Thank you Natgalley! This is yet another solid addicting read from Methos! I love how his books pull me in. I read this very quickly and enjoyed the twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next Methos addition.

Oh Victor you have done it again. Leave us on the cliff to hang.
I absolutely loved it but I am sad at the ending deaths.
I knew there was something up with the Judge but what else is she hiding?
So many questions.
This book had me hooked. I didn't want to put it down but darn that thing called a job kept getting in the way.
I love the way you have hunt for the victims and the perps but you don't just end it there you give us the rest of the story with the court room chaos. This book gave me the SVU vibes so hard.
I can't wait for the the next and will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more ARCs from you.

This was a dark, fast paced thriller that pulled me in right away. Detective Lazarus Holloway and Piper Danes team up again, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between them. Lazarus is sharp and relentless, while Piper brings compassion and heart, making them a great balance as they work together to solve a difficult case.
The story begins with the shocking abduction of two teenagers during their Las Vegas wedding, and from there the mystery only gets darker and more complex. I liked how the book showed the grittier side of Las Vegas, beyond the lights of the strip, which gave the story a very real and unsettling atmosphere.
Victor Methos mixes intense courtroom drama with police procedural detail, and it kept me engaged throughout until the end. It’s disturbing at times, but also gripping, emotional, and suspenseful.
I love his books a lot and I highly recommend reading them.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

🌟🌟🌟🌟
Book two of the Vegas Shadows series.
Today we celebrate the wedding of Keri and Blake! A young couple still in their teens, but determined to be married and start their lives together.
But during the festivities the wedding is crashed, and I mean that literally! A car plows through the venue where the wedding guests are seated, killing one person, then proceed to drag our bride and groom into the trunk of the car and speed off!

Detective Lazarus Holloway is tasked with helping in the investigation. But this kidnapping may hit a little too close for comfort for our detective.
Also assisting is Piper Danes, guardian ad litem assigned to Keri.

Will Lazarus and Piper find the newlyweds before it’s too late? The bigger question may be, was this a random kidnapping? Or were the teens actually targeted?

What I enjoyed:
🌵Both Lazarus and Piper’s characters were very well developed.
🌵The action was nonstop and the question of ‘to what end’ was constantly playing on my mind throughout the book.
🌵A book three on the horizon?

What left me wanting more:
🍃There were characters and side stories briefly mentioned but never fully presented. Just felt odd, as though something was missing. I kept waiting for them to make an appearance and they never did. (Strange.)🤷🏻‍♀️
🍃 The ending / final reveal. I expected a “wow” moment but only felt an “oh”.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer

An absolutely riveting thriller that keeps the reader hooked.
The storyline was engaging and suspenseful.
The pacing was perfect enough to keep you wanting more.
This book delivers exactly why we come back for more. The characters are consistent throughout. The story is well written and keeps the reader turning the pages.

A thriller set on the darker side of Las Vegas. Detective Lazarus Holloway and Guardian at Litem Piper Danes work the case of a pair of teens kidnapped at their Vegas wedding. I'd not read this series but no matter, this was fine as a standalone. It's a quick read with a twist or two. The partners give good banter and they are definitely committed to doing good. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

A fast paced thriller that starts with a kidnapping and doesn't let up. Detective Lazarus and Piper investigates. Well realized characters though I found it hard to like Lazarus. With plenty of twists along the way this excellent book should be on your TBR list. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this review copy.

Detective Lazarus Holloway & Guardian ad Litem Piper Danes pair up again in this gritty Las Vegas based thriller! When two teenagers are abducted from their wedding, Lazarus reluctantly becomes involved in the hunt for their captors in a nasty race to find them before the kids are killed or worse.

There are lots of thrillers set on the strip, in high roller suites and big casinos, but Methos chooses to set his stories in the strip's shadow. In the dark world lurking just beyond the lights, Methos introduces some of the most soulless criminals and it really sets his stories apart. I love this setting and these stories they're completely enthralling from start to finish. As an (elder) Millennial who still misses the days of the original CSI and misadventures of Warrick Brown, this series just hits perfectly. I can't wait to see where it goes next! 10/10, add it to your list!

BOOK: THE NIGHT COLLECTOR
AUTHOR: VICTOR METHOS
PUB DATE: 16TH SEPTEMBER 2025
👮🏼‍♂️⚖️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⚖️👮🏼‍♂️
This is my first time reading a book in this series. I must say that Lazarus is an interesting, complicated character. I would definitely love to read more of him. Piper was very okay too, my kinda girl. I admire her strength and her justice loving heart. I liked the author's writing, the short chapters.
👮🏼‍♂️⚖️
However, I was very disappointed with the book, the ending was very disappointing, a lot of people died and there was no one punished, no questions answered. The book also ended in a cliffhanger. It was not my kind of thriller. Despite the good things about this book, I didn't like it because it felt like a part one and the part two incoming despite it being a book on its own with 300+ pages. I'm on the fence about recommending it.

1/10: 1⭐️

I hate to have this rating. I typically enjoy this author. I loved his Desert Plains series and highly recommend it!
This book was depressing. It left me in a foul mood. I didn’t connect with or really like any of the characters. It was easy to follow along with. It was also rather predictable and I was not at all surprised by the end. Although I admit to skimming the last 25 pages after I found out what I assumed was going to end up being the case. And I didn’t really care past that.

Others have rated this book highly so I am an outlier and definitely read those reviews. And read the Desert Plains series!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

After reading The Silent Watcher I was eager to continue the Vegas Shadows series, and The Night Collector did not disappoint. Victor Methos delivers another gripping thriller that blends a dark police procedural with a tense legal drama, creating a story that is both chilling and compulsively readable.

Detective Lazarus Holloway returns, now with the Criminal Intelligence Unit in Las Vegas, and once again he crosses paths with Piper Danes, a guardian ad litem who has dedicated her life to protecting vulnerable children. Their working relationship is one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Lazarus is blunt, logical, and driven by his relentless need to solve puzzles, while Piper balances him with her empathy, insight, and fierce dedication to giving a voice to those who are often silenced.

The case at the heart of the book is both shocking and emotionally heavy. Two teenagers, Keri Bines and Bradley Lowe, are abducted during what should have been one of the happiest days of their lives, their Las Vegas wedding. The only clue left behind is a bracelet etched with a Mayan symbol of death and vengeance. As Lazarus and Piper investigate, the case quickly becomes darker and more twisted than they could have imagined, touching on themes of human trafficking, corruption, and vengeance.

Methos does an exceptional job of weaving together an intricate plot while also deepening the development of his main characters. Lazarus continues to wrestle with his past and the ghosts that drive him, while Piper’s background as a former endangered youth adds layers of poignancy to her role as an advocate. Supporting characters, including Judge Hope Dawson, add richness to the narrative and expand the world Methos is building within this series.

The pacing is sharp and relentless, with each chapter pulling the reader further into a labyrinth of secrets and danger. The courtroom scenes are intense and deliver the kind of legal drama that Methos is known for, but they are balanced by gripping investigative work and moments of raw human emotion. The writing captures both the grittiness of Las Vegas’s underbelly and the emotional stakes of two young lives hanging in the balance.

While the story is undeniably dark and at times disturbing, it is also layered with suspense and surprising twists that keep the pages turning. Methos creates villains that are frighteningly realistic and situations that feel uncomfortably close to reality, which makes the book even more compelling. The conclusion is tense and explosive, though it leaves certain threads unresolved, hinting at more to come in future installments.

Overall, The Night Collector is a powerful continuation of the Vegas Shadows series. It combines police procedural grit, compelling legal drama, and complex, flawed characters to deliver a story that is both emotionally resonant and impossible to put down. Readers who enjoy crime thrillers with moral depth and relentless suspense will not want to miss this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Victor Methos for providing an advanced copy. All opinions in this review are my own.

After reading The Silent Watcher, I was excited to dive into this gripping story. It’s a thrilling detective mystery with an intricate plot and well-developed characters, making it captivating from start to finish. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
I love the workplace camaraderie between Lazarus and Piper and their rapport enhances the narrative. Riley also captures my heart in this story.
The subject of sex trafficking is both interesting and a horrifying topic, adding depth to the plot.
This series has become my new favorite in the police procedural/legal genre.
I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing a complimentary advanced copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wow!!! Is all I can say about this absolutely outstanding book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope there is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked! This was an outstanding novel from the cover to the last page!

Title: The Night Collector
Author: Victor Methos
Series: Vegas Shadows #2
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: September 16, 2025
My Rating: 4.3 Stars!
Pages 368

We once again find Detective Holloway and guardian ad litem (GAL) attorney Piper Danes working together.
(Piper was once a vulnerable youth herself, and a GAL gave her hope when she needed it most. Now she’s committed to paying it forward.)

Lazarus is asked to help with the kidnapping of a teenage couple –Keri Bines and Bradley Lowe who were taken at their Vegas wedding. A bracelet is left with a Mayan symbol of death and vengeance—Lazarus is familiar with this and it is believe the couple were taken to be sold for human trafficking- used as slaves for sex.
Story gets very involved- as well as dark and disturbing. .
I was pulling for Keri and Brad so was glued to the story.
With author Methos background as a criminal and civil right lawyer I was looking forward to some courtroom drama.

This is the second in the “Vegas Shadows” series however Victor Methos has written over forty novels, as I mentioned he is a lawyer, he conducted over 100 trials. He currently resides in southern Utah.

I read " Silent Watcher" first in this series as well as two other Victor Methos stories and were all page turners.
He is praised for his gripping legal thrillers – that his exceptional storytelling has earned him several outstanding awards.

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for granted me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 16, 2025.

The Night Collector by Victor Methos is an engaging thriller. The story follows Detective Lazarus Holloway, who is reluctantly pulled into the abduction case of two teenagers during a Las Vegas wedding. Right from the outset, the author establishes a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, with the mysterious Mayan symbol on a bracelet serving as a strange clue that drives the narrative forward.

Holloway's partnership with Piper Danes, a guardian ad litem, adds depth to the story, as the two navigate a complicated history while pursuing justice. As the investigation delves deeper into a dangerous network, the novel's pace picks up, and the stakes become increasingly ominous. The author weaves in unexpected twists that kept me guessing.

The writing is engaging, and the resolution is satisfying yet thought-provoking.

The Night Collector is a well-crafted thriller combining an intriguing plot and well-developed characters. I would recommend this book. This book can be read as a standalone novel.

#TheNightCollector #NetGalley

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Lazarus and Riley attempting to convert an individual into a CI but they are not successful. It then begins with the wedding of two young people which is interrupted by a car crashing into the church and then kidnapping the bride and groom.

Follow along as Lazarus and Piper begin the search for the two young people. Discover what was behind the kidnapping and what steps were taken in order to recover them. Learn the real reason and who was behind and why these two were kidnapped.

The story is definitely worth reading, don't miss out.

Victor Methos returns with the second book in the legal and crime thriller Vegas Shadows series. The Night Collector once again features Detective Lazurus Halloway who now works for the Las Vegas’s Criminal Intelligence Unit and Piper Danes, who was once an endangered youth and is now a court-appointed representative who acts on behalf of children or vulnerable adults in legal proceedings.

In this case, two teenagers are abducted from their Vegas wedding. It’s not a case Lazarus wants to take, but circumstances cause him to do so. He enlists Piper’s help to represent the bride-to-be, fifteen-year-old Keri Bines in her absence. Their first clue is a bracelet found at the crime scene etched with a Mayan symbol of death and vengeance. As Lazarus and Piper investigate, secrets abound, including some from Lazurus’s past. Will the two teens survive? Will justice be served?

Piper is good at connecting with children and has a compulsion to save children in need. She’s empathetic with victims, smart, curious, kindhearted, and driven. She wants to prove that she and others can make a difference in the world. However, she is often guarded around adults and hates managing people. Lazarus is blunt, logical, sees the world as a puzzle to be solved, and passionate about his job. He finds patterns in data that others miss and is good at piecing together hidden connections and has a photographic memory. Judge Hope Dawson makes a return in this novel behind the scenes. She’s smart, has both a medical degree and a legal degree, and comes from a wealthy and influential family. A few other characters from book one return as well. Each of the main characters has flaws that make them more realistic and relatable, but not always likeable.

The fact that the lawyer (Piper) was neither the prosecutor nor a defense attorney added a different twist on the usual legal thriller. Much of the initial portion of the book is centered on the investigation. This is followed by the trial and aftermath. There’s also plenty of action and the seamless changes of points of view work well.

This medium-paced story gripped me from beginning to end with its well-crafted plot and great characterization. The author does a great job building suspense until it culminates in a volatile conclusion. Shocking scenes and information provide a counterpoint to the suspense, investigation and trial. It’s a story with plenty of layers, some of which are quite dark and disturbing. It’s unsettling at times and didn’t have the thoughtful moments to balance this as the first book in the series did. The book was a page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the storyline. However, I didn’t like the ending. While the case is resolved, I didn’t like some aspects of it and there is a major situation that is left up in the air.

Overall, this thriller was suspenseful, tragic, and intense. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Combining a police procedural, child advocacy, a mystery, charged and intense courtroom scenes, and an action-packed ending makes this novel a must read for those who enjoy legal and crime thrillers with a dark twist and characters that aren’t always likeable.

Thomas and Mercer and Victor Methos provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 16, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Victor Methos returns with the gripping second installment of the Vegas Shadows series, delivering a high-stakes mystery packed with emotional tension and relentless twists. Teenagers Brad Lowe and Keri Bines are deeply in love and set to marry with their parents’ blessing—even though they’re only sixteen. Keri’s mother, Amanda, stands behind the marriage, despite their age being below the legal threshold. But what begins as a hopeful wedding day is shattered when a Dodge Charger barrels through the chapel doors, and masked assailants abduct both teens in broad daylight. Detective Lazarus Halloway is on the case and teams up with Piper Danes, a former attorney now serving as a Guardian Ad Litem. With
time ticking and motives unclear, the duo dives into a dangerous investigation. Each of them is driven by personal stakes, and as secrets unravel, Lazarus confronts a chapter of his own past.

Methos masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth, making this a story that’s not just about finding the missing, but also confronting buried truths. Fast-paced and full of unexpected turns, this is a book that demands to be read in one sitting.

An exciting sequel with twists and turns you don’t see coming. I had so much fun with this book and was left needing more! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team!

"If life only gives you bruises, you don't know what to do with a gentle touch."

The second installment in this series was JUST AS BRILLIANT AS THE FIRST!! This can easily be read as a standalone, but why would you want to? 'The Silent Watcher' (book one) was OUTSTANDING and will give you background on the main characters. This time Lazarus is working a case of two teens that are violently snatched from their Vegas wedding; the perpetrators leaving behind a wake of destruction and blood. Naturally, Lazarus seeks Piper's help since she is a fierce advocate for children.

Once again this starts off with a BANG, and doesn't let up the entire time. Multiple storylines entwined to great effect and even I couldn't suss out where things were headed. There's some nasty baddies who are just as intriguing as world weary Lazarus, headstrong Piper and cunning Judge Dawson.

This is my first time listening to Saskia Maarleveld and she is now a favorite! Her performance is nothing short of brilliant and sounds like a full cast of narrators. Each voice is distinctive, not just with individual accents, but also cadence and intonation. I especially LOVED the way Saskia performed Lazarus, with a slow rumble and slightly bored tone as if nothing fazes him, except for when it DOES! If you're an audiobook fan, this one is a must!

THE NIGHT COLLECTOR is raw, gritty, atmospheric, intense and full of depth. Victor Methos manages not only to craft a tense mystery, but also blends taught crime fiction with a whip smart legal thriller. You can expect bad guys you love to hate, gripping courtroom scenes, immersive action and shocking moments! What more could you ask for?
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Notable Quote:

"You know that people with depression score higher on tests of realism and IQ? High intelligence is indicative of mental illness and depression. When our minds understand reality too much, they try to destroy themselves.
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Thank you to Victor Methos, Amazon Publishing & Brilliance Publishing for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.