Official Review: Darkness of Blue by Gary A James

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any crime, thriller, mystery or horror books or series.
Post Reply
User avatar
Justine Ocsebio
Posts: 1638
Joined: 29 Jul 2020, 21:55
Currently Reading: Dancing Under The Stars
Bookshelf Size: 270
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-justine-ocsebio.html
Latest Review: Phone Calls: Love and Money by Bela Feketekuty

Official Review: Darkness of Blue by Gary A James

Post by Justine Ocsebio »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Darkness of Blue" by Gary A James.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


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.

******
Darkness of Blue
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Sararob06
Posts: 289
Joined: 05 Oct 2020, 20:20
Currently Reading: Anna Karenina
Bookshelf Size: 162
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sararob06.html
Latest Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

Post by Sararob06 »

The cover really caught my attention. I love crime thrillers so I will put this on my list!
User avatar
varun dornala
Posts: 1
Joined: 12 Jan 2021, 22:25
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by varun dornala »

The movie is very intresting , its crime thirller story was good, it caught my attention. ofcourse i will put it on my list!
Last edited by varun dornala on 12 Jan 2021, 22:48, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Sou Hi
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 2364
Joined: 07 Sep 2019, 09:06
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 154
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sou-hi.html
Latest Review: Project Tau by Jude Austin

Post by Sou Hi »

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
Posts: 1160
Joined: 28 Aug 2020, 15:03
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 78
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chigo-nwagboso.html
Latest Review: Last minute wedding date by Anthony george

Post by Chigo Nwagboso »

Wow! Reading your review has already dream me into the storyline. Thanks for an insightful review.
kdstrack
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 6473
Joined: 10 May 2017, 19:49
Currently Reading: The Savior
Bookshelf Size: 530
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kdstrack.html
Latest Review: Kennedy's Revenge by Stephen L Rodenbeck

Post by kdstrack »

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.
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

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!
User avatar
NetMassimo
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 7591
Joined: 24 Jul 2019, 06:37
Currently Reading: Red Planet Blues
Bookshelf Size: 526
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-netmassimo.html
Latest Review: Chloe The Clone by William E. Mason
2025 Reading Goal: 60
2025 Goal Completion: 58%

Post by NetMassimo »

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!
Ciao :)
Massimo
User avatar
Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1894
Joined: 23 Jul 2020, 03:06
Favorite Book: Happy Healing
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 305
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nqobile-mashinini-tshabalala.html
Latest Review: Play Golf Better Faster: The Classic Guide to Optimizing Your Performance and Building Your Best Fast by Kalliope Barlis

Post by Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala »

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.
Documented history is a gift from the past to the future! - NqobileM
User avatar
Eutoc
Posts: 623
Joined: 15 Sep 2020, 01:39
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-eutoc.html
Latest Review: My Ups And Downs by Sam Barder

Post by Eutoc »

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
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson
User avatar
Honest-reviewer
Posts: 1566
Joined: 17 Feb 2020, 10:18
Currently Reading: The Lost Symbol
Bookshelf Size: 120
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-honest-reviewer.html
Latest Review: Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller

Post by Honest-reviewer »

I enjoy reading crime and thriller novels. This story seems pretty intriguing. Thanks for your brilliant review!
User avatar
Nmesoma
Posts: 248
Joined: 24 May 2018, 10:45
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 47
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nmesoma.html
Latest Review: The Maestro Monologue by Rob White

Post by Nmesoma »

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
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 869
Joined: 24 Apr 2021, 13:17
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 75
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-michelle-menezes.html
Latest Review: The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker

Post by Michelle Menezes »

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.
User avatar
Seamstress
In It Together VIP
Posts: 1881
Joined: 18 Nov 2018, 09:01
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 94

Post by Seamstress »

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!
User avatar
cd20
Posts: 1036
Joined: 29 Nov 2020, 14:54
Favorite Book: Hope Between the Pages
Currently Reading: Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl
Bookshelf Size: 823
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cd20.html
Latest Review: Now Unto Him by Melissa Huggins
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG

Post by cd20 »

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!
Real life is dreadfully tedious, the way it interrupts reading. -Things We Didn't Say by Amy Lynn Green
Post Reply

Return to “Crime, Thrillers, Mystery and Horror Books”