A Dark Room

About

A Dark Room is an open-source software role-playing text-based game originally published in mid 2013 for web browser by Doublespeak Games. Later that year it was released in the App Store for iOS devices. In 2014 a prequel entitled The Ensign, which provided more insight into the world and its characters, was released for iOS.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 100 reviews

story13 positive mentions

The book offers a captivating blend of true crime and rich historical context about Old Louisville, making it both entertaining and informative.
David Dominé's vivid storytelling and detailed character descriptions create an immersive reading experience that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Readers appreciate the unique perspective on the LGBTQ+ community and the social dynamics of Louisville, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.

Some readers feel that the extensive historical details and descriptions of Louisville detract from the main murder plot, making the narrative feel unfocused.
Critics have noted that certain character developments are lacking, leaving some individuals feeling one-dimensional and underexplored.
A few reviews express disappointment with the book's pacing and structure, suggesting that it could have benefited from a tighter narrative focused more on the crime itself.

story
43 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
63%
7%
The story is a captivating true crime narrative set in Louisville, blending rich historical context with a gripping murder tale that keeps readers engaged through its vivid descriptions and intriguing characters. While many praise the author's storytelling ability and the depth of the narrative, some feel that certain storylines remain unresolved and that the author's personal anecdotes occasionally overshadow the crime itself. Overall, it offers a fascinating exploration of both the crime and the city, making it a compelling read for true crime enthusiasts.
- “A dark room in Glitter Ball City is a riveting and wonderfully creepy true crime story.”
- “I absolutely fell in love with the storyline, rich characters, and David’s telling of this true crime tale.”
- “This incredibly well-researched book reads like a novel, but it is a true crime story with twists and turns.”
- “Several story lines were not completely concluded.”
- “Expected a crime story and got a boring walking tour of Louisville that hyped the scandal and barely dealt with the crime.”
- “Perhaps it was the author's professed lack of access to the participants that made the murder story seem so shallow but nevertheless it never came alive.”
humor
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
David masterfully incorporates humor into his storytelling, blending quirky characters and rich historical settings with laugh-out-loud moments and insightful anecdotes about the idiosyncrasies of old Louisville. His writing balances compassion and darkness, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged and entertained. Overall, the humor adds a unique layer to the emotional depth of the story.
- “David does an amazing job adding humor, includes the history of Louisville’s settings, and literally kept me on the edge of my seat.”
- “At times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next in the trials, while at other times I was laughing out loud at some of the stories and people in this story.”
- “David also deftly weaves in moments of levity and laugh-out-loud humor.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers highlight the emotional depth of the narrative, noting how the detailed descriptions create a personal connection to the journey. The story is praised for its heartfelt sincerity, effectively balancing intrigue and suspense with a respectful treatment of its tragic themes, providing both entertainment and emotional support.
- “His ability to describe fine details of the scenes in his story made me feel as if he personally took me with him on his journey.”
- “I will be forever grateful for the entertainment and emotional support it provided.”
- “While this novel is riveting and enthralling, brimming with intrigue and suspense, it is also heartfelt and earnest—transparent in its goal to deliver the truth while handling the most tragic aspects of its dark subject matter with sincerity and respect.”
graphics
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics effectively bring Louisville to life, vividly depicting its civil rights era history and the demographic and physical transformations during the "white flight" decades, as highlighted by author David Dimoné.