Book Review: After He Took (A Sloane Riddle Suspense Thriller—Book 1) by Rylie Dark
From the moment I stumbled upon After He Took, I felt a magnetic pull. The combination of a strong female lead, a twisty plot, and the promise of suspense was too enticing to resist. Rylie Dark, already celebrated for her earlier works, has crafted a gripping narrative that drew me in and kept my heart racing until the final page.
Sloane Riddle, the protagonist, is a former corrections officer turned detective, and her complexities are what make her such an intriguing character. Haunted by her past, she navigates a world filled with danger, where every clue could lead to salvation or further entrapment. The narrative opens with the tension of a prison break, throwing Sloane into a whirlwind of connections from her former life and forcing her to confront old demons while trying to solve a string of chilling murders.
One of the book’s standout features is its ability to blend intense drama with dark humor—a difficult balance to strike, but Dark does it expertly. The banter between Sloane and her partner, Max, adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the suspense in relatable situations. I found myself chuckling in moments that could have been overwhelmingly grim, a testament to Dark’s skillful writing. The pacing is relentless, with twists that kept me guessing; just when I thought I had it figured out, Dark threw in yet another unexpected revelation.
What truly resonates is Sloane’s journey of self-discovery amid chaos. Her troubled background is not merely a plot device; it shapes her decisions and relationships. As I read, I couldn’t help but empathize with her struggle. The narrative explores the darkness within the human psyche—the motivations behind crime, the hauntings of past experiences—while still being riveting.
A memorable quote from the book says, “In a world full of shadows, it’s the light we chase that often hurts us the most.” This encapsulated Sloane’s internal battle perfectly and echoed my own thoughts on navigating life’s complexities. Sloane’s character is indeed someone we can root for, and her growth promises to be a compelling arc throughout the series.
After He Took is a brisk read at just 152 pages, but every moment is packed with suspense and emotional depth. It’s a book that could easily be devoured in one sitting—a binge-worthy thriller that leaves you yearning for more.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of authors like Lee Child and Melinda Leigh. Anyone who enjoys a gripping mystery with strong character arcs and unexpected twists will feel right at home with Sloane Riddle. This book does more than entertain; it invites you to grapple with dark themes while enjoying a thrilling ride.
In conclusion, After He Took not only solidifies Rylie Dark’s position as a master of suspense but also establishes a captivating new series that I’m eager to explore further. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up at night, turning pages long past bedtime, look no further. Happy reading!
You can find After He Took (A Sloane Riddle Suspense Thriller—Book 1) here >>