The Gift of Darkness: 1 (Detective Alice Madison Novel) - Hardcover

Giambanco, Valentina

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1623658489 ISBN 13: 9781623658489

Publisher: Quercus NA, 2014

Synopsis

In Seattle's upscale Blueridge neighborhood, James Sinclair, his wife Anne, and their two small boys are found brutally murdered in their home. Their bodies are carefully laid out: blindfolded, hands tied, and crosses drawn in blood across their foreheads. Above the bedroom door, the words "thirteen days" are scratched into the frame. At the same time, a card with the words "thirteen days" written on it is delivered to the office of powerful lawyer Nathan Quinn, a partner at Sinclair's law firm.

From the evidence found at the scene, rookie homicide detective Alice Madison and her seasoned partner Detective Sergeant Brown determine that the prime suspect is John Cameron, a fugitive long wanted for the infamous Nostromo killings. But only Cameron's attorney knows his whereabouts, and though the clock is ticking, he seems more interested in protecting his client than preventing another murder. That attorney is none other than Nathan Quinn.

Madison and Brown discover the three men are linked in other ways, too. Years ago, when they were just boys, Sinclair, Cameron, and Quinn's younger brother David were abducted. Blindfolded and taken to the woods near the Hoh River, on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula, the three boys endured a night of terror. Only Sinclair and Cameron survived. With no other witnesses, the case went unsolved and David's body was never found.

After a savage attack that leaves Brown in the hospital and Madison working alone, she discovers a flaw in the investigation that puts her at odds with the department brass. To stop the killer, Madison must go back into the woods and confront the unsolved mystery of the Hoh River Boys. She must forget her training and follow her instincts to the terrifying end, even as enemies become allies in the fight against the terrible darkness descending over them all.

About this title

Review

""The Gift of Darkness" is an impressive debut, absolutely recommended for a good read, and if this is the start of a new crime series, which I hope it is, I am ready to read more about Madison and Brown of the Seattle Homicide Division." --Lynn Harvey, Eurocrime
""The Gift of Darkness" is a complex and satisfying procedural on many levels, and for a first novel it's often extraordinarily sophisticated . . . make no mistake, the writing here is terrific." --Crime Thriller Fella

"Giambanco keeps the suspenseful plot moving with the assured pacing of the film editor that she is . . . she has created a series-worthy star in Madison, a complex young woman striving to put her own troubled past behind her . . . Hopefully, she's got more in store for Madison's well-earned return."--Publishers Weekly

"Giambanco is a name to watch . . . ...her Madison series will steadily grow in reputation as it expands."--The Daily Mail

"a great debut . . . a terrific story . . . You won't put this one down"--The Globe and Mail

About the Author

Valentina Giambanco was born in Italy and moved to London to pursue a university degree in English and Drama. After working as at a classical music retailer and bookshop, Giambanco became a film editor's apprentice in a 35mm cutting room. Since then has worked on many award-winning British and American films, including Donnie Brasco, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Secrets and Lies. Often visiting family in the Seattle region, Giambanco is a fan of such local spots as Eagle Harbor Book Co., the Athenian Inn in Pike Place Market, the Steelhead Diner The Gift of Darkness, Giambanco's debut novel, has been published in twelve countries. She lives in London.

About this edition

• Publisher: Quercus NA
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1623658489
• ISBN 13: 9781623658489
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 400