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

Oh my gosh!!! This book! I can not get over this. It was intense, it was sad, it was happy, it was all the things! Get ready for goosebumps and a wild ride with this one. Well done HK Chrisitie!

Former special agent Val Costa is used to take control whist working a case. At the moment she still is in her home town and being asked to help the police department for the third time as a consultant. They would like her to work for them permanently, but she has not decided what she wants yet and thus the role she has now fits her perfectly.

What I like about Val is that she knows her place. She knows she should not take the lead as she used to do and she knows when to take a step back. Her colleagues though don't mind her being the leading lacy, because they know she has a lot of expertise and she always respects the team. 

She also is a family woman always looking out for her mom and her son. Maybe it's time for her to invest a bit in herself now. I feel like she is on the right track. :)

Although she is successful in her job, heer family is safe and sound, there is a dark cloud closing in...

I am a huge fan of this series and of the author's storytelling. I cannot wait to read the next book. I have a strong feeling it is going to be a heavy one. 5 stars

Thank you

After reading the first two books in this series, I jumped at the opportunity to read this one!
It was amazing! I loved that there was more than one mystery involved and it kept you on the edge. Val is extremely motivated to solve this case as well as a personal one too! I loved her relationship/friendship with Brady - the two make a good team!

Can't wait to see what happens next!!

I love thriller and crime novels, and Hidden in the Dark did not disappoint. Though it's the third in The Val Costa Series, I haven’t read the first two, but I’ll definitely be picking them up.

Valerie and Brady are such a great team, with Valerie being a strong, relatable lead who’s not only a skilled investigator but also grappling with personal trauma and exploring the possibility of a new relationship.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was that there’s more than just the single investigation in this book. The ongoing serial killer investigation is threaded throughout in the background, and it’s intriguing enough to make you want to read the previous books if you haven’t already, as well as keep you hooked for what’s coming next.

The many POV added to the fast-paced tension, and some of the twists were genuinely surprising, keeping me on the edge of my seat. My only frustration was how long it took the investigators to pick up on some obvious clues—it felt like they were wasting time on dead-end leads.

That said, it’s still an amazing, cozy crime read, perfect for a 24-hour binge session. Even though it’s part of a series, it works well as a standalone, so you can dive in without feeling lost.

Book three in the Val Costa series yet again does not disappoint. Finally as Val and Brady get their act together it looks like the bear is even closer to her than she realises and he is not done with her yet. As they investigate a brutal murder of a father and his young son is the biggest battle of her life still on its way and will she be able to outsmart The Bear.

A family is attacked by unknown assailants in their home, and the woman is left for dead.
There seems to be no motive for this brutal attack, but there are lots of secrets to uncover.
Val Costa is called in to consult on the case.

This is another instalment of a series I have enjoyed so far. Val is a top notch investigator, and finds it easy to take the lead on the case.
She has great instincts and together with Brady, unearths clues and they ask the right questions.

I do like the way Val is close to her son and Mom, and that her Mom has close friends to take the pressure off Val when Val is working a case.

However, something that does irritate me, is Val's tendency to talk about her cases to all and sundry. Her son, her mother and the friends, and to Kieren. Yes, I realise these are trusted people, but I really thought this is a no-no in the law and order community?

Another cliff hanger, and am waiting almost impatiently for the next book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

This is a page turner, a cannot put down to the ending novel by a talented author. Realistic characters kept the intrigue going and the story moved quickly. Thanks Netgalley