About the Book
Detective Cara Kennedy thought she’d lost her husband and son in an accident, but harrowing evidence has emerged that points to murder–and she will stop at nothing to find the truth in this riveting mystery from the author of City Under One Roof.
On a frigid February day, Anchorage Detective Cara Kennedy stands by the graves of her husband and son, watching as their caskets are raised from the earth. It feels sacrilegious, but she has no choice. Aaron and Dylan disappeared on a hike a year ago, their bones eventually found and buried. But shocking clues have emerged that foul play was involved, potentially connecting them to a string of other deaths and disappearances.
Somehow tied to the mystery is Mia Upash, who grew up in an isolated village called Unity, a community of women and children in hiding from abusive men. Mia never imagined the trouble she would find herself in when she left home to live in Man’s World. Although she remains haunted by the tragedy of what happened to the man and the boy in the woods, she has her own reasons for keeping quiet.
Aided by police officer Joe Barkowski and other residents of Point Mettier, Cara’s investigation will lead them on a dangerous path that puts their lives and the lives of everyone around them in mortal jeopardy.
About the Author
Iris Yamashita is an Academy Award–nominated screenwriter for the movie Letters from Iwo Jima. She has been working in Hollywood for fifteen years, developing material for both film and streaming, has taught screenwriting at UCLA, and is an advocate of women and diversity in the entertainment industry. She has also been a judge and mentor for various film and writing programs, and lives in California.
Visit her online at
- www.irisyamashita.com
- Facebook.com/iris.yamashita
- Twitter @IrisYamashita
- And Instagram @irisyamashita
My Review
Thank you @berkleypub for the free book!
🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️
🌹Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita 🌹
- One-word review: Rivetting
- Emojis: 😟🫣🥹🫢
- Rating: 5 🌟s
My thoughts:
Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita is the second book in the Cara Kennedy series that started with City Under One Roof (click for a review of book 1). This mystery series is set in Alaska and features a detective on forced leave. It acts as a continuation of Book 1, and I devoured it quickly as it solved a case I eagerly wanted to know more about from City Under One Roof. You definitely want to read these books in order.
First, I absolutely loved all the twists and turns, many of which I didn’t see coming, and the fast pace. I sped through it quickly in one day, as I couldn’t put it down until it resolved into something that could very possibly lead to more books in the series. I loved that the mystery of what happened to Cara’s husband and son is no longer a mystery. After reading the first book, I wanted to know more but was afraid it would never be known. I am satisfied with having that mystery solved once and for all.
The only thing that could have been different for my reading taste is that all the backstories could have been condensed. The drama of the last 25% could have been drawn out more from a development perspective. Obviously, I can’t say too much. Still, I would have liked Cara to have a chance to get everything out more fully (in a way that the reader could experience it) that’s been haunting her for the last year.
Ultimately, this is a fantastic new thriller series with a unique setting and a cast that brings on all of the feels.
10 responses to “Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita #BookReview #Mystery #Thriller”
These two books sound brilliant. I’m glad that you enjoyed them so much.
They are! And I love the Alaska setting – it’s unique and more intriguing of a setting than I ever expected.
Wow fab review this sounds really good, I must check the series out!
It’s very compelling in all ways. The personal story which is what she’s investigating and the setting. It’s very intense in all the best ways.
I’ve only read a few books set in Alaska, but each one left a strong impression on me. I positively love that setting!
It’s a great setting. I never realized how unique Alaska was in even the simplest ways.
I’ve still got to read the first book but have already added this one. Great review, Tessa💜
They read seamlessly as a pair.
I’ve never heard of this book or author before but it sounds so up my alley! Love when a mystery can keep good pace and keep you hooked from beginning to end. Great review! 😃
The Alaska setting really appeals to me. I can’t recall ever reading one set there. Reading it in one day really says something. Glad you enjoyed it, Tessa!