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Peter Ash #9
The Dark Time
At the suggestion of his girlfriend, June, Peter Ash rides to the aid of an investigative reporter who may have stumbled on a story more explosive than even he can handle in this propulsive new thriller from the bestselling and award-winning series.
Katelyn Thorsen, known as KT to her friends, is an independent journalist tracking down the story of her career--a group of white nationalists who have infiltrated the local political culture of the Pacific Northwest. But these are not people to be trifled with and the story of her career may quickly turn out to be the last story of her life.
Fortunately, Peter Ash has arrived in town to look out for KT at the request of his girlfriend, June Cassidy. From the moment of his arrival, he's thrown into a maelstrom of violence trying to protect KT and her daughter. Peter's a man who's always risen to every challenge, but this one may be too much for even him.
Katelyn Thorsen, known as KT to her friends, is an independent journalist tracking down the story of her career--a group of white nationalists who have infiltrated the local political culture of the Pacific Northwest. But these are not people to be trifled with and the story of her career may quickly turn out to be the last story of her life.
Fortunately, Peter Ash has arrived in town to look out for KT at the request of his girlfriend, June Cassidy. From the moment of his arrival, he's thrown into a maelstrom of violence trying to protect KT and her daughter. Peter's a man who's always risen to every challenge, but this one may be too much for even him.
387 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2026
254 people are currently reading
4787 people want to read
About the author
Nick Petrie
17 books1,226 followersNick Petrie received his MFA in fiction from the University of Washington, won a Hopwood Award for short fiction while an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, and his story “At the Laundromat” won the 2006 Short Story Contest in The Seattle Review, a national literary journal. A husband and father, he has worked as a carpenter, remodeling contractor, and building inspector. He lives in Milwaukee.
For more on Nick Petrie, see his website NickPetrie.com, or find him on Facebook or Twitter.
For more on Nick Petrie, see his website NickPetrie.com, or find him on Facebook or Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 18, 2026
Nick Petrie cannot write a boring book. I am exhausted by the time the ending comes and it arrives way too early. I do wish he would put out books in this series at a more frequent pace. But then again, I cannot write a lick so who am I to complain.
Peter Ash cannot leave a man behind. I feel this statement is an accurate description of his life. So it is natural for him to become the soldier of his past again when a life is being threatened. He becomes involved in this incidence when his long time girlfriend asks him to check on KT, her friend and mentor. KT was receiving threats which seemed more intense than usual. From this point the writing picks up a pace of its own which is an increasing acceleration of action and suspense. If you want a better synopsis of this book read the cover or right click the app. It’s not my style to give you the Cliff Notes version.
There is no way to savor this book. The reader needs to give in, jump on the roller coaster of emotions and be prepared to crash into a magnificent ending.
Peter Ash cannot leave a man behind. I feel this statement is an accurate description of his life. So it is natural for him to become the soldier of his past again when a life is being threatened. He becomes involved in this incidence when his long time girlfriend asks him to check on KT, her friend and mentor. KT was receiving threats which seemed more intense than usual. From this point the writing picks up a pace of its own which is an increasing acceleration of action and suspense. If you want a better synopsis of this book read the cover or right click the app. It’s not my style to give you the Cliff Notes version.
There is no way to savor this book. The reader needs to give in, jump on the roller coaster of emotions and be prepared to crash into a magnificent ending.
December 1, 2025
I was excited to have the opportunity to read the latest Peter Ash ARC. I have been a long time fan of the series and have enjoyed watching Peter as he navigates his way through his many challenges. The Peter of today is not the Peter that we first met, and seeing the strength of his relationships - with both June and with Lewis and Manny - show just how much he has grown.
This book has Peter finding himself in the middle of a series of complex situations when he offers to look after one of June's reporter friends. The friend, Katelyn Thorsen, received a threat and wasn't sure if she should be worried or not. Before you know it, Peter (and then shortly after, June, Lewis and Manny) find themselves trying to figure out what is going on after the threat turns out to be VERY real.
For whatever reason, this is the first Peter Ash book that I had a hard time settling in to. I normally run right through the books, becoming invested in the case and holding my breath during all of the action scenes. Now don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book. I just didn't.....well, I didn't find myself as invested as normal. There seemed to be issues in the pacing, a lull in the middle of the book that had me finding reasons to put the book down. I felt like I kept waiting. For what...I wasn't sure.
This can definitely be read as a stand alone, but the series really is wonderful, and things will make much better sense if you understand the dynamics underneath the relationships that Peter has with the other characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on March 10, 2026.
This book has Peter finding himself in the middle of a series of complex situations when he offers to look after one of June's reporter friends. The friend, Katelyn Thorsen, received a threat and wasn't sure if she should be worried or not. Before you know it, Peter (and then shortly after, June, Lewis and Manny) find themselves trying to figure out what is going on after the threat turns out to be VERY real.
For whatever reason, this is the first Peter Ash book that I had a hard time settling in to. I normally run right through the books, becoming invested in the case and holding my breath during all of the action scenes. Now don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book. I just didn't.....well, I didn't find myself as invested as normal. There seemed to be issues in the pacing, a lull in the middle of the book that had me finding reasons to put the book down. I felt like I kept waiting. For what...I wasn't sure.
This can definitely be read as a stand alone, but the series really is wonderful, and things will make much better sense if you understand the dynamics underneath the relationships that Peter has with the other characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on March 10, 2026.
September 7, 2025
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Propulsive, intense and anxiety-inducing, The Dark Time is a cautionary tale that will give you heart palpitations as violence explodes on seemingly every page. Kudos to Nick Petrie for delivering a novel that is equally entertaining and contemplative, exploring how technology’s impact on society can have a range of consequences.
You know that when you open a Peter Ash novel, it’ll be exciting, explosive and violent. The Dark Time is no different, delivering on all fronts with a story that puts you on edge from the beginning and doesn’t let you breathe for a moment. It also explores how the world is changing and how different sets of people view innovation differently. Some embrace it, others are resentful of what it means for them personally. Making this a timely book as AI explodes across the globe, leading to amazing capabilities while also threatening the livelihood of regular people.
Propulsive, intense and anxiety-inducing, The Dark Time is a cautionary tale that will give you heart palpitations as violence explodes on seemingly every page. Kudos to Nick Petrie for delivering a novel that is equally entertaining and contemplative, exploring how technology’s impact on society can have a range of consequences.
You know that when you open a Peter Ash novel, it’ll be exciting, explosive and violent. The Dark Time is no different, delivering on all fronts with a story that puts you on edge from the beginning and doesn’t let you breathe for a moment. It also explores how the world is changing and how different sets of people view innovation differently. Some embrace it, others are resentful of what it means for them personally. Making this a timely book as AI explodes across the globe, leading to amazing capabilities while also threatening the livelihood of regular people.
December 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Dark Time by Nick Petrie.
I have read a lot of Nick Petrie’s books and this series just keeps getting better. Slipping back into Peter Ash’s world felt completely effortless and immensely satisfying. Peter remains a compelling lead, driven by a strong moral compass, while the familiar cast of side characters add warmth, humour and real depth. They now feel like an established team rather than supporting players, which gives the story real emotional weight.
The plot is tightly paced and tense, balancing action with character development in a way Petrie does so well. There is a confidence to the storytelling that comes from a series hitting its stride, and I was fully invested from start to finish.
A gripping, assured thriller that rewards long term readers while still feeling fresh and urgent. One of the strongest entries yet and an easy five star read.
I have read a lot of Nick Petrie’s books and this series just keeps getting better. Slipping back into Peter Ash’s world felt completely effortless and immensely satisfying. Peter remains a compelling lead, driven by a strong moral compass, while the familiar cast of side characters add warmth, humour and real depth. They now feel like an established team rather than supporting players, which gives the story real emotional weight.
The plot is tightly paced and tense, balancing action with character development in a way Petrie does so well. There is a confidence to the storytelling that comes from a series hitting its stride, and I was fully invested from start to finish.
A gripping, assured thriller that rewards long term readers while still feeling fresh and urgent. One of the strongest entries yet and an easy five star read.
March 14, 2026
The Dark Time
This book explores a really good topic, namely the take down of the power grid. I suspect it is way more vulnerable than most people think and could be an easy target.
This book explores a really good topic, namely the take down of the power grid. I suspect it is way more vulnerable than most people think and could be an easy target.
December 21, 2025
Another excellent Petrie story.
KT is a journalist who receives a death threat that she shares with her best friend June, who in turn, sends her partner, Peter Ash, to help and protect KT
In her independent journalism work, she has apparently stumbled into a story that someone does not want to see ever reach publication.
When her teen aged daughter is caught up in the terror, the story really rackets up with suspense and thrilks.
Really good character definitions in a great story.
KT is a journalist who receives a death threat that she shares with her best friend June, who in turn, sends her partner, Peter Ash, to help and protect KT
In her independent journalism work, she has apparently stumbled into a story that someone does not want to see ever reach publication.
When her teen aged daughter is caught up in the terror, the story really rackets up with suspense and thrilks.
Really good character definitions in a great story.
December 14, 2025
A special thank to NetGalley for the advance reader copy of The Dark Time by Nick Petrie. This is an unpaid review. Nick Petrie seems to get stronger with each book that he writes and The Dark Time is another stellar entry in the ongoing Peter Ash saga.
All of the gang is back with a new addition to Peter's former military life in the guise of Manny. In TDT, Peter is asked by June to watch over her former investigative reporter mentor who has received a threatening letter. Peter does his best but those after her are very bad men with an agenda.
Through a series of tragedies and a kidnapping of the mentor's daughter. Peter, June and Lewis discover a well funded group of doomsdayers who want to bring about the end of civilization as we know it.
There are twists and turns and plenty of action. A great entry to the series. Highly recommended!!
All of the gang is back with a new addition to Peter's former military life in the guise of Manny. In TDT, Peter is asked by June to watch over her former investigative reporter mentor who has received a threatening letter. Peter does his best but those after her are very bad men with an agenda.
Through a series of tragedies and a kidnapping of the mentor's daughter. Peter, June and Lewis discover a well funded group of doomsdayers who want to bring about the end of civilization as we know it.
There are twists and turns and plenty of action. A great entry to the series. Highly recommended!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advance copy of this action thriller set among the tech industry about a group with strange ideas, the money and the belief to carry it out, and the one man who has made it a mission to bring them down, no matter the cost.
Growing up I read a lot, and most of what I read was, to be nice schlock. Pulp adventures featuring The Shadow, the Spider Doc Savage, and a lot of men's adventure, the Harlequin romance for the fat bodied set, full of men, guns, explosions and woman, loving men with guns and explosions. They were mostly series, The Executioner, The Destroyer, Death Merchant, Survivalist, the list goes on. Everything was told in about 180 pages, and one would move on to the next one, with only a vague recollection of what happened. These books were important to me, as I stated being a fat boy with little romance in life, and in some ways formed what I read. Until I got bored, which came suddenly, and I moved on. Sadly many of the thrillers that fill the best sellers list, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Lee Child, seem like jacked up page count men's adventures stories. Stories were characters don't progress, the violence is John Wick like, and blend into each other. There are exceptions, thankfully, and the author Nick Petrie is one of them. Petrie's series featuring Peter Ash has a character growing, healing, letting people in, and trying to figure out ways around violence, while dealing with the rage and fear in his own head. But when he has to, well there is plenty of ultra-violence to go around. The Dark Time is the ninth book in the series by Nick Petrie and features Peter Ash protecting a reporter from what seems like a simple threat, but is far deeper, uglier and more deadly than any threat Ash has previously faced.
Seattle is a town built on technology, ideas, and a lot of money. Some of these ideas can get a little weird, which gives a lot of leads on stories to Katelyn Thorsen, an investigative reporter. Thorsen, KT to her friends, has been approached by a source who has a big story, at least the source promises. However the source has ghosted KT, which is common. What is uncommon is the odd letter creating using cut-out words telling KT to stop looking in to this story, or something will happen. To KT or her daughter. KT reaches out to her friend and fellow reporter June Cassidy who picks up on KT's fears and offers to send someone to keep an eye on her. An eye that is needed as KT is nearly shot by a stranger in a mask, only stopped by Cassidy's friend Peter Ash. With only the words Gun Club to work with, Ash begins to find out that something is going on in the city of Seattle, where tech has become religion, and something more. Dark times are coming and Ash and his friends might have to bring a lot of brightness to the rainy city, or face a very bleak future.
There are a number of things I like about this series. One of the them is the character Peter Ash. Ash changes in each book, becoming a better stronger person than he was previously, healing from the traumas he caused, and saw. That is rare in books where characters don't even seem to age, or deal with nagging muscle aches, or hearing loss from the millions of rounds they must fire. Petie is also a very good writer, looking at the world not in terms of terrorists trying to take America away, but from the troubles that society cause. Tech doom cults are a thing, as some podcasts will more than happily share. And in this Petrie shows his fears of what tech, social media and more are doing to us. Again rare in thrillers today. Add in a strong supporting cast, and one has a book that will be remembered, and one that I will be happy to recommend to people looking for something fresh and interesting.
Fans of the series will enjoy this, and this kind of works as a good jumping on point to start the series. I do recommend starting with the Drifter the first book, as it is really good, and sets the character up for all that is to come. One of my favorite series, and I can't wait for more.
Growing up I read a lot, and most of what I read was, to be nice schlock. Pulp adventures featuring The Shadow, the Spider Doc Savage, and a lot of men's adventure, the Harlequin romance for the fat bodied set, full of men, guns, explosions and woman, loving men with guns and explosions. They were mostly series, The Executioner, The Destroyer, Death Merchant, Survivalist, the list goes on. Everything was told in about 180 pages, and one would move on to the next one, with only a vague recollection of what happened. These books were important to me, as I stated being a fat boy with little romance in life, and in some ways formed what I read. Until I got bored, which came suddenly, and I moved on. Sadly many of the thrillers that fill the best sellers list, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Lee Child, seem like jacked up page count men's adventures stories. Stories were characters don't progress, the violence is John Wick like, and blend into each other. There are exceptions, thankfully, and the author Nick Petrie is one of them. Petrie's series featuring Peter Ash has a character growing, healing, letting people in, and trying to figure out ways around violence, while dealing with the rage and fear in his own head. But when he has to, well there is plenty of ultra-violence to go around. The Dark Time is the ninth book in the series by Nick Petrie and features Peter Ash protecting a reporter from what seems like a simple threat, but is far deeper, uglier and more deadly than any threat Ash has previously faced.
Seattle is a town built on technology, ideas, and a lot of money. Some of these ideas can get a little weird, which gives a lot of leads on stories to Katelyn Thorsen, an investigative reporter. Thorsen, KT to her friends, has been approached by a source who has a big story, at least the source promises. However the source has ghosted KT, which is common. What is uncommon is the odd letter creating using cut-out words telling KT to stop looking in to this story, or something will happen. To KT or her daughter. KT reaches out to her friend and fellow reporter June Cassidy who picks up on KT's fears and offers to send someone to keep an eye on her. An eye that is needed as KT is nearly shot by a stranger in a mask, only stopped by Cassidy's friend Peter Ash. With only the words Gun Club to work with, Ash begins to find out that something is going on in the city of Seattle, where tech has become religion, and something more. Dark times are coming and Ash and his friends might have to bring a lot of brightness to the rainy city, or face a very bleak future.
There are a number of things I like about this series. One of the them is the character Peter Ash. Ash changes in each book, becoming a better stronger person than he was previously, healing from the traumas he caused, and saw. That is rare in books where characters don't even seem to age, or deal with nagging muscle aches, or hearing loss from the millions of rounds they must fire. Petie is also a very good writer, looking at the world not in terms of terrorists trying to take America away, but from the troubles that society cause. Tech doom cults are a thing, as some podcasts will more than happily share. And in this Petrie shows his fears of what tech, social media and more are doing to us. Again rare in thrillers today. Add in a strong supporting cast, and one has a book that will be remembered, and one that I will be happy to recommend to people looking for something fresh and interesting.
Fans of the series will enjoy this, and this kind of works as a good jumping on point to start the series. I do recommend starting with the Drifter the first book, as it is really good, and sets the character up for all that is to come. One of my favorite series, and I can't wait for more.
March 15, 2026
There were warning signs that independent journalist Katelyn "KT" Thorsen’s day was not going to proceed as planned. The failure of her source to show up for a scheduled meeting was frustrating, and the intimidating note sent to her home warning her to halt an investigation was almost standard.
However, a sense of disquietude haunts KT's mind until the moment a masked and armed individual appears and confirms her worst fears. Her feelings of dread are allayed by a mystery man who thwarts the attempted homicide. The stranger’s name is Peter Ash, and life-saving missions are his metier.
Peter had been alerted to a possible threat to KT’s life from June Cassidy, his girlfriend and KT’s friend. He is adept at handling crises; his time in the Marine Corps has provided a wealth of experience in keeping a level head under fire. Peter takes KT and her daughter, Ellie, under his protection, yet the persistence of those looking to deter KT’s work is inexhaustible.
An assault on their motel room leaves KT dead, and soon Peter and Ellie are on the run. Having little to no faith in local law enforcement, Peter reaches out to his Marine platoon brothers to help acquire the necessary resources to survive, along with a temporary safe place for Ellie to stay. Peter feels a responsibility for her and believes he failed her by not protecting her mother.
In addition to finding Ellie a shelter from the chaos, Peter must learn the motive for KT’s murder. An audio cassette tape found while searching her basement yields a cryptic and foreboding message. The speaker, known simply as “The Messenger,” warns of troubled times ahead. Peter can glean information through intimidation, whereas June is a polished journalist who can access leads through charm and guile…or at least a functioning internet connection. The pair learn that KT was looking into the message, as well as the practices of “The Messenger” and his flock, which involved communication through encrypted apps, the stockpiling of firearms, and the acquisition of a large acreage of land in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
As Peter and June look to get to the bottom of the mystery that ended KT’s life, they are being covertly surveilled by a member of the movement. The Messenger has a plan meant to usher in “The Dark Time,” and interlopers are viewed unkindly. Peter, June, Ellie and those closest to them are in danger from a group of people determined to carry out the apocalypse.
This ninth installment in Nick Petrie’s series is a home run from the onset. It pits our lionhearted protagonist against a formidable foe, a doomsday cult headed by a magnetic leader who commands a devoted and militant following. Peter Ash is a soldier through and through who carries the burden of those he has lost, both on and off the battlefield. Despite his anger over KT’s death, he assumes the role of protector in keeping Ellie safe and commits himself to this mission wholeheartedly.
THE DARK TIME is an exhilarating thriller with a gripping plot, tense action sequences, and a chillingly authentic villain. Petrie continues to bang out unputdownable and memorable novels, and I already am looking forward to book #10.
Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro
However, a sense of disquietude haunts KT's mind until the moment a masked and armed individual appears and confirms her worst fears. Her feelings of dread are allayed by a mystery man who thwarts the attempted homicide. The stranger’s name is Peter Ash, and life-saving missions are his metier.
Peter had been alerted to a possible threat to KT’s life from June Cassidy, his girlfriend and KT’s friend. He is adept at handling crises; his time in the Marine Corps has provided a wealth of experience in keeping a level head under fire. Peter takes KT and her daughter, Ellie, under his protection, yet the persistence of those looking to deter KT’s work is inexhaustible.
An assault on their motel room leaves KT dead, and soon Peter and Ellie are on the run. Having little to no faith in local law enforcement, Peter reaches out to his Marine platoon brothers to help acquire the necessary resources to survive, along with a temporary safe place for Ellie to stay. Peter feels a responsibility for her and believes he failed her by not protecting her mother.
In addition to finding Ellie a shelter from the chaos, Peter must learn the motive for KT’s murder. An audio cassette tape found while searching her basement yields a cryptic and foreboding message. The speaker, known simply as “The Messenger,” warns of troubled times ahead. Peter can glean information through intimidation, whereas June is a polished journalist who can access leads through charm and guile…or at least a functioning internet connection. The pair learn that KT was looking into the message, as well as the practices of “The Messenger” and his flock, which involved communication through encrypted apps, the stockpiling of firearms, and the acquisition of a large acreage of land in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
As Peter and June look to get to the bottom of the mystery that ended KT’s life, they are being covertly surveilled by a member of the movement. The Messenger has a plan meant to usher in “The Dark Time,” and interlopers are viewed unkindly. Peter, June, Ellie and those closest to them are in danger from a group of people determined to carry out the apocalypse.
This ninth installment in Nick Petrie’s series is a home run from the onset. It pits our lionhearted protagonist against a formidable foe, a doomsday cult headed by a magnetic leader who commands a devoted and militant following. Peter Ash is a soldier through and through who carries the burden of those he has lost, both on and off the battlefield. Despite his anger over KT’s death, he assumes the role of protector in keeping Ellie safe and commits himself to this mission wholeheartedly.
THE DARK TIME is an exhilarating thriller with a gripping plot, tense action sequences, and a chillingly authentic villain. Petrie continues to bang out unputdownable and memorable novels, and I already am looking forward to book #10.
Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
My hero Peter Ash is back!! If you have ever read a book in this series, you know what to expect: The story will be full of action, it will be explosive, and it will be violent. This one is all of those and more.
Investigative journalist Katelyn Thorsen, known as KT, receives a written death threat for herself and her daughter at their home. Not good that someone who wants to kill her knows where she lives. Fortunately, KT is friends with June who is girlfriend to Peter Ash. So June sends him to take care of them. Of course, the guard duty goes sideways and Peter has to call in his friends who are as lethal as he is. They discover a cult of fanatics who believe the Dark Time is coming. And they intend to help it along.
If you haven't read a Peter Ash book before, he is a former Marine Lieutenant in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has mostly gotten over the white static he hears when in enclosed places. He kills but he has a high moral code of conduct. I loved his friends and sidekicks Lewis, Manny and June.
I found parts of the book scary by the detailing of how vulnerable our infrastructure is. I can't even think about this for long or I would envision it actually happening. Very scary thoughts.
The last quarter of the book is pure adrenaline. I won an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway and couldn't believe I got this one. It is going on my bookshelf with all my other books by this author.
Investigative journalist Katelyn Thorsen, known as KT, receives a written death threat for herself and her daughter at their home. Not good that someone who wants to kill her knows where she lives. Fortunately, KT is friends with June who is girlfriend to Peter Ash. So June sends him to take care of them. Of course, the guard duty goes sideways and Peter has to call in his friends who are as lethal as he is. They discover a cult of fanatics who believe the Dark Time is coming. And they intend to help it along.
If you haven't read a Peter Ash book before, he is a former Marine Lieutenant in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has mostly gotten over the white static he hears when in enclosed places. He kills but he has a high moral code of conduct. I loved his friends and sidekicks Lewis, Manny and June.
I found parts of the book scary by the detailing of how vulnerable our infrastructure is. I can't even think about this for long or I would envision it actually happening. Very scary thoughts.
The last quarter of the book is pure adrenaline. I won an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway and couldn't believe I got this one. It is going on my bookshelf with all my other books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of the new Nick Petrie book. The Dark time. This is the 9th book in the Peter Ash series and it does not disappoint. the action opens up right away with Peter coming to the aid of a journalist who happens to be a friend of Peters girlfriend June. The journalist, KT has received a threatening letter to stop a story she is working on. Peter comes right on the scene as KT and her daughter are attacked. The action ramps up from there and is almost non-stop for the rest of the book. Peter, June and their great friend Lewis and Marine friend Manny and his wife are all put in harm's way. as usual they all go on the offensive. soon the team is battling a megalomaniac and his cult as they prep for the Dark Time that is coming albeit at their own hands. the charismatic cult leader is using technology and the rise of AI as his reason to bring down modern society and start all over. Peter and his crew deal with harsh treatment but come through it. this was a fast read with lots of action. the only problem for me was at the end there were two characters that were unaccounted for. i know the book was an ARC and hope when the final editions are put out it gets fixed up
March 11, 2026
A fellow journalist and mentor of June’s has inadvertently stumbled across something that has resulted in her receiving death threats, so she asks her partner, former Marine Peter Ash, to lend a hand. When the situation quickly spirals from there, Peter calls for reinforcements.
I’ve been a fan of this series since its introduction a decade ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed the character development of Peter Ash, appreciating the realistic depictions of his struggles with PTSD, and his deepening friendships with supporting characters that have become family. This series continues to get better with each new installment, and while this installment delivers on the action readers come to expect from a Peter Ash novel, this one feels especially timely and a bit cautionary, which serves to ratchet up the tension.
It could be read as a standalone, but readers would miss the nuances of the relationship development and their history together, and frankly, this is such a superb series, it is well worth the time to be read in its entirety. It has easily become one of my favorites and I eagerly look forward to the next installment!
Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons kindly provided me an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been a fan of this series since its introduction a decade ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed the character development of Peter Ash, appreciating the realistic depictions of his struggles with PTSD, and his deepening friendships with supporting characters that have become family. This series continues to get better with each new installment, and while this installment delivers on the action readers come to expect from a Peter Ash novel, this one feels especially timely and a bit cautionary, which serves to ratchet up the tension.
It could be read as a standalone, but readers would miss the nuances of the relationship development and their history together, and frankly, this is such a superb series, it is well worth the time to be read in its entirety. It has easily become one of my favorites and I eagerly look forward to the next installment!
Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons kindly provided me an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for a free ARC of the book for my honest review.
The 9th installment in the Peter Ash series and another fun read. I’ve long been a fan of this series and the author’s story telling.
Overall, was worth the read, and despite the pacing, which I get into next, I was able to read through this book quickly, often not realizing that I had read 20-30 pages, which for me is a good sign that I can get lost in the book. While you can read this if you have never read any of the other books, because some backstories are referenced, you would get a lot more if you start at the beginning to see how the characters grow into who they are in this story.
While I usually feel like the stories flow smoothly, usually with a slower burn before it really ramps up, it felt like pacing was a bit off with this one. After a fast start, it felt like it muddled along for awhile trying to find itself before kicking back up in the last 100 pages.
The 9th installment in the Peter Ash series and another fun read. I’ve long been a fan of this series and the author’s story telling.
Overall, was worth the read, and despite the pacing, which I get into next, I was able to read through this book quickly, often not realizing that I had read 20-30 pages, which for me is a good sign that I can get lost in the book. While you can read this if you have never read any of the other books, because some backstories are referenced, you would get a lot more if you start at the beginning to see how the characters grow into who they are in this story.
While I usually feel like the stories flow smoothly, usually with a slower burn before it really ramps up, it felt like pacing was a bit off with this one. After a fast start, it felt like it muddled along for awhile trying to find itself before kicking back up in the last 100 pages.
October 15, 2025
I have loved all of the previous Nick Petrie novels that have Peter Ash as the protagonist. I have looked forward to the release of each new book with excitement. THE DARK TIME, for me, was an often frustrating book to read. The tempo seemed a bit off, the timing of action scenes seemed less frequent than previous books. And, frankly, it is very difficult to pull off a story about a Doomsday cult/plan when the news picks them up with some regularity. These books work, for me, when a vaguely plausible threat ignites Peter Ash, and his responses show ingenuity and power. I never wondered where this plot was heading because I knew the final destination. This is easily read as a stand alone novel, although the previous books are fantastic and worth finding. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
March 14, 2026
Veteran thriller writer Nick Petrie has once again written the thriller among thrillers. As always, Peter Ash, a former Special Operations soldier, is at the center of the hurricane. While in Seattle, Peter's girlfriend, June, receives a note that her friend, K.T., is going to be murdered. And for no apparent reason.
K. T. is under attack, dealing with multiple attempts on her life and on the life of her daughter. Unfortunately, the police are useless, leaving Peter and June to find out who or what is behind the threats. During their investigation, they encounter a bizarre multinational cult whose objective is to destroy power grids worldwide to seize control through chaos and reshape society according to their extremist ideology.
Relentless danger and impossible odds make The Dark Time one of Petrie's best.
K. T. is under attack, dealing with multiple attempts on her life and on the life of her daughter. Unfortunately, the police are useless, leaving Peter and June to find out who or what is behind the threats. During their investigation, they encounter a bizarre multinational cult whose objective is to destroy power grids worldwide to seize control through chaos and reshape society according to their extremist ideology.
Relentless danger and impossible odds make The Dark Time one of Petrie's best.
January 28, 2026
The latest entry in the Peter Ash series is excellent. There is immediate action and tension as Peter attempts to rush to the aid of a journalist in Seattle only to discover that the danger runs even deeper than expected.
The survivalist cult that he is up against is determined to bring down society and will stop at nothing to make that happen.
I am a huge fan of the Peter Ash series and love how he does a great job of showing the growth in the relationship between Peter, June and Lewis as the series progresses.
The book can definitely be enjoyed without reading the rest of the series but I highly recommend starting at the first book to get the most enjoyment from it.
If you enjoy the Jack Reacher series you will love the Peter Ash series as well.
The survivalist cult that he is up against is determined to bring down society and will stop at nothing to make that happen.
I am a huge fan of the Peter Ash series and love how he does a great job of showing the growth in the relationship between Peter, June and Lewis as the series progresses.
The book can definitely be enjoyed without reading the rest of the series but I highly recommend starting at the first book to get the most enjoyment from it.
If you enjoy the Jack Reacher series you will love the Peter Ash series as well.
March 13, 2026
This one really sucks you in from the start. I was glad that Peter happened to be in the right place to help KT and Ellie. It was crazy how things got out of control so quickly, more crazy what happened to KT and things devolved from there.
With Peter on the run, not sure who to trust, other than his own people, this one got sticky quickly. What Peter and June found out was so crazy. What this group planned and what they believed. I loved that Louis was there for back up, as well as Manny, because at times, they were all needed.
It was close at the end, but the right knowledge got into the right hands to stop the worst from happening. I also liked how the bad guys got theirs, they all deserved it and more.
With Peter on the run, not sure who to trust, other than his own people, this one got sticky quickly. What Peter and June found out was so crazy. What this group planned and what they believed. I loved that Louis was there for back up, as well as Manny, because at times, they were all needed.
It was close at the end, but the right knowledge got into the right hands to stop the worst from happening. I also liked how the bad guys got theirs, they all deserved it and more.
March 8, 2026
I love the Peter Ash series, and this installment pulled me in immediately. A journalist and her daughter find themselves in danger because of a story she’s chasing—though she has no idea which one put a target on her back. When a death threat surfaces, Peter is sent to investigate and arrives just in time to interrupt an attempted murder. From there, he and his crew race to uncover who’s behind the threat and what they’re so desperate to keep hidden. Action packed and full of heart, Petrie delivers another standout entry in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Nick Petrie delivers again. This time Peter Ash is back in Seattle where a friend of June is threatened. The Dark Time is a fast paced thriller with some whacky people behind a scheme that is truly dark. Soon things get really serious when killers appear on every corner. At least it feels that way. Thankfully Peter gets some help from friends. As always with Petrie you get a well written story and this is among his best. I can really recommend it. I also must thank Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam's Sons for giving me an advance copy to enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The ninth book in the Peter Ash series is every bit as good as the first eight. This non stop action, page turner has great characters and a well paced plot, that kept me reading almost straight through. While it can easily be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series starting with "The Drifter" to get the full development of the characters and their relationships. Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced reader
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced reader
November 18, 2025
A gripping, high octane thriller! This story pulls you in from the first page with nonstop tension, compelling characters, and a plot packed with danger and intrigue. Peter Ash’s determination to protect KT and her daughter adds powerful emotional depth, while the escalating threats keep you hooked until the very end. A fast, sharp, and satisfying read for every thriller lover.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Always a pleasure to read the next installment in this series! This one had me turning pages very quickly and I had to remind myself to breathe a couple times at its intensity! Fans of this series will be thrilled with this one! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review
March 10, 2026
This was my first Nick Petrie book, it will not be my last. Peter Ash is sent to protect KT, an investigative journalist. Soon Peter and KT’s daughter are on the running for their lives. This was a fun, extremely entertaining read. When June, Peter’s girlfriend and KT’s buddy, shows up, it ratchets up the action. The action is almost nonstop, the banter and dialogue is electric.
March 17, 2026
This is my 8th Petrie mystery-thriller. Having lived briefly in the Pacific Northwest it brought back many memories of this beautiful part of the USA. The formula for the Peter Ash novels is getting predictable and Im starting to lose interest. Hopefully this author has more tricks up his sleeve.
March 18, 2026
A marvelous read as always. This is a frightening look into what might happen in the world. Very realistic and downright scary. Love the depth of the characters and their development through the series. The plot is always intriguing, fascinating, and something you can hardly put down. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I will read all the Peter Ash books as long as Nick Petrie keeps publishing them! I enjoyed the fantastic opening sequence of The Dark Time that starts up right off with action. Some of my favorite fictional characters are Peter, June and Lewis. I love going on adventures with them!
March 16, 2026
another excellent novel by a master storyteller
Nick Petrie’s books are thoroughly enjoyable. His rich characters, plots and observations are such a welcome antidote to everyday life.
Nick Petrie’s books are thoroughly enjoyable. His rich characters, plots and observations are such a welcome antidote to everyday life.
March 17, 2026
Great action, wonderful characters. The content was just not my cup of tea. However Peter Ash and his family and friends are amazing characters to follow along on their adventures. Well done on audio.
March 17, 2026
I love the Peter Ash books and 9 of them is not enough! Please send number 10 ASAP! This was a real page turner and an amazing read, as always. No spoilers here; just open it up and start reading. Never a dull moment. Every page advances the plot!
March 19, 2026
ANOTHER GOOD READ
Petrie has a unique ability to make humane warfare on evil. Credible characters, from teenagers to conflicted bad guys. And he has obviously spent time in Seattle and the NW from all the descriptions. Thanks for another good read.
Petrie has a unique ability to make humane warfare on evil. Credible characters, from teenagers to conflicted bad guys. And he has obviously spent time in Seattle and the NW from all the descriptions. Thanks for another good read.
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