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The Dark Series #1
Long Dark Night: A Michael Carter Cold Case Thriller
Introducing LONG DARK NIGHT, the first book in the Michael Carter Cold Case Thriller Series by Susan Lund.
Two teenage boys went missing from a park in King County a decade ago. While one of the boys was found days later, his body discarded in a ravine in the forest on Tiger Mountain, the other boy was never found. Until now.
After a property developer’s front-end loader unearths the skeletal remains of several teenage boys from around Washington State, the missing boy’s remains are identified. As a result, King County Cold Case Investigator Michael Carter looks into the cases. He suspects they are linked to several current disappearances of teenage boys who were either living on friend’s sofas or on the streets.
Believing he has another serial killer on his hands, Carter works with the FBI’s CARD Team to try to locate the missing boy. When Carter gets too close for comfort, he becomes the target of the serial killer’s rage, leading to a showdown between the two adversaries on one long dark night…
Two teenage boys went missing from a park in King County a decade ago. While one of the boys was found days later, his body discarded in a ravine in the forest on Tiger Mountain, the other boy was never found. Until now.
After a property developer’s front-end loader unearths the skeletal remains of several teenage boys from around Washington State, the missing boy’s remains are identified. As a result, King County Cold Case Investigator Michael Carter looks into the cases. He suspects they are linked to several current disappearances of teenage boys who were either living on friend’s sofas or on the streets.
Believing he has another serial killer on his hands, Carter works with the FBI’s CARD Team to try to locate the missing boy. When Carter gets too close for comfort, he becomes the target of the serial killer’s rage, leading to a showdown between the two adversaries on one long dark night…
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2022
729 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Susan Lund
27 books90 followersSusan Lund is an emerging author of psychological thrillers featuring amateur sleuth and crime reporter Tess McClintock and her partner, FBI Special Agent Michael Carter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 21, 2024
Sound storyline spoiled by dull narration.
The story uses polyperspectivity to present the views of various characters in the book but lacks substance and depth of feeling to properly bring any of them or their stories to light and engage the reader. The effect of the multiple viewpoint in this case is to simply retell the last passage with a different name at the start of it - making for a very repetitive and boring read during which I never once felt connected in any way to the story or characters. A shame really, so much more could have been done with this one with a bit more substance.
The story uses polyperspectivity to present the views of various characters in the book but lacks substance and depth of feeling to properly bring any of them or their stories to light and engage the reader. The effect of the multiple viewpoint in this case is to simply retell the last passage with a different name at the start of it - making for a very repetitive and boring read during which I never once felt connected in any way to the story or characters. A shame really, so much more could have been done with this one with a bit more substance.
July 18, 2024
Long Dark Night
The book starts out with bodies being found on a property that the owner was planning on building a home in the woods. It clear these bodies are teenagers and their is /was a serial killer.
Then two boys were kidnapped, one gets away and gives the PD a good ideal what happened.
Michael Carter ex FBI child abduction victim case investigator . He moved over dead case fills which he preferred after a bad turnout on a case we worked. Before he knows it he is pulled into the active case to find the other missing boy.
If you like Crime Minds I think you will like this book.
The book starts out with bodies being found on a property that the owner was planning on building a home in the woods. It clear these bodies are teenagers and their is /was a serial killer.
Then two boys were kidnapped, one gets away and gives the PD a good ideal what happened.
Michael Carter ex FBI child abduction victim case investigator . He moved over dead case fills which he preferred after a bad turnout on a case we worked. Before he knows it he is pulled into the active case to find the other missing boy.
If you like Crime Minds I think you will like this book.
May 19, 2024
I actually bought the second book in the series and opened it on my KOBO and saw it said book 2 so went and got this one.
It’s definitely a new series, where everyone is settling in
I wasn’t to keen on the “relationship with Tess” part, as it seemed the author kept explaining why she wasn’t bothered by the forensic pathologist relationship with her husband. Writing it once was enough. Too my about Starbucks and latte’s
And too easy to solve too fast.
I am onto book 2
It’s definitely a new series, where everyone is settling in
I wasn’t to keen on the “relationship with Tess” part, as it seemed the author kept explaining why she wasn’t bothered by the forensic pathologist relationship with her husband. Writing it once was enough. Too my about Starbucks and latte’s
And too easy to solve too fast.
I am onto book 2
November 3, 2024
book club number one did not start off with the bang I was expecting
May 27, 2024
3.8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 28, 2023
First time reading this
First time reading this book, had no idea there was a separate series for just Michael. It did not disappoint, I was slow getting into the story until the discovery of the bodies and my mind was all over the place trying to think of what could happen next,as I read on the book got more and more fascinating. Loved reading about Michael getting so deeply involved, would loved to have heard more background stories on all the victims though. All in all the book in general kept me interested and focused. Highly recommend, onto the next. Happy reading :)
First time reading this book, had no idea there was a separate series for just Michael. It did not disappoint, I was slow getting into the story until the discovery of the bodies and my mind was all over the place trying to think of what could happen next,as I read on the book got more and more fascinating. Loved reading about Michael getting so deeply involved, would loved to have heard more background stories on all the victims though. All in all the book in general kept me interested and focused. Highly recommend, onto the next. Happy reading :)
April 14, 2024
Kinda boring……too many coffee runs…..not enough action or suspense.
November 6, 2025
Ten years earlier, two teenage boys disappeared during a day out in a park in King County, Washington. One of them was found days later, his body dumped in a ravine on Tiger Mountain, while the other vanished without a trace. A decade later, a property developer’s excavator uncovers skeletal remains of several teen boys from around Washington State, including the long-missing boy. Cold-case investigator Michael Carter of King County takes the lead on the case, and begins to suspect that these old and new disappearances are connected, possibly the work of a serial killer targeting vulnerable teens living on the margins. As Carter teams up with the FBI’s CARD Team to hunt the predator, the closer he gets, the more dangerous things become, culminating in a tense showdown "on one long, dark night".
While starting with a promising premise: a cold case reopening a decade after two teenage boys vanished; it ultimately struggles to deliver on its potential. The story moves slowly, bogged down by repetitive dialogue and excessive procedural detail that dulls the tension. The characters, especially Detective Michael Carter, feel underdeveloped, making it hard to invest in their journey or the emotional weight of the crimes. The serial killer subplot could have been gripping, but the predictable twists and lack of atmosphere make it feel flat. Overall, it’s an interesting idea with flashes of suspense, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
While starting with a promising premise: a cold case reopening a decade after two teenage boys vanished; it ultimately struggles to deliver on its potential. The story moves slowly, bogged down by repetitive dialogue and excessive procedural detail that dulls the tension. The characters, especially Detective Michael Carter, feel underdeveloped, making it hard to invest in their journey or the emotional weight of the crimes. The serial killer subplot could have been gripping, but the predictable twists and lack of atmosphere make it feel flat. Overall, it’s an interesting idea with flashes of suspense, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
February 26, 2024
Very well done !
I was especially grateful to the authors very honest depiction of homeless youth and the drug addiction that they cope with. It is so refreshing to have these people who are suffering humanized rather than vilified! It was only a small part of the overall story ( don't want to give the impression that the whole story deals with this subject,it doesn't) but was what set this story apart from so many other thriller\crime stories. The characters felt real and believable, loved the pathologist as well as the other characters. Thought it hilarious that the main character was constantly buying coffee, can't imagine what it would have cost.( It's funny what sticks out when reading a story). I did find that there were quite a few instances where certain lines were repeated almost verbatim which I found very annoying and extremely unnecessary. Twice I actually thought I had started reading the wrong page because of this. The author is someone I would definitely recommend and would like to read more . Must say the main reason for leaving a review at all, was again the very humane and honest way the author dealt with drug addiction in youth even though it was just a small part of the whole.
I was especially grateful to the authors very honest depiction of homeless youth and the drug addiction that they cope with. It is so refreshing to have these people who are suffering humanized rather than vilified! It was only a small part of the overall story ( don't want to give the impression that the whole story deals with this subject,it doesn't) but was what set this story apart from so many other thriller\crime stories. The characters felt real and believable, loved the pathologist as well as the other characters. Thought it hilarious that the main character was constantly buying coffee, can't imagine what it would have cost.( It's funny what sticks out when reading a story). I did find that there were quite a few instances where certain lines were repeated almost verbatim which I found very annoying and extremely unnecessary. Twice I actually thought I had started reading the wrong page because of this. The author is someone I would definitely recommend and would like to read more . Must say the main reason for leaving a review at all, was again the very humane and honest way the author dealt with drug addiction in youth even though it was just a small part of the whole.
October 26, 2024
DOWNLOADED FOR FREE on Amazon, and thank God for that. Otherwise, I would have regretted paying for it.
.
First, as one writer to another, I extend my respect to Mrs. Lund, who published her first book back in 1964 at the age of 19.
.
But, Mrs Lund, what happened? Did your editor fall asleep on the job?
.
I lost count of how many repetitive scenes there were in this book - mainly of digging up bones and coffee runs in between.
.
Also, there were too many points of view telling the story; the majority of the dialog is dry forensic jargon and I didn't feel any connection to the characters.
.
The first chapter was the most interesting. After that, the story and its essence went downhill. It's a shame — it had potential.
.
First, as one writer to another, I extend my respect to Mrs. Lund, who published her first book back in 1964 at the age of 19.
.
But, Mrs Lund, what happened? Did your editor fall asleep on the job?
.
I lost count of how many repetitive scenes there were in this book - mainly of digging up bones and coffee runs in between.
.
Also, there were too many points of view telling the story; the majority of the dialog is dry forensic jargon and I didn't feel any connection to the characters.
.
The first chapter was the most interesting. After that, the story and its essence went downhill. It's a shame — it had potential.
December 4, 2024
Did you know that soil samples can help determine when a body was buried? If not, this book will inform you of that fact, not once, not twice, but three times!
For such a short book, the level of repetition throughout is a bit unbearable. For example, in one scene, the killer wants to get to his car, he has the keys, but when he gets to where it was parked, it’s gone! He deduced that the lead detective hot wired it and drove away.
Next chapter, the lead detective finds the killers car, doesn’t locate the keys, so has to hot wired it to drive away.
This type of writing does not flow well, it’s jarring and I had to fight hard not to start skimming it entirely!
Also, how lucky were they to correctly identify this killer!! Almost no work involved really!
For such a short book, the level of repetition throughout is a bit unbearable. For example, in one scene, the killer wants to get to his car, he has the keys, but when he gets to where it was parked, it’s gone! He deduced that the lead detective hot wired it and drove away.
Next chapter, the lead detective finds the killers car, doesn’t locate the keys, so has to hot wired it to drive away.
This type of writing does not flow well, it’s jarring and I had to fight hard not to start skimming it entirely!
Also, how lucky were they to correctly identify this killer!! Almost no work involved really!
February 1, 2025
Great Read.. you’ll love it
Michael , after being injured on a previous case, has decided to take on cold cases. But before he can get started he gets pulled into a case of two missing boys. Plus a surprising discovery of long buried bodies of young boys in an old yard being renovated.
The bones are old so Michael starts digging through old cold cases and he hits pay dirt. So between trying to find the new missing boys and chasing old cold cases of young boys Michael has his work cut out for him.
There are a lot of unexpected turns in this story which I’m sure you’ll appreciate. This book was well written, easy to read without much unnecessary verbiage. I really enjoyed this one.
Michael , after being injured on a previous case, has decided to take on cold cases. But before he can get started he gets pulled into a case of two missing boys. Plus a surprising discovery of long buried bodies of young boys in an old yard being renovated.
The bones are old so Michael starts digging through old cold cases and he hits pay dirt. So between trying to find the new missing boys and chasing old cold cases of young boys Michael has his work cut out for him.
There are a lot of unexpected turns in this story which I’m sure you’ll appreciate. This book was well written, easy to read without much unnecessary verbiage. I really enjoyed this one.
September 1, 2025
I read this book as an escape book - it is a crime adventure story which got me and I got into it and really enjoyed it - the characters were less. superman like than in many books of this type. I then noticed that it is the first of a series. Not sure I will read more - I often get disappointed with the progression of using the same characters and being introduced to them again and again. Jason Bourn did OK - James Bond too - Cornwall's Richard Sharpe - Clancy's Jack Ryan - but I was younger then and it is less easy for me to become a "fan". but if you like crime/adventure stories you could try it.
September 16, 2025
Cold case turned hot!
This had me on the edge of my seat reading it. Michael Carter, former FBI agent, now working cold cases, is called in to assist in a case where some bodies have been discovered. One of the bodies is from one of his cold cases and a boy is kidnapped in similar circumstances. The serial killer is still active after a decade and needs to be caught and stopped. Well written, fast paced with great characters. Looking forward to more in the Michael Carter Cold Case Thriller series.
This had me on the edge of my seat reading it. Michael Carter, former FBI agent, now working cold cases, is called in to assist in a case where some bodies have been discovered. One of the bodies is from one of his cold cases and a boy is kidnapped in similar circumstances. The serial killer is still active after a decade and needs to be caught and stopped. Well written, fast paced with great characters. Looking forward to more in the Michael Carter Cold Case Thriller series.
May 4, 2024
Very Well Written
I read a lot. I love these type of murder mystery stories.
This one was particularly well done.
Interesting plot and characters, storyline offered from each characters point of view, detailed but not so graphic and dark that the acts would linger in the minds eye. Enough info to get the gist but not over done.
Also probably spot on concerning how these types of real life killers operate among us.
Great read.
I read a lot. I love these type of murder mystery stories.
This one was particularly well done.
Interesting plot and characters, storyline offered from each characters point of view, detailed but not so graphic and dark that the acts would linger in the minds eye. Enough info to get the gist but not over done.
Also probably spot on concerning how these types of real life killers operate among us.
Great read.
August 19, 2025
Blah blah blah
Book has potential storyline but written like an 11th grader. There is too much useless information that drones on and on. No mystery or "crime thriller" to this book, poorly written mystery and even the escape details. There is no excitement in this story at all. Also very convoluted with jumping from character to character and time frame to time frame. This story has no flow.
Book has potential storyline but written like an 11th grader. There is too much useless information that drones on and on. No mystery or "crime thriller" to this book, poorly written mystery and even the escape details. There is no excitement in this story at all. Also very convoluted with jumping from character to character and time frame to time frame. This story has no flow.
February 18, 2024
Long is the operative word. Not being a fan of seeing the same scene from different characters perspectives, I overcame this bias and finished. If I hadn't enjoyed the story, that wouldn't have happened. Too, the wrap-up after the 'end' was a little much and may have been the hardest part for me.
March 27, 2024
Even good guys can be killers
Michael Carter worked on solving cold cases. He gets a call from the ME that four graves have been found. One grave contained a missing boy that was part of Carters cases. He goes to help and finds himself chasing a killer.
The story was good, a little confusing, but ended well.
Michael Carter worked on solving cold cases. He gets a call from the ME that four graves have been found. One grave contained a missing boy that was part of Carters cases. He goes to help and finds himself chasing a killer.
The story was good, a little confusing, but ended well.
May 4, 2024
Riveting
Per the norm, I enjoy Susan Lund's writing style, characters, and ability to share information uncommon to most, in a way easily understood. Tess and Michael are both strong, likeable characters, and Grace is like the favorite teacher of digging up the bad stuff!! 😉 Really exciting, action packed storyline. Enjoyed it.
Per the norm, I enjoy Susan Lund's writing style, characters, and ability to share information uncommon to most, in a way easily understood. Tess and Michael are both strong, likeable characters, and Grace is like the favorite teacher of digging up the bad stuff!! 😉 Really exciting, action packed storyline. Enjoyed it.
June 10, 2024
Interesting plot line, interesting characters.
BUT: very boring narrative, very repetitive. There is one chapter where the musings of the bad guy summarises almost the whole book.
Everything was described in a very factual way so that even the 'action' between the police, the fed and the perp fell flat.
BUT: very boring narrative, very repetitive. There is one chapter where the musings of the bad guy summarises almost the whole book.
Everything was described in a very factual way so that even the 'action' between the police, the fed and the perp fell flat.
August 19, 2024
The book revolves around finding some bodies (bones) on a property that was recently purchased by someone and they were removing hedges. How they identify who the bones belonged to was very revealing and of course 2 young boys go missing. This brings in a main character that used to work with the FBI and now is a County policeman who works on cold cases. Well worth the read.
August 20, 2025
A child predator kidnapping, torturing, and killing young boys. Special Agent Michael Carter investigates cold cases and he is on the hunt for this pedophile. Dig deep into those pages and read a story of strength, valor, and persistence. You'll be cheering for him all the way.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
August 29, 2025
WHYYYYY did i force myself to finish this. so bad. way too many unnecessary mentions of SA that didn't need to be repeated over and over. actually, everything was repeated over and over and I thought my kindle was glitching and sending me back a page or two. unlikeable and forgettable narrator(s).
"he had to have followed them into the woods with the intent to abduct them both."
literally two lines later:
"he picked them, followed them, intending to abduct them both."
and the WHOLE BOOK was like that. I wasted very precious brain cells reading this. don't be like me.
"he had to have followed them into the woods with the intent to abduct them both."
literally two lines later:
"he picked them, followed them, intending to abduct them both."
and the WHOLE BOOK was like that. I wasted very precious brain cells reading this. don't be like me.
February 13, 2024
Long Dark Night,Book 1
I like the intense from the start and kept you wanting to keep reading as the characters and the town were very interesting and now I can't wait to read her other books.
I like the intense from the start and kept you wanting to keep reading as the characters and the town were very interesting and now I can't wait to read her other books.
March 21, 2024
The overall story was interesting.
There were quite a few instances where certain lines were repeated almost verbatim, which I found to be annoying and extremely unnecessary. More than once I thought I had started reading the wrong page because of this.
There were quite a few instances where certain lines were repeated almost verbatim, which I found to be annoying and extremely unnecessary. More than once I thought I had started reading the wrong page because of this.
March 28, 2024
Potentially a great story but it was very repetitive.
Didn’t connect with any of the characters, not very gritty given the substance of the story, unrealistic conversations and not much procedural detail.
No depth of characters or backgrounds.
Didn’t connect with any of the characters, not very gritty given the substance of the story, unrealistic conversations and not much procedural detail.
No depth of characters or backgrounds.
April 18, 2024
The writing was factual and matter of fact but I didn’t like how it was very descriptive which made the story feel very very clunky (and less motivated to finish the book). At least the plot was good.
April 22, 2024
A surprising thriller
I normally don't like stories involving the horrors of children but this was done in a fashion that kept you wanting to turn the page. I loved your characters they felt real at times. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I normally don't like stories involving the horrors of children but this was done in a fashion that kept you wanting to turn the page. I loved your characters they felt real at times. I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 6, 2024
Suspenseful
Enjoyed this story because it moved along and didn't indulge in the ya-ya of investigators not getting along. They cooperated and got the job done. The suspense was good, keeping the reader going. Would enjoy more by this author.
Enjoyed this story because it moved along and didn't indulge in the ya-ya of investigators not getting along. They cooperated and got the job done. The suspense was good, keeping the reader going. Would enjoy more by this author.
June 6, 2024
Good book
This book is very good. Very suspenseful about a pedophile serial killer who kills young boys, police working on cold cases, detectives, FBI and the medical examiner. Started reading thus morning could not put it down and just finished.
This book is very good. Very suspenseful about a pedophile serial killer who kills young boys, police working on cold cases, detectives, FBI and the medical examiner. Started reading thus morning could not put it down and just finished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews