Darby Graham was a forensic linguist, but now works for the mysterious Clan Fenian. She has been sent to the Mule Shoe Dude Ranch, an exclusive art retreat in the mountains of Idaho, both for her own benefit and to investigate a series of accidents.
The story is told in two points of view–Darby is first person and Bram is third person. This felt a little jerky at first, especially at the first switch from Darby to Bram), but I got used to it pretty quickly and it didn’t bother me after that. If anything, the switch from first to third was a subconscious cue that the point of view had changed … because I tended to miss the obvious cue, like the new chapter.
#FastReaderProblems
The retreat is very back-to-nature, with no cell phone reception and no internet access. Also no television, radio, electricity, or modern sewerage. There is no road in, just a trail that’s suitable for horses and the occasional horse and cart bringing up supplies. Other than that, access is by helicopter.
It’s the perfect setup for a suspense novel …
The accidents Darby was sent to investigate keep happening, and there are a couple of instances that seem more like someone trying to frighten her off. Then there are the earthquakes – the ranch is only fifteen miles from Yellowstone, so some degree of volcanic activity is to be expected.
But, as someone who lives within erupting distance of another of the world’s supervolcanoes, I can tell you that you can’t feel most earthquakes. When you can feel them, it’s time to get worried.
The story was effectively a closed room mystery, like Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (I haven’t read the book, but have seen a movie adaptation). In typical Christie style, there is a Big Reveal where Darby finally puts together all the clues and uncovers the real evildoer–predictably, the character I least expected, but one who make perfect sense.
Woman in Shadow is yet another excellent thriller by Carrie Stuart Parks, who never fails to impress me with her heroines. #ChristianThriller #BookReview Click To TweetI’ve read several other novels by Carrie Stuart Parks, and she never fails to impress me with her heroines. They are intelligent and brave, and usually have a unique skill and fascinating skill or occupation. Darby is no exception. This is backed up by a tight and effective plot, outstanding writing, and the occasional welcome drop of humour.
The real heroes of this story are Holly and Maverick, the “stray” dogs Darby adopts as the story starts and takes to the ranch. They prove all the old sayings about dogs as protectors and friends.
Recommended for suspense readers, especially dog lovers.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
About Woman in Shadow
A woman off the grid.
Darby Graham thinks she’s on a much-needed vacation in remote Idaho to relax. But before she even arrives at the ranch, an earthquake strikes—her first clue that something is amiss. Then when a cabin on the edge of town is engulfed in flames and problems at the ranch escalate, Darby finds herself immersed in a chilling mystery.
A town on fire.
A serial arsonist sends taunting letters to the press after each fire. As a forensic linguist, this is Darby’s area of expertise . . . but the scars it’s caused her also the reason she’s trying to escape from her life.
A growing darkness.
As the shadows continue to move in, the pieces of the town around her come into sharper focus. Can she trust the one man who sees her clearly?
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Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award winning artist, writer, speaker, and law enforcement instructor. A Certified Forensic Artist, she met her husband, Rick, in the romantic hallways of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Together they formed a dynamic and successful team in their fine and forensic art, working on major national and international cases and creating exquisite watercolors and stone carvings.
