Thursday, May 16, 2013

Dark Horse by Honey Brown

Genre: Pyschological Thriller
Publication Date: 24th April 2013
Pages: 288
Book Source: Penguin Aust & NetGalley

Synopsis: It's Christmas morning on the edge of the rugged Mortimer Ranges. Sarah Barnard saddles Tansy, her black mare. She is heading for the bush, escaping the reality of her broken marriage and her bankrupted trail-riding business.

Sarah seeks solace in the ranges. When a flash flood traps her on Devil Mountain, she heads to higher ground, taking shelter in Hangman's Hut.

She settles in to wait out Christmas.

A man, a lone bushwalker, arrives. Heath is charming, capable, handsome. But his story doesn't ring true. Why is he deep in the wilderness without any gear? Where is his vehicle? What's driving his resistance towards rescue? The closer they become the more her suspicions grow.

But to get off Devil Mountain alive, Sarah must engage in this secretive stranger's dangerous game of intimacy.


My Thoughts: 
I must have been living under a rock? How have I not read Honey Brown before this .... Dark Horse blew my mind. 

It's intense, edgy and tight. Dread creeps - pulse quickens - adrenalin pumps - heart sits in throat and you read til 3am because there's just no way you can sleep not knowing and when you figure out where it's going ... sucker punch right in the guts. 

The disintegration of her marriage and business hasn't put Sarah in the mood for celebrating, rather than face Christmas Day with her parents she heads into the rugged Mortimer Ranges with her beloved mare Tansy. As mother nature rages, flash flooding traps Sarah and Tansy on Devil Mountain but she's not the only one battling the elements. 

Heath's arrival adds a new level of tension to the already ominous undercurrent. Days of isolation in the old bushranger's hut fuels an intense attraction between the two but Heath's evasive and secretive behaviour feeds Sarah's distrust. 

Brown explores dark territory; primal instincts, betrayals, lies, secrets. The weather is a character in itself making Dark Horse an intensely atmospheric read, eerily beautiful - raising goosebumps and a deep sense of foreboding. 

Hand on heart, Dark Horse is the best psychological suspense I've read in years. I'd love nothing more than to pick it up and start again, and I never do that. It's a 2013 favourite and I can't wait to get my hands on Honey Brown's backlist.

Recommend: Hell YES

PS: If my review hasn't sold you the trailer will ... it's brilliant!





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19 comments:

  1. I've got to read this now!!!

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  2. Replies
    1. I do love a good thriller mixed in with all the feel good stuff lol

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  3. Sounds like a good book, which is rare for me with a thriller. I may actually have to give this one a go.

    But I do have to make one comment, I get so distracted when the name of the author overpowers the name of the book.

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    1. LOL Ryan and YAY now that I've sold you I can't wait to see what you think!

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  4. Ok hell yes I want this sucker punch read, exciting review.

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    1. haha Marce thanks and I'm sure you'll love it!

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  5. i am really looking forward to this book! i nearly requested it but i have been so short on time that i didnt want to commit to review.

    i have read two honey browns and really liked them both! hope you can read some more of her work

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    1. I'm sure you'll love it Nomes, especially since you've already enjoyed previous novels

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  6. I don't usually like thrillers but this sounds good!

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    1. Well if you do pick it up I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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  7. Make sure you pick up After the Darkness next Sheree, it is also fab

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    1. for sure Shelleyrae, can't wait to read more from Honey :)

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  8. I received your recommendation and promptly added it to my tbr list. sounds like a page turner. Thank you sweetie!

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    1. You are very welcome, let me know when you devour this one :)

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  9. Ryan's comment cracked me up! I loved the trailer..must read it!

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