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Dark Sanctuary
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Expected 28 Apr 26A mother's worst fear, a killer on the loose, a darkness visible... A gripping page-turner for readers of Candice Fox and Karen Slaughter from an award-winning author
Sergeant 'Hex' Rexford is the detective who caught the infamous serial killer Dr. Witcherton. Now, with a series of gruesome murders unfolding inside Coast Sanctuary - a hospital for the criminally insane - Witcherton claims to know who's behind them. Hex takes the case, determined to uncover the truth, even as his own body is failing him.
Beth Thompson is desperate to keep her children safe. Her violent ex is stalking her, her son's behaviour is growing strange, and his beloved teddy bear, Theo, might be more than just a toy. When an elderly woman offers Beth a remote cottage, it feels like a chance to breathe - but safety is an illusion.
Meanwhile, true crime podcasters Eve and Zane are chasing the story of the murders. But as Eve edges closer to the truth, the danger closes in.
As past and present collide, and the body count rises, the threads connecting them all begin to tighten - and something terrifying is watching from the dark.
Sergeant 'Hex' Rexford is the detective who caught the infamous serial killer Dr. Witcherton. Now, with a series of gruesome murders unfolding inside Coast Sanctuary - a hospital for the criminally insane - Witcherton claims to know who's behind them. Hex takes the case, determined to uncover the truth, even as his own body is failing him.
Beth Thompson is desperate to keep her children safe. Her violent ex is stalking her, her son's behaviour is growing strange, and his beloved teddy bear, Theo, might be more than just a toy. When an elderly woman offers Beth a remote cottage, it feels like a chance to breathe - but safety is an illusion.
Meanwhile, true crime podcasters Eve and Zane are chasing the story of the murders. But as Eve edges closer to the truth, the danger closes in.
As past and present collide, and the body count rises, the threads connecting them all begin to tighten - and something terrifying is watching from the dark.
- GenresCrime
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 28, 2026
6 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 21, 2026
This book comes straight out of left field, slaps you and demands your attention….and it’s not going to take no for an answer.
I’m a massive fan of Sarah’s Lexi Winter series, Lexi is one of my all time favourite characters, so I was a little nervous on just how Sarah was going to move on from there. However, there is no doubt that she had done just that, and in true brilliance.
Dark Sanctuary is told from the point of view of the three main protagonists. Sergeant ‘Hex’ Rexford is a detective at the end of his career and possibly his own life, but with a determination to see a serial killer caught. Beth, a mum doing her best trying to survive her ex and keep a roof over the heads of her two children. Then there is Eve, a podcaster with a difference, she has her heart in the right place and is trying to find the truth.
There are a wide variety of characters in this story, and they all play their part impeccably. Some will find a place in your heart, and to put it bluntly, there are one or two that will rile you up and you will want to punch them in the face, but regardless, they will all bring your emotions front and centre as you make your way through this book.
This captivating story is entertaining, action-packed, emotional and full of twists and turns around every corner. It had my attention from the opening prologue, and didn’t let go until the very end, well to be honest, it didn’t let go even then as it has stayed with me while I write this review.
There is so much I’d love to say about this book, seriously I will be talking about it long into the future, but I don’t want to spoil anything for other readers, so I’ll leave it there and just say…..you really need to grab a copy of Dark Sanctuary and see for yourself….but maybe lock your doors if you’re reading it at night.
Thank you Harlequin Australia for my fabulous ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date | 28 April 2026
#darksanctuary
#sarahbarrie
#darksecrets
#harlequinaustralia
#harpercollinsbooks
I’m a massive fan of Sarah’s Lexi Winter series, Lexi is one of my all time favourite characters, so I was a little nervous on just how Sarah was going to move on from there. However, there is no doubt that she had done just that, and in true brilliance.
Dark Sanctuary is told from the point of view of the three main protagonists. Sergeant ‘Hex’ Rexford is a detective at the end of his career and possibly his own life, but with a determination to see a serial killer caught. Beth, a mum doing her best trying to survive her ex and keep a roof over the heads of her two children. Then there is Eve, a podcaster with a difference, she has her heart in the right place and is trying to find the truth.
There are a wide variety of characters in this story, and they all play their part impeccably. Some will find a place in your heart, and to put it bluntly, there are one or two that will rile you up and you will want to punch them in the face, but regardless, they will all bring your emotions front and centre as you make your way through this book.
This captivating story is entertaining, action-packed, emotional and full of twists and turns around every corner. It had my attention from the opening prologue, and didn’t let go until the very end, well to be honest, it didn’t let go even then as it has stayed with me while I write this review.
There is so much I’d love to say about this book, seriously I will be talking about it long into the future, but I don’t want to spoil anything for other readers, so I’ll leave it there and just say…..you really need to grab a copy of Dark Sanctuary and see for yourself….but maybe lock your doors if you’re reading it at night.
Thank you Harlequin Australia for my fabulous ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date | 28 April 2026
#darksanctuary
#sarahbarrie
#darksecrets
#harlequinaustralia
#harpercollinsbooks
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow, this storyline is incredibly spine chilling and although I was a little anxious with reading, I also wanted to know who the murderer was and although it kept me on tenterhooks, I never guessed the ending till closer to the end.
The storyline has like 3 lots of different stories of people and I wasn't sure how they were all going to be connected to each other.
We have Sergeant Rexford known as Hex and he is a detective investigating the gruesome murders inside Coast Sanctuary Hospital for the criminally insane. It's not hard to like him and feel his pain of losing his wife who he carries a picture in his wallet and he himself is suffering with health problems but is determined to see this through and catch the killer.
Then there is Eve & Zane who are crime podcasters and they are chasing the story of the murders.
We also follow a great story with Beth and her two children ages 5 and 11. She has an abusive ex-husband that is so annoying and demanding for her attention all the time. I found reading about her life really interesting but how was she connected to the murders of all these people. Keep reading and you will find out.
Beth befriends from work an elderly lady called Rose who was just so delightful and loved Rose like her own. Beth was helping her write her memoirs. It wasn't hard to warm to Rose at all.
Us the reader will be captured from the first page, it really grips you to the core of how these people, mostly women are murdered. A lot of twists and turns to keep you interested. It's one of those stories that you just can't put down.
There were times that I felt tears welling up. I highly recommend reading this great crime thriller. Even if you are a bit like me and apprehensive, don't be as this storyline really captivates you into finishing reading and seeing how they are all entwined into the murders and who the murderer is.
Sarah Barrie has created another tense but thrilling storyline who brings out the most amazing storylines and descriptive murders that chill you. I don't think I will look at knitting needles the same anymore.
Thank you to @harlequinaustralia for sending me this uncorrected proof-reading copy. The cover really suits the storyline. Also to @sarahbarrie, I know I will read more of your books for sure.
The storyline has like 3 lots of different stories of people and I wasn't sure how they were all going to be connected to each other.
We have Sergeant Rexford known as Hex and he is a detective investigating the gruesome murders inside Coast Sanctuary Hospital for the criminally insane. It's not hard to like him and feel his pain of losing his wife who he carries a picture in his wallet and he himself is suffering with health problems but is determined to see this through and catch the killer.
Then there is Eve & Zane who are crime podcasters and they are chasing the story of the murders.
We also follow a great story with Beth and her two children ages 5 and 11. She has an abusive ex-husband that is so annoying and demanding for her attention all the time. I found reading about her life really interesting but how was she connected to the murders of all these people. Keep reading and you will find out.
Beth befriends from work an elderly lady called Rose who was just so delightful and loved Rose like her own. Beth was helping her write her memoirs. It wasn't hard to warm to Rose at all.
Us the reader will be captured from the first page, it really grips you to the core of how these people, mostly women are murdered. A lot of twists and turns to keep you interested. It's one of those stories that you just can't put down.
There were times that I felt tears welling up. I highly recommend reading this great crime thriller. Even if you are a bit like me and apprehensive, don't be as this storyline really captivates you into finishing reading and seeing how they are all entwined into the murders and who the murderer is.
Sarah Barrie has created another tense but thrilling storyline who brings out the most amazing storylines and descriptive murders that chill you. I don't think I will look at knitting needles the same anymore.
Thank you to @harlequinaustralia for sending me this uncorrected proof-reading copy. The cover really suits the storyline. Also to @sarahbarrie, I know I will read more of your books for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(3.5 stars)
Sarah Barrie is a competent Australian crime writer, as her Lexi Winter series shows. Dark Sanctuary has three protagonists, a dying cop whose retirement is drawing close, a podcast journalist, and an aged care worker who is being besieged by her violent ex-partner. They eventually coalesce into a coherent, if slightly unbelievable serial killer narrative. Like the previous series, it's set on the Central Coast, so locales like Kariong and Woy Woy will be familiar to Coasties.
What Barrie does well in this book is her depictions of domestic, family and sexual violence, including reproductive coercion: "He'd tossed out her pill and told her he'd like a son." It doesn't feel like poorly integrated 'research': "And sometime during the taking over of her life, and the slow and methodical eroding of her self-esteem, the exhausted, overwhelmed young mother had become the wife he wanted her to be: quiet, compliant, and grateful for whatever crumbs of affection or approval he decided to dish out." What I liked even more, is that the character who this relates to, Beth, was anything but a compliant doormat. She's strong and resilient and will do anything to save her kids. To me this felt like a very accurate description of how coercive control is a pattern of behaviours that can erode even the strongest women subjected to it.
What makes this book slightly worse for me than the Lexi Winter books, is at 46% read I knew who the killer was. I wrote a note in my Kindle saying, for a journalist investigating day release murders to accept someone from the mental health facility she's investigating who only shows up during the day as a tenant in her home should have set off some alarm bells. This diminished my pleasure in the book. Sure there are twists, but if you know who the killer is, it's a bit like a pantomime where you're screaming: "Look behind you!" at an oblivious character.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy to read.
Sarah Barrie is a competent Australian crime writer, as her Lexi Winter series shows. Dark Sanctuary has three protagonists, a dying cop whose retirement is drawing close, a podcast journalist, and an aged care worker who is being besieged by her violent ex-partner. They eventually coalesce into a coherent, if slightly unbelievable serial killer narrative. Like the previous series, it's set on the Central Coast, so locales like Kariong and Woy Woy will be familiar to Coasties.
What Barrie does well in this book is her depictions of domestic, family and sexual violence, including reproductive coercion: "He'd tossed out her pill and told her he'd like a son." It doesn't feel like poorly integrated 'research': "And sometime during the taking over of her life, and the slow and methodical eroding of her self-esteem, the exhausted, overwhelmed young mother had become the wife he wanted her to be: quiet, compliant, and grateful for whatever crumbs of affection or approval he decided to dish out." What I liked even more, is that the character who this relates to, Beth, was anything but a compliant doormat. She's strong and resilient and will do anything to save her kids. To me this felt like a very accurate description of how coercive control is a pattern of behaviours that can erode even the strongest women subjected to it.
What makes this book slightly worse for me than the Lexi Winter books, is at 46% read I knew who the killer was. I wrote a note in my Kindle saying, for a journalist investigating day release murders to accept someone from the mental health facility she's investigating who only shows up during the day as a tenant in her home should have set off some alarm bells. This diminished my pleasure in the book. Sure there are twists, but if you know who the killer is, it's a bit like a pantomime where you're screaming: "Look behind you!" at an oblivious character.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This stand alone novel is perhaps Barrie’s best so far. It’s very fast paced, emotionally engaging, and has a credibility some of her earlier novels have lacked. Crime readers will enjoy this very much.
If you’ve read any of my reviews of Barrie’s earlier work, you’ll know I’ve often enjoyed her characters and her plots, but have found some things lacking credibility, including the way characters behave. I didn’t find that a problem at all, here. Barrie seems on firmer ground, and she sweeps readers confidently into a fast moving, action packed plot. You’ll likely get very caught up in reading this.
It’s a diverse cast, and not everyone is necessarily appealing – well, there’s a serial murderer on the loose and plenty of suspects – but they’re all pretty believable. The main characters are very engaging, and although I’d say this puts most emphasis on the action and suspense, you’ll feel for some of them too.
There’s a couple of twists near the end that’ll keep you on your toes. A couple of early ones are well telegraphed, but I rather think that was partly for distraction purposes. Few readers will untangle it all on their own.
If you want a tight, fast moving novel that sits on the line between thriller and crime novel, this should suit well. It’s well written, in an easy style that keeps pages turning quickly after hooking you early. This is a great read and I’m interested to see what Barrie does next.
You may also be interested in my reviews of other novels by Sarah Barrie:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
If you’ve read any of my reviews of Barrie’s earlier work, you’ll know I’ve often enjoyed her characters and her plots, but have found some things lacking credibility, including the way characters behave. I didn’t find that a problem at all, here. Barrie seems on firmer ground, and she sweeps readers confidently into a fast moving, action packed plot. You’ll likely get very caught up in reading this.
It’s a diverse cast, and not everyone is necessarily appealing – well, there’s a serial murderer on the loose and plenty of suspects – but they’re all pretty believable. The main characters are very engaging, and although I’d say this puts most emphasis on the action and suspense, you’ll feel for some of them too.
There’s a couple of twists near the end that’ll keep you on your toes. A couple of early ones are well telegraphed, but I rather think that was partly for distraction purposes. Few readers will untangle it all on their own.
If you want a tight, fast moving novel that sits on the line between thriller and crime novel, this should suit well. It’s well written, in an easy style that keeps pages turning quickly after hooking you early. This is a great read and I’m interested to see what Barrie does next.
You may also be interested in my reviews of other novels by Sarah Barrie:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Advanced Reading Copy Review – Dark Sanctuary by Sarah Barrie
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reading copy of Dark Sanctuary, and from the very first chapter I knew this would be a book that I would have trouble putting down.
I did wonder at the start how Beth, Hex and Eve’s stories would end up entwined but the more I read the quicker I realised how these characters were going to work together.
Set against an atmospheric and often unsettling backdrop, the story draws you into a world where the past refuses to stay buried.
Thr author carefully builds tension throughout the book, revealing pieces of the story at just the right moments. The story line is layered with intrigue and emotional depth, and the slow unveiling of the characters’ histories keeps the pages turning. Just when you think you understand what is happening, another twist or revelation adds a new dimension to the story.
The characters are each carrying their own burdens and hidden truths. Their relationships and personal struggles add an emotional richness that balances the darker elements of the story. It’s easy to become invested in their journeys and to feel the weight of the secrets they are trying to uncover—or keep hidden.
Sarah Barries writing is both evocative and suspenseful, creating an atmosphere that is at times eerie and deeply compelling. The pacing allows the mystery to unfold naturally while still maintaining a gripping sense of suspense.
Dark Sanctuary is a well written and absorbing story that will appeal to readers who enjoy mysteries with strong characters and an emotionally driven storyline. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in quietly and then refuses to let go.
A compelling and haunting read that I would highly recommend.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reading copy of Dark Sanctuary, and from the very first chapter I knew this would be a book that I would have trouble putting down.
I did wonder at the start how Beth, Hex and Eve’s stories would end up entwined but the more I read the quicker I realised how these characters were going to work together.
Set against an atmospheric and often unsettling backdrop, the story draws you into a world where the past refuses to stay buried.
Thr author carefully builds tension throughout the book, revealing pieces of the story at just the right moments. The story line is layered with intrigue and emotional depth, and the slow unveiling of the characters’ histories keeps the pages turning. Just when you think you understand what is happening, another twist or revelation adds a new dimension to the story.
The characters are each carrying their own burdens and hidden truths. Their relationships and personal struggles add an emotional richness that balances the darker elements of the story. It’s easy to become invested in their journeys and to feel the weight of the secrets they are trying to uncover—or keep hidden.
Sarah Barries writing is both evocative and suspenseful, creating an atmosphere that is at times eerie and deeply compelling. The pacing allows the mystery to unfold naturally while still maintaining a gripping sense of suspense.
Dark Sanctuary is a well written and absorbing story that will appeal to readers who enjoy mysteries with strong characters and an emotionally driven storyline. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in quietly and then refuses to let go.
A compelling and haunting read that I would highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Dark Sanctuary by Sarah Barrie is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on edge from beginning to end. The story follows four key figures whose lives slowly intertwine during the investigation of a disturbing serial killer case. Sergeant Hex Rexford leads the official investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind the crimes. Beth, a desperate mother, is focused on doing whatever it takes to keep her two children safe. Meanwhile, Eve, a true-crime podcaster, becomes deeply interested in the case and begins investigating it from her own perspective.
At first, the novel unfolds through three separate storylines centred around Hex, Beth, and Eve. Despite the different perspectives, the story is easy to follow and the transitions between each character are well written. As the plot progresses, their paths begin to cross in unexpected ways, even though the characters themselves don’t realise the impact they will have on the final outcome.
The book is filled with twists and turns that constantly build suspense and keep the reader wondering what will happen next. One particularly creepy element involves a mysterious teddy bear that adds an unsettling atmosphere throughout the story. Overall, Dark Sanctuary is a true page-turner that keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat right until the very last page.
This advances reading copy was gifted to my by Harper Collins.
At first, the novel unfolds through three separate storylines centred around Hex, Beth, and Eve. Despite the different perspectives, the story is easy to follow and the transitions between each character are well written. As the plot progresses, their paths begin to cross in unexpected ways, even though the characters themselves don’t realise the impact they will have on the final outcome.
The book is filled with twists and turns that constantly build suspense and keep the reader wondering what will happen next. One particularly creepy element involves a mysterious teddy bear that adds an unsettling atmosphere throughout the story. Overall, Dark Sanctuary is a true page-turner that keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat right until the very last page.
This advances reading copy was gifted to my by Harper Collins.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There are some thrillers that keep you reading late into the night because you want to know how it ends, and this book is one of them.
From the first page, my attention was caught and that interest continued through the whole book. The style of writing is so fast-paced that it keeps the reader wanting to know more.
The book is narrated by three people - Beth, a mum going through a messy and disturbing separation, Eve, a true crime podcaster and Hex, the sergeant investigating a spate of brutal crimes. There are links between them but not all are obvious.
Sarah Barrie has done a fantastic job with the characters. They are so realistic, you find yourself wanting to jump into the book to protect some and put others where they should be. Sarah's problems with her separation are very topical and something we see in the media every day.
Dark Sanctuary is filled with twists that will definitely blindside the reader. Seeing how it all comes together is an incredible read but it does have to be mentioned that parts of the book are disturbing, so I do want to warn other readers of that.
If you were a huge fan of Sarah's unique character Lexi Winter and you have been missing her, this book will give you the same enjoyment. I can't recommend it highly enough.
From the first page, my attention was caught and that interest continued through the whole book. The style of writing is so fast-paced that it keeps the reader wanting to know more.
The book is narrated by three people - Beth, a mum going through a messy and disturbing separation, Eve, a true crime podcaster and Hex, the sergeant investigating a spate of brutal crimes. There are links between them but not all are obvious.
Sarah Barrie has done a fantastic job with the characters. They are so realistic, you find yourself wanting to jump into the book to protect some and put others where they should be. Sarah's problems with her separation are very topical and something we see in the media every day.
Dark Sanctuary is filled with twists that will definitely blindside the reader. Seeing how it all comes together is an incredible read but it does have to be mentioned that parts of the book are disturbing, so I do want to warn other readers of that.
If you were a huge fan of Sarah's unique character Lexi Winter and you have been missing her, this book will give you the same enjoyment. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC copy of Dark sanctuary thanks to HQ insiders @harlequinaustralia for an honest and fair review. I've read several of her books from the Lexi Winter series and loved them. If you love a great novel that's a psychology thriller and quite dark this is the book for you. It's a carefully crafted plotline with lots of twists a great protagonist Hex Rexford a tough battleworn detective with serious health concerns determined to find the serial killer responsible for the brutal murders of a number of women connected to a mental health facility from years ago. Plus some other murders which don't seem to have a connection but are definitely done by the same killer what lengths will Hex go to to end all this brutality? Also it is a tale of Beth Thompson and her children trying to navigate a seperation from a relationship with a narcissistic ex husband and domestic violence whilst trying to do a true crime podcast about the serial killer and victims.It is fast and action packed and builds to a climax I didn't see coming so definitely wasn't at all predictable. I really loved this stand alone story. Thanks Harlequin for the opportunity to read this fabulous book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Dark Sanctuary is a compelling book, cleverly crafted. Sadistic murders, podcasters investigating complaints about a mental health facility, domestic violence and so much more. When Eve and Zane begin investigating Coast Sanctuary, a hospital for the criminally insane,after many complaints from patients families, they find out the length the facility will go to to avoid scrutiny and jeopardise funding. Hex is a detective who put a notorious criminal doctor, Witcherton, behind bars. Witcherton claims he knows who is committing the murders. Beth is trying to protect her children and herself from her violent ex and the financial mess he has dumped on her, while trying not to let her troubles intrude on her work in a care facility. One of the tasks she sets up for the guests is journaling. Short chapters from character’s point of view keep the pages turning quickly. The characters are well developed and the interplay between them sets everything up for the final dramatic conclusion. Sarah Barrie is a perceptive and atmospheric writer and this book ticks all the boxes for a psychological thriller.
March 8, 2026
I've read and enjoyed all of Sarah Barrie's books so far, I really liked the Lexi Winter series. I was very excited to receive this book from HQ Insiders to read and review.
There seemed like a lot of characters in this book at first, and two very separate story lines. But eventually the two story lines cross over with a bang.
I read this book in less then 24 hours and that was on a work day! I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I thought I had an idea but there were still some twists and turns to come.
I enjoyed the setting, some places that I had been to before. I do enjoy novels using real locations.
I think readers of Candice Fox would enjoy Dark Sanctuary.
This was a very fast paced thriller with lots of characters.
This ARC did have some typos, a name mix up 3 times in one page and 2 major story line errors. Hopefully those will be picked up by editors before the final edition is released.
#HQinsiders
There seemed like a lot of characters in this book at first, and two very separate story lines. But eventually the two story lines cross over with a bang.
I read this book in less then 24 hours and that was on a work day! I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I thought I had an idea but there were still some twists and turns to come.
I enjoyed the setting, some places that I had been to before. I do enjoy novels using real locations.
I think readers of Candice Fox would enjoy Dark Sanctuary.
This was a very fast paced thriller with lots of characters.
This ARC did have some typos, a name mix up 3 times in one page and 2 major story line errors. Hopefully those will be picked up by editors before the final edition is released.
#HQinsiders
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to HQ Insiders for the opportunity to read this ARC of Dark Sanctuary by Sarah Barrie. This is the first book I've read from this author, and can I just say .... Wow! I was completely hooked by this book from the very first chapter.
This story is told from the point of view of 3 characters, and through Beth's fear for her family, Eve's curiousity to seek the truth and Hex's determination to find a killer, the story comes together in a way I certainly didn't see coming - Barrie's superpower is bringing together these seemingly unconnected characters to create an unforgettable crime thriller that will keep you intreged until the very last page.
This story is told from the point of view of 3 characters, and through Beth's fear for her family, Eve's curiousity to seek the truth and Hex's determination to find a killer, the story comes together in a way I certainly didn't see coming - Barrie's superpower is bringing together these seemingly unconnected characters to create an unforgettable crime thriller that will keep you intreged until the very last page.
March 18, 2026
What a roller coaster of a story!
Beth Thompson, a young mother who is trying to free herself from her manipulative husband and who in turn tries to use their children to get his way.
Rose, an elderly woman who wants to help Beth but also her own demons to battle.
Eve, a crime podcaster trying to chase a story for the next episode.
Sergent Hex Rexford, who is close to retirement but is desperate to solve the case of a serial killer as he has carried some guilt over the investigations when all started many years ago.
This is a very unsettling story. At times I saw or guessed how paths might be connected and this added to the feeling of unease. It made me get up to make sure the doors were locked.
And it will take some time until I can pick up my knitting needles and not think of this story….
Thank you Harlequin Australia for sending me an Advanced Readers Copy as part of the HQ Insiders program.
Beth Thompson, a young mother who is trying to free herself from her manipulative husband and who in turn tries to use their children to get his way.
Rose, an elderly woman who wants to help Beth but also her own demons to battle.
Eve, a crime podcaster trying to chase a story for the next episode.
Sergent Hex Rexford, who is close to retirement but is desperate to solve the case of a serial killer as he has carried some guilt over the investigations when all started many years ago.
This is a very unsettling story. At times I saw or guessed how paths might be connected and this added to the feeling of unease. It made me get up to make sure the doors were locked.
And it will take some time until I can pick up my knitting needles and not think of this story….
Thank you Harlequin Australia for sending me an Advanced Readers Copy as part of the HQ Insiders program.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I would read any book written by Sarah Barrie because all her books are good reads. Usually, I can’t put them down. Dark Sanctuary is one of those that I could not put down by the end.
I had to reread the start a couple of times before I fully understood who was who and I did find it to be a little more graphic than her older books but in the end her storytelling won me over. Set once again on the Central Coast of N.S.W. but this time in and around a hospital for the criminally insane there are some very chilling moments and quite a few twists.
My favourite character was Detective Hex.
Thank you to HQ Insiders for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I had to reread the start a couple of times before I fully understood who was who and I did find it to be a little more graphic than her older books but in the end her storytelling won me over. Set once again on the Central Coast of N.S.W. but this time in and around a hospital for the criminally insane there are some very chilling moments and quite a few twists.
My favourite character was Detective Hex.
Thank you to HQ Insiders for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow! This is one of the most compelling and complex thrillers that I have read. It has a few different storylines that are all connected. I love the darkness of the scenes and the characters. I was not at all expecting the connection so to say my jaw hit the floor is a severe understatement. Once it is all revealed I was kicking myself for not picking it up sooner because it makes sense. I flew through the entire book in a few hours and even now it's still on my mind. I am even going to say that this will be in my top 5 books for 2026! I know it deserves to be a bestseller.
March 22, 2026
Dark Sanctuary is Sarah Barrie’s next release, and boy is it a good one!
Following 3 different main characters - Detective ‘Hex’ Redford, single mother Beth Thompson and podcaster Eve, their lives intertwine when a series of gruesome murders take place.
Another great read from Sarah Barrie! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and boy, was I in disbelief at a few of the twists! I didn’t see them coming! 🤯🤯
Overall a great read and I’m sure another bestseller!
Thank you HQ insiders for the copy to read and review.
Following 3 different main characters - Detective ‘Hex’ Redford, single mother Beth Thompson and podcaster Eve, their lives intertwine when a series of gruesome murders take place.
Another great read from Sarah Barrie! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and boy, was I in disbelief at a few of the twists! I didn’t see them coming! 🤯🤯
Overall a great read and I’m sure another bestseller!
Thank you HQ insiders for the copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy
Sarah Barrie congratulations on yet another great book, the characters are amazing, Beth is a mother to two children battling her violent ex husband, Hex is a detective and Eve and Zane are true crime podcasters, ( no spoilers ) and don’t forget the infamous Dr Witcherton who is a serial killer, the book is easy to read lots of twists and turns that I never saw coming, this book will keep readers reading right to the end, once again Sarah Barrie has delivered a page turner of a book thanks
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a ride
Sarah Barrie does not disappoint. From the opening chapter (which I started at 9:00pm) to the last page Dark Sanctuary had me hooked. A page turning thriller keeping me in suspense throughout.
There are multiple characters with intertwined histories that it’s hard to give you a review without spoilers but suffice to say you will never look at teddy bears the same again.
Thank you @harlequinaustralia for the ARC it did not disappoint
Sarah Barrie does not disappoint. From the opening chapter (which I started at 9:00pm) to the last page Dark Sanctuary had me hooked. A page turning thriller keeping me in suspense throughout.
There are multiple characters with intertwined histories that it’s hard to give you a review without spoilers but suffice to say you will never look at teddy bears the same again.
Thank you @harlequinaustralia for the ARC it did not disappoint
March 9, 2026
OMG!
This was absolutely amazing!
So many thoughts running through my head!
I could not put it down!!
WOW!
Truly a twisted Thrill!
So many great characters, this story was Woven to perfection!!!
Five stars 🌟 is not enough!!
This was absolutely amazing!
So many thoughts running through my head!
I could not put it down!!
WOW!
Truly a twisted Thrill!
So many great characters, this story was Woven to perfection!!!
Five stars 🌟 is not enough!!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Gripping with lots of twists and turns that I did not see coming. This had quite a complex plot that kept me entertained till the very last page. Have always enjoyed Sarah Barrie's writing and this did not disappoint.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to get my hands on an ARC and it was SO good! Loved the twists and so many hold-your-breath moments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
Another solid crime thriller from Sarah Barrie. The action shifts between soon to be retired detective “Hex” Rexford, a single mum dealing with her abusive ex Beth Thompson, and podcasters Eve and Zane who are investigating deaths at a local private mental health facility. Eventually all characters plot lines cleverly overlap with each other. My issue with this book is that the podcasters storyline felt superfluous and Eve was so unprofessional, I find it hard to believe she is an actual journalist. The decisions she made to trust characters she didn't know as just utterly baffling! It was also very easy to work out who the culprit was thanks to the podcaster chapters, which made for a disappointment when the characters work it out.
Another solid crime thriller from Sarah Barrie. The action shifts between soon to be retired detective “Hex” Rexford, a single mum dealing with her abusive ex Beth Thompson, and podcasters Eve and Zane who are investigating deaths at a local private mental health facility. Eventually all characters plot lines cleverly overlap with each other. My issue with this book is that the podcasters storyline felt superfluous and Eve was so unprofessional, I find it hard to believe she is an actual journalist. The decisions she made to trust characters she didn't know as just utterly baffling! It was also very easy to work out who the culprit was thanks to the podcaster chapters, which made for a disappointment when the characters work it out.
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