Dark Road Home

by Angela Bennett

Victor Simone, head of a hit man organization, murdered Belle McBain's corrupt father. Following in her dad's career footsteps, Belle becomes an attorney, but she can't seem to move beyond the whispers of her crooked father's corruption or his failures to his family. Instead of building a career in law, she escapes to a life of drugs and lives off her trust fund.
Unable to cope, Belle attempts suicide and is soon admitted into a rehab clinic where she tries to heal. However, her wounds run deep, so the healing takes time. Once released and three years sober, Belle begins a new life as a private investigator in Jersey City with the help of a friend in law enforcement. Sixteen years have passed ... until everything changes.
One of Victor Simone's cronies is in FBI custody and makes a deal. He says he'll tell where the fugitive Simone is hiding if Belle agrees to meet with him. When she does, she begins to wonder if her father was ever a dirty attorney at all. As she searches for answers, Belle discovers more than she bargained for, including something more unbelievable than she could have imagined.

Genres: Thriller

254 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 2017

About the author

Angela Bennett lives in Florida and New York City with her husband and overly large German Shepherd, and is hard at work on her next Belle McBain novel.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorite books that I've read this year. The book starts out as most mob books do with a killing but this book is so much more than a mob book. The book is about a survivor who hit rock bottom before getting it all together. The characters are developed and most readers will take sides from the very beginning but is everything as it should be. I have to give the book 5 stars because of the didn't see that one coming at the end of the book. I was given an ARC for an honest review so thank you to the author and publisher.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Angela Bennett has written such an engaging read that I found it hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the entire storyline. Although I picked up on a few breadcrumbs that Angela wrote into the story, everytime I picked one up, there was a twist to the storyline. Not til right before the end did the big BAM happen and it was perfect. I'm glad this was the first of Angela Bennett's books that I have read and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Belle was getting her life back, she was requested to travel to Florida to meet with someone from her past. She was trying to forget the past and move one with her life.
It finally became clear to belle that all along her father wanted to protect her. She hoped someday she would see her family again.
I won this Free Book from Goodreads First-Reads.

[Vickie Sarmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your mother is dead, and now your father has been murdered!! And the news that Belle McBain is hearing is that her father, Ethan McBain, was a corrupt attorney and worked for a criminal, by the name Victor Simone. Victor Simone hired an army of paid assassins for hire, and he was ruthless. But what was the real reason why her father was murdered? Belle decides she will become a lawyer, and finishes law school, only to self sabotage. She became addicted to drugs and alcohol and it eventually ended her short law career. After she almost dies in one of her alcoholic binges in a car accident, an ER doctor tells Belle that she either admits herself to rehab, or the hospital will do it for her. Belle finally takes control of her life and goes into rehab. Eight months later, she’s clean and is looking forward with moving on with her life. Now she is ready to start her own private investigation company, with a little help from her inheritance. She is also involved with a remarkable doctor. When she thinks that everything is starting to look up, the FBI shows up on her doorstep and says that one of Victor Simone’s associates, Anthony “The Accountant” Carzozza, has been arrested and charged with embezzlement. Carzozza is turning states evidence against Victor Simone. However, before he will give up Victor Simone’s location, he has asked to see Belle. She doesn’t want to see him and basically says so. Agent Cartwright, understands and informs his superiors. Then things start to unravel, when she receives a phone call from a young teen, E.J.Harding, who says he’s being held by the FBI in protective custody in Florida. E.J. tells her that his mother said if anything happened to her, he was to call Belle. Belle is at a total loss because she doesn’t know this boy or his mother. Belle’s curiosity takes over and she proceeds to make plans to go to Florida. She can kill two birds with one stone, by seeing what Carzozza wants to tell her and also finding out where E.J. is being kept. What a really intriguing mystery this is. There are so many things that are secretive and unfolding in this book, that it was extremely hard to put it down. Why does Carzozza want to see her? Will she find E.J.? Where is his mother, and how does she know Belle? Will the FBI finally locate Victor Simone? The plot development was genius and very descriptive. The character development was superb. The reader could relate to every emotion that the characters were experiencing, whether it was good or bad. The ending was phenomenal and was totally unexpected. To be quite honest, I didn’t want the book to end. If you like intrigue and mystery until the very end, you will really enjoy this book.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a great storyline and it flowed very well, being told from a few different characters. I kind of anticipated the ending but my train of thought was a little off. The ending was good. There were lots of good twists. I am curious to see where the author goes next with the storyline. I’d like to know more Joseph and Ethan... I won’t say anything more, don’t want to ruin it for anyone.

[Jimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Dark Road Home as part of an October 2018 Goodreads Psychological Thriller book of the month club read. I was impressed with the character development and flow of Dark Road Home. The book is filled with intrigue, suspense, and family dynamics. The book centers around a newly certified Private Investigator that receives a call from help from a teenage boy. This one phone call sets in motion the entire book. The reader is taken on a joy rode. Along the ride, we find the true reason why the PI was called. She finds the truth about her family by the end of the book. I'm glad I got a chance to read and discuss this book. This book was a fun and wild ride.

[Dell Goeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely fabulous......a page turner from start to finish......always a twist and turn to keep me reading. didnt want to put it down....cant wait for her new book to come out.....

i strongly recommend this book....

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book! Very intriguing story that pulled me in and kept me in! Waiting for author's next book in the series.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually this is the type of book that I love but I just didn't find this book interesting enough to hold my attention for long. Struggled to finish it.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author. It was a slow start for me...but then I couldn't put it down. I loved all the twists and turns!!! I can not wait to read the next book in the series!!

[Jim Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a stirring, compelling read. This is the October 2018 Psychological Thrillers Book of the Month group read. The discussion thread is open, so c'mon down. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read, especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers. Love the Plot and the main character, Belle, is amazing!

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Janeandjerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sent to me in the mail from the author and after reading it can't wait to see what else she has available. There is a start of a book in the back of this one BOOK OF HOURS and it too sounded pretty good.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this book through Goodreads giveaways! Thanks, Angela Bennett, I look forward to reading the next in the Belle McBain series!

[Noelle Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting. I found it had good characters and a sturdy plot and it was enjoyable. There were a couple of parts where it was slightly difficult to get through but the story as a whole helped with powering through those particular parts.


*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Liked the character’s of Belle and Os.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book introduces you to Belle McBain. After her father was murdered, her life went downhill. Three years sober, life seems good - until...

With Dark Road Home, Angela Bennett has created a suspense story that starts slowly to portray past events as well as several important characters, if they are good or bad can be learned as the story proceeds. It is a quite compelling read that draws you slowly closer to Belle and the case. Angela Bennett reveals the characters' mindsets, integrating them in the plot, you want to find the truth and/or reasons why as much as Belle. Belle is believable, determined, and stubborn. And who would not love geeky Osmond? The story develops from being on the slowish side to a faster and steady (really enjoyable) flow. Be prepared for some very interesting turns. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment.

This is a book for you if you like suspense stories with believable characters and psychological aspects, and if you appreciate determined female sleuths.

Recommended.

[Laura Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told in different pov's, this story will keep you white knuckled as you grip every page. This story had my heart racing as I was thrown curve ball after curve ball of surprises. The writing blew me away at how original it was and how the scene was painted out before you. Bennet kicks butt with this gritty crime novel and packs a punch of a story. Belle's character had my heart wrenching and yearning to reach through the pages and hug her for how much she goes through. She is such a strong character. The supporting cast that Bennet writes was well developed and helped to motivate the story line. Each character brought something different to the table and made the story just that much better. I thoroughly enjoyed how each scene was so descriptive, I felt like I could actually be there. I believe this is a debut novel by Bennet, and I am eagerly awaiting book two. 5 stars from me. I received this book in exchange for my honest review from The author and Kate Tilton.

[Pam Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when the suspense carries through the end. I enjoyed so much that there was a build up to an exciting conclusion - so I was engaged all the way through the book. I loved Belle as a strong character where - I ended up relating to and caring about her. The psychological aspect of the story was amazing. Thought provoking and a good read.

[Nada Loughead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this on Goodreads. A new-to-me mystery writer - loved the characters and the plot kept twisting and turning. Will look for her next book, for sure! http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...

[Mandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. I found some of the writing hard to read but in the end I enjoyed the book. I felt for Belle but also for Joseph, Os, and EJ. I look forward to Belle’s next adventure and hope to see her really develop as a PI.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was certainly an exciting read that kept you guessing until the end!

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really look forward to reading more from this author. Good, solid read. I felt the suspense all the way through.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella needs to heal. The only way is to find out what really happened in the past. She has to go and talk to a hit man to get answers. This was a great story keeps you guessing until the end.

[Angela Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope you enjoy reading DARK ROAD HOME-first book in the Belle McBain psychological thriller series. Thank you!