Echoes of Darkness

Author: Darlene L. Turner
Genre: Romantic Suspence/Thriller
Pages: 352
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade (Harlequin)

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…

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Reviewer: Beverly Laude

Constable Oaklynn Brock is a person with a horrible secret from her past. Her father was the infamous serial killer known as the Suicide Slayer. A series of suspicious deaths appear to be the work of a copycat since each victim is posed in the same way as her father’s kills.

Caleb Greene is part of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force created by his foster father. Caleb has been assigned to assist in the investigation after the Mayor’s daughter is discovered to be one of the victims.  Caleb also has dark secrets in his past. A local cult known as the Light Paragons might be involved in this rash of murders. Unfortunately, Caleb is all too familiar with the inner workings of fanatical cults.

As the investigation progresses, Oaklynn finds it harder and harder to hide her past. The copycat is also stalking her and her friends and disrupting her peace with things only her father would know. 

This was a well-written book, full of action and tension. Reminiscent of Criminal Minds, there are some fairly gruesome descriptions of violent death, so be warned. There is also a budding romance between Caleb and Oaklynn and you will find yourself rooting for them to let go of their past horrors and embrace their relationship. And don’t forget the wonderful ex-military dog, Briggs! Mostly, the story is one of forgiveness and the need for us to forgive those who have wronged us, just as God forgives us of our sins.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book are: “God’s got you in His hands. Let Him be your light. We all have darkness within us. We just have to choose to snuff it out. He’s the only one that can give you lasting peace. God will meet you in the darkest corner and provide the light for you to escape. You just have to let Him in.”

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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