Review by Michelle Fred -- The Dark Web Murders

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 12 Apr 2020, 16:24

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Dark Web Murders" by Brian O'Hare.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Dark Web Murders: The Inspector Sheehan Mysteries Book 4 is written by Brian O'Hare. It follows the story of a psychopathic killer on a quest to exact vengeance for the injustice he believes he suffered in the arms of the law. Judge Neeson is famed for the iron fist with which he wields the gavel. After hosting a party in his home one night, his assistant found his mutilated body the morning after. Inspector Sheehan and his team are faced with the arduous task of fishing out the culprit. But the names of dignitaries on the guest list made their job harder; many of them were alleged enemies of the judge. One can only imagine what they were doing at the party. However, when other bodies started popping up all over town with a blog on the dark web dedicated to details of the murders, Inspector Sheehan knew he had been barking up the wrong tree. But the party attendees aren't without skeletons they will go to any length to hide.

This yarn is so masterfully spun, it snatches the reader’s attention right from the prologue. Brian did a brilliant job with the characters, but the animated and realistic dialogues are by far the mainstay of the book. He melded diverse themes to drive the plot, and I think it worked well as many of them gave me food for thought.

As the only woman in an ocean overflowing with men, I love that Stewart had a voice and an active role on her team. Her colleagues often questioned her ability to withstand the gory aspects of their job, and I like that she always stood her ground. At last, her gumption proved fundamental in solving the mystery. Still, a part of me wishes she didn’t have to fight to do her job, unlike her male teammates.

I have little to quibble about, but I wish the book didn't have so many characters. Though the author provided a preface with the names of the characters and their roles, still, it took me a lot of effort to figure out who is who.

Short of going over the words with a fine-tooth comb, I tried, but I couldn't find a single error in the book. Brian's editor(s) did a stellar job. Considering that and the engaging nature of the book, it would be an injustice to rate it anything less than 4 out of 4 stars. It was so engrossing; I was fully invested in the lives of the characters. I suspect they will live in my head long after this review.

The book will appeal to anyone that fancies a good mystery novel. However, I would be wary of recommending it to the squeamish or a young audience because of the explicit portrayal of violence and perversion.

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The Dark Web Murders
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Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 14 Apr 2020, 15:09

A well-edited mystery novel with a determined female character sounds like a good read. I agree, I wish she didn’t have to work so hard to prove herself, but at least she doesn’t back down and played a major role in solving the mystery. Thanks for the great review!

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 15 Apr 2020, 12:05

Everydayadventure15 wrote: ↑14 Apr 2020, 15:09 A well-edited mystery novel with a determined female character sounds like a good read. I agree, I wish she didn’t have to work so hard to prove herself, but at least she doesn’t back down and played a major role in solving the mystery. Thanks for the great review!

Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.

Shabram22 · Post by **Shabram22** » 16 Apr 2020, 01:16

I'm not usually a murder mystery lover but your review has interested me in reading this book. I hope I don't get lost with the many characters but I'm willing to give it a try. Thanks for your review!

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 16 Apr 2020, 05:55

Shabram22 wrote: ↑16 Apr 2020, 01:16 I'm not usually a murder mystery lover but your review has interested me in reading this book. I hope I don't get lost with the many characters but I'm willing to give it a try. Thanks for your review!

I'm sure you will figure out the major characters. Thanks for your comment.