When reporter Freya leaves Glasgow and moves back to Orkney where she grew up, she is waiting for the results from her autism assessment. Bones are discovered on the island and Freya finds herself caught up in trying to uncover the truth.

This book has it all – a great setting, fascinating characters and a gripping plot.

I love a story that allows you to travel to a new place – whether that is somewhere I've never been to or even somewhere I've not read about before. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the setting and found it to be the perfect backdrop for the story that was taking place.

I have never come across a character like Freya before. As the reader you get to see her unique perspective and I always felt like I had a clear idea of how she felt and perceived situations. I did struggle to understand her reasoning sometimes but I found this a really eye-opening and thought-provoking experience.

Dark Island has one of those plots that keeps you guessing and really ramps up the tension as you progress through the book.

A brilliant debut novel that is an excellent addition to the crime genre.

Thank you HarperNorth for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I loved this.

I love murder mysteries and I'm currently being assessed for ADHD, so I really loved the main character Freya.

I loved the writing and can't believe this was a first novel, the characters and settings were amazing.

I really hope this does become a series as it's such a great foundation and opportunity to have many more stories.

Freya Sinclair has returned to her childhood home on Orkney after a turbulent time whilst working as a reporter for The Herald in Glasgow, she wants to escape to somewhere quiet, whilst deliberating over the fact that she may have autism, but there's no chance of any peace as, on her first day at the local paper, a report comes in that human remains have been unearthed during a winter storm. Could these remains relate to a case going back seventeen years, what other secrets will Freya uncover during her investigations and how will it affect her personally?

Dark Island is the debut thriller novel, and looks to be the first in a series, by this author. It's an intriguing read set on the atmospheric Orkney Isle where Freya has returned to escape her demons but as the story unfolds it would appear that she brought many of those demons home with her and this is affecting both her marriage and her work, but I admired her dogged determination to get to the truth of what happened all those years ago and her constant stand for justice, whatever consequences this may bring. This is a well written story full of secrets and a couple of twists along the way, covering some delicate subjects which the author dealt with sensitively and with integrity. It will be interesting to see how this series progresses.

I'd like to thank HarperNorth and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.

I really enjoyed this book, a brilliant murder mystery set in the wonderfully picturesque Orkney islands and a neurodiverse female lead who solves it all. Freya is a journalist who has returned to the islands hoping for a quieter life after very difficult encounters during her last city job with a big paper. That changes immediately when bodies are discovered. The story itself was fast paced and clever. Set during December it was dark most of the time so far north and this was reflected in both the twists and turns of the plot and the beautiful descriptions of the land. Freya grapples with the results of a recent assessment for autism and this forms quite a part of the story, you get a good understanding of how various things can be utterly overwhelming and also other people's lack of understanding. The door is left open for further action so I really hope there is more to come. Highly recommend!

In Orkney, reporter Freya Sinclair has started a new job at the local newspaper where she grew up. Freya also knows she is different and is waiting to see if she is on the autistic spectrum. She is caught up in a local crime when a body is found. Will she help to uncover the truth?

This was an enjoyable debut with an impressive, atmospheric setting. The setting and writing style is done well and the author manages to really capture the scenes of the dark island. There is a good mystery element to this novel and it is well plotted. Freya is an interesting character and her inner battles were well explored, however at times this over shadowed the other elements in the story and I found I didn’t fully connect with her yet (this may develop within a sequel novel). Overall a good start to a possible new series and I would pick up the next one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

Freya has relocated with her husband Tom from Glasgow to her childhood home of Orkney after an accident. Part of the reason she has left her job at a major paper there is also related to a recent development that has led her to be tested for autism, and this is a major theme in the story

But Freya's plans for a slower and presumably more peaceful life on the island are unlikely to materialise even if her autism diagnosis does.

Because within a short time of their arrival, a set of buried bones emerges due to inclement weather. And the truths that begin to emerge alongside this discovery are likely to turn Freya's life upside down. Because a killer lurks in the literal darkness of this island, which has only six hours of daylight in the winter...

I think the character of Tom was somewhat neglected here, but it was good to see an intelligent, intuitive neurodiverse character featured in a story like this, and I expect we will be hearing more from her.

This is a chilling, fast paced tale in an atmospheric setting, with plenty of twists along the way. It will be enjoyed by readers of crime fiction. It gets 3.5 stars.

Dark Island is Daniel Aubrey’s debut novel. Orkney, in midwinter, is quite literally, a dark island, with just 6 hours of sunlight daily. Freya, and her husband Tom, have recently moved from Glasgow. For Tom it’s a new beginning, for Freya it’s a return home.

Freya’s arrival coincides with the discovery of shallow buried bones, uncovered on the beach, by a winter storm. As the local newspapers’ newest reporter, she is thrown straight into reporting on the case.
While Freya is being drawn deeper into the investigation, and the murky past of some of the dubious Orcadians, Freya’s mind is constantly distracted by the autism assessment results, which weigh heavily on her.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and found myself gripped by the fast paced story. The characters were all distinct, fully formed and interesting. The addition of a lovable Labrador to the cast, is always a hit with me.
I loved the setting of Orkney, it’s beauty, bracing weather and open spaces. I find myself increasingly drawn to books set in the islands, above the coast of mainland Scotland.

I specifically want to mention Freya’s character. I loved the inclusion of a neuro diverse character at the heart of the book. Many of her thoughts and observations brought a smile of recognition to me.
The very end of the book, with the letter, and the subsequent conversations, I found to be extremely moving.

Finally I really wanted to recommend this book to anyone who has a loved one on the spectrum, also to those who don’t. I think everyone should read Dark Island, to have a small window into the thoughts of someone who is neuro divergent; to help with understanding of difference.
It has been so incredibly helpful and moving for me. Thank you Daniel, thank you for sharing Freya and her thoughts with me.

I very much look forward to whatever Daniel writes next, and would love to have a second book set in the same location, to revisit these characters. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

Freya Sinclair, her husband Tom and their dog Luna move back to Orkney from Glasgow following an accident that Freya was in. She has been taken on as a reporter for the Orcadian newspaper and online news site. On her first day, she is asked to meet Gill, where a mysterious find has been discovered by a local lad. This leads onto an unputdownable, page turner of a story, full of twists and turns. The story ends with a dramatic conclusion that I didn't see coming! I highly recommend this book by a debut author!

I enjoyed this fast paced thriller of a journalist’s investigation into murder. The Orkney setting is wonderful; I’d always wanted to go there and this book has moved it higher up my list! The landscape descriptions are beautiful. I found Freya, the main character, to be quite frustrating at times: I wish she’d give her personal safety more consideration! The possibility that Freya is autistic comes across very strongly, and for me this interferes with the main story. I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this series.

One of my favourite things is when a debut author absolutely knocks it out of the park with their first novel AND that novel is the first book in a series that you KNOW you’re going to be absolutely obsessed with... In walks Daniel Aubrey and Dark Island. This is the first book in the Orkney Mystery series - if you’re a fan of location based mysteries, such as LJ Ross or G R Halliday, then you need to get your teeth into this series NOW at book one.
Daniel Aubrey’s Dark Island has reporter Freya Sinclair at the front and centre of this crime fiction series, a wonderfully intuitive, brilliant main character who is waiting on the outcome of an autism assessment. After upping roots from Glasgow to Orkney, she very quickly finds herself consumed by investigating the identity of human remains which are exhumed by a winter storm on the coast. Freya begins to distract herself from the reason that she has moved back to Orkney with her husband, along with her upcoming assessment results, by simply becoming sleuth and honesty and I loved her for it. Dark Island is an incredible first instalment of a brand new series that I just know my crime fiction friends are going to love and devour - the chilling and fast-paced mystery you’ll find within the pages of this novel will have you immediately hooked and talking yourself into reading one more chapter, even though it’s way past your bedtime! Truly an intoxicating and atmospheric slice of murder mystery!

Atmospheric writing, debut novel. If you know Orkney then you will be able to relate to the descriptions.
I felt as if Freya lost her way a little in the storytelling, and her poor husband did not really feature too much in the tale.
Dark forces out there but at times it was a little of make believe.

Will there be a sequel?

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

An enjoyable debut novel that I hope has a sequel. Theya, a journalist returns home to Orkney with her husband after several years away. On her first day at work at the local paper bones are discovered that could belong to her old nemesis. The author spends a lot of time describing Theya's mental state as she could be autistic. Although her unusual deductive skills and dogged determination are relevant to the plot, they overwhelm at times. I felt sorry for her husband, Tom who was ignored at every turn. I hope there will be a sequel, but, equally hope it won't include a blow by blow account of Theya's emotions.

A dark and atmospheric thriller set in the rugged Orkney isles. There are echoes of other Scottish writers in the narrative which is a good thing and it is a compelling read.

I would rate this about 3.75 overall.
The story is great, full of twist, some that are expected, some that are not. The island are described very well, bringing a whole other darkness to the story and making is quite atmospherically.
I struggled with the main character. Freya should be this strong reporter woman with some questionable past and inner demons. She is all that but she also comes across as a spoilt brat sometimes that can only thing of herself and her problems.
I felt sorry for her husband at times. Plus her inner fighting somehow slow the pace of the story sometimes and really, this is a fast-paces story that only develops over a few days.
In summary this is a good book and I would recommended to anyone that enjoys reading dark, fast-paced thrillers.

Daniel Aubrey’s debut novel, Dark Island, is set on the Orkney Islands and features journalist Freya Sinclair, who has recently returned home in search of a quieter life after working on a national newspaper in Glasgow. On her first day, before she has even made it into The Orcadian office, remains are discovered at the historic site of Skara Brae, uncovered during a violent storm the night before. It is believed they belong to a teenage girl who disappeared when Freya was at high school. A conspiracy is uncovered that makes it difficult to know who can be trusted.
Set over the course of just a few days, the story is told entirely from Freya’s point to view with occasional passages in italics from an unknown character keep the reader guessing. Dark Island gives us a realistic picture of how Freya’s mental health struggles affect her ability to do her job and live her life. She is waiting for the result of an autism assessment, and both wants and doesn’t want to know the outcome. While it was interesting to have a neurodivergent main character, at times there was too much information about her condition and it overwhelmed the narrative. It took me a while to warm to Freya as her impulsive behaviour and total disregard for her own safety was frustrating to read.
The characters are well drawn, and it made a pleasant change for women to outnumber men on the staff of the newspaper, although Gill was a total nightmare to work with and Kirstin’s habit of calling everyone ‘chick’ really started to jar after a while. The Orkney setting was vividly described, and the constantly changing weather almost a character in its own right. I enjoyed this gripping atmospheric story with a journalist at the forefront of the investigation. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series. Thanks to HarperNorth and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

Journalist Freya Sinclair is returning to Orkney for a fresh start after a traumatic time in Glasgow.

However any idea of a quieter life is quickly dispelled as within hours of arriving, human remains are discovered and it's Freyas job as a reporter to investigate.

But like the Orkney soil, the tight, independent community also hides dark secrets. What unfolds is a gripping story of crimes that go well beyond a 17 year old murder.

Freya is also dealing with her personal issues with a possible diagnosis of autism hanging over her. While as in real life, her possible autism presents challenges, it also gives Freya the edge in noticing things that others don’t. I feel this was well handled both her ND personality traits and the mixed feelings she has about a possible diagnosis

Thoroughly enjoyed this one - pacy and well plotted and I loved the Orkney setting. I thought the writing was excellent and definitely kept me turning the pages. I really liked Freya and there's lots of action and twists but it never at any point felt far-fetched or unrealistic.

A cracking debut and I’m already very much looking forward to what Daniel does next

Fabulously dark tale set on the Scottish islands. Great descriptions of the locations and characters that I couldn’t wait to find out what happens to them next !

Rating: 3.2/5

When investigative journalist, Freya Sinclair, returns to her childhood home of Orkney, she is expecting her working life to be considerably quieter and less stressful than the position she has left behind in Glasgow. However, when human remains are uncovered during a stormy night, it turns out to be the start of an investigation into a disturbing conspiracy - and all this while Freya is also waiting on the outcome of an autism assessment.

There are some really impressive elements to this debut novel from Daniel Aubrey. The backdrop of Orkney with its unique history and character creates an appealing setting for the action. The various members of the dramatis personae are relatable and well-drawn. The mystery at the heart of the storyline is credible, engaging and as the narrative unfolds there are moments of genuine nail-biting tension. Against these positive characteristics, there are also aspects that aren't executed quite as slickly as they could have been. One of the downsides of being a series opener is that the author has to cover a lot of groundwork and not only introduce a cast of characters, but also make sure that the reader can gain a sound insight into the key players - particularly the central protagonist. It can be tricky to strike a suitable balance and I am not convinced that Daniel Aubrey consistently hit the sweet spot. There were a number of occasions where Freya's emotional state and fraught reaction to various situations became a touch frustrating. Yes, the reader needs to understand her character, challenges and motivation, but, at times, I felt this caused pacing issues by getting in the way of the mystery at the heart of the story rather than enhancing it.

Nonetheless, the overall impression of "Dark Island" is a positive one and there is certainly enough here to tempt me to come back for the next book in the series.

Whilst this book is at heart a crime novel, I really enjoyed the way this was done with a really unique main character. Thank you for letting me review this book

Journalist Freya, together with husband Tom and dog Luna return to her childhood home of Orkney, following a traumatic time reporting on the mainland for The Herald. Freya comes with plenty of baggage. Despite a scoop concerning a predatory GP she has had a rough time, run ins with colleagues and management, a failure to publish more injustices and a mental health concern that overrides daily existence. She wants a fresh start in Orkney writing for the local newspaper.

A storm uncovers two bodies, the bodies have been there some time. are they the bodies of the teenagers that went missing 17 years ago, believed by the Police to have committed suicide. Freya is asked to shadow experienced reporter Gill in covering the story but soon Freya’s previous problems start to raise their head again. Her mental health problems which make her determined and spot things others miss, also cause issues with the other reporters and the papers management as she uncovers a 17 year old mystery and conspiracy.

Is her source to be trusted, why have they resurfaced after all this time and why do they want to help her.

This is a well constructed plot, with a couple of twists (I got part of it, but not it all) and describes Orkney from the perspective of someone who has spent a long time there. Freya’s battle with her demons are well described and documented but for me there was too much about it and that interrupted the flow of the story. As the ending leaves it open for a sequel I would rather the details of her problems have come over a longer time and less intensively. This is written by someone who has been diagnosed late in life with neuro divergence and it feels like the author is writing at length about his personal experience .

Will I read a sequel, yes I will. I want to know how it works out for Freya as she continues her investigations into the dark side of Orkney, I want to know how she resolves her need for a diagnosis for what she suspects is autism and I want her to be successful and happy.