Comedian Jimmy Peralta was in the midst of a comeback when the police found his wife Paris in their Seattle home next to his dead body, lying in the bathtub. She is holding a straight razor covered with blood. Did the successful yoga instructor kill her much older, wealthy celebrity husband? Paris is arrested and we learn that her problems go even deeper than a murder charge as she is being blackmailed by convicted killer Ruby Reyes (known as the Ice Queen). After being in jail for 25 years on a life sentence, Ruby has been granted parole and is threatening to reveal secrets about Paris. Drew Malcolm, a true crime podcaster, is planning his next season around Ruby's high-profile case, which is personal for him. Drew was friends with Ruby's daughter Joey, who perished in a fire after her mother was sent to prison and then turned to a life as a stripper.
Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier is a creative story with a lot going on. It starts off very strong with the focus on Paris and the death of her husband Jimmy. The storyline that features Ruby and her abusive treatment of daughter Joey was sad and disturbing. It might be too disturbing for some. Told in present day and flashbacks, the stories of all these characters eventually come together. There were some effective "aha!" moments that kept me highly engaged. Overall, I felt it was an entertaining read from a talented storyteller.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read Things We Do in the Dark prior to its publication.
Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Mystery / Thriller.
Publication Date: July 19, 2022.
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Another great review. I have this one.