Review by Rwill0988 -- The Dark Web Murders by Brian O'Hare

[Rwill0988]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Dark Web Murders, by Brian O’Hare, is a thrilling murder mystery that follows the investigative team, their suspects and the murderer. It starts on Kevin Lane’s first day in Magilligan Prison. Unfortunately, it was also his last. Kevin is murdered, but his death is ruled as accidental.

Then the story shifts to a party of the Fulfilment for the Enlightened Club. This party is filled with those of privilege, power and wealth. It exists to allow members to explore their dark and often illegal desires. Judge Neeson, the founder of the Club, is being blackmailed. He sends his assistant, Edgar Doran, to deal with the blackmailer.

The next morning, we are once again at Judge Neeson’s home. But this time, the house is filled with Chief Inspector Jim Sheehan, his team and the body of Judge Neeson. Was he murdered because of the Club? Was he murdered because of a case he presided over? Was he murdered by his blackmailer? All avenues must be explored.

Had the detectives and the suspect been the only perspectives, this story would have still been gripping. But what knocked this book into a thrilling page-turner was the addition of Nemein’s Blog. We follow the blog posts of the murderer as s/he describes the planning, justification and executions of her/his murders.

I wish I could give this novel higher than four out of four because it was exceptional. I enjoyed creating my own theories about the murderer and hearing the deduction of Jim Sheehan once the murderer is revealed. The clues collected throughout the story subtly point to the murderer. It is satisfying if you guessed, and probably amazing if you hadn’t suspected.

This novel is the fourth in the series, and I haven’t read the previous installments. This book can stand on its own. The addition of the introductory information helped as a reference. Particularly, when several characters were introduced at a party or crime scene. I found O’Hare worked information about previous cases and history seamlessly into the plot. It provided insight into the characters and their relationships without taking away from this novel’s story.

This book is intended for adult readers. Even then, I might include a trigger warning. There is a detailed description of rape at the beginning of the novel. It also contained pedophilia, human trafficking, BDSM, torture and a descriptive poisoning of a dog. These aspects of the story are unsettling and are meant to be. I didn’t find they were used for shock value but were important aspects of the story.

There were almost no spelling nor grammatical errors. It is important to note, that the book follows the writing conventions of the United Kingdom and not the United States. For example, the absence of the period after Mr. and Mrs. However, I found this to provide authenticity to a story set in Ireland.

Only two parts of the book irked me, and I think both were intentional decisions by the author. There was the descriptive poisoning of a dog. I had to put the book down for a bit after this. It was well-written and showed the psychotic nature of the murderer. It is also very unsettling. Up to that point, I thought perhaps these were vigilante murders and somehow justified. After that, there was no going back.

Then there were some obvious clues, but the detectives seemed to be unable to see them. One example would be with the poem Nemein gave to the squad. Jim Sheehan and the rest of the team are insightful, and yet they missed the obvious. I decided that this was done to provide the reader with clues and add to the suspense of the story.

I will be reading more of this series. I will also be recommending this book to those who like murder, suspense, thrillers and mysteries.

******
The Dark Web Murders
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Upeksha]

Suspense and mysteries are my favourite combination, so I think I would enjoy this book. Thanks for the descriptive review!

[Rwill0988]

Suspense and mysteries are my favourite combination, so I think I would enjoy this book. Thanks for the descriptive review!

Hi Upwksha, If that is your favourite combo this is definitely a book for you. I've heard good things about the others in the series too. Thank you for the comment and I'm glad you enjoyed my review.

[MsH2k]

This sounds like an exciting and well-written mystery thriller. After reading your paragraph of trigger warnings, however, I know this one’s not for me. Thank you for a great review!

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your appealing review. I read this book before, and indeed it provides hints to the readers at a steady pace. This is interesting because we can start to investigate the case on our own alongside the detective team.

[Rwill0988]

This sounds like an exciting and well-written mystery thriller. After reading your paragraph of trigger warnings, however, I know this one’s not for me. Thank you for a great review!

I think if I had known about the trigger warning aspects I might not have picked it up either. I usually put the book down for a bit when I found something particularly troubling. It definitely isn't for everyone (even though it was a really good book). Thank you for your comment.

[Rwill0988]

Thanks for your appealing review. I read this book before, and indeed it provides hints to the readers at a steady pace. This is interesting because we can start to investigate the case on our own alongside the detective team.

Right? It makes the story more engaging when you start guessing who it might be. Thank you for your comment!

[Rayah Raouf]

I really want to read this book! So happy it on KU! Will be picking it up for sure. Thank you for the great review! I didn't even realize this book was part of a series.

[Rwill0988]

I really want to read this book! So happy it on KU! Will be picking it up for sure. Thank you for the great review! I didn't even realize this book was part of a series.

KU is a wonderful thing. So many books , so little time. I'm glad you liked the review. I haven't read the other books in the series but definitely going to check them out. Thank you for the comment

[Saint Bruno]

Your summary of the book's plot got me. I am sure this will be a thrilling detective title. Thanks for the detailed review and recommendation.

[Marcel Cantu]

I really enjoy murder mysteries and your summary makes this book sound very interesting! Thank you for your work!

[smolbird]

I like that this book can be read as a standalone. This book seems to be a very interesting read. Thank you for your informative review, I enjoyed reading it!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

I also loved the book very much! I read the next installment, and it was as amazing as this one. I was also disturbed by the scene with the dog murder, so I know what you mean. Great job with the review!

[Mariana Figueira]

I also thought the poem was an obvious clue, and I kind of had my suspicions from the start about who the killer was. Still not disappointed, it is a wonderful book. Thanks for the awesome review.

[Rwill0988]

Your summary of the book's plot got me. I am sure this will be a thrilling detective title. Thanks for the detailed review and recommendation.

You are welcome. Hope you get a chance to read it. Thank you for your comment