What makes a man—or a moment—turn lethal? Why do some societies spot predators early while others do not? After Dark examines thirty cases of serial killing from medieval Europe to the DNA era, bringing forensic clarity, courtroom drama, and measured moral reflection to stories too often told as spectacle.
Each chapter reconstructs a life of crime and the investigation that ended it—Burke and Hare’s trade in corpses; Ted Bundy’s theatrical court appearances and late confessions; the forensic breakthroughs that finally unmasked long evading predators—while always asking the harder questions about system failure, stigma, and reform. Short fictional interludes, clearly signposted, illuminate motive without pretending to be history.
Carefully sourced, global in scope, and written with restraint and compassion for victims and families, After Dark is a book for readers who want true crime that teaches about how crimes are solved, how they might have been prevented, and what we learn when we face the darkest parts of human behavior.
The Art of Suspense: Mastering Mystery and Thriller Writing is a comprehensive craft guide designed for writers who want to elevate their ability to create tension, deepen emotional stakes, and keep readers turning pages late into the night. Blending psychological insight with practical technique and demystifies how suspense truly works—why it grips us, how it manipulates our expectations, and what separates a predictable story from an unforgettable one.
We explore the core mechanics of suspense, including the psychology of fear and anticipation, the strategic use of foreshadowing, the rhythm of pacing, and the emotional power of character development. It shows writers how to craft a protagonist readers care about, an antagonist who challenges them in meaningful ways, and supporting characters who enrich the mystery rather than simply populate it. Through clear explanations and actionable examples, the book demonstrates how setting, structure, and narrative perspective can be used to heighten tension and create immersive, atmospheric storytelling.
This book is aimed at emerging and established writers of mystery, thriller, horror, and suspense-driven fiction who want a deeper understanding of how to build gripping narratives. With the continued popularity of psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, and high-stakes mysteries, this craft guide fills a growing need for resources that go beyond surface-level advice and instead offer a deeper, more nuanced understanding of how suspense functions on the page.
