Synopses & Reviews
Leaving behind his life of violence in Brazil's darkest shadows, Zico is determined to become a better man. But it seems his old life isn't quite done with him yet when he's tasked with making one last kill. It's one that could get him everything he has ever wanted; a house, some land, cash in his pocket, a future for him and his girlfriend, Daniella. But this one isn't like all the others. This one comes at a much higher price. is a journey through the shadowy heart of Brazil and the even darker mind of a killer, where fear is a death sentence and the only chance of survival might mean abandoning the only good thing you've ever known.
Review
"[A] pulse-pounder set in 1920 Central Russia...luminous prose complements the compelling plot." Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Review
"Smith recreates the horrible atrocities and constant danger so vividly you can't help but glance over your shoulder. Each character and incident is memorable, so much so that the day may be sweltering as you read, but the wintry chills make you shiver. Highly recommended." Historical Novels Review (Editor's Choice)
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"Showing the same skills that he exercised in , Smith has fashioned a story of page-turning intensity." The Sunday Times (London)
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"A superbly shivery atmosphere." The Times (London)
Review
" is filled with suspense, bloodshed, and vividly drawn characters, and offers a strong sense of the tragic arc of modern Russian history." Booklist
Review
"A riveting existential thriller. Smith () does a good job depicting the stark choices his characters must face along the way to the stirring climax." Publishers Weekly
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"A journey of trials and confrontations through the depths of the Amazon jungle. The heat, humidity and the smell of the river seem to emanate from the pages as Zico plunges deeper into his nightmare. It's a dark and gripping tale of love and hoped-for redemption." AuthorLink
Review
"An unusually thoughtful, complex narrator who describes the river world with perceptive beauty while deftly sidestepping threats and battling his conscience. A perfect summer-reading finale for fans of international crime fiction." Booklist (starred)
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"It wrapped me up and held me until the final page. Smith weaves a love story into an action packed thriller with a superb cast of villains. His prose is sound and the dialogue between characters is genuine. A thriller with a satisfying climax." The Huffington Post
Review
"Smith's latest is a winner." Bookreporter
Synopsis
A journey through the shadowy heart of Brazil and the even darker mind of a killer, in the new literary thriller by critics' favorite Dan Smith.
Synopsis
The Darkest Heart is a journey through the shadowy heart of Brazil and the even darker mind of a killer, where fear is a death sentence and the only chance of survival might mean abandoning the only good thing you've ever known.