A Detective Nathan Parker Novel
Publication Date: August 25, 2026
Not all darkness flows into the Valley of the Sun from our southern borders.
Detective Nathan Parker discovers a double murder in a Phoenix drug lab, and all the evidence points at a connection to his son, Miguel. Was his adopted son swept up in a drug rip-off and murder? Did he play a role in the distribution of illicit designer drugs in the valley? As authorities close in on Miguel, Parker discovers a border militia group rushing to control the drug flow. The Night Watch militia leaves of trail of violence in their wake and local politicians use the shadow of the scourge of drug violence to influence an upcoming election. Who stands to gain while Parker and his family are caught in the crossfire? Who will betray them?
Detective Nathan Parker gets an unwelcome surprise when he finds evidence belonging to his adopted son at a murder scene.
Author James L’Etoile serves up another installment in the series with Darkness Falls. Like its predecessors, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.
This time, the action hits home as all indicators point to Miguel’s involvement. Immigration and corruption challenges once again underpin a solid plot.
To get to the truth, Nathan must rely on those around him for assistance. However, not everyone can be relied on for honesty. The fast pace delivers ample tension as the pieces fall into place.
While the conclusion effectively wraps up the storyline, it offers a teaser for future unrest.
Darkness Falls delivers solid characters caught up in a multi-faceted investigation.
James L’Etoile uses his twenty-nine years behind bars as an influence in his award-winning novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is a former associate warden in a maximum-security prison, a hostage negotiator, and director of California’s state parole system. His novels have been shortlisted or awarded the Lefty, Anthony, Silver Falchion, Macavity, and the Public Safety Writers Award. River of Lies and Sins of the Father are his most recent novels. Look for Illusion of Truth coming in 2026. James also serves as the Executive Vice President of Mystery Writers of America.
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Thanks for reviewing! Always a good one from this author! I’m looking forward to reading it myself.