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THE DR. EVAN WILDING SERIES

At First Light

Introducing Dr. Evan Wilding, aka “The Sparrow.”

Ritual murder. Archaic clues. A visionary killer. In this heart-stopping novel by Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Sydney Parnell series, words can kill.

On the muddy banks of the Calumet River, a body has been found posed next to a series of mysterious glyphs and bearing wounds from a ritualistic slaying. Chicago detective Addie Bisset knows only one man who can decipher the message left by the killer: her friend Dr. Evan Wilding. A brilliant forensic semiotician, Evan decodes the etchings as Viking Age runes. They suggest either human sacrifice or righteous punishment. But to what god? And for what sins? Only one thing is certain from the disturbing runic riddles: there are more victims to come. As Evan races to determine the identity of the Viking Poet, he and Addie uncover the killer’s most terrifying secret yet: the motive. This startling discovery puts Evan’s life in mortal danger, and verse by ancient verse, time is running out.

From Thomas & Mercer

Order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible, other online retailers, or at your local bookstore.

Blood on the Tracks (Sydney Rose Parnell #1)

Raves about At First Light – An Amazon Best Book of the Month

“AT FIRST LIGHT by Barbara Nickless is one of the best books I’ve read in a long, long while. With unique and unforgettable characters who match wits with a devious, sophisticated and ritualistic serial killer, this complex and compelling story is as powerful as a Norse God and just as terrifying. I can’t wait for the next book in the series featuring Detective Addie Bisset and Dr. Evan Wilding!  Bravo!”

Lisa Jackson, #1 NYT bestselling author

“At First Light is a stunner of a tale. Barbara Nickless has fashioned a deep exploration into moral depravity and the dark depths of the human soul in a fashion not seen since the brilliant David Fincher film SE7EN. This wholly realized tale is reminiscent of Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter, and Lisa Scottoline at their level best.”

Jon Land, USA Today bestselling author

“The moment I finished this intelligent and pulse-pounding psychological thriller, I was ready for Book Two…. Dr. Evan Wilding is one of the most interesting fictional characters I’ve met in some time. … Author Nickless’ prose is crisp and, at times, poetic. Her descriptions are vivid but balanced. I became immediately attached to her engaging and well-drawn characters. In some respects, ‘At First Light’ is reminiscent of Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code.’ I highly recommend this book to fans of fast-paced thrillers that include riddles, ancient languages and literature.”

Claudia N. Oltean for the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union

“Barbara Nickless has crafted a dark, twisty thrill ride with a bad guy to give you nightmares, and a pair of protagonists you will want to come back to again and again. Lock your doors and curl up with this book! ”

Tami Hoag, #1 NYT bestselling author of THE BOY

“[In] this intense psychological thriller…Evan and Addie race to prevent more bloodshed. Hints of a romantic relationship between the pair enliven the story, and references to Beowulf and Viking history add depth. Readers will hope to see more of Addie and Evan.”  

Publishers Weekly

“Brilliant Evan Wilding, with his goshawk and unusual friendships, will fascinate those who read for character.”

Library Journal

“At First Light is a winner.”

The Denver Post

“… a high intensity thriller that will take your breath away.… Barbara Nickless is an awesome talent!”

 Mysterious Book Report

“Readers not only will be treated to a good story — one with believable characters, a strong plot line, twists and turns, and plenty of action — they also will learn a great deal about dwarfism, runes and the Viking culture.”

Bookreporter

Even though I really enjoyed the previous novels from Barbara Nickless, At First Light is my favorite by far. The novel is a very solid murder mystery and the plot elements of Viking lore and runes were both entertaining and informative.

BVS Reviews