Perpetual Dark Eye

I’ve been working on this cover for Play Dead for quite awhile. I think I’ve finally got it pretty close to how I want it. I’m still conflicted about it though. Since this is going to be our first book with a real print run we need to count on catching the eye of more than just the usual suspects.

From the beginning I knew we needed a cover that would appeal to a broader crowd. I think crime noir fans and mystery readers would definitely enjoy this book too. So I tried to get something a little dark and gritty yet also somewhat playful and mysterious. Unfortunately I may be cursed with a perpetual dark eye. Those are just the things that appeal to me.

So what do you guys think, is it too dark? Will it appeal to mystery and crime readers or scare them away?