Detective Joe Tanner is investigating five cold-case murders of young women that occurred in the Los Angeles area several years back. When he uncovers a hidden clue at the last crime scene that connects all the cases, he knows there's a serial killer out there who could strike again. Approaching a local reporter, Tanner hopes to flush out the killer by publishing what he's discerned about the brutal murders. It doesn't take long for the killer, who's been trying to control his inner demons since that last murder in 2007, to contact the reporter. And thus starts the intricate cat-and-mouse game between Tanner and the malevolent man who's dubbed himself the Dark Wind Killer.

Because of what she experienced in her troubled past, respected psychologist Claire Bowen now works to help battered and abused women put their lives back together. Her second husband, Robert, is a pilot. Claire feels their marriage would be perfect, if only they could have a child. But lately Robert has been unusually moody after being hailed a local hero for an unselfish act of courage. Claire finds his attitude unnerving and out of character, and when she can't get him to talk to her about it, so she agrees to let a private detective friend look into his background. Who is Robert Bowen, and what is he hiding from his wife? The revelations are nothing short of devastating, not only for Claire, but for everyone else Robert knows.

Rick Mofina has another sure-fire winner in INTO THE DARK, a psychological thriller I could not put down. Even though readers know early on who the evil culprit is, reading his point-of-view and the plot's progression as his identity is finally uncovered is what keeps the pages turning at a rapid pace. This is the third book written by Mofina that I've reviewed, and I will definitely be reading more.

Book Summary

The sole survivor of a heartbreaking family tragedy...

Claire Bowen, a haunted psychologist, devotes her life to helping troubled women rebuild theirs. But her dream of a family with her new husband, Robert, a pilot and local hero, begins to crumble as disturbing revelations from his past emerge.

And a grieving cop who lures a killer from the shadows...

Detective Joe Tanner, struggling to overcome his wife's death while raising their little girl alone, heads the task force formed to stop the monster who has resurfaced with a chilling message.

Race the clock in a life–and–death struggle to save the next victim...

In the wake of five cold–case murders across Los Angeles, one of Claire's most promising patients vanishes. Gut instinct tells Tanner the truth is within his grasp, while Claire is torn between guilt and terror over what's to come. As time runs out, both are pulled deeper and deeper into an unspeakable darkness.