In one hell of a follow up to her debut, Iris Yamashita brings the heat in Village in the Dark as Detective Cara Kennedy's past comes back to life.
Anchorage Detective Cara Kennedy has been through a literal ringer. Haunted by the passing of her family and the unknowingly violent adventures in Point Mettier, new information comes to light that has her diving into solved cases for clues. Teaming up with beau and fellow law enforcement officer Joe Barkowski, Kennedy returns to the Dav-Co to ask questions after pictures of her and other Alaskans that have disappeared are found on a gang member's cell phone.
Ellie Wright, 14th floor apartment block owner, has used Point Mettier as a haven from her former criminal husband. That all changes when her son Timmy is found dead in his apartment from an apparent overdose and her murderous ex walks back into her life. Ellie rides a way of emotions as she mourns the passing of her son and the reemergence of her ex as she attempts to assist Cara with her hunt for answers as the two are inexplicably tied by some unknown force. While all of this is unfolding, Mia Upash from the Unity community is learning to live life in man’s world only to find out that it is dangerous and is somehow tied into the passing of Kennedy’s husband and son.
Without a doubt this has all the makings for a television show or a movie. Yamashita brings so much to the table with this life-altering journey that Kennedy must battle through. First off, she’s been on an emotional roller coaster that would have most people self-medicating improperly. The emotions range from highest highs to lowest lows as love is lost, then found only to be lost again.
What she also drops into your lap is action and drama that you wouldn’t be expecting. The Alaskan wilderness must be known as the Wild North as there are firearms everywhere, weapons caches galore if you will. I couldn’t put this down as there was everything I could want and more from hitting me in the feels, as well as a few well timely shootouts. Yamashita builds Kennedy as a strong confident woman on the outside, but possibly broken and shattered on the inside waiting to be put back together. She allows Kennedy time to grow and learn to let go at times. Through the host of supporting characters, she also blends multiple angles of the same story to tie it all up in a nice bow at the end. If you haven’t found her first, pick up City Under One Roof and get prepared for a pleasant surprise in Village in the Dark in February 2024.
Follow Chris on Twitter or contact him via the site.
Purchase Village In The Dark
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)
Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
