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Watcher in the Dark #2
Search the Dark
Meredith King longs for escape. Life in Deer Run is stifling, the Amish town too small for a modern woman staying just to care for her ailing mother. When a friend enlists her help in clearing the name of an Amish boy whose decades-old death is still shrouded in mystery, she welcomes the distraction. But when a ghost from her own past reappears, there is suddenly a lot more at stake.
351 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2013
87 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Marta Perry
201 books769 followersMarta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 17, 2013
4 STARS
Search the Dark title fits this book. It is a suspenseful novel till the end. It does a good job of keeping me guessing. The ones I wanted to be guilty were not. It is set in Amish town but Meredith is not Amish. Her father was but left before he joined the church. So Meredith has lots of Amish relatives. It is a clean read with lots of drama thrown in.
This is book two in the Watcher in the Dark series. Book 1 was Home by Dark. The Plot is Meredith's Amish cousin asks her to keep looking into the death of Aaron. When Rachel moved back home the two friends remembered fallowing Aaron around the summer he died and made up stories about him as a knight and his love Laura a Englisher. They had found a note for Aaron that he never received.
Meredith did not know what she could do but agreed to ask around. Her and Rachel could look at their scrapbook again to see if they noticed anything else.
Zach Randal left town when he was a senior because he was accused of being a thief by Meredith's mother. Zach wanted Meredith to go with him but she refused. Zach is back in town to take care of a house he was left by his stepmom.
The first person Zach sees is Meredith. He thought he would no longer feel anything for her. But he was wrong. He is staying at the bed and breakfast across the street from her house. Zach is now a cop. He is interested in the death of Aaron and helps Meredith with ideas of what to look for in a cold case file.
Meredith's mom still does not want her to have anything to do with that boy. Their are others who remember the troubled teenager that Zach was.
Meredith is warned away from a couple of people to stop looking into Aaron's death. Then they get more warnings.
This story keeps you guessing and keeps your attention. I like Meredith and how she takes care of her mom but still sees her Amish family even against her wishes. Zach is a hero I could fall for.
He tries to do what is right and protects Meredith.
I like Marta Perry's books and plan to read more of her work in the future.
I was given this ebook and asked to give honest review of it in exchange by Netgalley and Harlequin.
publication: September 24th 2013 by Harlequin HQN 352 pages ISBN;0373777868
March 7, 2016
Search The Dark is the second book of the Watcher of the Dark series. The theme is a good way to describe the series because I have read all three books and the characters feel that they are being watched from time to time. This second book is about Meredith King, one of the three friends who spent a summer together twenty years ago. The group included Meredith, Rachel Mason and Lainey Colton, a niece of neighbor, Rebecca. In the first book, we are told about a sad event involving two teenagers that shaped the lives of all those that were involved and watched it happen. Meredith rekindled an old friendship with Rachel Mason when she returned with her young daughter after inheriting her mother in law's home after her death. Rachel is starting up a bed and breakfast next door. Their friendship has stirred up old memories from the summer events of twenty years ago. Meredith was very close to Zach Randal, a "bad boy" in high school but her mother was unhappy about the relationship and falsely accused Zach of stealing from her and he was forced to leave town. Zach is back to deal with his old home left to him by his step mother, the last of his relatives in Deer Run. Zach wants to get rid of the property as soon as possible and leave Deer Run and unhappy memories behind. He is living in Pittsburgh now and working as a detective with the police department. He is staying at the Willows Bed and Breakfast across the street from Meredith and her mom so it is inevitable that he and Meredith would run into each other. Meredith is tied to Deer Run by her needy mother who controls Meredith's life by her demands. Her father has been dead for years and was formerly Amish but left his faith to marry Meredith's mother. Meredith's mother looks down on the Amish side of the family. Meredith walks a tightrope dealing with her mother's wishes, keeping up her relationship with her Amish family and now getting to know Zach again. We thought mysteries surrounding the summer twenty years ago were solved in the first book but things start happening again that prove that there is unfinished business. The story continues in the second book to keep you interested to the end with suspenseful twists and turns as Meredith and Zach deal with events involving them.
December 6, 2024
I found this book at a small bookstore and boy was it good. I thought the author seemed to focus on the main character of Meredith who goes sticking her nose into an old mystery which she finds herself in a heart racing adventure with intriguing thrills and rekindled romance.
January 29, 2022
Really good second book of the series. Dragged a bit towards the end. But I was surprised by the ending. Can't wait to read book three.
August 3, 2020
Meredith is asked by her Amish friend, Sarah, to find out what happened 20 years ago to another Amish friend. Rumors are going around about suicide and Sarah doesn’t believe it. Meredith’s high school boyfriend comes back to town after being run out years ago. The questions Meredith is asking stir up trouble leading to attacks and another murder.
July 31, 2023
One of the best books I have ever read. I literally could not put it down and finished up in two days. Second book in Watcher in the Dark series. Book two follows Zach Randal and Meredith King as they try to solve a cold case murder as well as stay alive amid hurt Amish feelings and Meredith's feelings that everything is her fault and she has to take care of everyone but herself.
Can't wait to start book number 3 tonight.
Can't wait to start book number 3 tonight.
June 5, 2020
"Search the Dark" is the second book in the Watcher in the Dark series by Marta Perry. Ms. Perry's books have a nice blending of Amish and Englisch characters. This series is full of suspense and some surprises. Zach Randal, former bad boy, returns to take care of his childhood home that he has inherited, and reconnects with his high school sweetheart, Meredith. Meredith, Rachel, and Lainie spent the summer that they were 10, following young sweethearts, the Amish, Aaron, and the Englisher, Laura. Twenty years later and the death of AARON is still on everyone's mind.
October 25, 2018
Meredith's old flame, Zach, returns after many years. She's never forgotten him, but family interference had chased this bad boy away. He's a lawman, now. Still, opposition keeps them apart. At the same time, Meredith's girlhood friendship with Rachel gets her into mysterious trouble that might cost her life. Book two in this series was as fun to read as the first.
May 23, 2020
I really enjoy this author! The mystery , the love story, English and Amish all blend together nicely ‘ I also enjoyed the characters - I really couldn’t figure out who done it / which I like !! Looking forward to the next book on the series !
August 1, 2018
Good clean mystery romance
Clean romances are hard to come by. The story was entertaining though a bit slow compated to book1. Story includes only a tiny bit of Amish life.
Clean romances are hard to come by. The story was entertaining though a bit slow compated to book1. Story includes only a tiny bit of Amish life.
June 21, 2019
Another mystery with plenty of secrets. This is such a good series. I loved seeing Rachel from the previous book as well.
August 7, 2021
Good series
August 16, 2021
Will Meredith find herself in danger, as she searches to find out who possibly killed Aaron at the dam
May 26, 2022
Great book by Marta Perry
October 27, 2023
Great story
I love the mystery and the friendships in this series. I also love the glimpses of Amish life. And let's not forget the romance!
I love the mystery and the friendships in this series. I also love the glimpses of Amish life. And let's not forget the romance!
March 19, 2017
I founded this book almost impossible to put down. I really like Ms Perry's writing style. I liked the characters with exception of those I wasn't supposed to. A very nice enjoyable murder mystery.
January 10, 2017
I did not realize that this was book 2 of a series until I was into the book but I don’t think it damped my excitement of the persons involved. Meredith who was still living with her Mom had remained in town, another one of the group Sarah has asked her to see if she could get more information of the death of her cousin whose death was listed as suicide. Zach the town’s bad boy came back to town to finalize some property he owned. He thought he could just come in and out but once more became involved with Meredith who was his first love. The twist and turns of this fact moving novel keep me reading and wasn’t sure who could have done the murder if it was a murder with so many potential. This is truly a good read and now I am moving on to Book 3.
September 15, 2013
To see my full review:
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-3Ig
Marta Perry is a fabulous author whose mystery novels tend to leave me with my heart in my throat. Search the Dark is no different, and I highly enjoyed this novel that juxtaposes Amish and modern life, save for one aspect. The main character in this novel, Meredith, who is able to figure out so much, doesn’t have a shred of common sense or know when she is in danger. Thus, instead of calling out for help, or reassessing events happening around her, she worries about being a burden or annoyance to others and basically continuously walks into death traps time and time again. In other words, she is weak. Now, this does spur the plot on, but it made me lose much respect for Meredith because she’s so helpless and keeps having to be saved by the male in her life, Zach. And, while I really enjoyed Zach and Meredith together, and I really liked the overall novel, this just irked me to no end because Meredith seems to have a good head on her shoulders, but she just doesn’t use it. She also lacks a backbone, and while this is addressed multiple times in the novel, meaning it was an intentional character flaw, it just didn’t make me, personally, like her or find her a worthy heroine.
But, the mystery aspect is there, and I highly enjoyed the anticipation and clues Perry gives to readers as the story unfolds. I will admit I was surprised by some of the events in the novel and it wasn’t until the very end that I figured it out, though I had a small inkling based on one interaction that happens about halfway through the text.
Overall, this is a good read, but readers going in need to know that the main character, and many of the females in this novel, are going to make rash decisions that may leave you going ballistic.
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-3Ig
Marta Perry is a fabulous author whose mystery novels tend to leave me with my heart in my throat. Search the Dark is no different, and I highly enjoyed this novel that juxtaposes Amish and modern life, save for one aspect. The main character in this novel, Meredith, who is able to figure out so much, doesn’t have a shred of common sense or know when she is in danger. Thus, instead of calling out for help, or reassessing events happening around her, she worries about being a burden or annoyance to others and basically continuously walks into death traps time and time again. In other words, she is weak. Now, this does spur the plot on, but it made me lose much respect for Meredith because she’s so helpless and keeps having to be saved by the male in her life, Zach. And, while I really enjoyed Zach and Meredith together, and I really liked the overall novel, this just irked me to no end because Meredith seems to have a good head on her shoulders, but she just doesn’t use it. She also lacks a backbone, and while this is addressed multiple times in the novel, meaning it was an intentional character flaw, it just didn’t make me, personally, like her or find her a worthy heroine.
But, the mystery aspect is there, and I highly enjoyed the anticipation and clues Perry gives to readers as the story unfolds. I will admit I was surprised by some of the events in the novel and it wasn’t until the very end that I figured it out, though I had a small inkling based on one interaction that happens about halfway through the text.
Overall, this is a good read, but readers going in need to know that the main character, and many of the females in this novel, are going to make rash decisions that may leave you going ballistic.
October 13, 2013
I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads program.
Having not read a book with an Amish element before, I was uncertain as to what to expect from this novel, but was keen for an intriguing mystery. Search the Dark delivered on the intrigue and mystery.
Meredith King is living back in Deer Run, having inherited her family home as well as the responsibility of tending her needy mother. Having a delicate relationship with her Amish relatives, Meredith's character is able to sympathetically view the town from the perspective of both the Amish and the Englishe.
Zach Randal, the town's bad boy, returns to Deer Run to take care of an inheritance of his own, and faces down his demons in the progress. Despite being falsely accused of theft by Meredith's manipulative mother, Meredith still holds a special place in his heart. The two try to rekindle a relationship, while Meredith searches for answers to a decade old death of an Amish teen.
I enjoyed this book very much and would eagerly read another book by Marta Perry. The Amish element was not overwhelming, while I was still able to catch a glimpse of their culture. All the characters in the book were interesting, if not a little quirky. I particularly enjoyed the realism of the novel, where the main characters do not necessarily experience a perfect happily-ever-after, but instead achieve some element of fulfillment, knowing there are still obstacles ahead to deal with. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but the mystery element is fully resolved.
Having not read a book with an Amish element before, I was uncertain as to what to expect from this novel, but was keen for an intriguing mystery. Search the Dark delivered on the intrigue and mystery.
Meredith King is living back in Deer Run, having inherited her family home as well as the responsibility of tending her needy mother. Having a delicate relationship with her Amish relatives, Meredith's character is able to sympathetically view the town from the perspective of both the Amish and the Englishe.
Zach Randal, the town's bad boy, returns to Deer Run to take care of an inheritance of his own, and faces down his demons in the progress. Despite being falsely accused of theft by Meredith's manipulative mother, Meredith still holds a special place in his heart. The two try to rekindle a relationship, while Meredith searches for answers to a decade old death of an Amish teen.
I enjoyed this book very much and would eagerly read another book by Marta Perry. The Amish element was not overwhelming, while I was still able to catch a glimpse of their culture. All the characters in the book were interesting, if not a little quirky. I particularly enjoyed the realism of the novel, where the main characters do not necessarily experience a perfect happily-ever-after, but instead achieve some element of fulfillment, knowing there are still obstacles ahead to deal with. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but the mystery element is fully resolved.
September 23, 2013
Search the Dark is the second book in the Watcher in the Dark series. Although I have not yet read the first book, I never felt lost as to who was who in the book. Everything was explained which is always a help when reading out of order.
I have read other books by Marta Perry and love the Pennsylvania Dutch settings. This book had both Amish and English characters in it. I liked Meredith but at times wanted to scream at her "what are you thinking?!?!". Some really nerve wracking moments in the story. I liked Zach a lot and hope there is another book in the works about the two of them since I enjoyed this one so very much.
From the very beginning I was hooked on this book. As I turned the pages the suspense built up, it was perfect! But I was glad that I wasn't alone in my house. :) The author did an excellent job at writing a book that I didn't want to put down.
I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a really good page turner filled with suspense and a touch of romance. It's a wonderful read that takes you away to Amish country for a few hours!
* I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read other books by Marta Perry and love the Pennsylvania Dutch settings. This book had both Amish and English characters in it. I liked Meredith but at times wanted to scream at her "what are you thinking?!?!". Some really nerve wracking moments in the story. I liked Zach a lot and hope there is another book in the works about the two of them since I enjoyed this one so very much.
From the very beginning I was hooked on this book. As I turned the pages the suspense built up, it was perfect! But I was glad that I wasn't alone in my house. :) The author did an excellent job at writing a book that I didn't want to put down.
I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a really good page turner filled with suspense and a touch of romance. It's a wonderful read that takes you away to Amish country for a few hours!
* I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2013
Meredith King has lived her entire life in the small Amish town of Deer Run. She has strong ties to the Amish community because her father left his Amish faith to marry her mother. After his unexpected death she is still tied to Deer Run. Her father has left her the home and the responsibility of caring for her mother who can be very helpless when needed, just as he had spent his life doing.
When her Amish friend Sarah returns to town and her Amish life she asks Meredith to look into the death of a Amish boy, thirty years ago. When agreeing to do this she has no idea how this will change her small time life. Then Zach Randal her high school love returns to Deer Run after being ran off at seventeen by lies her mother told. With her life turned upside down she must solve the old murder before someone takes her life to keep the truth buried.
Thank you to Marta Perry and Goodreads for my copy of "Search the Dark".
When her Amish friend Sarah returns to town and her Amish life she asks Meredith to look into the death of a Amish boy, thirty years ago. When agreeing to do this she has no idea how this will change her small time life. Then Zach Randal her high school love returns to Deer Run after being ran off at seventeen by lies her mother told. With her life turned upside down she must solve the old murder before someone takes her life to keep the truth buried.
Thank you to Marta Perry and Goodreads for my copy of "Search the Dark".
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December 29, 2014"Perry's latest mystery is set within the Amish community and centers on the decades-old drowning of an Amish teen. With her crisp storytelling, strong suspense and unique, complex characters - both Amish and English - Perry is sure to hook readers in. Add to that combination an intricately woven plot, with several twists, and fans won't be able to put Search the Dark down." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
November 23, 2013
Another exciting story by Marta Perry. This is the second book in her latest series, "Watcher in the Dark." The third book in this series, Abandon the Dark, is scheduled to be released on June 24, 2014. I am looking forward to it.
October 29, 2013
A worthy sequel to Home By Dark.
This is a more complex novel than many earlier books by Marta Perry, but she delivers that complexity smoothly.
I did however have a small problem keeping some of the minor characters and their relationship to the heroine straight but that's my fault, not hers.
This is a more complex novel than many earlier books by Marta Perry, but she delivers that complexity smoothly.
I did however have a small problem keeping some of the minor characters and their relationship to the heroine straight but that's my fault, not hers.
April 18, 2014
Very good book.
Mart Perry has a way of writing that keeps a person in the book till the everyone. She is very good at keeping the suspect a secret until the last possible moment. l love reading her books and would recommend them to all. when I have read the last book in a series like this one, I can hardly wait to start the next one.
Mart Perry has a way of writing that keeps a person in the book till the everyone. She is very good at keeping the suspect a secret until the last possible moment. l love reading her books and would recommend them to all. when I have read the last book in a series like this one, I can hardly wait to start the next one.
February 8, 2015
Wow! The suspense gets better all the time, so much, that I stayed up late to finish the book! I like that the story from Bk.1, continued into Bk.2, because the plot is good! I love the fast-paced suspense!
July 31, 2016
I enjoyed this book. I thought for sure I knew the killer was going to be, but I'll admit that I wrong. I do enjoy the characters and I am looking forward to the next book. I would recommend this book to others.
May 5, 2014
Mystery
Another good Amish mystery including human interaction and mistakes. Since I discovered Marta Perry's books I've been learning her style of writing.
Another good Amish mystery including human interaction and mistakes. Since I discovered Marta Perry's books I've been learning her style of writing.
June 10, 2014
Ok but not very well written and all loose ends tied up rather hastily at the end.
October 13, 2014
Very good
good book
would like to have more stories like this. kept my interest in every chapter. nice format
good book
good book
would like to have more stories like this. kept my interest in every chapter. nice format
good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews