A Friend in the Dark
An Auden & O'Callaghan Mystery: Book One
Emporium Press
September 8, 2020
Series: An Auden & O'Callaghan Mystery
Cover art: Reese Dante
Genre: Amateur sleuth mystery, romance
Rufus O’Callaghan has eked out a living on the streets of New York City by helping the police put away criminals as a confidential informant. But when Rufus shows up for an arranged meeting and finds his handler dead, his already-uncertain life is thrown into a tailspin. Now someone is trying to kill Rufus too, and he’s determined to find out why.
After leaving the Army under less than desirable circumstances, Sam Auden has drifted from town to town, hitching rides and catching Greyhounds, until he learns that a former Army buddy, now a police detective in New York City, has died by suicide. Sam knows that’s not right, and he immediately sets out to get answers.
As Rufus and Sam work together to learn the truth of their friend’s death, they find themselves entangled in a web of lies, cover-ups, and accelerating danger. And when they witness a suspect killed in cold blood, they realize they’re running out of time.
"Funny, sexy and intensely readable, with a pair of captivating protagonists and enough banter to satisfy my snark-loving heart, A Friend in the Dark is a terrific introduction to the Auden & O’Callaghan Mysteries and I’m eagerly looking forward to book two." - All About Romance
"Collaborations are a tricky business. And these two made it magic. They elevated each other in so many ways. The prose is beautiful." - Paranormal Romance Guild
"A Friend in the Dark is a tantalizing introduction to what looks to be an amazing new series. 5 stars and I highly recommend this book!" - Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
"Recommended for fans of gritty mysteries in particular." - Love Bytes Reviews
"I found both Rufus and Sam totally endearing, as their gritty exteriors were peeled away to make the beauty inside them visible." - Paranormal Romance Guild
"As one would expect from two authors who know their way around a good mystery, A Friend in the Dark establishes the suspense early, keeps it coming, and pulls no punches..." - The Novel Approach Reviews
"I really enjoyed the authors’ writing style and I was swept away by the case, wanting to know how it would play out and I was very satisfied by its resolution." - Bayou Book Junkie
"The noir tone is just about perfect. The dialogue is both sharp and totally respectful of the readers’ intellect...." - Rainbow Book Reviews