Carolyn Walsh 's Reviews > The Dark

3.5 stars.
My apologies to the many readers who enjoy the Lacey Flint books. I have long considered Sharon J. Bolton one of my favourite writers for her stand-alone mysteries. When I purchased this book, I had forgotten that I had previously given low ratings to the few Lacey Flint books I had read in contrast to loving Bolton's stand-alone novels. I stated in a last review that 'I was so done with the Lacy Flint character' but cannot remember my reasons. I realize that I have missed some important events and background by skipping books #3 and 4. I have read some of the shorter novellas and believe The Dark works as a stand-alone as it refers to facts I had missed.

I find that Lacy Flint has progressed as an intriguing character with a secret that would demolish her standing as a police officer were it to be exposed. She is in love with Officer Joesbury, and the relationship is growing, but Lacey fears her secret will ruin their relationship. Meanwhile, Joesbury and team are monitoring the Dark Web in search of the identity of 4 incels
grooming misogynist males who identify as incels into committing acts of terrorism meant to frighten women. The threat from the growing incel movement has led to acts of terrorism in other countries, and the Men Matter movement intends to strip away women's voting rights and prominent positions in the workplace. Women would be placed on a curfew; their place would be the home under the domination of males. Men would control decisions in child-raising and have custody of the offspring.

The four incels making anti-feminist remarks on the web have resulted in some of their followers performing frightening and sometimes deadly attacks against women and a baby. Their hatred is also directed towards good-looking and wealthy men who have had success with women and are the object of their jealousy. Lacy becomes their main target after bravely rescuing a baby launched into the Thames River. This was the first incident in acts meant to terrorize women. As their actions against women continue, there are suggestions on the Dark Web that a Day of Retribution is coming and will result in massive deaths. As Joesbury and the team attempt to infiltrate the Dark Web and arrest those responsible for their propaganda, this was a prolonged process that detracted from the book's flow. Some followers influenced to commit attacks have been arrested, but they have no idea of the identity of those who have urged them on. One of the incels had met Lacey years before, gathered much evidence of her past, and threatened to expose her secrets publicly.

As the team races towards a deadline and cannot prevent the Day of Retribution, they learn how much they believed was based on fraud. This was a tale full of suspense and unforeseen twists and identified a minor but genuine threat to the progress of modern women in our society.