Iris in the Dark

A Novel

By: Elissa Grossell Dickey

Narrated by: Christine Williams

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

A single mother faces her worst fear—the past—in a provocative novel of suspense by the author of The Speed of Light.

Iris Jenkins knows that bad things happen. She’s tried to escape these things for years. So when Iris is entrusted to house-sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she thinks she’s prepared for anything.

But one surprise is Sawyer Jones, the property’s neighbor and caretaker. He’s a caring, reassuring presence who’s making her feel safe and alive again. Then late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from a walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. As the calls get more desperate, personal, and menacing, Iris realizes the person on the other end isn’t reaching out for help. They’re reaching out to terrorize her.

Now the only way for Iris to move forward in life is to confront the past she’s been running from...a threat that has now followed her into the dark.

©2022 Elissa Grossell Dickey (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“A lucky few of us walk in the sunshine, and the rest of us have to fight our way out of the dark. Elissa Grossell Dickey’s Iris is one of the latter, and in elegant prose, she makes Iris’s journey heart-wrenching, memorable, and all too real. Pages turn faster and faster as you speed to the satisfying resolution of Iris in the Dark.”—Kristin Wright, Amazon bestselling author of The Darkest Flower and The Darkest Web

“Iris in the Dark investigates the shadowy corners of one woman’s past—and how they try to reclaim her, just as she finally finds some light. It’s a moving and suspenseful story with prose as impactful as its characters’ journeys. I read this one in a single sitting, pulled along by the novel’s stunning revelations and Elissa Grossell Dickey’s beautiful storytelling.”—Megan Collins, author of The Family Plot

“Iris in the Dark is an unputdownable, unforgettable story of trauma and strength. Dickey expertly fuses romance and internal struggle with moments of abject terror, making for a fast-paced one-sitting read.”—Suzy Krause, author of Valencia and Valentine and Sorry I Missed You

I liked it

This story kept me engaged and on my toes waiting for what would happen next. I thought it was a good story.

good storyline

overall a very easy to read story. Surviving a bad relationship and the strength to realize your self worth.
narrator was really good.
likeable characters, learning forgiveness and finding love and family.
Not a bad storyline at all. enjoyed it.

4 stars

Iris in the Dark by Elissa Grossell Dickey is a great listen. I enjoyed how the past and present intertwined within the story. I did know two twists immediately after the mystery behind them started, but it didn't take away from my engagement.

I deducted a star because after everything settled down, it turned into a sappy romance, third act breakup and all, and had the insta-love trope, which I absolute hate. Also, the summary of the book was more ominous than what actually takes place.

Christine Williams is a good narrator.

A good story

I can’t say that I was surprised by this story. This kind f story is not unique. There were parts that kept me guessing a bit. Domestic violence is a hard topic to render without going over the top. Some parts seemed over the top to me especially how clingy Iris was. It made me consider putting the book aside but I am glad I finished it.

Deeply moving

this story was narrated wonderfully. as the plot was slowly being revealed I got pulled deeper and deeper into the story. I found myself fearing for the main character and hoping that everything worked out. I won't post any spoilers but it was a emotional reveal of the culprit. Definitely worth the listen.

No huge surprises here. 3.5 stars, tbh

The protagonist has low self-esteem, suffers the effects of past trauma, and is extremely (over) protective of her child - thus she's targeted for her vulnerability. I appreciated the author's use of restraint regards "romance". It's become incredibly tiresome reading/hearing the SAME sexual dynamics and nearly identical scenes in every Domestic Thriller (thanks a ton, NR). It's actually a turnOFF. This author builds relationships by (gasp!) allowing characters to "get to know one another". Laudable. Uncommonly creative. Narration is VG+.

One point of contention: how did Iris and Sawyer manage to survive financially? Did both receive large life insurance settlements when their spouses died, or do they exist in an alternate reality? Both are single parents raising children, working low-paying jobs, yet they live quite abundantly, own trouble-free vehicles, etc. All this is attributable to Lloyd? Characters seem to exist magically in book after book of this genre.

Iris in the dark

What a great book! I really enjoyed all the characters, and I really enjoyed the storyline behind all of it a few things that I found troubling was the anxiety that Iris gave me being a helicopter, mom… Which I understand, but at the same time, seems kind of extra and I don’t really understand the rude cops attitude! Overall I loved the book and will recommend!