Dark of Night

Written by Barbara Nickless

Narrated by Timothy Campbell

A recent murder is ancient history in a breathtaking novel about a sacred lost treasure and poisonous retribution by the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of At First Light.

What an exotic way to die in Chicago.

When esteemed historian Elizabeth Lawrence is found in her car, killed by a cobra’s bite, only a brilliant professor of semiotics, Dr. Evan Wilding, can see the signs around her strange death. As he helps homicide detective Addie Bisset decipher the scene, the puzzles left behind offer Evan chilling passage into the mind of a killer.

Evan’s investigation merges with that of an Israeli agent, who claims Elizabeth was close to acquiring an invaluable artifact. She was also drawing the attention of unsavory treasure hunters, forgers, and thieves. Was someone desperate to expose the truth of Elizabeth’s astonishing discovery?

The deeper Evan and Addie delve into the case, the darker it gets. A murderer’s archaic crimes are just the beginning. In a race where there can be only one winner, the final victim might be Evan.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Nov 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781713656609

Barbara Nickless

Barbara Nickless is the Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Sydney Rose Parnell series, which includes Blood on the Tracks, a Suspense Magazine Best of 2016 selection and winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence; Dead Stop; and Ambush. Blood on the Tracks and Dead Stop won the Colorado Book Award, and Dead Stop was nominated for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence. Her essays and short stories have appeared in Writer’s Digest and Criminal Element, among other markets. She lives in Colorado, where she loves to cave, snowshoe, hike, and drink single malt Scotch—usually not at the same time. Connect with her at www.barbaranickless.com.

Reviews for Dark of Night

[paulagalvan-323293 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well-researched and written, Dark of Night is a deep dive into the treacherous underworld of archeology and the collecting of ancient religious artifacts. When Dr. Evan Wilding accompanies his friend Addie, a Chicago detective, to a crime scene, he is shocked to discover the victim is his old friend and colleague Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence, head of the Chicago Institute of Middle Eastern Antiquities. What follows in the investigation of her homicide is a complicated trail of deceit, betrayal, and murder over a fabled biblical text known as The Moses, or Shapira Scrolls, rumored to be the original text of the book of Deuteronomy. The plot is driven by engaging characters and non-stop intrigue—sometimes overwhelmingly so. I thoroughly enjoyed the addition of the walking ottoman, Perro—Diana's Welsh corgi—to Evan's world. Pets with such an abundance of personality always add substance to any story. Suspenseful and educational, this second book in the series is well worth the time invested.

[cathygeha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dark of Night by Barbara NicklessDr. Evan Wilding #2Excellent, thought provoking, intellectually stimulating book that kept me interested from beginning to end. What I liked: * Dr. Evan Wilding: intelligent, master of words (semiotician), symbologist, professor, professor, riddle solver, historian, into falconry, older brother to River, police consultant, height challenged, friend of Detective Addison Bisset and more than a bit in love with her, intriguing* Detective Addison “Addie” Bisset: homicide detective, lethal, dedicated, professional, good friend, serial dater, good friend of Evan, team player, strong, determined, might be a potential love interest for Evan* Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence: archaeologist, papyrus expert, established an institute, dying of cancer, murdered by cobra, integral to the story* Ronen Avraham: tall, dark, handsome, lethal, Mossad agent, interested in antiquities, would like to see him in future books…maybe* Christina Johansen: Evan’s current love interest, professor, seems a good sort though perhaps not Evan’s forever woman* Diana: works with Evan, bright, owner of Perro the Corgi that Evan is dog sitting* The mystery of the Shapira Scrolls that really did exist and have truly gone missing – had to look up more about them so learned from this book* The step into the world of antiquities and the plundering of and illicit trading in them – having seen some magnificent ancient museum pieces in a number of Middle Eastern countries…this book hit close to home.* The plot, pacing, and writing – really drew me in* The mysteries and how they were resolved * That it was so believable and made me feel invested in the story* All of it really…except…What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like* Knowing that the evil that took place in this book does happen in the real world* Having to wait to see what Evan will decide and what will happen in the next book of the seriesDid I enjoy this book? YesWould I read more in this series? DefinitelyThank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.5 Stars

[dokfintong · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The dog didn't bark. The first Dr. Evan Wilding mystery was OK, but in this one, Barbara Nickless introduces an exotic murder weapon that stretches credibility to breaking. I instantly recognized the weapon and I immediately discounted it. As I see it, one of two different people should have died instead of Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence. The book's pacing is slow and I found myself struggling to finish.I received a review copy of "Dark of Night" by Barbara Nickless from Thomas $ Mercer through NetGalley.com.