I am sure that Karin Slaughter was just as surprised as millions of other viewers when ABC’s midseason replacement show, “Will Trent,” became one of the biggest hits of early 2023. It has since been renewed for a second season, and I cannot wait for it.

Of course, longtime readers of Slaughter already knew this was a special character who deserved more attention. AFTER THAT NIGHT is the first Will Trent novel to be published since the program went on the air. Not only does it not disappoint, it may be the hardest-hitting story in the series thus far.

"AFTER THAT NIGHT is a heavy and emotion-filled read that is sure to get readers equally engaged in the outcome of this shocking and heartbreaking case."

The primary focus of this installment is Will’s fiancée, Sara Linton, a successful surgeon who continues to be troubled by a shadow from her past. Fifteen years ago she was brutally raped, from which she valiantly fought back. This all comes hurtling back at her in rapid fashion when she is called into the ER to treat a badly damaged young woman who appears to have endured the same horrific attack that has haunted Sara for so long.

Dani Cooper was involved in a disturbing and creepy text exchange with a strange man who seemed to be stalking her. Unfortunately, even with Sara’s skilled hand, Dani does not survive. However, just prior to her heart giving out, she looks into Sara’s face with alarm and blurts out, “Stop him.” Not only does it force Sara to revisit her own scarred past, it pushes her to do whatever it takes to punish the guilty party.

Sara becomes the lead witness in a case against the man believed to be responsible for Dani’s ordeal and eventual death. His name is Thomas Michael McAllister IV, and it just so happens that his father was one of the individuals Sara thinks was behind her own attack. She suffered complications in the aftermath and had to have her uterus removed, preventing her from ever having children of her own. This personal horror is a big part of what drives Sara relentlessly to get justice for Dani.

Will and his partner, Faith Mitchell, are deeply involved in the case and working behind the scenes. Their investigation, fueled by Sara’s firsthand information, is pointing them in the direction of what could have been a rape club consisting of well-to-do individuals targeting specific young women. This dark subject matter is made even darker by the unfathomable evil intentions of the men who perpetrate these heinous crimes. It threatens to swallow Sara and Will alive while staining their upcoming nuptials.

Slaughter has several twists and turns in store for our fearless protagonists as they move forward in their investigation. AFTER THAT NIGHT is a heavy and emotion-filled read that is sure to get readers equally engaged in the outcome of this shocking and heartbreaking case.