Darkness There But Something More
-Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar Read 4/8/2025-4/11/2025
My April Adopt An Author in one of my favorite FB groups Killer Thrillers, is Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar. This was the first I had heard of this author (hangs head in shame) so I was curious and went through all of her books trying to find just the right one to read. The choice was difficult, but honestly, it was the cover that grabbed my attention and kept pulling me back!!!
First off, this is a story based on traumatic child loss, divorce and murder. In particular, if you are sensitive to the subject or have experienced child loss, please take this into consideration before diving into Darkness There But Something More. Mental Health Matters and there are resources available for anyone needing help, please do not feel you are ever alone.
Darkness There But Something More by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar is a dark, twisty, psychological thriller that explores grief, resilience and the intricacy of human emotions. Sachar’s elegant approach at weaving the darkness with a hint of mystery and deep intensity leaves you breathless.
The narrative is based on Dr. Marissa Owens (FMC), a literature professor, who has experienced tragedy in her life. The loss of her newborn child and subsequent divorce has led to changes in her career returning to her alma mater of Blackthorn University. Owens is made welcome by former professor and now Department Chair, Candace. Dr. Owens takes a liking to student Hadley Parker, who she sees as a reflection of her younger self when she sat in the same chairs while attending BU. One day Hadley stops showing up for class and has become a missing person – until her body shows up. Determined to find out what happened to Hadley, Owens revisits painful memories from her past she thought had been buried forever.
Sachar elegantly dances around the theme of grief with sensitivity and depth. Owens’ character is richly developed by revealing bits and pieces of her past with a changing timeline that may be slightly confusing at times. As Sachar delves into the FMC’s past, she presents a journey of self-discovery and growth, making her relatable, allowing readers to reflect on their own emotional paths.
Darkness There But Something More gives us vivid imagery, pulling us into the emotional core of the story with descriptive writing to create powerful moments that will resonate with readers long after closing the book. Pacing is smooth with mostly smooth transitions – there were a few times when it jumped timelines that felt a tad choppy.
Sachar has created a beautiful, authentic narrative with Darkness But Something More by not shying away from the darker sides of grief. By embracing this darkness, Sachar gives readers thought-provoking moments and the inspiration that healing is possible even when faced with a deeply personal journey plagued with unimaginable losses.
Darkness There But Something More is a charmingly constructed story that will resonate within anyone who has been through traumatic loss. While the sensitive subject on the loss of a child could be triggering, I feel this story could be a valuable recommendation to those trying to heal from such grief.
As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
I decided to create a shirt dedicated to this post. All proceeds from sales of this shirt will be donated to the Mental Health Awareness group of the purchaser’s choice – once you’ve made your purchase, email me at [email protected] and once your shirt has been made and shipped, I will send the donation in your name to the organization. Keep in mind, I do not make A LOT (average of $2 per shirt) on these shirts dependent on the size and where it is shipped to. You can also make the choice for me to take all proceeds and donate to an organization such as Empty Cradle who devotes resources to help with pregnancy and infancy loss, support and remembrance.
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