Lately I left a lot of books unfinished. So when I start reading "The Better Part of Darkness" I promised myself that no matter what, I will end it. And I did. But I suffered through every page. 
 I picked up this book for two reasons: 
 1)Charlie Madigan is a detective. 
 And I love to read procedural crime solving books. 
 2)Charlie Madigan has a eleven-years-old daughter. 
 So I expected there to be some parental issues, some upbringing problems, and some funny situations about being a parent. 
 I didn't get any of that. This book consisted of killings, ass kicking, getting your ass kicked, blood, violence and vengeance. I found it too dark and pessimistic. Usually authors try to balance it with occasional funny scenes or fun dialogs, but this book was depressing throughout. It started with trouble and ended with even more serious problems. 
 All characters were filled with mistrust, fear, anger, injustice and desperation. The only ray of sunshine was Rex, but he appeared only by the end. 
 So while the writing was decent, the grimness of it prevented me from enjoying it. Therefore only two stars for this one. 
 I guess it means no more Charlie Madigan for me. And now I need to go read some light fun read to wash away all the doom and gloom.