The first line of this book had me hooked.

"I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people might think I killed him."

I was expecting so much of this story. But it didn't work for me. I wasn't feeling anything for Olivia, the main character. I feel there is nothing sympathetic about her. She brings up excuse after excuse.. About drug use, infidality, her life choices..

Also the plot was a bit predictable.

Addiction, infidelity, murder. This book has all three. This is a dark, dark thriller that's well written. I struggled liking Olivia in the beginning. I was far more tolerant of her by the end. But for me this story just drug on and it made it hard for me to stay interested.

Thank you to Miranda Smith, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.

What a great debut by Miranda Smith! I loved Olivia's character, even when I wanted to smack her. This was a dark psychological thriller that will make you sit up and go "what???!!!" when you hit that plot twist. I enjoyed this one, and will be anxiously awaiting for the next Miranda Smith book to come out.

This was an excellent novel that I had a great time reading. Exquisite character development and fast flowing story make this book a success

“Some Days are Dark” is a very dark story. Yes, it’s a murder mystery, but it’s also about opioid addiction, infidelity and a woman who makes stupid decisions. It’s also written in a before and after format, making it difficult (or at least confusing) to stay with the time line. Entirely too much happens in 2 ½ years - from the time the child was in a wreck at 18 months until we see him again when the parents have divorced and both re-married and he’s 4.

I continued reading for about 50% as I really wanted to know who the murderer was, but it was simply too tedious and confusing to continue. I’m sure many will enjoy this, but sadly, I didn’t.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Bookouture, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Olivia's husband, Dane, was killed. Many people are glad that he's dead, including Olivia. But is she the one that murdered him?

The story alters between two perspectives; Olivia's recap of the past and the events leading to Dane's death is interspersed with the present where Olivia is being faced with her husband's presumed killer cleared of the murder charges and with the blame being shifted back onto her. When a blogger/journalist seeks her help to find the real killer, they both set off to uncover the truth.
I really enjoyed this debut novel. Despite it being a slow burner read, it was full of twists, and although I guessed correctly who the killer was, I had no idea about the motive.
As a mother myself, I felt for Olivia when her custody rights were reduced to only 2 weekends a month, but I also couldn't comprehend why she wouldn't fight more to get her son back.
I really like books that deliver an additional revelation, apart from the twist, and I'm happy that this story did it.
However, I was on the fence about the rating, but in the end, because I like my books to have me by the throat, I settle for 3 stars.
Nonetheless, I recommend this book to anyone, and especially to those who enjoy domestic whodunnit thrillers. I will definitely be looking out for future books from this author.

This book has so many unexpected plot twists! I truly started thinking that Olivia killed Dane once it was established that he physically and emotionally started hitting her, then I thought it might be Frank, as if to protect her. To find out it was Julie and Frank knew was a big shock. This book definitely kept me guessing and I liked how it was written as before and after Dane's murder as a way to tell the story. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a good murder mystery.

When you're trying to find your next read and saw this first line in a blurb - “I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people might think I killed him” - then you're bound to be hooked.

Olivia's husband, Dane, was murdered in their home. Of course, the police focused on her, because more often than not, "it's always the partner". Until someone confessed to the crime.
Olivia was somewhat relieved by it all, making you confused, like she wants you to believe she doesn't have anything to do with the murder, all the while showing how happy she is that she's free of her husband, and this is enough to cast doubts about her real stand on the case.
Then the man was acquitted, making her, again, the prime suspect.

Olivia is so hard to like at first, she often makes stupid decisions but you'll eventually understand her as the story progresses, going back and forth to her past life and the now. Also, I love her relationship with her son, it's the only constant good thing about her.

I somehow guessed who the killer is, but I can't seem to come up with the reason why, and this made the story more interesting.
The book didn't disappoint. It was a great read.
And it's kind of surprising that this is Miranda Smith's first thriller book.
Looking forward to another one.

Thank you to Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

First of all I want to say that I think this is a great cover and when I like the cover, I always seem to like the story as well. Is this true this time too... ?

It sure was. The whole time I was wondering whether Olivia was a born actor or a victim. I wanted to believe her, but I was never really sure. The author kept me guessing, made my brain do overtime and urged me to read on.

The focus is on the murder, but we get to see what happened before and what happens afterwards to give us a clear picture of the whole scene.

A house can be a happy home or just a place where you survive and sometimes it can change very quickly from one to the other. 

It's nice to have some peole you can trust and always lean on. They are always there to have your back and would never betray you. They only want what is best for you and would never lie to you. Without them you would be lost. With them by your side, you can conquer the world ... or are they too good to be true ... ?

A great story that keeps you entertained from the first sentence until the last one. More of this, please. :) 4,5 stars

Thank you, Miranda Smith and Bookouture.

This book tickled me wild with its domestic drama filled with murders and lies, true crime blogger and his investigation, couples and their infidelities.

Olivia and Frank were a happy couple until a road accident and intense post operative pain left Olivia addicted to pain meds and poor decisions. She shackled up with Dane and a year later, found him dead on the couch. Police suspected her, then found someone else, acquitted him, then suspected her all over again. Whew!!

My first book by author Miranda Smith, the suspense and the need to solve the captivating whodunit kept me on my toes. I liked Olivia, she made lousy decisions and basically ruined her life in all ways. She drank and drugged herself, quite an unstable character she was, at the same time, earnest yet defensive. But she stood out in her love for her boy. There was something so pure in her, the author managed to capture that beautifully, especially when her son called out to her. She loved being a mother and lived solely for her boy.

The plot was twisted and captivating, the writing clear and showed the characters as they were. This was Olivia’s show completely, and she managed to rein me in slowly with her presence. The author made her voice quite compelling. I couldn't stop not listening to her.

A debut at its best, a killer most unexpected, and a story quite a swirly mess, this was pure fun to read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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There are so many thrillers out these days that often times when I read one, I think “well that was good” but it leaves me with the same taste in my mouth as the rest. Not this one! This one was unique and fresh. ⁣
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The storyline may sound familiar... a widow suspected to have murdered her husband... but the details make this book one of a kind. I loved Olivia’s character. She is NOT your typical wife in domestic thrillers. Her character and life really resonated with me personally. She was funny and real, with problems of her own. I felt she was so similar to me. ⁣
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Usually with alternating timelines, there’s one I look forward to more than the other. That was not true for this book. Both timelines were equally interesting. If you are a fan of domestic thrillers and whodunnits, I suggest this one! Some Days are Dark comes out 3/16. ⁣

Thanks Netgalley for this ARC. This is the start of an author I will be following for sure. I wasn't sure if I would like this book at first but it has wow factor for sure. Extremely well written with tons of character development and twists and turns. I felt like I really cared for Olivia even through all her not so great traits.

Olivia hated her husband and he is finally dead. Not only that she is off the hook. Everyone may not say it but no one will miss him. But that doesn't mean they don't think that she did it and she isn't on the end of a lot of gossip. She has an alibi. But as we go from her past to her present we find out that a lot of things aren't what they seem. Who really is Olivia and who really killed her husband?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • YES! Who knew I would enjoy a domestic thriller this much!! Miranda has you thinking you know who it might be, then throws a complete twist in the mix and you’re left mind blown, and that happens more then once! Apart from the book being wholly and entirely captivating, the plot twists at the end had me on the edge of my seat (in this case, on the edge of my bed, as it’s currently extremely late. Cannot. Put. Down.)! I absolutely loved how this book wrapped up and that epilogue. Mind blown 🤯. Do yourselves a favour READ IT!
Trigger warnings| drug abuse, alcohol abuse, murder, domestic violence

Miranda Smith

Put that name on your list of up and coming suspense writers. Her debut novel Some Days are Dark will be a popular read. She hits all the points, suspense, characterization, twists and turns, and she will get you thinking about bigger things than just "who killed Dane?"

A man is murdered and the natural subject is his spouse. In a growing town like Whitaker, small town habits die hard, and everyone has an opinion about Olivia and the murder of her husband. When someone else confesses to the crime, life goes on until a group fighting against wrongful convictions proves that the case is still unsolved. Olivia is once again a suspect. Because a woman who cheated on her husband and broke up her perfect little suburban life has to be the killer.

Or does she?

I really enjoyed this novel. Smith weaves her tale in a beautiful fashion. She creates a world of believable characters dealing with the repercussions of their actions. She takes the reader on a journey full of turns and she doesn't let go until the very end. Olivia's story is alternately told from the past and the present.

Potential Triggers: substance abuse, domestic violence, infidelity

If you need to like a character in order to enjoy the story, this isn't the book for you. Olivia, the main character, is not likeable. She has some self esteem issues, impulsivity, issues with communication, she commits adultery, is addicted to pain pills, and leaves her husband for her sketchy pill supplier. In fact she tells most of the story while she is on pills so Smith adds in an extra layer of unreliability with her. To be fair though, many of the characters in this book are unlikeable. and as you get deeper into the book, you may find yourself hoping Olivia finds her redemption.

There isn't a huge suspect list and you will more than likely figure out the who , but there are plenty of surprises even with that.

What I think I liked best, and what will make Smith an incredible author, is that outside of the mystery, you will find yourself thinking about people, their inherent nature, our judgements, and how even those we judge as having it all may be hiding behind their masks. Smith will have you think about our justice system and how easy it is to be wrongly accused. She will show you just how easy it is to fall into addiction, especially when your mental well-being is already struggling. She will let you make your judgements about her characters and then she will surprise you with them

Great read, I am already looking forward to her next novel..

Wow, the main character was a hot mess and no one was really likable but I still devoured this novel very quickly and found it entertaining. I read a lot of thrillers and although some of those thrillers broach the idea of class...I felt like these characters and situations were realistic. I also appreciated the occasional dark humor in this book.

Thanks to the publisher for the advance review copy.

WOW that’s the best opening line that I have read this year,

“ I was happy my husband died, but I couldn’t admit it, otherwise people would presume saying I killed him”


When Olivia’s husband Dane is murdered, initially she is the prime suspect until someone else is arrested, but the relief is short lived as the man is acquitted and again Olivia is the prime suspect!!

The story alternates between before and after the murder. We get a peep into how Olivia and Dane met and what their relationship was like.

This is a brilliant book that will draw you in and keep you captive until the end. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way that will keep you guessing.

I loved everything about this book, the cover just screams at you “read Me” and believe me you won’t be disappointed!!

Find it hard to believe this a debut book. I am so looking forward to this authors next book.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

Highly entertaining and enjoyable. Fast paced and enough suspense to keep you interested and reading long after bedtime.

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I really enjoyed this book. It was a rollercoaster of betrayals, misleads, addiction, and the different forms that love can take.
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All the characters were complex and had a great mixture of darkness and good in them. Olivia at times was an unreliable narrator but I was expecting that from this story. It would have been too easy to figure the storyline out otherwise. I did work our part of the ending but there are amazing twists that take place in the last couple of pages!
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In many of this type of thriller the storyline becomes a bit insane and overworked. This is definitely not the case here as you can believe that all this could happen to people. Something as simple as an accident can have horrendous knock on effects to people. Plus, ‘baby blues’ are real and should not be ignored!
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I steamrolled through this book in one sitting - it grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until you have read the last sentence! I can see this doing very well this year!

was on the fence with requesting to review this book, but glad I soldiered on. It's a phenomenal thriller that had me gripped from the start to the very end. Author Miranda Smith does a wonderful job of using the past and present to tell the story of a woman who is not upset that her current husband was murdered, but who most likely isn't guilty. I highly recommend, and look forward to more from this author.


Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Some Days Are Dark" is about a woman named Olivia who comes home to find her husband has been shot and killed. Olivia isn't exactly sad about this development. Here begins a super suspenseful crime thriller. I was NOT disappointed with this book. It had me hooked from beginning to end. The author made me feel so many of the emotions as if they were my own. I felt I could relate to Olivia as a mother, especially. It's told from the perspective of "before" and "after" the murder. It was well paced and had me flying through pages to get to the conclusion. Every decision has a consequence, and every person is a suspect. If you like crime thrillers you won't be disappointed.