Title: Into the Dark by Rick Mofina
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
THE SOLE SURVIVOR OF A HEARTBREAKING FAMILY TRAGEDY…
Claire Bowen, a haunted psychologist, devotes her life to helping troubled women rebuild theirs. But her dream of a family with her new husband, Robert, a pilot and local hero, begins to crumble as disturbing revelations from his past emerge.
AND A GRIEVING COP WHO LURES A KILLER FROM THE SHADOWS…
Detective Joe Tanner, struggling to overcome his wife’s death while raising their little girl alone, heads the task force formed to stop the monster who has resurfaced with a chilling message.
RACE THE CLOCK IN A LIFE-AND-DEATH STRUGGLE TO SAVE THE NEXT VICTIM…
In the wake of five cold-case murders across Los Angeles, one of Claire’s most promising patients vanishes. Gut instinct tells Tanner the truth is within his grasp, while Claire is torn between guilt and terror over what’s to come. As time runs out, both are pulled deeper and deeper into an unspeakable darkness.
The Review:
Rick Mofina’s Into the Dark is a fast-paced mystery that provides a fascinating and chilling look into the life and mind of a serial killer.
On the ten year anniversary of the first of five unsolved murders, Detective Joe Tanner uncovers a new clue that irrefutably links the five deaths to the same perpetrator. In an effort to flush out the killer, Tanner contacts reporter Mark Harding to write a story about the unsolved murders. The media attention coincides with the murderer’s growing urge to kill again and Tanner is soon in a race against time to unmask a killer before he strikes again.
At the same time Tanner discovers the deaths are the work of a serial killer, psychologist Claire Bowen is growing uneasy about her husband Robert. Robert has been pulling away from her recently and she has the uncomfortable feeling he is keeping secrets from her. Claire’s suspicions lead her to accept a close friend’s offer to look into Robert’s past and neither woman is prepared for the shocking and disturbing information that is uncovered.
Into the Dark is written in third person from several characters’ points of view. From Joe, readers are privy to the investigation as he uncovers clues and follows leads. A large part of the story unfolds from Claire’s point of view as she wrestles with her suspicions about Robert. However the most interesting perspective is from the killer. It is an insightful look into what ultimately turned this person into a killer and how surprisingly easy it is for the murderer to maintain a normal life until the urge to kill again becomes overwhelming.
With Into the Dark, Rick Mofina brings readers yet another intricately plotted and suspense laden mystery. Although there is no mystery about the killer’s identity, this compelling psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as missed clues and false leads take the investigation in the wrong direction as the killer gives in to his murderous impulses.
