Converging plotlines

The prequel to this book introduced me to Ash and Raif. One is a young man lacking a firm direction while the other is a grizzled older cop who has way too many secrets. One is an open book, and one needs a cypher to uncover their secrets. When Ash’s friend Johnny died, Ash was devastated and didn’t believe it was suicide. But believing and proving are two different things. In this book, Raif takes point in trying to find the man who is killing people and leaving insects in the mortal wounds. Entomophilia – sex with insects. Okay, now I think I’ve heard everything. Apparently being feasted on by fire ants while orgasming is a thing. Well, no kink shaming. But when this monster kills someone close to Raif, it’s not just devastating, it’s horrific. So many lives affected by one single act of depravity.

Paralleled to the Raif/Ash storyline is the Gray/Jan/Jack/Martin plotline. Note, Martin is still playing a central role with Jack virtually consigned to oblivion. I’m beginning to despair of ever having him back. But hope lives strong because the series isn’t over. Anyway, Jan is still having a difficult time coming with the aftermath of the kidnapping and rape. He’s managed to kick the heroin habit but only with the help of methadone. One missed dose and he’s back to being dope sick. Maybe kicked the habit is too strong a sentiment. It’s being managed medically. I want him back to health, but until he deals with the really tough stuff, he’s not likely to get better. Then there’s Gray. Stalwart and stoic Gray. Always sticking his nose into other people’s business. He’s MI5 so he can get away with some of that. But it’s dangerous work and not without risks to his and those he loves.

This book is as disturbing as the others, to be sure. And it’s a highly addictive series. I’m invested in these men. I despaired when Ash’s father hurts him. I sat on the edge of my seat when the serial killer had Ash and Chase in his grasp. I ached to soothe the hurt wrought by a damaged and deranged man. I have to say there was a certain level of satisfaction with the resolution of that plotline, but there are plenty of loose threads that have yet to be sewn together and resolved. There is still another serial killer Gray is tracking. I’d almost forgotten about the liquefaction of organs by noise emitted through headphones. I would say it was too far fetched, but these days anything is possible.

While Ash and Raif have their happy ending with their new makeshift family, there’s plenty left to resolve with the Jack/Martin plotline. If I sound repetitive, I think I’m justified. Jack was the central character in Don’t, and I’ve watched him endure so much. I want to believe he will come out the other side of this trauma, but with Jack Pyke, I’m never quite sure of what I’m going to get. This book was another mind f- – in a good way. I listen to these books expecting dark and twisted, and I’m never disappointed.

Again, the brilliant Dan Calley narrated this great book. He came into my world with these books, and I’ve heard him narrate several other books now and I’m even more of a fan. He hits every note perfectly, giving each man a distinct voice, carrying the tension through the story. I am always thrilled when I see he’ll be performing the narration on a book.

Okay, I’m poised for the next book. I know it’ll be a mind f- and I can’t wait.

1 person found this helpful

Don't- Stop Listening!

A kick in the gut, and still I can not stop loving this series! So well crafted and keeps you on the edge.

LOVING THIS COMPLICATED SERIES!

If you like dark, mysterious, suspense a phenomenal approach to plot, dialogue, characters that are developed fully with not one stone unturned then dive into book one and enjoy! i have thoroughly enjoyed this journey. Dan Calley knocked it out of the park, giving me goosebumps with scary times and all the feels with romance. He nailed each character with a unique all of their own voice. Loved him. (careful Im sure the book may have triggers for some.)

Brilliant

As always, incredible writing, incredible story telling, and incredible narration (Dan Calley has quickly become one of my all-time faves)!

A wild and twisted ride

Now everything from #4 makes sense, relatively. Love the series. No idea where everything is going nor where it will end up. Previously I had difficulty understanding Dan Calley’s strong accent. Stupid me finally figured out, it would be helpful to slow down the speech. That was a great move for me.

disturbing

Would I listen to it again: yes
Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Was I invested in the characters: yes

Story comment: pace on this one is a little slower than it's predecessors but the plot was still interesting enough to keep me hooked. The story-lines for Ash/Raife and Grey/Jack/Jan came together organically and worked to tie the two together for another amazing roll-a-coaster ride that didn't let up until the end.

Narrator comment: Dan Calley's narration continues to be on the mark for these characters. He knows them now and that familiarity comes through as he breathes life and emotion into the suspense and intrigue of the story.

mind blowing suspense

Warning: This book and series is not for everyone. It is very dark, morbid at times, there is scenes of violence and rape. So enter at your own risk.
I Loved this series, and this was my most favorite of the series. It took the spinoff of Ash and combined it with Grey, Jan, Jack, Martin and the others. The characters are all amazing and the story well written. The plots, mystery and suspense all amazing too.
The story is written in both Ashes perspective and Grey’s It is done so well you always know which group is being featured. Ashes story is so compelling, and I was absolutely flabbergasted at who did the murders. I really thought I had it and was like Jack you made this too easy…Boy was I wrong. Then I thought the story was over… nope, plenty more suspense to go and when Grey and Ash meet things really get crazy.
With Don’t Jack had me feeling so different about that word every time I hear it and this one I was reading a fluffy romance and I came across the phrase butterflies in his stomach, I just about got sick. LOL
Dan Calley’s Narration is spot on. His accents for each character paint the perfect picture of these men and their personalities. He has the perfect tone and pacing and adds all the excitement and invokes fear when needed. The narration is perfect for this series. If you can get the audio version of this book!
I cannot wait for the next book!

Can’t wait for the next one♥️

Jack & Dan are amazing again, I am so obsessed with this series. I am now counting the day’s until the next audio release I need more but Dan is just too good to open my Kindle on this one. I love a perfect author narration match

This story is so addicting, the writing fantastic and I have never picked up anything like it before - thank you Jack L Pyke I don’t know how you do it

great book

Another great instalment in this series. I just can’t get enough of it. I loved the characters very much. I love getting to know more of Gray, who has always been such an intriguing character. It was mostly slow pace but the story was interesting enough to keep me hook to it all the time.

The plot was fantastic. I love the way the main character’s stories connect. Even though I love the characters, that mostly is only when I talk about Gray, Jack and Jan. I liked Ash and Raif but I can’t say I loved them the way I loved the others. Ash was particularly interesting. I miss Jack terribly. I guess it just reflect the way Jan and Gray feel, but it was so bittersweet the few moments when I get to see him.

I alternate the reading and listening. I’m very impressed by the narrator abilities to create all this different characters. It was so easy to say who was who and they were so many that I was worry I would get confused. Perfectly paced. I loved the accents so much. Great narration. So perfect for the book. I keep thinking Gray is the one who has the prettiest voice.

Excellent story. Excellent narration.

So that was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. A very exciting, tension filled, ride. We get to see the consequences of events in Ash, book 4.5. We also get to see how Gray is connected to these events, and we get to know him a bit better.

Just when you think you know who all the bad guys are, you are reminded that this is a psychological thriller... The next audiobook can't arrive soon enough.