Hidden in the Dark is a fast paced detective mystery set in Northern California. Val Costa, former FBI, gets pulled into a case with the local sheriff department when a grizzly murder of a family is found. The young son and wife are found with single gun shoots, the wife clinging to life unconscious.

So begins the case, Sheriff Brady tapping into his friendship and feelings for Val to get assistance in tracking down the killers. It is a good puzzler, unpredictable bad guys, and a win for the lawmen in the end. This short book includes a side story about a past case involving Val, coming back to haunt her leaving a cliffhanger ending. A definite hook to get you into the next book.

Val Costa is drawn out of retirement once again to help out on a horrific case. A man murdered, a child murdered and a mother is fighting for her life. Well holy damn she has done it again. I am completely sleep deprived because I couldn't put the book down and even after I finished reading my mind was still processing everything that happened! I absolutely LOVE this series! I can't seem to get enough of Val Costa and family/friends and the author always keeps the cases high suspense building and fresh.

This is the first book I've read featuring Val Costa and I shall be going back to read the previous two in the series. It can be read as a standalone book with no problem at all.

It is a disturbing crime which shocks law enforcement and the community alike. There is also an ongoing back story which is explained in enough detail so as not to confuse.

On the whole I did enjoy this read although at times I found my attention wandering, I couldn't put my finger on why although Val does appear quite indiscreet which I did find irritating.

There is plenty of detail and red herrings to keep you turning the pages on the whole.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC which was very much appreciated.

the third book in the series

I have loved going back into following Val in Rose County this time shes dragged into working on another case a murder on a family. I like how in the frist few chapters we have a recap of sorts of what has happen in the previous books. I like how Brady has come along and his development in this book made me smile.

I love seeing The Sercret Admiers view of all the going on evne thought at times this creeps me out knwoing how close he is.

I couldn't but this book down once i started it


Trigger Child Death, Drugs, Violence,Stalker
#BookSeries #ThrillerReads #CharacterDevelopment #MysteryNovel #RoseCounty #PageTurner #CrimeFiction #Suspenseful #IntensePlot #MustRead
growth

This is the 3rd book in the series, but the second I've read (somehow missed book 2, but it's on my wishlist). I don't think it mattered as apart from a couple of sentences regarding the case previously it was a standalone case. It does have a recurring villain as a back story, but it tells you basics of him. This book was sad at times, but the team searched for clues to the murders, though the killer wasn't obvious, nor was the motive. I enjoyed the first book and this book didn't disappoint. I will be going back to read book 2

Third book in this series featuring Val Costa,now retired from the FBI.. A good read with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Val Costa is asked to help with another case. One of the victims is hiding a big secret. Can the killers be found? Someone is watching Val waiting patiently for the perfect moment.

Book #3 in the Val Costa series and this book is another great addition to the series. Val,Brady and the team are back uncovering the death of Mike and his son. What you think might be a robbery turns into a revenge murder. Did Mike's past catch up with him? It's up to Val to uncover the mystery while still having the nagging feeling that her stalker "the bear" is close by. Love this very suspenseful series especially love Val and Brady! Looking forward to the next book !!! Read this series of you love a great ongoing series that your totally invested in and can't wait for more books!!

4 1/2 STARS!

Addictive and fast paced intrigue! The third book in Christie's Val Costa series does not disappoint as Val is knee deep in an investigation yet again during her supposed retirement from the FBI. We get to reconnect with her family and coworkers who have been her support system from the beginning of the series and go along for the ride as she works night and day to solve the murder of a family who from the outside looking in don't seem a likely target. Val's previous serial killer captor is still surrounding her and the anticipation after the set up for a bit of what is to come in the next book is high. Great suspense, believable characters and satisfying conclusions. I can't wait for more!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a police procedural story with a strong female lead who always gets justice for her cases.

Another intense and fast paced read in the former Special Agent Val Costa series. It was fast, intense and I really like the strong character development, Val is easy to like and I am loving the renewed partnership with Brady, I hope we see more of this in the next book. There is lots of detail in the writing style, which I like, but I don't like the fact that Val shares so much information with so many other people out with law enforcement. A good plot with plenty twists which kept me interested until the end. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Hidden in the Dark (Val Costa Book 3) by H.K. Christie is a creepy crime thriller.

FBI Agent Val Costa is drawn out of retirement once again when the Cramer family is found dead in their home. She falls to her knees in despair at the sight of little Michael Jr. curled up on the couch. What monster would take the life of an innocent child? Val vows to find justice for the mother, Stephanie Cramer, who survived the attack but is fighting for her life in hospital.

I've read each book in this series, and this is a great addition. So many twists and side stories to hold my interest. I like getting to know the characters more and look forward to seeing what is next for Val.

The story is fast-paced, with lots of good red herrings and a surprise ending.

I would recommend this book and this series.

#HiddenintheDark #NetGalley @bookouture

This was a strong third entry in the Val Costa series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the other two books. The characters had that element that I wanted and worked with the crime thriller element. H.K. Christie wrote this well and left me wanting to read more in this series and from H.K. Christie.

I loved this book.. Val is a complex and brilliant character and I can understand why the author wants to keep writing this series.

It is a pacy, sometimes dark but always tense thriller and the story unfolds brillaintly. I am quiet happy to still be infirm and read away the hours. With books such as this it's quite a thrill..

This one had me stumped for a bit. It definitely kept my interest on what was going to happen next. I absolutely love Val and Brady! If you’re looking for a great, fast paced, never lose focus, keeps you wanting to read more thriller; HK Christie is your girl!!! This was the 3rd book in the Val Costa series and it’s amazing. Now I have to wait on the next one!!

This was a book that i found myself reading into the night. It is an excellent part of a series of books. I look forward to reading more of this series. My hope is Val will find the happiness she deserves.

Hidden in the Dark by H.K. Christie is an intense, fast-paced thriller that keeps the suspense at an all-time high. Book three in the Val Costa series, it brings us back into the complex world of former special agent Val Costa as she consults on another tough case for her hometown police department. Val is a refreshingly real protagonist: smart, capable, and balanced by a deep care for her family, particularly her mom and son, which adds a heartfelt layer to the story.

Val’s character development really shines here. She knows when to take charge and when to step back, and it’s this balance that makes her such a relatable, multidimensional lead. Her partnership with Brady adds another layer of chemistry to the story, and their combined expertise and teamwork keep you hooked. Their dynamic, plus the many points of view, ratchets up the tension with unexpected twists and turns that make this book difficult to put down.

What I appreciated most is how the ongoing serial killer investigation lingers in the background, adding complexity without overwhelming the main case. This allows the novel to feel both complete on its own and connected to the larger arc of the series, making it perfect for returning fans as well as newcomers. Though a few clues seemed a bit too easy to miss, and some personal oversharing raised eyebrows, these elements didn’t detract from the story’s fast pace and gripping suspense.

H.K. Christie has created an addictive crime series that only gets better with each book. Hidden in the Dark is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers, especially those who love strong female leads and compelling storylines that keep you on the edge of your seat. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—highly recommend this for a thrilling binge-read!

Tight and complex murder mystery, red herrings at every turn, secrets everywhere, and a team so well developed and real that you feel you know them - and root for them! Non-stop action and tense moments propell the story to the end - with a few hanging on for next time. Don't miss this series!

Wowza. This was an absolutely unputdownable. Fast, twisty, complicated and edge of your seat. I am ready for Val Costa to have her showdown with the Bear. I am also more than ready for a Brady & Val. IYKYK

Can’t wait for the next in this series.

This book was fantastic!
Just wow…🤌🏻🤌🏻

Hidden In The Dark is book #3 on the Val Costa series. I really loved the tension and the intensity, leaving me on the edge of my seat.

So intriguing, packed with surprises, and fast paced. You really can’t put this down.

I loved the characters, and the writing style was so rich in details. Every book gets better and better. This series is amazing!

Thank you so much to H.K. Christie for being part of your ARC Team., and NetGalley.

If you haven’t read this series yet, is not too late to start. You get so invested while reading and it goes by really fast.

I highly recommend!

Coming out on 12/12/2024