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Dark Water
he water is dark and cold....
Two decades ago, Sarah Jane Whitman's father disappeared with an embezzled fortune from his local bank, an act of betrayal that subjected his wife and daughter to a vicious scandal. Now a body has been pulled from its watery tomb, a body that is identified as Frank Whitman's. This grim discovery proves Sarah's father was innocent...and that the real thief got away with murder.
Now Sarah's obsession with uncovering the truth is making some people in Marmet, Maine, very nervous. Suddenly the prosperous citizens of this community are under intense scrutiny -- including Tony DeMarco, who grew up with Sarah. But is the concern Tony shows for Sarah's safety genuine or is he hiding something dangerous? And can she trust him with her future as a desperate killer tries to shut the door forever on the past...?
Two decades ago, Sarah Jane Whitman's father disappeared with an embezzled fortune from his local bank, an act of betrayal that subjected his wife and daughter to a vicious scandal. Now a body has been pulled from its watery tomb, a body that is identified as Frank Whitman's. This grim discovery proves Sarah's father was innocent...and that the real thief got away with murder.
Now Sarah's obsession with uncovering the truth is making some people in Marmet, Maine, very nervous. Suddenly the prosperous citizens of this community are under intense scrutiny -- including Tony DeMarco, who grew up with Sarah. But is the concern Tony shows for Sarah's safety genuine or is he hiding something dangerous? And can she trust him with her future as a desperate killer tries to shut the door forever on the past...?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
203 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,299 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 24, 2014
Alright, I'm going with 3.5 stars - the book definitely redeemed itself after a rocky start with an overly-aggressive and irresponsible main character. She was pretty bad at the beginning, but she soon got her shit together and was much improved for the rest of the book.
The villain was fairly obvious from the beginning, though the hints were clearly intended to lead you away from them. In the end, they only pointed more strongly to their identity. It was like a very poorly done magic trick. But they were a good villain - good in the sense that they were good at being a bad guy. Except for the part where you actually accomplish your goals... they were unable to kill the main character, so they're obviously not all that good. I digress.
The main character's Aunt stole the show for a bit. She was a great character and seemed be a way to keep the main character on track. I liked her a lot.
The romance... it was kinda mellow with random moments of heat. Very clean sex scenes ("They explode with passion and drift off to sleep. The next day..."). I liked Tony, though he was a little too perfect. But I'll forgive it because the story really wasn't about the romance so much as it was about the suspense part of "romantic suspense". I wouldn't care to deal with the hero's flaws while dealing with the drama and the main character's development. So good job on that.
Overall, not my favorite Sala book, but worth the read.
The villain was fairly obvious from the beginning, though the hints were clearly intended to lead you away from them. In the end, they only pointed more strongly to their identity. It was like a very poorly done magic trick. But they were a good villain - good in the sense that they were good at being a bad guy. Except for the part where you actually accomplish your goals... they were unable to kill the main character, so they're obviously not all that good. I digress.
The main character's Aunt stole the show for a bit. She was a great character and seemed be a way to keep the main character on track. I liked her a lot.
The romance... it was kinda mellow with random moments of heat. Very clean sex scenes ("They explode with passion and drift off to sleep. The next day..."). I liked Tony, though he was a little too perfect. But I'll forgive it because the story really wasn't about the romance so much as it was about the suspense part of "romantic suspense". I wouldn't care to deal with the hero's flaws while dealing with the drama and the main character's development. So good job on that.
Overall, not my favorite Sala book, but worth the read.
January 12, 2010
Two stars means it was OK, and that sums this book up pretty well. It was OK. I thought the writing was simplistic, the characters two-dimensional, and the action not suspenseful or even that believable. The love story felt rushed, and little time was spent building the attraction or the tension. This book felt like a made-for-TV movie.
May 2, 2022
such a good book
This author continues to amaze me with her ability with the written word. Here’s another story of mystery upon mystery, death, and redemption. Another must read.
This author continues to amaze me with her ability with the written word. Here’s another story of mystery upon mystery, death, and redemption. Another must read.
December 30, 2024
It started off interesting, (in the first chapter) but the dialogue was too contrived and unrealistic. I almost didn’t bother to finish it. Too much passive voice. The romance seemed rushed or forced. Some of the events seemed to have potential…but the trite dialogue…
March 14, 2014
Honestly I hate to say this but this was almost a did not finish for me. I hate giving bad reviews but this was a let down for me. Started out great with some action then discovering a dead body that has been under water for twenty years. As this was my "on the go" book I didn't feel bad puttting it down and coming back to it later. That just says it was very far from good enough to be brought in the house and devour until finished.
To me Aunt Lorett 'stole the show'. We hear alot about her from the main character Sarah Jane all through the book but she doesn't show up in Maramet until the very near the end of the book. However, I found myslef liking her more than the main characters Tony "Silk" and Sarah Jane. It's saying something when I'm more intrested in a barely there secondary character than the main ones.
Other than that Tony and Sarah fall 'in love' rather quickly. They are sorta funny(ish) but still lack that special ingreadient that makes them great characters. The plot could have been so much better than it was executed. I honestly didn't know who killed Frank, Sarah's father, but then again the book wasn't good enough to make me care. Action was subpar and ending was predicable.
If you want a recap here it is:
Dead body found, millions still missing and not with body, daughter of said body flys in to claim remains and vows to find killer, killer tries to kill her on a couple of failed occasions, during this lead characters Tony and Sarah fall for each other, have sex and get injured during murder attempts, and wraps up quickly.
To me Aunt Lorett 'stole the show'. We hear alot about her from the main character Sarah Jane all through the book but she doesn't show up in Maramet until the very near the end of the book. However, I found myslef liking her more than the main characters Tony "Silk" and Sarah Jane. It's saying something when I'm more intrested in a barely there secondary character than the main ones.
Other than that Tony and Sarah fall 'in love' rather quickly. They are sorta funny(ish) but still lack that special ingreadient that makes them great characters. The plot could have been so much better than it was executed. I honestly didn't know who killed Frank, Sarah's father, but then again the book wasn't good enough to make me care. Action was subpar and ending was predicable.
If you want a recap here it is:
Dead body found, millions still missing and not with body, daughter of said body flys in to claim remains and vows to find killer, killer tries to kill her on a couple of failed occasions, during this lead characters Tony and Sarah fall for each other, have sex and get injured during murder attempts, and wraps up quickly.
August 26, 2012
Picked it up, couldn't put it down, read well past midnight! I found the characters particulalry interesting. There was also a really fast movement to the narrative. Love when a book sucks me in.
June 1, 2016
Dull.
Won't be reading any more of this author.
Won't be reading any more of this author.
July 27, 2019
I was interested in this book because it dealt with a twenty year old cold case. I like stories with a cold case theme.
I was underwhelmed. I thought it was easy to read. I finished it in a day. Lots of dialogue and small town shenanigans kept it moving along. The chapters were relatively short. I thought the writing was rather simplistic although not too predictable. Although I do not read a lot of mysteries so if I was a regular mystery reader, I may have figured it out myself.
The lead character was Sarah whose father's skeletal remains were pulled out of the water hidden in a locked case. She was not easy for me to like. She grew on me as the book went along but at first she really rubbed me the wrong way. I truly disliked Tony, her lover. He struck me as someone who might end up being abusive in a relationship. Not that he assaulted Sarah at all but he sure got angry at inappropriate times I felt. And he seemed very pushy from start to finish. I'm not sure how Sarah fell for him given her history of independence. Ah, but I liked Aunt Lorett. I always looked forward to her appearances in the story.
I guess I still didn't figure out the real motive for murderer in this case. It seemed rather convoluted.
I was underwhelmed. I thought it was easy to read. I finished it in a day. Lots of dialogue and small town shenanigans kept it moving along. The chapters were relatively short. I thought the writing was rather simplistic although not too predictable. Although I do not read a lot of mysteries so if I was a regular mystery reader, I may have figured it out myself.
The lead character was Sarah whose father's skeletal remains were pulled out of the water hidden in a locked case. She was not easy for me to like. She grew on me as the book went along but at first she really rubbed me the wrong way. I truly disliked Tony, her lover. He struck me as someone who might end up being abusive in a relationship. Not that he assaulted Sarah at all but he sure got angry at inappropriate times I felt. And he seemed very pushy from start to finish. I'm not sure how Sarah fell for him given her history of independence. Ah, but I liked Aunt Lorett. I always looked forward to her appearances in the story.
I guess I still didn't figure out the real motive for murderer in this case. It seemed rather convoluted.
November 28, 2023
A thrilling story worth reading!!!
This is a tender, poignant, thrilling romantic thriller!! As a true stand-alone romance (bongs to no series), it's an intense story of redemption and renewal!!
It's a second chance romance because Sarah had a crush on 16yr old Silk aka Tony! As a 10yr old, she had no idea what that meant but now, 20 years later, she certainly does!!!!
For Tony, it's a chance to repay the one man that believed in him!! But as he gets to know the adult sarah, he knows it's for her.
It's also a story of redemption because Sarah has come back to claim the body of her father, the man everyone believed to have stolen a million dollars! Instead he'd been in a watery grave under the dark waters of flagstaff lake. Hence the name of the book!
Sarah and her mother were ostracized and blamed for something they didn't do. After her mother killed herself, Sarah was wisked away by Lorett.
So not only has she come back to this small town she grew up on but also to fond the person who killed her father.
It's a thrilling story that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat. And the one who did it you'll never realize till the end.
This is definitely a great story, worth reading!!
This is a tender, poignant, thrilling romantic thriller!! As a true stand-alone romance (bongs to no series), it's an intense story of redemption and renewal!!
It's a second chance romance because Sarah had a crush on 16yr old Silk aka Tony! As a 10yr old, she had no idea what that meant but now, 20 years later, she certainly does!!!!
For Tony, it's a chance to repay the one man that believed in him!! But as he gets to know the adult sarah, he knows it's for her.
It's also a story of redemption because Sarah has come back to claim the body of her father, the man everyone believed to have stolen a million dollars! Instead he'd been in a watery grave under the dark waters of flagstaff lake. Hence the name of the book!
Sarah and her mother were ostracized and blamed for something they didn't do. After her mother killed herself, Sarah was wisked away by Lorett.
So not only has she come back to this small town she grew up on but also to fond the person who killed her father.
It's a thrilling story that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat. And the one who did it you'll never realize till the end.
This is definitely a great story, worth reading!!
November 7, 2019
Two decades ago, Sarah Jane Whitman's father disappeared with an embezzled fortune from his local bank, an act of betrayal that subjected his wife and daughter to a vicious scandal. Now a body has been pulled from its watery tomb, a body that is identified as Frank Whitman's. This grim discovery proves Sarah's father was innocent... and that the real thief got away with murder.
Now Sarah's obsession with uncovering the truth is making some people in Marmet, Maine, very nervous. Suddenly the prosperous citizens of this community are under intense scrutiny --- including Tony DeMarco, who grew up with Sarah. But is the concern Tony shows for Sarah's safety genuine or is he hiding something dangerous? And can she trust him with her future as a desperate killer tries to shut the door forever on the past?
Now Sarah's obsession with uncovering the truth is making some people in Marmet, Maine, very nervous. Suddenly the prosperous citizens of this community are under intense scrutiny --- including Tony DeMarco, who grew up with Sarah. But is the concern Tony shows for Sarah's safety genuine or is he hiding something dangerous? And can she trust him with her future as a desperate killer tries to shut the door forever on the past?
April 23, 2019
Sarah had been happy but living under the cloud of her fathers supposed theft of money from the bank he had managed.
Then she got the call from the sheriff back in Maine where they had lived. Her fathers body had been found in a trunk at the bottom of the lake.
Returning there she wasn’t prepared for no answers from anyone, all the townspeople still blamed her father, she blamed them for her mothers eventual suicide over their cutting her off from clubs she loved and had been a member of.
Then she met a childhood friend who had made good and had a summer home in Maine. He invited her to stay at his house, though reluctant, she agreed. The investigation slogged on, till the day she received a box with items from her fathers desk, and someone tried to kill her!
Then she got the call from the sheriff back in Maine where they had lived. Her fathers body had been found in a trunk at the bottom of the lake.
Returning there she wasn’t prepared for no answers from anyone, all the townspeople still blamed her father, she blamed them for her mothers eventual suicide over their cutting her off from clubs she loved and had been a member of.
Then she met a childhood friend who had made good and had a summer home in Maine. He invited her to stay at his house, though reluctant, she agreed. The investigation slogged on, till the day she received a box with items from her fathers desk, and someone tried to kill her!
November 5, 2025
This was a quick, light read but worth my time.
Two decades ago, Sarah Jane Whitman's father disappeared with an embezzled fortune from his local bank, an act of betrayal that subjected his wife and daughter to a vicious scandal. Now a body has been pulled from its watery tomb, a body that is identified as Frank Whitman's. This grim discovery proves Sarah's father was innocent... and that the real thief got away with murder.
Now Sarah's obsession with uncovering the truth is making some people in Marmet, Maine, very nervous. Suddenly the prosperous citizens of this community are under intense scrutiny --- including Tony DeMarco, who grew up with Sarah.
For the most part easy to figure out the killer but liked it ok.
Two decades ago, Sarah Jane Whitman's father disappeared with an embezzled fortune from his local bank, an act of betrayal that subjected his wife and daughter to a vicious scandal. Now a body has been pulled from its watery tomb, a body that is identified as Frank Whitman's. This grim discovery proves Sarah's father was innocent... and that the real thief got away with murder.
Now Sarah's obsession with uncovering the truth is making some people in Marmet, Maine, very nervous. Suddenly the prosperous citizens of this community are under intense scrutiny --- including Tony DeMarco, who grew up with Sarah.
For the most part easy to figure out the killer but liked it ok.
December 23, 2019
DNF.
Woof. The creep factor with Tony was immediately astounding. What guy remembers a ten year old girl from a house he used to mow law at when he was 16 and think, ‘huh, she’s coming back to claim her father’s body. I wonder what she looks like now?’ then proceeds to go whisk her away spontaneously and take her to his summer home to stay!?
What heroine who hates everyone in her hometown, believes her father’s murderer is someone in town just gets into a flashy car of a stranger’s and then swoons bc said stranger was her first crush!?
This is all within the first fifty pages of the book.
No thank you.
Woof. The creep factor with Tony was immediately astounding. What guy remembers a ten year old girl from a house he used to mow law at when he was 16 and think, ‘huh, she’s coming back to claim her father’s body. I wonder what she looks like now?’ then proceeds to go whisk her away spontaneously and take her to his summer home to stay!?
What heroine who hates everyone in her hometown, believes her father’s murderer is someone in town just gets into a flashy car of a stranger’s and then swoons bc said stranger was her first crush!?
This is all within the first fifty pages of the book.
No thank you.
May 31, 2020
Revenge is best served cold.
I usually enjoy Sharon Sala whenever I read one of her books. But this one, really threw me for a loop. The story was hard hitting and exposed the worse aspects of a small minded town and the consequences. Sarah Jane Whitman returns to her hometown when reports of her father's body has been found in Flagstaff Lake in Marmet, Maine. This starts a wild ride for Sarah Jane and her newly found friend, Tony aka Silk. This is a great way to spend the day. You might need 1 hankie not just for the tears of pain and loss, but tears of frustration. It is worth the ride!!
I usually enjoy Sharon Sala whenever I read one of her books. But this one, really threw me for a loop. The story was hard hitting and exposed the worse aspects of a small minded town and the consequences. Sarah Jane Whitman returns to her hometown when reports of her father's body has been found in Flagstaff Lake in Marmet, Maine. This starts a wild ride for Sarah Jane and her newly found friend, Tony aka Silk. This is a great way to spend the day. You might need 1 hankie not just for the tears of pain and loss, but tears of frustration. It is worth the ride!!
February 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this novel. it held all i look in a story, suspense, action, mystery etc. it had some romance but the romance didn't over cover the story.
this is a good read for especially for woman.
a bank manager disappeared with a million dollars , 20 years later his body is found in a trunk at the bottom of a lake. his daughter now want to know why he was murdered and by who.
this is a good read for especially for woman.
a bank manager disappeared with a million dollars , 20 years later his body is found in a trunk at the bottom of a lake. his daughter now want to know why he was murdered and by who.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
Dark Water
Each book I read by this author is a a bit different. A lot more intense. As good if not better than the last. She has a compelling way of putting a story to pen. Off to find the next one!
Each book I read by this author is a a bit different. A lot more intense. As good if not better than the last. She has a compelling way of putting a story to pen. Off to find the next one!
August 20, 2018
I liked this book. I really would give it a 3.5 star rating.
It was easy to read and the story had good flow to it. It wasn't as much of a thriller as I had hoped it would be as I have read from her in the past. Still a good decent murder-mystery read.
It was easy to read and the story had good flow to it. It wasn't as much of a thriller as I had hoped it would be as I have read from her in the past. Still a good decent murder-mystery read.
May 10, 2022
Romantic suspense at its best
The story of Sara and Tony, reuniting after years apart, keeps the reader's attention. Working together they search the meager clues to her father's murder and his vindication as a thief.
The story of Sara and Tony, reuniting after years apart, keeps the reader's attention. Working together they search the meager clues to her father's murder and his vindication as a thief.
July 14, 2024
Dark Water did not disappoint
From the first page I wad hooked as always with one of Sharon Salads books, ANF this book was no different. The story came together as expected. A enjoyable read.
From the first page I wad hooked as always with one of Sharon Salads books, ANF this book was no different. The story came together as expected. A enjoyable read.
December 7, 2024
I loved the book. I noticed one editing mistake. In the early part of the book a conversation was attributed to Franklin. Which of course was impossible since he was dead. It should have been attributed to the sheriff.
A good read for me.
A good read for me.
January 1, 2025
Everything you need in a good story.
A solid plot, a strong backstory, a twisting mystery, and a great love story. It's been a while since I read a Sharon Sala book. I almost forgot how much I love her writing.
A solid plot, a strong backstory, a twisting mystery, and a great love story. It's been a while since I read a Sharon Sala book. I almost forgot how much I love her writing.
May 26, 2017
Wow, this book was great! Grabs you from the beginning to the end that you never saw coming!!! I recommend this book to all!!!
August 31, 2017
Fast read. Interesting mystery. Written to be popular, but didn't need the bedroom scenes.
fast re
fast re
April 9, 2019
Another good read from a Sharon Sala. It was mystery, intrigue, suspense, romance. A nice quick read with likeable characters, strong storyline, and a HEA.
September 10, 2019
Read when it was published, I rated it as good.
January 11, 2020
Dark Water
Very good mystery romance. Sarah is a very strong heroine and Tony is confident enough to handle her. Great couple.
Very good mystery romance. Sarah is a very strong heroine and Tony is confident enough to handle her. Great couple.
January 29, 2020
This was a wonderful cold case that turned into a current case. Lots of twists and turns, but it ends in happiness. Love the books by this author.
April 10, 2020
Nota Geral: 3/5
Escrita: 3
Cenário: 3.5
Originalidade: 3
Personagens: 3
Suspense: 3
Humor: 3
Romance: 3
Capa: 3
Aditivo: 3
Previsível: 2
Escrita: 3
Cenário: 3.5
Originalidade: 3
Personagens: 3
Suspense: 3
Humor: 3
Romance: 3
Capa: 3
Aditivo: 3
Previsível: 2
April 16, 2020
Loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews