Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is stalking her.
Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.
Patricia Bradley, in her own words:
I am a Romantic Suspense writer living in the Deep South. My short-stories have been published in Woman’s World, and I have finished one book, Shadows from the Past which is set in Memphis and the surrounding area.
It has won several awards…the 2008 Maggie (Inspirational Category)…1st Place in the 2012 Touched By Love and Daphne du Maurier contests…finaled in the 2012 Genesis…bronzed in the Frasier.
Currently, I am working on a second book, Shadows of Love set in the same area but featuring different characters. And…I’m doing the unthinkable–writing a straight romance–who would’ve thought it’d be such fun?
I’m also an abstinence/healthy relationship speaker and have spoken to many students…and adults. When I’m not writing or speaking, I throw mud on a wheel and try to make something beautiful.
My Impressions:
Shadows of The Past is Patricia Bradley’s first novel. Set in Memphis and northern Mississippi, I have had this one on my TBR list for a while (my husband is a Mississippi native). When I was chosen to review Bradley’s second book in this series, I knew it was time to dig in. Glad I did! If you like romantic suspense, be sure to put Patricia Bradley’s books at the top of your list. She has it all — complex characters, twisting mystery/suspense and a hard-fought romance.
Taylor Martin left her childhood home and painful memories far behind. Now a sought after professor and police profiler she becomes involved with a case a little too close for comfort. A stalker, new clues in her father’s disappearance and a popular suspense writer bring her back to Logan Point to find the truth. Nick Sinclair wants to protect his brother and clear his name. Nick is sure that Scott could not be involved in kidnapping, assault and murder, but evidence continues to mount. When Taylor and Nick get together to get to the bottom of the mystery they discover more than they bargained for, including a growing romantic attraction.
Bradley explores addiction, greed, and obsession in Shadows of The Past. As the story develops the reader is given clues. I liked the seemingly unrelated puzzle pieces that had to be shifted around to figure out just what the whole truth was. The romantic thread is credible; the characters are reluctant to open their hearts to one more heartache and don’t rush into romantic involvement. I also liked that several characters struggle with trusting God. Past experiences keep them from trusting His goodness and love. The growth in their spiritual life seemed natural, and the truth presented by other characters was never preachy.
Similar in writing style to Terri Blackstock, Patricia Bradley is a good choice for fans of romantic suspense. I am looking forward to returning to Logan Point in book 2 in the series, A Promise to Protect.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased this book for my Kindle. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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I’m glad to read your good review. This book is in my current library pile. I’ve been following Patricia on Twitter for awhile, and thought I’d check out her book.
Enjoy the book. I am looking forward to book #2 too!