This Little Dark Place
by A. S. Hatch
Serpent's Tail / Profile Books
Serpent's Tail
Pub Date 10 Oct 2019
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Talking about this book? Be sure to tag it using #ThisLittleDarkPlace #NetGalley |
Description
How well do you know your girlfriend?
How well do you know your lover?
How well do you know yourself?
Daniel and Victoria are together. They're trying for a baby. Ruby is in prison, convicted of assault on an abusive partner.
But when Daniel joins a pen pal program for prisoners, he and Ruby make contact. At first the messages are polite, neutral - but soon they find themselves revealing more and more about themselves. Their deepest fears, their darkest desires.
And then, one day, Ruby comes to find Daniel. And now he must decide who to choose - and who to trust.
How well do you know your girlfriend? How well do you know your lover? How well do you know yourself? Daniel and Victoria are together. They're trying for a baby. Ruby is in prison, convicted of...
Description
How well do you know your girlfriend?
How well do you know your lover?
How well do you know yourself?
Daniel and Victoria are together. They're trying for a baby. Ruby is in prison, convicted of assault on an abusive partner.
But when Daniel joins a pen pal program for prisoners, he and Ruby make contact. At first the messages are polite, neutral - but soon they find themselves revealing more and more about themselves. Their deepest fears, their darkest desires.
And then, one day, Ruby comes to find Daniel. And now he must decide who to choose - and who to trust.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781788162029 |
| PRICE | £12.99 (GBP) |
Available on NetGalley
| Send To Kindle (PDF) |
| Download (PDF) |
Featured Reviews
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This Little Dark Place by author A.S. Hatch is a dark and twisty book with some pretty solid characters! It did not disappoint and was overall a good book! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and opinion. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Ohhhh this is a great book. Perfect for all those physiological thriller fans out there. This book will have you on the edge of your seat as you race through he pages of the story to uncover exactly what is going on. A fab dark and twisted physiological thriller. Loved it. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Compulsive reading, this is an addictive suspenseful psychological thriller like no other. The plot is unpredictable with lots of twists and turns along with solid engaging characters. There is also a sense of dread as the story deals with the deep and dark corners of the human psych. A recommended read to all fellow psychological thrillers enthusiasts. Thanks Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC in exchange for a fair review. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This Dark Little Place is insane! Trust me I mean that in the best possible way! Man there’s some dark twists in this book, a realistic view of darkness in humans and I bloody loved it! I might have even crept down in the middle of the night while my husband slept so I could finish it, it’s a gripping tale and you’d be silly not to read this. A solid 5 out of 5. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
OMG.... Every now and then a book comes along that holds you captive from the very first page. You can't really explain why you found the story so captivating,you just know that you couldn't put the book down whilst at the same time you didn't want the story to end. Well,for me This Little Dark Place was one of those books,it's a mesmerising,enthralling read. The tension builds throughout culminating in a totally unexpected twist conclusion. The story is narrated by Dan in the form of letters as he takes the readers and a character called Lucy through his interactions with his girlfriend Victoria and a female convict called Ruby who Dan had started writing to after he joined a pen pal program for prisoners. A number of the relatable characters in this gripping story were not who they appeared to be and I found myself changing my mind about certain characters a number of times as the twists and turns unfolded. I loved the descriptions of isolated Lanes End were most of this story was set. I could close my eyes and imagine myself sitting on the cliff edge with a good book as the sun sank slowly on the horizon or exploring the trails through the woods. This Little Dark Place is a extremely well written debut thriller. It's a twisty compelling tale of love,obsession and betrayal. I love the atmospheric cover that really fits perfectly with the setting for this story.I would love to watch a film adaptation of this book and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. Worth far more than five stars and very very highly recommended. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Oh, Mr. Hatch-debut novel!? Bravo!!! It's not too often I finish a novel in a day because, let's be honest, I'm a full time working mom. But This Little Dark Place had me hooked from the very beginning. What's up with Vic? Is Ruby for real? And who the heck is Lucy??? What a captivating read from start to finish. Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This Little Dark Place by A. S. Hatch is an addictive, twisted psychological thriller that kept me turning pages until the very end! It is a story about sick, obsessive love. Full of twists and turns and storylines that the author had me believing. I would be interested in reading more books by this author. Thank you Net Galley and Publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
I really enjoyed this book. Told in the first person throughout as Daniel writes to the mysterious Lucy to tell his side of the story, you are immediately hooked, Wanting to understand what that story is and where it will take you. I'm not usally one for this kind of reminiscent first person look back as a narrative, but it's incredibly effective in This Little Dark Place. Although by its nature it's an untrustworthy narrative, Daniels recollection has a reflective quality to it, giving us an insight not only how he felt at the time, but also how he has come to feel about it now. Although I am sure both Vic and Ruby would have a different version of events if asked. I found This Little Dark Place to be a uncomfortable exploration of what can happen when relationship turn toxic, when communication breaks down and when mental health takes over. A really great holiday read which I have no doubt people will whizz through. I read this in two sittings which is pretty much unheard of for a mama with 2 kids and 2 jobs! |
My Recommendation
|
Reviewer 289348
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Perfect title for a great book. I look forward to reading more from A.S. Hatch. You really don't have a clue as to how this story told by Dan, the main character, is going to unfold and end. . Who is Ruby, really? What about Lucy? The writing is fantastic and the character development is stellar. The book has so many layers and you just keep reading peeling away just to find out just what is really going on. The character development also pulls you deeper in to the plot.. it keeps you reading.. Then comes the end and you learn the truth. Original and satisfying finish.. I highly recommend and I cannot believe this is a debut novel. Fantastic first book. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read and review. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
A short but powerful read. Told through letters from Daniel to Lucy (whose relationship to Daniel is unknown to the reader), this book tells the story of Daniel, the demise of his relationship with his girlfriend, and how he meets Ruby through a prison pen pal website. This psychological thriller sucked me in from the very beginning and didn't let go. The story is mysterious and frustrating and makes you want to shake the characters by the shoulder and say "What are you thinking?!" Highly recommended! |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
WOW This Little Dark Place By A.S. Hatch was a great read. I have to say I liked this book and was hooked from the very star. My heart broke for each one of these characters and the ending shocked me. I was so pulling for a happy ending between Dan and Ruby and was sad that it didn't come to that. I screamed at the end is this it because I wanted to see what happened to Daniel and the rest of his life. This was a great read for all!!! |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This Little Dark Place is narrated by Daniel, who is writing to someone named Lucy. We learn of his life with Victoria, how they are trying to conceive and issues they face as every couple does. Daniel also begins to write to a prison inmate, Ruby, who is incarcerated for an assault on her partner. When Ruby is finally released, she comes to find Dan. This novel was a bit of a slow burn but so beautifully written and at times sad. I felt so much for these characters and honestly, I had no idea where this was going or how it would end. There were so many questions!! These characters were all so flawed and mysterious but you couldn’t help feel for everyone of them. I flew through this book. Very impressed with this debut novel and look forward to reading more of this authors work. Thank you to for this free review copy in exchange for my honest and unedited feedback. 4.5 ⭐️ |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Loved this book, and the way it was told through letter writing. This premise really works for this book. The tension definitely builds throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed the location the book was set and I think the author did a really good job of using the description of the setting to contribute to the tension that was created. As the book progressed I did guess elements of the ending but this did not detract from the overall enjoyment. Thank you for very much. I look forward to reading future work by the author. |
My Recommendation
|
Educator 519475
|
My Recommendation
|
|
A powerful tale of obsessive love and betrayal, full of unexpected twists. Great read, fully recommended! |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This is really a dark and creepy little number! But in the best possible way. Lots of twists and turns and despicable characters but I could not put this down. The end surprised me which doesn't happen often and now I am wanting to read more from this author. If you are looking for a dark and sinister poolside read this is it. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Wow what a riveting read. Full of intrigue and suspense This Little Dark Place had me reading into the early hours to reach the end. I liked the way the story is mainly told via various letters to and from some great characters. At times I could feel the anxiety, pain, happiness of the characters as it was so well written. A brilliant read with a surprise ending which I never expected which left me thinking about the book days after I had finished it. |
My Recommendation
|
Hannah S, Librarian
|
My Recommendation
|
|
One of the best books I have read in years. The dynamic writing and plot twists had me reading instead of eating on my lunch break! A must own for libraries looking to add material that will circulate like crazy. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This was a little gem of a book. I really, really loved it Twisty little turns throughout the book to the very end. Not a book you can put down, thats for sure. Just an absolute fabulous mystery. An easy five stars. A.S. Hatch better come out with another book soon. I can't wait long for the next one. Damn, this was good. |
My Recommendation
|
Additional Information
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781788162029 |
| PRICE | £12.99 (GBP) |
Available on NetGalley
| Send To Kindle (PDF) |
| Download (PDF) |
Featured Reviews
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This Little Dark Place by author A.S. Hatch is a dark and twisty book with some pretty solid characters! It did not disappoint and was overall a good book! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and opinion. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Ohhhh this is a great book. Perfect for all those physiological thriller fans out there. This book will have you on the edge of your seat as you race through he pages of the story to uncover exactly what is going on. A fab dark and twisted physiological thriller. Loved it. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Compulsive reading, this is an addictive suspenseful psychological thriller like no other. The plot is unpredictable with lots of twists and turns along with solid engaging characters. There is also a sense of dread as the story deals with the deep and dark corners of the human psych. A recommended read to all fellow psychological thrillers enthusiasts. Thanks Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC in exchange for a fair review. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This Dark Little Place is insane! Trust me I mean that in the best possible way! Man there’s some dark twists in this book, a realistic view of darkness in humans and I bloody loved it! I might have even crept down in the middle of the night while my husband slept so I could finish it, it’s a gripping tale and you’d be silly not to read this. A solid 5 out of 5. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
OMG.... Every now and then a book comes along that holds you captive from the very first page. You can't really explain why you found the story so captivating,you just know that you couldn't put the book down whilst at the same time you didn't want the story to end. Well,for me This Little Dark Place was one of those books,it's a mesmerising,enthralling read. The tension builds throughout culminating in a totally unexpected twist conclusion. The story is narrated by Dan in the form of letters as he takes the readers and a character called Lucy through his interactions with his girlfriend Victoria and a female convict called Ruby who Dan had started writing to after he joined a pen pal program for prisoners. A number of the relatable characters in this gripping story were not who they appeared to be and I found myself changing my mind about certain characters a number of times as the twists and turns unfolded. I loved the descriptions of isolated Lanes End were most of this story was set. I could close my eyes and imagine myself sitting on the cliff edge with a good book as the sun sank slowly on the horizon or exploring the trails through the woods. This Little Dark Place is a extremely well written debut thriller. It's a twisty compelling tale of love,obsession and betrayal. I love the atmospheric cover that really fits perfectly with the setting for this story.I would love to watch a film adaptation of this book and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. Worth far more than five stars and very very highly recommended. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Oh, Mr. Hatch-debut novel!? Bravo!!! It's not too often I finish a novel in a day because, let's be honest, I'm a full time working mom. But This Little Dark Place had me hooked from the very beginning. What's up with Vic? Is Ruby for real? And who the heck is Lucy??? What a captivating read from start to finish. Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This Little Dark Place by A. S. Hatch is an addictive, twisted psychological thriller that kept me turning pages until the very end! It is a story about sick, obsessive love. Full of twists and turns and storylines that the author had me believing. I would be interested in reading more books by this author. Thank you Net Galley and Publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
I really enjoyed this book. Told in the first person throughout as Daniel writes to the mysterious Lucy to tell his side of the story, you are immediately hooked, Wanting to understand what that story is and where it will take you. I'm not usally one for this kind of reminiscent first person look back as a narrative, but it's incredibly effective in This Little Dark Place. Although by its nature it's an untrustworthy narrative, Daniels recollection has a reflective quality to it, giving us an insight not only how he felt at the time, but also how he has come to feel about it now. Although I am sure both Vic and Ruby would have a different version of events if asked. I found This Little Dark Place to be a uncomfortable exploration of what can happen when relationship turn toxic, when communication breaks down and when mental health takes over. A really great holiday read which I have no doubt people will whizz through. I read this in two sittings which is pretty much unheard of for a mama with 2 kids and 2 jobs! |
My Recommendation
|
Reviewer 289348
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Perfect title for a great book. I look forward to reading more from A.S. Hatch. You really don't have a clue as to how this story told by Dan, the main character, is going to unfold and end. . Who is Ruby, really? What about Lucy? The writing is fantastic and the character development is stellar. The book has so many layers and you just keep reading peeling away just to find out just what is really going on. The character development also pulls you deeper in to the plot.. it keeps you reading.. Then comes the end and you learn the truth. Original and satisfying finish.. I highly recommend and I cannot believe this is a debut novel. Fantastic first book. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read and review. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
A short but powerful read. Told through letters from Daniel to Lucy (whose relationship to Daniel is unknown to the reader), this book tells the story of Daniel, the demise of his relationship with his girlfriend, and how he meets Ruby through a prison pen pal website. This psychological thriller sucked me in from the very beginning and didn't let go. The story is mysterious and frustrating and makes you want to shake the characters by the shoulder and say "What are you thinking?!" Highly recommended! |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
WOW This Little Dark Place By A.S. Hatch was a great read. I have to say I liked this book and was hooked from the very star. My heart broke for each one of these characters and the ending shocked me. I was so pulling for a happy ending between Dan and Ruby and was sad that it didn't come to that. I screamed at the end is this it because I wanted to see what happened to Daniel and the rest of his life. This was a great read for all!!! |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This Little Dark Place is narrated by Daniel, who is writing to someone named Lucy. We learn of his life with Victoria, how they are trying to conceive and issues they face as every couple does. Daniel also begins to write to a prison inmate, Ruby, who is incarcerated for an assault on her partner. When Ruby is finally released, she comes to find Dan. This novel was a bit of a slow burn but so beautifully written and at times sad. I felt so much for these characters and honestly, I had no idea where this was going or how it would end. There were so many questions!! These characters were all so flawed and mysterious but you couldn’t help feel for everyone of them. I flew through this book. Very impressed with this debut novel and look forward to reading more of this authors work. Thank you to for this free review copy in exchange for my honest and unedited feedback. 4.5 ⭐️ |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Loved this book, and the way it was told through letter writing. This premise really works for this book. The tension definitely builds throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed the location the book was set and I think the author did a really good job of using the description of the setting to contribute to the tension that was created. As the book progressed I did guess elements of the ending but this did not detract from the overall enjoyment. Thank you for very much. I look forward to reading future work by the author. |
My Recommendation
|
Educator 519475
|
My Recommendation
|
|
A powerful tale of obsessive love and betrayal, full of unexpected twists. Great read, fully recommended! |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This is really a dark and creepy little number! But in the best possible way. Lots of twists and turns and despicable characters but I could not put this down. The end surprised me which doesn't happen often and now I am wanting to read more from this author. If you are looking for a dark and sinister poolside read this is it. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
Wow what a riveting read. Full of intrigue and suspense This Little Dark Place had me reading into the early hours to reach the end. I liked the way the story is mainly told via various letters to and from some great characters. At times I could feel the anxiety, pain, happiness of the characters as it was so well written. A brilliant read with a surprise ending which I never expected which left me thinking about the book days after I had finished it. |
My Recommendation
|
Hannah S, Librarian
|
My Recommendation
|
|
One of the best books I have read in years. The dynamic writing and plot twists had me reading instead of eating on my lunch break! A must own for libraries looking to add material that will circulate like crazy. |
My Recommendation
|
|
My Recommendation
|
|
This was a little gem of a book. I really, really loved it Twisty little turns throughout the book to the very end. Not a book you can put down, thats for sure. Just an absolute fabulous mystery. An easy five stars. A.S. Hatch better come out with another book soon. I can't wait long for the next one. Damn, this was good. |
My Recommendation
|




