Customer Reviews

Dark Room

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Morgan Winter was just a child when she found her parents' brutally murdered bodies on Christmas Eve. Seventeen years later, the man who confessed to the killings has been cleared of the crime, meaning that the real murderer got away with the crime.

Private Investigator Pete "Monty" Montgomery worked the original case while a homicide detective with the NYPD. Something always seemed off about the quick solving of the murders, and now he needs dig up the truth, for his sake as well as Morgan's. But solving the case will expose dirty secrets someone is willing to do anything to keep hidden.

Bestselling author Andrea Kane brings readers another suspenseful novel in DARK ROOM. Morgan Winter is a haunted young woman who is trying to make her way in a world forever shadowed by her past. As a character, she initially comes across as inconsistent--alternating between intensely traumatized versus forthright and strong--but this unusual blend of traits balances out to create an unexpectedly interesting character. PI Montgomery is a likeable gumshoe readers are sure to enjoy, as is his son, who becomes Morgan's romantic interest. The plot moves along at a decent pace with clever twists, although some plot devices toward the end of the book push the believability factor quite a bit. Still, Kane brings great characters and a unique story together for an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
01/03/2007

Nightmares have plagued Morgan Winter since discovering her parent's corpses when she was ten. During that intense time, she bonded with the detective assigned the case. With the culprit in jail, she felt a small sense of relief until it is uncovered that he confessed to the crimes in order to avoid a cop killing conviction, and the crime is once again unsolved. The now retired detective, Pete Montgomery, always felt that the wrong person was convicted, and now Morgan has hired him to find the real killer. With the aid of his son Lane, a photographer who freelances for several clandestine organizations (thus having great resources and equipment), new details in the crime scene photos pop up to provide more questions. Lane and Morgan form an instant attraction. But as the investigation gets closer to the truth, Morgan becomes a target.

In a follow up to "Wrong Place, Wrong Time" featuring Pete's daughter Devon, Kane's latest is packed with action, but it's a bit predictable (I guessed the culprit within the first couple chapters). In Morgan, she's created a heroine that's both strong and fragile at the same time, and it's nice to see a hero in a job other than police detective. Despite the flaws, readers will be enthralled with how the story plays out as, Kane is a master at creating compelling characters.

Seventeen years ago, Morgan Winters found her parents murdered in the basement of her mother's woman's shelter. The ordeal shaped the woman she has become and she still fights the nightmares that plague her sleep. Then she gets a phone call from Monty, the detective that helped her all those years earlier. The man they put in jail for the murder of her parents isn't responsible. The killer is still at large and this time he'll be caught if Monty has anything to do about it. He enlists his son, Lane's help and by doing so gives Morgan a lifeline she never imagined needing, let alone wanting. Together she and Lane will try to stay one step ahead of a killer who will stop at nothing to keep his dark secret.

Ms. Kane's latest suspense read will offer the reader a great escape. With plenty of twists and turns and a colorful cast of characters there is plenty here to keep the reader entertained. Once again we get to visit with Monty the hardened P.I with a heart of gold. The reader will be left guessing who the dark killer is right up to the end. For long time fans of Kane who fell in love with her historical romance stories of the late `90's might feel a disappointed by the lack of romance...this is more mainstream suspense rather then romantic suspense. Romance is an element within the story...but not the main thread. Still, this is a title worth picking up for the storytelling alone.

Interesting characters back up a pretty decent plot. Some of the situations and characters are a stretch, but this book still delivers an entertaining and suspenseful story. The culprit is fairly obvious, still Ms. Kane is a talented storyteller.

Shelley Dawn, author of Sweet, Sweet Jessie and Dark Nights

When Morgan Winter learns that the man convicted of her parent's murder seventeen years ago did not commit the crime, she is determined to find the real killer. Morgan hires former police detective turned PI, Pete 'Monty' Montgomery. Working with Monty is his handsome, daredevil son and top photographer, Lane.

With the killer desperate to keep his identity secret, the danger to Morgan escalates. Monty and Lane are determined to keep Morgan safe until they find the killer, and they will find the killer because failure is not an option.

Wow! Dark Room is a very intense book! Andrea Kane is an amazing author. From the first paragraph Ms. Kane drew me into the suspenseful world of Morgan Winter. I felt all of Morgan's emotions, from her sadness over losing her parents to her desire for the gorgeous Lane. Who can blame Morgan, Lane is utterly delectable. Smart, dangerous and Alpha, Lane is the full package.

I loved Dark Room! The suspense kept me on my toes and on the edge of my seat. The romance was just as thrilling. Overall I couldn't have asked for a better romantic suspense novel!

Annmarie reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This is Andrea Kane at her best. It had me hooked right from the start with great characters and a plot loaded with twists and turns. It is also a very touching story. I couldn't put it down it was such an edge of your seat page-turner. I've read all of Kane's contemporary romance books and this one is definitely her best yet. If you like reading romantic suspense from Nora Roberts, Karen Robards, Jayne Ann Krentz, Linda Howard, etc.; you will love Andrea Kane's latest novel-Dark Room.

Morgan Winter had been a ten-year-old girl when her parents, Lara and Jack, were murdered. It happened on Christmas Eve. Morgan found the bodies. During the trauma, only one man could reach the child, Detective Pete "Monty" Montgomery. Monty was the lead detective in the case. When Schiller confessed to the Winters' double homicide, the case was closed. Yet Monty never fully believed Schiller was the person that killed the Winters.

Little Morgan had been taken in and raised by her parents' closest friends, the Shores. Congressman Arthur Shore and his wife, Elyse, treated Morgan as if she was one of their own. Surrounded by the Shores and their children, along with many therapy sessions, Morgan got through the trauma. However, as the holidays approached each year, Morgan dealt with graphic nightmares.

Seventeen years later...

Morgan Winter still considers the Shores to be her second family. She operates an elite boutique social agency called Winshore LLC. Morgan's partner and dearest friend is Jill Shore. Jill, with all her perkiness, is dealing with various holiday decorations and meetings. Morgan is dealing with finding possible matches for clients, when Monty shows up at her door with horrible news: Schiller was not her parents' real killer. The real murderer is still out there and possibly killing more. Even though Monty "retired" five years ago, he is now a private investigator. Morgan hires him on the spot. Jack Winter had been an A.D.A. In fact, he had been the D.A. Office's golden boy. With Jack's golden boy history, Arthur pulling some strong strings, and Monty personally on the case, Morgan has no doubt that the real killer will be found this time around. Problem is that the real killer is not only still out there, but has been watching Morgan since the night of the double homicide, making sure that a dark secret is never revealed. As Morgan and her circle begin to find answers, the killer must convince her to stop searching.

***** There are other major and secondary characters that I do not mention in my synopsis. Since Jack was a prosecutor that had put away many well-connected criminals, he had many enemies. Therefore, the list of suspects is immense. This novel will test your wits as you hang on to every word and analyze every suspect. Lots of drama and tension, yet with a light touch of romance. I expect to find this title on the NY Best Selling list quickly! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I stayed up the entire weekend to read this one. I love the characters and the plot twists. I love the ironies and relationships. It was like an episode of law and order, mixed with a soap opera, mixed with a chick-flick. An amazing book.

When Morgan Winter was just a child, she discovered the bloody bodies of her murdered parents on Christmas Eve. Luckily, Arthur and Elyse Shore, close friends of her mother and father, were there to pick up the pieces of her life, take her in and raise her as their own along with their biological daughter, Jill, Morgan's close friend.

Now Morgan and Jill run Winshore, a top-quality matchmaking service that strives to match men and women with their true loves --- not just on a superficial level but on a deeper and more meaningful plane. Morgan has rebuilt her life and moved on, even though the murder of her parents has always loomed over her. With Christmas just ahead, however, the past surfaces to haunt her again.

Morgan is dreaming of her parents, reading her mother's old journals and studying photos of herself and them in happier days. With the killer convicted and locked away, the past should be behind her, but Morgan can't shake the experience that is always with her just below the surface.

When old friend and retired police detective Pete Montgomery shows up on the doorstep of Winshore, Morgan knows it doesn't bode well for her peace of mind. Detective Montgomery, or Monty as he's known to friends and family, tells her that the wrong man was convicted all those years ago, and the person who killed her parents and destroyed her life has been free all along.

While Morgan is shaken to her core, rather than falling apart she immediately hires Monty, now a private investigator, and determines to see for herself that the right man is caught and punished for this horrible crime. Luckily for Morgan, she is surrounded by loving family and friends. The Shores, Jill and Monty do their best to see that Morgan is supported and upheld in this turbulent time that is shaking them all to their very foundation.

Morgan also meets and is immediately attracted to Monty's son, Lane, a photojournalist who conducts undercover image analysis for the CIA. Lane is used to living life on the edge. One thrill after another suits him just fine. His previous exploits, however, are nothing compared to the adrenaline that flows through his body when he meets Morgan.

Lane is drawn into the mystery surrounding Morgan's parents when Monty asks him to enhance and scrutinize the crime scene photos of Morgan's parents. He quickly becomes confidante and protector to Morgan as well.

It's obvious that Morgan, Monty and Lane's investigation is coming too close for comfort when Morgan and Jill's home is broken into and trashed, a frightening warning is left for Morgan as a cease-and-desist order, and one of Morgan's clients is the victim of a hit and run. Is anyone close to Morgan safe now, or has she placed everyone she loves in greater danger?

Regardless of what happens, Morgan knows the only key to lasting peace and happiness is unmasking the person who killed her parents and stole her youth. The question is, will that truth set her free or will it annihilate her when she finally learns it?

DARK ROOM is an action-packed book where one tantalizing clue is revealed after another. The chemistry between the characters is warm and humorous, and they come across as real people who love and care deeply for one another. I found myself wanting to remain in their company and know what happened next even after the book ended.

--- Reviewed by Amie Taylor

While this book kept me turning pages until the end, it was more to find out "why" than "who" -- because "who" was obvious right from the start of the book, both for the killer and the accomplice.

While I enjoy Andrea Kane's book, she did not do a good job with red herrings in this one -- too much importance was given to a little nothing in the beginning of the book which ended up solving the crime -- and since it was so glaring and obviously would end up being tied into the ending, it just jumped out at me that much more, and made the whole thing all the more predictable.

Also, why did we not get any kind of wrap up for Jill or Elyse? Everyone else got their story told in the epilogue, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who wondered about these two. Even if a sequel is in the works featuring one of them, I would still expect to have two such major characters included in the ending.

Add all of this to the fact that there were way too many coincidences to be believable and the fact that Monty was more arrogant and condescending than in the previous book, and I think Andrea Kane could've done a much better job.