What lies in darkness is the second instalment in the detective Jessica lambert series, (although it can easily be followed as a stand-alone).

The story follows Alice, a teenage girl who is involved in a car accident with her family, only when she awakes, afraid and injured, her mum, dad and younger sister are not inside the car and no where to be found.

A year later Alice is still reeling in the trauma and abandonment and unable to get any closure from the “missing, presumed dead” cold case. That is until her sisters backpack, blood and an arm in a suitcase is discovered in their garage as she’s clearing it out.

I really enjoy the unusualness to the plot, the mystery surrounding her missing family is so peculiar. You would assume her family would be severely injured if not deceased following such a serious car incident, so how is it that their bodies are no where to be found? And If they left somewhere, or where taken, why was Alice left behind?

I had absolutely no idea what the answers would be or where this one was going. I really felt for Alice, and I enjoyed the back and forth POV between her and Jess Lambert as fate brought their paths together.

The pacing flows nicely, there is lots of mystery and suspense and I found it super easy to read. If you are looking for a quick read this is a perfect book for you!

Thank you to Christina McDonald, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC

This was full of intrigue and had me guessing to the very end.
There are multiple POVs that are woven together seamlessly. The writing is what made this a fast read.
Highly recommend this for lovers of thrillers with a dash of horror. Even though I usually don't go for stories with ghosts, this is definitely an excpetion. It was done so well and I hope there will be more books in this series.

This is a book where you simply can’t put it down or on pause. So much crazy twist and turn. So engaging and good at keeping you on your toes. I had the time of life reading this! This book is definitely for all the mystery and thriller lovers out there.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book was such a fun ride! I love me a good thriller so you bet I had an amazing time with it indeed. What Lies In Darkness is the second book in the Jess Lambert series. To fully enjoy this book, I do recommended to read the novella called These Still Black Waters first. However, it can also be read as a standalone.

This thriller has everything you would expect and need. Because who doesn't love short chapters?? Not me. It also has multiple perspectives, which i am not a huge fan of usually but in this book it surprisingly worked for me! And also has unexpected twists!!!

The setting of Black Lake adds an atmospheric and eerie touch to the story. The author, McDonald, introduces some horror elements, effectively creating a creepy atmosphere.

The story begins with the mysterious disappearance of 16-year-old Alice Harper's family after a car accident. A year later, Detective Jess Lambert takes over the case when new evidence emerges. Determined to find out what happened to the Harper family, Jess uses her emotional strength and resilience to solve the unsolvable. The theme of grief plays a significant role in both Jess and Alice's characters, highlighting the intense emotions that come with losing a loved one. And I think that gave the story such good depth and I could connect to the story more!

The book's ending is mind-blowing, with unexpected twists that make it a must-read thriller. Overall, McDonald skillfully combines suspense, emotions, and mystery in this gripping novel.

Christina McDonald does it again! Could not put this down and I couldn’t wait to find out what was after each twist and turn in this book! A definite read for all of you like like the suspense of a well written mystery!

The one year anniversary of her families passing is approaching leaving Alice feeling empty and lonely.
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It was Christmas Eve and the road they were on stretched through the forest near Black Lake, a place known for being haunted. Now it’s known as Killer’s Grove.
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Jess Lambert is back as a detective this time to help Alice find out what happened to her family. Jess still suffers from the loss of her eight year old daughter Isla who died one year ago in a car accident which Jess blames herself. Alcohol was the reason then and the reason she has had to go to AA meetings to help her learn better coping mechanisms for her pain.
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Christina McDonald writes a captivating and intriguing thriller using a paranormal element in the investigative process where Jess sees Isla’s ghostly image. Isla assists Jess in investigating the case of finding Alice’s family. Jess isn’t a medium, yet Isla shows up. She isn’t the only one who can her.
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I enjoyed the unique technique used to investigate this case. Anytime a writer can introduce original ideas into a story is going to gain my attention. Christina McDonald gradually feeds readers clues about that night Alice’s family crashed on Christmas Eve. She does this by revisiting the past through the eyes of Laura Alice’s mom.
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Wow! What an an amazing story. The entertainment was endless with one shocking revelation after another. Splendid ending to a very unfortunate situation. It still blew my mind.

My Review:
OMG, LOVED!!!!! When is the next book in this series coming out. I’m very impatient so hopefully it won’t be too long. This series keeps getting better and better with each book. It’s definitely the characters that do it for me. I love the main detective Jess. She’s had to deal with so much yet she still gets the job done. She’s a wonderful detective who treats each case like it’s her own family that it happened to. I loved seeing this and this is exactly why these books are great. It also helps that you have so many twists and turns that it almost gives you a heart attack. I never know what’s going happen next. Each chapter leaves you wanting more and it’s hard to put it down once you start. I know I read this one quickly and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. It left such an impression on me. Don’t even get me started on that wow of an ending either. Did not see that coming at all. I can’t get enough of this series. Kudos to Christina McDonald for writing such awesome books. I’m looking forward to the next one.

In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Twist and turns, turns and twist. This series just keeps getting better. A must read for all who enjoy putting the pieces together page by page. Only to be thrown for a loop. The characters in this story will keep you guessing. As always, Christina McDonald does not disappoint!

What Lies in the Darkness is the second book in the series but I read it as a standalone. A year earlier, teenage Alice Harper was found by the side of the road after a horrific car accident. Her parents and younger sister were missing from the car. Now, the case is still unsolved and Alice is living with her aunt and uncle, suffering from the loss of her family. Enter Detective Jess Lambert who is also suffering from unimaginable loss. She is determined to discover what happened to the Harper family and develops a bond with Alice. There are many moving parts to this story, which make it even more interesting and mysterious. I’m not a fan of ghosts used in books, however this story is beautifully and sensitively written, so it does not distract from the plot lines. The many characters are cleverly depicted and engaging. Grief and loss are the primary themes, yet the mystery has many twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. With thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. My opinions are my own. Susanh_bookreviews

"What Lies in Darkness" is an engaging thriller full of twists, turns, and a surprise ending. It was hard to put this book down and not finish in one sitting. Great lead female detective and interesting characters/family. I will be following McDonald and reading the first and prequel to this one. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. #WhatLiesinDarkness #NetGalley

Fast paced psychological thriller, full of twist and turns that had me guessing throughout the book! A surprise ending left me speechless! I was pulled in and invested in all the characters from start to finish. We follow Alice, trying to live everyday after being the sole survivor to a crash that killed her family. Expect, their bodies weren’t found. What really happened to Alice’s family and who’s hiding secrets? Detective Jess Lambert tries to solve the case while also dealing with her own secrets and demons.

I have found my FAVOURITE female detective!!! Jess Lambert is gritty, she’s flawed, she’s ballsy. But I’ve also found a new auto-buy author in Christina McDonald!!

This is the second in the Jess Lambert series - the first “These Still Black Waters” was absolutely super (and heartbreaking… it had me crying ugly tears at the end and I don’t cry easily…) and the prequel “The Stranger at Black Lake” was a cracking novella - are a must read if you want to enjoy this one to its fullest potential (it can be read as a standalone, absolutely but seriously… READ THE OTHERS!!!)

This one is the grown up sibling of These Still Black Waters. This is where the characters really solidify themselves in your psyche and will sit in your mind and heart for some time to come. Grief is the main driver throughout this series and McDonald’s writing is exemplary. It’s raw and hard hitting, laid bare and vulnerable. Like in her first book, I love how she has a second main character’s storyline running along side our main protagonist Jess.

With dual timelines, multiple POV, and an ending that will knock you into next week, I cannot say this loud enough - READ THIS BOOK!!!!!

This is an unusual take on a detective story. It was a quick and enjoyable read with lots of twists to keep you reading. This was my first book from this author, but will be reading more.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Words cannot adequately explain how much I loved this book. Not only did it keep me on my toes and keep me guessing until literally the very end, but it explained things from the previous book as well. I love how much more of Jess we got in this story and can't wait to hopefully get more. This was so well written and was extremely hard to put down. I literally had to stop and reread portions towards the end as my jaw dropped.

What Lies in Darkness by Christina McDonald is #2 in the Jess Lambert series but can be easily read ad a standalone. A great thriller with twists and turns that had me chomping at the bit to devour every delicious morsel until the very last sentence.

Christina McDonald has once again kept me on the edge of my seat. Detective Jess Lambert is paired up with a a young Detective to solve an almost year old case. They are tasked with solving the vanishing of a family after an accident that leaves just 0ne survivor the teenage daughter Alice.
In her usual style of story telling this book will keep you guessing.,it's many twist and turns. Will they solved it before the FBI swoops in and takes it way . Will Jess be able to keep her demons at bay. How will she handle the return of her estranged husband, and learning from the police report that Alice claims a child helped her who matches the description of her dead daughter.
Just as you think you know what is coming she throws you another twist until the very end. THIS IS A MUST READ. I can't wait to see what comes next for Detective Jess Lambert.

#What Lies in Darkness
#NETGALLEY
#Christina McDonald

Alice Harper and her family were in a horrific car accident on Christmas Eve, with Alice seemingly being the only survivor since the rest of the family can’t be found. One year later and new evidence has surfaced and Detective Jess Lambert is handed the case. Jess sympathizes with Alice since she knows how it feels to lose someone you love and is determined to find out what happened to this family. I absolutely loved this book could not put it down. I was blown away with the many twists and did not see the ending coming. I highly recommend this book if you like a good mystery with a touch of paranormal tossed in. Christina McDonald can’t wait to see what you have in store for Jess next. Thank you Netgalley for this arc.

This was my first Christina McDonald novel. The second installment in the Jess Lambert series.

Alice Harper survives a terrible car accident one night with the rest of her family. The thing is, the rest of her family, mother, father and young sister are missing from the scene when Alice comes to. Where did her family go? How could they just disappear into thin air?

A year later, and she she still trying to process what happened to her family. She’s a troubled teen, getting caught up in drugs and other mischievous friends. One thing I did not know about the story was that Alice sees dead people. People who are trying to give her a message.

Meet Jess Lambert, the detective on the case. Jess also sees the dead. She is struggling with her personal demons, Jess also lost her daughter in a terrible crash. She is conflicted with guilt and pain since she was the one driving.

I found in the beginning of the story, Alice’s character was constantly focusing on getting her hands on more Ativan. Taking more Ativan and how it made her feel. The constant mentioning of it on every other page slightly got on my nerves. Also, I’m not big on supernatural elements written into police procedurals. I know, it’s just a me thing.

Overall, I blew through this book. It definitely was suspenseful. We learn there more shady characters as the story unfolds and I was trying to guess who the culprit was. The reveal was not what I expected at all. One thing I’ll mention, I think I would have enjoyed this more had I read the first one.

I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Christina McDonald for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Expected publication date July 16, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ raised to 4

I enjoyed the dual POV's and different timelines. I was able to figure out a lot of what had happened (what the beeping was, etc.) but had to read the twist at the end twice to make sure I understood it. I liked that there were mentions of the first book but it wasn't overkill. I can't wait for the next Jess Lambert book!

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of What Lies in Darkness.

I didn't realize this was the second book in the Jess Lambert series but it worked well as a standalone.

I was drawn by the premise and I was pleased my request was approved.

One year ago, teen Alice was injured in a car accident with her family, except her parents and younger sister were never found.

As the anniversary of the tragedy draws near, Alice realizes the only way she can move on with her life is to find out what happened to her family that fateful night.

Detective Jess Lambert is called into the investigation when a clue relating to the accident is discovered. A recovering alcoholic, traumatized by guilt and a recurring injury from her own tragedy, Lambert soon realizes she has her own demons to face, but will it lead her down a path of no return?

Alice and Lambert are similar characters; resilient, strong, tough, self medicating in their own ways as they dealt with their personal tragedies.

I enjoyed the police procedural aspects of the mystery but I wasn't a fan of the supernatural elements, even though I like supernatural/horror novels.

I prefer my mysteries and police procedurals to be grounded in reality,

I wasn't a fan of Lambert and Alice "seeing dead people" since it felt more like Alice's visions was for a shock factor.

Lambert's visions was due to her guilt and sorrow over losing her daughter and that I understand and sympathize with.

I'm not a fan of the ending; it was far-fetched and difficult to suspend disbelief for, especially as the author kept throwing twist after twist at the reader.