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Darkness Drops Again
"With jaw-dropping twists balanced perfectly with down-to-earth mom-moments, Darkness Drops Again is a sexy crime thriller that isn't afraid to push the envelope." - Indies Today
Thirty-nine-year-old attorney Maeve Shaw has painstakingly constructed the perfect life. Her husband, Patrick, is a handsome senior manager at a prestigious consulting firm. They have two adorable boys, Declan and Seamus. And if Maeve just keeps her billable hours up and her mouth shut, she could actually have a shot at making partner at her male-dominated law firm.
But Maeve’s perfect life starts to fall apart when she discovers her marriage might not be what it seems and a new case at work brings up long hidden, dark memories from her own childhood. Determined to save her marriage and keep secret her childhood demons Maeve attempts a balancing act that leaves her more vulnerable than she’s ever been. And soon she’s unsure if everything she has worked so hard for will crumble as darkness overtakes Maeve once again.
Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng, this page turning legal thriller will keep readers hooked till the very end.
Thirty-nine-year-old attorney Maeve Shaw has painstakingly constructed the perfect life. Her husband, Patrick, is a handsome senior manager at a prestigious consulting firm. They have two adorable boys, Declan and Seamus. And if Maeve just keeps her billable hours up and her mouth shut, she could actually have a shot at making partner at her male-dominated law firm.
But Maeve’s perfect life starts to fall apart when she discovers her marriage might not be what it seems and a new case at work brings up long hidden, dark memories from her own childhood. Determined to save her marriage and keep secret her childhood demons Maeve attempts a balancing act that leaves her more vulnerable than she’s ever been. And soon she’s unsure if everything she has worked so hard for will crumble as darkness overtakes Maeve once again.
Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng, this page turning legal thriller will keep readers hooked till the very end.
217 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2020
8 people are currently reading
3908 people want to read
About the author
Melissa E. Manning
1 book32 followersMelissa Manning first caught the writing bug when she took fourth place in a city-wide writing competition in elementary school. Though she succumbed to the pressure to choose a safe, lucrative career, her desire to write never left. She is now a recovering lawyer writing and living in Chicago with her husband, three children, and cat Kermit. Darkness Drops Again is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 26, 2021
Maeve Shaw is an attorney trying to balance work, being a wife, and being a mother and not doing a very good job of it. She is sure her husband is having an affair which makes it hard to concentrate on work.
A fellow employee and friend convinces her to take a pro-bono job to defend a pageant type mom being accused of strangling her own daughter.
I am really struggling to write this review because honestly this book is a hot mess. Maeve is one of the most annoying characters I have come across recently. She is obsessed with her husband having an affair but rather than confront him about it she decides to go on a diet, wear sexy lingerie, and get a Brazilian wax in order to entice him back because it must be HER fault he is cheating.
"I didn't need to put a bow on my vajajay to coax him into it. Now I'm not so sure. There has to be some reason Patrick wants Marcie's punani and not mine."
Um, gross.
As far as storylines go I was not invested in either one. Not her sham of a marriage and not the boring as can be murder trial. I hate to be so critical but this book was a complete dud. 1 star!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bowker for my DRC.
A fellow employee and friend convinces her to take a pro-bono job to defend a pageant type mom being accused of strangling her own daughter.
I am really struggling to write this review because honestly this book is a hot mess. Maeve is one of the most annoying characters I have come across recently. She is obsessed with her husband having an affair but rather than confront him about it she decides to go on a diet, wear sexy lingerie, and get a Brazilian wax in order to entice him back because it must be HER fault he is cheating.
"I didn't need to put a bow on my vajajay to coax him into it. Now I'm not so sure. There has to be some reason Patrick wants Marcie's punani and not mine."
Um, gross.
As far as storylines go I was not invested in either one. Not her sham of a marriage and not the boring as can be murder trial. I hate to be so critical but this book was a complete dud. 1 star!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bowker for my DRC.
December 3, 2020
Maeve Shaw has the perfect life ...or so people think. She's an attorney,married to a senior manager at a consulting firm, and they have two young boys. Things are slowly falling apart. She's trying to make partner, and working a lot of hours. She's not spending much time at home with the boys.
She's tapped to participate in the defense of a woman accused of murdering her adult daughter .. pro bono. With her background, she really doesn't want to do this as it stirs up long buried memories of her dysfunctional family .. a past that she has not shared with her husband.
And speaking of husbands ... Maeve is finding that her marriage may not be what it seems.
It's a balancing act trying to please everyone ... and it's not working. Eventually something has to give.
This is a page-turning legal thriller featuring a female attorney determined to keep her life on track and failing miserably. The personal and professional lives are at odds with each other. It's steady paced from the very beginning to the surprising conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bowker / Netgalley for the digital copy of this legl thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
She's tapped to participate in the defense of a woman accused of murdering her adult daughter .. pro bono. With her background, she really doesn't want to do this as it stirs up long buried memories of her dysfunctional family .. a past that she has not shared with her husband.
And speaking of husbands ... Maeve is finding that her marriage may not be what it seems.
It's a balancing act trying to please everyone ... and it's not working. Eventually something has to give.
This is a page-turning legal thriller featuring a female attorney determined to keep her life on track and failing miserably. The personal and professional lives are at odds with each other. It's steady paced from the very beginning to the surprising conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bowker / Netgalley for the digital copy of this legl thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 19, 2020
i haven’t sat down to read a book for pleasure in a really long time, but when i found out Melissa Manning was writing a book, i knew i was going to read it as soon as i could get my hands on a copy.
Darkness Drops Again is super well written. It’s engaging and a little dramatic, with some big plot twists and turns. It’s about a lawyer named Maeve and how she is trying to balance both her declining work life with her declining home life, while trying to also fix both to the best of her ability. Maeve is brought on to a team for a pro-bono murder case which brings up some demons from her past. She also has to keep her billable hours up all while trying to keep the family that she has worked so hard to build together.
I really enjoyed reading Darkness Drops Again and i highly recommend it! I was hooked from start to finish:)
Darkness Drops Again is super well written. It’s engaging and a little dramatic, with some big plot twists and turns. It’s about a lawyer named Maeve and how she is trying to balance both her declining work life with her declining home life, while trying to also fix both to the best of her ability. Maeve is brought on to a team for a pro-bono murder case which brings up some demons from her past. She also has to keep her billable hours up all while trying to keep the family that she has worked so hard to build together.
I really enjoyed reading Darkness Drops Again and i highly recommend it! I was hooked from start to finish:)
June 29, 2020
Gripping from the first page!
This novel was brilliantly written! I couldn’t put it down! I live in Chicago and loved all the neighborhood references throughout. Highly recommend this and looking forward to the next one!
This novel was brilliantly written! I couldn’t put it down! I live in Chicago and loved all the neighborhood references throughout. Highly recommend this and looking forward to the next one!
October 18, 2020
A stunning debut legal thriller that deftly combines white-knuckled courtroom action with hard-hitting personal drama.Attorney Maeve Shaw has a beautiful family and a thriving law career. But when she’s forced to represent a mother accused of killing her opioid-addicted daughter, her entire life teeters on the edge of disaster.
Maeve has never practiced criminal law. That doesn’t matter to her boss, who expects her to take it on in addition to the 175 hours she bills on her other cases. When Maeve protests, she’s told to step up or get out. Beyond the seemingly impossible task of managing the expected workload, Maeve also faces a significant psychological barrier. As a child, she was essentially a caregiver to a mother with significant addiction issues while her father focused on his own criminal law practice.
Author Melissa E. Manning’s use of the first-person narrative adds an uncommon level of urgency to Maeve’s decidedly cringy personal and professional lives. In the book’s first telling pages, we’re exposed to a firsthand account of her anxiety as she prepares to endure a few minutes alone with her husband at a restaurant. Her fear seems unreasonable until the conversation devolves into a petty argument. Making her personal life even trickier, Maeve’s best friend, Ethan, is a fellow law associate who may not have her best interests in mind.
Manning wastes little time on vivid descriptions, preferring instead to keep the pace moving with frequent plot reveals and Maeve’s tense inner dialogue, which is often driven by fear and insecurity. While never bogging down the legal drama, Manning’s thoughtful exploration of Maeve’s struggle for body positivity and life-work balance makes Darkness Drops Again a stunner.
Maeve has never practiced criminal law. That doesn’t matter to her boss, who expects her to take it on in addition to the 175 hours she bills on her other cases. When Maeve protests, she’s told to step up or get out. Beyond the seemingly impossible task of managing the expected workload, Maeve also faces a significant psychological barrier. As a child, she was essentially a caregiver to a mother with significant addiction issues while her father focused on his own criminal law practice.
Author Melissa E. Manning’s use of the first-person narrative adds an uncommon level of urgency to Maeve’s decidedly cringy personal and professional lives. In the book’s first telling pages, we’re exposed to a firsthand account of her anxiety as she prepares to endure a few minutes alone with her husband at a restaurant. Her fear seems unreasonable until the conversation devolves into a petty argument. Making her personal life even trickier, Maeve’s best friend, Ethan, is a fellow law associate who may not have her best interests in mind.
Manning wastes little time on vivid descriptions, preferring instead to keep the pace moving with frequent plot reveals and Maeve’s tense inner dialogue, which is often driven by fear and insecurity. While never bogging down the legal drama, Manning’s thoughtful exploration of Maeve’s struggle for body positivity and life-work balance makes Darkness Drops Again a stunner.
October 12, 2020
After a dysfunctional childhood, Maeve Shaw finally thinks she has the perfect life. Happily married with two small children, she is a lawyer trying to be a partner in a law firm. She soon realizes that nothing is at it seems. She is having trouble trying to balance motherhood and her career and when she looks closely at her marriage, she realizes that trouble is brewing.
Maeve takes on a pro bono murder trial, defending a woman who supposedly murdered her daughter.
Has she taken on too much? With her husband constantly traveling, she cannot give her children the attention they need while she is trying to solve her case. As her marriage falls apart , Maeve’s strength and perseverance help her figure out what is really important in her life. She is determined to be a good mother and still have her career.
I received this Ebook from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. It was a real page turner and certainly kept me guessing . I admired Maeve’s character and the way she handled whatever life threw her. Highly recommended!
Maeve takes on a pro bono murder trial, defending a woman who supposedly murdered her daughter.
Has she taken on too much? With her husband constantly traveling, she cannot give her children the attention they need while she is trying to solve her case. As her marriage falls apart , Maeve’s strength and perseverance help her figure out what is really important in her life. She is determined to be a good mother and still have her career.
I received this Ebook from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. It was a real page turner and certainly kept me guessing . I admired Maeve’s character and the way she handled whatever life threw her. Highly recommended!
July 5, 2020
I had trouble putting the book down.
October 21, 2021
So many twists and turns! What a great read! So much I never saw coming. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
October 28, 2020
Dark secrets lurk behind the happy facade of a quiet suburban neighborhood in Long Island. Everything changes one summer in the Maple Street community when a new family moves in. Gertie Wilde, her husband Arlo, and their two children Julia and Larry , do not fit into the neighborhood norm. Rhea Schroeder befriends Gertie and reveals her deepest feelings and truths about motherhood. She regrets confiding in Gertie and begins to start rumors about the Wildes, shunning them at every opportunity. When a sinkhole opens up in the community, Shelly Schroeder accidentally falls into it. Rhea puts all the blame on the Wildes and things start spiraling out of control. She accuses them of doing horrible things and these rumors result in horrifying tragedies.
Maple Street will never be the same and that summer will be remembered by all.
I could not put this book down and found myself transported to this Long Island suburbia where the evil of gossip caused the destruction of one neighborhood.
I received this wonderful book as a gift from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This is one that you don’t want to miss.
Maple Street will never be the same and that summer will be remembered by all.
I could not put this book down and found myself transported to this Long Island suburbia where the evil of gossip caused the destruction of one neighborhood.
I received this wonderful book as a gift from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This is one that you don’t want to miss.
August 5, 2020
I received this through a Goodreads Giveaway. The story is strong enough that once I started reading I kept reading until I finished the book. The main character was my favorite part of the book. Maeve sounds like a real person. I'd love to see this become the first of a series in which Maeve strengthens her sleuthing skills while dealing with the moral and ethical intricacies of her new job.
October 29, 2020
Wow! What a great, fun, page-turner! Easy to read, you won't want to put it down! There's a lot of great specifics in this book that make it super relatable, plus a layered, rich character that pulls you through the story. And despite being so relatable, there are certainly surprises and twists in this book. Highly recommend!
December 23, 2020
Are women still being discriminated against in the workplace for having children? It’s a central question in this debut legal and domestic thriller, in which the protagonist struggles to find a workable balance between the demands of family and a career in the competitive world of the law.
Maeve Shaw, associate at a large Chicago law firm, steers clear of criminal cases because of her own traumatic childhood. But when a female counsellor is needed on the pro bono team representing a woman accused of murder, she has no choice but to agree. She’s already in trouble for lower billable hours after she took her second maternity leave.
Tammy Sanford stands accused of strangling Kyleigh, a child beauty pageant winner, now an addict after being subscribed opioids for a back injury. The crime takes place in the run-down apartment of her drug-dealer boyfriend Simon where she’s been living with her young son.
While Maeve puts in long hours on the case, she’s also on a personal mission. She suspects her husband Patrick may be having an affair, and is set on discovering the truth and sparing her boys the insecurity she suffered as a child, whether she can save her marriage or not.
Maeve is central to this character-driven story in which personal relationships are as pivotal as justice for her clients. While I felt she came across as rather weak and self-pitying in the first half of the book, this is explained through her back story, and ultimately she digs deep and finds the courage to fight for her family and for her right as a mother to a successful career.
The case is very interesting. Did Tammy kill her own daughter? Why didn’t the police look more closely into the Simon’s alibi? Was Kyleigh in fact murdered at all? These are the questions that I suspect will keep you reading late into the night.
Thank you to Bowker and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maeve Shaw, associate at a large Chicago law firm, steers clear of criminal cases because of her own traumatic childhood. But when a female counsellor is needed on the pro bono team representing a woman accused of murder, she has no choice but to agree. She’s already in trouble for lower billable hours after she took her second maternity leave.
Tammy Sanford stands accused of strangling Kyleigh, a child beauty pageant winner, now an addict after being subscribed opioids for a back injury. The crime takes place in the run-down apartment of her drug-dealer boyfriend Simon where she’s been living with her young son.
While Maeve puts in long hours on the case, she’s also on a personal mission. She suspects her husband Patrick may be having an affair, and is set on discovering the truth and sparing her boys the insecurity she suffered as a child, whether she can save her marriage or not.
Maeve is central to this character-driven story in which personal relationships are as pivotal as justice for her clients. While I felt she came across as rather weak and self-pitying in the first half of the book, this is explained through her back story, and ultimately she digs deep and finds the courage to fight for her family and for her right as a mother to a successful career.
The case is very interesting. Did Tammy kill her own daughter? Why didn’t the police look more closely into the Simon’s alibi? Was Kyleigh in fact murdered at all? These are the questions that I suspect will keep you reading late into the night.
Thank you to Bowker and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2020
Darkness Drops Again is a legal thriller in which the homelife and backstory of the lawyer is as unpredictable and riveting as the case itself.
March 7, 2021
Book Info
Paperback, 217 pagesPublished June 5th 2020 by Bowker (first published January 5th 2020)
ISBN 173504931X (ISBN13: 9781735049311)
Edition Language English
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon B&N
"With jaw-dropping twists balanced perfectly with down-to-earth mom-moments, Darkness Drops Again is a sexy crime thriller that isn't afraid to push the envelope." - Indies Today
Thirty-nine-year-old attorney Maeve Shaw has painstakingly constructed the perfect life. Her husband, Patrick, is a handsome senior manager at a prestigious consulting firm. They have two adorable boys, Declan and Seamus. And if Maeve just keeps her billable hours up and her mouth shut, she could actually have a shot at making partner at her male-dominated law firm.
But Maeve’s perfect life starts to fall apart when she discovers her marriage might not be what it seems and a new case at work brings up long hidden, dark memories from her own childhood. Determined to save her marriage and keep secret her childhood demons Maeve attempts a balancing act that leaves her more vulnerable than she’s ever been. And soon she’s unsure if everything she has worked so hard for will crumble as darkness overtakes Maeve once again.
Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng, this page turning legal thriller will keep readers hooked till the very end.
Maeve Shaw is living the American Dream, good job, handsome husband and 2 beautiful little boys that keep her days and nights full.
However, as all good dreams must Maeve’s turns out to be not exactly what it appears to outsiders. Instead things begin to spin out of control to the point struggle becomes more about keeping her head above water mentally as Maeve’s darkest childhood memories are triggered.
The story addresses real issues and at the same time delivers the thrill of discovery as the pro-bono case Maeve finds herself at first reluctantly a part of becomes more and more intriguing, both to her and the reader as it’s secrets unfold.
Solid plot lines, characters and execution.
Looking forward hope author pens and releases book 2 sooner than later!
Paperback, 217 pagesPublished June 5th 2020 by Bowker (first published January 5th 2020)
ISBN 173504931X (ISBN13: 9781735049311)
Edition Language English
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon B&N
BOOK BLURB
"With jaw-dropping twists balanced perfectly with down-to-earth mom-moments, Darkness Drops Again is a sexy crime thriller that isn't afraid to push the envelope." - Indies Today
Thirty-nine-year-old attorney Maeve Shaw has painstakingly constructed the perfect life. Her husband, Patrick, is a handsome senior manager at a prestigious consulting firm. They have two adorable boys, Declan and Seamus. And if Maeve just keeps her billable hours up and her mouth shut, she could actually have a shot at making partner at her male-dominated law firm.
But Maeve’s perfect life starts to fall apart when she discovers her marriage might not be what it seems and a new case at work brings up long hidden, dark memories from her own childhood. Determined to save her marriage and keep secret her childhood demons Maeve attempts a balancing act that leaves her more vulnerable than she’s ever been. And soon she’s unsure if everything she has worked so hard for will crumble as darkness overtakes Maeve once again.
Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng, this page turning legal thriller will keep readers hooked till the very end.
My Thoughts
Maeve Shaw is living the American Dream, good job, handsome husband and 2 beautiful little boys that keep her days and nights full.
However, as all good dreams must Maeve’s turns out to be not exactly what it appears to outsiders. Instead things begin to spin out of control to the point struggle becomes more about keeping her head above water mentally as Maeve’s darkest childhood memories are triggered.
The story addresses real issues and at the same time delivers the thrill of discovery as the pro-bono case Maeve finds herself at first reluctantly a part of becomes more and more intriguing, both to her and the reader as it’s secrets unfold.
Solid plot lines, characters and execution.
Looking forward hope author pens and releases book 2 sooner than later!
[EArc from Netgalley]
December 9, 2020
Maeve has it all: a high-paying job at one of Chicago’s top law firms, a handsome husband, and two adorable kids. Except she doesn’t: her boss is not happy, her husband may be cheating on her, and the kids are clearly picking up on her stress levels. It’s a story about the problems of a contemporary woman. Like many contemporary US women, she is faced with impossible choices that result from outdated and unreasonable workplace expectations.
Why I recommend this book: Maeve’s story is very relatable. Her character remains sweet and likable, and manages to stay true to herself, even when her life completely falls apart.
The book has two main plotlines: a murder mystery case that Maeve is assigned to, Maeve and her husband marital problems. Both kept my interest and had clever and unexpected twists and resolutions. What I really loved was that all plot twists felt natural and made sense. In many books in the suspense/mystery genre, the twists are often too unrealistic and leave gaping holes.
The writing is clear and engaging. The backdrop of Chicago and local details add a fun touch, although the scene at the Aviary is completely inauthentic for anyone familiar with the place.
Critiques [possible spoilers]: If I were to pick one thing to critique it would be that there just did not seem to be enough room for this many plotlines in a single book. In addition to the main two plotlines that happen in the present, there is also a shorter one of Maeve’s childhood in a troubled household. I felt like each storyline needed at least 100 more pages to fully develop. I understand how they the work and the personal life stories were both necessary to highlight the work—life balance tensions, but the childhood story did not seem necessary at all. As a result, all three plotlines felt somewhat inauthentic. The character was somehow able to switch on and off so easily between her personal and professional life. The only way the two affected each other was in terms of competing for time—for example, the character frequently had to leave work early to pick up her kids. Beyond that though, she did not let her personal drama spill into her work performance in any way. She was able to stay completely detached and professional, and excel at her job, even when her marriage was clearly handing by a thread. Also, no real human can function on as little sleep as Maeve got. And no one’s friends are as understanding. Maeve repeatedly shows up at her friend’s place in the middle of the night.
The same with the ending. Nobody is as reasonable and as forgiving. It just felt like the author ran out of space.
Why I recommend this book: Maeve’s story is very relatable. Her character remains sweet and likable, and manages to stay true to herself, even when her life completely falls apart.
The book has two main plotlines: a murder mystery case that Maeve is assigned to, Maeve and her husband marital problems. Both kept my interest and had clever and unexpected twists and resolutions. What I really loved was that all plot twists felt natural and made sense. In many books in the suspense/mystery genre, the twists are often too unrealistic and leave gaping holes.
The writing is clear and engaging. The backdrop of Chicago and local details add a fun touch, although the scene at the Aviary is completely inauthentic for anyone familiar with the place.
Critiques [possible spoilers]: If I were to pick one thing to critique it would be that there just did not seem to be enough room for this many plotlines in a single book. In addition to the main two plotlines that happen in the present, there is also a shorter one of Maeve’s childhood in a troubled household. I felt like each storyline needed at least 100 more pages to fully develop. I understand how they the work and the personal life stories were both necessary to highlight the work—life balance tensions, but the childhood story did not seem necessary at all. As a result, all three plotlines felt somewhat inauthentic. The character was somehow able to switch on and off so easily between her personal and professional life. The only way the two affected each other was in terms of competing for time—for example, the character frequently had to leave work early to pick up her kids. Beyond that though, she did not let her personal drama spill into her work performance in any way. She was able to stay completely detached and professional, and excel at her job, even when her marriage was clearly handing by a thread. Also, no real human can function on as little sleep as Maeve got. And no one’s friends are as understanding. Maeve repeatedly shows up at her friend’s place in the middle of the night.
The same with the ending. Nobody is as reasonable and as forgiving. It just felt like the author ran out of space.
January 22, 2026
Darkness Drops Again is a sharp, emotionally charged legal thriller that blends domestic tension with psychological suspense, delivering twists that feel both shocking and deeply earned. Melissa E. Manning crafts a story that understands how peril doesn’t always arrive with sirens it often slips quietly into the carefully ordered lives we work hardest to protect.
Maeve Shaw is a compelling protagonist precisely because she appears to have everything under control. A successful attorney in a male-dominated firm, a mother of two, and a wife navigating the pressures of ambition and expectation, Maeve’s world is built on discipline and silence. When cracks begin to form both in her marriage and through the resurfacing of childhood trauma Manning allows the tension to unfold gradually, grounding the suspense in recognizably human fear and denial.
What sets Darkness Drops Again apart is its balance of high stakes intrigue with intimate, lived-in detail. The legal storyline never overshadows the emotional core, and the “mom moments” lend authenticity rather than relief, reinforcing what Maeve stands to lose. As the narrative tightens, the novel explores how buried trauma distorts judgment and how survival strategies can become liabilities when circumstances change.
Fans of Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng will appreciate the novel’s focus on interior life, while thriller readers will stay hooked by its escalating danger and moral complexity. Darkness Drops Again is both a page turner and a character study sexy, unsettling, and unafraid to push beyond comfort into truth
Maeve Shaw is a compelling protagonist precisely because she appears to have everything under control. A successful attorney in a male-dominated firm, a mother of two, and a wife navigating the pressures of ambition and expectation, Maeve’s world is built on discipline and silence. When cracks begin to form both in her marriage and through the resurfacing of childhood trauma Manning allows the tension to unfold gradually, grounding the suspense in recognizably human fear and denial.
What sets Darkness Drops Again apart is its balance of high stakes intrigue with intimate, lived-in detail. The legal storyline never overshadows the emotional core, and the “mom moments” lend authenticity rather than relief, reinforcing what Maeve stands to lose. As the narrative tightens, the novel explores how buried trauma distorts judgment and how survival strategies can become liabilities when circumstances change.
Fans of Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng will appreciate the novel’s focus on interior life, while thriller readers will stay hooked by its escalating danger and moral complexity. Darkness Drops Again is both a page turner and a character study sexy, unsettling, and unafraid to push beyond comfort into truth
February 22, 2021
When Maeve Shaw graduated from law school, she had a solid picture in her mind of the path her life would follow. After marrying a classmate, Patrick, the two worked diligently to build the perfect life with their two young sons. However, Maeve was not content with her position, realizing that preparing briefs on student loans wouldn’t help her make partner, especially at the age of 39. The offer to be part of a pro bono criminal case was a terrifying thought, given her past, but Maeve had no choice, and she spent a lot of overtime hours in order to work on the defense while creating enough billable hours to satisfy her supervisor. In addition to the pressures at work, her sons were developing anxiety, according to their day care providers, and Patrick’s position at work was such that he was out of town from Monday to Friday each week.
I’m a huge fan of crime drama and legal thrillers, and Darkness Drops Again did not disappoint. I enjoyed watching Maeve navigate through panic and betrayals all while balancing motherhood and work expectations. I found her work ethic easy to relate to, having been a single parent of a small child while working a demanding job, and her awful boss Jabba was also familiar. This was an exciting story, with several unexpected twists, and my attention was captured from the beginning.
My thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher and author for providing this book in exchange far an honest review.
I’m a huge fan of crime drama and legal thrillers, and Darkness Drops Again did not disappoint. I enjoyed watching Maeve navigate through panic and betrayals all while balancing motherhood and work expectations. I found her work ethic easy to relate to, having been a single parent of a small child while working a demanding job, and her awful boss Jabba was also familiar. This was an exciting story, with several unexpected twists, and my attention was captured from the beginning.
My thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher and author for providing this book in exchange far an honest review.
May 18, 2023
"Darkness Drops Again" by Melissa E. Manning is a gripping legal thriller that delves into the intricacies of a woman's seemingly perfect life unraveling at the seams. Maeve Shaw, a successful attorney, has carefully constructed a life that appears flawless on the surface. Her marriage to Patrick, a senior manager, seems idyllic, and they have two wonderful children. Maeve's dreams of making partner at her law firm also seem within reach. However, everything begins to crumble when she uncovers unsettling truths about her marriage and a new case at work forces her to confront dark memories from her past.
As Maeve fights to salvage her marriage and protect her hidden childhood secrets, she finds herself teetering on the edge of vulnerability. The delicate balancing act she attempts puts everything she has worked for at risk, and she grapples with the looming darkness that threatens to consume her once again.
Melissa E. Manning skillfully weaves together suspense, emotion, and legal intricacies, making "Darkness Drops Again" a compelling page-turner. Fans of authors like Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng will be drawn into the enthralling narrative, captivated by the twists and turns that keep them guessing until the very end. Manning's exploration of the complexities of relationships, the fragility of our secrets, and the resilience of the human spirit make this legal thriller an addictive and satisfying read.
As Maeve fights to salvage her marriage and protect her hidden childhood secrets, she finds herself teetering on the edge of vulnerability. The delicate balancing act she attempts puts everything she has worked for at risk, and she grapples with the looming darkness that threatens to consume her once again.
Melissa E. Manning skillfully weaves together suspense, emotion, and legal intricacies, making "Darkness Drops Again" a compelling page-turner. Fans of authors like Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng will be drawn into the enthralling narrative, captivated by the twists and turns that keep them guessing until the very end. Manning's exploration of the complexities of relationships, the fragility of our secrets, and the resilience of the human spirit make this legal thriller an addictive and satisfying read.
June 13, 2021
Family drama, murder mystery and psychological thriller combine in Darkness Drops again, a compulsively readable, thought proving novel that should go right to the top of your must read list.
Maeve Shaw is a lawyer, still trying to make partner after twelve years of dull, grinding work on civil cases. She’s assigned to a pro bono case even though she knows she will probably lose her job because of a lack of billable hours. There aren’t enough hours in the day for Maeve who is juggling the needs of her two small preschool age children with the absence of her husband who travels four days a week for work with the 175 billable hours expected from her. She’s also acutely aware of the unique challenges faced only by female attorneys. Scenes from her horrific childhood haunt her and problems in her marriage cause more insecurity but by the conclusion of Darkness Drops Again, Maeve Shaw finally has it all!
Melissa Manning is an incredibly talented author and I look forward to reading her next novel. I’m so sorry I didn’t review Darkness Drops Again before publication date last year. It deserves every one of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bowker and Melissa E. Manning for this ARC.
Maeve Shaw is a lawyer, still trying to make partner after twelve years of dull, grinding work on civil cases. She’s assigned to a pro bono case even though she knows she will probably lose her job because of a lack of billable hours. There aren’t enough hours in the day for Maeve who is juggling the needs of her two small preschool age children with the absence of her husband who travels four days a week for work with the 175 billable hours expected from her. She’s also acutely aware of the unique challenges faced only by female attorneys. Scenes from her horrific childhood haunt her and problems in her marriage cause more insecurity but by the conclusion of Darkness Drops Again, Maeve Shaw finally has it all!
Melissa Manning is an incredibly talented author and I look forward to reading her next novel. I’m so sorry I didn’t review Darkness Drops Again before publication date last year. It deserves every one of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bowker and Melissa E. Manning for this ARC.
October 19, 2020
I won this book from Goodreads.
Maeve Shaw overcame a difficult childhood with an alcoholic, drug using mother. Now, Maeve is a 39 year old attorney who is struggling to balance life with her husband Patrick and two young sons with her work as an attorney. She desperately wants to make partner in her law firm.
But things are not going as she planned...she feels she and Patrick are drifting apart and finds it difficult to put all the billable hours demanded of her. Then, she gets assigned to a pro bono murder case after promising herself she would never do one. A woman is accused of murdering her adult daughter. As Maeve works on the case she is drawn in much more than she ever expected to be and it turns out she's very good at it. But things on the home front have come to a head with a shocking revelation. Plus, the criminal case she is working on has started to bring back dark memories from her childhood. Maeve strives to save her marriage and cope with the case at the same time and it is wearing her down. Will she succeed is the question?
Maeve Shaw overcame a difficult childhood with an alcoholic, drug using mother. Now, Maeve is a 39 year old attorney who is struggling to balance life with her husband Patrick and two young sons with her work as an attorney. She desperately wants to make partner in her law firm.
But things are not going as she planned...she feels she and Patrick are drifting apart and finds it difficult to put all the billable hours demanded of her. Then, she gets assigned to a pro bono murder case after promising herself she would never do one. A woman is accused of murdering her adult daughter. As Maeve works on the case she is drawn in much more than she ever expected to be and it turns out she's very good at it. But things on the home front have come to a head with a shocking revelation. Plus, the criminal case she is working on has started to bring back dark memories from her childhood. Maeve strives to save her marriage and cope with the case at the same time and it is wearing her down. Will she succeed is the question?
June 5, 2021
Title: Darkness Drops Again
Author: Melissa E. Manning
Publisher: Bowker
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Darkness Drops Again" by Melissa E. Manning
My Opinion:
"Darkness Drops Again" was an excellent legal thriller that not only reflexed on the story of Maeve, who was a lawyer and had been put on a pro-bono case that found her defending a mother who was accused of killing her drug-addicted daughter. But also, the story brought in Maeve's personal life as she grew up while living with her parents with demons of her own. And what was going on with Maeve's marriage? The story will be wound up around issues... of 'addiction, murder, legal system, infidelity, and friendship.' Be prepared for twists and turns, courtroom scenes that will keep you turning to pages to see what is coming next. This author really does an excellent job of bringing the reader a good storyline in this action-packed thriller where one will keep on guessing to the end!
Thank you to Bowker and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Melissa E. Manning
Publisher: Bowker
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Darkness Drops Again" by Melissa E. Manning
My Opinion:
"Darkness Drops Again" was an excellent legal thriller that not only reflexed on the story of Maeve, who was a lawyer and had been put on a pro-bono case that found her defending a mother who was accused of killing her drug-addicted daughter. But also, the story brought in Maeve's personal life as she grew up while living with her parents with demons of her own. And what was going on with Maeve's marriage? The story will be wound up around issues... of 'addiction, murder, legal system, infidelity, and friendship.' Be prepared for twists and turns, courtroom scenes that will keep you turning to pages to see what is coming next. This author really does an excellent job of bringing the reader a good storyline in this action-packed thriller where one will keep on guessing to the end!
Thank you to Bowker and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2021
An excellent debut and an exciting legal thriller! In many respects, I can personally relate to Maeve, the main character, who is stressed beyond belief being a wife and mother of two young boys while working as a senior associate at a large law firm. Having been a litigation associate at a major law firm, what Maeve goes through with her workload — particularly the push for billable hours and the toll that takes on one’s life — is spot on! But Maeve’s struggles only form the backdrop for a well-plotted legal drama as she joins her firm’s pro bono team to defend a woman who allegedly murdered her drug-addict daughter. (Not to mention that Maeve herself is also dealing with demons from her past. There are plenty of twists and turns along throughout this page-turner, and the courtroom scenes are completely realistic. All in all, I hope that this is the beginning of a new series!
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
September 23, 2020
I've been noodling the idea for Darkness Drops Again for the last decade, but never had time to sit down and write it. That all changed after my big 4-0 birthday earlier this year when I decided to step back from my legal career and follow my passion. Darkness Drops Again features the life of thirty-nine-year-old lawyer and Chicago resident, Maeve Shaw, who is struggling to make partner at her firm. She is then forced to take on a pro bono murder trial, defending a mother who is accused of murdering her opioid-addicted daughter. This brings up a host of childhood trauma for Maeve, much of which she has kept secret. I think Maeve is a very relatable character for women who have struggled with balancing career and home life. And the murder trial is exciting and will keep readers guessing until the end. The sequel is already in the works!
February 6, 2021
Maeve Shaw, a lawyer in a prestigious law firm, is hoping to make partner soon. She needs to get her billable hours up though in order to have a chance. She has two young boys and her husband spends his week out of town for his job. Then she gets picked to be on a pro bono team defending a woman who has been charged with the murder of her daughter. She doesn't want to be on this case for two reasons, she won't get billable hours and she has a family background that causes her to have panic attacks.
As she is dealing with her work problems, she sees a text on her husband's phone and decides he is having an affair with one of his coworkers. Her life is falling apart but she puts everything she has into the criminal case.
As she is dealing with her work problems, she sees a text on her husband's phone and decides he is having an affair with one of his coworkers. Her life is falling apart but she puts everything she has into the criminal case.
August 30, 2020
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the Kindle version of this book thanks to a Goodreads giveaway.
This is an interesting and mostly enjoyable first-time effort from Melissa Manning. The protagonist was generally likable and believable. I found some portions a bit trite, and heavily influenced by current popular culture (in other words, readers may find it a bit dated in a couple of years). There were a couple of minor factual errors as well - mostly in fairly technical areas, so readers not familiar with those areas are likely to not notice.
Overall, this is a entertaining read, worth the time (it's a fairly quick read), and I look forward to Ms. Manning's next effort.
This is an interesting and mostly enjoyable first-time effort from Melissa Manning. The protagonist was generally likable and believable. I found some portions a bit trite, and heavily influenced by current popular culture (in other words, readers may find it a bit dated in a couple of years). There were a couple of minor factual errors as well - mostly in fairly technical areas, so readers not familiar with those areas are likely to not notice.
Overall, this is a entertaining read, worth the time (it's a fairly quick read), and I look forward to Ms. Manning's next effort.
November 28, 2020
This was my first time reading this author but I will be looking for more. This book was so good, it was hard to put it down. It centers around a female attorney who is married with 2 children. Her employment has been threatened and to add to her woes, she has been pulled into a pro bono murder case , which will have her working with a male friend she shares with her best friend. Little does she know, the male friend brings more upheaval to her life. How? Read it and find out. I really recommend this book. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.
January 31, 2021
3.5 stars
I won this Kindle book as a Goodreads giveaway. Maeve has had a rough start to life but now is a successful lawyer, wife & mother. Her past continues to haunt her, though, and her marriage is not what it initially seems. I was bothered by the author’s need to let the reader know what brand of clothing Maeve wore & also some of the risqué things Maeve did to win back her husband. I didn’t see any advantage of either & it took away from a well written legal thriller. I did really like the ending of the book as real life is not always totally rosy. A shorter novel & worth the time spent reading.
I won this Kindle book as a Goodreads giveaway. Maeve has had a rough start to life but now is a successful lawyer, wife & mother. Her past continues to haunt her, though, and her marriage is not what it initially seems. I was bothered by the author’s need to let the reader know what brand of clothing Maeve wore & also some of the risqué things Maeve did to win back her husband. I didn’t see any advantage of either & it took away from a well written legal thriller. I did really like the ending of the book as real life is not always totally rosy. A shorter novel & worth the time spent reading.
May 3, 2021
I read Darkness Drops Again in 4 hours. It is a quick paced read that flows easily from one chapter to the next. It is labeled as a criminal thriller, but I feel that is incorrect. Yes, the main character is a lawyer working on a criminal case, but the same feelings I get from a thriller genre book are not there with this read.
I am also uncertain as to how the title fits with the story. There are references to a darker time in her childhood that come flashing back to her during the present day. But I really struggle to see how those flashbacks fit with the title, even if they are the closest connection that I can make.
I am also uncertain as to how the title fits with the story. There are references to a darker time in her childhood that come flashing back to her during the present day. But I really struggle to see how those flashbacks fit with the title, even if they are the closest connection that I can make.
January 21, 2024
What a fun mystery. And I definitely didn’t see the ending coming (but I usually don’t… so take that for what it’s worth). I actually read this a couple years ago and I was still fully engaged in this read the second time around.
Maeve is trying to have it all- a successful career, marriage and motherhood. And they are all struggling. When she is assigned a pro bono case, her past comes back to haunt her and she must take care of those demons, as well as the train wreck that her marriage has become. Overall a good read and kept me guessing!
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Maeve is trying to have it all- a successful career, marriage and motherhood. And they are all struggling. When she is assigned a pro bono case, her past comes back to haunt her and she must take care of those demons, as well as the train wreck that her marriage has become. Overall a good read and kept me guessing!
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2021
The story has several twists and turns that will leave you stunned. Mauve is an attorney who is struggling in her marriage and her job. Both things will collide in an unexpected reveal. She wins a big murder trial only to find out that things are not what they might have seem. Out of all the brokenness she realizes that she has really great friends and has made a family that loves her.
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