Book Review: Are You Afraid of the Dark? by Sidney Sheldon

A High-Stakes Thriller That Keeps You Guessing

Sidney Sheldon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark? is a gripping thriller that blends mystery, corporate intrigue, and relentless suspense. With a 3.69/5 rating from over 31,000 readers on Goodreads, this novel proves Sheldon’s mastery in crafting page-turners. Though not his most critically acclaimed work, it delivers exactly what fans expect—fast pacing, clever twists, and a story that refuses to let go.

Plot Overview

The story follows two women, Diane and Kelly, whose husbands—both high-profile scientists—die under suspicious circumstances on the same day. As they dig deeper, they uncover a shadowy conspiracy involving a powerful corporation willing to kill to protect its secrets. The narrative shifts between their perspectives, building tension as the stakes escalate.

Sheldon avoids dense technical jargon, keeping the prose crisp and accessible. While some critics note the plot’s occasional reliance on coincidence, most agree the breakneck pacing and short chapters make it irresistibly bingeable.

What Readers Loved

Goodreads reviewers consistently praise the book’s entertainment value. Many call it a "guilty pleasure"—a book you devour in one sitting despite its flaws. The female protagonists are highlighted as strong, resourceful leads, a Sheldon trademark. The corporate villainy feels eerily plausible, and the globetrotting settings (from New York to Europe) add glamour and scale.

Parents and educators appreciate that, while the book deals with mature themes like betrayal and murder, it does so without graphic violence or heavy-handed romance. The suspense is tense but age-appropriate for younger teens, making it a solid intro to the thriller genre.

Criticisms

Some readers found the dialogue overly dramatic or the scientific MacGuffins implausible. A few noted that Sheldon’s later works, including this one, rely on a formulaic structure. However, fans argue that the formula works—the book’s predictability is part of its comfort-food appeal.

Final Verdict

Are You Afraid of the Dark? isn’t high literature, but it’s immensely fun. Perfect for a lazy weekend or a long flight, it delivers thrills without demanding deep analysis. If you enjoy classic Sheldon—or authors like Dan Brown and Mary Higgins Clark—this won’t disappoint.

Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5) | Pages: 401 | Genre: Thriller/Suspense
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