I love Carrie Stuart Parks’ books! Woman in Shadow, a 2021 release, has been calling my name since it was available. I am so glad I finally took the time to read it. If you are a fan of romantic suspense this one is a must read!
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.
As the shadows continue moving in, pieces of the town around her come into sharper focus. To make it out alive, Darby must decide if she can trust the one man who sees her clearly.
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. They travel internationally, teaching forensic art to a variety of participants: from the Secret Service to the FBI, from large law enforcement agencies to the smallest two-man departments in their one-week classes. They are the largest instructors of forensic art in the world. Carrie has won numerous awards for her innovative teaching methods and general career excellence and is a signature member of the Idaho Watercolor Society.
My Impressions:
Woman in Shadow kept me guessing! This twisting romantic suspense had it all — a mysterious disappearance, earthquakes, dramatic rescues, and dangers around every turn. But the best thing about the novel is the main character, Darby Graham. Most of the story is told through Darby’s first person voice. I loved her perspective on the goings on, complete with wit to lighten all the bad things happening. Darby is a forensic linguist — a fascinating occupation — who has been trying to overcome her past and past mistakes. Sent to the remote Idaho ranch, she is tasked with determining why odd and dangerous things seem to be occurring. She gets much more than she expects when the danger ratchets up putting her in harms way. I like that Parks created a vulnerable, yet resourceful character in Darby. Her faith has faltered along the way, but she learns to rely on God, as well as her own instincts. There is also a great love interest for Darby that will have you cheering them on. As I stated, I did not solve this whodunit — to my delight I was completely surprised! Although there is a reference to an organization first mentioned in Relative Silence, Woman in Shadow is a standalone. Good news for all those who want to dive into this book right away. And I highly recommend you do!
Highly recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I received an ebook version from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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