Under a Dark Sky

A Novel

By: Lori Rader-Day

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

From the critically-acclaimed author of The Day I Died comes a terrifying twist on a locked-room mystery that will keep listeners guessing until the last words.

Only in the dark can she find the truth...

Since her husband died, Eden Wallace's life has diminished down to a tiny pinprick, like a far-off star in the night sky. She doesn't work, has given up on her love of photography, and is so plagued by night terrors that she can't sleep without the lights on. Everyone, including her family, has grown weary of her grief. So when she finds paperwork in her husband's things indicating that he reserved a week at a dark sky park, she goes. She's ready to shed her fear and return to the living, even if it means facing her paralyzing phobia of the dark.

But when she arrives at the park, the guest suite she thought was a private retreat is teeming with a group of twenty-somethings, all stuck in the orbit of their old college friendships. Horrified that her get-away has been taken over, Eden decides to head home the next day. But then a scream wakes the house in the middle of the night. One of the friends has been murdered. Now everyone - including Eden - is a suspect.

Everyone is keeping secrets, but only one is a murderer. As mishaps continue to befall the group, Eden must make sense of the chaos and lies to evade a ruthless killer - and she'll have to do it before dark falls....

©2018 Lori Rader-Day (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Yet another great ending to a Lori Rader Day book!

Rader Day manages to keep me interested and wondering who the killer is right up until the end when I learn how utterly wrong I was. Like many of the books written by this author, this book educates with it's unique setting. The introduction of the complexity of each character is effortlessly woven into this intriguing and relaxed novel. The characters have a vibrancy and realism to them that makes the reader feel like we are in the room with them. The story itself carries the reader along to an ending that you just did not expect at all but was fully plausible and satisfying. Excited for the next installment of Rader Day 's growing arsenal of exceptional literature!

Entertaining enough story but the narration was very distracting

The narration on this book seemed pretty over done. It actually took away from the story. I found myself having to pause and take a moment to reset as the narrator attempted to sob while reading and made listening almost unbearable.

Three Stars

I really wanted to like this book. And I do to a certain extent, but I was also disappointed which will be explained.
I need to give credit where it is due and Tavia Gilbert did an outstanding job. Her performance was wonderful. To Lori Rader-Day's credit, the mystery of who killed Malloy was really quite good. There were some strong twists and turns that did surprise me.
So...<click>... three stars for that.
But, instead of staying on track with a really good "who done it", Ms. Rader-Day smuggled in her philosophical beliefs and at times, the book just rambled on about her apparently strong evolutionary beliefs. It almost seemed like that was the whole point of the book.
Honestly, I simply wanted to hear a good thriller, performed by a great narrator, written by a good author.

I did hear a great performance and a pretty decent thriller. That's what mystery and thriller fans want to hear... just that... a good mystery.... not a lesson in evolutionary theory which seemed to drone on and on and on.
I would have given this 11 hour book 5 stars if she cut out about 3 hours of her attempt to promote her belief system.

But the long ramblings of the man on the radio about stars and the unnecessary filler on her beliefs of our origins was really what turned me off.

There's nothing wrong with writing a book on your philosophical beliefs and your opinions on origins, no matter what you believe, but write it and put it in a category for people who want to hear it.

There were also some times where I couldn't tell if Eden was thinking in the past or present and if she was dreaming or awake. Perhaps the author was trying to be esoteric. A bit too much for my tastes.

Amazing performance. Great characters. Unique setting.

This was my first Lori Raider-Day book. CALL ME A FAN! The pacing was perfect, the tone and theme struck my heart while the characters were complex and yet, very real. I loved the idea of a dark sky park, old secrets and new combining to throw me for a loop. Very nicely done, Ms. Rader-Day. I’d call this a literary mystery with your beautiful descriptions and smart dialogue. Felt very much like another fav , Dennis Lehane. Now I have to read all your books that I missed.

Perfect!

I usually give a book I enjoyed 5 stars, but sometimes - not often - I would find a book that is so beautifully written, so perfectly narrated, that I wish I can give that book just one more star. A good story, interesting but not always likable characters, full of suspense, and kept me guessing till the end. And I was surprised by the identity of the murderer!

Sinister

I loved this book. it was a really good book because of all the twist and turns.

If I had been the protagonist...

I'd have said, "Screw this!", then turned around and gone home. That wouldn't have even qualified as a short story.

So, I guess it's a very good thing the protagonist remains who she is in all of her imperfect glory. She tells a great tail!

Distinctive approach to storytelling

"Under a Dark Sky: A Novel" earns a solid four stars for its distinctive approach to storytelling, though it may take a bit to fully engage the reader. The initial complexity of the narrative can be challenging, but perseverance is rewarded. Once the pieces start falling into place, the story becomes a gripping journey. Its unique structure and unconventional characters make it stand out in the crowded thriller genre. The suspense gradually builds, and as you delve deeper, you'll find it hard to put down. While the beginning may test your patience, the overall experience is well worth the effort, delivering a satisfying and original tale.

Interesting mystery, unlikeable leading character

I liked the story, the mystery was well thought out, however, too much time was wasted on the whining leading lady. Actually, a story about the police woman who loved dogs would have been better. The book is worth a credit, but it won't hold you in the car for a few more moments. Sometimes, you will find your mind has drifted, but no loss.

Entertaining, but Unrealistic Police Investigation

The story provided hours of entertainment and was well written, but how law enforcement handled the investigation and interacted with the suspects didn't seem to be realistic. It was a great book with many twists, but it might drive someone crazy who knows the ins and outs of police investigation.