When The Night Falls by C.K. Bennett is a riveting thriller that plunges readers into a chilling narrative filled with intricate plot twists and deep psychological insights. Bennett, known for her compelling storytelling and masterful character development, continues to shine with her latest endeavor. This book not only entertains but also provokes thought about the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of relationships under strain.

The story begins in the small, seemingly tranquil town of Redwood Grove, where the life of the protagonist, Eliza Hart, is about to be turned upside down. Eliza, a young journalist, is drawn into a web of mystery when her best friend, Joanna, goes missing under suspicious circumstances. Determined to find the truth, Eliza's investigation leads her into the depths of her town's darkest secrets and into the crosshairs of a sinister presence lurking in the shadows. Bennett's portrayal of Eliza is extraordinarily compelling—her resilience, intelligence, and flaws are painted with a realistic brush that makes her both heroic and relatable.

One of Bennett’s strengths is her ability to create a palpable atmosphere of suspense and foreboding. The author sets the scene with detailed descriptions of Redwood Grove’s eerie woods and the ominous changes that occur as night falls. The setting almost acts as a character itself, contributing significantly to the story's oppressive mood and sense of impending doom.

The narrative is well-paced, with Bennett skillfully weaving multiple storylines together. She intersperses the present-day investigation with flashbacks of Eliza and Joanna’s past, enriching the reader's understanding of their dynamic and increasing the emotional stake in Joanna’s fate. This technique not only deepens the mystery but also accentuates the theme of how past actions inevitably shape the present. Furthermore, Bennett incorporates a variety of perspectives, providing a 360-degree view of the events that unfold. This choice is effective in maintaining suspense, as the reader gains knowledge of the peril that Eliza unknowingly walks into.

Bennett’s writing style exudes elegance and control, demonstrating her ability to convey deep emotions and complex ideas in concise, potent sentences. Her dialogue is sharp and realistic, facilitating character development through natural interactions and revealing the characters' underlying motives and feelings. The psychological depth she brings to each character adds layers to the story, making the reader invest more deeply in the outcome and the fates of the individuals involved.

Another significant aspect of When The Night Falls is its exploration of thematic elements such as trust, betrayal, and the moral complexities of revenge. Bennett challenges the reader to consider the lengths one might go to protect loved ones or to seek justice. These themes are explored not just superficially, but rather in a manner that demands an introspective response from the reader, making the book a profound experience beyond a simple thrill ride.

The climax of the book is both shocking and satisfying, with all the intricately laid plot lines converging in a stark revelation that ties together the myriad threads in a coherent, if unsettling, resolution. Bennett manages to strike a delicate balance between answering the burning questions throughout the narrative and leaving some elements to the reader’s imagination, a testament to her respect for the audience's intelligence.

The book is not without minor flaws. At times, the numerous secondary characters can feel overwhelming, and keeping track of their relationships and relevance to the main plot may distract some readers from the central story. Additionally, certain elements of the resolution rely slightly too much on coincidental occurrences, which may detract from the otherwise meticulously crafted narrative logic.

Overall, When The Night Falls by C.K. Bennett is an enthralling thriller that will appeal to fans of psychological suspense and complex, character-driven narratives. Bennett's sharp prose, intricate plotting, and deep dives into the psyche of her protagonists make this book a standout in its genre. Readers looking for a story that captivates, challenges, and offers a window into the darker corridors of human relationships will find much to appreciate in Bennett’s haunting tale.