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amyd213's review
4.0
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4. The first half of the book was excellent and kept me turning the pages. The second half, while still good, was nothing close to as exciting as the first half.
Overall, a great read that I would still recommend.
Overall, a great read that I would still recommend.
mandylovestoread's review
3.0
One Dark Night by Tom Bale started off with a bang... but for me it didn't keep going. It slowed down and then it really started to drag. The story was a good one but th characters didn't feel realistic and some of their actions were completely far fetched.
A family is on their way home on a Sunday morning when a speeding car cuts them upalmost causing an accident. The driver gets out to confront the other driver and that was his first mistake. In the other car is a woman screaming for her life. The family are them kidnapped and taken away to be locked up. Here is where it started to go wrong for me. So much on either the family locked up and then the kidnappers figuring out what to do.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
A family is on their way home on a Sunday morning when a speeding car cuts them upalmost causing an accident. The driver gets out to confront the other driver and that was his first mistake. In the other car is a woman screaming for her life. The family are them kidnapped and taken away to be locked up. Here is where it started to go wrong for me. So much on either the family locked up and then the kidnappers figuring out what to do.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
yvo_about_books's review
4.0
Finished reading: October 11th 2018
"In a situation as chaotic as this, with tempers frayed, it wouldn't take much for a tragedy to occur."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
Spoiler
I've read and enjoyed a few of Tom Bale's thrillers in the past, so of course I couldn't resist his newest title. I mean, that cover alone is on fire! I've experienced so far that Tom Bale likes to write his thrillers to be fast, extremely intense, disturbing and overall shocking. One Dark Night is no exception to this rule and is yet another tense and nailbiting story. Intense is an understatement here! The writing style is lightning fast, gripping and draws you right in... If you are looking for an intense and disturbing thriller, you will get a healthy dose of creepy and extreme emotions right from the start. Because One Dark Night starts with a bang, and will keep you on edge until the very end. Sure, there seems to be a break in the middle, but be ready to get a plot twist bomb thrown at you and brace yourself for a surprise... Nothing is as it seems, and it will only be over when the author says it's over. That said, I did have to ditch a star for the overall lack of credibility of the plot. It seems more like something taken out of an action movie rather than something that could really happen, and a lot of events were quite farfetched and not really credible. If you manage to get your head around that and just let yourself be swept away by a rollercoaster story, you will end up having a blast anyway. And if you like your thrillers to be intense and disturbing, you can stop looking for your next read. A little warning for the weakhearted: graphic and violent scenes are included in One Dark Night, so consider yourselves warned.
They are just driving home after a family outing, reading to end their Sunday on a high note in their comfortable home. But it seems like it wasn't in the cars, as a split decision to follow a speeding car that nearly crashed into them will change their lives forever. When Adam pulls over to confront the driver, he seems something he wasn't supposed to. A woman's cry for help will change the fate of all four of them, as they are now being held against their will as well...
There is no doubt that One Dark Night is a superfast, entertaining and action-packed thriller, with a few scenes so intense and graphic it almost borders on the horror genre. The situation of the family is horrific, and the story definitely has a Hollywood action movie feel about it. I had my doubts about the credibility of it all, but overall I still enjoyed the ride. And what a rollercoaster it was!
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
syren1532's review against another edition
5.0
A minor incident while driving home after a morning outing leads Adam and Katy Parr and their two children Freya and Dylan into a nightmare of abduction, threat, murder and arson. Even when their ordeal is over they can’t help thinking that their lives will never be the same again. It quickly becomes apparent that not all their captors have been discovered and Adam has to take matters into his own hands.
A book that grips the reader from the first chapter - thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Tom Bale for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
A book that grips the reader from the first chapter - thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Tom Bale for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
spookshow's review
3.0
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bookouture, and the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating of 3.5 stars.
There may be mild spoilers ahead, continue at your own risk.
Adam and Katy Parr are on their way home after a wonderful Sunday outing with their two children, Dylan - aged 7 and Freya - aged 9. As they're travelling, a car nearly sideswipes them as it flies out of another road, missing them barely, however it manages to throw up a stone which smashed the lens of their headlight. Infuriated by such recklessness and thinking of how much worse it could have been had the other vehicle struck their car instead of just breaking a headlight, Adam pursues the vehicle, flashing his lights in an attempt to get the vehicle to stop. What Adam doesn't realise is, this one act, borne out of rage will have a lasting impact upon him, and his family, as they get dragged into a situation that they were seriously not prepared for. Becoming embroiled in an international scheme, the Parr family are in for a terrible ride. And all because Adam couldn't just let a broken headlight go.
I've been putting off reading this book in my netgalley backlog, I'm not entirely sure why either, I guess it's just one of those titles that keeps getting overlooked for more "interesting" sounding stories. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this one, after reading a few reviews for it on different occasions, I wasn't holding out terribly high hopes for it, but I was pleasantly surprised. You're probably wondering "then why only the 3.5 star rating on it?" I did enjoy it, the story telling was fine, the story line itself was fine, but that's just it, everything was just fine. Nothing really stood out for me as amazing or gave me that WOW factor that I really look for in books. It was fine.
I liked the cast of characters that we were introduced to in this story. Adam and Katy have an imperfect marriage just like the majority of the rest of the human race, there's been secrets, lies, worry that they wouldn't make it. And I think that really added to the anxiety inducing story line. They were just normal people, a normal family out for a normal day of adventure on a Sunday, heading home to their normal house. When all of a sudden this totally abnormal situation arises and they find themselves involved in something actually quite huge. I found the characters to be well rounded. We can't help but feel empathy for some of the more unsavoury ones which just proves that they were written as real people. They had some redeeming qualities. Though you could also feel the danger that went along with them. I have to admit, I really sympathised with Katy when everything hit the fan. I was so irritated at Adam for having to be the big man in this situation over a headlight. It really hits home that in this day and age, road rage is even more dangerous because you have absolutely NO IDEA who is driving that other vehicle. You don't know if they carry weapons with them, you don't know how many people you're about to face, you don't know their mental state, YOU JUST DON'T KNOW! Yes it may be incredibly frustrating and it may make you angry, but do you really want to take that chance?
The story itself was interesting, I was wondering how the story could be made to last for 400 pages, but there's a whole other dimension to the story after the incident, and I felt that is was told really well. At first I didn't know if I was liking the story, it made me feel anxious, and that's when I realised, no, it is good, and stuck with it. When a story can invoke emotions in you even if they make you feel uncomfortable but that's what they're meant to do. So I felt that the story was entertaining. It was well thought out and executed. The POV jumps between many of the characters which gives us another look at a side of the story which was done well too. Sometimes this can become confusing, but not in this case.
I really enjoyed that we got to see what happened after the incident. I did however feel that at one certain point Adam was a total dickhead for not disclosing something to Katy, but I guess the story wouldn't have played out how it did it he had, so I can forgive that.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bookouture, and the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating of 3.5 stars.
There may be mild spoilers ahead, continue at your own risk.
Adam and Katy Parr are on their way home after a wonderful Sunday outing with their two children, Dylan - aged 7 and Freya - aged 9. As they're travelling, a car nearly sideswipes them as it flies out of another road, missing them barely, however it manages to throw up a stone which smashed the lens of their headlight. Infuriated by such recklessness and thinking of how much worse it could have been had the other vehicle struck their car instead of just breaking a headlight, Adam pursues the vehicle, flashing his lights in an attempt to get the vehicle to stop. What Adam doesn't realise is, this one act, borne out of rage will have a lasting impact upon him, and his family, as they get dragged into a situation that they were seriously not prepared for. Becoming embroiled in an international scheme, the Parr family are in for a terrible ride. And all because Adam couldn't just let a broken headlight go.
I've been putting off reading this book in my netgalley backlog, I'm not entirely sure why either, I guess it's just one of those titles that keeps getting overlooked for more "interesting" sounding stories. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this one, after reading a few reviews for it on different occasions, I wasn't holding out terribly high hopes for it, but I was pleasantly surprised. You're probably wondering "then why only the 3.5 star rating on it?" I did enjoy it, the story telling was fine, the story line itself was fine, but that's just it, everything was just fine. Nothing really stood out for me as amazing or gave me that WOW factor that I really look for in books. It was fine.
I liked the cast of characters that we were introduced to in this story. Adam and Katy have an imperfect marriage just like the majority of the rest of the human race, there's been secrets, lies, worry that they wouldn't make it. And I think that really added to the anxiety inducing story line. They were just normal people, a normal family out for a normal day of adventure on a Sunday, heading home to their normal house. When all of a sudden this totally abnormal situation arises and they find themselves involved in something actually quite huge. I found the characters to be well rounded. We can't help but feel empathy for some of the more unsavoury ones which just proves that they were written as real people. They had some redeeming qualities. Though you could also feel the danger that went along with them. I have to admit, I really sympathised with Katy when everything hit the fan. I was so irritated at Adam for having to be the big man in this situation over a headlight. It really hits home that in this day and age, road rage is even more dangerous because you have absolutely NO IDEA who is driving that other vehicle. You don't know if they carry weapons with them, you don't know how many people you're about to face, you don't know their mental state, YOU JUST DON'T KNOW! Yes it may be incredibly frustrating and it may make you angry, but do you really want to take that chance?
The story itself was interesting, I was wondering how the story could be made to last for 400 pages, but there's a whole other dimension to the story after the incident, and I felt that is was told really well. At first I didn't know if I was liking the story, it made me feel anxious, and that's when I realised, no, it is good, and stuck with it. When a story can invoke emotions in you even if they make you feel uncomfortable but that's what they're meant to do. So I felt that the story was entertaining. It was well thought out and executed. The POV jumps between many of the characters which gives us another look at a side of the story which was done well too. Sometimes this can become confusing, but not in this case.
I really enjoyed that we got to see what happened after the incident. I did however feel that at one certain point Adam was a total dickhead for not disclosing something to Katy, but I guess the story wouldn't have played out how it did it he had, so I can forgive that.
itsallaboutthebooksuk's review against another edition
5.0
Having read a few of Tom Bale’s books before, the one thing that I always find disturbing is that he take’s an ordinary situation, an ordinary person or people and twists it into a terrifying yet utterly believable situation. Some how he manages to make the reader feel like they are in the story and I love seeing if I agree with the characters decisions, would I have done things the same way as the characters or totally different.
In One Dark Night we have Adam, Katy and their two children and after enjoying a day out they are travelling home when a split decision from Adam ends up putting them in terrible danger and turning their lives upside down. I felt desperately sorry for the family, especially the children being put in this situation. It really gave me shivers and goose bumps at times.
One Dark Night is an action packed story, full of twists and turns and even when things do quieten down a tad you are left with a feeling of unease, a feeling that all is not quite as it seems and it really had me on the edge of my seat.
Tom Bale is back with another absolute cracker of a story that had me swiping the pages of my kindle so fast I thought it might explode, it’s another book that I just couldn’t put down but at the same time I was apprehensive reading on as I knew there was more trouble ahead.
So if you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller full of action, suspense and spine tingling action then One Dark Night is definitely for you.
In One Dark Night we have Adam, Katy and their two children and after enjoying a day out they are travelling home when a split decision from Adam ends up putting them in terrible danger and turning their lives upside down. I felt desperately sorry for the family, especially the children being put in this situation. It really gave me shivers and goose bumps at times.
One Dark Night is an action packed story, full of twists and turns and even when things do quieten down a tad you are left with a feeling of unease, a feeling that all is not quite as it seems and it really had me on the edge of my seat.
Tom Bale is back with another absolute cracker of a story that had me swiping the pages of my kindle so fast I thought it might explode, it’s another book that I just couldn’t put down but at the same time I was apprehensive reading on as I knew there was more trouble ahead.
So if you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller full of action, suspense and spine tingling action then One Dark Night is definitely for you.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
Guest review for Harlequin Junkie- https://www.harlequinkunkie.com
Solid, fast paced thriller!
Solid, fast paced thriller!
bibliophilebookclub's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve been waiting for a new Tom Bale book for what seems like ages, but it’s only really since his last one! And it’s safe to say he’s returned on form with One Dark Night.
As with his other books, Bale has a knack for putting ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, and that’s no different in this book.
One Dark Night focuses on Adam, Katy and their two children as they deal with the fallout from a split decision. What follows is an adrenaline-pumping thriller with plenty of action to keep the reader turning the pages.
I always find that I end up wondering if I would have done the same if I was in the situations that Bale puts his characters, but to be honest, I don’t think I’d want to as they always get tangled up in something far bigger than the reader expects.
One Dark Night is a really enjoyable book. It’s got plenty of action, some seriously shady characters and lots of shocking moments. These are really what drive the plot forward, and even in the quieter moments, there is an underlying sense of urgency that is woven through the plot that ramps up the tension.
These quieter moments are where you learn the motivations behind the characters decisions, and though it slows the pace, it really is the only way to explain why things are happening the way they are. Without them, the story would not be as believable. And even though these kinds of plot lines can be a little far-fetched, I think that Tom Bale has pulled it off with One Dark Night. It all lies with that split second decision.
I really felt for the family in this one. They are put through an absolute wringer, and just when you think they’re out the other side, the author pulls the rug out from under them again and the tension is back with a bang.
One Dark Night is a gripping thriller, Tom Bale is on top form with this one!
As with his other books, Bale has a knack for putting ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, and that’s no different in this book.
One Dark Night focuses on Adam, Katy and their two children as they deal with the fallout from a split decision. What follows is an adrenaline-pumping thriller with plenty of action to keep the reader turning the pages.
I always find that I end up wondering if I would have done the same if I was in the situations that Bale puts his characters, but to be honest, I don’t think I’d want to as they always get tangled up in something far bigger than the reader expects.
One Dark Night is a really enjoyable book. It’s got plenty of action, some seriously shady characters and lots of shocking moments. These are really what drive the plot forward, and even in the quieter moments, there is an underlying sense of urgency that is woven through the plot that ramps up the tension.
These quieter moments are where you learn the motivations behind the characters decisions, and though it slows the pace, it really is the only way to explain why things are happening the way they are. Without them, the story would not be as believable. And even though these kinds of plot lines can be a little far-fetched, I think that Tom Bale has pulled it off with One Dark Night. It all lies with that split second decision.
I really felt for the family in this one. They are put through an absolute wringer, and just when you think they’re out the other side, the author pulls the rug out from under them again and the tension is back with a bang.
One Dark Night is a gripping thriller, Tom Bale is on top form with this one!
suspensethrill's review
3.0
An exciting and tense read, One Dark Night is full of action and plotting to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. While most of the plot progressions portrayed here were quite far-fetched and unbelievable, if you can turn your need for the realistic off for a bit, I think you will enjoy this for what it is. This is escapism fiction in the highest sense; Bale is an author who is excellent at preying on the reader's deepest, darkest fears and churning out a heart pounding "what if" scenario. I do think that I could have done with a bit more characterization here to ensure a deeper connection with the cast presented, but it was still a fun, rather quick read.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy via NetGalley.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy via NetGalley.