Is "These Dark Hours" by Lyra Haven Worth the Read? A Comprehensive Review

 Alex Copeland just wants a quiet, normal life. Too bad the ghosts of Lowery’s Crossing have other plans. After fleeing the ghosts of my past, all I want is peace. I run my bookstore, hang out with my friends, then go home to my fat ginger cat and my roommate, Charlie. Completely normal. Just how I like it. Except Charlie is a ghost with a trashy reality TV addiction and sometimes, dead people appear in my bedroom. I help them move on, then tip off the police. Anonymously, of course. After all, finding one body is a coincidence. Four is a prison sentence.

The last thing I need in my life is more complications, so of course, the new man in town who flirts with me over coffee turns out to be a detective. I should stay away, but how can I, when his touch sets me on fire like never before?

When a new spirit throws me into the path of a killer, though, Donovan Parker may be the only person who can save me from joining the ghosts of Lowery’s Crossing for good.  

Tags: law enforcement, opposites attract, reluctant psychic, skeptical detective, touch-starved MC, he sees dead people, Alex just needs a hug, Donovan volunteers enthusiastically, healthy communication, snarky ghosts, nosy baristas, past trauma from parental neglect, murder happens and it’s not pretty, aftermath of murder, Alex seriously needs hugs to survive, like for real

Lyra Haven’s These Dark Hours is a book that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the intricate storytelling and the depth of the characters. Lyra’s writing is powerful, weaving a narrative that is as haunting as it is beautiful.

Alex Copeland is a character that readers will find themselves rooting for from the start. Alex’s journey through the darkest moments of his life is portrayed with such raw emotion and authenticity that it feels almost tangible. Lyra Haven’s ability to delve into the complexities of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit is truly remarkable. Each chapter is a testament to their skill in creating a world that is both vividly real and profoundly moving.

Alex’s best friend, the ghost Charlie, brings a sense of grounding and perspective to Alex.  Charlie is the one that Alex can turn to, despite having friends, Alex’s reluctance to open up and reveal his psychic abilities isolates him, and it is Charlie alone that he can turn to when the ghosts request his aid.  Charlie brings humour to the story, his taste in trashy TV being only one aspect of his personality that injects levity into the story line.

Donovan’s relationship with Alex is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel. The dynamic between them is intense and multifaceted, filled with moments of tension, understanding, and profound connection. Lyra masterfully explores their evolving relationship, highlighting the themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption. The chemistry between Alex and Donovan, from their very first meeting, is palpable, making their interactions some of the most memorable parts of the book.

Despite the emotional depth of These Dark Hours, it is not a heavy read nor one that is emotionally intense for long periods. Yes, it does have its moments where I reached for a tissue or felt my body tense in response, but these periods are relatively brief and the story soon lightens to make it easier on the heart and mind.  There is plenty of humour, all the characters have their own sense of humour, and Alex’s (living best friends) Raina and Camille, also do their bit to lighten the story.

The plot is masterfully crafted, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the author surprises you with another layer of depth and intrigue. The story is set against a backdrop that is both atmospheric and immersive. The dark, brooding settings perfectly complement the intense emotional moments experienced by the characters. Lyra’s descriptions are so vivid that you can almost feel the chill in the air and hear the whispers of the dead as they ask Alex to help them.

The atmosphere of These Dark Hours is one of its most striking features. The author creates a world that is both haunting and beautiful, filled with shadows and light. The settings are richly detailed, from the eerie to the quiet, to the boisterous and happy, the atmospheric depth adds an extra layer of immersion, making the reader feel as though they are walking alongside the characters, experiencing their fears and hopes firsthand.

What sets These Dark Hours apart is the author’s ability to evoke emotion. Their prose is lyrical, their characters are unforgettable, and their story is one that will stay with you for a long time. This book is not just a read, but an experience – one that will leave you yearning for more.

The main point of this review is that These Dark Hours is a beautiful experience. Lyra Haven has penned a novel that is not quickly forgotten and imminently re-readable, this was a world and characters I didn’t want to leave. If you read one book this year, make it this one. You won’t be disappointed.

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Lyra Haven's These Dark Hours is released 29 October 2024 on Amazon as an ebook (and in KU)

Don't have Kindle Unlimited (KU)? Get it here - Kindle Unlimited on Amazon