ALONE IN THE DARK by JOANNE RYAB

 5* Goodness, an unexpected, low-key-in-a-British-way thriller that works beautifully for the lack of faux gloss and believability.


I didn't see the outcome of this book coming at all. There's a lot happening, involving an abusive ex; drink driving that ironically might just have saved a life; a new boyfriend who seems as wholesome as he looks...; babirs; a relationship repaired, and one broken; and a lot of corruption and stuff that'll get you jail time if you succumb to temptation. Or maybe threats. Or, bribery. 


It's really well written and very believable, with Abi working at stacking shelves on the night shift at her local Sainsbury's, without unnecessary faux drama, just drama of the cold, calculated type, that's chilling and scary for how insidious it becomes, whilst Abi wonders if she's losing the plot, but can't tell others for fear of endangering them. It's an almost perfect read, but a few things got left out at the end, perhaps because the big double finale had already happened? Still, it's very worth reading, because Abi wears big girl pants and takes risks to do the right thing, because it's worth it.


ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for my reading pleasure.


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