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