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Maddison, Indiana Supernatural Thriller #1
Marked by Darkness
A gritty and raw serial killer thriller with hints of the supernatural.
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Two years ago, Detective Maribeth Johansen’s family was murdered by the killer she hunted. Maribeth now lives alone in the woods with her grief, the ghosts of her family in her mind.
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Her solitude is shattered when a young woman, bearing a striking resemblance to Maribeth’s dead daughter, is murdered and left in the woods for Maribeth to find. The woman’s chest bears the same mark the killer carved into the chests of his victims.
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But that killer has been dead for two years.
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Is the ghost of a serial killer after her, or is there a new threat hunting her in the woods? An emotionally intense thrill ride!
.
Two years ago, Detective Maribeth Johansen’s family was murdered by the killer she hunted. Maribeth now lives alone in the woods with her grief, the ghosts of her family in her mind.
.
Her solitude is shattered when a young woman, bearing a striking resemblance to Maribeth’s dead daughter, is murdered and left in the woods for Maribeth to find. The woman’s chest bears the same mark the killer carved into the chests of his victims.
.
But that killer has been dead for two years.
.
Is the ghost of a serial killer after her, or is there a new threat hunting her in the woods? An emotionally intense thrill ride!
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2020
871 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Merriman
43 books224 followersDawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 2, 2024
What a great book.
A former detective, Maribeth lives alone in the woods. She is basically hiding from society after getting PTSD when her family was brutally murdered in front of her.
Loved the twist and this quote for the book was everything
"Just with men who call traumatized women crazy btches and pyschos."
I felt that line in my soul.
*didn't want to offend anyone by spelling out the whole "bad" word.
A former detective, Maribeth lives alone in the woods. She is basically hiding from society after getting PTSD when her family was brutally murdered in front of her.
Loved the twist and this quote for the book was everything
"Just with men who call traumatized women crazy btches and pyschos."
I felt that line in my soul.
*didn't want to offend anyone by spelling out the whole "bad" word.
July 15, 2022
This was an interesting read for me. While there were a lot of good elements and potential here, I felt like the author missed some key parts to her story that would have made this a much better read.
The characters were good, albeit I'm not totally sure about the spectral family element... Nevertheless, I did enjoy the characters and would have loved a deeper look into their backgrounds. Perhaps even more POV's from integral characters. Additionally, I think the plot needed to be explored a bit more. There were some grammatical errors and other key plot points that were omitted or changed so some better editing needs to happen.
Still happy to have read something a bit different and read it with my sister as a summer buddy read.
Summer Reading Challenge 2022
Month: July Letters: M/N
The characters were good, albeit I'm not totally sure about the spectral family element... Nevertheless, I did enjoy the characters and would have loved a deeper look into their backgrounds. Perhaps even more POV's from integral characters. Additionally, I think the plot needed to be explored a bit more. There were some grammatical errors and other key plot points that were omitted or changed so some better editing needs to happen.
Still happy to have read something a bit different and read it with my sister as a summer buddy read.
Summer Reading Challenge 2022
Month: July Letters: M/N
July 15, 2022
This quick read had a lot of potential , but ultimately fell a little flat for me. First, I did like the characters and thought they had some interesting characteristics, but I would have loved for some more details to their backstories. I really think that would have helped this book. The plot certainly kept my interest, but I felt like important details were skimmed over and you were just supposed assume or guess what happened.
2022 Reading Challenge
July Letter: M
2022 Reading Challenge
July Letter: M
July 18, 2022
Great story
This book pulled me in and left me wanting to read more. I haven't had that feeling for a while. Thanks for the great story!
This book pulled me in and left me wanting to read more. I haven't had that feeling for a while. Thanks for the great story!
September 14, 2022
Very good
I couldn't put it down! The story flowed smoothly, kept me intrigued. Was not expecting that! Felt the pain she felt, but also her strength!
I couldn't put it down! The story flowed smoothly, kept me intrigued. Was not expecting that! Felt the pain she felt, but also her strength!
June 1, 2020
I could not put down the gripping paranormal suspense Marked by Darkness by Dawn Merriman. Though I had figured out early on the mystery surrounding the killer, the story is so laden with suspense that I just had to keep on reading.
Maribeth, the protagonist, survives the serial killer’s murdering of her family, but was marked and almost died in the incident. With feelings of guilt for surviving and not protecting her family, Jesse Franklin states: “Living can be worse than death. Death requires no struggle. Death only requires giving in.”
Living as a recluse with only the ghost of her family to comfort her, Maribeth struggles to step above her grief and return to the living. And then she finds a body that resembles her dead daughter hanging from a tree on her 300-acre property and that bears the markings and slashing of the killer she thought was dead.
Will Maribeth succeed in her struggle to live a normal life? Will she succumb to Death’s promise of relief? Will she survive the killer that is stalking her? The story is intensely gripping.
Though there are a few grammar issues the writing is good. The internal struggles are riveting, the descriptions are vivid, and the conversations are natural. Ms. Merriman is a good writer.
If you like psychological suspense, you must read this Marked by Darkness.
Maribeth, the protagonist, survives the serial killer’s murdering of her family, but was marked and almost died in the incident. With feelings of guilt for surviving and not protecting her family, Jesse Franklin states: “Living can be worse than death. Death requires no struggle. Death only requires giving in.”
Living as a recluse with only the ghost of her family to comfort her, Maribeth struggles to step above her grief and return to the living. And then she finds a body that resembles her dead daughter hanging from a tree on her 300-acre property and that bears the markings and slashing of the killer she thought was dead.
Will Maribeth succeed in her struggle to live a normal life? Will she succumb to Death’s promise of relief? Will she survive the killer that is stalking her? The story is intensely gripping.
Though there are a few grammar issues the writing is good. The internal struggles are riveting, the descriptions are vivid, and the conversations are natural. Ms. Merriman is a good writer.
If you like psychological suspense, you must read this Marked by Darkness.
July 8, 2021
Good Read
A cop becomes a recluse after a serial killer murders her family. Guilt ridden she lives on an isolated rural property avoiding engagement. Her companions are her protective Husky, a small menagerie of pigs, chickens and a feral cat and ghosts of her deceased family. But her life is upended when she becomes the target of a killer with an intimate knowledge of the previous killings. But with a tenuous grip on reality and a questionable will to live it will be a challenge to best a cunning and determined killer.
This was an interesting novel. Different characters narrated. It held my interest and had a satisfying ending. I did not like the hunting scenes or the deaths of other animal characters. I understand the why. The hunting and butchering scenes are mildly graphic: the others are thankfully not detailed at all. Other than that this is an excellent read.
A cop becomes a recluse after a serial killer murders her family. Guilt ridden she lives on an isolated rural property avoiding engagement. Her companions are her protective Husky, a small menagerie of pigs, chickens and a feral cat and ghosts of her deceased family. But her life is upended when she becomes the target of a killer with an intimate knowledge of the previous killings. But with a tenuous grip on reality and a questionable will to live it will be a challenge to best a cunning and determined killer.
This was an interesting novel. Different characters narrated. It held my interest and had a satisfying ending. I did not like the hunting scenes or the deaths of other animal characters. I understand the why. The hunting and butchering scenes are mildly graphic: the others are thankfully not detailed at all. Other than that this is an excellent read.
April 9, 2023
Could you survive losing your family?
The main character of this story loses her husband and 2 children to a vile murderer in a small Indiana town. When I chose to read the book I didn't know it was based in Indiana but that just made it more enjoyable for me because I am a Hoosier myself.
The story itself is heartbreaking. Learning about the main character and her life of grief is terrible but her fight to overcome her pain is inspiring. Her instincts as a former police officer lead her along the dark path of punishing the criminals involved in her family's deaths adds an emotional touch to the story. I definitely think this book is a must read and I will be reading the next in the series next!
The main character of this story loses her husband and 2 children to a vile murderer in a small Indiana town. When I chose to read the book I didn't know it was based in Indiana but that just made it more enjoyable for me because I am a Hoosier myself.
The story itself is heartbreaking. Learning about the main character and her life of grief is terrible but her fight to overcome her pain is inspiring. Her instincts as a former police officer lead her along the dark path of punishing the criminals involved in her family's deaths adds an emotional touch to the story. I definitely think this book is a must read and I will be reading the next in the series next!
August 14, 2021
A very good book. I am a fan of this author. I read a previous series by her, but I liked this book much better. A thriller mystery. Murder mystery. The worst happens to a Detective and she has to live through the aftermath. Hopefully overcoming her demons.
This series, set in Maddison, Indiana, has a touch of paranormal. They books can be read as stand alone, but a few character may show up in the following book. (Sherif Kingsley) I've already started the next book, I'm enjoying it so far. Not sure if anything else follows, but the author recommends reading them in order.
The first book has ghosts as characters.
This series, set in Maddison, Indiana, has a touch of paranormal. They books can be read as stand alone, but a few character may show up in the following book. (Sherif Kingsley) I've already started the next book, I'm enjoying it so far. Not sure if anything else follows, but the author recommends reading them in order.
The first book has ghosts as characters.
October 24, 2020
So happy I decided to read this book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! A page turner for sure. Some parts were sad, others horrifying but it's a great story. I especially love that the main character was a strong, self sufficient woman. She was traumatized and "broken" but the inner strength she didn't even realize she had was awe inspiring as was her determination to move forward.There was even a bit of romance but it was sweet and realistic. There was no ridiculous cliché of a knight in shining armor riding in to save the day. She saved herself and I love that!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! A page turner for sure. Some parts were sad, others horrifying but it's a great story. I especially love that the main character was a strong, self sufficient woman. She was traumatized and "broken" but the inner strength she didn't even realize she had was awe inspiring as was her determination to move forward.There was even a bit of romance but it was sweet and realistic. There was no ridiculous cliché of a knight in shining armor riding in to save the day. She saved herself and I love that!
December 10, 2020
An absolute unputdownable page turning thrill ride! WOW what a story!
This story was exciting, fast paced with wonderful well rounded characters. Maribeth survived the brutal murders of her husband, daughter and son right in front of her eyes. 2 years later on her secluded country farm she finds another young woman dead, chained to a tree in her woods! Markings are the same as the killer left on her and all his other victims...But he's dead! And thus begins the wild ride Marked by Darkness!
This story was exciting, fast paced with wonderful well rounded characters. Maribeth survived the brutal murders of her husband, daughter and son right in front of her eyes. 2 years later on her secluded country farm she finds another young woman dead, chained to a tree in her woods! Markings are the same as the killer left on her and all his other victims...But he's dead! And thus begins the wild ride Marked by Darkness!
November 7, 2022
This thriller has a little supernatural mixed in and it was a good read. I have to say supernatural is not usually a genre I enjoy, but I thoroughly enjoyed Marked by Darkness!
Detective Maribeth's family was murdered and she hunted the killer, he has now been dead for two years. She lives alone in a house in the woods and mourns her family. She is not sure if she is going crazy, or if the ghosts of her family are real.
When a woman who resembles her dead daughter is murdered and Maribeth finds her in her woods, her peaceful life is over. The woman has the same marks that the killer carved into his victims. Who is the killer, and how did he know what the dead killer's marks were? Will Maribeth find peace again, or will she always have visits from the ghosts and will there be more killings?
Detective Maribeth's family was murdered and she hunted the killer, he has now been dead for two years. She lives alone in a house in the woods and mourns her family. She is not sure if she is going crazy, or if the ghosts of her family are real.
When a woman who resembles her dead daughter is murdered and Maribeth finds her in her woods, her peaceful life is over. The woman has the same marks that the killer carved into his victims. Who is the killer, and how did he know what the dead killer's marks were? Will Maribeth find peace again, or will she always have visits from the ghosts and will there be more killings?
April 14, 2023
I love a book that has twists and turns with a bit of love story to it. I love a psychological thriller. I love when I am totally in the dark when it comes to figuring out 'who did it'. This book was all that. I could really get into the idea of living in a house in the middle of nowhere. With the woods all around, and a few farm animals.
And then....I couldn't put the book down. Found myself staying up til the middle of the night reading it.
This is an author I will follow, for sure.
And then....I couldn't put the book down. Found myself staying up til the middle of the night reading it.
This is an author I will follow, for sure.
July 8, 2020
I absolutely love the writing of Dawn Merriman. Her writing style can just "take you away" and you feel like you know all of the characters on a personal level ... even the "bad guys"! This was a great book that I finished in three days ... and it only took that long because it was during a holiday weekend!! I am sad that i only have one more of Dawn's books to read, but i am sure it will be done very soon!
January 15, 2021
"Living can be worse than death." Maribeth has gone through the worst thing a woman could ever imagine and has retreated to her own wilderness so she doesn't have to face life or people with only the company of her beloved dog and a few stray farm animals. When she discovers a body on her property the horror begins all over and shatters what she thinks of as her peace. Some twists and turns and ending questions. New author for me and I jumped into this book! I've already ordered the second.
May 1, 2021
Grief's hold
A different kind of grief leaves you wondering if it's comforting, spiritual or madness. I enjoyed the fact that the central figure, Maribeth, is not a damsel in distress. Her self isolation both heals and taunts her memories and fears. As the chapters focus on different characters I sometimes found it confusing as to their role. It would take a bit to remember their connection to Maribeth. A very good read.
A different kind of grief leaves you wondering if it's comforting, spiritual or madness. I enjoyed the fact that the central figure, Maribeth, is not a damsel in distress. Her self isolation both heals and taunts her memories and fears. As the chapters focus on different characters I sometimes found it confusing as to their role. It would take a bit to remember their connection to Maribeth. A very good read.
April 24, 2022
Marked by Darkness
This story's main character is an ex law enforcing woman. Her husband, son and daughter were murdered in front of her several years prior. All had the same thing carved into their chests including her. She became a recluse on acres of property. The murderer had been killed , but now the murders of several women with the same carvings had begun. Was it a copy cat serial murderer?
This story's main character is an ex law enforcing woman. Her husband, son and daughter were murdered in front of her several years prior. All had the same thing carved into their chests including her. She became a recluse on acres of property. The murderer had been killed , but now the murders of several women with the same carvings had begun. Was it a copy cat serial murderer?
October 20, 2024
You have to read it to understand the title!
I read the Messages series. The first books I had read by this author. This is nothing like those books. This book is darker, more intense and on the creepy side. If I didn't know it was the same author I would never have guessed Dawn Merriman wrote them both. I enjoyed the book but the ending left me stunned. The only thing this book has in common with the Messages series is the need to read the next book in the series.
I read the Messages series. The first books I had read by this author. This is nothing like those books. This book is darker, more intense and on the creepy side. If I didn't know it was the same author I would never have guessed Dawn Merriman wrote them both. I enjoyed the book but the ending left me stunned. The only thing this book has in common with the Messages series is the need to read the next book in the series.
March 13, 2020
Murder in the Woods
This is an amazing story. Great characters with an amazing plot. The story flows with a smooth storyline which keeps the reader's attention with great expectation. I have to give a thumbs up to the writer who even gives credit to the musicians who accompanied along this journey. Great Job!!
This is an amazing story. Great characters with an amazing plot. The story flows with a smooth storyline which keeps the reader's attention with great expectation. I have to give a thumbs up to the writer who even gives credit to the musicians who accompanied along this journey. Great Job!!
May 1, 2022
Never has the song "Farmer in the delll" sounded so sinister as in this book. The main character takes you on a journey that includes many side quests some of them very sinister and dark. This is not to say that are not some hopeful parts just that the more violent sides seem to win. Very well written just not for me as it left me feeling cold and depressed.
April 4, 2023
turly amazing! one of the creepiest books I have read in a while and I couldn't get enough of it! Im looking forward to the next book in the series. Marked by Darkness was better than I could have hoped for. the plot was great and there was a bit of romance mixed in, but was not the main point and i loved that about it.
August 13, 2023
I loved the way this story was written
The chapters are written based off of perspective of everyone individually in the same or different situations, if you are looking for a spooky thriller with a couple twists and turns and a creative yet heartbreaking plot this is for you! i finished it in 2 days and would so read again
The chapters are written based off of perspective of everyone individually in the same or different situations, if you are looking for a spooky thriller with a couple twists and turns and a creative yet heartbreaking plot this is for you! i finished it in 2 days and would so read again
November 19, 2024
Breathtaking till the end.
Best thriller, mystery I've read in a long time and I read alot. The story pulls on your heartstrings and her pain is felt thru out the story. Triumph in the end-fantastic! This book will keep you reading until the end and wanting more of what's to come of Maribeth.
Best thriller, mystery I've read in a long time and I read alot. The story pulls on your heartstrings and her pain is felt thru out the story. Triumph in the end-fantastic! This book will keep you reading until the end and wanting more of what's to come of Maribeth.
February 26, 2020
Marked by darkness
I truly enjoyed this book. It had everything that I love about mysteries, it was @ thriller and kept you interested.would recommend to anyone who loves modern mysteries.
I truly enjoyed this book. It had everything that I love about mysteries, it was @ thriller and kept you interested.would recommend to anyone who loves modern mysteries.
May 13, 2020
Marked by Darkness
This was a good book. The author said she cried a lot in writing this book and this was a very emotional book I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good suspenseful book. I hope this author continues with more books like this one.
This was a good book. The author said she cried a lot in writing this book and this was a very emotional book I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good suspenseful book. I hope this author continues with more books like this one.
June 20, 2020
Outstanding Book
This book had me feehery emptiness and her grief. And then the fearlessness she somehow summoned. Turning off the phone was scary. My favorite part was her family visits. Just couldn't put this book down.
This book had me feehery emptiness and her grief. And then the fearlessness she somehow summoned. Turning off the phone was scary. My favorite part was her family visits. Just couldn't put this book down.
July 21, 2020
Good psychological mystery.
I liked her descriptions of surroundings a nd characters. I could feel Meribeths anguish and fury. I loved the saving of the little piglet and her name Hope.
I liked her descriptions of surroundings a nd characters. I could feel Meribeths anguish and fury. I loved the saving of the little piglet and her name Hope.
July 29, 2020
Well written and absorbing tale of loss and justice.
This story was a nonstop rollercoaster of emotions. I couldn't stop reading it. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
This story was a nonstop rollercoaster of emotions. I couldn't stop reading it. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
August 1, 2020
WOW! More than Gripping!
I got sucked in from page one. This is a roller coaster ride. Scary, poignant, tender and tough. Mind blowing at some points, incredibly heartbreaking at others. Great characters. Read it to find out more.
I got sucked in from page one. This is a roller coaster ride. Scary, poignant, tender and tough. Mind blowing at some points, incredibly heartbreaking at others. Great characters. Read it to find out more.
October 25, 2020
Glued til the end
First time I read a story by Dawn Martin and not my last!
Heart wrenching story yet, suspenseful, and interesting.
If you want to read a gripping thriller this is a great choice!
Thank you Dawn
First time I read a story by Dawn Martin and not my last!
Heart wrenching story yet, suspenseful, and interesting.
If you want to read a gripping thriller this is a great choice!
Thank you Dawn
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews