‘Past Darkness’ by Sam Millar

Published by Brando,
10 August 2015.
ISBN: 978-1-84717-741-4

An orphanage, and a child made vicious by abuse stabs her way to freedom ... another is kidnapped, and her house torched, killing the rest of her family. Belfast PI Karl Kane’s not having a good week either, having just fallen foul of a London drugs lord.

This is a fast-paced  read, with the short chapters and cliff-hanger endings whizzing the story along. The narration follows the action, so we get the points of view of Kane himself, the man with the Z on his forehead, Tara and Dorothy (the two kidnapped girls), and drugs lord Butler. There are a number of violent scenes, including graphically-described torture. Sex is a key part of the background, both the loving relationship between Kane and his girlfriend, Naomi, and the abuse suffered by the girls, but it’s not explicitly described. The dialogue is snappy, and the plot twisting, with a good action finish.

A fast-paced, violent read. Past Darkness is the fourth Karl Kane novel; the series begins with Bloodstorm.

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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

Sam Millar is a bestselling crime writer and playwright from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has won numerous literary awards and his books have all been critically praised. His novels have been translated into both French and German.

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  Marsali also does a regular monthly column for the Mystery People e-zine.