Night Bleeds Into Dawn: A Supernatural Thriller
Jack Carlton Thriller Book 1
by Graeme Reynolds
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Pub Date 19 Oct 2024 | Archive Date 15 Nov 2024
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Description
From Graeme Reynolds, the acclaimed author of the High Moor Trilogy, comes a lightning-paced supernatural thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Detective Jack Carlton thought he had hit rock bottom until an opportunity came knocking at his door. But what seems like a chance to redeem himself quickly turns into a dangerous game of survival. Trapped in a situation he can't escape, Jack must uncover the truth behind a brutal crime at King's College.
The evidence is impossible; the only witness is catatonic, and time is running out. As the night bleeds into dawn, Jack must confront the darkness lurking within the city's depths and within himself. Will he be able to solve the case and save those he holds dear? Or will he become another victim of the supernatural forces at play?
For fans of occult detective mysteries, supernatural suspense thrillers, British horror novels, demonic possession books, and novels such as The Dresden Files, Charlie Parker Novels, and the Robert Hunter Series.
Available Editions
ISBN | 000B0D7ZXGWVJ |
PRICE | US$0.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 295 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
I don't usually read P.I. stories, but this one goes into the dark corners of the occult and supernatural in a way that is worthy of a damn good Horror writer.
In the first chapter we meet Jack, a typical down and out P.I. with a lot of debts and not too much business coming in. The situation is cliché, complete with alcoholism, but wait... only someone desperate for a job would take on the nasty multiple murder case that drops into Jack's lap. After an old nemesis guarantees Jack can't afford to walk away from the job, he quickly finds himself over his head.
I love the way the story unfolds in layers, putting events into perspective. I also love the author's skill at getting fine details into the narrative seamlessly, painting a full picture, whether it's description or the reason an old jacket isn't quite adequate against the cold weather.
This is not a book for the squeamish. While the violence isn't exactly gratuitous, it is messy in a way that only pure evil demons can manifest. As things started spiraling out of control, I couldn't help but think to myself that with Horror books, nobody promises a happy ending. Things could get progressively worse and end on a devastating note.
The twists and turns came heavy and fast as the book passed the halfway point. First all is lost, then everyone is saved, then it's all hopeless again and hard decisions have to be made.
The book will leave you breathless. A plausible reason is given for why Jack got drawn into the case, but that, too, is subject to changed circumstances.
All I can say without giving spoilers is that Graeme Reynolds can always be trusted to give you a wild ride. Any Horror fan will want to read this one.
Night Bleeds Into Dawn by Graeme Reynolds is a possession story with a twist. Full of gruesome scenes, shocking moments that will make you gasp and a thrilling climactic fight scene: this story has it all.
I was really caught up in the story and invested in the character of Jack and I can’t wait to read more of him. I think there were an extra character or two who didn’t add much to the story, but they were all well developed characters and I loved Graeme’s writing style. I will be reading more from him.
A gory book. A supernatural mystery that is quite graphic when you get into it. I enjoyed it.
4 stars form me
Here’s the thing. When I request ARCs from Netgalley, I look at the cover and read the synopsis. Then, I promptly forget about them. So, when I start reading the book, it’s like I come in blind — sometimes, I even forget the title.
That is why I was caught off guard by the events that happened in Night Bleeds Into Dawn. What I initially thought was only a mystery thriller turned out to be a gruesome supernatural horror mystery that will capsize your world. It’s bloody, violent, gory, and outright deranged, but you won’t be able to resist reading ‘til the end, no matter how you try.
I mean, the character of the main protagonist Jack Carlton leaves a lot to be desired. He’s the kind of MLC you’d love to hate, but the story which is told in his POV will show you that despite all his shortcomings, he gets things done — albeit drunkenly.
As soon as things start happening in this book, which is sooner enough than you’d think, you’d be disgusted and creeped out. Not to mention that you’d definitely have shivers running down your spine while you flinch your way through it all.
So, if you love supernatural horror and gore, Night Bleeds Into Dawn is a book for you. The first evidence will eat you right up and will have you reading more and more and more.
Not for the faint of heart, Night Bleeds Into Dawn is a page turner full of supernatural horror and humor. Private Investigator Jack Carlton finds himself biting off more than he can chew when he takes on a multiple murder case. Things go from bad to worse real fast. I didn’t expect to like Jack as much as I did but I found myself invested in his character after only a few chapters. He’s witty, flawed, and real. The author’s prose is what really drew me in though. The descriptions made me feel like I was right there living through the crazy demonic experiences with Jack. There were also so many twists and gruesome scenes that kept me from ever getting bored. This is the perfect quick read for someone looking for a gory and fast paced story! Thank you to BooksGoSocial for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Creepy, insidious, and relentlessly gory horrorfest! Leave the lights on and don't make any plans. Almost claustrophobic in the impending horror that is unrelenting and pushes you to the end. Some dark humor adds a dash of chuckles to the gasps. A winner for all horror fans, not for the squeamish.
Solid horror./thriller. A strong protagonist. This is for lovers of gruesome horror. Gets into the nitty gritty of the occult. I found this book to be entertaining and am looking forward to more from this author.
Solid horror/supernatural thriller! Page turner from the very start. Has great gory scenes that are well written. Had a few laughs throughout from Chris. Looking forward to more from this author!
This was a great read. Creepy and captivating. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept my attention the entire time. I definitely recommend this one.
This was a really well done supernatural thriller, it was everything that I wanted based on the description. It was a great start to the Jack Carlton Thriller series and it left me wanting to read more in this series and from Graeme Reynolds. Graeme Reynolds has a strong writing style and it used the overall feel perfectly.
I loved this thriller! I’m a huge thriller fan and this one went above my expectations and I’m so glad I was able to read it. It was sooo spooky and I couldn’t put it down!
This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
**Book Review: "Night Bleeds Into Dawn"**
In "Night Bleeds Into Dawn," Graeme Reynolds delivers a gripping supernatural thriller that expertly intertwines police procedural elements with the eerie undertones of British horror. Detective Jack Carlton’s story is one of desperation and redemption, set against the backdrop of a sinister crime at King's College that pulls readers into a web of intrigue and supernatural menace.
From the outset, Reynolds crafts a relentless pace that keeps the tension high. Jack’s struggle with his own demons mirrors the dark forces he faces, adding a psychological depth that elevates the narrative. As he investigates a brutal crime with seemingly insurmountable obstacles—an impossible crime scene and a catatonic witness—Jack’s desperation becomes palpable. The sense of time slipping away enhances the urgency of his quest for truth, making each page turn feel like a race against the clock.
The atmospheric writing immerses readers in a world where the line between the mundane and the supernatural blurs. Reynolds has a talent for creating a vivid sense of place, whether it's the haunting halls of King's College or the gritty depths of the city. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the storyline, providing an unsettling backdrop that heightens the stakes for Jack and those he seeks to protect.
The exploration of darkness—both external and internal—serves as a powerful theme throughout the book. Jack's journey is not just about solving a crime; it’s a confrontation with his own vulnerabilities and the darker aspects of human nature. This layered storytelling makes for a compelling read that resonates on multiple levels.
For fans of occult detective mysteries and supernatural suspense, "Night Bleeds Into Dawn" is a must-read. It offers a tantalizing mix of thrills and chills reminiscent of series like The Dresden Files and the Robert Hunter novels. Reynolds has crafted a story that is not only a page-turner but also a thoughtful exploration of morality, identity, and the shadows that linger in all of us.
In conclusion, "Night Bleeds Into Dawn" is a captivating addition to the genre, showcasing Graeme Reynolds’ skill at blending horror with detective fiction. With its relentless pacing, rich atmosphere, and profound themes, this novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Highly recommended!
As a horror novel, you are not shortchanged on gore, demons and ancient scriptures. In amongst bodies being ripped apart, there are some nice one liners and some absurd situations that serve to lighten the mood between slayings.
I’ve read all of Graeme Reynolds books and was looking forward to reading this. I was curious when I read the blurb. A private investigator novel, with supernatural elements and set in the UK! It’s like all of my favourite genres mixed in to one.
As soon as I started reading it, I knew it was going to live up to the hype. The characters are brilliant, especially Chris. The banter between them was fantastic. There’s plenty of humour scattered throughout the book but don’t let that worry you, there’s still plenty of chills, thrills and gore… Plenty!
It was like John Connolly, Shaun Hutson and Jeff Strand wrote a book together. (If you don’t recognise any of those names then you need to rectify that. Seriously!)
I can’t wait to see what comes next from Graeme Reynolds.
This was a great read! The mix of supernatural elements, gore, and one-liners to add a bit of humor, was nicely balanced. The action really picked up in the last half of the book and I couldn’t put it down! I’m hoping the story becomes a series and won’t be the last we see of Jack Carlton.
Night Bleeds Into Dawn was my first time reading a book from this author and I’m very impressed. Looking forward to going back and reading previous works from his catalog.
A great read, a supernatural private detective novel. Jack Carlton has hit the bottom a heavy drinker, his detective business is not going well, a woman walks into his office thing then start to change. Plenty of gore, demons action and one liners to lighten things up a little(but not too much). This is the first novel I've read from this author and this is a strong book hope to see more of Jack. Thanks to Books go social and Netgalley for this review ARC
When you read the description it really does sound like Her Soul to Keep. But once you start reading, it's kinda the same but also adds it's touch and it's really G rated.
This book was kind of intense. And veryyy gruesome. I think in images when i read stuff, and let's just say, some things i did not need to see in my head. Damn, some things were nasty. It was also pretty detailed. But besides that it was a pretty good story, it was very interesting with some plot twists i didn't expect. It also had some sad moments, but i didn't feel the book that much, so i didn't cry or anything. I liked most of the characters, especially Billie. Felt like there was a lot going on. And that ending tho. Not sure if it's a close or open ending. Kind of feels like both to me. I do have to say, sometimes it was a tiny bit difficult to read because of the few spelling mistakes. But i mean, it's an arc so that is kind of to be expected a little. I also didn't really mind or anything.
This is the first book by this author I have read. Well, I report that I will be reading other books by him. His style of writing invokes fear from the very beginning. Each scene provokes memories of watching horror movies. The disgraced detective became someone the reader wanted to root for. The lengths he was willing to go in order to see his daughter made him even more likable. Some of his past decisions were definitely questionable which led to him being manipulated into doing more of someone else’s dirty work. When he discovered there were demons in the human world his view on life changed. I cannot imagine finding out that demons exist. Everything humans have thought would be forever changed. The author made the whole situation believable. From the fighting scenes to the depiction of how people can be manipulated into doing what someone else wants. The level of gore was out there. I will never be able to get some of the images out of my head. I even watched a comedy in order to not have nightmares.
Detective Jack Carlton thought he had hit rock bottom until an opportunity came. It seems like a chance to redeem himself quickly but turns into a dangerous game of survival. Trapped in a situation he can't escape, Jack must uncover the truth behind a brutal crime at King's College.The only witness is catatonic, while time is running out. As the night bleeds into dawn, Jack must confront the darkness lurking within the city's depths. Will he be able to solve the case and save those he holds dear? Or will he become another victim?
The author has written a supernatural novel. About halfway in the novel there are many twists and turns that are well written into the novel. I enjoyed this novel immensely. My favorite character was Jack. This is the first book in the series “Jack Carlton Thriller Book.” I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the book. The only thing that I didn’t care for was dark ink on dark paper. It just makes reading it harder for me.
Graeme Reynolds, best known for his High Moor trilogy, delivers another gripping supernatural thriller with Night Bleeds Into Dawn. This fast-paced novel follows Detective Jack Carlton, a flawed but determined protagonist whose life takes a sharp turn into the unknown when he is assigned to a chilling crime at King’s College. What begins as a seemingly routine case quickly unravels into a nightmarish journey through occult mysteries, brutal violence, and Carlton’s own inner demons.
Reynolds’ ability to blend the gritty realism of a police procedural with the eerie suspense of supernatural horror is evident from the opening pages. Jack Carlton is a classic hard-boiled detective, jaded and struggling with personal demons, yet his character remains fresh due to Reynolds’ sharp writing and his ability to imbue the story with psychological depth. Carlton’s desperation for redemption and his troubled past lend emotional weight to the relentless, almost claustrophobic tension that drives the narrative.
The novel’s setting—a dark, rain-slicked cityscape—amplifies the brooding atmosphere as Carlton hunts for clues in a world where reality bends and the supernatural feels ever-present. The crime at the heart of the story is particularly eerie: an impossible murder with a witness trapped in a catatonic state. As Carlton digs deeper, he begins to uncover an ancient and malevolent force that pulls the story beyond typical crime fiction into something far more sinister.
One of the standout elements of Night Bleeds Into Dawn is the pacing. Reynolds excels at maintaining momentum, keeping the reader on edge as the mystery deepens. Every discovery Carlton makes feels like a step closer to disaster, and the escalating tension leads to a nail-biting climax. Reynolds peppers the story with just enough twists and supernatural phenomena to keep readers guessing, but never at the cost of character development or the integrity of the story.
The novel’s blend of horror and noir will appeal to fans of series like The Dresden Files and Charlie Parker, where the line between detective work and the supernatural is blurred. Yet Night Bleeds Into Dawn distinguishes itself with its uniquely British setting and its focus on Carlton’s internal struggles, which mirror the external dangers he faces. Reynolds skillfully uses Carlton’s personal journey as a means to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the corrupting nature of power.
However, those looking for a pure detective mystery may find the supernatural elements to be overwhelming, as they are central to both the plot and the resolution of the case. The novel’s supernatural forces are deeply intertwined with the crime and with Carlton’s own psychological state, creating a story that is as much about battling inner darkness as it is about solving a case. Some readers might find the leap into the occult a bit abrupt, but for those who enjoy horror-tinged thrillers, this blend of genres works seamlessly.
The supporting characters, while less developed than Carlton, serve their purpose in amplifying the stakes and the tension. The catatonic witness, the shadowy figures lurking in the background, and even Carlton’s closest allies all contribute to the ominous tone and the sense that something much larger and darker is at play.
In conclusion, Night Bleeds Into Dawn is a lightning-paced, atmospheric thriller that masterfully combines the grit of crime fiction with the terror of the supernatural. Graeme Reynolds crafts a story that is both a race against time and a deep dive into the darker corners of human nature and the occult. Fans of supernatural detective novels, horror mysteries, and fast-paced suspense will find this book impossible to put down. Carlton’s journey through the shadows of his city—and his soul—will leave readers breathless as the night gives way to dawn.
Night Bleeds Into Dawn leads off with a boozing wreck of a PI with urgent problems, a baffling gory crime, and whiffs of evil, and other foul things.
There are many fans of this author and his new release. I wasn't as swept away as I hoped to be, but the book was ultimately worthwhile. Reynolds writes well. The first half wasn't the best fit for me, although the book won me over in the end. I found the alcoholism, self-delusions, and assh*le behavior of the MC more depressing and annoying than entertaining. The attitudes towards women put me off, too. My interest plummeted in the middle when a big reveal fell flat for me, but I still wanted to know how it turned out, so I pushed through.
For me, it finally became the intense, fun ride I expected by around 65%. The book found its humanity, and the pacing kicked into gear, keeping me engaged to the end. Women get to be worthwhile characters in the second half. Strong action scenes, gore, imaginative violence, and graphic supernatural horror reminiscent of old horror comics came together. The ending hit a lot of emotional notes for a strong finish.
My personal rating is 3.5, rounded up to 4 because parts of the novel soar above average. Night bleeds Into Dawn packs strong punches served up with nightmare imagery and dark laughs. The vivid, gritty London settings enhance the creepy vibes. Reynolds goes all the way, creating truly gratifying squelchy, gooshy, gross, vengeful, and heroic experiences. I'd read more of his books.
Recommended for for horror readers comfortable with intense, brutal, and gruesome scenes. My thanks to Books Go Social and Horrific Tales Publishing for an eARC for consideration. These are my honest opinions.
I'll add the TikTok link soon.
NIGHT BLEEDS INTO DAWN (2024) Book Review
Author: Graeme Reynolds
Publisher: Horrific Tales Publishing
Originally published: October 19, 2024
Page count: 298 pages
Reviewed by Michael Juvinall
I was a bit hesitant when I began this book by author Graeme Reynolds, even though I had previously read his excellent High Moor werewolf trilogy and loved them. The storyline is a bit out of my usual wheelhouse of creature feature novels. This book is outlined as the first of five novels to feature his new Jack Carlton character. Carlton is a down-and-out private detective in London, England. His character is the typical gumshoe from pulp detective novels. He recently lost his job as a detective in the London police force, he is a raging alcoholic with a wise-ass sense of humor, and he cares. His life and career are heading in the wrong direction of down instead of up.
In the book, Carlton is forced into taking a case involving a horrific college massacre that left only one survivor. He is asked to investigate the killings to exonerate the survivor by her mother. He quickly finds out the case is not what it seems, and it takes a very dark turn before he knows it.
He soon realizes this case is not the one that will turn his life around but rather might end it. Carlton unwittingly enters a world of pitch-black supernatural forces that are far beyond his control, but he must solve this case before it is too late for himself and humanity.
The book really has a feel of the pulpy detective novels from the 1930s-1950s. It is a throwback, a grand mix of pulp noir and supernatural horror at its finest. It leaves readers in a state of utter desperation as they flip through the pages to find out what happens next.
The characters are beautifully written and lifelike to the reader. It is so hard to find books in which the characters are so well thought out and brought to life through written words. The primary protagonist Jack Carlton has a wry and dead pan sense of humor that works well in the book. There are several instances of his dark humor that made me smile. His humor almost serves as a pressure valve during the horror on the page that is happening at the time. Jack Carlton is a complex and likable guy, and I look forward to reading more of his exploits in future novels. The secondary characters are also great and feel like friends to the reader. The antagonists in the books are wonderfully evil and you enjoy hating them.
Reynolds has pulled no punches with Night Bleeds Into Dawn. It is a dark, gritty, violent, and impressively horrific novel of fear. He takes the best of two literary genres and mixes them into an impossible to put down nightmare. I highly suggest this book if you are a fan of supernatural fiction.
4 ½ Pentagrams Out of 5!
This was the first book I have had the honor to read by this author, and it is safe to say that I will be reading the entirety of his works. This was one of the best supernatural horror/thrillers I have ever read! This story follows a washed-up PI, Jack Carlton, as he is thrown into the supernatural world of demons and possession. Through this entire book, I could not begin to guess what would happen next. The writing was fluid and descriptively gory. I can only hope that we will see more of Jack in our future!
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author has added atmospheric elements to a mystery thriller . This is not your usual mystery thriller. Expect the unexpected, sinister forces, eerie setting and insightful police procedural. Detective Carlton has been assigned to investigate the case of the brutal crime happened at King’s college but the mystery is twisted, perilous, and there is an involvement of demonic forces. The investigation is spot on. Writing is compelling and book is dark, intense, and mysterious. Characters are mysterious and have twisted minds. The book is fast paced and it will keep you on the edge. The twists and turns were unpredictable. Loved how the author has unfolded the mystery. The ending was shocking.
Thanks to the Author and Publisher
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