What do you think?
Rate this book
When Night Falls
A violent encounter in a deserted parking lot is FBI agent Sam Pierce s only clue to the menace who is stalking child psychologist Jocelyn Gold. A random event? Or a client s revenge? When darkness falls, the danger deepens....
A short story.224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
248 people are currently reading
1419 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Daley
208 books494 followersMargaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
February 12, 2010
I read the kindle edition of this book, because it was a freebie. It is a Christian romance-thriller. It reads like a rough draft - transitions between scenes are choppy, characters not fleshed out, paragraph structure is sketchy, etc. Worth the money because it was free, but I wouldn't have paid for it.
August 13, 2012
I am giving this two stars only because I do not like the Christian themed books... somehow I always end up with them.
again - 2 stars because I don't want any more of these types of books in my recommendations!
Other than that it was a decent short story.
again - 2 stars because I don't want any more of these types of books in my recommendations!
Other than that it was a decent short story.
October 13, 2019
A quick action packed short story, draws you in.
February 27, 2020
Not enough details
Overall the book was good. However, there isn't enough of a backstory other than Jocelyn was attracted to him when she first met him.
Overall the book was good. However, there isn't enough of a backstory other than Jocelyn was attracted to him when she first met him.
March 3, 2020
Did I miss something? While the action was intense, I couldn't connect with the characters. It felt like there was some back story about them that would have provided a framework for their relationship, but that I somehow missed reading said back story. As such, I found their actions somewhat jarring, especially at the end.
Also, when they nab the guy who is stalking Jocelyn, I feel like all that I got for him being the stalker is circumstantial evidence. I mean, yes, the guy was definitely worthy of being arrested for a different issue, but I don't feel like it was really explained WHY they knew this was the stalker.
A miss for me, unfortunately.
1.5 stars
Also, when they nab the guy who is stalking Jocelyn, I feel like all that I got for him being the stalker is circumstantial evidence. I mean, yes, the guy was definitely worthy of being arrested for a different issue, but I don't feel like it was really explained WHY they knew this was the stalker.
A miss for me, unfortunately.
1.5 stars
January 5, 2020
A standalone inspirational romantic suspense story revolving around a child psychologist and an FBI agent in New Orleans. Psst, it's possible this story is part of a very general Love Inspired Suspense series...
My Take
I gotta warn y'all ahead of time that my review is colored by what I was expecting based on the cover. I thought this was going to be a Nancy Drew-type tale of mystery. Instead, it's a short tale introducing Sam Pierce and Florence Gold.
It's Sam who's the involved Christian interested in aiding Jocelyn in her faith...and in her dating him. We know they each have faith, as Daley uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view to keep us informed of their thoughts and emotions.
With someone stalking Jocelyn, we quickly learn of Sam's interest in the doctor, and of course, how strong both characters are.
I don't care for the bits of faith Daley pulls in. That does NOT negate the appropriateness of that faith nor that it does comfort both characters. – I'm a christian, just not a religious Christian.
It's an easy read that feels as if it were written in the 1950s. It's also suspenseful, but Daley doesn't provide much depth to the story nor to the characters. Annd, don't give me that about it being a short tale, other authors have managed to provide a great deal of depth in just five pages...
The Story
Someone is stalking child psychologist Jocelyn Gold, and FBI Agent Sam Pierce is convinced it's someone against whom she's testified.
The Characters
Dr Jocelyn Gold is a child psychologist whose testimony has sent men to jail.
Special Agent Sam Pierce is also obsessed with his career and sustained by his faith.
Adam and Terri are both cops and friends of Jocelyn's.
Ned Pickens and Carl Mason are among the suspects. Keith Dubois has a seven-year-old daughter, Emma. Ozzie is his pit bull.
Kelly owns a bar, Kelly's Bar and Grill.
The Cover and Title
The cover primarily golds and browns as we stare down a steep flight of old wooden stairs, blotchy walls complementing the floor. At the foot of the stairs is a woman with red-blonde hair that falls below her shoulders in a red crew-neck sweater and blue jeans, rushing out an ancient door, but looking up at us. At the very top is the publisher's name in a busy blend of script and sans serif fonts in a gold and gray outlined red. A saw-toothed badge in a circular gradient of yellow into white encases an info blurb. The author's name is in white just below center with the larger title also in white. At the bottom right is a logo for the publisher in a much paler yellow.
The title is the indicator that the danger increases when When Night Falls.
My Take
I gotta warn y'all ahead of time that my review is colored by what I was expecting based on the cover. I thought this was going to be a Nancy Drew-type tale of mystery. Instead, it's a short tale introducing Sam Pierce and Florence Gold.
It's Sam who's the involved Christian interested in aiding Jocelyn in her faith...and in her dating him. We know they each have faith, as Daley uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view to keep us informed of their thoughts and emotions.
With someone stalking Jocelyn, we quickly learn of Sam's interest in the doctor, and of course, how strong both characters are.
I don't care for the bits of faith Daley pulls in. That does NOT negate the appropriateness of that faith nor that it does comfort both characters. – I'm a christian, just not a religious Christian.
It's an easy read that feels as if it were written in the 1950s. It's also suspenseful, but Daley doesn't provide much depth to the story nor to the characters. Annd, don't give me that about it being a short tale, other authors have managed to provide a great deal of depth in just five pages...
The Story
Someone is stalking child psychologist Jocelyn Gold, and FBI Agent Sam Pierce is convinced it's someone against whom she's testified.
The Characters
Dr Jocelyn Gold is a child psychologist whose testimony has sent men to jail.
Special Agent Sam Pierce is also obsessed with his career and sustained by his faith.
Adam and Terri are both cops and friends of Jocelyn's.
Ned Pickens and Carl Mason are among the suspects. Keith Dubois has a seven-year-old daughter, Emma. Ozzie is his pit bull.
Kelly owns a bar, Kelly's Bar and Grill.
The Cover and Title
The cover primarily golds and browns as we stare down a steep flight of old wooden stairs, blotchy walls complementing the floor. At the foot of the stairs is a woman with red-blonde hair that falls below her shoulders in a red crew-neck sweater and blue jeans, rushing out an ancient door, but looking up at us. At the very top is the publisher's name in a busy blend of script and sans serif fonts in a gold and gray outlined red. A saw-toothed badge in a circular gradient of yellow into white encases an info blurb. The author's name is in white just below center with the larger title also in white. At the bottom right is a logo for the publisher in a much paler yellow.
The title is the indicator that the danger increases when When Night Falls.
January 4, 2018
This was a quick and easy read, since it was only a short story; the potential for a novel is there if the author would maintain focus on the story concept and the work done by FBI agent, Sam Pierce, and the woman he is protecting, child psychology specialist, Dr. Jocelyn Gold. There is a budding love interest developing underneath the mystery of who is trying to kill the doctor. The setting is New Orleans that has a history rich in murder, scandal and mystery; lots of potential to keep the reader guessing and on the edge of the seat.
The author does throw comments about "The Lord", "Trust in the Lord", "Remember the psalm..." and they do nothing for the story, or in the development of the characters themselves. Writers often are told, "write what you know", well Ms. Daley should either write a novel dedicated to religion, or one that could be a riveting mystery, but keep them separated.
Definitely read this story for the mystery, skip the religious comments.
The author does throw comments about "The Lord", "Trust in the Lord", "Remember the psalm..." and they do nothing for the story, or in the development of the characters themselves. Writers often are told, "write what you know", well Ms. Daley should either write a novel dedicated to religion, or one that could be a riveting mystery, but keep them separated.
Definitely read this story for the mystery, skip the religious comments.
April 26, 2022
This is a short one but it really packs in a lot in this mystery romance. There is romance, suspense, mystery, and more. There is not a lot of world-building but as it is set in the present day, there really isn’t much that needs to be done. If you need a quick read between some heavier books, this is a good one.
June 2, 2017
Four stars
This was an enjoyable book but the resolution was a little abrupt. I think it would have been better if the author had taken a little more time to develop the romance and resolve the crime. Great story idea, great characters.
This was an enjoyable book but the resolution was a little abrupt. I think it would have been better if the author had taken a little more time to develop the romance and resolve the crime. Great story idea, great characters.
January 9, 2018
Short Story
For a short story, this was very compelling. Held my attention from beginning to end. The characters are intriguing, interesting and insightful. At this moment in my life a great reminder that we do not walk alone!
For a short story, this was very compelling. Held my attention from beginning to end. The characters are intriguing, interesting and insightful. At this moment in my life a great reminder that we do not walk alone!
February 19, 2018
Has potential
It was a cute Christian love story with a little suspense. It was a short story rather than a full length novel. I would have enjoyed a longer story with more character and plot development.
It was a cute Christian love story with a little suspense. It was a short story rather than a full length novel. I would have enjoyed a longer story with more character and plot development.
September 14, 2018
Fast paced
The story is a fast-paced action one. It is a quick, easy faith-based predictable read. The fact that it is a short story left little time to explore the characters fully. Enjoyable read.
The story is a fast-paced action one. It is a quick, easy faith-based predictable read. The fact that it is a short story left little time to explore the characters fully. Enjoyable read.
May 10, 2020
Eh. Was there any point to this story other than shoving religious babble down the reader's throat? Neither the suspense nor the romance part had room to develop into anything beyond bare bones, and the characters were no more than brief sketches.
August 29, 2020
Interesting
Good short story. Interesting plot, which could have been expanded on. Only thing missing is didn’t prove or explain why they had the right guy. Enjoyable Christian read.
Good short story. Interesting plot, which could have been expanded on. Only thing missing is didn’t prove or explain why they had the right guy. Enjoyable Christian read.
September 14, 2018
5 STARS as always
When Margret Daley writes a book it moves, so you can't put it down. It's very readable!
Keep writing Ms Daley
When Margret Daley writes a book it moves, so you can't put it down. It's very readable!
Keep writing Ms Daley
September 16, 2018
God short story
A nice change from the same old stories. This book had intrigue and mystery and of else Faith in god. Nice touch!
A nice change from the same old stories. This book had intrigue and mystery and of else Faith in god. Nice touch!
March 25, 2019
When night falls
This was not what i was expecting but i still enjoyed it. It was a nice,short read. The religious aspects did not feel forced.
This was not what i was expecting but i still enjoyed it. It was a nice,short read. The religious aspects did not feel forced.
May 11, 2019
Great novel
Enjoyed the characters, setting, plot, and the ebb and flow of the story. Would
encourage others to read. You will like it.
Enjoyed the characters, setting, plot, and the ebb and flow of the story. Would
encourage others to read. You will like it.
July 11, 2021
Interesting book.
July 31, 2022
When Night Falls by Margaret Daley
That was a very good mystery. Don't be fooled by the size, it packs a bunch. And a nice, clean, romantic ending.
That was a very good mystery. Don't be fooled by the size, it packs a bunch. And a nice, clean, romantic ending.
January 23, 2023
Lukewarm romantic thriller
A short story with a mildly thrilling plot and a lukewarm romance. A nice quick read in between other stories.
A short story with a mildly thrilling plot and a lukewarm romance. A nice quick read in between other stories.
September 24, 2024
Had no idea this would have so much God stuff in it. I just can't.
January 27, 2025
Nicely done! Most of the LIS books are solidly written.
May 8, 2025
This was a bit all over the place. It’s a short story, but the relationships were incredibly juvenile and it’s unfortunately just not interesting or well written.
March 30, 2023
Suspenseful Christian fiction
I enjoyed reading this, and seeing how the characters related to each other and to God. I got part way in, realized I had read it before but kept reading, because it was worth it.
I enjoyed reading this, and seeing how the characters related to each other and to God. I got part way in, realized I had read it before but kept reading, because it was worth it.
December 4, 2011
Even though this was short, I did get think it was ok. As others have said, it didn't have ample time to develop characters, but the author tried, and did good writing for the most part. I appreciate the author also trying to insert religious/christian refrences, but it didn't go over well. It was choppy and inconsistent. It would have been okay as a religious book, also as a straight out murder mystery, but it wasn't, it was meshed, which is even okay in a 200+ pages book, but it was 30 something, which didn't cut it. So overall, if you have a nook or a kindle (since it's free) then go ahead and see if you like the first couple pages, if you don't, fine. If you wanted to get a taste of the author's writing skills, you could also check it out, but don't get it for something substantial. It is a mildly entertaining book but it won't hold someone's intrest if they like horror, mystery, or even suspense. Everything in this book was predictable. I almost felt like the author put exerpts together and made a story. The story as a whole made sense, but didn't have flesh. Like in one instance the killer put a picture of the lady in the lady's car...but the whole point was to scare her, not to raise suspision, explain at the end, or add to the investigation. Don't read if you're cinical. But I enjoyed it to a point. It's not something to put on your "to-read" list but if you see it around your e-reader you should give it a wirl.
January 10, 2012
The story was sweet, and at times raised a bit of interest, but the book itself(short story, more accurately) read as awkward and amateurish. It was something I was willing to forgive a new author... but after a quick look, I see this author is anything but. Most her work fared better in the ratings, however, which I find interesting. Perhaps this book is just an excerpt, a fact never stated on amazon, nor at the first of the book, and the mention of excerpts on the end page never indicated to me it was the story itself which was an excerpt; and perhaps if it is, it would help the jerky pacing and the lack of development. But I have read excellently crafted stories even shorter than what is presented here without any such problem. And even given more length for development and pacing, I don't see how it would help the prose.
March 24, 2012
Not bad for a short story. Interesting characters with a plot that keeps you reading the story until the end ... but then the author runs out of steam. I never appreciate a 'hero' who just refuses to take 'no' for an answer. She said 'no,' so he keeps kissing her to prove he knows better? I think we call that the beginnings of date rape. But this author has the previously independent social worker suddenly say, "Oh, you are right, I *do* want you!" What?! It doesn't make sense and gives the wrong message. There *is* chemistry between the two and they could end up together, but it's like the author reached her word limit and had to wrap it up quickly ... or maybe I'm giving her too much credit?
April 25, 2011
It's a good thing this was free. It said 37 pages for the download but there's 8 chapters in 34 pages absolutely no description and just when you think it's going to go somewhere, Daley ends a chapter and anytime the relationship looks like it's going to go anywhere, he starts quoting scripture or preaching a sermon to her. There was 45 minutes of my life I'll never get back.
If I considered that it may have been someone self-publishing their rejected book treatment then it doesn't seem like a waste of time.
If I considered that it may have been someone self-publishing their rejected book treatment then it doesn't seem like a waste of time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews