Review: Alone in the Dark ~ Karen Rose

Alone in the Dark
Karen Rose
Romantic Suspense
Cincinnati Series/Book 2
Signet/February 2, 2016

Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop has seen enough bad guys slip through the cracks and innocent victims go unavenged to know that good doesn't always prevail. So far she’s been able to lock away her rage and her vigilante fantasies. That lock is about to break.

Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion is a fierce champion of victims’ rights. His secret past gives him good reason. He believes he’s seen the depths of human depravity, but then his investigation into the murder of a young girl who once asked for his help lures him and Scarlett down a dark, dark road—and straight into the crosshairs of a dangerous, powerful underground ring that deals in human trafficking. To stop them, Scarlett and Marcus have to be just as cunning and just as ruthless. But first they have to make it out alive.

One of my favorite romantic suspense authors is Karen Rose. She never disappoints and always freaks me out with her villians. Alone in the Dark didn't disappoint and it certainly had its freak-out moments.

If you've read the first book in the Cincinnati Series, then you're familiar with Detective Scarlett Bishop and Marcus O'Bannion. Both captured my attention in Closer Than You Think. Scarlett because she is not only a cop but a detective in a decidedly man dominated world. And, she can kick-ass. Marcus because he was hiding some secrets and I'm nosy. I had to find out what was up with this guy. He's was also an Army Ranger so you know he's had some experience in the ass-kicking department too.

Detective Scarlett Bishop walks a thin line. She has to because of what she sees on the job. Imagine some of the worst crimes of murder and then having to talk to suspects, some of whom you know are guilty and be professional. I don't think I would ever have the patience to be a cop. I'd probably end up pulling my gun too often. But Scarlett keeps her cool for the most part. She's easy to like and possible one of my favorite Karen Rose heroines.

Marcus O'Bannion runs a newspaper but he has a side gig which he keeps a secret. It's dangerous and straddles the line between the legal and not so legal. Marcus also has an attraction to Scarlett and he trusts her about as much as he can because of her profession. So when he asks Scarlett for help, it felt natural as well as Scarlett answering Marcus' late night call.

Scarlett and Marcus have this balancing act they perform through much of the story. With Marcus' secret and Scarlett trying to enforce the law, however imperfect it sometimes is, they form an interesting alliance. Their romantic interest in each other is right there, just below the surface but they push forward with their investigation into the death of a young girl. Scarlett and Marcus form a great team and their chemistry and romance is made authentic because of their physical attraction as well as how they feel safe sharing their worst nightmares with each other. The way it's written, I completely fell for their romance.

One of the things I especially liked was the team effort of Marcus and his newspaper employees. It was interesting to see how they all worked together not only to print the news but in their other endeavor. They understood and lived the phrase "I've got your back." The secondary characters add much to the plot and are fittingly developed for their roles.

The intricacies of the criminals and their viciousness in which they execute their business is disturbing because it is doubtful it is pure fiction. Ms. Rose gives us plenty of reasons to despise the antagonists. Which is a good when the author gives the reader antagonists who are interesting but you also hate them. I was ready for all of them to end in a bloody, painful death. I did get my wish for at least a few of them. That made me happy.

Alone in the Dark is pure Karen Rose. My only complaint is having to wait for the next book. Bring on Stone.

Rating: A

Cincinnati Series ~

Closer Than You Think
Alone in the Dark