After a scandal forces DI Kelly Porter out of the Met, she returns to her home turf in the Lake District. Crimes in the Cumbrian constabulary tend to be of the minor sort, but Kelly begins work on a cold case that shocked the local community – the abduction and brutal murder of ten-year-old Lottie Davies. Meanwhile, Kelly is also investigating two seemingly straightforward crimes: a case involving an illegal immigrant, and a robbery following the death of local businessman Colin Day. But evidence comes to light that reveals a web of criminal activity beyond anything Kelly imagined. Behind the veneer of sleepy, touristy towns lies a dark and dangerous underworld. As Kelly threatens to expose those with much to lose, she risks paying the ultimate price to get to the truth...
Unraveling the Layers of Crime
Introduction:
"Dark Game," penned by Rachel Lynch, thrusts readers into the intricate web of crime and mystery set against the picturesque backdrop of the Lake District. In this gripping novel, DI Kelly Porter finds herself entangled in a series of investigations that transcend the tranquil facade of Cumbrian life. Lynch's storytelling prowess shines as she weaves together a narrative that explores both the chilling depths of a cold case and the contemporary challenges faced by the Cumbrian constabulary.
Synopsis:
Following a scandal that compels DI Kelly Porter to depart from the Met, she returns to her roots in the Lake District. Though crimes in Cumbria typically fall on the minor end of the spectrum, Kelly is drawn into the haunting cold case of Lottie Davies, a ten-year-old girl brutally abducted and murdered. Simultaneously, she delves into two seemingly straightforward cases involving an illegal immigrant and a robbery connected to the demise of local businessman Colin Day. However, as Kelly digs deeper, she unveils a complex web of criminal activities, revealing a dark underworld lurking beneath the veneer of the seemingly idyllic towns.
Themes:
"Dark Game" skillfully explores a myriad of themes, including the persistence of justice, the consequences of unearthing uncomfortable truths, and the stark contrast between the serene exterior of the Lake District and its shadowy underbelly. Lynch navigates the complexities of small-town policing, shedding light on the challenges faced by law enforcement when investigating crimes that disturb the tranquility of close-knit communities.
Characterization:
DI Kelly Porter emerges as a compelling protagonist, a determined investigator with a tenacity that propels her through the murkiest of mysteries. Lynch's character development allows readers to connect with Kelly on a personal level, investing in her quest for justice and the pursuit of truth. The ensemble cast is well-crafted, each character contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative, with motives and secrets that add depth to the overall story.
Plot and Pacing:
Lynch masterfully crafts a narrative that seamlessly intertwines multiple storylines, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The suspenseful build-up and cleverly plotted twists ensure that "Dark Game" remains engaging from start to finish. The author skillfully balances the exploration of the cold case with the contemporary crimes, creating a narrative that is both intricate and satisfying.
Conclusion:
"Dark Game" by Rachel Lynch is a captivating exploration of crime, mystery, and the hidden complexities beneath the surface of a seemingly tranquil setting. With a strong protagonist, a compelling plot, and a vividly portrayed backdrop, Lynch delivers a riveting tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the DI Kelly Porter series. This book is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, offering a fresh perspective on the genre and solidifying Rachel Lynch's place among the noteworthy contemporary crime writers.
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Rachel Lynch, Author 
Crafting Crime Fiction from a Life of Adventure
Rachel Lynch is a prolific British writer known for her captivating crime novels. Her life's journey has been marked by various experiences and adventures, which have significantly contributed to her work.
Rachel's story begins in the picturesque region of Cumbria, England, where she grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the lakes and fells. However, her quest for knowledge and experiences led her away from her hometown. She ventured to London, where she pursued her passion for history and teaching. She studied history at the University of Lancaster, which ultimately led to a career as a history teacher in London and abroad.
But the course of her life took a dramatic turn when she fell in love with an Army Officer. This led to a remarkable thirteen years of globetrotting, as she followed her husband to various countries due to his military assignments. One of the most memorable of these experiences was their time in Cyprus, where she also had the opportunity to teach.
After starting a family, Rachel decided to explore a change of career. She transitioned into personal training and sports therapy, possibly thinking it would be a more travel-friendly profession. However, throughout all her diverse experiences, the desire to write was a constant force driving her future.
In 2016, Rachel Lynch made the life-altering decision to pursue her passion for writing full-time. She is represented by Peter Buckman of the Ampersand Agency, a significant step in her writing career. Her dedication and talent soon bore fruit as she signed a deal with Canelo to publish the first three novels in her popular Kelly Porter series in 2018. This series has gone on to become a massive success, with over one million copies sold to date.
Rachel's writing is deeply rooted in her exploration of the human psyche, delving into themes of compassion, as well as the darker and murkier aspects of human behavior, particularly within the context of crime fiction. The Kelly Porter series includes nine titles, such as "Dark Game," "Deep Fear," "Dead End," "Bitter Edge," "Bold Lies," "Blood Rites," "Little Doubt," "Lost Cause," and "Lying Ways."
In addition to her series, Rachel Lynch has expanded her horizons by venturing into standalone psychological thrillers, the first of which is "The Rich," set for release on November 8, 2023.
Rachel Lynch currently resides near London with her husband, two children, and her loyal companion, Poppy the terrier. Her life's rich tapestry of experiences, from teaching history to traversing the globe with her military spouse, has uniquely enriched her storytelling in the realm of crime fiction.
Just a great read! Fine writing! Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2020
A word about the one-star reviews: I don't find the desription of sex acts and of violent confrontations to be excessive or prurient. In fact, the detail and the avoidance of the usual cliches reads to me as refreshing and. . . well, pretty cool. And I wonder about the criticism here. Are readers of the crime genre and the roman noir -- the genre written by Mickey Spillane, Charles Williford, Edna Buchanan, Tana French -- really so fastidious? This writer is smart and energized and writes an excellent book.
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2018
What a thrilling book! I was pleased to read this in one sitting. It is a great read, with an excellent theme, especially watching the quiet little town exposed as hiding dark and dangerous criminal behavior. I am looking forward to reading Deep Fear, Book 2 in this series.
