Into the Darkness
by Barbara Michaels
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Meg Venturi never expected the windfall she inherits when her grandfather dies. For some unknown reason the eccentric old millionaire has left her his profitable antique jewelry business. But there is a catch. Meg must share the business with an aloof, mysterious, and somewhat sinister young man called A. L. Riley. The town is whispering about her enigmatic new partner. Rumors spread about unspoken secrets, a dark and disturbing legacy . . . and murder. Soon a series of troubling events has show more Meg looking uncomfortably over her shoulder. The longer she stays in this tiny New England village the clearer two very troubling truths become: that all that glitters is definitely not gold . . . and that someone will stop at nothing to drive her away. show lessTags
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For a change, there is never anything supernaturally suspected in this novel, nor do we have the huge, rambling Victorian house. There's of course the trademark cat that gets in the way, coupled with typical character humor. It's almost more of a Elizabeth Peters mystery than a Barbara Michaels one, so don't go in expecting the typical. Instead Michaels seemed to want to focus the energy she usually spends on ghosts in mansions on the mystery of old jewelery. Not as fun to me, but still a worthy venture. She seems to have either thoroughly done the needed research, or else has knowledge about jewelry as much as she does houses, cats, the supernatural, and Egypt. You will know more on old jewelry and rose gardening by the time the book show more is through, yet thankfully it's not given in a preachy manner, and only a need-to-know basis.
Blessed with a fiery, feisty, conscience-plagued heroine, the mixing pot of people was fun as always. Meg's nasty temper and sharp tongue seemed lovingly adored by her hysterical relative Cliff, while her softened attitude never seemed to ruffle the mysterious partner, Riley. The grandmother was an enjoyment to read about, too, as her eccentric personality brought a smile to my face.
Into the Darkness is blessed with an array of background characters, many not what they seem. Meg's background and relationships were far from socially normal, which was a surprise. It's refreshing to read about a flawed character since it makes them seem more real. There's the touch of personal tragedy involved that was just sad, and that's how the novel opens. With a horrendous memory no child should go through, let alone remember so many details of.
Mystery wise, it's a rich one I sadly guessed before the novel was through. It was tightly woven, though, so many may not gauge the culprit. I just used the ol'Agatha Christie trick of guessing who it was least likely to be. The pace is pretty swift and it was hard to grow bored, and for once Michaels concentrated more on romantic build-up. This was a blessing and there was actually - gasp! - some sexual hints. Truthfully I wasn't entirely sure who she'd end up with, and I would have been happy no matter which she chose. Never has she indulged in subtle kissing or mild erotic thoughts freely, which is a shame for perverted readers like yours truly.
It's an enjoyable book but, again, don't go in expecting the typical gothic, fog-enshrouding tale. Instead read it for what it is - a light mystery with cute characters, a strong heroine, and a plaguing history. The story just wasn't as interesting as most of her other stuff, without the layers of detail and deception. I admit liking her other themes more, but this one's still a keeper. show less
Blessed with a fiery, feisty, conscience-plagued heroine, the mixing pot of people was fun as always. Meg's nasty temper and sharp tongue seemed lovingly adored by her hysterical relative Cliff, while her softened attitude never seemed to ruffle the mysterious partner, Riley. The grandmother was an enjoyment to read about, too, as her eccentric personality brought a smile to my face.
Into the Darkness is blessed with an array of background characters, many not what they seem. Meg's background and relationships were far from socially normal, which was a surprise. It's refreshing to read about a flawed character since it makes them seem more real. There's the touch of personal tragedy involved that was just sad, and that's how the novel opens. With a horrendous memory no child should go through, let alone remember so many details of.
Mystery wise, it's a rich one I sadly guessed before the novel was through. It was tightly woven, though, so many may not gauge the culprit. I just used the ol'Agatha Christie trick of guessing who it was least likely to be. The pace is pretty swift and it was hard to grow bored, and for once Michaels concentrated more on romantic build-up. This was a blessing and there was actually - gasp! - some sexual hints. Truthfully I wasn't entirely sure who she'd end up with, and I would have been happy no matter which she chose. Never has she indulged in subtle kissing or mild erotic thoughts freely, which is a shame for perverted readers like yours truly.
It's an enjoyable book but, again, don't go in expecting the typical gothic, fog-enshrouding tale. Instead read it for what it is - a light mystery with cute characters, a strong heroine, and a plaguing history. The story just wasn't as interesting as most of her other stuff, without the layers of detail and deception. I admit liking her other themes more, but this one's still a keeper. show less
True romantic suspense, this book was written in 1990 and has a touch of the contemporary in it. Our heroine is no shrinking violet, is well aware of her own strengths, and has a life of her own. When her grandfather dies, she is called back to her hometown where she must face her past and present and find out the truths about them.
This being Barbara Michael, you know there will be romance at some point. This book didn't disappoint and I was happy with how things resolved in that aspect of the story. The suspense part was most excellent and kept me guessing until the end. There are a few hints of beyond-the-grave help, but they aren't overwhelming.
In short, this is a good romantic suspense story, written by one of the great authors in show more the genre. If that is what you are looking for, you'll enjoy this book. Add in any interest in old jewelry, and this is the perfect book to read. show less
This being Barbara Michael, you know there will be romance at some point. This book didn't disappoint and I was happy with how things resolved in that aspect of the story. The suspense part was most excellent and kept me guessing until the end. There are a few hints of beyond-the-grave help, but they aren't overwhelming.
In short, this is a good romantic suspense story, written by one of the great authors in show more the genre. If that is what you are looking for, you'll enjoy this book. Add in any interest in old jewelry, and this is the perfect book to read. show less
Into the Darkness is a romantic suspense novel with a plot much like others of the time. Meg is the estranged heiress of the Mignot family and on her grandfather's death she returns to the family home. At first, Meg seemed like the weak, dependent, heroine so often found in early romances but soon she decides that she is tired of others trying to run her life. Then we have the kindly uncle, the sort of cousin, and the taciturn manager of the the jewelry business her grandfather leaves her. The story pretty much follows the usual line of suspense novels with the mystery of who is behind the strange happenings and who gets the girl. I liked the book much more than I had expected after having checked the reviews before reading. It was show more enjoyable and had several interesting secondary characters. However, I much prefer the books she writes as Elizabeth Peters. show less
Meg Venturi goes home when her beloved grandfather dies, to face the memories of the tragedy that killed her father, and has haunted her family ever since. As always, Barbara Michaels keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end, all the while keeping you entertained by not only great characters but by her vivid descriptions the history of jewelcrafting.
First, I learned thar Barbara Michaels writes under several names. Barbara Mertz, also known as Elizabeth Peters, also known as Barbara Michaels! Thus she is commonly referred to on her web site as MPM.
I'm in total agreement with the the opinion of UPI, "Even veteran suspense readers will be surprised by the ending."
Yes, I was & it was a terrific suspense read particularly for those with an interest in antique jewelry and/or jewelry design. I could read this again some day and I rarely, rarely feel that way as there are still too many books that I still want to read for the first time. :)
I'm in total agreement with the the opinion of UPI, "Even veteran suspense readers will be surprised by the ending."
Yes, I was & it was a terrific suspense read particularly for those with an interest in antique jewelry and/or jewelry design. I could read this again some day and I rarely, rarely feel that way as there are still too many books that I still want to read for the first time. :)
After reading Peters' Amelia Peabody books I liked the author well enough to search out her non-series work. I found this at the library; after reading it I concluded I wanted a copy.
It's a good mystery with an excellent surprise at the end. Meg is a very satisfactory protagonist struggling to make sense of her grandfather's legacy of one-half of the thriving jewelry business in the small town in which she grew up. The other half of the business has been left to the slightly-disabled Vietnam vet who's been making/repairing jewelry at the store (this was a little odd, since it was written in 1990, 15 years after the fall of Saigon). Meg has parental "issues," to say the least; adultery and murder were involved in their deaths. Those show more mysteries reappear as she returns to the town.
It's a good complicated read, with a smart female lead. show less
It's a good mystery with an excellent surprise at the end. Meg is a very satisfactory protagonist struggling to make sense of her grandfather's legacy of one-half of the thriving jewelry business in the small town in which she grew up. The other half of the business has been left to the slightly-disabled Vietnam vet who's been making/repairing jewelry at the store (this was a little odd, since it was written in 1990, 15 years after the fall of Saigon). Meg has parental "issues," to say the least; adultery and murder were involved in their deaths. Those show more mysteries reappear as she returns to the town.
It's a good complicated read, with a smart female lead. show less
Into The Darkness
by Barbara Michaels
1990
Simon&Schuster
Good story, but rather slow. I enjoyed it, but dont think it's one of Michaels best.
Megan Venturi never really wanted to return to her hometown of Seldon. When her Grandfather suddenly passes away, Meg finds herself, unexpectedly, the owner of his antique jewelry business. The catch: she must share ownership with a man who she despises, Riley. Rumor about town says Riley shouldn't be trusted because of his dark past, and he was accused of the murder of a young woman.
Meg must decide if she want to keep the store.
And can she trust Riley, or is it all malicious rumor?
by Barbara Michaels
1990
Simon&Schuster
Good story, but rather slow. I enjoyed it, but dont think it's one of Michaels best.
Megan Venturi never really wanted to return to her hometown of Seldon. When her Grandfather suddenly passes away, Meg finds herself, unexpectedly, the owner of his antique jewelry business. The catch: she must share ownership with a man who she despises, Riley. Rumor about town says Riley shouldn't be trusted because of his dark past, and he was accused of the murder of a young woman.
Meg must decide if she want to keep the store.
And can she trust Riley, or is it all malicious rumor?
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100+ Works 73,089 Members
Barbara Mertz was born on September 29, 1927 in Astoria, Illinois. She received a bachelor's degree in 1947, a master's degree in 1950 and doctorate in Egyptology in 1952 from the University of Chicago. She wrote a few books using her real name including Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs (1964), Red Land, Black Land (1966), and Two Thousand Years in show more Rome (1968). She also wrote under the pen names Barbara Michaels and Elizabeth Peters. She made her fiction debut, The Master of Blacktower, under the name Barbara Michaels in 1966. She wrote over two dozen novels using this pen name including Sons of the Wolf, Someone in the House, Vanish with the Rose, Dancing Floor, and Other Worlds. Her debut novel under the pen name Elizabeth Peters was The Jackal's Head in 1968. She also wrote the Amelia Peabody series and Vicky Bliss Mystery series using this name. She died on August 8, 2013 at the age of 85. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Into the Darkness
- Original title
- Into the Darkness
- Original publication date
- 1990-09
- People/Characters
- Meg Venturi; Nick Taggert; Daniel Mignot/Merck; Gran; Cliff; Frances (show all 7); Riley
- Important places
- Seldon
- Epigraph
- I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind.
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned.
With l... (show all)ilies and with laurel they go;p but I an not resigned....
[remainder of poem is there]
Edna St Vincent Millay, (c) 1917
Collected Poems
Harper & Row - Dedication
- I would like to thank all my friends in the antique jewelry business who gave so generously of their time and effort to help me with my research.
Special mention goes to Carol Canty of Collage in Frederic,
who n... (show all)ot only lent me her books but delivered them to my door;
And to Gene Rooney of Victorian Manor in New Market, Maryland,
who answered all my questions and allowed me to peer over his shoulder while he carried out the goldsmith's chores at which he is so skilled.
Few friends would have gone to such lengths!
If I am in error on any point, the fault is mine, not his. - First words
- Beyond the glass, snowflakes swirled in patterns of blowing lace.
- Quotations
- Look out Lady -
this bear had a hell of a temper;
but feed him honey and
he's your friend for life. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Laughing, she drew him into the room and shut the door, closing in the roses, closing out the snow and the winter cold forever.
- Blurbers
- Clark, Mary Higgins; Whitney, Phyllis A.
- Original language
- English US
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- Reviews
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- Rating
- (3.81)
- Languages
- 6 — English, Finnish, French, German, Japanese, Norwegian
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 18
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
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