EXCERPT: Distracted by the rolls of pretty fabric on one of the stalls, she isn't prepared when someone cannons into her shoulder, knocking her off balance and spinning her round. Tess almost drops her bag.
'Sorry,' she mutters, a reflex now. 'I'm so sorry.'
The stranger lurches on without speaking. A woman, Tess sees. She is relieved, because if anybody sees her talking to another man - however innocent it might be - and he checks up on her . . .

ABOUT 'THE GIRL IN THE DARK': The woman falls. Her body begins to shake. Her brown eyes turn upwards, showing a mix of panic and desperate hope. She takes a deep breath and says one 'Blake.' Then her eyes close, her face pales, and she goes still forever…

The victim: Shannon, a woman who went out of her way to help the lost and hopeless, left abandoned to die by the side of the road. Where was she in those last few days before her death, and why was she so frightened?

The avenger: Blake Claremont, who knows only too well how it feels to be alone on the streets of a big city. Blake survived, thanks to Shannon. She’s determined to find out who killed her friend, and why.

Before she died, Shannon was searching for answers. She knew that people were going missing… never to be seen again. Now, with the help of Detective John Byron, Blake must take up Shannon’s investigation. She knows these streets and the predators who walk in the darkness. She will follow in Shannon’s footsteps until she finds her target: the ruthless men and women who steal people’s lives and will do anything to protect their secrets.

And then, they will pay.

MY THOUGHTS: Although The Girl in the Dark is the second book in the Blake and Byron Thrillers, it is easily read as a stand-alone as it contains a whole separate mystery. However, you will miss out on the backstory for each of Blake and Byron, and how they met.

I was as gripped by this second crime thriller as I was by the first in this series - The Last Time She Died.

Blake is an enigmatic and intriguing character. She is a chameleon, as perfectly able to take her place in society as she is able to live rough on the streets. She is loyal to those who deserve it and a fearsome adversary for those who don't. She possesses some enviable skills and has the backing of two very different men, one of them being Byron, the other a man who wavers on the shadier side of life, and neither of whom particularly like the other but who are prepared to work together to protect Blake.

The Girl in the Dark (I really neither like nor see the relevance in the title) focuses on the plight of the homeless, their vulnerability and the ease with which they can be used then disposed of without leaving a ripple on the surface of humanity. It also demonstrates how something developed for the supposed good of the vulnerable can easily be used for exactly the opposite purpose. It is something that should no longer surprise me (what a good idea, I thought at the time 🙄) but always does.

This is not a pretty nor relaxing read. It is a crime-thriller/mystery, raw and brutally honest. It portrays the worst side of humanity in a haunting story full of twist and turns and the depravity of human greed. It had me reading through the night, coiled like a spring.

Blake may not always fight fair, but she fights for justice, and that's good enough for me. She's someone I'd like on my side.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.3

#TheGirlintheDark #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Zoë Sharp spent most of her formative years living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at the age of twelve and wrote her first novel at fifteen. She became a freelance photojournalist in 1988 and started writing her Charlie Fox crime thriller series after receiving death-threats in the course of her work.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girl in the Dark by Zoë Sharp for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

**Book Review: 4 Stars**

In this gripping suspense novel, the author weaves a tale of tragedy, determination, and justice that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story begins with a haunting scene: Shannon, a compassionate woman known for helping the lost and hopeless, falls victim to a brutal fate, uttering the name "Blake" with her dying breath. This sets the stage for a thrilling narrative that delves into the dark underbelly of the city.

Blake Claremont emerges as a formidable protagonist, driven by a personal connection to Shannon and a burning desire for retribution. Having survived the harsh realities of the streets herself, Blake's quest to uncover the truth behind her friend's murder is both poignant and compelling. Her alliance with Detective John Byron adds a dynamic layer to the investigation, blending street-savvy intuition with methodical police work.

The plot is intricately crafted, with each clue and revelation drawing Blake deeper into a web of danger and deceit. The portrayal of the city's predators and the ominous atmosphere they create is chilling, heightening the sense of urgency and suspense. The narrative pace is well-maintained, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.

The author's depiction of Shannon's final days and her fear is heart-wrenching, providing a powerful emotional anchor for the story. As Blake retraces Shannon's steps, the stakes become higher, leading to a tense and satisfying climax where justice is served in a cathartic resolution.

However, while the novel excels in creating a thrilling and emotional journey, it occasionally relies on familiar tropes and predictable plot points. Some character motivations and plot twists could have been more deeply explored to add further depth and originality to the story.

Overall, this book is a captivating read for fans of suspense and crime fiction. It delivers a potent mix of emotional resonance and adrenaline-pumping action, driven by a strong and determined lead character. The exploration of loss, revenge, and the quest for justice makes this novel a memorable and engaging addition to the genre.

I have not read the first book in the series, but I think it can be read quite well as a standalone. For me, this book started a bit slowly and it took a while to get into, but once I did - wow, it really took off!

Blake is a girl who has done it tough in the past and even though things are easier for her now, she has never forgotten how it was, and she has a whole array of skills that she puts to good use when solving crimes. Byron was a police officer and he has taken a sideways step which puts him at odds with current serving police officers. These two are a formidable team, it has to be said.

The homeless community are a group of people that others know very little about and most don't want to know. So, they are easy to exploit and also very easy to disappear without anyone asking a lot of questions.....except Blake and Byron are getting very involved and it is a personal matter for Blake as her mentor, Shannon, has turned up dead.

Absolutely thrilling book and I swear my heart stopped a couple of times! I was turning the pages of my Kindle as quickly as I could towards the end of it as it reached an incredible conclusion.

Would love to read the next book in the series, for sure.

4.5 stars for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

This is the second book in the series of Blake and Byron. I easily read it as a standalone and will be going back to read the first one. There was so much in this book, a romance, mystery and lots of surprising twists. I look forward to reading more from this author.

This is a really cleverly plotted and completely captivating thriller of a book. It’s a little different to many of the genre, being a mix of mystery, thriller and crime novel.

The second in a new series, by an author who is only a recent find for me, this book can be read as a standalone, but I personally read the first one in the series beforehand, and it really gives a greater insight into the characters if you do so. Blake and Byron are fascinating characters, with complex backstories, and the development of the relationship between them is very intriguing and builds with each novel.

The focus in this book is quite different to the previous one, and we delve into the world of the homeless. It’s an insightful and gripping book, and very hard to put down.

Full of tension and twists, this book will completely draw you in, I’d recommend it for anyone looking for a compelling novel with a difference. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

When Shannon dies being of no fixed abode & reeking of booze Blake finds that hard to believe. Her friend had been on the wagon for a long time, she had an apartment & worked to help the homeless. Shannon had been looking for a young homeless girl that seemed to have disappeared so Blake decides to take up her quest. A homeless charity does not seem to be as charitable as it appears.
When she meets up again with Detective John Byron after the events six months ago (told in The Last Time She Died) they end up working from different angles.

This was an enjoyable read, highlighting the plight of the homeless- no it is NOT a "Lifestyle Choice" It was nice to catch up with Blake & Byron & I look forward to their next outing. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Wow, what a book! I started it and was hooked - just could not stop reading. Fast paced, brilliantly written, incredibly gripping. A stand out thriller.

The Girl in the Dark | Zoë Sharp | ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Murder Mystery? Yeah.
A gritty, grisly, bloody, heart-thumping murder mystery!
But, oh my, it's so much more!

In all its page-turning glory, The Girl in the Dark, seems so real and authentic, it reads almost like a true-crime documentary.

Ex-con Blake and ex-copper Byron join forces to explore and expose London's dark under-belly, dirty cops, institutional corruption, exploitation of the poor and the homeless and solve multiple murders and disappearances of people, otherwise dismissed and disowned by our socio-political structure.

It indeed is a jaw-dropping, edge of the seat crime thriller, but add to that layers of intrigue, nasty corruption and a subtly strong empathetic voice in support of the ignored and the hapless, that makes you question our basic morals and the value of life and the dignity of disadvantaged fellow human beings.

I read it in a day, and though this is perfect as a standalone, I am going back to the previous book of the Blake-Byron universe, because this thirst needs further quenching.

Thanks @authorzoesharp for this gem!

This second book in the Byron and Blake series can be read as a standalone. It has many twists and turns and is quite long (could have been a tad shorter in my opinion). I thoroughly enjoyed it, if you are a fan of police procedures, you will love it. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #TheGirlintheDark #NetGalley

It always takes me a wee bit to get into this series but once I’m in I can’t stop. I need this slow burn part to amp up…please. 😉

I’m a fan of both Byron and Blake also Lex intrigues me. I’m interested to see where the series is going.

The Girl in the Dark is book two in the Blake and Byron Thrillers. The series is written by Zoë Sharp. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. Since I did not read the first book, I did not have any issues following along. The book drew me in within the first few pages and is packed full of action and suspense.

Blake has come from some sad circumstances, she was helped out and off the streets by Shannon. When Shannon is found abandoned on the side of the road, Blake wants justice for her friend. She owes her so much. She finds out that Shannon was searching for someone or something. Could it all be tied together.

Blake teams up with Detective Byron. Both need to figure out where the missing people have gone. Blake knows that Shannon had such a heart for the hopeless. They find out that young, vulnerable, fearful young teens are being targeted.

I liked the banter between Blake and Byron. Their characters evolve over the book. I hope to read more of their story. Both have issues with the world - and how dark it has become.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Zoë Sharp is probably best known for her high octane novels about former soldier and professional bodyguard Charlie Fox. In their heyday, the Charlie Fox novels were ‘must reads’, but tapered off in appeal towards the end, and Zoë’s post-Fox books were also a little lacklustre. However, Zoë’s last novel, The Last Time She Died, was a ripper. Introducing the pairing of policeman Detective John Byron and maverick street girl Blake Claremont, it held attention from the beginning to the exciting conclusion.

With The Girl In The Dark, Zoë once more returns to Blake and Byron, with a tough crime novel set on the dark streets of London. Shannon was a woman who went out of her way to help the homeless of the city. A tragic hit and run, however, leaves her dead on the side of the road. Before she died, Shannon was searching for answers. She knew that people were going missing, never to be seen again. Blake owes her survival on the streets to Shannon, and when she hears of her death she sets off to find out where Shannon had been before her death and why she was so frightened. With Byron’s assistance she is determined to extract vengeance on the ruthless men and women who prey on the homeless.

The Girl In The Dark is a good, exciting crime thriller that showcases Zoë’s skills for brisk pacing, twisty plotting, edgy characters and a leavening of social conscience. The story quickly reels the reader in and keeps them engrossed all the way to the abrupt ending. Blake and Byron are a good pair, with different styles and strategies, and their divergent approaches enables Zoë to keep the tension and the suspense at a high level. Most of the action is viewed from Blake’s perspective, but Zoë also shifts the viewpoint to other characters, which works well. I particularly liked Police Commander Shamshi Daud, with her no nonsense approach to policing, and some of the homeless characters.

In all, The Girl In The Dark is an enjoyable read. The Last Time She Died probably had a greater sense of mystery about it, but this new entry is still very good, and I am looking forward to the next Blake and Byron thriller.

To see the full review and more go to: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/m...

The Girl in the Dark is the second book in the Blake and Byron series and sadly this crime thriller book I did not enjoy. The cover was amazing and the plot sounded really good but the plot got confusing for me once I started reading it. This book was too long for me and I thought it could be shorter. Overall this was one I did not enjoy because of how long it was and the plot. I would still suggest this book to readers to try if you like crime thriller books. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for The Girl in the Dark in exchange of my honest review.

After reading the 1st one I had a feeling this was going to take off. Once Blake & Byron were set loose!
Great storyline. Lots of grab moments & Blake did not disappoint.
I do like Byron’s steadiness though & Lex too.
This touches on homelessness & people being used to benefit and it’s handled well & I really enjoyed it.
Looking forward to many more

Review of the book:

The Girl in the Dark is the second book in the series of Blake and Byron Thrillers. Blake is perplexed by the death of a friend, Shannon. Life on street is not easy and no one knows it better than Blake.
Byron, who was a Detective Superintendent at a young age, is now working for Independent office for Police Conduct. He goes on to investigate a death of a woman who died after leaving the police custody. Blake, who is on the other side of the spectrum, comes to know of Shannon’s death and starts investigating it. Byron and Blake are poles apart that’s an understatement, and this gives an extra value to to the narration.

There are moments edge of the seat moments and the reader cannot stop wondering what happens next!

The author portrayal of homelessness and related issues are well written and well researched. The other aspect that held my attention all through out the book is the contrasting characters of Blake and Byron.
I haven’t read the previous book, but it has motivated me enough to read it.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girl in the Dark.

My rating for the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Girl in the Dark by Zoë Sharp.
Blake and Byron Thrillers Book 2.
The woman falls. Her body begins to shake. Her brown eyes turn upwards, showing a mix of panic and desperate hope. She takes a deep breath and says one 'Blake.' Then her eyes close, her face pales, and she goes still forever… The victim: Shannon, a woman who went out of her way to help the lost and hopeless, left abandoned to die by the side of the road. Where was she in those last few days before her death, and why was she so frightened?The avenger: Blake Claremont, who knows only too well how it feels to be alone on the streets of a big city. Blake survived, thanks to Shannon. She’s determined to find out who killed her friend, and why.Before she died, Shannon was searching for answers. She knew that people were going missing… never to be seen again. Now, with the help of Detective John Byron, Blake must take up Shannon’s investigation. She knows these streets and the predators who walk in the darkness. She will follow in Shannon’s footsteps until she finds her target: the ruthless men and women who steal people’s lives and will do anything to protect their secrets.And then, they will pay.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover which drew me in. I did like the short chapters too. I liked Blake and Byron. I did like the locations at the start of each chapter. I love how zoe draws you in. I couldn't put it down. There is some shady characters. I certainly didn't expect that. I did love the end and was wondering if that was going to happen. I'm so glad it did. I hope there is more to come. 5*.

Thrillers are my favorite book genre, so I'm always so excited to find new authors who write amazing thrillers. This book is the second in a series and can be read as a standalone. I haven't read book 1 and felt I was able to jump right in to the story with no problems, but I'm excited to go back and read the first book to gain more insight into the main characters and their backgrounds.

I really love police procedural books, but this one has a little different take on that subgenre that I really enjoyed.

A new to me author and it did not disappoint. It was binge-able, full of action and twisty. This is book 2 but can be read as a stand alone although I'm sure if you read book 1 - you would understand the FMC more. Definitely recommend this one.

T his one tops the first book. There is so much suspense! I was hooked from the beginning. I really love the characters. Blake and Byron leap off the pages. The mystery is tension filled and full of surprises. And the ending put a huge smile on my face.. I can't wait for the next book.

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I loved the first book in this series so I was very eager to read the next instalment. I wouldn’t say its necessary to read the first book but it would help with a bit of the back story on Blake and Byron if you have.

Blake is a survivor. She is used to doing everything for herself and not worrying about the consequences so when Blake decides to conduct her own investigations and gets herself in danger she doesn’t see why Byron is so upset. Byron is settling into his new job in IPOC (Independent Office for Police Conduct). Its a new challenge for him and his first case, helping Blake, definitely ruffles some feathers. I love both characters and was on the edge of my seat worrying about Blake.

This book is full of suspense and mystery. Zoë does an excellent job of building the tension. Zoë really makes us wonder who we should trust in this book. Blake and Byron meet some real shady, characters and uncover some really disgusting practices. There are a few different elements to this story that all thread together nicely.

As well as the writing one thing I loved was that at the beginning of each chapter we are told the location.

If you are looking for a story full of tension, mystery and intrigue then this is one for you.