Review: Even better than the first book!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 8, 2013
I loved Pitch Black. I loved the story, I loved Alec and Samantha, both separately and together. I loved the subplots. Mostly, though, I absolutely was fascinated by the bad guy. In my mind, all the best bad guys have some ambiguity. While I would in no way say the character was sympathetic, his rationale for his crimes was diabolical, chilling, and interestingly different.Alec is a new addition to the Black Cats  FBI Cyber Crime Unit. He was misled by a witness, and because of that, he was seriously injured, and lost his position with the BAU. On his first day with his new unit, he learns a serial killer he has been hunting for several years has resurfaced. Due to the fact that the killer is luring his victims using the internet, the team catches the case.Sam, or Samantha the Spaminator, has written a book, and writes a blog about internet scams and safety precautions. The FBI team visits Sam after learning of a peripheral connection she had to one of the victims. As the story progresses, we realize Sam plays a larger role in the killer's agenda than anyone could have guessed. I have to say, I just loved Sam. She was funny, and realistic. There were no TSTLisms. She was open about her feelings for Alec, and overall, a believable character.This book was by turns funny, and warm, and creepy, and a little sad. I felt sorry for the victims. ****Small Spoiler**** The whole plot line made me consider the lengths people will go to in order to connect with another person. Not to mention the powerful lure of greed.  Also made me think about the illusion of safety with which we surround ourselves while out on the 'net. ***End Spoiler***Bottom line - Terrific suspense with a romantic side. Very well written with a gripping, thought provoking angle. Of the three novels in the series so far, Pitch Black is my favorite, I think, though they are all good. If you haven't read the first book, you won't feel lost picking this up. If you like Laura Griffin or Dee Davis, I would encourage you to give this series a try.