Book Review: Until Dark

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Until Dark     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Mariah Stewart
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Serial Killer   Romantic Suspense   Police Procedural   Government Agency
Ballantine, Dec 2003, $6.99, 400 pp.

In remote Smith’s Forge, New Jersey, FBI compositor Kendra Smith has her rest and relaxation interrupted. Agent Adam Stark delivers to her a package containing information on a serial killer. A strangler had just murdered his third victim, the young mother of two children in nearby Deal, Pennsylvania. Adam wants Kendra to interview witnesses to obtain a drawing of a stranger seen talking with the latest victim in town.

Kendra interviews the witnesses, who are not coping well with the murder of a Little League mom. Kendra understands, as her brother was the victim of such an atrocity. However, Kendra will soon find herself as the target of a deranged but clever murderer. Only her intelligence and experience and the protection of Adam, who loves Kendra, keeps her safe, but her opponent is very clever and plans to isolate her as soon as possible.

Fans of police procedural romances will appreciate this exciting serial killer tale that starts innocently at a little league game. The story line moves forward fast once the storm that rocks Smith’s Forge leaves the area. Though there is an abundant of serial killer tales and the identity of the culprit is out of leftfield, readers will enjoy this solid thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner