"Neil Tarpey paints the North Coast and its inhabitants with loving precision as we ride along with two small town cops trying to unravel a bizarre and deadly series of events behind the redwood curtain. Inspector Kevin Valken, already worn thin and running on empty from a prior investigation and a personal tragedy, leans on his Native-American partner, Detective Naomi Marren, for practical and spiritual assistance as they face danger, misdirection and traps. A thrilling ride."
--David Andrew Lee, author of Alpha House
The North Coast Journal's review ("Missing in Familiar Places") in the Sept. 24, 2026 cover story: https://www.northcoastjournal.com/news-2/news/local-lit/
"Neil Tarpey's Darkness in the Redwoods is a read that's genuinely rewarding for those drawn to small town mysteries with haunted detectives."
--Independent Book Review
"He also excels at detailing procedural elements and delivering fast-paced and surprising reveals which will keep readers turning the pages." --Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/neil-tarpey/darkness-in-the-redwoods/
"Rain. Revenge. Red herrings. Wreckage. More twists and turns than the road to Fort Bragg. Darkness in the Redwoods is a page-turning thriller. Enjoy. "
--Margot Genger, author of Shift Happens