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Rarity Cove #3
In Dark Water
One year after the tragic loss of her husband, Mercer Leighton returns home to Rarity Cove to be near family and resume her former job at the St. Clair resort. Feeling adrift in life, what she doesn’t count on is being witness to a double murder in nearby Charleston’s French Quarter.
Charleston Homicide Detective Noah Ford is no stranger to the dark, violent side of humanity. Nor is he happy about the lone eyewitness in his investigation being part of one of the South Carolina Lowcountry’s most prominent families. However, when an attempt is made on the beautiful widow’s life, Noah vows to protect her.
As it becomes increasingly clear that the killer will stop at nothing to eliminate the witness, Noah also begins to suspect the presence of a traitor in his own department. After a stunning betrayal, he is forced to take Mercer into hiding to keep her alive. As the two fight for survival, they also fight the simmering attraction between them.
But the killer is out there, and he refuses to give up.
Charleston Homicide Detective Noah Ford is no stranger to the dark, violent side of humanity. Nor is he happy about the lone eyewitness in his investigation being part of one of the South Carolina Lowcountry’s most prominent families. However, when an attempt is made on the beautiful widow’s life, Noah vows to protect her.
As it becomes increasingly clear that the killer will stop at nothing to eliminate the witness, Noah also begins to suspect the presence of a traitor in his own department. After a stunning betrayal, he is forced to take Mercer into hiding to keep her alive. As the two fight for survival, they also fight the simmering attraction between them.
But the killer is out there, and he refuses to give up.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
122 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Tentler
12 books356 followersLeslie Tentler is the author of seven novels, including the Rarity Cove series (BEFORE THE STORM, LOW TIDE, and IN DARK WATER), FALLEN, and the Chasing Evil Trilogy (MIDNIGHT CALLER, MIDNIGHT FEAR, and EDGE OF MIDNIGHT). She was a finalist for Best First Novel at ThrillerFest 2012, and is a two-time finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Award of Excellence. A native of East Tennessee, she currently resides in Atlanta.
Visit Leslie and sign up for her newsletter at www.LeslieTentler.com.
"Taut, page-turning suspense and heart-stopping romance: Leslie Tentler is a rising star of romantic suspense." - New York Times Bestselling Author Allison Brennan
Visit Leslie and sign up for her newsletter at www.LeslieTentler.com.
"Taut, page-turning suspense and heart-stopping romance: Leslie Tentler is a rising star of romantic suspense." - New York Times Bestselling Author Allison Brennan
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 24, 2019
Mercer Leighton, the youngest of the St. Clair siblings, returned to Rarity Cove following her husband’s losing battle with cancer. On the one year anniversary of his death, she releases his ashes and walks the streets of Charleston, reminiscing about some of their good times there. Unfortunately, when she stops in an art gallery to look at a painting by one of their favorite artists, Mercer becomes an unwitting (and unseen) witness to a double murder. Homicide Detective Noah Ford takes immediate steps to shield her identity until they can identify and apprehend the killer.
I was hoping for at least one more book in this series to explore Mercer’s story and was overjoyed when I learned of this release! It surpassed my expectations as she’s a sensitive woman with complicated feelings and Noah is a man with a distinguished past. When the case takes a really bad turn, the story becomes tension filled and the action is ruthlessly scary. But before that, there’s lots of care taken to explore and develop these characters, a lovely slow dance that drew me into both of them.
I’ve loved this series and Tentler is so skilled at suspense writing. The attention to detail is exceptional without sacrificing the pace of the story, providing texture to setting and emotions. I liked how Mercer and Noah’s relationship developed and it wasn’t eclipsed by all that action. It found its rightful place quite well. This book grabbed me so fiercely I read straight through once I reached the 40% mark, finishing in the wee hours. Loved it!
(I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)
I was hoping for at least one more book in this series to explore Mercer’s story and was overjoyed when I learned of this release! It surpassed my expectations as she’s a sensitive woman with complicated feelings and Noah is a man with a distinguished past. When the case takes a really bad turn, the story becomes tension filled and the action is ruthlessly scary. But before that, there’s lots of care taken to explore and develop these characters, a lovely slow dance that drew me into both of them.
I’ve loved this series and Tentler is so skilled at suspense writing. The attention to detail is exceptional without sacrificing the pace of the story, providing texture to setting and emotions. I liked how Mercer and Noah’s relationship developed and it wasn’t eclipsed by all that action. It found its rightful place quite well. This book grabbed me so fiercely I read straight through once I reached the 40% mark, finishing in the wee hours. Loved it!
(I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)
March 5, 2019
A return to Leslie Tentler’s Rarity Cove after so long took a bit of re-orienting, a bit of catching up, but the slow build-up of ‘In Dark Water’ makes it very easy to jump into Mercer Leighton’s and Noah Ford’s story after Mercer unwittingly witnesses a murder and eventually finds herself at the hands of law enforcement as they scramble to take her into protection when it becomes evident that she’s next on the hit list.
There isn’t much unpredictable about the plot however: the homicide detective and widowed witness fall for each other, the leak in the law enforcement ranks, a criminal out for revenge, but I thought the execution of it was quite well done and that alone made the story worth savouring. Mercer and Noah were not just believable together, but Tentler’s measured pacing, the explosive action in the last quarter and the sensitive way she writes of their progressing relationship—adulting is done pretty well here, so no complaints from me—probably made ‘In Dark Water’ my favourite in this series.
My preference for more explicit, lusty smut between them and higher-octane action—essentially higher highs and more breathtaking swoops of passion I guess—that most likely stems from B-grade movie leftovers is probably a petty one, considering how much I liked this. By and large, this latest offering from Tentler reminded me why I do wish her new books could some somewhat faster.
I do like her law enforcement heroes and Noah’s one whom I immediately grouped into this odd, cop-sized shape compartment that I have for them. And while it might be a story that’s probably done in some variation or other, ‘In Dark Water’ is one I’ll remember for some time.
There isn’t much unpredictable about the plot however: the homicide detective and widowed witness fall for each other, the leak in the law enforcement ranks, a criminal out for revenge, but I thought the execution of it was quite well done and that alone made the story worth savouring. Mercer and Noah were not just believable together, but Tentler’s measured pacing, the explosive action in the last quarter and the sensitive way she writes of their progressing relationship—adulting is done pretty well here, so no complaints from me—probably made ‘In Dark Water’ my favourite in this series.
My preference for more explicit, lusty smut between them and higher-octane action—essentially higher highs and more breathtaking swoops of passion I guess—that most likely stems from B-grade movie leftovers is probably a petty one, considering how much I liked this. By and large, this latest offering from Tentler reminded me why I do wish her new books could some somewhat faster.
I do like her law enforcement heroes and Noah’s one whom I immediately grouped into this odd, cop-sized shape compartment that I have for them. And while it might be a story that’s probably done in some variation or other, ‘In Dark Water’ is one I’ll remember for some time.
February 6, 2019
Mercer Leighton has been widowed for a year and has returned to Rarity Cove where she witnesses a shooting at an art gallery. She manages to hide from the killer and survive. When her identity becomes known to the killer, a member of an extremist paramilitary group who will stop at nothing to eliminate the only witness to the shooting, Mercer has to run for her life. Homicide Det Noah Ford has vowed to protect her.
This is a great romantic suspense novel that kept me turning the pages. There is a surprise at the end, I thought I had figured out but I was wrong.
This is a great romantic suspense novel that kept me turning the pages. There is a surprise at the end, I thought I had figured out but I was wrong.
February 22, 2019
An ok suspense with an ok romance. I liked the premise of having Mercer's story told, but sadly this didn't live up to my expectations. The romance was very luke warm. Honestly, the suspense was luke warm in places as well, with the exception for the ending.
February 5, 2019
It's that time of year again - when Leslie Tentler publishes a new book! Was very excited to see that we were getting a third Rarity Cove novel and that this time it is Mercer who is centre stage.
In Dark Water starts on a very sombre note, with scenes reintroducing us to Mercer and her brothers Mark and Carter from the first two books. We catch up with a little of their lives now. Then I turned the page and the action hit me in the face! Mercer is the sole witness to a double murder. Detective Noah Ford is assigned to the case. The murders could be very sensitive indeed and so he arranges for Mercer to be taken to the St Clair hotel until he can take her statement. The only trouble is her location is leaked and an attempt is made on her life. From here on in it was a game of cat and mouse, trying to figure out who the murderer was and who may have been behind it.
Whilst running for their lives Mercer and Ford form a bond together, not the run-through-the-woods-and-stop-to-have-sex bond but a bond based on mutual respect/friendship and need. I liked that Ms Tentler kept the physical parts to the appropriate moments in the storyline - no eyerolling here! I also liked that Mercer was the subtle aggressor in the relationship whilst Noah wrestled with and maintained his professionalism.
Ms Tentler writes the romantic suspense I love to read and having read all her books I can honestly say she can still catch me out stuffing a surprise or two in - a tall order when I mostly read RS. A great end to the trilogy.
In Dark Water starts on a very sombre note, with scenes reintroducing us to Mercer and her brothers Mark and Carter from the first two books. We catch up with a little of their lives now. Then I turned the page and the action hit me in the face! Mercer is the sole witness to a double murder. Detective Noah Ford is assigned to the case. The murders could be very sensitive indeed and so he arranges for Mercer to be taken to the St Clair hotel until he can take her statement. The only trouble is her location is leaked and an attempt is made on her life. From here on in it was a game of cat and mouse, trying to figure out who the murderer was and who may have been behind it.
Whilst running for their lives Mercer and Ford form a bond together, not the run-through-the-woods-and-stop-to-have-sex bond but a bond based on mutual respect/friendship and need. I liked that Ms Tentler kept the physical parts to the appropriate moments in the storyline - no eyerolling here! I also liked that Mercer was the subtle aggressor in the relationship whilst Noah wrestled with and maintained his professionalism.
Ms Tentler writes the romantic suspense I love to read and having read all her books I can honestly say she can still catch me out stuffing a surprise or two in - a tall order when I mostly read RS. A great end to the trilogy.
August 4, 2019
Very well-written romantic suspense novel with wonderful descriptions and details. Mercer and Noah are wonderful characters, both having dealt with pain and loss.The story kept me interested right from the first chapter.There is something about a protective cop that grabs me every time.
Would definitely recommend this book to readers who like strong female characters and handsome, caring, really hot detectives. Excellent book.
Would definitely recommend this book to readers who like strong female characters and handsome, caring, really hot detectives. Excellent book.
February 11, 2022
3.8 stars
I did enjoy this but my attention drifted in places.
This reminded me very much of a Linda Howard suspense novel.
There was a lot of page turning action which I love but somehow the characters didn’t draw me in. They felt a bit too 2 dimensional. A bit stereotypical and predictable. This was the only downside for me and I will definitely pick up another Tentler and give her another go.
I did enjoy this but my attention drifted in places.
This reminded me very much of a Linda Howard suspense novel.
There was a lot of page turning action which I love but somehow the characters didn’t draw me in. They felt a bit too 2 dimensional. A bit stereotypical and predictable. This was the only downside for me and I will definitely pick up another Tentler and give her another go.
February 7, 2019
This is a great addition to the Rarity Cove series. It’s an exciting romantic suspense. I found it to be very entertaining. The plot is very well written and the characters are well developed. I recommend it highly. I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
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October 15, 2023I’m happy Mercer got her book! I started off enjoying it, but I got busy. By the time I came back, I was no longer in a reading mood or in the mood for more romantic suspense so I skimmed until the end. My reading thoughts of what I did read are on the reading updates!
February 7, 2019
I thought this book was by far best in series
February 8, 2019
Great book
This was a really good book. I liked the series and would definitely recommend it.
Great story with a bit of suspense and romance.
This was a really good book. I liked the series and would definitely recommend it.
Great story with a bit of suspense and romance.
February 11, 2019
Really good read
Characters and villains all very believable. The low country provides a sensual as well as sinister setting. The grandchildren hide all kinds of dangers
Characters and villains all very believable. The low country provides a sensual as well as sinister setting. The grandchildren hide all kinds of dangers
February 19, 2019
Good Series
I enjoyed all 3 books in this series. I have found another author to read. I'm looking forward to reading more books from Ms. Tentler.
I enjoyed all 3 books in this series. I have found another author to read. I'm looking forward to reading more books from Ms. Tentler.
April 4, 2019
Really liked it
Action pack, laced with romance. Just how I like it. I've read book 1 already which was good but I loved the chemistry between these two.
Action pack, laced with romance. Just how I like it. I've read book 1 already which was good but I loved the chemistry between these two.
July 3, 2022
This was great! Wish there was a sequel!!
February 26, 2024
This has been a fantastic series!!!:)
April 5, 2024
Meh. Super predictable, kind of cheesy. -KM
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews