DARK OF THE EARTH


Available in ebook and paperback

 

While Percy's best friend and business partner lies in a coma, Percy has only days to figure out whether it was an accident or attempted murder before he loses everything.


Dark of the Earth is Book 3 in the award-winning Eye of the Moon multi-genre series, preceded by Book 1 Eye of the Moon and Book 2 Shadow of the Son. Percy learns that his best friend Johnny is in a coma and the prospects are bleak—if he doesn’t wake up soon, there is a chance he may not be able to at all. Stunned by the loss, Percy tries to lure Johnny back with childhood stories. With no immediate results, Percy seeks to put the pieces together of what really happened the night of the crash. Was it indeed an accident, or was it attempted murder?

Chasing down clues in unexpected places, Percy must awaken Johnny from his coma. With Rhinebeck infected with the darkness of those suspected of playing a part, what forces will help him discover the truth and protect his home?

Raymond, the Dodge family chauffeur, points out, “If Johnny was targeted, then somebody was willing to kill him, and that somebody will be in your house. Do you know what to do?”

Percy has no idea and realizes he may have let potential murderers into his home and that he—and those he loves—might be next.

Will Percy fight fire with fire, or will he take a different path?



NEW CHARACTERS

Visit Shadow of the Son for the full list of characters.

  • Raymond

    The personal chauffeur of John Dodge
  • The Cushmans

    Jim Cushman, who has a complex history with John Dodge, and Peggy Cushman, who is a longtime acquaintance of Anne Dodge, and the Cushman son, James III, married to Casey Duke, who has a multifaceted relationship with both Percy and Johnny from their childhood years. James III also holds a deep grudge with Johnny Dodge.


INDUSTRY REVIEWS

  • Kathy Stickles
    "Dark of the Earth", the third book in the Eye of the Moon series by Ivan Obolensky, is an amazing (as always) novel and an excellent continuation to this riveting series. The boys are back along with all of our favorite characters and some new ones who, while they are not ones that we will love, definitely make the story more interesting.

    As "Dark of the Earth" opens, one of our favorite boys, Johnny, has had a terrible accident and is in the hospital in a coma. Unsure as to whether or not Johnny will even survive, Percy and his fiancée Bruni rush back to New York to see Johnny and to try to find out what happened. In the case of the accident, the facts do not add up and Percy needs to know what is really going on, not only to help Johnny but also to help their business, which seems to be involved in whatever has happened. As he sets out to unravel this new mystery, with the help of Bruni and Johnny’s parents, some faces from Percy and Johnny’s past end up coming into play, in what now looks to be no simple accident. Did Johnny do something behind Percy’s back to set everyone on this horrible path? Will the business survive? And, most importantly, how can Percy figure things out and bring Johnny back to them? Why, by having a huge weekend party at Rhinebeck as usual, and inviting those he thinks might be responsible for the accident.

    In addition to Percy and Bruni, all of our favorites gather at Rhinebeck: Johnny’s parents, Bruni’s parents, Maw, and of course Stanley and Dagmar, who run the whole show. Percy also invites an old friend, Casey Cushman, along with her husband James and James’ parents. It turns out that Casey has been having an affair with Johnny and there is definitely friction from the past involving the boys, Casey and her husband. Did the Cushman’s cause Johnny’s accident and what have they really been doing?

    So much is going on in this story, but it is woven together perfectly by the author and the reader is pulled in from the very first page. The spiritual world plays a big part in the story, thanks of course to Dagmar and her wonderful concoctions, and shows the reader a new and stronger side of Percy as he tries to figure things out. The story is well-written and so perfectly put together that I dare anyone out there to not enjoy it immensely. The characters, both old and new, are very well-developed and make for fascinating reading and the storyline is intricate, different and completely mesmerizing. At the very beginning of the book the author includes an excellent synopsis of both of the previous stories so that, if one chooses, they can just pick up book three and start reading. Personally, I would not recommend that course of action, as the stories prior to this one are just as fabulous and detailed.

    Ivan Obolensky is a master at creating these dark, mystical, and riveting stories and I cannot say enough about the stories or the man who shares them with us. I do not have the words to tell readers how much I recommend "Dark of the Earth". It is simply marvelous and I think that everyone out there should grab it and read it as soon as they possibly can. The best part is that when you get to the end you realize that there is another installment coming our way. I just hope it comes really quickly!

    Quill says: "Dark of the Earth" is the third in this series that just keeps getting better and better. While there are many second and third books in a series that just do not live up to their beginnings, this series is not at all like that: every new book is better than the previous one.
    Kathy Stickles
    Feathered Quill Book Review
  • Nick Thacker
    It’s not every day you get the pleasure of reading something that’s as beautiful as it is exciting. "Dark of the Earth" is as exceptional a work of art as it is a fun ride. Obolensky has done it again.
    Nick Thacker
    Award-winning author
  • Jane Ubell-Meyer, Founder
    Ivan Obolensky’s third novel, "Dark of the Earth", is a riveting page-turner that is beautifully woven and crafted. It captured my imagination from the very beginning. The first two books, "Eye of the Moon" and "Shadow of the Son", set the stage for an enthralling narrative that has now reached new heights with this third installment.

    "Dark of the Earth" takes readers on a turbulent ride of emotions, interweaving multiple interconnected tales that keep you on the edge of your seat. From the protagonist Percy's journey of self-discovery in "Eye of the Moon" to his adept handling of family dynamics and conflicts in "Shadow of the Son", the series has only grown more engaging.

    In this latest novel, "Dark of the Earth", it was a joy to delve back into Percy and Johnny’s world and explore such profound themes as confronting the material world, grappling with life's transient nature, and navigating the complexities of existence.

    "Dark of the Earth" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that invites one to reflect on life's intricacies and the pursuit of personal growth amidst trials. With its skillful storytelling, this novel stands out as a captivating addition to the series, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
    Jane Ubell-Meyer, Founder
    Bedside Reading
  • William A. Chanler
    Ivan Obolensky's new book, "Dark of the Earth", is a worthy sequel to "Eye of the Moon" and "Shadow of the Son". Readers of this spellbinding psychological mystery will gain insight about manipulation, motivation and conflict resolution as well as the intricacies of entertaining guests in the style of The Gilded Age. I highly recommend all three of the author's intriguing books.
    William A. Chanler
    Author of Terrorized in New York City
  • Tom Hyman
    This novel, "Dark of the Earth", marks the third in the series, and it is in many ways the most compelling. Like its predecessors, it is set within the mythic confines of an estate in Rhinebeck, New York. The cast of characters is essentially the same, and once again the events take place over an unforgettably contentious and frightening weekend. This time, that famous mansion becomes the literary equivalent of a sinking ship or a runaway train, with everyone trapped on board and forced to endure whatever misfortune awaits them.
    Tom Hyman
    Author of Jupiter’s Daughter
  • Constanza Padilla Ramos
    Continuing the immersion in the sophisticated world of Rhinebeck, "Dark of the Earth" offers a fascinating reading experience from multiple angles. Narrative structure, skillful characterization, and vivid details create a clear picture of each character and each situation. Once again, we found the mysterious atmosphere that captivated us and kept us on tenterhooks in the previous two installments of the saga.

    With humor, intelligence, and seductive dialogue, the novel invites the reader to rejoin a world full of mystery and meaning.
    Constanza Padilla Ramos
    Editor
  • Germán González Correa
    "Dark of the Earth" immerses us from the first moment in an atmosphere of intrigue, in the complex and refined New York society of the late seventies, which we knew before with the "Eye of the Moon" and in "Shadow of the Son". The narrative builds through the stories told by Percy, which add layers of meaning to the main plot while unveiling new settings and characters.

    Reflections on deep themes, detailed characterization, and the presence of symbolic elements enrich the reading experience. With heart-pounding suspense and thrilling moments, "Dark of the Earth" captivates to the very last page.
    Germán González Correa
    Literary translator
  • Craig Houchin
    "Dark of the Earth" is the third novel in the Eye of the Moon series about a remarkable family of American aristocrats and their mysterious estate on the Hudson River.

    As in the previous two novels, "Eye of the Moon" and "Shadow of the Son", the story’s setting is an old mansion estate on the upper Hudson known as Rhinebeck. It’s a place of tranquil beauty, aristocratic order, and ancient mystery that borders on the supernatural. This locale provides the perfect backdrop for unraveling the twisted threads of the characters’ lives and for solving a murder.

    The world that the author, Ivan Obolensky, creates is rich in detail, history, and even wisdom and thrusts the reader into a world of aristocratic America that has all but faded from the modern era. The dialogue is always socially polite, articulate, and genteel - indicative of its bygone era - and yet, at turns, it can drip with venom or float with humor.

    As the mystery deepened, I kept turning the pages faster and faster, not only to see ‘who done it’, but why. What makes one so desperate that murder seems the only way out?

    "Dark of the Earth" delves beyond the upper-crust trappings of its characters to reveal real people in the throes of subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, power struggles between one another and within themselves; and it is all wrapped up in a thoroughly engaging murder mystery.

    I highly recommend reading it.
    Craig Houchin
    TV Commercial Producer


REVIEWS FROM OUR READERS

  • Geert Criel
    Ivan Obolensky has done it again! His latest book, "Dark of the Earth", is a real treat, combining humor, great storytelling, mystery and suspense. The author's easy style masterfully transports the reader to the elegant Rhinebeck world and its intriguing characters. The plot never ceases to surprise, keeping the reader glued to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I am very much looking forward to Ivan’s next work!
    Geert Criel
  • A. G.
    Well, all I am able say at the moment is: Ivan has done it again!!!

    3 days ago, as I began reading “Dark of the Earth”, it was a matter of minutes before projects were cast aside, phone calls and emails went ignored, meals became simplified and there I was, hopelessly spellbound, captivated by the words in Ivan’s new book. I was in a daze, helplessly catapulted back to Rhinebeck.

    I know I am not alone among Ivan’s many readers in this sentiment: I can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Fiction, nonfiction, short stories, podcasts, the series, movies, whatever comes—we can hardly control our enthusiasm for what you have in store for us.
    A. G.
  • Kathy Braceland
    HUGE thanks for Ivan's new book. I finished "Dark of the Earth" yesterday and absolutely LOVED IT!!

    I love the writing, the characters, and the whole story. It stands on its own as a wonderful novel but because I've read the first 2 and am so familiar with the characters and storyline history, it had an even bigger impact. WOW!!!!! It's a most excellent book!!!!!
    Kathy Braceland
    Artist
  • J. U. M., Advanced Reader
    Expertly crafted. Beautifully woven. Familiar friends. A joy for me to delve back into Percy and Johnny’s world. I found the description of Johnny’s experience existing in between worlds extremely uncomfortable and makes one appreciate the world we live in even more! Another page-turner!
    J. U. M., Advanced Reader
  • Art Watanabe
    This is another beautifully crafted journey back to Rhinebeck, with all of its larger-than-life personalities. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this latest book, but I was not disappointed.

    I always enjoy Dagmar’s magical creations, tailored for the circumstances of the day. A dinner there would be a bucket list item. But to be a fly on the wall, courtesy of Ivan’s fine writing, satisfied the taste buds. She, and the “ghostly” efficient Stanley, make a formidable team—two of my favorites!

    This book has some surprises within its pages. So much so that I had to pause my reading after each occurrence. I don’t recall experiencing this in the earlier works. It just goes to show that even for the privileged few, life is not always beautiful and perfect!

    I won’t say which of the three books is my favorite, as I thoroughly enjoyed them all. But this book kept me so engaged that I finished it much sooner than expected.

    A glass of Hamish’s Brew to you, Ivan!
    Art Watanabe
  • Mary Ann Dorman
    Ivan has such a fun sense of humor and imagination! And his use of language! I find myself laughing out loud and rereading things. I also found myself slacking off a little because I didn’t want it to finish!

    What a fun, charming, interesting book! I loved the entire thing! I loved the twists and turns, the humor and creativity. Bravo! And encore! I can’t wait for the next one!
    Mary Ann Dorman

QUOTES FROM THE NOVEL


DAGMAR'S KITCHEN


“I express the oldest language in the world. With it, I create, sustain, or end life.” - Dagmar


Menus

Dinner

Endive salad with pears, gorgonzola cheese, and walnuts drizzled with a tangy dressing paired with a cold Sancerre.

Roast lamb with mint sauce, roasted potatoes, and a puree of peas paired with Chateau Petrus.

Dessert: Dagmar’s signature pound cake and homemade vanilla ice cream

Dinner

Carpaccio di Manzo with an unusual lemon, pine nuts, and caper sauce.

Red snapper with lemon, small, boiled potatoes in butter with herbs, and French beans with almonds paired with Chenin Blanc from the Loire region.

Dessert: Raspberry sorbet


Lunch:

Carpaccio di Manzo.

Chilled jellied consommé with a dollop of sour cream.

Crab cakes with a sharp sauce and a green salad all paired with Sancerre.

Dessert: Lime sorbet.

Dinner:

Duck spring rolls with a plum dipping sauce.

Sole Grenobloise with small, boiled potatoes and baby asparagus with hollandaise sauce paired with a Grgich Hills chardonnay.

Steak Diane with Pomme Frites placed around a small bowl of aioli and creamed spinach paired with a 1973 Stags Leap Cellar.

Dessert: Bananas Foster Flambé.


Lunch

Chilled vichyssoise.

Maine lobster, melted butter, lemon, and a small green salad all paired with a cold Sancerre.

Dessert: Homemade Lady Fingers and vanilla ice cream. Wine: Sancerre.

Dinner:

Duck pâté with slices of baby pears and orange compote.

Lobster Bisque.

Plain green salad, sprinkled with lemon croutons and drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Grilled salmon drenched in lemon butter and placed in a creamy green pool of watercress sauce, with a sweet fruit coulis all paired with a Montrachet Chardonnay.


Dessert: White cake with vanilla ice cream.


Apothecary