Darkness, Take My Hand audiobook

“If you and your partner aren’t civilians and you’re not cops, then what are you?”I shrugged. “Two idiots who aren’t half as tough as we thought we were.” - In media res is a cute little story telling trick where the writer starts in the middle or with the aftermath of the action and then drops hints and clues about what occurs in what you’re about to read. It works really well if it’s some kind series where you already know the characters. I’m a complete sucker for this tactic, and Lehane uses it beautifully in this one.In the first few pages, Patrick Kenzie tells us that he’s been through hell. He’s coping with some serious physical injuries, the detective agency he runs with his best friend, Angie Gennaro, is closed, and he ominously describes her as ‘gone’. Which of course, leaves you immediately worried about what that maniac Lehane did to the two characters he introduced just one book ago. It gives you a nasty feeling of dread as you read the rest of the book and what unfolds is probably worse than what you start fearing when you read Patrick’s introduction.Leading up to that, Patrick and Angie take a case from a female psychiatrist who had a session with a women who claimed to be in abusive relationship with a psycho Irish-mob hitman that the two detectives know from their childhood in their blue-collar Boston neighborhood. The woman disappeared without a trace and the doctor has started receiving threatening phone calls and candid pictures of her college-aged son so she’s worried that the hitman thinks she was told something incriminating and wants to shut her up. There’s also the odd coincidence that the patient told the doctor that her last name was Kenzie, but Patrick isn’t aware of any relatives who match that description. Having to try and get a sadistic mob hitman to leave someone alone is bad enough, but things quickly take an even darker turn that involves a brutal murder and a serial killer who has been in prison for years. Patrick and Angie are usually more than capable of taking care of themselves, but even with the help of the police, the FBI and their pet sociopath Bubba Rogowski, they’ll soon be overwhelmed by the horrific violence targeted at them.One of Lehane’s favorite themes is that violence can be passed along from one generation to the next, and he delves deeply into the legacy-of-violence idea here. It’s also amazing how quickly he dropped some of the standard PI-novel conventions from the first book to this one. P&A are still tough professionals, but there’s much less smart-ass banter and a darker, grittier, more realistic feel to this one. While there’s a bit of a Hannibal Lector-thing going on with the incarcerated serial killer manipulating people, Lehane didn’t let it get out of hand and become distracting. He keeps the focus on Patrick and Angela and delivers a taunt and terrifying thriller in this one. This is not for the squeamish but it never feels gratuitous.

In this book Patrick has started a relationship with Grace, a young doctor with a daughter, and Angie has divorced Phil. But their life will soon be turned upside down. A psychiatrist hires Angie and Patrick to watch over her son who she is scared is a target by the Irish mafia. But they never imagine what the case will do to their life... This book grabbed a hold of me from the beginning and kept its hold until the end. The first book was good, this book was awesome. The story was tragic, disturbing and thrilling. It’s strange when I’m really into a book, then I don’t know what to write, but when a book is bad, then I have a lot to write. A part of me is still so taken with the story that I’m having trouble leaving Kenzie & Gennaro's world behind and move on to another book. But I thought I would wait a bit with Sacred and finish of the other books I have started…but it is hard...

"Eviscerate them, Patrick. Kill them all." I can't say that I went into this book series knowing what I was going to be reading. I also can't say that it was what I would expect it to be. Thought provoking, beautiful writing is a high point in this series, and I'm ashamed to admit I was shocked that that was the case. From page one of book one, I have been enamored with the depth of these stories and the amazing writing that pulls you in whether you want to be sucked in or not....but maybe my largest praise goes to how Lehane gets base emotions out of me that rarely are touched in crime/thriller novels: Protectiveness, heart-break....fear. I felt something clench in the center of my chest and then just as suddenly unclench and fill with a gust of chilled air which seemed to hollow out my insides like the flick of a spade. Yeah, I'll admit it: This book, no matter what I tell people, scared the living shit out of me. And, the funny thing is, Anna warned me. See, this story was centered around a serial killer. Now...I don't know about you, but I am obsessed with this plot in books and was ecstatic to find out that the second story was not only an investigation....but a stalker-serial killer type story...ummm yes please? It's no secret I am in love with these intense, pulse-pounding books. And I thought I had it handled....but I was wrong. "He can't kill us both. No one's that good. If he gets to you before me"-she leaned back a bit so her eyes could meet mine-"I'll paint this house with his blood. Every last inch of it." Anna said that this one got deep in your head, that she had nightmares where someone was following her...and I thought, eh, I don't think it's that creepy. But, keep in mind, I was reading in such small increments during the week (damn my week day curse!!) and in the daytime that I had no clue-none. And just as I told her this, my perception changed. I got into bed and something miraculous happened-I actually had time to read!!!!! But with the lights off, the tv flickering in the background, and a stalker watching through the window (in the book, but hey, I swear it was me-I SWEAR....even though the blinds were drawn...), my world was obliterated. patrick,don'tforgettolockup. My breath hitched as I read, every flicker of the tv was a shock to my system, and I couldn't help looking over the side of the bed and into the closet-repeatedly. And it's so simple. SO, SO simple. And the worst thing in the world is when you are finally scared again by a book (for me lol)...It's like all these stories you've repressed into the recesses of your memory come back in a massive montage of horror, cruising past your periphery at the speed of light. I keep seeing all these books popping up in my head that I had long since forgotten-and I wanted to keep it that way. It's all in my subconscious-I just find it so odd how the brain works. Mine is more fucked up than most, though, mind you. I guess my impulse had something to do with growing older, with looking back and seeing very few innocent violences committed against the young, in knowing that every tiny pain scars and chips away at what is pure and infinitely breakable in a child.Or maybe I was just in a bad mood. It's so funny that once you draw out that base fear, all your worst terrors come to life...all of a sudden you can't breathe and you can't sleep and the covers have to be covering every inch of your body and you can't lay on your side or let your hand go past the side ledge of the bed or-oh yeah, that's just me lol. The human mind is a crazy thing. And that's the ability of an amazing author. They have the ability to write a story that slips under you skin, seeps deep into your pores, to make their story the one that stays in your mind long after you've finished reading for the day or night....it's a lingering touch you can't seem to shake-and that's just how I felt. I, inexplicably, couldn't shake the feeling that I'd been touched by something wholly evil and vile. "It'll eat us eventually," Angie said. "The violence.""I always thought we were stronger than it.""You were wrong. It infests you after a while.""You talking about me or you?""Both of us." But that's enough about how bat shit crazy I am....I wana talk about the characters, now. But I'm guna do it in reverse, I think. Bubba is first up. I don't know if it's because a couple of my friends are in love with him so it brought out all the best thoughts of him or if I'd have came to the same conclusion myself, but, no matter the cause, he cracks me up. Being the object of another's hate is relative. If the person who hates you is an advertising exec whose Infiniti you cut off in traffic, you're probably not going to worry much. If Bubba hates you, though, putting a couple of continents between the two of you is not a bad idea. Loyal? Check. Friendly? Check-well, only to Angie and Patrick. Crazy? Check-Check. Need a deadly piece of artillery? He can help you. Need to take someone out? He'd love to. So, all in all, I'd say Bubba is pretty badass....and crazy, don't forget crazy. Well, I was sick of their violence and their hate and my own codes of decency, which may have cost people their lives in the last month. Sick to fucking death of it all. And then Angie. Ahhh Angie. I certainly loved her way more in this one, I have to admit-and I even loved the developments of Phil, too. But I can't linger on him. Now, while I did love Angie in this one, I still can't see why Patrick is head over heels for her-or so the story boasts from time to time. I'm still waiting on that, really. Why? I mean, near the end, I saw it, but all throughout the book and last book? Nah. But what they do have, that I believe, is a beautiful friendship, and that's what this story is about-love, loyalty, and keeping those you cherish most close-Doing everything in your power to keep them safe. And I love that-for now. When I was a boy, I loved my father, and he just kept hurting me. He wouldn't stop. No matter how much I wept, no matter how much I pleaded, no matter how hard I tried to figure out what he wanted, what I could do to be worthy of his love instead of victim of his rage. Drum roll please?? Patrick. Ahhhh Patrick. He finally got me in this one!!! Allllll the feels! From his tortured glimpses into his terribly sad past, the abuse from the hand of his father, and his desperation to keep all those he loves safe, Patrick touched me deeply. I even got some 'broken voice' parts....umm favorite!!! And I loved-in the beginning, that is-that he was in another relationship in this one. I think it helped keep him happy, sane. It was an adorable touch (you'll see why) and added to the intensity near the end-in more ways than one. But, and you'll find this out as well, what happens when you have more people you love? There are more targets to take out. Just sayin'. Yeah yeah...I know. Broken record. I don't think I've ever felt anything like this.When I tried to speak, my voice was shaky and hoarse and the words were strangled in my throat. My eyes felt wet and my heart felt as if it were bleeding. So, anywho, those are my crazy thoughts. I truly wish I could go back in time and slap myself-why in the ever loving you-know-what did I start this one on a Monday???? I'm notorious for ruining the best books because I read them during the week when they deserve time and attention....and I basically spit on them by saying, yeah, you're not good enough for a weekend read! But that's not it-I just could't wait to start book two! These people get under your skin, and even if you get a teensy bit bored, you never realize how great they truly are until you're separated-But I just couldn't wait, and I payed dearly for it. It's a blessing and a curse, being so obsessed with books. Luckily, though, I got my head out of my ass for the last 40% and finished all at once. So, what I'm saying is, read it...but give it the time it deserves. I didn't...but I'm dumb like that. "How do you live with yourself, Patrick?" For more of my reviews, please visit: **********************************Oh dear, oh dear. I do so love a serial killer thriller with a tortured male lead...And this was spectaculaaaarrr. Eeps! Review to come!

Strong read. Dark

Hot on the heels of finishing A Drink Before the War , I felt ready for another dose of Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro in my life. Actually, rave reviews for this second volume In Dennis Lehane's detective duo series were what lead me to read the first. After all, what girl can resist a promise of serial murders and Boston days of yore? Not this one. The case starts off simply enough, a psychiatrist receives a photograph of her son and a menacing phone call, possibly Mafia associated, and Patrick and Angie are asked to keep an eye on the boy (although I'm not sure that's the term of art for a kid of 19, but just allow it). As you might have guessed, things are not quite so simple, and soon enough our PI duo is calling in the muscle, Bubba Rogowski (who is just such a great character), and meeting up with characters well-known for their homicidal tendencies. These circumstances are especially undesirable given Patrick's (surprisingly health) romantic involvement with a young doctor, Grace, who is the mother of the 4-year-old May. I have to confess, I had moments of doubt as to whether or not this one could live up to the hype. When Kenzie goes to have a sit down with a psychologically manipulative criminal mastermind behind bars, the Hannibal Lecter trope was laid on so thick that my thoughts went not to Anthony Hopkins, but to Josh Myers , the serial TP'er Officer Barbrady confronts in an episode of South Park. But, as the strands of the story unfurl I couldn't help but to completely fall into the story, tropes and all. This one's hard to discuss without trodding into some serious spoiler territory, so I'll refrain from saying more. While this certainly felt more like a thrill ride than the last, the eloquence with which Lehane brings it all together has me forgiving any faults along the way. Looks like I'm in this series for the long-haul.

The blurb on the back cover refers to a serial killer. Usually that would be a show stopper for me, because serial killers do not fascinate me at all, especially the Mensa type that seem to overpopulate thrillers. If not for Lehane's reputation, especially among various friends here on Goodreads, I'm sure I would have passed. Lehane's serial killer does spout some spooky stupid mumbo jumbo, but by the time I got to it, I didn't give a hoot.This is Lehane's second novel. I read and enjoyed his first, A Drink Before the War, but noted a few rough spots in it, if I may be so bold, a few places where I thought I may have been able to offer him some writing advice about certain particulars. Not this time. Things fit together tightly without being so polished that it isn't distinct. His detectives, Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, remain interesting, most of the time (I skim read some of the "romance", sorry). Character nuance, especially with Patrick the narrator, adds significance and import in just the right doses. Even Bubba, their psycho friend, who ordinarily would induce a give-me-a-break eye roll, escaped my ire. Despite elements that should make you gag, like the serial killer and Bubba, Lehane pulled it off. It helped that I'm familiar with Boston and its surroundings and enjoyed all the references, but that was not all. It worked for other reasons too, like the plot. Kenzie and Gennaro come up empty, end the investigation, and go off on tangents, but it begins to come together at a certain point, then hurtles forward, a pace I really liked.It was not perfect. For example, some scenes and some plot development relied on too little description and too much dialogue, but even my correct guess about who one of the unidentified killers was did not ruin it for me, because I agree with the unnamed writer for the Daily Express who wrote that "Lehane's hold is wholly unremitting...". Overall, Lehane mixed it up tremendously well. The flaws did not detract from the story, the characters, or the suspense.

A well known Boston psychiatrist has been receiving threats and promptly hires private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro to look into the source. What starts out as a simple task turns into a violent bloodbath as Kenzie and Gennaro’s world comes undone.Dennis Lehane is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Where do I even start with this one? Darkness, Take My Hand takes everything about the first novel – A Drink Before the War – and improves upon it, which I didn’t think was even possible. Lehane simply refuses to give Patrick and Angela even the slightest break following the events of the last novel before shoving them through a proverbial thresher of violence.The way in which Darkness, Take My Hand unfolds is what I love about crime fiction. The story moves along like a pot of water threatening to boil – there’s just so much going on at all times that there’s no way to simmer down the tension. Even the extensive dialogue scenes where Kenzie is sitting around bullshitting with other detectives and clients invokes such stress among the characters that you never feel far from everything simply coming undone.What makes a great detective series? An interesting and compelling cast, first and foremost. Sure, the plot itself is integral, but you’re not going to be able to maintain a certain quality without making your readers invest in characters that make the outcomes matter. Obviously you have Kenzie and Gennaro, both deeply flawed individuals, but they’re joined by a stellar cast of friends, family and associates. These characters raise the stakes and make the reader question Kenzie and Gennaro’s true intentions throughout the story.Seeing that the series is only six books long (pretty short for a modern detective saga), I wonder just how run down and beaten Lehane plans to leave Patrick and Angela when all the dust settles. I’m only two books in and I worry about their mental state.