Book Review: Dark Is When the Devil Comes by Daisy Pearce
I was completely pulled into this story almost immediately. This is one of those books you don’t want to put down—and when you do, it lingers in your mind, quietly calling you back. It’s suspenseful, unsettling, and deeply atmospheric in the best way.
From the very beginning, there’s this creeping sense of unease that never really lets up. It’s the kind of book where you need to know what happens next—but at the same time, you’re almost afraid to find out. That balance of curiosity and dread is something I think this book does incredibly well.
One of my favorite elements was how the characters were revealed. You aren’t given every detail upfront, and instead, the story slowly unfolds piece by piece. That choice really adds to the mystery and keeps the tension building. The supporting characters felt purposeful and well-developed, and Hazel, in particular, stood out to me. Her character had depth, growth, and a presence that made her especially compelling to follow.
The atmosphere in this book is truly one of its strongest features. There’s a darkness woven throughout—not just in what’s happening, but in how it feels. It’s eerie, haunting, and at times genuinely creepy. As a psychological thriller, it absolutely delivers. The sense of underlying evil and the subtle foreshadowing made everything feel more intense and immersive.
I also really appreciated that the story kept me guessing. I had my suspicions, but I genuinely did not expect the ending, which made it all the more satisfying.
If I had one small critique, it would be the shifting points of view. The story moves between three female perspectives, and occasionally it took a moment to figure out whose voice I was reading. It didn’t take away from the overall experience, but I do think it could have flowed a bit more smoothly if each chapter clearly labeled the POV.
Overall, this was a dark, gripping, and addictive read that I couldn’t stop thinking about. I’ll absolutely be looking for more from this author
If you love psychological thrillers that are atmospheric, unsettling, and full of slow-building tension, this one is definitely worth picking up. Just maybe don’t read it alone at night.
You can see my review for Goodreads here:
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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