Iris in the Dark by Elissa Grossell Dickey
Genres: Thriller
A single mother faces her worst fear―the past―in a provocative novel of suspense by the author of The Speed of Light.
Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years. So when Iris is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.
But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker. He’s a caring, reassuring presence who’s making her feel safe and alive again. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal, and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help. They’re reaching out to terrorize her.
Now the only way for Iris to move forward in life is to confront the past she’s been running from…a threat that has now followed her into the dark.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
I wanted to love this book so much. The blurb sets the scene for an amazing story, and in fact, the story itself was amazing. Iris Jenkins is running from her past. A past that includes an abusive ex-boyfriend who left her in fear for not only her life but also her unborn son at the time. Lowell Gordon and his partner find a place for Iris in their home and their lives.
Her son, Finn, has just turned seven, and she is Lowell’s assistant at the Prairie Daily News. When the newspaper is sold, she accepts Lowell’s offer to be an event planner at his Windy Acres lodge. However, as it often happens, the past has a way of catching up, and now Iris fears for her and Finn’s lives. She doesn’t want to run anymore, but what can she do?
Sounds amazing, right? Like I said, it was, but for me, it was all of the holes that had me going back and rereading things to see if the answers were there and I somehow missed them. I’m fine with certain characteristics without explanation, but the really important ones sometimes need a little more explanation. There was also a lot going on in this book. Honestly, there was so much it could have been two books.
Nichole says
Sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for sharing your review.
Nancy says
The cover is fascinating. Great review.
heather says
This sounds like a spooky read and one that might scare me a little if I read it at night. I enjoyed reading your honest review.
Eva Millien says
Iris in the Dark sounds like a thrilling book, thanks for sharing your review and have a fantastic day!
Piroska says
The book sounds very interesting. Great cover!
bn100 says
sounds suspenseful
Bea LaRocca says
Thank you for sharing your honest review of this book, the synopsis does sound promising…
Anita C says
I really love the honest review. I’ve found so many reviews that gaslight the book but when I read it, didn’t feel the same as when I read the review.
Chelsea B says
I appreciate your honesty. The story still sounds interesting so I might still check it out. Really love the book cover!
Phyllis Huebbe says
I really like the sound of this book.
Adriane says
I get frustrated with holes in a story, so probably will pass on this one
Tara Woods says
I loved your honest review. The blurb sounds like a story that I would enjoy, but I am on the fence right now.
Phyllis Huebbe says
Ok, this one sounds interesting.
Judy Thomas says
I love a good suspense book! Thanks for sharing this.
xjanelx78 says
Really nice cover and the blurb sounds really interesting, looking forward to reading this!
xjanelx78 says
Really nice cover and excerpt, looking forward to reading this!
Derek T says
Thanks for the review!
Nova S says
so many books like this one but something about this one seems unique
Aline Azevedo says
Loved the title and cover! Thanks for your sincere review!
Dreaa Drake says
Great cover & review! Sounds Like a great book!
Elizabeth says
I appreciate the honest review.
Elizabeth says
Thank you for the trigger warnings, too!