Is it paranoia – or is someone watching?
For years, Reagan Carsen has kept her life offline. No socials. No internet presence. No photos. Safe.
Until the day she stumbles on a shocking murder in a Sydney laneway. The victim looks just like her.
Coincidence?
As more murders shake the city and she’s increasingly drawn out from hiding, Reagan is forced to confront her greatest fear.
She’s been found.
A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Two words for this book: addictive and frightening. I could not put it down. I LOVE internet/stalker thrillers so much I have a special shelf for them, and I didn’t think I’d find one that did something new… or made me scared. Dark Mode did both. The raw emotional journey Ashley Kalagian Blunt took me on as Reagan struggles with reality, the past, gaslighting, and the darkest parts of the woman-hating dark web had my heart racing. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Hard to believe this is a debut novel – wow! It’s a perfect, chilling, psychological thriller. My favourite read of 2023 so far. Amanda, NT, 5 Stars
WOW!!! I loved this story. It’s fast-paced, has lots of twists, and I actually got a bit scared while reading it (and that takes a lot). Most crime aficionados would have heard about the Black Dahlia, and basing the murders on that made it super creepy, while at the same time, the other stuff happening to Reagan is very believable. I couldn’t put this down! I probably should’ve waited till I’m better rested to write the review, but oh well. As a planty person, I also had a lot of fun looking up the different botanical names mentioned in the book as well. You get the full experience in this story. No sitting on the sidelines for this one, you’re in it! A great read (but not if you like sleep). Leah, WA, 5 Stars
A frightfully exasperating thriller that you won’t believe is inspired by real-life events and attitudes. Reagan’s life starts to unravel one morning on her run. Soon, her life spirals into a chaotic mess that will shock you and leave you shaking. This psychological thriller slingshots you into the darkness of love, hate, betrayal, and misogyny. Amanda, VIC, 5 Stars
Dark Mode is a psychological thriller that will keep you reading late into the night. Blunt masterfully builds the suspense from the very first page when Reagan Carsen, plant enthusiast and owner of ‘Voodoo Lily’, stumbles across a horrific murder of a young woman. If this isn’t bad enough, the dead woman looks eerily like her. Dark Mode increases the reader’s terror by blending real-life crime stories with the inherent dangers of the online world. You will not regret this read… but you might want to check your privacy settings and leave the lights on. Genene, SA, 5 Stars
A disconcerting read. It twisted and turned and kept me wanting to continue reading until late into the night to find out what happens. It leaves you thinking about what information you are really sharing when you click the mouse on social media. I really enjoyed this book and will look for others by Ashley Kalagian Blunt. Angela, TAS, 5 Stars
This is a great read, a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down. The book title is very apt and clever. This book is dark, confronting, and disturbing on a basic level; misogyny unfortunately is prominent. The author has produced a piece of fiction that is very, very real. Because of her paranoia, Reagan, the main character, manages to spend most of her life offline (near impossible thing to do these days) but is coaxed into re-entering the digital world to advance her business. She is taken on an emotional journey with many twists and turns leading to her questioning nearly everything and everyone in her life. The author has written a psychological thriller that brings to the fore the risks associated with being online. I look forward to reading other books written by Ashley Kalagian Blunt. Grahame, NSW, 5 Stars
What a page-turner. This book had so many twists and turns, and kept me guessing right to the end. Reagan’s life is turned upside down in a way that is so feasible with today’s technology. I really enjoyed this book, couldn’t put it down, well written, believable storyline that could happen to anyone. Nobody knows what evil could be hiding behind the dark web of the internet. Great read. Judy, WA, 5 Stars
What a captivating and terrifying journey this book was. I loved every minute of it. The character variety was great. The reference to the infamous Black Dahlia case at the start of the book shows how shocking and disturbing it was at the time and still continues to be today. Thank you to Ashley for putting it in the spotlight for another generation. Shannan, NSW, 5 Stars
This was so twisty, I loved it! Even when I put the book down, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, trying to second guess which way it was going to go. I enjoyed the reveal of the backstory. At the beginning I thought she was being overly paranoid, but understood once we hear what she has been through – I even thought she wasn’t being careful enough! I thought the writing was descriptive without being so gory that it made me queasy. I enjoyed learning about the weird and wonderful plant facts, and I also appreciated that it was set in a city which I was fairly familiar with. The plot was well written and thought through, and I absolutely did not guess a thing. Laura, NSW, 5 Stars
Dark Mode was a thrilling and terrifying read. I couldn’t put this book down. A real page-turner. It made me realise that there is a price to pay for getting online and giving up privacy. You never know who is watching you! I certainly won’t forget this book. Litsa, VIC, 5 Stars
Just WOW! What an unputdownable psychological thriller with entertaining twits. Usually, I am a slow reader (being French and reading in English) but not this time! I was done in 2 days!!! What a spine-chilling book. Having references from real infamous unsolved crimes gives it that creepy, terrifying feel. It is so scary in today’s society with all the social media to think how much we share of ourselves online and how vulnerable we are from it. Definitely one everyone should read, what an eye-opener! I will be recommending this book to all my reader friends. Ashley Kalagian Blunt, can’t wait for your next book. Gabrielle, NSW, 5 Stars
Reagan finds a dead body, but why is she hesitant about calling the police? You’re immediately drawn into questioning, what is she hiding, or is she over anxious, or perhaps both? She is running a specialised gardening business and I thought the unusual plants mentioned were informative. I even started looking them up to find out more about each plant. The link between plants and the situation/mood currently affecting Reagan created an extra atmospheric feeling for the reader. It was good to read females as the dominant characters in the book. It raises serious concerns and thought-provoking issues about your privacy. Della, VIC, 5 Stars
A scary thriller that engages the reader early on and doesn’t let go until the last page. An interesting and frightening exposure to the power and mystery of the dark web, which was well woven into the crime mystery that unfolded. After reading this novel, being online will not be without some trepidation, as who knows what may be lurking in the background. For lovers of mystery, crime, and the intrigue of the web world, this book will not disappoint. Geoff, WA, 5 Stars
Reagan Carsen has no internet or social presence. She trips over the body of a girl who looks just like her. This story is riveting. I read it in two days. The denouement is as terrifying as it is heartbreaking. The relevance of Dark Mode to today’s online world is most thought-provoking. Well written, a great story. Jenn, VIC, 5 Stars
This is a keep-you-up-reading-all-night, thrilling ride of a novel. This book exposes the lengths that twisted, sadistic men will go to to destroy women’s lives. Under the cover of the Dark Web, groups of men who have a passion for tormenting and belittling women are gaining momentum. Reagan is doing her best to fly under the radar of any type of online presence that would identify her. Her fear of the internet is palpable. Part 2 of this book is where you will be up at night not wanting to put it down, as the whole story starts to reveal all of its secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend it to lovers of crime and thrillers. Leone, QLD, 5 Stars
Absolutely loved this book, it had me on the edge of my seat the entire read. I highly recommend this book if you love psychological thrillers. Zhyesha, WA, 5 Stars
This was a wonderful juxtaposition of beauty and horror, taking the most delicate and wonderfully morbid plants as a segue into a world darker than normal people would imagine exists. The characters showed emotion, and the reality of strain in long-term friendships was evident as new relationships threatened to fracture them. Tina, QLD, 5 Stars
Dark Mode is a real page-turner: when they said this book will keep you up at night, they were not wrong. A psychological thriller that will really make you think twice about posting all your life’s moments online. If you had never thought about what goes on in the dark web before, you will after reading this. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Melanie, WA, 5 Stars
I loved this book. It was a real page-turner with so many twists and turns. I sat up late at night reading and didn’t stop until I was finished. A gripping, thrilling read, and I highly recommend it. Vanessa, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow, this is amazing in a bone-chilling way. Firstly, the cover is stunning and I would definitely pick up the book solely based on this. The book is thrilling and very quick to read, as you don’t want to put it down. Really kept me guessing. There’s a terrifying darkness to the internet and this book really delves into this. People share so many details about their lives willingly and leave a huge digital imprint that people can easily access. This book is a good reminder to be vigilant as what happened to Reagan can easily happen to anyone. A fast-paced psychological thriller set in Sydney NSW. Not for the faint hearted. The end is terrifying. Yvette, NSW, 5 Stars
This was one of those books where the small chapters were deceiving – just one more chapter and the next thing you know you have finished the book. Reagan is a 26-year-old who is unlike any other 26-year-old out there. She owns a garden centre, Voodoo Lily, that doesn’t have the usual plants you would find in a garden centre. The ending will surprise and shock you. The internet can be a scary place, but the dark web is a whole other ball game. Nicole, VIC, 5 Stars
This book brought chills down my spine. I wish I could give it more than five stars! A timely reminder that we are never really ‘invisible’ and you just do not know what is out there and who you can trust. This book is definitely not for the paranoid. It had me hooked from the very first page and left me hoping for a sequel. I could see this book adapted into a movie like Gone Girl. Dianne, SA, 5 Stars
Full of thrills, twists, and turns that draw the reader in and have you rooting for the main character, Reagan. What I loved is the storyline being drawn from true events and suburbs mentioned throughout, which led to me being more immersed and wanting to keep reading till the end. Rachael, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow! What a read! I read Dark Mode in a couple of days because I couldn’t put it down. It was edge-of-your-seat creepy and definitely spooked me out. I can’t recommend this book enough. My favourite read over the past year. Natalie, NSW, 5 Stars
An absolute ball breaker, knock it out of the park, sucker punch read. This was dark, bleak, and murky. Scarily close to home. It can happen. Ashley Kalagan Blunt will become known because of this novel. The strength of female friendships never comes even a close second to the awful underworld of misogyny on the deepest dark web. Blunt has put forward a fictional account of one woman’s personal details being open to infiltration on the internet, no matter how careful an individual can try to be. Some men will go to any lengths; feisty Reagan and her best mate Min have their hands full, sifting through a recent killing that has links to the Black Dahlia murder of 1947, which is eerily becoming much too close for comfort. Rylee, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow. A brilliantly written thriller that will have you second-guessing the ending until the last page. You will be questioning who you can trust and what you put out there on social media. Deanne, VIC, 5 Stars
I tore my way through this psychological thriller, loving the complex plotting with its twists and turns. Unlike many others in this genre, Kalagian Blunt highlights some disturbing issues that plague our modern society. It left this reader feeling most unsettled after finishing it, as it’s based on true events. The online world has a dark side that allows unfettered access to extremist views and lets them flourish. A chilling read that will stay with you long after the final page. Barbara, SA, 5 Stars
I loved this book! I was hooked after the first chapter. Easy to read, great plot twists, and totally relatable. It could happen to you. Loved it! Kay, QLD, 5 Stars
A gripping read about how a person can get caught up in something totally outside of their control and not know who they can trust. Using the internet and social media is an everyday thing, but this book makes you aware of how exposed you can be. This is a real eye-opener to the dark web and the thought that this type of thing probably does happen is creepy and totally scary. If you like thrillers it will definitely keep you engrossed. This book will keep you guessing with many twists and turns. Noelle, WA, 5 Stars
The tension of this book was remarkable and being so close to home in Sydney was horrifying and surreal. The paranoia and panic that are evoked by this book are so visceral and it brought up unique and troubling themes of social media and the dark web. It definitely left an intense impression on me and how I see privacy on the web. Daniela, NSW, 5 Stars
How do you survive in the 21st Century without a smartphone or internet presence? Or is the question – how do you survive *with* all your personal data on the web? Reagan Carson is about to find out. From the first chapter of Dark Mode, my blood pressure ratcheted up to stratospheric levels and stayed there until even after the deeply disturbing climax. Excuse me while I just go and delete a few of my social media accounts! Beth, TAS, 5 Stars
Absolutely will keep you on edge, turning every page to know what happens next. Was hard to put down. Don’t read start and end before bed if you don’t want nightmares. The twists and turns are amazing and the final ending is so far from what you may think; it will be put this book into a league of its own. Highly recommended to those who enjoy psychological thrillers that are drawn from true events. Not like your average murder fiction, very different and modern. Linda, VIC, 5 Stars
Dark Mode was a cracker of a book, both scary and fascinating, and incredibly well-written. The sort of book where you say “just one more chapter” before you put it down. While a work of fiction, the parallels between the book and the world we live in are enough to keep you off the World Wide Web forever. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Kelly, VIC, 5 Stars
New author for me. Loved the cover. This book was a page turner: I just wanted to see what would happen in the end. Could not read quickly enough. Didn’t expect the end. The subject was so relevant for today. I will not put photos up on Facebook. I will recommend this book to all my friends. Pat, QLD, 5 Stars
I was gripped by this book right away and it had me guessing right until the very end. It contained twists and turns throughout that words can’t even describe. Reagan Carsen doesn’t even own a smartphone and has no online presence to try to keep herself safe, but even this isn’t enough. With the secrets of the dark web, no one is safe. I loved this book, it was written very well and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a really good thriller. I will be waiting to read the next thriller Ashley Kalagian Blunt writes. Renee, QLD, 5 Stars
Reagan is a very quiet 26-year-old who owns a garden centre called Voodoo Lily. I found this book a great page-turner and did not want to put it down. It has lots of twists and turns and keeps you wondering right to the very end. Sue, NSW, 5 Stars
A word of warning, don’t pick up Ashley Kalagian Blunt’s Dark Mode if you don’t have plenty of free time. It is a terrifying thriller that will have you questioning your own choices in regard to social media and the over-sharing of personal information. The story is compelling and addictive and feels all too real, especially as it hurtles toward the ending. This is an amazing book to read during daylight hours with all the doors locked and preferably not alone. Janelle, NSW, 5 Stars
I read this outstanding book in two days because I literally could not put it down. It’s utterly addictive. The plot is well thought out and researched; although it is fiction it’s based on some true stories. Deeply dark and disturbing. I double-checked all the doors were locked several times and if you think you are safe online this will definitely have you second-guessing. I did really like Reagan and Min. They are strong and empowered women who have been through things that I can only imagine. If you are after a psychological thriller that will test you to your wits end but is clever and skillfully written, then read this. I loved it as one of the best thrillers I’ve read. Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars
When I finish a book in a couple of days, I can honestly say that it has been an absolutely incredible read. Think about some of the best murder, and thriller fiction that you have read; now put Dark Mode in that list as well. At various stages throughout this book, it was downright terrifying, and not just the murders but the stalking and online incidents. It really hits you how easily this could occur in today’s society. It truly is a powerfully written tale that doesn’t ruin itself by focusing too much on the gore of the murders but enhances the experience through suspense and cunning. Nerelle, NSW, 5 Stars
I always read the author’s acknowledgments before beginning a book. In the case of Dark Mode, I decided that the author must be a lovely sociable person with lots of friends and well-connected in the community (and I’m sure she is) – but it did mean that the novel itself came as quite a shock! Dark Mode presents a dystopian view of the world in which evil and misogyny have way too much power. And it’s a convincing picture of what could be happening now, not some time in the distant future. The topics of online blackmail, trolling, stalking, theft, and worse (much worse!) are frighteningly current. If you enjoy staying up far too late into the night and being scared out of your wits, you’ll certainly get your heart racing with this well-written, topical, and exciting novel. Susan, VIC, 5 Stars
I loved this book. What a page-turner. I read all day and most of the night. And what an ending. It gave answers, with a big, ‘Oh, no!’ It sent shivers down my spine. It’s scary and a real wake-up call to consider our own online information. I look forward to reading more from this author. Pamela, QLD, 5 Stars
The story was terrifyingly enjoyable! I loved every page of it. Highly recommend it if you love a good psychological thriller read. Angelynn, NSW, 5 Stars
Just WOW. I devoured this book in under two days. A page-turning thriller that will leave you thinking about it long after you’ve read the last page. The characters are well drawn, you are invested in the story and it just keeps twisting and turning. From the stark reality of our lives online and vulnerabilities this may pose, to the threat of the dark web I’d guess most of us never even think about. By the end of this book, you won’t know who to trust and will reconsider all of the digital imprints your life leaves. An absolute cracker of a read. Caroline, QLD, 5 Stars
I was drawn straight away to Dark Mode’s striking cover. Once I started reading, I was unable to stop! Dark Mode is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. A special shout out to Min who is by Reagan’s side as this modern-day Black Dahlia thriller twists and turns. A great read that will definitely have you questioning social media and the dark web afterwards. Kelly, QLD, 5 Stars
A page-turner from the very first page. If you like Mary Higgins Clark or Jeffrey Archer, you will enjoy this book. I loved the way the plants are interwoven into the story. The cover is also appropriate to the story. There is a twist in this story that surprises the reader. If this is a sample of Ashley Kalagian Blunt’s future books, she will do well. Highly recommend if you like a quick but easy read that will keep you on the edge of your seat as though you are watching a movie. Elaine, NSW, 5 Stars
Beware, this book will not be easily put back on the shelf and forgotten. Its impact will stay with you until long after you’ve read it. We all know the pitfalls of the web and how it insidiously winds its way into our lives but rarely do we make a conscious effort to “switch” off. Dark Mode will challenge all that. Author Ashley Kalagian Blunt has penned an explosive thriller that will not only keep you reading “just one more chapter” but defy your thinking on who is watching our internet presence and why. Each character in this book is so cleverly brought to life, each twist so powerful that when you’re confronted with the truth it will leave you reeling. Get a good night’s sleep before you begin! Susan, NSW, 5 Stars
This psychological thriller is a story of true crime and suspenseful fiction. It plunges into the realistic horrors of the dark web. We are introduced to Regan Carsen who has successfully managed to stay offline thus avoiding social media and having anything personal like photos away from prying eyes – until… she stumbles across a dead body in a Sydney laneway. This book reminds us to be careful when we surrender our privacy online. Catherine, NSW, 5 Stars
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, but right from the start, it had me hooked. When each chapter ends you want to head right into the next one. The main character, Reagan, has interesting relationships with those around her, and secrets that slowly come out as the story progresses. The ending will be a big surprise. I did not see it coming. Great book. Denise, SA, 4 Stars
This had me hooked right from the start! A real thriller, with many twists and turns throughout. I was shocked by the ending! I loved the main characters being two strong women (Min & Reagan) and thought it was a well-written story with some really poignant and timely subjects. Bianca, NSW, 4 Stars
I am a massive fan of true crime and because of this book’s references and associations with the historic Black Dahlia murder, it made the story seem so real. A modern crime thriller inspired by the dark web. Gail, WA, 4 Stars
I confess that I didn’t know much about the dark web, and was both horrified and fascinated by the references to it in the novel, and how it can ensnare innocent people in its trap. I’m not sure that enjoyment is the right way to describe this novel. In reality, I was terrified by it – it creeped me out but at the same time it certainly had its grip on me and I couldn’t put it down. I was fully invested in Reagan and felt drawn into her world. The author took care with her research and I did appreciate the way she wove true events into her story. I learned a lot but not in a textbookish way. The author’s note at the end of the book lets the reader know that while the circumstances in the book “are drawn from real events” the characters are all fictional. The book was fast-paced, easy to read, and certainly addictive. It was also confronting. I think it would be a great choice for a book club read as there is much to discuss in it. Ruth, WA, 4 Stars
A fabulous thriller that takes you on a roller-coaster ride — not one of those loop-the-loop rides, but one that hauls you steadily to the top and then plunges you down, so fast you can’t even scream! The first half of this book builds up the expectations and tension, then the second half is a stomach-in-throat, thrilling plunge to the end. Loved it! Jo, TAS, 4 Stars
Dark Mode begs the question: can anyone really live nowadays without some degree of online presence? Frequent headlines about computer hacking and database theft lead one to wish they might, but Reagan’s story takes the potential consequences to a whole new level. Should we stop and think before every keystroke? Could it happen to you? Fenella, NSW, 4 Stars
What a gripping read. As events unfold, Reagan is forced back into a world she has been trying to avoid for so many years. Raegan is a likable character and I found this book very easy to read. The inspiration from true crime events added an extra layer of intrigue. There were plenty of twists and turns it was hard to put down. With a focus on the dark side of the internet, the reality of how exposed we really are was truly terrifying. This book will keep you guessing from start to finish – highly recommended. Rebecca, WA, 4 Stars
Reagan Carson has many reasons from her early years as to why she’s avoided having a smartphone or any social media. Things start going downhill for her when on her usual early morning run she comes across the body of a brutally murdered female who looks just like her. Dark Mode opens your eyes to the dangers of social media and how your information can be used for all the wrong reasons. It also covers the danger of the Dark Web, including misogyny, stalking, and pure evil. I loved the twist at the end that really surprised me. I hope Ashley Kalagian Blunt writes another crime thriller! Nicola, SA, 4 Stars
Dark Mode is a captivating read that will entrance readers from the first page. Kalagian Blunt takes us on a journey into the depths of grief, delving into themes of love, identity, and acceptance. The writing is beautiful and the characters are incredibly well-developed. Michael, the main character, is complex and likable, full of depth and emotion. The other characters are equally engaging, making it easy to become invested in the story. Kalagian Blunt also does an excellent job of exploring difficult topics such as grief, mental health, and family dynamics. Overall, this is an emotionally rich novel that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. Highly recommended. Shoshana, WA, 4 Stars
Dark Mode begins with a horrific discovery and a startling introduction to the events to come. The fear and tension of the opening pages are just starters, and there’s no let-up through to the novel’s conclusion. The suffocating, sweltering heat of a Sydney summer is perfectly reflected in the novel’s atmosphere and everyone and everything feels tense and on edge. That anxiety is pervasive, and we’re soon questioning the motives and potential involvement of nearly every character. Paranoia? Maybe. Maybe not… The main character, Reagan, is not especially likable, and it’s refreshing to have an imperfect protagonist who we can still care about. It certainly makes you wonder about the twisted, cruel minds lurking amongst us. Read this novel and be aware of what’s happening out there, in the shadows. Jill, NSW, 4 Stars
A fresh and timely thriller that hits close to home, Dark Mode is more than your average serial killer thriller. The underlying theme of masculine toxicity and misogyny is what makes this novel feel so terrifying and real. No spoilers, but there is a twist you won’t see coming (albeit slightly unbelievable). Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Kerrie, NSW, 4 Stars
A strong psychological thriller highlighting the danger of the internet and having an online presence. Focusing on the dark side where people are targeted and their identities compromised, it truly makes you think twice about your own online presence. I’m a huge fan of true-crime reads and although this is a work of fiction, there are many references to the Black Dahlia, an unsolved murder from the 1940s. It was fascinating how the author used the case and other disturbing realities throughout the story. The further into the book you read, the creepier it gets. Going into any kind of thriller or crime read, it’s best to go in blind and this one is no exception. A really well-written book that I highly recommend. Amanda, NSW, 4 Stars
In a world where everyone has an online presence, social media, smartphones, online banking – is anyone’s life private anymore? How do you stay safe from online predators who want to hurt you, even if they don’t know you? I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt. It left me guessing to the end, and questioning my own online activity. A thought-provoking novel about the dark web and the changing behavior of predators as information is readily at their fingertips. Vivienne, VIC, 4 Stars
Reading Dark Mode is a bit like watching one of those old black-and-white horror movies that have you shouting at the screen, “don’t do it!” Right from the outset, when Reagan stumbles over a dismembered body and is too scared to call the police, you know that things are far from good and you have the feeling they will get much worse. And of course, they do. This is a tense, taut, compelling story that grabs you on page one and does not let you go, keeping your heart racing right to the last page and beyond! Marlies, VIC, 4 Stars
The dark web, being able to track down ANY information on someone online, and an alarming increase in misogyny all come together in Dark Mode. If you think that any of these topics can’t impact you personally in today’s world, this book will make you think again. Dark Mode is a page-turner that will leave you staying up too late to read it and then not wanting to turn the lights off to sleep. Tess, TAS, 4 Stars
What a page-turner! I picked this up and couldn’t put it down until I’d finished. The plot centres around a woman who finds herself caught up in a situation that’s scarily all too possible. I really liked Raegan as a character and related to her a lot. I loved that she’s a strong female character who owns her own business, and she was fairly well fleshed out. I also enjoyed the themes of the novel and the message that you’re never really truly safe online. Definitely recommend this one for any thriller lovers out there! Lisa, VIC, 4 Stars
Dark Mode is definitely my kind of book. It is a gripping thriller with some unexpected and exciting twists. Blunt has clearly done her research about the dangers of providing too much information online and provides some terrifying insight into what groups exist on the dark web and what impact they can have on the lives of innocent people. She explores complex relationships between the characters within the story and slowly reveals more about their pasts and backgrounds. Dark Mode is a chilling read and has certainly given me pause for thought about my online fingerprint and the privacy settings that I should be employing to keep myself and my family safe. Although this is a work of fiction, I believe it will appeal to fans of true crime and those that love a fictional thriller. Mary-Jo, VIC, 4 Stars
The way this thriller is written really grips the reader and you cannot put it down. It is fast-paced and has elements of true crime throughout, which I feel really grabbed my attention. I enjoyed the mystery and attempting to guess how it would all play out in the end. This book also shows you just how easy it is to find out information about some people online and use that to their advantage, especially if someone has stalker-type tendencies. This book had me thinking about it late into the night and held my attention throughout. I don’t want to say too much about the plot because it is better to go into this book without knowing much about it. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend this exciting thriller. Karis, WA, 4 Stars
A really chilling and dark psychological thriller. Ashley manages to take you through multiple twists and turns throughout, in a book that just keeps you reading and turning the next page. Cleverly written, pulling enough from real events whilst remaining fiction to ensure the suspense is very real for the reader. When you feel that you can predict the ending, be ready to think again. David, TAS, 4 Stars
With the catch line of: “Is it paranoia – or is someone watching?” I knew this was going to be a good read. This book definitely highlights the dangers of putting ourselves out there for all to see into our lives. What I really liked about this book and what terrified me at the same time was how the fear jumped off the pages. Thrilling, anxious, and definitely left me with that lingering feeling of being watched. This book will be enjoyed by many. Ali, TAS, 4 Stars
That ending! The ending alone is worth reading the book for. What a dark twisting gripping thriller that had me hooked from the first page. A brilliant story. Tayla, VIC, 4 Stars
Ashley Kalagian Blunt draws the readers in on a terrifying journey with her book Dark Mode. As she unravels the plot with sinister details of events, horror is felt for the victims. The author has painstakingly done her research in order to produce such detail of events. Her flair for the names of so many different plant species is admirable. Although some details are hard to read about, they are necessary in order to explain the crimes committed by such evil individuals. The characters each play their part in this web of intrigue. In this crime fiction book, the author brings awareness to the dangers hidden in the shadows. Also how important it is to be vigilant. Not only in everyday situations, but with personal information on the internet. Cherylene, QLD, 4 Stars
Wow! This book blew me away! Started out at a sprint and just kept going. Similar in feel to Gillian Flynn and Karen Slaughter. The twists startled me and kept coming. Even to the last 10%, I wasn’t convinced of “Whodunnit”! The thought processes of the main character reminded me of Paula Hawkins’s character in The Girl on the Train. Thoroughly enjoyed this read! Highly recommend. Brad, VIC, 4 Stars
Dark Mode is a compelling read. Reagan’s character is portrayed as vulnerable, untrusting, and slightly paranoid. It is frightening to think that a place like the dark web exists and could unravel a person’s existence and safety within moments. A thoroughly great read, with unexpected twists throughout. Matilda, QLD, 4 Stars
Dark Mode had me hooked from the first page. I felt empathy Reagan (the main character in the book); she is truly afraid for her life, and the writing is such that her anxiousness comes through the page, which keeps you flipping the pages to find out what happens next. The ending was unexpected, at least for me. I learnt enough about the dark web to scare me and make me question what I share online. You will feel this way too, after reading this book. Nicola, VIC, 4 Stars
A story for our times. Internet privacy, the dark web, and the things that could happen to anyone. Well written, and intriguing with a twist in the tail. Asks us to question our desire for privacy and our social media obsession. A very good read. Sue, NSW, 4 Stars
Wow. Thought-provoking in this day and age where technology is king. Twist I never saw coming which kept me speeding through the pages near the end to link it all together to be a little mind blown. A really good first novel. Tracy, WA, 4 Stars
I’m usually a bit wary about debut fiction but this one exceeded expectations. It was truly creepy but in a good way, if you know what I mean. Loved the way plants are featured in the book as well as the wonderful cover. Read this one – you won’t be disappointed! Judi, NSW, 4 Stars
As someone who loves to collect plants and research true crime, I absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t find myself drawn to the main character but I adored her best friend! It was a page-turner because I needed to know the full story. I needed to know why the main character was the way she was. Amazing read! Sara, SA, 4 Stars
Both educational and scary – and hard to put down. I was keen to discover who was haunting the main character, and to find out if and how she overcame him/her. The characters are well-drawn, and the atmospheric descriptions give the reader a visual picture of the surroundings. I enjoyed the familiarity of the city and the way in which the reader is drawn into the protagonist’s experiences. This book is a warning to all about how invasive the Internet can be, and how wary everyone should be, despite believing we are “ordinary” and uninteresting. Marilyn, NSW, 4 Stars
Dark Mode was captivating from the start. I think most people have a bit of Raegen’s paranoia within them as the technology around us is changing so quickly. With every chapter, I was questioning what I thought I knew, and whether particular characters could be trusted, or if my own paranoia was getting the better of me! Like any good thriller, there were unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing right until the end. I loved the format and although some parts felt slightly unrealistic, other parts felt eerily possible. By the end of the book, you’ll have yourself wondering whether it could happen to you. Well worth reading. Victoria, NSW, 3 Stars
The thought that so much information can be found online by following a cyber trail is a little bit creepy, yet totally believable! Reagan Carsen, the main character was only too aware of this, yet she finally gave in to the perceived benefits of being online to help her business improve. While I loved the first part of this book and was totally engrossed, I did find myself a bit confused with the second part of it and found myself wondering how feasible the plot complications were. Still worth the read, but I do wish it kept my interest all the way through as much as it had in the first half. Sue, WA, 3 Stars
I was interested in Dark Mode because the synopsis instantly got my attention. Murder, the Dark Web, being set in Australia, and high stakes are a deadly combination that I knew would be a page-turner. This book is definitely one of those reads that had a slow and suspenseful build-up, but then everything essentially explodes by the end. It was gory at times but I felt like that added to the dark atmosphere the book holds. This read is also about looking into our place on the internet and how our life can change in literally a second. It’s about who and how we trust others and asks the question if we can really protect ourselves when there is no one else left to. Really scary, packs a punch, and is a thriller with deep twists and turns which will keep you watching your back! Amy, VIC, 3 Stars
I read it in two sittings but just had a list of things that didn’t add up. Great twist at the end and reading some of the dark web stuff at that time is really graphic and disturbing, but it felt like all these minor little things distracted me from the story which is so relevant for today. Rodney, NSW, 2 Stars
Leave a Reply