BelEdit Book Reviews
What Happens in the Dark is a blend of legal thriller and domestic drama. I enjoyed the main storyline but the subplot felt unnecessary and clichéd.
I found the narration pretty captivating throughout, with its range of realistic and engaging characters and a twisty plot.
The characters, particularly Lily and Safa, are intriguing and well-developed. Best friends since childhood, Safa was raised by a loving father, Lily by a neglectful mother. While Safa has struggled to gain professional recognition, Lily has transformed herself into a national figure, a lauded TV presenter. Lily is portrayed as a difficult, cold and complex character, Safa as a warm-hearted friend and a determined journalist. The dynamic between the two is interesting and believable, as their old friendship and knowledge of each other clashes with their current social disparity and divergent values.
What Happens in the Dark is primarily a domestic drama, delving into serious themes such as domestic violence, media exploitation, and racial and gender prejudice. It also works well as a legal thriller, delivering tense and emotionally compelling courtroom scenes.
The plot twists and turns, with shocking secrets revealed during the court case, add to the suspense. The final twist is particularly well-executed: it left me questioning everything I thought I knew about the characters and their motivations.
The main aspect of the novel that I didn’t like was the whole Glassman sub-plot, involving a serial rapist who is attacking women in their homes — notably older women in minority groups who are so ashamed that they are not reporting the crimes against them. Safa is pursuing this story in parallel to the main story around Lily. It feels like a tagged on, unnecessary plot, and Safa’s role in it doesn’t ring true.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
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