Official Review: Darkness of Blue by Gary A James

Justine Ocsebio · Post by **Justine Ocsebio** » 08 Jan 2021, 18:18

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Darkness of Blue" by Gary A James.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Darkness of Blue by Gary A. James is a crime thriller that tells the story of a police officer and a civilian in a prison facility. Myles Konrad was once a detective in a special investigation unit whose goal was to neutralize gang activities in Oklahoma City. A case of mistaken identity led to terrible fallouts, challenging Konrad’s ethical stance as a police officer.

Meanwhile, Troy Devante Jones has been spending the last fifteen years in prison. In his conversations with his confidant, Jordan Conley, Troy recounted the events that occurred prior to his detention and how his life tied to a police officer named Myles Konrad.

Amid Black Lives Matter protests and controversial police-civilian encounters, this book holds so much relevance. On the one hand, the story explores the lives of the police. It depicts the dangerous nature of their job as well as the corruption within the institution. On the other hand, the story understands that there are factors beyond control that make a criminal resort to illegal activities.

The author approaches these pertinent issues with an open mind, which is what I like the most. Criminals aren’t simply caricatures in the story. They get to tell their sides of the story, exhibit their personalities, and lament their struggles. Through them, we learn that some criminals were also victims of their circumstances who have made the wrong decision once and found no way out since then. The story also scrutinizes a corrupt system that rewards those who follow and punishes those who resist. The author further pushes the narrative that unless the good cops stop the bad cops, there are no good cops. At one scene, a criminal spat on the face of a police officer. The officer, as a textbook definition of a dirty cop, retaliated by beating the guy. Konrad stepped in to subdue his colleague.

Apart from these comments, the book maintained a firm grasp on the quality of the story. I appreciate how Konrad, the protagonist, is not a one-dimensional good cop. The author introduces gray morality in the narrative, where he is often conflicted between doing the right thing and succumbing to corruption. The author employs non-linear storytelling through switching timelines. Most of the characters have perspectives, so a reader gets to see all angles in the story. The story also provides answers to the problems at hand, which I also appreciate.

Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars for the excellent characterization and the tactful exploration of pertinent themes. There is nothing I dislike about it. The editing quality was relatively good, as I only found a few errors. I recommend this to adults who like novels about crimes, police encounters, and gang activities. Graphic violent scenes are present, so readers who are sensitive to those contents should proceed with caution.

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Darkness of Blue
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Sararob06 · Post by **Sararob06** » 12 Jan 2021, 22:08

The cover really caught my attention. I love crime thrillers so I will put this on my list!

varun dornala · Post by **varun dornala** » 12 Jan 2021, 22:47

The movie is very intresting , its crime thirller story was good, it caught my attention. ofcourse i will put it on my list!

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 14 Jan 2021, 20:54

Thanks for your informative review. I like the multifaceted approach of this book. Just like there are corrupted police officers, there ought to be black sheep among the vulgar and dangerous criminals as well.

Chigo Nwagboso · Post by **Chigo Nwagboso** » 16 Jan 2021, 01:09

Wow! Reading your review has already dream me into the storyline. Thanks for an insightful review.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 16 Jan 2021, 23:28

Your review shows that every situation has two sides. I like how the author took the time to describe the perspective from both sides. The way you talked about the good cops keeping the bad cops in line sent shivers down my spine! Great writing. Thanks for the compelling review.

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 17 Jan 2021, 04:20

We should always listen to both sides of the story before judging someone. You have picked my interest with this book. Thank you for this engaging review!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 17 Jan 2021, 11:48

This seems really a great novel for its well-developed protagonists who can represent people at the center of important issues. Thank you for your great review!

18 Jan 2021, 04:21

Isn't it sad that good cops must stop the bad cops? Why can't people who choose to serve and protect their communities do exactly that? Why burden others? I am intrigued by how Troy and Konrad's paths crossed. Great review.

Eutoc · Post by **Eutoc** » 19 Jan 2021, 16:21

The author is truly open to have considered the various aspects of being a cop; those that could inflict pain on innocent citizens and those that inflict pain on deserved criminals. This would be an interesting book to read

Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 24 Jan 2021, 02:00

I enjoy reading crime and thriller novels. This story seems pretty intriguing. Thanks for your brilliant review!

Nmesoma · Post by **Nmesoma** » 24 Jan 2021, 05:24

Your review was definitely in-depth and revealing. The book sounds like a great read, but I'm a sensitive reader and I shy away from certain topics in books. Thanks for the review.

Michelle Menezes · Post by **Michelle Menezes** » 15 May 2021, 08:42

The thing I liked most about this book, which you pointed in your review is that nothing is completely black or white. It's not that simple. There are criminals who are victims of their circumstances and people who are in charge of upholding the law are not always honest. Konrad seems like an interesting character, and I'd like to read more about his dilemma and what brings him to the point where he currently is.

Post by **Seamstress** » 15 May 2021, 08:51

According description this book looks like a very promising crime thriller. Interesting plot, suspense and intrigue with cop work and great investigation. What makes it absolutely perfect - book is free for the day! Thanks so much, can't wait to get started!

cd20 · Post by **cd20** » 15 May 2021, 09:10

This sounds like a very interesting book. Pretty relevant too. Unfortunately, I am one who does not do well with graphic violent scenes, so will be skipping this book. Thanks for the great review!