Really enjoyed this, loved the story and the characters, the mystery and lore was well done and kept me guessing throughout!

It's understandable that a mystery/thriller novel that's inspired by Jack the Ripper, regardless of whether it's based on true crime or not, is going to be graphic with some unsettling details. Which is why this book should've been written with adult fiction in mind and NOT teen. A list of trigger warnings inserted at the beginning would be well advised.

Also, the seventeen-year old Mary Churchill that Moore created is hard to connect with. She's a girl that absolutely means well, has nothing but good intentions, but still comes off entitled in a whiny-pouty sort of way that does not resonate well for a FMC.

What I can say is done pretty well in this book is the attention to detail for the historical setting. The reader receives a comprehensive outlook on what London was facing during this point in WWII and how this affected the streets and daily lifestyles of the city's residents.

Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for the advanced digital ARC.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Bryce Moore’s “Death in the Dark” is a gripping historical thriller set against the backdrop of World War II’s London Blitz. Loosely inspired by true events, the story follows seventeen-year-old Mary Churchill, the daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as she takes it upon herself to track down a brutal serial killer known as the Blackout Ripper. With historical intrigue, a chilling murder mystery, and a fast-paced climax, this book offers an immersive yet unsettling read.

One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its historical setting. Moore vividly captures the fear and devastation of London during the Blitz, incorporating real details like air raids, blackouts, and the ever-present gas masks. Each chapter opens with snippets from The Daily Mirror and Mary’s journal, grounding the story in both fact and personal perspective. The book also explores a lesser-known serial killer case, making it stand out among other historical mysteries. While I think this book would work really well for high school students, especially if paired with a unit about this specific time period, there is some graphic imagery with the deaths of the victims, which may not be suitable for some classrooms.

Mary is a determined and headstrong protagonist, but she is also reckless and naive, often making decisions that put her in unnecessary danger. Her involvement with Scotland Yard stretches believability, particularly given her status as Churchill’s daughter. While this element feels historically implausible, it does add to the book’s high stakes and suspense. Mary’s motivation is rooted in her frustration at feeling powerless during wartime, but at times, her privileged and impulsive nature makes her difficult to connect with. Her mother emerges as a strong secondary character, serving as the voice of reason in contrast to Mary’s rash decisions.

The mystery itself is dark and gruesome. As stated earlier, the murder scenes are graphically detailed, making this book more suitable for older readers. While the killer’s identity is somewhat predictable, their connection to the war adds a unique and disturbing layer to the story. The book’s climax is fast-paced and intense, delivering a satisfying, if somewhat harrowing, conclusion.

Moore provides a detailed historical note at the end, clarifying which elements of the story were inspired by true events. This adds depth to the novel and may encourage readers to further explore the history of the Blackout Ripper.

Overall, “Death in the Dark” is a compelling blend of historical fiction and serial killer thriller. While Mary’s role in the investigation requires some suspension of disbelief, the atmospheric setting, chilling murders, and fast-paced storytelling make this an engaging read for fans of dark historical mysteries.