Darkness Rising (The East Salem Trilogy, #2)

by Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson

[kimbacaffeinate]

I have always liked books and movies that depict the battle between good and evil. Especially books that feature demons, angels and secret societies. Darkness Rising is the second book in the East Salem trilogy and it had me on edge the entire time. Evil is coming and its starting in East Salem Massachusetts. This tale left me breathless and afraid. I cannot wait for the final installment.

This tale picks up right after book one ended. Forensic psychiatrist Dana Harris and football legend, turned private eye Tommy Gunderson are investigating the mysterious death of a young girl and the boy who killed her. An angel named Charlie appears as a biker dude to guide them. Officially the case is closed. When a one hundred year old woman is killed in a closed room it quickly becomes clear that something supernatural is in Salem. Dana and Tommy are convinced that the St. Adrian’s Academy might be behind it. The closer they get the more danger they find themselves in. It will take bringing in others to uncover the evil plot and save themselves from demons.

I really like the characters Wiehl has created in Tommy and Dana. Tommy is strong in his faith, confident and knows he has been blessed. He has an uncanny ability to see patterns in things, and a determination to see things through. He is solid, honest and someone I'd like to call a friend. Dana is a scientist at heart, and her faith sometimes takes a backseat to her need for answers. While she is confident in her abilities, she often feels like a teen when it comes to relationships and trust. Carl is suffering as the anniversary of daughter died approaches. Ruth, Tommy’s Aunt is delightful and a Librarian so of course I adored her. Other key players are introduced rounding out the members who will unite to fight evil. Of course the evil villains in this tale were mysterious, creepy and gave me goose bumps. Be on the lookout for a windgo.

Darkness Rising oozes creepiness and kept me reading late into the evening. It is a tale of good versus evil and Wiehl gives us an awesome back history of this battle with secret societies that had me drooling. While the tale is laced in faith, and the message clear you cannot help but be caught up in the plot. I have always loved tales of possession, the television show Supernatural, the Omen and the Exorcist. Give me an evil society working for Satan, an unknowing oblivious world and a group destine to save them and I am completely enthralled. This had so many dangerous action scenes, dark twists and legends; I couldn't stop turning the pages. The authors weaved a tale that was suspenseful. They wove history, Indian and religious history into the tale blurring the lines of reality. I won’t tell you what, but at the end of the tale I was afraid of something and every time I do it..I think of this story and shiver..eeep! I cannot wait for the final book.

I recommend Darkness Rising and the East Salem trilogy to fans of paranormal suspense and mystery. Fans of secret societies and myths will gobble this one up. I look forward to the final installment.

I want to thank Thomas Nelson for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
You can see this review and more on my blog: Caffeinated Book Reviewer