Book Review: With Malice (A Maeve Sharp FBI Suspense Thriller—Book One) by Rylie Dark
From the moment I first picked up With Malice, I was drawn into a world that effortlessly blended suspense and human complexity. Rylie Dark has a knack for crafting narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat, and this book is no exception. The premise of a strong female protagonist returning to her roots under the weight of her family’s dark past had me intrigued; as someone who loves thrillers with emotional depth, I couldn’t resist diving straight in.
In With Malice, we meet Maeve Sharp, an FBI Special Agent whose personal history is as tangled as the cases she investigates. Returning to her hometown of Las Vegas to care for her dying mother and confront her incarcerated brother is already a daunting task, but the murder of a casino owner’s daughter adds an even darker layer to her homecoming. This interplay of past wounds and present dangers sets the stage for a gripping cat-and-mouse game that feels intensely personal.
The book shines in its exploration of family dynamics and unresolved trauma. Maeve is a beautifully crafted character—driven yet vulnerable, haunted by her own sister’s disappearance years ago. I appreciated how Dark doesn’t just rely on the external plot of solving a murder; she delves into Maeve’s psyche, presenting her struggles and growth as the tension escalates around her. I was particularly captivated by Maeve’s interactions with her family—each moment felt like peeling away layers of both grief and hope.
The writing style is straightforward yet evocative, making it easy to lose track of time as I turned the pages. Dark skillfully balances rapid pacing with moments of introspection, creating a rhythm that keeps you engaged. I found myself almost whispering “Just one more chapter” to myself, caught in the escalating suspense. A quote that resonated with me came from a fellow reader: "It was hard to put down. I can’t wait to see what happens next!" I felt that enthusiasm deeply; this book has a momentum that leaves you hungry for more.
While some readers mentioned a few predictive plot elements, I found the twists refreshing and well-paced. It’s difficult to create a truly unpredictable mystery, but Dark does a commendable job of keeping readers guessing until the very end. The groundwork for future books is evident, leaving just enough threads dangling to bait us for what’s to come.
Ultimately, I believe that With Malice is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thrillers anchored by strong, flawed characters. If you appreciate stories that meld crime and emotional depth, you will find yourself captivated by Maeve’s journey. This book struck a chord with me not only for its thrilling plot but also for its exploration of familial ties and personal demons. I can’t wait to see where Rylie Dark takes Maeve and the rest of the ensemble in the subsequent installments.
So, grab a cozy spot and a comfy blanket—you’ll be in for a wild ride that will keep you up all night!
You can find With Malice (A Maeve Sharp FBI Suspense Thriller—Book One) here >>