Into the Darkness is a romantic suspense novel with a plot much like others of the time. Meg is the estranged heiress of the Mignot family and on her grandfather's death she returns to the family home. At first, Meg seemed like the weak, dependent, heroine so often found in early romances but soon she decides that she is tired of others trying to run her life. Then we have the kindly uncle, the sort of cousin, and the taciturn manager of the the jewelry business her grandfather leaves her. The story pretty much follows the usual line of suspense novels with the mystery of who is behind the strange happenings and who gets the girl. I liked the book much more than I had expected after having checked the reviews before reading. It was enjoyable and had several interesting secondary characters. However, I much prefer the books she writes as Elizabeth Peters.

True romantic suspense, this book was written in 1990 and has a touch of the contemporary in it. Our heroine is no shrinking violet, is well aware of her own strengths, and has a life of her own. When her grandfather dies, she is called back to her hometown where she must face her past and present and find out the truths about them.

This being Barbara Michael, you know there will be romance at some point. This book didn't disappoint and I was happy with how things resolved in that aspect of the story. The suspense part was most excellent and kept me guessing until the end. There are a few hints of beyond-the-grave help, but they aren't overwhelming.

In short, this is a good romantic suspense story, written by one of the great authors in the genre. If that is what you are looking for, you'll enjoy this book. Add in any interest in old jewelry, and this is the perfect book to read. ( )

Into The Darkness
by Barbara Michaels
1990
Simon&Schuster

Good story, but rather slow. I enjoyed it, but dont think it's one of Michaels best.
Megan Venturi never really wanted to return to her hometown of Seldon. When her Grandfather suddenly passes away, Meg finds herself, unexpectedly, the owner of his antique jewelry business. The catch: she must share ownership with a man who she despises, Riley. Rumor about town says Riley shouldn't be trusted because of his dark past, and he was accused of the murder of a young woman.
Meg must decide if she want to keep the store.
And can she trust Riley, or is it all malicious rumor? ( )

Meg Venturi goes home when her beloved grandfather dies, to face the memories of the tragedy that killed her father, and has haunted her family ever since. As always, Barbara Michaels keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end, all the while keeping you entertained by not only great characters but by her vivid descriptions the history of jewelcrafting. ( )

2.5 stars So far this is my least favorite Michaels book. I had the hardest time getting into it and it was so slow plus there wasn't much of a story to it. it was just a whole ot of page filler. blaaah.... ( )