The Dark Circle is the second Jake Cantrell mystery, following said Jake Cantrell, an ex-army officer, who is fired from his job as a campus security officer after being told off about the way he stopped two college kids on special opioids from attacking each other and him. However, that was only the start, as he makes a connection between the special opioid crisis to a missing persons case that he was recruited by a friend to help solve, leading to them uncovering a messy network of secrets, drugs and scandals.

<b>Be wary, readers,</b> because some of the topics the book covers include <spoiler>drug abuse, rape, sexual assault and human trafficking.</spoiler>

The book wastes no time and sticks to a fast-pace throughout the whole book, constantly moving from one lead to the next. Honestly though, my eyes kept bugging out each time we get a new revelation because the story just gets darker and darker. The subplots, such as taking care of Bug (his aging wolf hound) and the development of his relationship with Lauren (the reporter who got him to work on the missing person case), were well-paced and nicely sprinkled throughout the narrative. These subplots worked to help lighten up the mood of the story and offer some relief before it's time to dive back into the main plot.

With the way the story cuts to black and how several subplots left open at the end, you're left reeling from the events of the story and want to follow Jake in the next installment to get some closure to those subplots.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.</i>

This book kept me hooked from the start. After Jake Cantrell is fired from his police job, he is approached about a private job investigating a missing woman. His investigations lead him to a bigger web of drugs, trafficking and money. His path to vengeance for these women is captivating.

THE DARK CIRCLE by Robert J. Mrazek is a thrilling, wonderful it's just really good story, with excellent characters.
Really enjoyed this one! I love the detail in his writing. This book had enough twists to keep me reading and guessing. The pace of this thriller is languid. Very entertaining and well-written.
I couldn't put the book down as I was desperate to see how the plot played out! Definitely recommend.

Crooked Lane Books,
Thank you for this eARC!
I will post my review close to pub date