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Into the Darkness
When Meg Venturi inherits a share in her eccentric grandfather's antique jewelry business, she becomes part-owner with an aloof and attractive young man who is stirring up controversy throughout the town
323 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
73 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Michaels
95 books692 followersBarbara Michaels was a pen name of Barbara Mertz. She also wrote as Elizabeth Peters, as well as under her own name.
She was born in Canton, Illinois and has written over fifty books including some in Egyptology. Dr. Mertz also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Egyptology.
She was born in Canton, Illinois and has written over fifty books including some in Egyptology. Dr. Mertz also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Egyptology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
January 27, 2016
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 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.
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.
July 7, 2017
Meg Venturi is called back to her small hometown when her grandfather Dan dies. Unfortunately for Meg's plans to leave as soon as possible, it turns out that Dan left her half the family jewelry business, which Meg has been trying to leave behind because of a family tragedy when she was very young. Even worse, the other half of the business belongs to enigmatic, terse Riley, who turns out to be a genius in designing jewelry but suspected by half the town of having murdered Dan.
This is one of my favorite Michaels books. Meg is a great heroine, smart, stubborn, and often cranky, and the romance works for me really well. The plot moves right along to a tense ending in which Meg gets to be the courageous rescuer. And I love the jewelry and gemstone knowledge and lore throughout -- ever since I read Into the Darkness and learned about regard rings, I've wanted one that spells out my name.
This is one of my favorite Michaels books. Meg is a great heroine, smart, stubborn, and often cranky, and the romance works for me really well. The plot moves right along to a tense ending in which Meg gets to be the courageous rescuer. And I love the jewelry and gemstone knowledge and lore throughout -- ever since I read Into the Darkness and learned about regard rings, I've wanted one that spells out my name.
May 19, 2015
What a joy to find a Barbara Michaels book that I hadn't read! This romantic suspense novel has a bit less "woo-woo" than some of her others, but there are plenty of thrills nonetheless. When Meg Venturi's adored but super-bossy grandfather dies, she discovers he has left his antique jewelry store jointly to her and his relatively new assistant, Riley. Riley is a prickly kind of guy and a lot of the folks in the small Connecticut town are suspicious of him. Who is sending rings with a message to the Manor, where Meg is staying with her grandmother, uncle, and cousin? Who is making attempts on Meg's life, or at least trying to scare her away? A strong-willed heroine and a lot of interesting bits about antique jewelry make this a can't put it down read. Recommended.
July 18, 2014
Barbara Michaels pens two kinds of thrillers -- lackluster and dull with unsympathetic characters, and sparkling, vivid and populated by "real" people. This, thankfully, is one of the latter, a delightfully twisted mystery that sparkles as much as any of the gems.Whether the author is writing as "Barbara Michaels" or as "Elizabeth Peters", you are likely to get strong and interesting characters. At heart, this mystery has a lot in common with the gothic romances I read in my youth (except that the heroine's grandfather was popular instead of universally hated by the villagers). I enjoyed the painless lessons on jewels (particularly since I also find diamonds boring). Heroine Meg has four men to consider: Nick, her current boyfriend from New York; Cliff, her handsome stepcousin; Darren, the old schoolmate become family lawyer; and the aloof, mysterious Riley, widely believed to have murdered his benefactor, Meg's grandfather. The old hand at gothic romances will be looking for the clues that will spell out which of these men is the blackguard in disguise -- and will probably still be surprised in the end. There's a Old Family Scandal that needs to be revisited, a housekeeper who loves to play the roles of certain famous fictional housekeepers (including the infamous Mrs. Danvers), an old-fashioned gentlewoman of a grandmother, and a treat of a cat (unless you're a cat-hater). There are other characters with their own stories and personalities. I'll leave you to make their acquaintance in your own good time. Notes: Meg's grandfather's opinion to the contrary, it takes courage to seek therapy. It takes more courage to try again if the first professional you turn to doesn't work out. For those who have read many of the author's books under both names, I should explain that INTO THE DARKNESS is really in the Elizabeth Peters style so they won't read this book with the wrong expectations, as I did.
December 9, 2014
This was my third Barbara Michaels book and I keep falling in love with them harder the more I read. For me this book was all about secrets that families keep and the lengths people go to make sure they are never found out. The suspense is build up slowly with a few hints of danger and malicious gossip floating around in the air. The tension slowly builds until it boils over in a chaotic finale that gives you the pay off you are wanting the entire time you are reading this.
Like the other two heroines I've read in Michaels' books, Meg is a strong, feisty indiviudal who doesn't have any problems giving her opinions or holding her own against the rest of the characters. She has her own distinct personality that is shaped by her and her own experiences, she isn't overly influenced by her family, eventhough she has a strong sense of loyalty to them.
I'm really looking forward to reading even more of her books, though I haven't got one lined up yet. So if any of you have a favorite book of hers to recomend, please do so.
Like the other two heroines I've read in Michaels' books, Meg is a strong, feisty indiviudal who doesn't have any problems giving her opinions or holding her own against the rest of the characters. She has her own distinct personality that is shaped by her and her own experiences, she isn't overly influenced by her family, eventhough she has a strong sense of loyalty to them.
I'm really looking forward to reading even more of her books, though I haven't got one lined up yet. So if any of you have a favorite book of hers to recomend, please do so.
March 13, 2012
I am thoroughly enjoying Barbara Michaels' mystery/romance novels. :) The plots remind me of Victoria Holt's novels that I read as a teenager. Very interesting plots and character development are the backbone of each of her novels and I always learn something new...this novel involves a young heroine whose grandfather dies leaving her his antique jewelry store. There is a lot of fascninating information about jewelry design woven into the plot. I find myself wishing for rubies and garnets (but not diamonds!)....
September 17, 2020
I loved this book. The story kept my attention the whole way through and even though my instincts where telling me who the villain was (and was right) I still wanted it to be someone else. I never felt like I knew where the story was headed and kept thinking about the story when I wasn't able to read. That is a sign of a good story! I'm very glad I finally read this one. I LOVED the use of memento mori rings and rings that some way or another spelled out a phrase or name. I'm a bit sad that I'm finished with the book now.
January 20, 2017
I'm a tremendous fan of Barbara's other books as Elizabeth Peters, and as I'm beginning to see the end in sight of that series, I was delighted to learn that she had written more books under a different name. This is my first one by her, and it hasn't scared me off at all since my love of Amelia Peabody and Barbara's writing is so solidified, but I can definitely say that this one is NOT that good. My hypothesis is that Barbara temporarily became fascinated with the world of jewelry and gems, learned all she could, was so excited about her new passion that she filled an entire book with it (remembering occasionally that she was supposed to be writing a mystery book and throwing us a bone in the form of a dead rat or a threatening letter). I'm joking (mostly), but honestly that's what it felt like.
It vacillated between being a real, solid book (sometimes my interest would be real) and being a book solely written to talk about and describe gems (and then, my interest would be forced because I love Elizabeth Peter's writing so damned much). I will happily go on to read more of her books, but you can't win them all, and this definitely wasn't a win. Not a total loss either, she is too good of a general story-weaver to have a total loss, but definitely not a win.
It vacillated between being a real, solid book (sometimes my interest would be real) and being a book solely written to talk about and describe gems (and then, my interest would be forced because I love Elizabeth Peter's writing so damned much). I will happily go on to read more of her books, but you can't win them all, and this definitely wasn't a win. Not a total loss either, she is too good of a general story-weaver to have a total loss, but definitely not a win.
August 21, 2019
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?
October 4, 2020
Unlike the few slapdash efforts I've recently reread of hers, I think Barbara took extra care writing Into the Darkness. The characters are fleshed out more, the background characters (like Dan's friends, Meg's grandmother) are brought to life. I enjoyed learning about gems and jewelry and the way she wrote about them.
June 16, 2013
/ love this book ,if you are a collector this book is a learner ,4 stars ,really easy to read .Jenny :)
February 18, 2015
2.5 stars So far this is my least favorite Michaels book. I had the hardest time getting into it and it was so slow plus there wasn't much of a story to it. it was just a whole ot of page filler. blaaah....
March 22, 2019
Very nice romance suspense novel. I still don't understand the resolution of the novel but it was such good fun, I'm rating it as 4 stars anyway.
May 5, 2022
Very hard to follow book: the relationships are unclear, lots of unnecessary talk about jewels and finally a romance that has zero basis.
Oh well, not one of Ms Michaels better books. Either it was over-edited to make it choppy or not edited enough.
Oh well, not one of Ms Michaels better books. Either it was over-edited to make it choppy or not edited enough.
August 29, 2019
Very very slow but the ending was decent.
May 23, 2019
An old (1990) Barbara Michaels I found at the library giveaway, that I hadn't read before! It was enjoyable. Who is sending antique rings with strangely ominous and threatening messages? Where did the ancient royal jewels come from? Who is this stranger her grandfather left half his business to? Not really a stranger, for some reason no one thinks 3 years is long enough to get to know someone.
Meg turned her back on the family business, for a ridiculous reason. In her eyes her father did an unforgivable thing, and since he worked for her grandfather (her mother's father), she turns he back on her grandfather? But, she didn't, she grew up in the jewelry business, spending all her time there, learning from her grandfather. Later, when learning of her father's "sin," she leaves her grandfather's side? It wasn't his fault! Like Nick, her boyfriend in the start, tells her in so many words, "Get over it!" She can't even accept a present of a snow globe because it reminds her of the snowy night her mother collapses upon hearing of her husband's death, and never recovers to care for Meg.
I guess there were only two things that concerned me, on very tiny. The tiny one was that Meg had turned her back on the family jewelry business, yet she carried a loupe in her pocket. The other is the age of her grandmother. Her grandfather, Dan, told people he was 82, and his wife was 20 years younger. It's written that he was in his late 30s before he married, and later that they were married 50 years. Even going by his real age of 90, she wouldn't have been as old as she was made out to be!
I wouldn't even notice the ages if the characters didn't keep mentioning them!
Meg turned her back on the family business, for a ridiculous reason. In her eyes her father did an unforgivable thing, and since he worked for her grandfather (her mother's father), she turns he back on her grandfather? But, she didn't, she grew up in the jewelry business, spending all her time there, learning from her grandfather. Later, when learning of her father's "sin," she leaves her grandfather's side? It wasn't his fault! Like Nick, her boyfriend in the start, tells her in so many words, "Get over it!" She can't even accept a present of a snow globe because it reminds her of the snowy night her mother collapses upon hearing of her husband's death, and never recovers to care for Meg.
I guess there were only two things that concerned me, on very tiny. The tiny one was that Meg had turned her back on the family jewelry business, yet she carried a loupe in her pocket. The other is the age of her grandmother. Her grandfather, Dan, told people he was 82, and his wife was 20 years younger. It's written that he was in his late 30s before he married, and later that they were married 50 years. Even going by his real age of 90, she wouldn't have been as old as she was made out to be!
I wouldn't even notice the ages if the characters didn't keep mentioning them!
March 12, 2022
I reread my favourite Barbara Michaels books every few years, but this is one I hadn't got to for a long time. It's a suspense novel, without any paranormal elements, and I guess the paranormal bits are what make a vintage BM for me. Looking at my review from back then, this time I enjoyed it a fair bit less. More a B- than a B+.
I had similar feelings about the suspense element. "...the problem was that it all depended on too many people keeping secrets from each other for no good reason. I got left with the feeling that they had overcomplicated something that could have been solved much more easily, and with less danger to their lives, too.", I said back then. Yep, that still stands. It all felt muddled and confusing, and really not very satisfying.
But the romance and the characters, which I had really liked back then, didn't work quite as well for me this time. I liked Meg's insistence on giving Riley a fair chance in spite of the objections of those (well, mostly the patronising, sexist men) around her. But I didn't feel there was enough connection with Riley that we were at the point of exchanging "I love you"s at the end. And the character development felt a bit too implied, and not really showed.
So overall, I felt it was fine, but not great.
I had similar feelings about the suspense element. "...the problem was that it all depended on too many people keeping secrets from each other for no good reason. I got left with the feeling that they had overcomplicated something that could have been solved much more easily, and with less danger to their lives, too.", I said back then. Yep, that still stands. It all felt muddled and confusing, and really not very satisfying.
But the romance and the characters, which I had really liked back then, didn't work quite as well for me this time. I liked Meg's insistence on giving Riley a fair chance in spite of the objections of those (well, mostly the patronising, sexist men) around her. But I didn't feel there was enough connection with Riley that we were at the point of exchanging "I love you"s at the end. And the character development felt a bit too implied, and not really showed.
So overall, I felt it was fine, but not great.
June 29, 2020
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 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.
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 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.
December 31, 2018
A story woven out of romance cliches and inscrutable characters (many of whom are dead), that flows like a murder mystery, but ends up oddly compelling and transcendent of genre. A poem by Edna St Vincent Millay ("I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.") sets the stage, and no matter how many novelist tropes muddy the waters, the story and the characters maintain a basic purity held together by their focus on grief and grieving. In this sense, it is an emotional sequel to Michaels's earlier - and rawer - *Here I Stay*... IMHO, just a little stronger, a little more grounded, than her standard fare.
June 22, 2020
Meg Mignot is drawn back into her small hometown after the death of her grandfather. When his will is read, Meg realizes that her stay is not as temporary as she thought, as he left her his jewelry store and a new business partner with a bad reputation, Riley. However, there is a rumour her grandfather was murdered, and perhaps now this person is now targeting her. Taking over the store leads her deeper into family secrets, and deeper into trouble.
I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I wouldn't mind reading more mystery books by this author.
I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I wouldn't mind reading more mystery books by this author.
March 31, 2024
Another great Barbara Michaels book. I think one of the reasons I love her books is because there are always hints of romance, but more often than not, it's not actually clear whether anything will come of it. Or, as is the case in this book, which guy she'll choose in the end. I mean, which other author can write a female lead with four potential love interests without being overtly sexual or annoyingly dramatic?!
The suspense was properly suspenseful, and my only complaint was that the action got a little disjointed and confusing near the end.
The suspense was properly suspenseful, and my only complaint was that the action got a little disjointed and confusing near the end.
July 23, 2018
One of the unique joys of a Barbara Michaels novel is the immersive education I get in various esoteric subjects be it: vintage clothing, old roses, feminism in Gothic novels, Egyptology, or, in the case of Into the Darkness, gemology. With less paranormal activity than some of her novels but more possible villains plus one scene-stealing cat, Into the Darkness is an enjoyable, suspenseful American Gothic.
April 1, 2022
A plethora of likely suspects makes this book entirely too engrossing. Meg's head should have been whirling like mine as she tried to determine what exactly was happening and who was the perpetrator. I enjoyed every one of these characters from Candy to Cliff. Frances was a hoot. Meg and Riley took some getting used to, but that is always a vital clue in these books. I barely put this one down, except to eat and sleep . . . and work, although I would rather read.
November 7, 2023
She's the master
Her Gothics are amazing.. who, what, when and where..
Meg Has lost her Grandfather, she has to come home and settle it up right? Imcle George is there to help her and her Grandmither grieve and start over. Meg As so many startling revelations did the last of them should be that surprising.. Yet, once the peices all fall in place... Will she survive to hear the ending?
Her Gothics are amazing.. who, what, when and where..
Meg Has lost her Grandfather, she has to come home and settle it up right? Imcle George is there to help her and her Grandmither grieve and start over. Meg As so many startling revelations did the last of them should be that surprising.. Yet, once the peices all fall in place... Will she survive to hear the ending?
November 14, 2017
What an unexpected turn of events. This isn't your average run of the mill thriller. Meg fights to discover who has been sending her threatening letters and ancient pieces of jewelry before the threats made come true. The most likely suspects are not who they seem, but neither are the least likely. A must read!
February 1, 2018
3.5 stars - this was typical of this author but they are fun to read every couple years. I liked the characters in this one, both the good and the bad and the unreadable. The jewelry background and information was interesting to me and added a unique slant. I always wonder about these books where all the people have money and don't have to worry about everyday issues like the rest of us.
August 1, 2022
The most awful book I have read in ages. The protagonist (aka Karen) and everyone else acts like idiots. The plot is at the same time utterly predicatble and ridicoulus. The romance is non-existent (one insipid chapter at the end). And half the book is details about gemstones. If you are extremly facinated by gemology you might get something out of this book. Otherwise stay away
November 16, 2023
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody’s Egyptian adventures so it was a no brainer when I saw this book under the pseudonym of Barbara Michaels. It did not disappoint even though I felt that half way through this book there were a few muddled portions. All in all a great read and I recommend reading this author.
May 18, 2017
Slow to build up, just like most of Barbara Michaels' stories. The plot twist at the end was rather surprising, but somehow not unexpected. Of course, all that trivia about antique jewelry is fascinating. Also, no ghosts, for once.
March 21, 2018
Found this on the sale shelf at the library -- a Barbara Michaels I hadn't read! Fast read, but only because I didn't do anything else today. She is one of my three favorite romantic suspense authors, along with Ellis Peters and Mary Stewart, and this one was just as good as all her others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews