I just breezed through this one, fast paced, a great mystery to solve and more back stories on awesome characters.
In this second book Casey finds herself unraveling a mystery of kidnapping, murder and some more scoop on how this counsel is really running Rockton.
Love, love, love it.

Favorite character in this one, Mathias lol ( )

Love these characters. ( )

In spite of my hopes for this second in the series, things did not pan out. So many insane flaws and ridiculous plot devices to twist the story down the author’s desired path made for difficult suspension of disbelief. The story was overly long and could have accomplished its goal in much less time without losing any value.

A fascinating premise. But a super-heroine whose only flaw is trying to solve everyone’s problems and a romantic subplot that feels tacked on - these keep the story from reaching full potential. Add in a naive boyfriend, a self-centered “best friend” who our stalwart heroine refuses to dump, and a shadowy council that exerts control from a distance; and it just flies over into unbelievability. ( )

A Darkness Absolute
4 Stars

When Casey Duncan stumbles across a young woman imprisoned in a cave, she more fully comprehends that the seemingly quiet and tranquil settlement of Rockton conceals a darker and more sinister side of human nature.

Unlike the first installment in the series, which was slow to start, the action in A Darkness Absolute begins immediately and the story progresses and a rapid and gripping pace.

Casey is a more appealing heroine now that she has settled in in Rockton and her relationship with the sexy sheriff, Eric Dalton, is on a more even keel. There is also development in the characterization of the other Rockton residents, and those who seemed abrasive at first are becoming more likeable.

The serial killer mystery is on the predictable side and there is a moment when it becomes more than obvious who the culprit is. That said, the ultimate climax and resolution of the case are satisfying.

Therese Plummer's narration of the audiobook is excellent. She has distinct male and female voices, and her intonation rachetts up the suspense at appropriate moments.

All in all, an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to spending more time in Rockton. ( )

A Darkness Absolute by Kelley Armstrong
Rockton / Casey Duncan series #2. Thriller. Can be read as a stand-alone.
A hidden, remote town where people can hide. Some pay to get accepted so there could be thieves, killers or any number of reasons to hide on remote Alaska. It’s up to Casey and Sheriff Will to police the town. Chasing a run-away into a blizzard ends up with them finding a woman being held captive in a cave. Additional found bodies says serial killer they need to track down.

Tense and gripping. A thrilling story that will hold you “captive”. Casey is so smart as she works through events trying to connect all the clues. I love the addition of Storm which was a needed lightness in the storyline. ( )