Darkness First audiobook

Michael McCabe and Maggie Savage are drawn into another bizarre and savage murder mystery. Dr. Emily Kaplan, is savagely attacked, shortly after this a young girl...a stranger...arrives at her clinic but then flees in fear. Emily follows her in an attempt to help her. The girl is brutally murdered, and Emily is almost killed. thus, begins a story that revolves around the drug Oxycontin. There were multiple blind alleys as the story unfolded and you just can’t help exploring each one looking for the t answer to the mystery. A good one...and well worth the time to spend with McCabe and Savage.

This outstanding mystery/thriller is the third book in a police procedural series taking place in various locations in the state of Maine. The first two were evidently published in paperback only, while "Darkness First" is the first e book published by B&N and retailed for $.99! The wonderful retail price belies the old saying about getting what you paid - it's a tightly drawn, fast paced mystery with a memorable bad guy pursued by the most intriguingly dynamic female detective I've ever read. While we all prefer to read mystery/crime series in order of publication, this third book works well as a stand alone that stands up and makes a big impression. James Hayman has created a group of Portland Maine based detectives, their families and associates that I like very much and hope to see again in a long running series. I don't know what the Kindle price is for this book but it's value far exceeds $.99.I'd also like to extend to all my Goodreads friends my most sincere wish for a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year for you and your families..............Ed

Hands down, the best one in this series.

Darkness First is book three in the McCabe and Savage series by James Hayman. One night, Maggie Savage received a call from her father to come home her childhood friend is in hospital. On arrival, Maggie found out that her friend had hundred and fifty tablets of Canadian OxyContin in her pocket. Maggie decided to investigate with the help of Mike McCabe to find answers. The readers of Darkness First will follow Maggie and McCabe investigation to find out what happens. Darkness First is another fantastic addition to this excellent series. I engaged with the plot of Darkness First from the first page and became glued to my chair until the end. I love James Hayman's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Darkness First is well written and researched by James Hayman. I like how James Hayman describes his settings of Darkness First that allowed me to feel that I am part of the book's plot. The readers of Darkness First will understand the consequences of using street kids to distributed drugs in rural communities. Also, the readers of Darkness First will learn about Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and the importance of catching cancer early. I recommend this book.

Another real winner from this author. Be aware the subject matter is difficult to read, but if you can get past the horrible crime the plot is so very good. Definitely worth 5 stars for me. Added bonus is that it takes place in Downeast Maine, one of my most favorite places!

Excellent mysteryThe characters are absolutely wonderful. I really had a hard time taking a break. The story has twists and an excellent unexpected ending. I totally think you'll love this book.

I totally enjoyed this book. while a bit different from his first two books, was still a very good read.It is the first in the series where the majority of the book is from Maggie Savage's perspective. So that was an interesting twist. He also revealed a lot more of Maggie introducing her father and a long time friend of hers, Dr. emily Kaplan.the story was good, the plot above average. It was suspenseful, and I think the characters interactions add a level to the book. In ways it reminded me of the characters of the first few Dennis Lehane books--the push pull between the characters.I will continue to read his books. I enjoy them and highly recommend them.

Another well-written thriller starring Portland ME detectives Michael McCabe and Maggie Savage in an interesting plot that kept me guessing until the end. In the first two books in this series, I more or less figured out who the "bad guy" might be about half way through the novel, but not so in this one. In this book, we meet Maggie's dad, brother, and her childhood friend as well as some additional law enforcement officers and other good and not-so-good Maine citizens, all with distinct and believable personalities. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.

Great story!Well, all I can say is I'm delighted that I took one of the reviewers suggestion to read this book. I couldn't put it down! The relationship between Maggie and McCabe showed the trust and security they both felt about each other. I enjoyed Tabitha and Harlan's relationship too because it showed me how special and smart Tabby was (not weird) and how protective and loyal Harlan really was in spite of the troubles he and his father shared. I would definitely refer this book to all suspense thriller lovers.

Now I have read 3 and....What I like the most is the permanent characters surrounding the murder and mayhem. In this one names of too many characters offstage would pop up at one odd time and there I am in the midst of the story asking and who is that....maybe a cheat sheet of the caste would work....this book was particularly grizzly and yet it worked....but what happened to Susan Marsh?

thriller #3I think this is my favorite of the three I have read. It was fast paced and I didn't want to stop reading.

I’m enjoying this exciting thriller series by James Hayman. Book three, Darkness First: A McCabe and Savage Thriller, did not disappoint. Once again Michael McCabe and Maggie Savage are drawn into a bizarre murder mystery. This time it’s personal for Maggie and she returns to her roots in Washington County, DownEast Maine. An old friend of Maggie’s, Dr. Emily Kaplan, is savagely attacked. Shortly after a young stranger arrives at her clinic and then flees in fear, Emily follows her in an attempt to help her. The girl is brutally murdered, and Emily is almost killed. Thus, begins a story that revolves around the drug Oxycontin, an issue that is currently a problem. Maggie’s father is the sheriff and when he calls her to inform her of what’s happened, she hurries to Machias Soon Maggie’s brother becomes a suspect in the murder of the stranger. This story has wonderful twists and turns. The characters are very well-developed and even seemingly insignificant players stand out. I particularly liked the 11-year old girl, sister of the murder victim, who may know who the killer is. Hayman does a wonderful job of following her actions and inner thoughts; a precocious young girl who has experienced sadness and is somewhat removed from other kids her age. As usual, the crimes are vicious, and Maggie calls Michael for help. There is a growing sense of interdependence between these two. It’s obvious they are attracted to one another, but they resist temptation due to Michael’s involvement with another woman and the fact that he is her superior.With Maine State Police in charge of the investigation, Maggie is relegated to the back burner. However, her friend was attacked, her brother is a suspect, and she is familiar with the area. Maggie is not one to walk away. And Michael is not one to let her take on the challenge of solving a major violent crime without his help. There are plenty of suspects and I was pretty far into the story before I focused on my prime suspect. Even then I had moments of indecision. The conclusion of this book was so intense I was almost biting my acrylic nails. The villain is so reprehensible I couldn’t wait for justice to be served.I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and am already mourning its end. Please, Mr.Hayman, don’t stop writing about McCabe and Savage!

In this third book of the McCabe and Savage series, Maggie Savage goes home to Washington County when her best friend is attacked when she is witness to a murder. The murdered girl was a dealer of Oxycontin, a scourge in northern Maine, and seems to be part of a larger team that stole a large number of pills from Canada and is selling them in Maine. Maggie joins the local and State Police in trying to find the killer.I've read several of this series, all out of order not that it makes much difference as this can be read as stand-alone novels. I love the Portland-based books, but it was nice to move the setting to DownEast. I also liked that Maggie had the starring role in this book; usually, McCabe is the primary character but he only had a minor but important role here. The plot moves along pretty fast and I think it was the tightest of all the M&S books I've read. I kept suspecting different people and even at the end, there was a twist that almost threw me. Another very enjoyable read by Mr. Hayman.

Loving the developing relationship between McCabe and Maggie (Savage by name but not necessarily by nature!). And along the way they get to investigate a string of murders and thwart the evildoer (that sounds so good and corny).The actual criminal was fairly obvious early on but the tale of how they got to him was well worth the read. Taking a break to read some other must reads but I will be back.

** spoiler alert ** I enjoyed this book in the series. Not sure I loved the new location and all the familiar faces for Savage. Also didn't love the first half where Savage was working alone. Additionally not a fan of the love triangle aspect. Seems like it is going to add something in future that I am not as interested in. but overall still a very good thriller.

ExcellentI've come to enjoy the books by Mfr. )yt? F2f f2f'mI've come to enjoy Mr. Hayman's writing and with this book he has proudI have come to enjoy Mr. Hayman's writing. This book has exceeded my expectations. I recommend his books to my friends and he now has some new fans.