I really enjoyed reading "Dark of Night"! I absolutely love thrillers and this one caught my interest right away and kept me hooked until the very end. Barbara Nickless did a fantastic job with the characters and I instantly felt connected, especially to the lovely duo of Dr. Wilding and Perro. I was just visiting Israel and Palestine so it hit home in many ways but also gave me fascinating new insights into the wild world of artifact trading. Who knew it was so complicated and risky!? The unexpected love interests in this book were also a great plus. This murder mystery is filled with fun twists and turns and will keep you on your toes wondering what comes next. It left me wanting more and I truly can’t wait to check out her other books! As a side note - I didn't read her first book "At First Light" and that didn't matter one bit. Totally a stand alone if this plot line interests you more.

This was a great read! I enjoyed Evan's perspective throughout the book and all of the interactions with Addie. The only thing I will say, is this probably isn't the best book for someone who takes months to finish reading (I'm guilty of this)! There are so many characters that I definitely lost track of who was who, which made the reveal at the end a little less exciting. Overall a great book! You can tell the author did a lot of research on the topic!

Dark of Night brings back brilliant symbol decipherer, praised college professor Dr. Evan Wilding. One of Evan’s oldest friends and colleagues is found dead from a cobra bite in her car. Evan doesn’t believe it’s suicide even when all signs point that way. Working with his detective crush, Detective Addie, Evan takes on the dark side of archaeology and questionable provenances where someone is willing to commit murder over some scraps of a scroll. A fast paced whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the end. Evan is a brilliant and unique character that leaves the reader coming back for more. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

I would say this series is one of my favorites now! I loved "At First Light", and now even more so with "Dark of Night". I need a third book ASAP! The history is well-researched, the science is top notch, and Dr. Evan Wilding is SO GREAT. It felt like the best parts of Da Vinci Code / Temperance Brennan / every science mystery TV show ever.

Another great holiday read. Loved the characters, the setting and the flow of this book. Very immersive, nice balance of historical framework - not too heavy, satisfying tie up. Recommended especially for poolside enjoyment or just when you want something light but still good!

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. Dark of Night is the second book in a series, however as someone who had not read the first book I can say with confidence that this book stands on its own and can be easily read without having read the first book.

Elizabeth Lawrence is found murdered and in the wake of her death is a mystery that has both law enforcement and historians scrounging for details of what happened to the priceless treasure she supposedly had in her possession on the night of her murder.

A mix between Criminal Minds and Indiana Jones, this book had me on the edge wanting to know more. It is not only a murder mystery but a treasure hunt for ancient artifacts. Main character, Professor Evan Wilding, finds himself caught in the midst of helping police solve the murder of his dear friend and colleague and his role, he realizes, becomes bigger than he ever imagined.

If you’re a fan of murder mysteries and treasure hunts you won’t regret picking up this story.

What a thrill to read Barb Nickless's new book, Dark of Night! I felt like I was strapped into a roller coaster from the first page, and couldn't put the book down until the last page. What a mystery! The world was introduced to Dr. Evan Wilding recently with "At First Light", which I loved. It's fair to say, after reading "Dark of Night," I love this series even more. In this book we get great character development, especially with Evan. He's vain, intelligent, wickedly funny, sometimes socially awkward, and always a step ahead of those around him.. I find him to be charming and witty, but there's a sense of sadness that cloaks him sometimes. For all a man is and can be, the world still sees him as a man with dwarfism, and it seems to haunt him at times.

The mystery itself is tightly plotted and takes us in a very different direction than the first Wilding book; that in and of itself kept my interest. I couldn't stop wondering what would happen next, who the killer was, and how Evan would figure it out.

Suffice to say, the book and the characters pulled me in and I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to read this fine novel. Barb Nickless wields the English language like a highly-skilled artist and her poetic phrasing constantly had me saying, "Ah, that is writing."

I look forward to the next Dr. Evan Wilding book. In the meantime, I'll go back and read Dark of Night again. It's thoroughly worth the journey!

“Missing artifacts? The dark underbelly of the antiquities world? Murder by…cobra? Count me in. Dark of Night is a top-notch thriller with an unforgettable lead in Dr. Evan Wilding. It’s no surprise that Barbara Nickless has fast become one of my favorite authors. I tore through this novel at breakneck speed and can’t wait for the next adventure.” — Hannah Mary McKinnon, internationally bestselling author of Never Coming Home

Book 2 of Dr Evan Wilding
When esteemed historian Elizabeth Lawrence is found in her car, killed by a cobra’s bite, only a brilliant professor of semiotics, Dr. Evan Wilding, can see the signs around her strange death. As he helps homicide detective Addie Bisset decipher the scene, the puzzles left behind offer Evan chilling passage into the mind of a killer.
Evan’s investigation merges with that of an Israeli agent, who claims Elizabeth was close to acquiring an invaluable artifact. She was also drawing the attention of unsavory treasure hunters, forgers, and thieves. Was someone desperate to expose the truth of Elizabeth’s astonishing discovery?
The deeper Evan and Addie delve into the case, the darker it gets. A murderer’s archaic crimes are just the beginning. In a race where there can be only one winner, the final victim might be Evan.
Totally gripping really enjoyable read totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
I just reviewed Dark of Night by Barbara Nickless. #DarkofNight #NetGalley

I loved this mystery about Dr. Evan Wilding.

Elizabeth Lawrence is found dead, and although she is dying, what is made to look like a sooner rather than later death on her part is found questionable by Dr. Evan Wilding, Elizabeth's friend. Evan knows El and knows she is a fighter of a woman that wouldn't just end her life, especially by the means by which the killer does it. As Dr. Wilding helps the Chicago PD with their investigation of El's murder Evan uncovers many plots that may mean that his friend isn't quite who he thought her to be.

While this is the second book in the series, it was so well written that I didn't feel as if I was missing out on things. I couldn't put it down. The story is fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I did guess who the killer was towards the end of the story, putting together all of the clues that Evan and Addie found. There also was a twist that I would have never seen coming and added to the intrigue of the story. One thing that I didn't like about the story was the over noting of the fact that he was a dwarf. It was mentioned in his initial description and then mentioned countless amounts of times beyond that, and not just in the "little man" insults but mentioned every time he did or said something. While part of it was that Dr. Wilding was self-conscious to an extent, I find it to be overkill.

I would like to thank the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for giving me this ARC in order to review. This book will be released on November 15, 2022.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Dark of Night.

When Dr. Evan Wilding's friend and historian, Elizabeth Lawrence, is found dead in her car, only Evan, can see the signs of her strange death. As he helps homicide detective Addie Bisset decipher the scene, the puzzles left behind offer a chilling passage into the mind of a killer.

I was delighted to get this book early through NetGalley!  I enjoyed it even more than the first one in the series.  (And I feel it can be read as a stand-alone.)  In Dark of Night, Evan is not only trying to solve the murder of his friend, he's investigating missing ancient artifacts, and he's also dog-sitting his semi-girlfriend, Christina's Corgi.  (How I love Perro, the Corgi!!)  I very much enjoyed reading Wilding's conversations and thoughts - the dry wit is totally appreciated!  His goshawk, Ginny, had more of a minor role this time, and I hope that will change in the next book.  Detective Addie Bisset was front and center, which made me smile.  (Ahhh ... Addie and Evan.  Will they or won't they?  Write faster, Ms. Nickless!)

The dive into the dark side of ancient artifacts being plundered from the countries they belong to, and then offered for sale to the rich was as disgusting as it was compelling.  I absolutely recommend Dark of the night!!

#DarkofNight #NetGalley

#DarkofNight #NetGalley

Dark of Night
by Barbara Nickless
5 Stars

Part of the Dr. Evan Wilding series

An enthralling murder mystery that draws the reader in.

The plot continues to twist through most of the story, which builds tension slowly. Characters are believable and full of richness.

When esteemed historian Elizabeth Lawrence is found in her car, killed by a cobra’s bite, only a brilliant professor of semiotics, Dr. Evan Wilding, can see the signs around her strange death. As he helps homicide detective Addie Bisset decipher the scene, the puzzles left behind offer Evan chilling passage into the mind of a killer.

As an international array of spies become involved in chasing down an ancient script, added with a host of unsavoury treasure hunters, forgers, and thieves.

This title has been reviewed by www.books-reviewed.weebly.com

This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.

#NetGalley

I was clearly very hyped about this book after reading the first book in the series, which turned out to be a roller coaster ride of a thriller. This book did not carry forward the same excitement. I can attempt to attribute that to perhaps too many things happening at once (I did not expect a linear plot but this was nothing short of a large tree when it came to plot branches), and also to the lack of added depth to the characters. We see less of Addie, who seemed to almost equal Evan's share of the character centering in the first book.

Anyway, there is no denying that the content is thoroughly researched and very scholarly in the details. Looking forward to the next book in the series as well.

Antiquities theft........old as civilization. Criminal networks from looters to dealers to buyers. And greed just makes the world go round.

Dark of Night is the second edition in the Dr. Evan Wilding Series. Not to worry. It reads as a perfect standalone. But after this one, you'll be hard pressed not to partake in the first.

Barbara Nickless has created a stellar character in the likes of Dr. Evan Wilding. At the core of his being is dwarfism. Smaller in stature, but mega in brain cells. Evan is a transplanted Brit, Oxford trained in Semiotics and Linguistic Paleo studies. But don't let that muddle your mind. Besides being brilliant, he has a wit as sharp as the crease in his trousers. You'll find him at the University of Chicago.

Detective Addie Bisset of the Chicago PD usually calls on Evan quite frequently for his remarkable skill of perusing crime scenes. With his background, Evan is quick to pick up on the tiniest thread or a miniscule drop of blood. But this time the situation is more personal. The body of Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence, an ancient history papyrologist, has been found dead in her car. The police believe that this case points to suicide. Evan shakes his head after something long and dark slithers onto the ground. Shades of Cleopatra........

Elizabeth had been working on something secretive. Was she involved with the wrong people in order to keep her own institute solvent? Nickless will take us on quite the ride in this one with a bit of espionage in the wings. And Elizabeth's won't be the only dead body adding to the atmosphere.

The role of Dr. Evan Wilding is just begging for the brilliance of Peter Dinklage. He'll bring out his toned accent from Game of Thrones. Handsome, supremely intelligent, and well-crafted in his art, Dinklage has my vote. Just hope that Barbara Nickless is in the midst of a movie deal even as we speak.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Barbara Nickless for the opportunityq

"Dark of Night" (Dr. Evan Wilding series book 2)
by Barbara Nickless
"Dark of Night" is the second Dr. Evan Wilding book. Once again, our hero is immersed in a murder mystery involving a friend of his, an archeologist named Elizabeth. His best friend, Addie (a Chicago detective), is also involved in the investigation. I love the interaction of these two characters and can't wait to see what happens romantically down the road. The action kept me hooked, but I would have liked to see more of Addie's involvement. I will definitely make a point to read the next one!

As we’ve come to expect from her Sydney Parnell series, award-winning author Barbara Nickless offers us yet another penetrating look into parts of our society rarely glimpsed by the average person in her new book Dark of Night. This time we follow professor and semiotician Dr. Evan Wilding into the underbelly of the antiquity's world following the murder of his long-time friend. A place where ancient artifacts are exploited by the wealthy and corrupted by the faithful. Nickless guides us briskly along as Evan unravels this multi-layered mystery and then provides us with a uniquely satisfying conclusion. Her authentic world-building and believable characters kept me engaged throughout and left me eager to see more of Dr. Wilding in the future. This is a must-read!

This book sounded really good but it was just not for me. I did not finish this one. It just seemed way to different from the book I normally read.

Another first rate mystery from award-winner Barbara Nickless. The new series starring forensic semiotician Dr. Evan Wilding showcases Nickless' intricate plotting, deep character work, and intellectual puzzle-building. Dark of Night takes these strengths and turns them up to 11 as it spins a tale of antiquities theft and dark ambition. Devious, atmospheric, and compelling, with a uniquely satisfying ending, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat from page one. A must read.

3.5 Stars 🌟

This is the second book in this series, but we have seen Dr. Evan Wilding before in other books by this author. I really, really liked Evan and was looking forward to this series. Unfortunately, this book didn't garner the same feelings for me. I'm not sure what it was about the book - the plot maybe? But it was really challenging to get into. I kept putting it down to go do other things and I never really felt the "need" to pick it back up. You know that feeling. The feeling where you just HAVE to know what is happening and can't wait to start reading again? Well, I didn't feel that.

I think the thing I enjoyed with the last book was the relationship between Evan and Addie. They are both still in this book, but it seems different. There is something missing between the two. Evan is with Christina, but you get the feeling from the onset that those two aren't really good together and then there is another person added to the mix and that REALLY bothered me.

About the plot, it was confusing. It took FOREVER to get the ball rolling. By the last quarter of the book, things seem to finally take off and from that point on, I definitely wanted to know what was going on, but that is a long time to wait. If I hadn't already read things by this author and really liked what I read, I'm not sure that I would try again.

Every author can have an off book and I'm hoping that is all this was. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the next book (if there is one) will get back to whatever it was that made the first book so good.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.

I found Evan Wilding to be an intriguing character in the Sydney Rose Parnell series, and was happy to see him get his own series in "At First Light". However, I was disappointed with this latest, as it seemed to be a bit convoluted (I kept losing track of who was who) and Evan seemed a bit too much like a moody lovestruck teenager at times. It wasn't bad, but not one of my favorites from this author.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.