Black Out    by Lisa Unger Order:  USA  Can Shaye Areheart, 2008 (2008) Hardcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Joan Burton Ophelia March was a young girl who made mistakes. Neither of her parents wanted children, so they didn't know how to raise her. Her father, a tattoo artist and a pathological liar, abandoned the family when Ophelia was just a toddler. Her mother was always searching for love, and found it with a serial killer, Frank Geary, who was sitting on death row. She was obsessed with his innocence, and obtained a new trial for him, which eventually led him to freedom. Ophelia was embarrassed by her mother's wanting to free a killer. He was accused of killing many women. Ophelia feared for herself and her mother. Eventually Frank's son Marlowe came to live with them in their small trailer. After a time he was manipulating both women. Ophelia was afraid of him and at the same time mesmerized by him. She made the wrong choice and her fate was written. On the run with Marlowe, Ophelia witnessed atrocities that left her numb. Ophelia died and became someone else. Annie Powers married her saviour and lived in a beautiful upscale community on the waterfront in Florida. She has a beautiful four-year-old daughter named Victory and everything about her lifestyle signals success. But Annie is not meant to be happy. She starts seeing signs from her past, indicating that Marlowe, long dead, is stalking her. Her panic attacks take her back into therapy. Her husband Gray has the survival skills and income to keep her safe. After a prowler is spotted on their property, Detective Harrison opens an investigation. He does not like what he finds out about the Powers and Annie does not trust the detective. Annie must follow her instincts but things are not always what they seem to be. Annie must face her demons but do whatever it takes to protect her daughter. Black Out is a fast paced thriller with plenty of action. Just when you think you have it figured out, the plot takes another direction. This is one of Unger's best. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews