Dark Circles

A Novel

By: Caite Dolan-Leach

Narrated by: Alex McKenna, Brittany Pressley, Sophie Amoss, Kirsten Potter, Maggi-Meg Reed, Fred Sanders

An embattled actress becomes entangled in a dark conspiracy at a spiritual retreat—and starts a true crime podcast to try to break the case—in this chilling novel about fame, violence, and our morbid fascination with murder, from the acclaimed author of Dead Letters.

“Dolan-Leach writes like Paula Hawkins by way of Curtis Sittenfeld.”—Amy Gentry, author of Good as Gone

Olivia Reed needs a break. She doesn’t want to think about her name plastered on tabloids or be reminded of her recent meltdown on a Manhattan street. Her micromanaging publicist has just the thing in mind: a remote retreat in upstate New York—the House of Light. It’s not rehab; it’s a Spiritual Center, a site for seeking realignment and personal growth. There will be yoga and morning meditation, soft bamboo-blend fabrics and no shortage of crystals to cleanse her energy.

But Liv will soon find that the House of Light is filled with darkness. A prickly local, Ava, informs her that something twisted is lurking behind the Light’s veneer. There have been a series of mysterious suicides committed by women caught in the Light’s web, and no matter who Ava talks to, no one believes the Center is involved. To find out what’s really happened and put her celebrity to good use, Liv starts a podcast, seeking to connect the dots and expose the Light’s true intentions. Because beneath the glowing skin of the Light’s inhabitants lie rotten souls, and Liv starts to wonder if anything—even her own life—is how it appears.

Caite Dolan-Leach brings her tantalizing voice, her gift for atmosphere, and a cast of delightfully devious and absorbing characters to this riveting novel of suspense.

Critic reviews

Praise for Dark Cicles

“Caite Dolan-Leach is resolutely committed to her characters. . . . So it was with confidence that I began Dark Circles and was richly rewarded.”—Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review

“This gripping story, filled with irony and cringe-inducing revelations, is guaranteed to keep readers mesmerized with its bizarre plot twists and gasp-producing ending. A perfect read-alike for fans of the Steve Martin and Martin Short TV series Only Murders in the Building.”—Booklist

“Life starts to imitate art for Liv Reed, the self-deprecating narrator of this evocative, character-propelled thriller. . . . This page-turner’s appealing protagonist makes for sardonically amusing company.”—Publishers Weekly

Praise for We Went to the Woods

“A sharp, spellbinding cautionary tale, one that reminds us that even those who do remember the past might also wind up repeating it.”—NPR (Best Books of the Year)

“Dark, gothic, and hauntingly beautiful, this is addictive storytelling at its best.”—JP Delaney, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Before

“Caite Dolan-Leach’s prose is both nimble and elegantly evocative.”—Christopher J. Yates, author of Black Chalk

“Tantalizingly mysterious . . . richly realized.”—Kirkus Reviews

Great story line continuation

The narrator was great, with the exception of the voices of her men. I didn’t realize initially this was a continuation of Dead Letters to some extent and the way she narrated Wyatt and the other men is like nails on a chalk board. I wish they could have used the male narrator they featured in one of the podcast episodes. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. Dolan-Leech is by far one of my favorite authors.

Great Story, Voice Artists Left More to be Desired

I liked the true-crime podcast aspect, especially with investigating a cult health camp. The hysteria of the story is that these clubs exist and are disguised as health retreats, not the cults they are.

The main characters could have been developed more, such as Reign. There is an air of mystery surrounding both her and Don.

The voice acting is atrocious. Random House, please never do this again. Hire several voice actors even if the bulk of the characters are females.

Overall, I enjoyed this mystery, and you will too!