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The Dark Below
Not all secrets stay buried. Not all deaths are what they seem.
When Chase Loudermilk, a troubled veteran, is found dead, everyone assumes it’s suicide.
Everyone except his criminology professor, Teddy Drummond. A former cop haunted by painful memories, Teddy suspects Chase has been murdered, and that the answers lie hidden in his shadowy past.
Drawn reluctantly into the case, Teddy teams up with Detective Raina Bragg—a woman with every reason to hate her. As the two dig into the town’s buried secrets, what they uncover is more than a motive. It’s a chain reaction of choices, each darker than the last.
Then another body turns up.
Now, in a place where everyone’s lives are tangled and few are truly innocent, Teddy and Raina find themselves in a race against time to stop a killer and expose the that some consequences take years to surface—and the most dangerous secrets are the ones nobody sees coming…
When Chase Loudermilk, a troubled veteran, is found dead, everyone assumes it’s suicide.
Everyone except his criminology professor, Teddy Drummond. A former cop haunted by painful memories, Teddy suspects Chase has been murdered, and that the answers lie hidden in his shadowy past.
Drawn reluctantly into the case, Teddy teams up with Detective Raina Bragg—a woman with every reason to hate her. As the two dig into the town’s buried secrets, what they uncover is more than a motive. It’s a chain reaction of choices, each darker than the last.
Then another body turns up.
Now, in a place where everyone’s lives are tangled and few are truly innocent, Teddy and Raina find themselves in a race against time to stop a killer and expose the that some consequences take years to surface—and the most dangerous secrets are the ones nobody sees coming…
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2026
177 people are currently reading
4234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 30, 2026
Amazing!! Full review soon!!
I sat with this for a bit before writing my review, I truly needed to discern if I loved the actual book or if I simply loved that it is about my home. I have decided I do truly love the book and the fact that it is set in my "home" only makes it dearer to my heart.
The characters are very well developed; they are also imperfect and real. Each one is dealing with past scars and short comings and doing the best they can. There are secrets, there are lies, family drama, small town drama - but it is done in such a way that it is real, it's not a soap opera fabrication of small-town drama. It's not dramatized; it just is. The secrets that are held, hurt those they involve, and the truth doesn't negate that, but it allows for healing to begin. Character arcs are appropriate and pronounced. You witness growth, understanding, dismay; but you don't get everything "fixed" and tied up in a pretty little ribbon at the conclusion.
The atmosphere and setting are pure perfection for me personally. I was born and raised in a town of 300 people in West Texas and the closest I have come to reading anything written about this area is Elmer Kelton. (Nothing wrong with Elmer Kelton, this is just more my type of story.) You cannot imagine my elation when the character went to Skinny's. LOL, seriously. The small-town drama was perfectly orchestrated; and as I said before wasn't dramatized simply to be dramatic.
There is something about Sherry Rankin's writing style that I absolutely love.
The plot is cleverly woven and bread-crumbed. You have tension at multiple layers playing against the others making just living in the story an exercise in juggling. You have seasoned local detectives struggling against the official narrative - that drives and propels the investigation forward. Add to that those two seasoned detectives have a personal rift that runs incredibly deep that they have to find a way to work around in order to work together. Then you have buried secrets, and the lengths some will go to keep them. Past trauma also serves to motivate more than one character. You experience well developed red herrings throughout.
It definitely kept me interested and I enjoyed this book tremendously.
I sat with this for a bit before writing my review, I truly needed to discern if I loved the actual book or if I simply loved that it is about my home. I have decided I do truly love the book and the fact that it is set in my "home" only makes it dearer to my heart.
The characters are very well developed; they are also imperfect and real. Each one is dealing with past scars and short comings and doing the best they can. There are secrets, there are lies, family drama, small town drama - but it is done in such a way that it is real, it's not a soap opera fabrication of small-town drama. It's not dramatized; it just is. The secrets that are held, hurt those they involve, and the truth doesn't negate that, but it allows for healing to begin. Character arcs are appropriate and pronounced. You witness growth, understanding, dismay; but you don't get everything "fixed" and tied up in a pretty little ribbon at the conclusion.
The atmosphere and setting are pure perfection for me personally. I was born and raised in a town of 300 people in West Texas and the closest I have come to reading anything written about this area is Elmer Kelton. (Nothing wrong with Elmer Kelton, this is just more my type of story.) You cannot imagine my elation when the character went to Skinny's. LOL, seriously. The small-town drama was perfectly orchestrated; and as I said before wasn't dramatized simply to be dramatic.
There is something about Sherry Rankin's writing style that I absolutely love.
The plot is cleverly woven and bread-crumbed. You have tension at multiple layers playing against the others making just living in the story an exercise in juggling. You have seasoned local detectives struggling against the official narrative - that drives and propels the investigation forward. Add to that those two seasoned detectives have a personal rift that runs incredibly deep that they have to find a way to work around in order to work together. Then you have buried secrets, and the lengths some will go to keep them. Past trauma also serves to motivate more than one character. You experience well developed red herrings throughout.
It definitely kept me interested and I enjoyed this book tremendously.
February 15, 2026
Not all secrets stay buried. Not all deaths are what they seem.
Personally it was a slow burn picked up
Everyone except his criminology professor, Teddy Drummond. A former cop haunted by painful memories, Teddy suspects Chase has been murdered, and that the answers lie hidden in his shadowy past.
Personally it was a slow burn picked up
Everyone except his criminology professor, Teddy Drummond. A former cop haunted by painful memories, Teddy suspects Chase has been murdered, and that the answers lie hidden in his shadowy past.
February 16, 2026
This was a dark and atmospheric crime thriller that slowly pulled me into its mystery.
The story begins with the death of a troubled veteran, Chase Loudermilk, which everyone believes to be suicide—except his criminology professor, Teddy Drummond, a former cop who feels there is something much deeper hidden in the past. As Teddy reluctantly works with Detective Raina Bragg, the investigation uncovers tangled secrets, unexpected connections, and growing danger.
I really enjoyed the tense mood and the feeling that every discovery leads to something even darker. The small-town secrets, complicated relationships, and emotional weight behind the characters made the story feel intense but still very readable.
The pacing builds gradually, and the mystery keeps you curious about what truly happened and who can be trusted.
Overall, this is an engaging and suspenseful thriller with strong atmosphere and layered characters. It feels like a powerful continuation of Rankin’s crime writing, and I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
The story begins with the death of a troubled veteran, Chase Loudermilk, which everyone believes to be suicide—except his criminology professor, Teddy Drummond, a former cop who feels there is something much deeper hidden in the past. As Teddy reluctantly works with Detective Raina Bragg, the investigation uncovers tangled secrets, unexpected connections, and growing danger.
I really enjoyed the tense mood and the feeling that every discovery leads to something even darker. The small-town secrets, complicated relationships, and emotional weight behind the characters made the story feel intense but still very readable.
The pacing builds gradually, and the mystery keeps you curious about what truly happened and who can be trusted.
Overall, this is an engaging and suspenseful thriller with strong atmosphere and layered characters. It feels like a powerful continuation of Rankin’s crime writing, and I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
February 15, 2026
After an unfortunate incident on the job, Teddy leaves her life as a detective for the calmer life of teaching—that is until a recent murder hits close to home. Teddy’s student is found dead under suspicious circumstances and she finds herself once again called to investigate in the small town she calls home. Some secrets don’t stay secrets forever.
I really enjoyed this read. The twists and turns it took had me second guessing who I was suspicious of and I loved the way it was tied together at the end. It flew by and had me engaged the whole story through!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader copy!
I really enjoyed this read. The twists and turns it took had me second guessing who I was suspicious of and I loved the way it was tied together at the end. It flew by and had me engaged the whole story through!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader copy!
April 5, 2026
★★★★☆
The Dark Below by Sherry Rankin is a character-driven thriller layered with small-town secrets and steadily building tension.
When troubled veteran Chase Loudermilk is found dead, it’s ruled a suicide—but criminology professor Teddy Drummond isn’t convinced. Teaming up with Detective Raina Bragg, the two uncover a tangled web of past choices, hidden secrets, and long-buried truths that begin to surface when another body is discovered.
This was my first book by Rankin, though she’s been on my radar since The Killing Plains, and she absolutely deserves more hype. Her writing is engaging and easy to fall into, balancing a tightly woven, breadcrumbed plot with strong character work. There are multiple layers of tension at play, and each reveal seems to lead somewhere darker, which made the story feel immersive and constantly shifting. It really flew by and had me engaged the whole way through.
The characters are a standout—flawed, complex, and shaped by their pasts in a way that feels authentic rather than overdone. The small-town dynamics—family tension, secrets, and long-held grudges—are handled with a quiet realism. Nothing feels overdramatized; instead, you see how these buried truths impact people over time, and how even when they surface, they don’t erase the damage but can begin to allow healing. Despite a larger cast and interconnected histories, I never felt lost, which is no small feat.
I also really enjoyed the West Texas setting, which added a distinct atmosphere (though I wouldn’t have minded a little more of the ranching elements), and the inclusion of the old missile silos gave it an eerie edge and a sense of forgotten history. That idea of what lies “below” works on multiple levels too—not just physically, but as a reflection of buried grief, hidden truths, and the parts of people we don’t always see.
Teddy is a compelling protagonist—messy, grieving, stubborn, and not always making the best choices, but all the more believable for it. Her dynamic with Raina adds another layer of tension; they don’t trust or like each other, yet are forced to work together, and that friction works really well.
I did predict the main twist fairly early, though there were enough red herrings to keep things interesting. That said, I did have a few questions—particularly around Henry’s backstory and the extent of his surgeries, which felt a little unclear. I also found myself questioning why certain aspects of a relationship involving younger characters didn’t raise more concern, and I wasn’t fully convinced by the killer’s motive when it was revealed.
Overall, this was an engaging, fast-paced read with strong character work and a layered plot, and it definitely feels like the start of a potential series.
Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC.
The Dark Below by Sherry Rankin is a character-driven thriller layered with small-town secrets and steadily building tension.
When troubled veteran Chase Loudermilk is found dead, it’s ruled a suicide—but criminology professor Teddy Drummond isn’t convinced. Teaming up with Detective Raina Bragg, the two uncover a tangled web of past choices, hidden secrets, and long-buried truths that begin to surface when another body is discovered.
This was my first book by Rankin, though she’s been on my radar since The Killing Plains, and she absolutely deserves more hype. Her writing is engaging and easy to fall into, balancing a tightly woven, breadcrumbed plot with strong character work. There are multiple layers of tension at play, and each reveal seems to lead somewhere darker, which made the story feel immersive and constantly shifting. It really flew by and had me engaged the whole way through.
The characters are a standout—flawed, complex, and shaped by their pasts in a way that feels authentic rather than overdone. The small-town dynamics—family tension, secrets, and long-held grudges—are handled with a quiet realism. Nothing feels overdramatized; instead, you see how these buried truths impact people over time, and how even when they surface, they don’t erase the damage but can begin to allow healing. Despite a larger cast and interconnected histories, I never felt lost, which is no small feat.
I also really enjoyed the West Texas setting, which added a distinct atmosphere (though I wouldn’t have minded a little more of the ranching elements), and the inclusion of the old missile silos gave it an eerie edge and a sense of forgotten history. That idea of what lies “below” works on multiple levels too—not just physically, but as a reflection of buried grief, hidden truths, and the parts of people we don’t always see.
Teddy is a compelling protagonist—messy, grieving, stubborn, and not always making the best choices, but all the more believable for it. Her dynamic with Raina adds another layer of tension; they don’t trust or like each other, yet are forced to work together, and that friction works really well.
I did predict the main twist fairly early, though there were enough red herrings to keep things interesting. That said, I did have a few questions—particularly around Henry’s backstory and the extent of his surgeries, which felt a little unclear. I also found myself questioning why certain aspects of a relationship involving younger characters didn’t raise more concern, and I wasn’t fully convinced by the killer’s motive when it was revealed.
Overall, this was an engaging, fast-paced read with strong character work and a layered plot, and it definitely feels like the start of a potential series.
Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book actually got better as time went on!
We open up with Teddy, teaching a criminology class, and interacting with her students.
She is divorced with two kids, and her life is crazy. She actually lives with her ex, and the kids, in the same house... and he has a new girlfriend! 😳🤔😮
Moving along, one of her students turns up DEAD! She is called to the scene, because she knows him, and is asked to be a second person on the case. The first (in charge) is Raina. They have history. They are NO longer friends. And, Raina wants nothing to do with Teddy and does NOT want her on the case. (And makes that very clear to any and every one involved!!)
It is ruled a suicide, but Teddy does not believe it. And it's going to take a lot of convincing for Raina to change her mind...
As they are ruling out people and getting alibis, the list of suspects seems to keep growing. And, the more they find out, the less they know!
And then, there's another DEAD BODY. And this time, Teddy's family is on the scene of the murder!
This one had my head spinning on several occasions, and then had me trying to catch my breath on others! Kudos to the author, and very well done!! The scenes really make you think…
#TheDarkBelow by @SherryRankin and narrated nicely by @TraciOdom.
4 bold, scary, threatening, frightening, amazing stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES 👀 OPEN FOR ITS RELEASE ON 2/16/26!! SO, A FEW SHORT DAYS FROM NOW!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrillianceAudio and @BrilliancePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!! (Unfortunately, the audiobook was not listed, so I am posting here...)
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
We open up with Teddy, teaching a criminology class, and interacting with her students.
She is divorced with two kids, and her life is crazy. She actually lives with her ex, and the kids, in the same house... and he has a new girlfriend! 😳🤔😮
Moving along, one of her students turns up DEAD! She is called to the scene, because she knows him, and is asked to be a second person on the case. The first (in charge) is Raina. They have history. They are NO longer friends. And, Raina wants nothing to do with Teddy and does NOT want her on the case. (And makes that very clear to any and every one involved!!)
It is ruled a suicide, but Teddy does not believe it. And it's going to take a lot of convincing for Raina to change her mind...
As they are ruling out people and getting alibis, the list of suspects seems to keep growing. And, the more they find out, the less they know!
And then, there's another DEAD BODY. And this time, Teddy's family is on the scene of the murder!
This one had my head spinning on several occasions, and then had me trying to catch my breath on others! Kudos to the author, and very well done!! The scenes really make you think…
#TheDarkBelow by @SherryRankin and narrated nicely by @TraciOdom.
4 bold, scary, threatening, frightening, amazing stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES 👀 OPEN FOR ITS RELEASE ON 2/16/26!! SO, A FEW SHORT DAYS FROM NOW!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrillianceAudio and @BrilliancePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!! (Unfortunately, the audiobook was not listed, so I am posting here...)
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Domestic thriller that was filled with suspense and drama. Teddy is a former detective turned community college teacher whose home life is a little unusual. She’s living with her ex-husband due to the financial strain that their youngest son’s accident and medical bills left. She’s being pulled into a recent case of a young man found shot where it appears to be a suicide but it’s questionable.
The stories pace is fast and moves around the community taking in several different characters but also several back stories. This is where the author writing feels a little awkward as she reveals some of the long-held grudges and tragedies. She lets the animosity linger without explanation. It felt a little like sandpaper as the story continued. Irritating and persistent with that unknown piece of the story just lingering. I get it as a choice to slowly reveal these side issues but as a reader I felt we needed to really understand why Raina was so hostile to Teddy much earlier than it was revealed.
With that said, I also had my doubts about the motive of the killer and when things were revealed it seemed far-fetched. I get the idea of choosing a character that we believe doesn’t have a motive among the red herrings but for me… it was a stretch.
Finally, I liked most of this book and felt it could be the strong start to a series. I’d read more from this author and don’t think any of the feedback here takes away from a thriller that kept me engaged throughout.
The stories pace is fast and moves around the community taking in several different characters but also several back stories. This is where the author writing feels a little awkward as she reveals some of the long-held grudges and tragedies. She lets the animosity linger without explanation. It felt a little like sandpaper as the story continued. Irritating and persistent with that unknown piece of the story just lingering. I get it as a choice to slowly reveal these side issues but as a reader I felt we needed to really understand why Raina was so hostile to Teddy much earlier than it was revealed.
With that said, I also had my doubts about the motive of the killer and when things were revealed it seemed far-fetched. I get the idea of choosing a character that we believe doesn’t have a motive among the red herrings but for me… it was a stretch.
Finally, I liked most of this book and felt it could be the strong start to a series. I’d read more from this author and don’t think any of the feedback here takes away from a thriller that kept me engaged throughout.
February 16, 2026
This was a fantastic! Rankin’s pacing allows the mystery to unfold gradually. Instead of relying on nonstop action, she builds suspense through mood and revelation. When pivotal moments hit, they land with weight because of that careful buildup.
The Dark Below centers on a ex-detective who finds herself pulled into the investigation of one of her students where the twists of the investigation exists just beneath the surface of her own world — darker, older, and far more dangerous than she imagined. What begins as curiosity quickly turns into survival for the ones closest to her as she uncovers truths about power, loyalty, and the cost a life she was supposed to leave behind.
The story leans heavily into tension that builds through secrets — hidden histories, shifting alliances, and the unsettling realization that not everyone is who (or what) they seem. The “below” isn’t just a physical place; it represents buried grief, suppressed strength, and the parts of ourselves, and others, we’re afraid to face.
There’s a strong emotional thread running through the plot. Relationships feel layered and complicated — trust has to be earned, and betrayal cuts deep. The romance carries tension and vulnerability rather than instant perfection, which makes it feel grounded in the high-stakes world around it.
The Dark Below centers on a ex-detective who finds herself pulled into the investigation of one of her students where the twists of the investigation exists just beneath the surface of her own world — darker, older, and far more dangerous than she imagined. What begins as curiosity quickly turns into survival for the ones closest to her as she uncovers truths about power, loyalty, and the cost a life she was supposed to leave behind.
The story leans heavily into tension that builds through secrets — hidden histories, shifting alliances, and the unsettling realization that not everyone is who (or what) they seem. The “below” isn’t just a physical place; it represents buried grief, suppressed strength, and the parts of ourselves, and others, we’re afraid to face.
There’s a strong emotional thread running through the plot. Relationships feel layered and complicated — trust has to be earned, and betrayal cuts deep. The romance carries tension and vulnerability rather than instant perfection, which makes it feel grounded in the high-stakes world around it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I went into it with no expectations as I have never read anything by this author. The story starts out with a suicide that might not be a suicide and progresses from there with a host of characters and a lot of secrets and a lot of different secrets. Obviously one of those secrets is causing people to die or be attacked one by one. The story twist and turns with events that happen in the past to events happening in the present and at the end of the book all that is connected for the grand finale. I thought the story was well put together, revealing things a little at a time, there is some emotional components because of shared events that were tragic from the past. There are some blame and guilt involved. There is murder and coverups. It also makes it hard to know the true villain until the end because its a small town feel where everybody knows everybody and nobody stands out as the true villain. Its also a story where its a process of elimination to expose the true villain. I would certainly enjoy reading more books by this author. Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy left the police force for a job teaching criminal justice at a community college, so that she could be more present for her family. However, when a student from one of her classes is found dead, she is (incredibly reluctantly) asked to consult on the case by Raina, her former friend and new detective. It is clear to Teddy, right off the bat, that everything is not as it seems, and Raina might not dig deep enough to find the truth due to her own grief over the loss of her son years before. Teddy has to find a way to stay on the case, keep up with her teaching load, and be present for her two children both currently going through some troublesome times, all while navigating Raina's overt hostility and her ex=husband's resentment.
A great murder mystery. I really liked Teddy as a character, she's very fleshed out. I hope that this turns into a series from the author, because I'd enjoy seeing more of Teddy, and how she and Raina find a new normal.
The narrator was great, and did an excellent job on the pacing, there were definitely times when I was on the edge of my seat due to the narration.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from #NetGalley.
A great murder mystery. I really liked Teddy as a character, she's very fleshed out. I hope that this turns into a series from the author, because I'd enjoy seeing more of Teddy, and how she and Raina find a new normal.
The narrator was great, and did an excellent job on the pacing, there were definitely times when I was on the edge of my seat due to the narration.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was one of the most suspenseful mysteries from start to finish that I’ve read. I was hooked from the first sentence. This is only the author’s second book, so I hope she writes more!
Teddy Drummond is a former policewoman now teaching criminology at a local West Texas college. She’s divorced but owns a small ranch with a few horses and has a son, Henry, and daughter, Julie. Seems perfectly normal until one of her students, Chase Loudermilk is found dead. He’s from a wealthy family so finding a killer takes prominence and Teddy is called back to help. There are some really good red herrings in this book and while I had an inkling who the killer was, it was still a shock. The book title refers to a former silo abandoned by the army where at lot the action occurs - it’s very creepy too!
The plot is propulsive; Teddy’s a likable, tenacious and caring character. While there are a lot of characters and some past crimes that link the current ones, you don’t get lost. You remember who everyone is - I’m not sure how the author did that! And frankly I couldn’t stop reading. This is one well written mystery.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Thomas &Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC.
#thedarkbelow
#sherryrankin
#thomasandmercer
Teddy Drummond is a former policewoman now teaching criminology at a local West Texas college. She’s divorced but owns a small ranch with a few horses and has a son, Henry, and daughter, Julie. Seems perfectly normal until one of her students, Chase Loudermilk is found dead. He’s from a wealthy family so finding a killer takes prominence and Teddy is called back to help. There are some really good red herrings in this book and while I had an inkling who the killer was, it was still a shock. The book title refers to a former silo abandoned by the army where at lot the action occurs - it’s very creepy too!
The plot is propulsive; Teddy’s a likable, tenacious and caring character. While there are a lot of characters and some past crimes that link the current ones, you don’t get lost. You remember who everyone is - I’m not sure how the author did that! And frankly I couldn’t stop reading. This is one well written mystery.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Thomas &Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC.
#thedarkbelow
#sherryrankin
#thomasandmercer
Read
February 15, 2026When her promising but troubled student Chase is found dead in a disused military weapons silo, Criminology professor Teddy is called upon by the police to answer questions about Chase’s recent state of mind. But, as an ex-cop, Teddy isn’t ready to accept that Chase died by suicide. She soon makes a nuisance of herself with her former colleagues due to her observations of the crime scene.
Her old boss sets her to work with her estranged former partner Raina. Because of an incident that prompted Teddy to leave the police, Raina has good grounds to hate Teddy. But the two women must collaborate on the case.
The writing is crisp, the characters well-drawn, and the plot confidently delivered. Sherry Rankin is particularly good at creating setting with vivid descriptions of the remote town and former military base. With its frequent mentions of horses and ranches, this slow-burn mystery is reminiscent of a western.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
Her old boss sets her to work with her estranged former partner Raina. Because of an incident that prompted Teddy to leave the police, Raina has good grounds to hate Teddy. But the two women must collaborate on the case.
The writing is crisp, the characters well-drawn, and the plot confidently delivered. Sherry Rankin is particularly good at creating setting with vivid descriptions of the remote town and former military base. With its frequent mentions of horses and ranches, this slow-burn mystery is reminiscent of a western.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
March 25, 2026
The Dark Below kicks off with what looks like a straightforward suicide, but Teddy immediately knows something isn’t right and once she starts digging, it turns into a whole mess of buried secrets, shady relationships, and a town that feels off in every possible way. The deeper she goes, the more you realize this isn’t just one incident…it’s years of things people tried to keep hidden.
Teddy is messy in a very real way grieving, stubborn, and making questionable choices - but it made her feel human. And her dynamic with Raina added so much tension. They don’t trust each other, don’t really like each other, but are forced to work together anyway, and it actually ends up working.
The pacing is definitely more slow-burn, but it builds this constant unease, like something bigger is lurking just under the surface. And when the twists start hitting, they hit. I kept second guessing myself the whole time.
I do wish we got a little more closure with Teddy’s personal life, but overall this was a solid atmospheric thriller.
Teddy is messy in a very real way grieving, stubborn, and making questionable choices - but it made her feel human. And her dynamic with Raina added so much tension. They don’t trust each other, don’t really like each other, but are forced to work together anyway, and it actually ends up working.
The pacing is definitely more slow-burn, but it builds this constant unease, like something bigger is lurking just under the surface. And when the twists start hitting, they hit. I kept second guessing myself the whole time.
I do wish we got a little more closure with Teddy’s personal life, but overall this was a solid atmospheric thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ever watch or read a murder mystery and are almost positive you know who the killer is? The Dark Below will have you rethinking your whole game strategy!
Teddy, an ex detective turned teacher due to a work related incident is brought back into the field after one of her students is found dead.
Initially suspected to be a suicide slowly turns into a question of murder.
Teddy, alongside of her ex partner/ex best friend Reina, begrudgingly work to solve the mystery behind the death of a local kid. But every clue leads to a new discovery, and a new suspect.
So many twists and turns in this book that will leave you gasping and wanting more. Sherry Rankin does an exceptional job keeping readers on the edge of their seats and guessing in this new thriller.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Make sure to check it out when it drops on February 15, 2026!!!!
Teddy, an ex detective turned teacher due to a work related incident is brought back into the field after one of her students is found dead.
Initially suspected to be a suicide slowly turns into a question of murder.
Teddy, alongside of her ex partner/ex best friend Reina, begrudgingly work to solve the mystery behind the death of a local kid. But every clue leads to a new discovery, and a new suspect.
So many twists and turns in this book that will leave you gasping and wanting more. Sherry Rankin does an exceptional job keeping readers on the edge of their seats and guessing in this new thriller.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Make sure to check it out when it drops on February 15, 2026!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy Drummond is a former cop who is now teaching.
She teams up with Detective Raina Bragg to try and solve what on the surface, looks like a suicide, but they have their doubts.
I have never read anything by this author, and would like to read more of her books.
She humanizes her characters. Teddy isn't just a PI or former cop, she is an ex wife, and a mother to two children who need her. However, she seems to put her work before her family fairly often.
The investigation is solved by solid police work and strong hunches, and team work between two strong women who are not exactly on good terms.
The story is well written, and despite there being many characters, I was able to keep up without taking notes.
Total shock at the identity of the murderer. I never expected that!
I recommend.
She teams up with Detective Raina Bragg to try and solve what on the surface, looks like a suicide, but they have their doubts.
I have never read anything by this author, and would like to read more of her books.
She humanizes her characters. Teddy isn't just a PI or former cop, she is an ex wife, and a mother to two children who need her. However, she seems to put her work before her family fairly often.
The investigation is solved by solid police work and strong hunches, and team work between two strong women who are not exactly on good terms.
The story is well written, and despite there being many characters, I was able to keep up without taking notes.
Total shock at the identity of the murderer. I never expected that!
I recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgallery for letting me read this book.
Plot: A suicide 'open and shut case' quickly turns into a 'whodunnit'. So what makes this book different?
The pace of the book was medium-fast and introduced a lot of characters throughout.
Somehow, this is balanced well and I didn't get too lost.
The character dynamics were rich and handled very well.
Sherry beautifully blends the town’s historic events with the present-day story, showing how history continues to affect the characters and their relationships. Alongside this, she introduces new plots that add depth and momentum. The way past and present are woven together is incredibly clever and satisfying as a reader.
I cannot believe this book is the authors second one. The narrator to this story did a brilliant job and I look forward to more people reading this.
A sophisticated crime novel, very confidently delivered.
Plot: A suicide 'open and shut case' quickly turns into a 'whodunnit'. So what makes this book different?
The pace of the book was medium-fast and introduced a lot of characters throughout.
Somehow, this is balanced well and I didn't get too lost.
The character dynamics were rich and handled very well.
Sherry beautifully blends the town’s historic events with the present-day story, showing how history continues to affect the characters and their relationships. Alongside this, she introduces new plots that add depth and momentum. The way past and present are woven together is incredibly clever and satisfying as a reader.
I cannot believe this book is the authors second one. The narrator to this story did a brilliant job and I look forward to more people reading this.
A sophisticated crime novel, very confidently delivered.
Read
February 1, 2026I really enjoyed this one on audio. Having lived in New Mexico, the West Texas landscape felt spot-on and honestly made the story even more fun to sink into. You can tell the author actually understands the setting — it added a lot to the atmosphere.
The narrator was also a big win for me. Each character felt distinct and easy to follow, which isn’t always the case in audiobooks with a larger cast.
The story itself is well written, and the ending genuinely surprised me — but in a good way. It wasn’t something you could guess early on, and it also didn’t cross into that “so unrealistic it’s frustrating” territory. It landed in a really satisfying middle ground.
Overall, a solid, engaging listen with great narration and a strong sense of place. I’d definitely recommend the audiobook.
The narrator was also a big win for me. Each character felt distinct and easy to follow, which isn’t always the case in audiobooks with a larger cast.
The story itself is well written, and the ending genuinely surprised me — but in a good way. It wasn’t something you could guess early on, and it also didn’t cross into that “so unrealistic it’s frustrating” territory. It landed in a really satisfying middle ground.
Overall, a solid, engaging listen with great narration and a strong sense of place. I’d definitely recommend the audiobook.
February 8, 2026
A big thanks to Brillance Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
Teddy Drummond is brought back into the crime detecting world as one of her students is mysteriously murdered. Well, that’s what Teddy is determined to prove - that it was a murder and not a suicide. Forced to work with her former partner, who hates her because of a traumatic incident, Teddy has to navigate investigation, her family dynamics, and the web that begins to be woven between the deceased, her daughter, and her partner’s son.
In a small town investigation, everyone is a suspect and Teddy is working against time to prevent any additional murders from happening.
I found I couldn’t put the audio down/stop listening. I really appreciated the layers to Teddy and getting to learn about what really happened to cause her to leave and cause the rift between her and her former partner/friend, Raina. Also, I enjoyed getting to know more about the tangled nature of this small town. It’s definitely a small town mystery for sure. Although I guessed the killer about halfway through, we don’t find out the real motives until the twist at the end.
February 21, 2026
I have read quiet a few small Town thrillers and a lot of them have a similar type of vibe so I went in expecting this to be pretty similar to previous reads but I was sooooo surprised!! This book had so much depth and so many different details, plot twists, and unexpected happens that made it so original and different from any that I have read before! I loved that we got the actual mystery but we also got some family and old friends drama, as well as a beautiful story of a deep meaningful relationship between a girl and her horse and we even had a touch of romance even some that was forbidden overall this is a really great book and I loved reading along while listening to the audio that made it even more exciting!
February 26, 2026
This is Sherry Rankin's 2nd book and I had been very much looking forward to it. Teddy, a former detective in the local PD is now teaching and dealing with demons from her past. When one of her students dies, she is drawn into the investigation by the police chief when she believes it was not the suicide it appears to be. Working again with a former colleague who has her own issues with Teddy creates more tension. The story builds slowly. The various threads that make up Teddy's world are all being tested and pulled at the same time. I did enjoy the story, the mystery and the characters. I liked her first book a little more but I would love to read more stories about the main character from each of her books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3. 5 I'm trying to flesh out my feelings on this one. I received an advanced audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley. I was very 50/50 on the narrator. She wasn't the worst but she wasn't my favorite. I felt sometimes her tone felt weird to me.
I think Teddy was a great MC and very developed. I found a few bits of her slightly selfish and demanding but overall, she's pretty good. I could see Teddy continuing as a series for a few books. I felt like it took me a little bit to get into this book. I listened to the first 2 chapters about 4 times because I realized I wasn't "in it" and needed to start over. Eventually I got past it and was able to stay engaged.
I think Teddy was a great MC and very developed. I found a few bits of her slightly selfish and demanding but overall, she's pretty good. I could see Teddy continuing as a series for a few books. I felt like it took me a little bit to get into this book. I listened to the first 2 chapters about 4 times because I realized I wasn't "in it" and needed to start over. Eventually I got past it and was able to stay engaged.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m not sure if it was the writing or the narration of the audiobook, but while this story kept me captivated enough to find out who killed Chase, I didn’t love it. I for sure didn’t enjoy the narration, finding most of the voices to be whiny and kind of irritating, and thought Teddy was incredibly self-centered. The setting of a murder in a silo was brilliant though. Something I’ve never read before. I probably would have enjoyed this more if I had read the hard copy myself.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my opinion.
February 6, 2026
The Dark Below by Sherry Rankin is a suspenseful crime novel set in Texas. What first appears to be a suicide is soon uncovered as murder, pulling the reader into a small town filled with secrets, simmering resentment, and even missing stolen horses. The layered mystery kept me hooked from start to finish.
The audiobook narration by Traci Odom was excellent and truly brought the story to life. Overall, the production quality was outstanding.
Thank you to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for letting me read this ARC.
The audiobook narration by Traci Odom was excellent and truly brought the story to life. Overall, the production quality was outstanding.
Thank you to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for letting me read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise sounded really good, but I didn't love it. Teddy was the biggest problem- she is annoying and self centered. She constantly puts the investigation- which isn't even her job- ahead of her family. She whines about friends/former friends. Everything is about her. It was annoying.
The death of Chase unravels several secrets. Who caused his death is the least surprising- it is very obvious. However, portions of the why (it is complicated) were more of a mystery.
If you can tolerate a very self centered heroine, you will enjoy this.
Traci Odom narrates the audiobook.
The death of Chase unravels several secrets. Who caused his death is the least surprising- it is very obvious. However, portions of the why (it is complicated) were more of a mystery.
If you can tolerate a very self centered heroine, you will enjoy this.
Traci Odom narrates the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance publishing for the free book in exchange for my honest review. Traci Odom does a great job narrating this story!
This is a well written, police procedural story about murders in a small town in Tx. The characters are likeable and the story is good, showing how interconnected everyone is in a small town. The tension builds and there are intense situations that are only found in country life. I really enjoyed this one all the way to the ending!
This is a well written, police procedural story about murders in a small town in Tx. The characters are likeable and the story is good, showing how interconnected everyone is in a small town. The tension builds and there are intense situations that are only found in country life. I really enjoyed this one all the way to the ending!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed The Dark Below. I felt there was good character buildup, the story lines were easy to follow and there were just enough twists in the plot to keep me engaged throughout.
The book starts out eerie and a little suspenseful as somone comes up to a silo in the middle of the night looking for their friend, hearing banging and seeing a cold empty truck outside. From there it jumps to the next few days and you learn the person they were looking for commited suicide, only they're not so sure it was suicide. As the case progresses we learn more and more leading readers to make their guesses amid hearing the painful backstory of one of the main characters Teddy and her ex partner on the force, Raina.
The book starts out eerie and a little suspenseful as somone comes up to a silo in the middle of the night looking for their friend, hearing banging and seeing a cold empty truck outside. From there it jumps to the next few days and you learn the person they were looking for commited suicide, only they're not so sure it was suicide. As the case progresses we learn more and more leading readers to make their guesses amid hearing the painful backstory of one of the main characters Teddy and her ex partner on the force, Raina.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2026
This was a solid thriller. Very atmospheric. A slow burning and gripping story. The characters are well described.
There are a lot of secrets in this story and they were buried for a long time, but they can’t stay buried forever. That is the time Chase is found dead and that everything spiral out of control. Teddy tries to uncover the truth and that may cost her something precious...
Read this one if you like a slow-burn thriller with multiple layers...
There are a lot of secrets in this story and they were buried for a long time, but they can’t stay buried forever. That is the time Chase is found dead and that everything spiral out of control. Teddy tries to uncover the truth and that may cost her something precious...
Read this one if you like a slow-burn thriller with multiple layers...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A wonderfully crafted murder mystery! Fast paced with well developed characters, it is a rollercoaster ride which I could not put down. I had to read it in a single sitting. I definitely look forward to seeing how Teddy and Raina find their new normal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! I was kept guessing throughout and really didn't think this would end the way it did. I really enjoy police investigative novels like this that keep you engaged. The writing style was great and the connection with the FMC with the contact pull between your passion/career and your family is super relatable.
February 18, 2026
I’m wondering how many times she used the word ‘metallic’ throughout. At least 20 times, maybe more. I didn’t care for the story really. There were many plot points that were never explained or resolved. Annoying kids, annoying friends, annoying coworkers. The culprit was screamingly obvious from the start. I wouldn’t recommend this book. (The whole horse part should’ve been left out)
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