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86th out of 783 books
—
994 voters
The Dark Before Dawn
by
Laurie Stevens (Goodreads Author)
High in the Santa Monica Mountains grisly murders are taking place. On each of the victim's bodies a note is left for L.A. Sheriff's detective, Gabriel McRay. The killer's identity is locked within the suppressed memory of a horrifying trauma from Gabriel's own childhood. Teamed with his forensic pathologist girlfriend and his psychiatrist, Gabriel runs two parallel invest...more
Paperback, 372 pages
Published
June 24th 2011
by Createspace
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This was an excellent mystery/thriller, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gabriel McRay, an L.A. Detective with an anger management issue, is drawn into a murder investigation that hits close to home - close to memories he has so far successfully repressed.
As he delves into his past with the help of a therapist, and discovers horrific trauma he has no conscious recollection of, the murders continue and it becomes clear that the killer has fixation with the detective who's trying to catch him - one t...more
As he delves into his past with the help of a therapist, and discovers horrific trauma he has no conscious recollection of, the murders continue and it becomes clear that the killer has fixation with the detective who's trying to catch him - one t...more
If you like a great murder mystery, then this book is a perfect read. The author combines all of the elements to create a story that is suspenseful and chilling. The main character, Gabriel, has to overcome many demons - not only the sick and twisted criminals that is his duty to catch but fight his own demons that surface from his past. I cannot wait to read the second book to see what the future has in store for Gabriel. The book is captivating and I had a hard time putting the book down - my...more
The Dark Before Dawn is the first in a new series by Lauries Stevens. The main character is a detective who can't seem to get a break. This ia a great thriller with descriptive sensory detail, and I couldn't put it down. There are characters you love to hate and a storyline that is full of surprises. I can't wait for the second book to come out. I found it on Amazon.com but have heard it is in book stores and libraries.
I always forget to add Kindle books to my reading list. I actually started reading this last week and finished it today. Very well written, well developed and plotted. The main character device was chilling, especially with his unfolding awareness of his childhood. Something tweaks at me which keeps me from giving it 5 stars. I have to figure out what it is.
Excellent police procedural/mystery story. It was a bit graphic in spots for my liking, but well-written. The characters were interesting and believable. This was a very fast read for me which means I kept picking it up every chance I got. I read this as part of a group read for the Mystery, Crime and Thriller Group June/July read. Very glad I did. I believe that this is the author's first of a series. I will look for the follow up to this book.
This was a good police procedural relating efforts made to locate and stop a serial killer. The crime scenes were too graphic. I did learn a bit more about symptoms of 'Post Traumatic Stress Disorder', fugue states, and chakras.
Mar 06, 2012
Mickley Gantman
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of murder mysteries
Recommended to Mickley by:
a friend
The was a really enjoyable read and went by way too fast. I read it in 3 days because I couldn't put it down! A true page-turner with a lot of heart and soul. I loved the use of psychology and the romance between Gabriel and Ming.
I was totally bowled over by the images this author evokes. Skilled, taut writing -- and from a new author who is also a playwright. This is someone to watch very carefully. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
Wow, this book has received several raving reviews!! I certainly commend L. Stevens on several unique uses of imagery and wit.
I would have certainly given it a higher rating if only based on her talent and skill as an author!
However, while I completely understand the design of the plot I felt Det. G. McRay's personal problems overshadowed her creation of a unique killer living in a delusional macbre world of psychosis. It also made for a rather predictable storyline.
BUT... it IS a good mystery...more
I would have certainly given it a higher rating if only based on her talent and skill as an author!
However, while I completely understand the design of the plot I felt Det. G. McRay's personal problems overshadowed her creation of a unique killer living in a delusional macbre world of psychosis. It also made for a rather predictable storyline.
BUT... it IS a good mystery...more
I'm a fan of this genre and this is one of most unpredictable and exciting reads I've had in a long time. The characters were mesmerizing and the research was incredible.
I'd love to see more from this author.
I'd love to see more from this author.
Mar 06, 2012
Carole Marsh
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
any lover of suspense or mystery
Recommended to Carole by:
I saw an online interview
I've read a lot of mysteries and thrillers and this one is at the top of my list. Let me put it to you this way - I'm hooked and can't wait for the second one!
Pretty good mix of psychology and forensics. Turned into a real page turner about halfway through the book. I'll be looking for the next installment.
Gripping story well told by my friend and author, Laurie Stevens. Waiting for the next one!
Although I guessed most of the plot, the book is still a good mystery/thriller. I liked the cast of characters. Being from the Los Angeles San Fernando Valley area, I loved the locale as well.
High in the Santa Monica Mountains grisly murders are taking place. On each of the victim's bodies a note is left for L.A. Sheriff's detective, Gabriel McRay. The killer's identity is locked within the suppressed memory of a horrifying trauma from Gabriel's own childhood. Teamed with his forensic pathologist girlfriend and his psychiatrist, Gabriel runs two parallel investigations. The first: a dark journey into the terrifying recollections of his past and the second, the hunt for a serial kille...more
Just read this page turner, a must read thriller!!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this book.
Two mysteries that you know are connected but how? I liked the writing, it kept me up one night because I couldn't put it down!
This was a great read. I was left feeling totally disturbed and creeped out... something I've been waiting for a book to do for me!
Here's the review of The Dark Before Dawn by Kirkus Review
The Dark Before Dawn was named to Kirkus Review's Best of 2011 and also received the Kirkus Star.
The Dark Before Dawn was named to Kirkus Review's Best of 2011 and also received the Kirkus Star.
Have just downloaded the free sample for my Nook and will start reading it.
May 24, 2013
Lori Gemalsky
marked it as to-read
May 21, 2013
Christin
marked it as to-read
May 20, 2013
Kate
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May 05, 2013
Anh Tuyet
marked it as to-read
May 05, 2013
Esra
marked it as to-read
May 03, 2013
Jessica
marked it as to-read
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| what makes a murderer? | 1 | 4 | Oct 06, 2011 11:25am |
Laurie is a novelist, screenwriter, and playwright. A graduate of UCLA Theater/Film, she started her career working in marketing for Columbia Records. Her articles and short stories have appeared in numerous publications. Her stage play, “Follow Your Dreams”, ran for eight weeks in Los Angeles. Laurie's novel "The Dark Before Dawn," is the first in a psycho-thriller series. The book was awarded th...more
More about Laurie Stevens...
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“You have the Answer. Just get quiet enough to hear it. ~Pat Obuchowski”
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“The finest thing in the world is knowing how to belong to oneself.
Michel de Montaigne”
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Michel de Montaigne”
Jun 26, 2012 09:15pm