Thom Collins' Now Comes the Dark is a gripping thriller that delves deep into the heart of fear, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of a city gripped by terror, Collins crafts a narrative that is both a suspenseful page-turner and a poignant exploration of the LGBTQ community's struggles in the face of violence and prejudice.

The novel opens with a chilling premise: a psychotic killer is on the loose, targeting gay men in the city of Blyham. This sets the stage for a story that is as much about survival and resilience as it is about love and trust. The protagonist, Roman Ballentyne, is a character who embodies this duality. Forced to navigate a world where every encounter could be his last, Roman is a man on edge, constantly balancing his desires with the ever-present threat of danger.

Collins does an exceptional job of capturing the tension and paranoia that permeate Roman's world. The city, once a place of freedom and expression, has become a landscape of fear, and this transformation is vividly portrayed through Roman's eyes. The Viaduct, a club that offers a semblance of safety, becomes a symbol of the community's resilience—a place where desire and danger coexist.

Roman's encounter with Mallon Garnier is a pivotal moment in the story. Mallon is introduced as a mysterious and alluring figure, and their initial meeting is charged with an intensity that sets the tone for their relationship. Collins skillfully builds their chemistry, making their attraction palpable and immediate. The fact that Mallon saves Roman from a hate crime adds layers to their connection, blending gratitude with desire in a way that feels both natural and compelling.

As their relationship develops, Collins explores themes of trust and vulnerability. Roman's internal struggle is portrayed with nuance, as he grapples with the risks of opening up to a stranger in such a perilous environment. Mallon, on the other hand, is a character shrouded in mystery, and his secrets add an intriguing layer of suspense to the narrative. The tension between what is known and what is hidden is a driving force in the novel, keeping readers engaged as they piece together the clues alongside Roman.

One of the strengths of Now Comes the Dark is its character development. Roman is a well-rounded protagonist whose fears and desires are portrayed with authenticity. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to navigate his emotions and confront the realities of his world. Mallon, too, is a complex character, and Collins does an admirable job of peeling back the layers of his persona, revealing a man who is both protector and enigma.

The novel's exploration of the LGBTQ community's challenges is both timely and poignant. Collins addresses issues of violence, prejudice, and the struggle for acceptance with sensitivity and insight. The murders serve as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by marginalized communities, and the narrative does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of this world. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a thread of hope—a testament to the resilience and strength of those who refuse to be silenced.

In terms of pacing, Collins maintains a steady rhythm that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The suspense is expertly woven into the fabric of the story, with each chapter building on the tension of the last. The climax is both surprising and satisfying, tying together the various threads of the narrative in a way that feels both inevitable and unexpected.

Comparatively, Now Comes the Dark shares thematic similarities with works like Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, where the line between desire and danger is blurred, and characters are driven by complex motivations. However, Collins' novel stands out for its focus on the LGBTQ experience, offering a fresh perspective on the thriller genre.

Overall, Now Comes the Dark is a compelling read that combines elements of suspense, romance, and social commentary. Thom Collins has crafted a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with characters that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. For readers seeking a novel that challenges and entertains in equal measure, this book is a must-read.