Darkness, Take My Hand

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding page-turner and great addition to the field
Review: I read the first four Dennis Lehane books this summer (in about 3 weeks!) and have really enjoyed them. I've read all the great private-eye series--Hammet, Chandler, Ross MacDonald, Robert B. Parker--and I think Lehane is really a fresh talent. His characters are occasionally reminiscent of Spenser and company, but not so much that it's distracting. What really distinguishes Lehane, in my view, is his outstanding plots. All the books I've read are very solid mysteries and his detectives, Patrick and Angie, get very involved in solving the mystery, rather than just following an investigation. I chose this one to review because it's an excellent jumping-on point for new readers. It is a truly nerve-tingling, gripping read that manages to make the whole serial-killer milieu fresh. This is the work of a very talented writer who is undoubtedly going to rank with the giants of the PI field.

Rating:
Summary: Too Good for Words
Review: As others have stated, this book is the work of a true WRITER, not just a pop-novelist. Lehane succeeds on every level in this book: violence, love, comedy, friendship, you name it. I read a lot of books and Lehane's right now are the best to me. Try it and you'll see what I mean.

Rating:
Summary: A work of art!
Review: After reading the first novel, A Drink Before War I thought I just found My new favorite author. After finishing Darkness.. I was sure! It was amazing!!!!!I finished it in two days and now I'm going to buy all the rest of the books. The story line,the characters. It's all awesome!I could not put this book down. If you want to read a great author this is the one. Kudos to you DL!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: I am troubled
Review: Although this book had interesting characters, I was troubled by the section that was almost too reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs. That scene was a huge distraction. It certainly did not represent fresh, innovative writing.

Rating:
Summary: MIND-TINGLING SUSPENSE
Review: If you have never read Lehane this book is where you need to start. This is the best serial killer book I have ever read. By using the addition of more killers than one Lehane keeps you guessing until the end.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!
Review: I have read all of Dennis Lehane's books. I started with "Sacred" and read backwards. This is one of the best books of this kind that I have ever read. You felt drawn in with the characters. It was a very scary feeling. Patrick and Angie are great together and their supporting charaters are just as good. I recommend all of Mr. Lehane's books and I cannot wait for his new release in June!

Rating:
Summary: One of the few actually frightening books I've read...
Review: I've read all the Dennis Lehane books now, including the new one (Gone, Baby, Gone), and they all range from good to great. But this is the one I keep coming back to. It's gripping, it's frightening, it's amazingly realistic, esp. the dialogue. OK, the Bubba Rogowski character is a little over the top, but certainly no more than some of the characters in Robert B. Parkers "Spenser" novels. The main and supporting cxast are terrific, and the plot is dark and wonderfully convoluted. The killer(s) are edgy, brilliant maniacs who really deliver a punch. If you're looking for a good, solid thriller that'll make you squirm a little, this is the place to start. And once you start, you won't stop until you've read the entire Lehane collection. I can't wait for the next one.

Rating:
Summary: A SUPERB READ!
Review: Great characters. Terrific plot. Marvelous prose. Don't miss this one

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: What a book. There are so many superlatives I could use, but I suppose that excellent and haunting are the best. I read this book over a year ago and whenever I notice it on my bookshelf it still gives me the chills. I've also enjoyed Lehane's other three books, but this one is the best. Read it!

Rating:
Summary: You gotta read them all!
Review: I read this one first, and the rest is history. Dialogue that rivals Elmore Leonard and characters that are the type you follow throughout--you will wait for the next one to be written. A little like Bill Granger, i.e. plots with twists and lots of action when you least expect it. An excellent read, as are the other two (paperbacks) in this series.