Woman in Shadow

By Carrie Stuart Parks

Published by:  Thomas Nelson

Release Date: July 13, 2021

336 Pages

HashTag# Tragic Dramas, Romantic Suspense, Christian Mystery, Forensic linguist, Mule Shoe lodge

BACK COVER: Award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks combines her expertise as a forensic artist with her talent for crafting a gripping story in this page-turning web of light and 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. Then a barn on the edge of town is engulfed in flames and strange problems at the ranch begin to escalate, and Darby finds herself immersed in a chilling mystery.

A town on fire. More fires erupt around town, and a serial arsonist sends taunting letters to the press after each. As a forensic linguist, this is Darby’s area of expertise . . . but the scars her work has caused her are also the reason she’s trying to escape her life. A growing darkness. 

NORA’S REVIEW: I like how this author quickly engages readers with her endearing characters and sweeps them onto a Ranch in the middle of nowhere. I enjoyed the mysteriously deadly situation in the hills as we meet Darby Graham, a woman trying to cope with PTSD (survived an unimaginable event) and is a forensic linguist. Not only that, but I’m always fascinated at how the author weaves her expertise as a forensic artist into her stories. It’s amazing what someone can discover when she delves into matters. I couldn’t put this fast-paced, intriguing story down. I loved how this author blends mystery, humor, suspense, and the hint of romance in the mix.

Deputy Bram White is aware of the problems at Mule Shoe Ranch, but he is also investigating a serial arsonist. After getting more information about Darby Graham, Bram listens to her analyses of the situation. He can’t overlook all the “accidents” that have happened at the Ranch in such a short time. Things could turn deadly if they aren’t careful. Deputy White and Darby Graham try to narrow down what they are looking for. Was it an arsonist who is also a killer, or was it a separate perpetrator altogether?

I enjoyed the splash of romance and how both wounded souls are trying to heal their hearts before they can go forward in the romance department. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns, and I liked how these two unlikely partners work together to fight crime. This is a fun standalone story and one that would work well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org