Until Dark

FBI #3

by Mariah Stewart

From New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart comes a novel of sexy romantic suspense for fans of Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, and Karen Robards.

A skilled compositor for the FBI, Kendra Smith has a way with witnesses, helping them to remember crucial details about their attackers they might otherwise have forgotten. She believes her work helps to provide closure for the victims and their families–closure that has eluded her for the eleven years since her brother was kidnapped, his body never found.

Determined to put her painful past behind her, Kendra throws herself into every case one hundred percent. Now she is called in to sketch the face of a man the press is calling the Soccer Mom Killer. It’s a difficult investigation made even harder by the presence of Special Agent Adam Stark, a man with whom she once had a brief, passionate affair. As the number of victims continues to rise, and with a killer always one step ahead, Kendra will learn a lethal lesson: You can run from the past, but you can’t hide. . . .

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Fiction, Crime

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Mariah Stewart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of forty-one novels and three novellas and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. She is a RITA finalist in romantic suspense and the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women's fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. A three-time winner of the Golden Leaf Award presented by the New Jersey Romance Writers, Stewart was recently awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award (which placed her in their Hall of Fame along with former recipients Nora Roberts and Mary Jo Putney — very excellent company, indeed!)

After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?

Reviews

[Cruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author: Mariah Stewart
First published: 2003
Length: 394 pages, 5554 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary.
Sex: Explicit. Infrequent.
Hero: FBI agent, former NFL.
Heroine: FBI artist.
Trigger: Violence and Rape. Child abuse. Paedophilia.
Paranormal: psychic neighbour

Romantic suspense with more suspense than romance. A few stupid moments and some unnecessary paranormal/psychic twists (will Selena get her own story, perhaps?). Sometimes quite graphic.

Readable but not too intense.

John Mancini:
Book 1 Voices Carry - Genna Snow and John Mancini
Book 2 Until Dark - Kendra Smith and Adam Stark
Book 3 Dead Wrong - Mara Douglas and Aidan Shields
Book 4 Dead Certain - Amanda Crosby and Sean Mercer
Book 5 Dead Even - Miranda Cahill and Will Fletcher
Book 6 Dead End - Annie Marie McCall and Evan Crosby
Book 7 Cold Truth - Cassie Burke and Rick Cisco
Book 8 Hard Truth - Lorna Temple and T. J. Dawson
Book 9 Dark Truth - Nina Madden and Wes Powell
Book 10 Final Truth - Lester Ray Barnes and Regan Landry
Book 11 Last Look - Dorsey Collins and Andrew Shields
Book 12 Last Words - Mia Shields and Gabriel Beck
Book 13 Last Breath - Dr. Daria McGowan and Connor Shields

Chesapeake Diaries:
Book 1 Coming Home - Grady Shields and Vanessa Keaton
Book 2 Home Again - Dallas MacGregor and Grant Wyler
Book 3 Almost Home - Steffie Wyler and Wade MacGregor
Book 4 Hometown Girl - Brooke Madison Bowers and Jesse Enright
Book 5 Home for the Summer - Lucy Sinclair and Clay Madison
Book 6 The Long Way Home - Ellie Chapman and Cameron O'Connor
Book 7 At the River’s Edge - Sophie Enright and Jason Bowers
Book 8 On Sunset Beach - Carly Summit and Ford Sinclair
Book 9 That Chesapeake Summer - Jamie Valentine and Daniel Sinclair
Book 10 Driftwood Point - Lisbeth Parker and Alec Jansen
Book 11 The Chesapeake Bride - Cassidy Logan and Owen Parker

References:
Author's website: http://www.mariahstewart.com/books.html

(ISBN 9780345469960)

-CR-

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great suspense book. The characters were great. The story and subject matter were amazing. I love Mariah Stewart. This is one of her best novels. A must read for a suspense reader.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I read this book ten or more years ago and it was one of my favorite romantic suspense novels I'd read at that point. I decided to reread it to see if it holds up, and I'd say it does. It has a very well thought out mystery that is more clever than the first two books in the John Mancini series.

I didn't remember much of it, outside of the heroine, Kendra Smith, being a freelance sketch artist for the FBI. Once I got far enough into it, I started to remember some of the plot and did partially correctly guess the serial murderer/rapist. Even though the killer wasn't a huge surprise to me, it was still very clever and well played throughout the book.

This novel is heavy of the suspense and light on the romance. There's no sex scenes (unlike the previous two books), but the way it's written, the story didn't really leave much room for a love scene. Which was fine, as it wasn't needed.

I left off half a star because of the very end. After the bad guy is caught, there's some wrap up with the characters but it's very brief and the last chapter ends from the perspective of the bad buy. It was very odd and not super satisfying. We didn't get to find out if he was convicted of any of the crimes or if Kendra and Adam officially get together. Though I'm assuming they do. We also didn't get to find out what happened to the wrongfully convicted the man. I would have liked all those things wrapped up in a bow at the end. Even though there was that lacking, I still really enjoyed the book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems as though none of these books (except #2) are about John Mancini. His name gets mentioned a few times in the course of whatever evil is going on and maybe shows up for two pages.

This book was dull. With a lot of branches to no where. Like adam’s family wedding. The villain is easy to figure out. And there are so many hints at what’s happening that Kendra comes across as a bit dim. And why would the fbi insist on the sketch artist being part of the press conference? Just all kind of silly

[Ann C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series when it first came out and really liked it. I remember some of the characters but I don't remember the stories or outcomes. So, it is like a new read, though this time I listened on Audible.

I still enjoyed the story the second time around. I would have liked a slightly different ending. It would have been nice to have Mancini interview the bad guy at the end.

The book is a suspense book. If the reader is looking for romance, they will not find it. There was maybe one kiss in the whole book. Still, a good read or listen as it were.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised. Hard to put down. The only aspect I did not like was the main character acted so naive and dumb a few times. She Sketches faces for the FBI? Would you really not know "why" when the killer is focused on you, you should not be alone so flippantly at home? A few other "DUH" moments. Ignoring that, the plot was suspenseful.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fbi novel. Interesting plot twists. Realistic characters. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it. I will be grabbing the next entry in this series. You do not have to read book one to read this book, it is perfectly able to stand alone. If you're a fan of criminal minds, you would like this book.

[Tracy Brant · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book

But very predictable for me. Also, this was supposed to be a romantic suspense but there was NO romance. Maybe 1 kiss, but it felt a little cold to me. I usually love all of Mariah Stewart books but this was just ok to me. I would definitely still recommend it, most of my issues are personal and might not bother anyone else.

[Christie Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until Dark

I knew it! I knew who the killer was once the book started diving into the background story. I really enjoyed the story, but I'd like to see more interaction with the two main characters.. still was a good read. Adam and Kendra will definitely be together in future books.

[Kathleen Amick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little too much side story at times. I also did not like how the main character, a FBI agent, did not pick up on simple clues, making her seem dumb. This took it from a 5 to a 4 in my eyes. Aside from that, it was a quick read with a decent bit of suspense.

[Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great romantic suspense. A good twist at the end.

[Alberto Tebaldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely book, narrative fluid and immersive, a veritable turn-page. Well balanced and engaging.

[Gisela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️EA. Too long and rushed ending.

[Kelly Stine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down!

[Todd McQueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read and well written with a good twist at the end. B+ 3.5

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok but I was able to guess the identity of the serial killer and some of the storyline about half way through.

[Mindy Cossins · Rating 4 out of 5]

good
glad that details of what victims suffered was not described in detail

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3 1/2 stars. I sure wish this site would allow you to use half stars.

[Cynthia Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wow

Who would think the cousin was behind all of this evil. The family he put through hell. This book was very interesting to say the least it did keep my interest.

[Ellis Vidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!

Good psychological mystery with surprises and twists. Interesting characters, including the secondary ones. I will read more of Mariah Stewart's suspense novels.

[Ada Iaboni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it didn’t pull me in like many others.
It was fairly interesting and the artist that provided police renderings, was impressive in her ability.

[Kelly Wellington]

Excellent book! I could not put it down!

[Mary Greiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine I guess.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single mothers are being killed by a man no one seems to notice. The FBI is brought in to catch the killer. The FBI also brings in a sketch artist, Kendra. As more women are killed, the FBI notices the serial killer is trying to get someone's attention. But who? And why?

This was another good mystery that is light on the romance. Just like the author's first book I had a feeling about who was behind it but I still managed to fall for a couple of the red herrings - at least for a little while. I liked Kendra and the FBI special agent, Adam who was brought in to lead the investigation. The secondary characters added to the story without overpowering it. Switching perspectives between Kendra and the serial killer also added interest.

[Caroline Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel of romantic suspense. The protagonist, Kendra Smith is a skilled sketch artist for the FBI. Using her expertise to track down a serial killer it soon becomes apparent the killer is tracking her. The romance in the book is nothing more than the sexual tension between Kendra and football pro turned FBI agent, Adam Stark.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second Mariah Stewart novel I've read and I'm quickly becoming a fan. Her novels are heart pounding and riveting.

"A skilled compositor for the FBI, Kendra Smith has a way with witnesses, helping them to remember crucial details about their attackers they might otherwise have forgotten. She believes her work helps to provide closure for the victims and their families, closure that has eluded her for the eleven years since her brother was kidnapped, his body never found.

Determined to put her painful past behind her, Kendra throws herself into every case one hundred percent. Now she is called in to sketch the face of a man the press is calling the Soccer Mom Killer. It's a difficult investigation made even harder by the presence of Special Agent Adam Stark, a man with whom she once had a brief, passionate affair. As the number of victims continues to rise, and with a killer always one step ahead, Kendra will learn a lethal lesson: You can run from the past...but you can't hide...."

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sketch artist Kendra Smith, has experienced more than her share of sorrow: her father died of cancer, her brother and cousin are presumed murdered and her mother recently committed suicide. Still, she agrees to lend her skills when her ex-boyfriend, Special Agent Adam Stark, asks for her aid in searching for the Soccer Mom Killer, who targets blonde single mothers. The sexual chemistry between Adam and Kendra simmers on the back burner as they work the case, which may disappoint those looking for more sparks. But when Ian's watch shows up near one of the murder scenes and victims turn up bearing crosses and butterfly clips identical to the ones Kendra wears, tension of another sort heats up. Savvy readers may immediately suspect who the killer is, but this thriller packs a few extra punches for those who are overconfident in their powers of deduction."

This one was good, a lot of stuff going on but was a tad too long and a lot of the romantic junk could just have been left out! But will check out the next in the series!

[Judi Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read from author, Mariah Stewart and won't be my last.

Kendra Smith is an FBI sketch artist and has been called into a case
with FBI Agent Adam Stark..Kendra had just returned to her hometown
following the suicide/death of her Mother. Kendra also married quickly after the Mother's death to a former college love. This marriage just
didn't last. Eleven years prior, Kendra's brother and cousin were found missing.Thought to be a victim of kidnapping and murder - there bodies never found.

When she is called into the case - "The Soccer Mom Killer" she is
reunited with Adam (her former boyfriend),whom she never stopped loving.

This case will bring Kendra's past back to her.

I loved Kendra's friend - Selena and would love to read more about her.

This is just a great, not to be missed book. I think you might be surprised at the ending!!!

[Chella · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just found this book to be quite boring. The only reason why I read it so quickly was because I wanted to get it over with. I like to feel the adrenaline, the highs and lows of a really good book but I figured who the killer was early on in the story. Kendra is an artist profiler for the FBI. Her little brother and cousin have been missing for years and presumed to be dead. Both parents have also passed away, leaving her alone with no family except her aunt that she hasn't spoken to since the young boys became missing. She begins to work with a past male companion (FBI agent) to help find a serial killer, pegged "The Soccer Mom Killer". Their relationship rekindles, and her "partner" soon realizes that this serial killer has an interest in Kendra.