Title: In the Dark of the Night
Author: LeRoy Schuring
Publisher: Writers’ Branding
ISBN: 978-1639459599
Genre: Suspense
Pages: 342
Reviewed by: Allison Walker
Hollywood Book Reviews
LeRoy Schuring’s thrilling debut novel, In the Dark of the Night, plunges readers into a chilling mystery set against the sweeping ranch lands of Utah. Teenage protagonist Terry Wheelington, transplanted from his life in Canada to live with an estranged uncle in Utah, finds himself in the midst of a stormy reception and an even stormier mystery when tragedy strikes. The discovery of a ranch hand’s body and the implication of a mysterious pistol linked to Terry’s father thrusts him into a maelstrom of long-buried secrets and dark revelations.
Set against the backdrop of Schuring’s home state, the Utah landscape lends an authenticity to the story’s setting which can only be re-created on the page through an intimate familiarity with the state’s expansive deserts. Paired with Schuring’s straightforward yet descriptive writing style, Utah’s stark climate is an evocative setting against which the suspense unfolds. For Terry, Utah is as unfamiliar to him as the uncle he’s never known and the Corvair in which he drives down to his new home is packed with more questions than answers. The uneasy dynamics of a family who are also strangers are speckled with keen insights, capturing the essence of characters who are both flawed and compelling. In the Dark of the Night blends suspense with emotional explorations of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of long-buried truths surfacing. As Terry delves deeper into the mystery, each revelation propels the story forward, keeping readers on edge and eager to uncover the next twist in this gripping tale.
In the Dark of the Night is a thrilling debut of Schuring’s storytelling talents, identifying him as a promising pen in the realm of suspense fiction. With its spectacular detail, compelling characters, and suitably mysterious plot which keeps readers guessing until the climactic finale, this novel is an impressive breakout to the genre. Schuring balances drama and suspense with heartfelt characters. Traveling in the wake of tragedy, Terry’s personal journey from initial unease to a determined quest for truth is portrayed with sensitivity, making it impossible for readers not to cheer for his success every heart-pounding step of the way. The supporting (or more accurately, occasionally antagonizing) family and townspeople add layers of complexity to the narrative, and readers will quickly name their favorite characters.
Fans of the genre will enjoy being the reader among friends who discover Schuring’s debut novel. In the Dark of the Night is a riveting exploration of family secrets and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of seemingly tranquil lives. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of thrillers and Suspense novels, or new to the genre, this book is sure to keep you hooked until the very end.