Dark Hour

FBI Special Agent and forensic artist Sydney Fitzpatrick gets pulled into a high-stakes investigation when a colleague's murder appears connected to a decades-old political conspiracy. The case leads her from San Francisco to Washington D.C. as she works to uncover the truth behind a mysterious coded document. Racing against time, Sydney teams up with covert government operative Zachary Griffin while navigating a web of deception involving powerful political figures. The investigation forces her to question who she can trust as she discovers links between present-day crimes and historical events tied to the founding of America. The story combines elements of political thrillers, police procedurals, and historical mysteries, building tension through its exploration of secret societies and constitutional crises. The forensic art angle provides a unique perspective on criminal investigation techniques while adding depth to Sydney's character as she uses her skills to chase down leads. This novel examines themes of power, corruption, and the tension between government secrecy and transparency. Through its historical connections, it raises questions about how the past continues to influence modern political dynamics.

Readers found Dark Hour to be a fast-paced police procedural with strong action sequences. Many reviewers noted it works as a standalone thriller despite being part of a series. Readers appreciated: - Technical accuracy in police/FBI procedures - Chemistry between the main characters - Complex plot that keeps guessing until the end - Strong female protagonist Sydney Fitzpatrick Common criticisms: - Some found the forensic art details excessive - Plot becomes convoluted in the middle sections - Several reviewers wanted more character development - A few noted similarities to other FBI thrillers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (344 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (51 ratings) Notable reader comments: "The forensic details feel authentic without bogging down the story" - Goodreads reviewer "Too many plot threads that didn't come together smoothly" - Amazon reviewer "Sydney is a refreshing lead character who relies on skill rather than luck" - LibraryThing review

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🔍 Robin Burcell worked as a police officer, detective, and hostage negotiator for nearly 30 years while writing crime fiction 🏆 Prior to writing "Dark Hour," Burcell won the Anthony Award for her Kate Gillespie police procedural series ⚔️ The book weaves together elements of modern terrorism with ancient Biblical history, specifically focusing on King David's original scepter 🌟 "Dark Hour" is part of Burcell's Sydney Fitzpatrick series, featuring an FBI forensic artist who uses her skills to solve complex cases 🤝 Robin Burcell later collaborated with Clive Cussler on his "Sam and Remi Fargo" adventure series, becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author