Some Choose Darkness
"Some Choose Darkness" by Charlie Donlea is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that showcases the author’s talent for weaving complex narratives with compelling characters. Published in 2019, it marks the first installment in the Rory Moore/Lane Phillips series, introducing readers to a forensic reconstructionist with a unique mind and a chilling mystery that spans decades.
The story unfolds across two timelines. In the summer of 1979, five women vanish in Chicago at the hands of a predator known only as "The Thief." The case takes a turn when Angela Mitchell, a brilliant but troubled woman, uses her unconventional investigative skills to uncover the killer’s identity—only to disappear herself shortly after. Fast forward to 2019, and Rory Moore, a forensic reconstructionist who excels at piecing together cold cases, is drawn into the mystery after her father’s death. While sorting through his law office, she stumbles upon a cryptic file tied to The Thief, who is now up for parole after forty years in prison for Angela’s presumed murder. As Rory digs deeper, she uncovers disturbing connections between the past and present, revealing secrets her father kept hidden and forcing her to confront a truth more terrifying than she imagined.
Rory Moore is the heart of the novel, a character whose quirks and neurodiversity—she’s on the autism spectrum and struggles with social interactions—make her both relatable and extraordinary. Her meticulous approach to reconstructing crime scenes, paired with her personal vulnerabilities, adds depth to the story. Angela Mitchell, the other central figure, mirrors Rory in her intelligence and determination, offering a poignant look at how society’s perception of such women has evolved over forty years. Donlea’s portrayal of these two strong, flawed protagonists is one of the book’s standout strengths, blending a compassionate character study with pulse-pounding suspense.
The dual timelines heighten the tension, with the 1970s segments providing a haunting glimpse into The Thief’s actions and Angela’s desperate pursuit, while the present-day narrative follows Rory’s unraveling of the case. Donlea masterfully balances the dark, disturbing elements—some scenes from the killer’s perspective are particularly chilling—with a plot that keeps readers guessing. While the twists may not always shock seasoned thriller fans, the story’s emotional weight and satisfying resolution make it a rewarding read.
"Some Choose Darkness" is a dark, atmospheric tale that explores obsession, murder, and the search for truth. It’s not without flaws—some find the pacing uneven or the ending predictable—but Donlea’s cinematic prose and knack for creating memorable characters elevate it above typical genre fare. For fans of psychological thrillers and forensic mysteries, it’s a must-read, and Rory Moore is a protagonist worth rooting for in this and future adventures.
You can buy Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3E9xsRF
The story unfolds across two timelines. In the summer of 1979, five women vanish in Chicago at the hands of a predator known only as "The Thief." The case takes a turn when Angela Mitchell, a brilliant but troubled woman, uses her unconventional investigative skills to uncover the killer’s identity—only to disappear herself shortly after. Fast forward to 2019, and Rory Moore, a forensic reconstructionist who excels at piecing together cold cases, is drawn into the mystery after her father’s death. While sorting through his law office, she stumbles upon a cryptic file tied to The Thief, who is now up for parole after forty years in prison for Angela’s presumed murder. As Rory digs deeper, she uncovers disturbing connections between the past and present, revealing secrets her father kept hidden and forcing her to confront a truth more terrifying than she imagined.
Rory Moore is the heart of the novel, a character whose quirks and neurodiversity—she’s on the autism spectrum and struggles with social interactions—make her both relatable and extraordinary. Her meticulous approach to reconstructing crime scenes, paired with her personal vulnerabilities, adds depth to the story. Angela Mitchell, the other central figure, mirrors Rory in her intelligence and determination, offering a poignant look at how society’s perception of such women has evolved over forty years. Donlea’s portrayal of these two strong, flawed protagonists is one of the book’s standout strengths, blending a compassionate character study with pulse-pounding suspense.
The dual timelines heighten the tension, with the 1970s segments providing a haunting glimpse into The Thief’s actions and Angela’s desperate pursuit, while the present-day narrative follows Rory’s unraveling of the case. Donlea masterfully balances the dark, disturbing elements—some scenes from the killer’s perspective are particularly chilling—with a plot that keeps readers guessing. While the twists may not always shock seasoned thriller fans, the story’s emotional weight and satisfying resolution make it a rewarding read.
"Some Choose Darkness" is a dark, atmospheric tale that explores obsession, murder, and the search for truth. It’s not without flaws—some find the pacing uneven or the ending predictable—but Donlea’s cinematic prose and knack for creating memorable characters elevate it above typical genre fare. For fans of psychological thrillers and forensic mysteries, it’s a must-read, and Rory Moore is a protagonist worth rooting for in this and future adventures.
You can buy Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3E9xsRF
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