellent plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of this novel and the red herrings kept me confused about what the conclusion might be. I must go back and read the previous books in the series, and look for to reading more about Kate and Tristan in the future!