Customer Reviews

The Dark Place: A Karl Kane Novel

5 star:		(6)
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I was very exited to read the continuing Karl Kane series by Sam Millar and I am thrilled to report that this book delivers in a big way!
Just like the first Kane book of the series (Bloodstorm), this book has a dark edge to it and hits the "hardcore" nail right on the head. Karl Kane is a very intriguing character and reminds me of Jack Taylor from the Ken Bruen series. While there is a resemblance between the characters from the two series, Sam Millar has certainly written a book and created a character that stands on their own merit.
This book has the same dark edge that the first book created and that was what I was hoping for. The first half of the book sets the stage very nicely and the second half had me tearing through the pages.
The final denouement has me already waiting for the next book. Without providing a spoiler, I would have to say that the next book in the series will have even more depth and darkness as it deals with the ramifications of the new layer that has been added to the Karl Kane psyche.
It is a shame that authors such as James Patterson get all the press and coverage for books that are predictable and boring, while authors like Sam Millar have outstanding books and series but seem to be off the radar. Hopefully this book will change that for Mr. Millar. This book highlights that some of the best new hardboiled noir is from smaller presses (such a s New Pulp Press) and these books are ready to take noir fiction to the next level.
The final verdict...buy this book and prepare to be caught up in the dark world that Millar has created. All fans of dark noir will be thrilled with the decision to spend time with Karl Kane. If you have read this book I guarantee you will be looking for more of Millar's books.

I read Bloodstorm yesterday, The Dark Place today and ordered four more Sam Millar books tonight.

I agree with everything Dman, Noir Fan and Cormac said in their reviews above mine.

"The Dark Place is even better than Bloodstorm, the first book to introduce us to the legendary Karl Kane. Not only is it a page-turner, but there is some great, dark humour throughout. Very few writers know how to balance humour and dark noir, but Millar has clearly mastered it. This series is quickly becoming totally addictive and compulsive. Highly recommended for those who want something original and very dark, and are totally exasperated with the usual predictable story line of others."

The Dark Place begins with one of the most terrifying openings I have ever read. Millar's description of violence is very graphic and has cause great controversy, but there is a need for it in such stories. As he himself has stated: murder is never pleasant. I would highly recommend this book for those wishing for something other than the predicable nonsense masquerading as noir and crime, from mne of the most overlooked writers in the genre.

This is the follow-up to the bestselling Bloodstorm, and for my money it's as good as if not better. I love Karl Kane. This series is totally addictive, and one of the best crime books you will read this year. Very gory and dark.

I love Millar's wicked sense of humor. Very dark. Karl Kane is a brilliant creation. This is the follow-up to Bloodstorm and it is equally as intense and gripping. I have to warn you, though, it is very graphic, but tells us some more information about Kane's troubled past.