ARC BOOK REVIEW: Dark Country by Monique Snyman

Publication Date: August 30, 2022 Format: Kindle Genre:  ghost mystery

Publisher: Vesuvian Books  Length: 284 pages Buy:  Kindle | Paperback

Synopsis

Too often people mistake monsters for gods.

When a ravaged corpse is discovered in Pretoria, South Africa, Esmé Snyder—an occult-crime expert—is called in to investigate. But she doesn't know the scope of what she's up against. Esmé is the target of a cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer who uses the paranormal to do his bidding, with the intent of becoming a god on Earth.

With assistance from her team—a brusque detective, eccentric millionaire, stoic priest, hawkeyed secretary, and handsome British forensic criminologist—Esmé hopes to find the killer before he strikes again.

But the clock isn't all that's working against them. The media catches wind of the threat against the citizens of Pretoria, and their reported speculations promise a post-Apartheid Satanic Panic.

As the body count grows, Esmé must figure out who is behind the heinous crimes before she ends up the final sacrifice.

Review: 

I received a free advanced readers copy of this book from the Author. I am voluntarily leaving this review. 

I loved this story, creepy, filled with mythology and religious practices that most people are unfamiliar with.  Esme is a strong female lead character and she is determined to find out who is ritually torturing and killing people as well as buying body parts.  

I've recently discovered that other than Memoirs or books referring to Apartheid I really haven't read any books set in South Africa which is rich in culture, mysticism, myths, and legends.  This will definitely not be my last book set in this country! 

While Esme's love life is an utter mess, she knows what she deserves and doesn't stand for much bullshit.  She often finds herself in strange and dangerous situations to gather intel and seems to have something haunting her home.  Her grandfather is eccentric but is well connected and well versed in the occult helping Esme with protection. 

I was really sucked into this book and it definitely leaves room open for a sequel which I would jump on buying if it happens!  

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