Thursday, September 12, 2019

Review - Chasing Shadows

Title:   Chasing Shadows
Author:  Karen Harper
Series:  South Shores #1
Genre:   Mystery/Thrillers
Publisher:  Mira
Format:  Audiobook
No. of Pages:   364
Date of Publication:  November 29, 2016
My Rating:  4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The dead still talk if you know how to listen… 

Every case that Claire Britten cracks is a win, not only professionally but personally. The forensic psychologist has spent a lifetime fighting a neurological disorder, and her ability to conquer it is a testament to her razor-sharp intuition.

Nick Markwood is used to winning in the courtroom, so when his latest case is overthrown by Claire's expert testimony, he can't help being impressed by her skill. He needs her on the team of his passion project—investigating unusual cases involving mysterious deaths. Her condition doesn't deter him, and neither does the attraction that sparks between them…even if it should.

As they join forces to investigate a murder in St. Augustine, Florida, Claire is thrust into a situation far more dangerous than she'd anticipated, pushing her disorder to a breaking point. Just when she fears she can't trust her own mind, she discovers Nick's personal connection to the case—and wonders whether she can trust anyone at all.

MY THOUGHTS:

Claire Britten has just won a pivotal case. As a forensic psychologist, her word is highly valued. She squared off against Nick Markwood in the courtroom. Little does Claire realize that Nick will play a very important role in her immediate and long-term future. Upon leaving the courtroom, Claire faces a life and death situation. As Nick had a business proposition for her, he was able to get to her right away and all but saved her life.

When Nick outlines his proposal to Claire, she really would like to consider it. However, if she takes the case, she will have to be away from her four-year-old daughter for a bit. But, that is not what she really needs to convey to Nick. Claire has narcolepsy and catalepsy. She has fought these illnesses for years and has finally been able to manage them effectively.

Claire needs for Nick to understand and accept her limitations. Because she was not honest with her husband about these things, her marriage deteriorated and she is now divorced. Her ex, Jace, a co-pilot on an international airline, makes certain to continue to be a part of her life, much to her consternation.

As it stands, Claire takes Nick's job investigating a questionable suicide. The situation could possibly be murder and Nick is hoping that Claire can use her exceptional skills to investigate the situation, and this includes interviewing several people. Rather soon Claire discovers that Nick has a personal investment in the case. No doubt this will be quite stressful for Claire, and stress is the one thing that can set her symptoms off.

Chasing Shadows is the first book in the South Shores series. There are currently six books written and it is my hopes to read each and every one of them. This book has a great mystery, a creepy gothic feel and plenty of twists and turns. Furthermore, Jace just won't go away, and that adds a different spin to this story. The book evolves into one of romantic suspense, especially as Claire becomes more and more aware of Nick's strong attraction to her.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series soon, Drowning Tides. I have to do this post-haste because this story ends with a terrifying cliffhanger. I am glad that I have the opportunity to read the second book immediately. I feel bad for readers in this series when it started, because the cliffhanger is a zinger!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY.

5 comments:

  1. Seems like a book I might like.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great review, Oh this one looks and sounds absolutely fantastic. I am really glad you fully enjoyed reading this book. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.

    ReplyDelete