Having absolutely loved Westley Smith’s Some Kind of Truth, I eagerly dove into In The Pale Light, hoping for another gripping, emotionally charged experience. Smith did not disappoint. This novel is a masterclass in suspense, rich with the same intricate storytelling and deep character exploration that made his previous work so unforgettable.

In The Pale Light opens with a horrifying tragedy—the brutal murder of Clay Graham and his family. The story quickly zeros in on Terry, Clay’s troubled brother, who becomes the prime suspect despite his claims of innocence. What makes this book truly compelling is the way Smith expertly weaves together the psychological and the procedural, creating a narrative that is as much about inner turmoil as it is about solving a crime.

Terry’s journey is one of immense pain and desperation. Shunned by the community and burdened by guilt, his character is written with a rawness that makes him both flawed and deeply sympathetic. Smith’s ability to depict Terry’s struggle with his undiagnosed illness, as well as his battle against the town’s secrets and his own haunted past, is nothing short of brilliant. You can’t help but root for him, even as you’re unsure whether he’s innocent or guilty.

The re-opening of the case by Trooper Henry Miller adds another layer of tension, as the clock ticks down on Terry’s life. The small-town setting, with its hidden grudges and buried secrets, creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that only heightens the suspense. Smith’s pacing is impeccable, gradually revealing new clues and twists that keep you guessing until the very end.

What truly sets In The Pale Light apart is its exploration of themes like redemption, guilt, and the search for truth. Just like Some Kind of Truth, this book doesn’t shy away from the complexities of human nature. It challenges you to consider how much of what we believe is influenced by perception rather than reality.

The only "flaw" I can mention is that the intensity of the book left me emotionally drained—but in the best possible way. Smith knows how to craft a narrative that stays with you, long after you’ve closed the book. In The Pale Light is more than just a mystery; it’s a poignant, thought-provoking exploration of the darkness that can lurk within us all.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Smith’s Some Kind of Truth, you’ll find In The Pale Light to be equally, if not more, captivating. It’s a haunting, beautifully written novel that cements Westley Smith as a master of the psychological thriller genre. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful.