🖋5 HUGE 🌟review🖋
I am so lucky to have started the year with some fabulous reads and this one is definitely up there!!! It started with tension and the fast pace and events did not slow for the entire book!

To describe it as a ‘Police procedural’ does not really do justice to the dark events, the fear and emotions I felt as I read this book. The characters were flawlessly developed, totally relatable and felt so real, drawing my full empathy. Amy Jordan brings the story to life through her brilliant descriptions and astute observations of people.

This book has had me desperate to read on but conversely not wanting to reach the end as I was so absorbed, loving the dual timelines, 1984 and 2024. The plot was intrinsically twisted and layered with mysterious happenings gradually revealing the underlying story.

Julia Harte, the main protagonist, reveals a unique view on a police investigation and her personality and demeanour strongly endeared her to me. The final moments of the story are just glorious! Will there be a second book? I really hope so, I cannot recommend this highly enough!

In 1994 Julia Harte is a police office who with her partner successfully caught and prosecuted a serial.killer, ensuring he ended his days in prison. Fast forward 30 years where Julia is now retired and living alone in obscurity in a remote community when she is contacted by her old Superintendent as there is a copycat serial killer that draws her out of retirement to assist in tracking the killer down. The story flips between the two time periods which did make it difficult for me to get to grips with the storyline in the beginning. There are several twists and turns, red herrings and breath taking moments. Brilliant crime thriller.

‘𝖵𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝖿𝖾𝗐 𝗉𝖾𝗈𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗈𝗋𝗇 𝖾𝗏𝗂𝗅; 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾, 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗂𝗋𝖼𝗎𝗆𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝗍𝗐𝗂𝗌𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝖺 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝖺𝗉𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗂𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌.’

1994, Julia Harte, a Garda in Cork, Ireland; when she gets wrapped up into a deadly crime after a phone call regarding a noise complaint, her life changes forever. Afraid of what lurks in the darkness with a serial killer on the loose, she must work against the misogyny and judgement, and race against time to solve the case.

Fast forward to 2024; 30 years later, it’s happening again. Having retired and relocated to a village and away from the previous crime, the darkness still plagues her. However, she now has years of seasoned detective work under her belt, and the same hunger for the truth. Can she solve the case before it’s too late?

‘The Dark Hours’ is written in 3rd person and spans two timelines; one in 1994 and one in 2024. I really enjoyed the way the pace of the book slowly increased and the stakes got higher as the chapters went on, cultivating an enthralling plot!

I still found I could connect with the characters and their emotions, which is impressive as books in third person sometimes lack this for me. A fascinating and twisty thriller that I would highly recommend to crime and thriller lovers.

A copycat killer strikes in this impressive debut

Detective Julia Harte only ever wanted to retire quietly, peacefully to a craggy fictional island off the coast of Galway. A solitary existence, alone with her dog, Mutt, a well-stocked whiskey cabinet and a framed wedding photo to gaze at of an evening; is that too much to ask for?
Yes, yes it is, in the world of detective fiction, which is where we find ourselves in The Dark Hours, the debut novel of Amy Jordan. A phone call from her former boss, himself also retired and running a guesthouse with his wife, forces her out of her retirement back to Cork, where the brutal murder of her partner 30 years earlier started her career as a detective.
In 1994, while still a uniformed officer teamed up with family-man Adrian Clancy, Julia makes a fatal mistake in the investigation into the kidnapping of two young women, which leaves Clancy dead and Julia determined to avenge him. In 2024, a copycat has emerged, with similarities enough to bring the two key officers on the case.
As the narrative flits between the Julia of 2024 – world weary, confident in her ability and in self-imposed exile – and the Julia of 1994, who is young, ambitious and somewhat foolhardy, the story elegantly takes shape. The character development is done well; both Julias are believably the same person, just with more mileage and experience on one.
The 1994 case, though solved, has left threads loose. The killer of Clancy and the two young women he snatched has just died in prison, alone in the world, so the new kidnappings are unlikely to be his responsibility. Yet they bare his hallmark, and a clue deliberately left at the scene leaves the investigators in no doubt that a message is being sent to Julia.
It's a conundrum rehashed at length by the team, which is inexplicably hostile towards Julia and her – and their – former boss. This was what I found the least believable, despite the story taking place in a Cork rife with psychotic killers. DI Neil Armstrong, or Small Step to his colleagues, greatly resents his retired colleagues’ presence, despite the fact that they have invaluable insight into the case.
Julia is also a bit more of an odd fish than she is credited with. A newlywed in 1994, her husband is a doctor who is practically perfect in every way, but who she doesn’t feel able to confide in. Later, when she is brooding on a not-Aran island, she makes sure a wedding day photo is within glancing distance at all times. Why this is weird can be guessed from quite an early stage, and slightly undermines the coherence of the rest of the story.
But it doesn’t quite take away from the solving of the mysteries, which unfold differently from each other so that there is no confusing them, although they have much in common. It’s a well-structured tactic that pays off; the stories unfurl in tandem while never giving anything away too early.
There is, of course, plenty of guessing to be done, and figuring out what and who goes where in each timeline. It is a great way of keeping the reader turning the pages well into the night, even when some of the pacing stalls here and there as the stories catch up with each other.
The character of Julia Harte put me in mind of Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdottir, the protagonist of Ragnar Jonasson’s Hulda Series based in Reykjavik. She too is a lone wolf who investigates with great methodology and a dogged determination, which comes at the expense of her private life.
The Dark Hours also has a darkness and uncompromising un-cosiness in common with the Icelandic series; it is a police procedural that is pulls no punches, and doesn’t endeavour to sanitise murder. It does skirt other social issues that could do with further examining, but there is only so much you can do about that in a detective mystery that needs to be tied up before its consulting detective gets a compulsion to up sticks and head home to her island retreat.
A solid story, well told, I’ll be interested to see what comes next from Amy Jordan.

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Julia’s life changed dramatically following a case she worked as a young Garda with partner Clancy Now retired and living an isolated lifestyle little could she have own that that case would draw her and her dog Mutt to the place she had left

Brilliantly written keeping me totally engaged. Nice to see a book where the unlikely pairing of Julia and Des both retired are central to this case

This book means that they have to look back to have a chance of solving what’s happening now

Full of twists and turns.

Definitely an author to follow

Well Amy, you kept me guessing till the end and I was still wrong.
Really enjoyable crime thriller, moving between 2 eras, with similar crimes. Don't let the fact that Julia has retired fool you into thinking this is cosy crime.
I hope there are other novels as I'd be keen to read them.

An accomplished cliff hanger of a novel! Amy knows how to get you totally immersed trying to second guess how things will turn out- will th3 girls be found in time to save them and will Julia survive!

An extremely well written debut psychological thriller which is compelling and intense. There is a well integrated dual time line where the events of a seemingly routine call out in 1994 resonate down the years for the then inexperienced Garda Julia Harte. In 2024 when copycat crimes begin, Julia comes out of retirement and her reclusive life to offer her experience to the current team. The parallels being to mount and build into an intense climax and enable Julia to deal with the life long psychological trauma from the events of 1994. A fantastic book, one of the best I read in 2024 and highly recommend it.

**The Dark Hours** by **Amy Jordan** is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge with its twists, tension, and emotional depth. This novel offers a thrilling exploration of trauma, revenge, and justice while diving into the complexities of its characters' psyches. Combining elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological drama, *The Dark Hours* explores the fragility of the human mind and the fine line between right and wrong.

### Plot Overview:
The story centers on **Harper**, a woman living in a small, quiet town. Harper has recently come back home after a long absence, looking to start fresh after a traumatic incident in her past. She’s trying to rebuild her life, though the scars—both physical and emotional—remain.

As Harper settles back into her old routine, strange and unsettling things begin to happen. It becomes clear that someone is watching her, and soon, she realizes that the shadow of her past is far from gone. The tension mounts as Harper must confront not only the mystery of these occurrences but also the dark secrets she thought she had buried forever.

As the plot unfolds, the line between victim and perpetrator begins to blur. The reader is taken on a journey through Harper's fragile mental state as she grapples with the truth about her own past actions and how they tie into the present-day mystery. The tension ramps up as Harper uncovers more clues that lead her to question who she can trust, and whether her mind is playing tricks on her or if there is truly a sinister force at work.

### Character Development:
Harper is a deeply complex and flawed protagonist, which makes her both relatable and, at times, unreliable. Her emotional and psychological struggles are at the core of the narrative, and the reader’s understanding of her motives, fears, and vulnerabilities evolves throughout the story.

At the start, Harper appears as a sympathetic character—someone who has endured hardship and is simply trying to find peace. However, as the layers of her past are revealed, it becomes clear that there is much more to her than meets the eye. The psychological complexity of her character is fascinating, and readers will find themselves questioning her reliability as a narrator, especially as the story becomes more tangled and intense.

Secondary characters are also well-developed, adding depth to the plot. From potential allies to suspicious figures, the characters around Harper contribute to the web of mystery and the overall feeling of unease that pervades the novel. Their relationships with Harper—some supportive, some antagonistic—play a pivotal role in both her emotional journey and the unfolding of the mystery.

### Writing Style:
Amy Jordan’s writing is taut and atmospheric, effectively capturing the psychological tension at the heart of the novel. Her prose is sharp, and she has a gift for creating a chilling atmosphere that enhances the suspense. The pacing is deliberate, building toward the eventual twists with a sense of mounting dread and intrigue.

Jordan uses short, punchy sentences to create urgency, particularly during the more suspenseful moments. The narrative is both intimate and eerie, pulling the reader into Harper’s troubled mind while also providing enough external action and mystery to keep things moving. The psychological thriller elements are well-executed, keeping the reader questioning the truth of what’s happening until the very end.

### Themes:
1. **Trauma and its Aftermath**: A central theme of *The Dark Hours* is trauma—both in terms of the psychological impact it has on the victim and how it can affect the people around them. Harper’s journey is one of trying to cope with past events that continue to haunt her, and the novel explores how difficult it can be to escape the psychological scars of trauma, especially when one is forced to confront them head-on.

2. **Memory and Perception**: Throughout the book, Harper’s unreliable narration raises questions about the accuracy of memory and the human tendency to manipulate or block out certain aspects of painful events. The theme of memory versus reality plays a large part in the suspense of the story, as Harper is forced to reckon with the possibility that her recollection of events may not be entirely trustworthy.

3. **Justice and Revenge**: The novel raises moral questions about justice, revenge, and whether the two can ever be truly separated. Harper is caught in a morally gray area where actions from her past have led to present-day consequences, and the line between justice and personal vengeance becomes increasingly blurred.

4. **Isolation and Trust**: As Harper becomes more entangled in the mystery and her own psychological turmoil, the theme of isolation emerges strongly. Her struggle with trust—both in others and herself—adds to the tension, and the novel explores how difficult it is to navigate a world where you feel alone and vulnerable, unable to fully trust those around you.

### Emotional Impact:
*The Dark Hours* is an emotionally intense read. The emotional weight of Harper’s journey, as well as the unraveling of her past, makes the story compelling and thought-provoking. The psychological tension is palpable, and there are moments of real emotional depth as Harper comes to terms with the choices she has made and the consequences they have had for her and those around her.

The ambiguity of Harper’s perception of events also creates an emotional rollercoaster for readers, as they are led to question not just the unfolding mystery but also the reliability of the character they are following. The novel’s emotional impact comes not only from the suspense but also from the way in which it forces readers to consider uncomfortable truths about human nature, justice, and the ability to forgive—or not.

### Final Thoughts:
*The Dark Hours* by Amy Jordan is a compelling psychological thriller that grips readers with its complex characters, tense atmosphere, and twisty plot. The novel excels at creating an unsettling atmosphere, and the psychological depth of its protagonist adds layers of intrigue and emotional resonance. It’s a story that keeps you guessing until the very end, with unexpected twists and a final revelation that is both satisfying and unsettling.

For fans of psychological thrillers that explore the darker aspects of the human mind and the consequences of past actions, *The Dark Hours* is a must-read. The novel’s exploration of trauma, memory, and justice, along with its strong character development and suspenseful plot, make it a standout in the genre. Amy Jordan’s skill in creating tension, both psychological and emotional, ensures that readers will be fully immersed in Harper’s story and will not easily forget the journey she takes.

Amy Jordan delivers an excellent debut with “The Dark Hour”. This gripping and propulsive police thriller kept my heart pounding from start to finish, immersing me in the shadowy corners of Cork where danger lurked at every turn. The parallel timelines—1994 and 2024—were masterfully executed, building tension without giving readers a moment to catch their breath.

One of the standout aspects of this novel was the protagonist, Julia Harte. Having an older female lead brought a refreshing perspective, and I found her particularly relatable, as I’ve also spent years navigating a male-dominated field. The contrast between the inexperienced Garda in 1994 and the seasoned, determined detective in 2024 added depth and satisfying character development.

However, my biggest critique is that the mystery felt too predictable. While the "why" remained elusive, I figured out the identity of the killers almost immediately, which took some of the suspense out of the narrative. Despite this, “The Dark Hour” excels in atmosphere, pacing, and its nuanced portrayal of trauma and resilience.

Amy Jordan is undoubtedly a promising voice in Irish crime fiction, and I look forward to seeing what she writes next.

The dual timeline worked well in this book and builds the suspense of two killers and two stories simultaneously. I enjoyed the twists of the book and liked Julia as a character

This book was brilliantly twisty and dark from the very first page! I loved the dual timeline and how they mirrored each other and seeing how the characters lifes were going etc. a fun, fast paced and high stakes read!

'The Dark Hours' is an impressive first novel told between two time periods, 1994 and 2024. Retired policewoman Juliet Harte is faced with the terrifying prospect of a copycat serial killer. It's a gripping, exciting plot with a great cast of well written characters. Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early read, one I am happy to recommend. Look forward to more from this author soon.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The past has returned in the form of a copycat and Julia must revisit her old demons to help figure out why

What a brilliant debut. Just wow!
From the first pages it’s gripping, fast paced and suspenseful with a great storyline and likeable and believable characters, especially Julia and her dog Mutt. I loved the protagonist as an older woman. I couldn’t put this book down. It’s so addictive.
Told in dual timelines of Then 1994 and Today 2024. Retired detective Julia Harte receives a phone call from her old Superintendent about two women that have been murdered, just like in 1994. Julia returns to Cork to face a vicious killer and memories that haunt her.
It’s cleverly written, detailed and draws you right into the story. The best rollercoaster ride where the tension just keeps building with brilliant twists and an ending you don’t see coming and so full of emotions. I loved every second of it and I’m excited to read more from this author @amyjordanbooks.
A brilliant police procedural/crime fiction/thriller that’s so worth the read. Definitely recommend this one if you enjoy this genre.
With thanks to #NetGallery @hq @hqstories for an arc of #TheDarkHours in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 30 January 2025.

Told between two time periods, 1994 and 2024 Juliet Harte is faced with the terrifying prospect of a copycat serial killer. This time Julia isn't as young and inexperienced. She may be retired but she needs to help see this case through to the end, however it may end. A little slow to get going. This book then quickly picked up pace as clues begin to unravel and come together again. A few twists keep you on your toes too.

3.5 stars. The Dark Hours is an impressive debut. It’s well written, with intriguing plot, atmospheric settings and realistic characters.

The Dark Hours is a compelling and gripping thriller full of twists and turns. Set in two time periods, the novel moves along at a swift pace and is particularly good at building tension. I loved it. Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for an opportunity to read and review and arc.

In 1994, Gardaí Julia Harte and Adrian Clancy are called out to investigate a noise complaint, only to be unprepared for what they find. Thirty years on, Julia – who has chosen to disappear – realises the same disturbing events are reoccurring.