Darkness, Take My Hand

By: Dennis Lehane

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The master of the new noir, Dennis Lehane magnificently evokes the dignity and savagery of working-class Boston in this terrifying tale of darkness and redemption.

Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro's latest client is a prominent Boston psychiatrist running scared from a vengeful Irish mob. The private investigators know something about cold-blooded retribution. Born and bred on the mean streets of blue-collar Dorchester, they've seen the darkness that lives in the hearts of the unfortunate. But an evil for which even they are unprepared is about to strike as secrets long-dormant erupt, setting off a chain of violent murders that will stain everything - including the truth.

©1996 Dennis Lehane (P)2011 HarperCollinsPublishers

Riveting.

Riveting. Lehane in his 20s - a master storyteller already. It’s grim at times, sweet, noble, full of empathy and pathos. Humane.

Narrator Jonathan Davies is perfect.

This is book two of a five book series about young Boston private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro. Read them in order.

Brilliant

Dennis Lehane is simply the best. His writing is suspenseful and smart. He fuels your imagination, ignites your curiosity and keeps you wanting more. The narrator does a great job giving Lehane’s words life without distracting from the story. I have, and will continue to, re-read/listen to the Kenzie/Gennaro series over and over-just can’t get enough!

Dennis Lehane series

I love his writing style. You become so immersed in the story and characters. My reason for a 3 star ⭐️ story rating is because I almost stopped reading the book 📚 several times due to the over the top descriptive torture and violence. When people read/listen to books 📚 they wish to immerse themselves into the story….not be so horrified by them. You certainly can write a excellent story that doesn’t become such a nightmare that you can’t wait to escape from.

A Little Too Graphic

Enjoyed the story, characters, the narrator and the plot; however, some scenes were just a tad too graphic for my taste. Sometimes it is better to imagine a scene or action rather than to have it spelled out in such detail.

Was really hoping it was read by Jonathan Davis of Korn

A great, tense, dark detective story. There was one scene that I think played into the “Hannibal Lecter” trope of some ingenious supervillain locked up and taunting the authorities that had me roll my eyes, but after that it was all intensity.

Brutal, Sickinning, Fun

Any additional comments?

This is one of the more messed up books you are likely to read (listen to). It features depravity on a level that cannot be seen on screen. It takes your mind, and makes you an accomplice to these horrific murders, because you are the one imagining them. The sicker you are as a person, the sicker this book will appear in your head. Which, I think, is the point. The story revolves around 2 good people stuck in a shitstorm of sickness and evil that threatens to suck away their morality. With each new scene you can feel their character and beliefs slowly cracking under the strain, because you, the listener, are feeling the same strain. You will leave this story feeling dirty, as if you have third degree stains on your skin and they won't wash out. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then by all means forge ahead into the Darkness, let it take your hand and show you how fun it can be to witness evil. Because it is a good time, a story written by a man at the top of his craft. Lehane knows how to shock you, but never does so unless he needs to, thus allowing the twists to be that much more effective. Read the book(or listen) if you think you can take it

Fantastic story, great author yet, strange narration.

I love this book! All of Dennis Lane's books are fantastic, actually evoke South Boston, Dorchester of the 1990s. However, this particular narrator was truly odd. Instead of doing a south Boston accent or no accent at all, he would slip into a southern accent for those Dorchester men. This really did not work and actually, Took away from the enjoyment of this fantastic and riveting story. I will continue to read Dennis Lehane books but will watch out for this narrator in the future. I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a good psychological thriller… try not to let the narrator get in the way of your enjoyment.

5/5

Fucking incredible. Dennis Lehane is a beast. Immediately starting the next book. Love it.

My second Lehane

Another well plotted and written Lehane. I'll buy the next one in the series soon

over the top

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, the narrator was just too dramatic. If I had been reading the book I wouldn't have interpreted the way the narrator did. It was annoying!