Pitch Black is the second title in Leslie Parrish’s Black CATs trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed Fade to Black, the first book in the series, and this one does not disappoint. As the killer from the first book is mentioned by name in Pitch Black, I strongly recommend reading them in the correct order.
Former F.B.I. profiler Alec Lambert has been reassigned to the Black CATs following a case in which a fatal error of judgment caused the death of his partner. Alec has lost his confidence and is unsure of his place on this new team. He soon gets his chance to prove himself. The team is presented with a harrowing case involving a series of internet scams in which the unsuspecting victims were lured to their deaths. The killer’s M.O. bears a striking resemblance to an unsolved case Alec once worked concerning a serial killer nicknamed The Professor.
Reclusive Samantha Dalton is an internet scam expert. She’s the author of a bestselling book on the topic and runs a successful blog advising the public on how to avoid being conned online. When a boy she advised winds up dead, the F.B.I. arrive on Sam’s doorstep looking for assistance. Sam reluctantly agrees to lend them her P.C. and her expertise.
Despite their intense mutual attraction, Sam and Alec are determined to keep their relationship strictly professional – at least until the investigation is over. However, it soon becomes apparent that the killer has a vested interest in Sam, making her involvement more than a mere professional courtesy. The Professor appears to be using Sam’s advice column to stay one step ahead and devise even more cunning tricks to bait his victims. He also has a particular affection for Sam…
Pitch Black is an enjoyable and engaging read. Sam and Alec are well-drawn characters. They each have their own demons but they don’t let them get in the way of solving the case. I liked the slow-burn aspect of their relationship. Parrish’s characters seem very real, complete with idiosyncracies and issues which are not all neatly resolved by the conclusion.
Although I preferred the storyline in Fade to Black, the mystery in Pitch Black is also interesting and kept me guessing until the very end. There are quite a few twists and turns. To be honest, I had a specific individual pegged as the murderer from fairly early on, but I was oh so wrong!
The subplot involving Lily Fletcher and Wyatt Blackstone was very cleverly done without overshadowing the main storyline. I definitely want to know what happens to them in the third book, Black at Heart.
Pitch Black is another strong romantic suspense and confirms Leslie Parrish’s status as an author to watch. Grade: B+
Also in this series:
Fade to Black (2009) by Leslie Parrish (Book 1 in the Black CATs series)
Black at Heart (2009) by Leslie Parrish (Book 3 in the Black CATs series)
{ 4 comments }
This one is tied with Fade to Black for my favorite of the three. So glad you enjoyed it. I hope the 3rd book works for you just as well
As always, a great review. Even after reading the book, the review gives me something to think about.
@Stacy ~ I have Black at Heart and I’m looking forward to reading it soon. I usually try to space series books by reading a couple of other ones in between. Wyatt is the sort of hero I like!
Currently reading Fade to Black and like it! Can’t wait to read more:) I already like Wyatt..so glad to hear we get more of him.
@Mandi I’m looking forward to reading your review!