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Violet Darger #8

Countdown to Midnight

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By the time you read this, I’ll be dead, but what I’ve set into motion will only be beginning.

The first blast takes out an actor from a string of famous coffee commercials. A plain cardboard box in the mail blows when he opens it. Pumps hot nails through his face.

So begins the series of mail bombs that beckons FBI profiler Violet Darger to New York.

The bomber's plan is meticulous -- an ever growing spectacle of gruesome violence meant to spread his cryptic message piece by piece. And the clock is ticking.

Starting at midnight tonight, a bomb will go off roughly every eight hours, and a target will be neutralized.

The bomber has left chunks of his journal throughout the city. These not only articulate his twisted message, they contain clues about the bombs.

Clues for names. Clues for places.

Everything law enforcement needs to locate and disarm one of the bombs is there... if they can find it in time.

It's a race against the clock.

Understanding the bomber's psychology could be the key to deciphering the codes and riddles, the key to saving lives.

Darger faces a threat on a scale unlike anything she's encountered so far. If she doesn't solve the clues in time, thousands will die.

Let the countdown begin.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2021

1212 people are currently reading
1905 people want to read

About the author

L.T. Vargus

52 books1,082 followers
Lex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.

FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com

BOOKS BY LT VARGUS

The Violet Darger series



The Victor Loshak series


The Charlotte Winters series

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5 stars
2,476 (57%)
4 stars
1,288 (29%)
3 stars
447 (10%)
2 stars
90 (2%)
1 star
34 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for Erth.
4,484 reviews
December 16, 2021
My heart is still beating fast, though I've stopped holding my breath and am breathing more normally again. Yowzer! What an exciting past few hours reading this has been!! It's 1:40 am, but I doubt falling asleep anytime soon is likely. That's not necessarily a bad thIng, since dreams filled with the vivid images now filling my mind would not be enjoyable. Nope. Not at all. However, reading another Special Agent Violet Darger book is always a pleasure, and this one was phenomenal. As are the writing team of Lex & Tim. I love you guys! 😍
Profile Image for LeAnna (Just a momma reading).
22 reviews
December 18, 2023
like always

Like always, agent Darger doesn’t disappoint. The fact that these books are the ones you can’t put down are crazy. Already looking forward to book 9. Hopefully it’s a follow up from this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Tooker.
436 reviews10 followers
October 7, 2021
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
A Deadly Scavenger Hunt
Freshly back from a semi-official business trip to the Caribbean Island of Curacao, Darger and Loshak are called immediately to New York. A minor celebrity has been the victim of a mail bomb and the bomber has also been found – victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound with a note left behind. What appears to be an open and shut case takes a dark turn when the final manifesto of the killer lays out a deadly scavenger hunt for the authorities. This initial bombing is only one in a potential series of attacks spaced out roughly every eight hours over the next day. The killer has hidden clues in addition to excerpts of his personal journal pages as hints to the next victims. As the team slowly begins to unravel the clues that lead them to the subsequent attacks, specific details of the case start getting leaked to the public. Now not only fighting the clock but also the curious attention seekers and a possibly unknown accomplice the duo along with the local authorities find themselves in a breakneck race against time to keep the bomber's body count from rising.

Countdown to Midnight is the 8th in the Violet Darger series of books by author duo Tim McBain and LT Vargus. Taking place not too long after Trouble in Paradise, Darger and Loshak do not have a moment’s peace or rest as they track their most recent killer. But this case is a bit different as their perp is dead so with nobody to catch, the focus shifts to stopping the future planned attacks. With each new clue and each new reveal and information leak, the duo finds their work becoming more and more difficult. With the rantings of the deceased railing against “celebrity”, it is ironic that the spectacle that is being created clearly was designed to receive some of the limelight that the perp was so vehemently opposed to. And with Darger and Loshak on the case, celebrities in their own right with their prior cases with the FBI, and Violet’s interactions with serial killer Leonard Stump the irony is not lost on this reader. Once again the duo has delivered with a well-written, well-researched narrative that will have you not wanting to stop reading. I have read more than my share of police procedurals, crime novels, serial killer books, whatever you want to call them and to date I do not believe that I have encountered a premise quite like the one used in Countdown to Midnight. Once again McBain and Vargus have delivered a story that is not only suspenseful but will most likely have you scratching your head at best and screaming at your chosen reading media at worst when the ultimate twist is revealed.

For those who may be unfamiliar with this series never fear as the overall storyline is presented in a way that, while part of a larger series, any of the installments can be picked up and read at any point without losing any of the overall character structure or feeling as if you’ve come into something mid-stream. For anyone who likes crime novels, serial killers in general, and solving obscure riddles to advance the plot, Countdown To Midnight is a highly recommended read.
Profile Image for Linda.
741 reviews18 followers
November 13, 2021
Nice solid entry in the Violet Darger franchise, damn-near perfect. In fact I actually DID give it 5-stars at first, but deducted one when I thought on it some more prior to this review. There were just too many moments where the story felt needlessly drawn out thanks to descriptions being a bit on the repetitive side. There's only so many ways to describe Violet's gut and the amount of discomfort she feels in it during any stressful circumstance. There's only so many ways to say the same thing. While this certainly didn't worsen my experience reading the book, it still played its role in making it feel somewhat cumbersome to get through, and sometimes even difficult to visualize. Sometimes less is more when it comes to the description department.

Other than that, this is still one nail-biter of a story. Stressed me way the heck out in a lot of areas, given its plot, since it involves bombs, and whether or not they go BOOM. This go around, Darger and Loshak have been summoned to help thwart the efforts of a man who's setting up said bombs to go off in at certain periods of time. This forces Darger and company to race against the clock, literally, to find the places where bombs are being using the riddle-heavy clues being left by the villain. This story was so reminiscent of movies like The Bone Collector, Se7en, and the Saw franchise, at least the best and most thrilling parts from them. I had fun trying to guess the clues left behind, though I absolutely totally sucked in figuring them all out.

As per usual, this thing is so wonderfully written, despite it being a bit too busy in the description department (like I mentioned earlier). I can't praise the character developments and interactions enough. Even the new ones have their impact, some to the point of making me cry and I only JUST met them. But what I really loved this go around (and trust me, this feels sooooo weird to say), it's the damn villain of it all. It's a different story when the one the cops are hunting for is smarter than they are and doesn't do typical villain things. He's not only smarter, but even harboring a bit of wisdom in why he's doing the things he's doing. There were several instances where I'd read the villain's take in this story (told by the various clues he leaves for the cops) where I caught myself agreeing with the guy. Obvious I don't agree with his METHODS, but the thought-process leading up to those methods was just annoyingly though-provoking. I mean, the dude has a point. And I LOVED that about this story.

The only other thing I didn't care for was the way it ended, not when it came to the case itself, but when it came to Darger's personal life. It was all....awkwardly placed and didn't feel like it belonged in this story, at least not in the way it was presented. Still, I sure do hope it can rectify itself in the upcoming entry because I'm still very, VERY much a fan of the Violet Darger books and I feel like I'm always gonna want more.
Profile Image for Abbie .
613 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2021
Stunning series

This series is seriously creepy, exhilarating and insightful, I have never been so scared. The mind of the serial killer is like sitting down with Manson, it is that well done. The realty of tracking down criminals brings the law enforcement officers to life in This series. Best start with book one.
Profile Image for L.T. Vargus.
Author 52 books1,082 followers
Read
October 11, 2021
It's here! Book 8 in the Violet Darger thriller series!

"This latest in the Violet Darger series – Countdown to Midnight – is if not the best of the series, one of the best." -David T., Goodreads reviewer

"Oh my, this book had me on the edge of my seat!! I absolutely could not wait to find out what happened next." -Heather, Goodreads reviewer

"It's a thrill ride!" -Melanie, Goodreads reviewer

"Fast and furious, twist and turns, a runaway train, great descriptions." -Harry, Goodreads reviewer



- - - GET YOUR COPY NOW - - -
40 reviews
October 23, 2021
A cut above the rest

An exceptionally well written book! I read a murder mystery series by another author while waiting for the release of this latest in the Violet Darger series, and coming back to this confirmed just how high caliber it is, both in content and style.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,785 reviews65 followers
October 13, 2021
Countdown to Midnight - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Violet Darger faces danger like never before as she literally runs down a media attention-addicted serial-killer, who taunts her and her team of fellow FBI agents with obscure clues to his next target.

Her partner Agent, Victor Loshak is dependable in a tight spot, but lacks her reckless determination to 'always get her man'. As her absentee sailing fanatic boyfriend Owen says, she's like an attack dog, for not letting go of a case, no matter what the personal, emotional or physical cost - maybe she should have been a Mountie?

From the deadly cat-and-mouse chase across the rooftops, to (what should have been), the explosive grande dénouement in an abandoned railway station, Violet risks everything - but was it worth it when the bomber remains at large?

Don't wait to get your hands on LT Vargus and Tim McBain's outstanding suspense-thriller, Countdown to Midnight...the clock's ticking!
Profile Image for Ada Lavin.
84 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2021
When actor Gavin Passmore receives a package he has little doubt that it's something good inside. Maybe something he ordered and forgot about. After all he did do things like that late at night. Or maybe a gift from a fan. So he thinks nothing of opening it while talking to his agent about a roll that he's really wants. That's when things go very sideways.

Darger and Loshak are called in to investigate the bombing at Gavin Passmore's house. The scene so horrific that it takes Darger's breath away. While investing the scene Violet comes across a note from the bomber telling the investors that there will be more bombs roughly every 8 hours over the next 24 hour. Each to kill a celebrity. After all what better way to become a celebrity than to kill celebrities. They have to figure out the clues before the next bomb is set to go off to save the next victim. The catch, they have to read his journal to help find the bombs. He signs the first letter T.H. With this warning the timer is set and the game is on.

This book is tension filled story of cat and mouse as the police and FBI rush to figure out cryptic clues left by the bomber. The clues can't be solved without reading the journal the gives them a deeper insight into a deeply emotional scared man.

I would like to thank L. T. Vargas and Tim McBain for a copy of this book for honest review of this book.
39 reviews
October 14, 2021
Oh. My. God. Vargas & McCain have somehow outdone themselves this time. WOW!!

My heart is still beating fast, though I've stopped holding my breath and am breathing more normally again. Yowzer! What an exciting past few hours reading this has been!! It's 1:40 am, but I doubt falling asleep anytime soon is likely. That's not necessarily a bad thIng, since dreams filled with the vivid images now filling my mind would not be enjoyable. Nope. Not at all. However, reading another Special Agent Violet Darger book is always a pleasure, and this one was phenomenal. As are the writing team of Lex & Tim. I love you guys! 😍
Profile Image for C. Awbrey.
12 reviews
October 8, 2021
This Darger and Loshak book is seriously intense and not just a serial killer but a serial bomber as their culprit. Leaving clues with what appears to be other serial killers quotes. There are some graphic descriptions in this heart pounding book that reminds you this very well could be real!
The authors truly stepped up their game in fleshing out FBI profiler Violet Darger and her partner Loshak with their inner thoughts and actions.
This is an ongoing series but I feel this one could be a standalone without losing any information from the characters.
Profile Image for S A.
139 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2021
This is hands down my favorite book of the series since Darger got shot. Without spoiling anything, I personally LOVE when the killer is seriously smart and a formidable sparring partner for the cops and this story more than delivers! Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Heather.
Author 1 book26 followers
October 9, 2021
Oh my, this book had me on the edge of my seat!! I absolutely could not wait to find out what happened next. Countdown to Midnight is a little different from the typical Violet Darger books since it's about a serial bomber, but don't let that hold you back. The authors pull this off with the same finesse of their other books. Highly recommended for anyone interested in badass heroines and profiling serial killers.
78 reviews
October 10, 2021
Excellent

I love this series!! This one was intense!! I read straight through because I could not put it down. So much suspense and action!! Great twists snd turns!! I can’t wait until another one comes out.
Profile Image for Melanie Foxfire.
44 reviews8 followers
October 8, 2021
Violet Darger has to catch a bomber this time, and it's very scary. There are clues they have to figure out before the bombs go off, which makes this one very tense. It's a thrill ride! This is a long one, strap in!
Profile Image for Katie.
Author 2 books1 follower
October 9, 2021
Amazing, like the rest of the series!
2 reviews
November 1, 2021
Keeps you guessing with great action. Very descriptive and I love that being a visual reader.

I'm looking forward to their next book and an ending to this story. See what the bad, mad bomber does next
Violet is a wonderful character and I've enjoyed her on all her various exploits.
104 reviews
November 1, 2021
One of their best

This book was fast paced and intriguing! After the characters were described and the hunt was on for a serial bomber, it was a drop dead thrill a minute! I could not put it down. Vargas and McBain have done it again and I look forward to the next Violet Darger installment. Well done, you two!!!
Profile Image for Lisa Reid.
8 reviews
November 5, 2021
HOLY GUACAMOLE!!

Every new Violet Darger book is my favorite Violet Darger book until the next one comes out. Countdown to Midnight is my favorite Violet Darger book, for now. This is the eight book, y'all. THE. EIGHTH. And this book is AMAZEBALLS! Do people still say amazeballs? Well, I'm bringing it back for Countdown to Midnight. It is that good. Can't wait for number 9 and my next favorite.
Profile Image for KIM.
291 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2021
recommend

I like the Violet Danger series and recommend it to readers who enjoy crime/ serial killer books. A recommend this series.
Profile Image for Paula Huot.
71 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2021
It was as usual a compelling story. The final race to the finish went on a bit too long and I didn’t like the ending. But you can’t always get what you want.
4 reviews
November 7, 2021
Great book

This book kept me in suspense from beginning to end. Every time a Violet Darger book comes out it’s better than the last one. Keep them coming please!
3 reviews
November 18, 2021
Never slows down!

I’ve read all 8 books in the Violet Darger series. I hope there are more, because these are the best reads I’ve had in a long, long time. And I read a LOT!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
114 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2021
Loshak and Darger are on the hunt and looking for an insane killer. And seriously, this guy is bonkers cuz he thinks he’s all that and a bag of chips. Some gritty, grizzly explosions and enough twists to keep you flipping the pages. Right from the start they pull you in with lots of juicy mayhem. The twisted mind of the bomber and his chosen few victims made for some rather creepy, gory, nerve rattling, scenes. Loved it. Lots of explicit details keep the story moving. Another great gem from McBain and Vargus.
Profile Image for Jim Crocker.
211 reviews27 followers
November 15, 2021
A Very Exciting Thriller - A Real Blast

You'll never figure out where this one's headed. Let's just say that a good portion takes place underground in dim, dark tunnels. Hardly my favorite place to hang out. Take some oxygen with you on this trip.
Profile Image for Heather McNeely.
31 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2021
Best one yet

I always enjoy the Violet Darger books but this one was the best one yet. I hope the series continues on where this one ended. Quite a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Dawn Myers.
1,294 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2021
For Violet Darger fans can we say Stump again. L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain gave me action and suspense. You know the culprit from the start it still kept me turning the pages. In my opinion Countdown to Midnight is a rollercoaster ride. In my opinion this is a good continuation of the Violet Darger Series, L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain did not disappoint. My biggest complaint was the ending, I was not happy. Teehee!!! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
3 reviews
September 18, 2021
Another crazy ride with Darger and Loshak. Tracking down a serial bomber. Fast and furious, Twist and turns, a runaway train, great descriptions. I'm so glad that I came across Lex and Tim's books early on. They've never let me down and this is yet another great book. How do Violet and Victor capture their bomber? You'll have to read the book to find out

Profile Image for Katie.
62 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2021
I do love this character but…

I find myself so overwhelmed with all the descriptions that I skim through it to get to the action. Perhaps my frame of mind at this point because I will definitely keep reading, I just want there to be less unnecessary verbiage. Good bad character, less than optimal outcome but that means we get to read another one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews

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