You thought your little girl was safe at summer camp. You were wrong…
The little girl drags her eyes open, realizing she’s starting to fade. She tries calling out—“Daddy?”—using all her remaining strength. But she’s too late and her voice just isn’t loud enough…
When Detective Madison Harper arrives at a remote summer camp in Shadow Falls, northern California, her heart breaks for Jenny, the sweet little girl last seen splashing in the lake with her friends before she vanished. Peering into the silent cabins filled with rows of neatly made beds, Madison knows this idyllic place is hiding a terrible secret.
The girl’s parents are distraught, and the local police have no leads—they desperately need Madison’s help. She’ll do whatever it takes to crack this case because it’s the only way back to the son she lost to the care system years ago when she was framed for a crime she didn’t commit.
But with the camp staff keeping tight-lipped and her new partner on the edge of a breakdown, Madison can’t find any truth to her instinct that there is more to Jenny’s perfect parents than meets the eye. Until she discovers a disturbing family portrait Jenny drew at the local library. Was this angelic girl more troubled than anybody knew? Was she in danger from those she trusted most?
One thing is certain if Madison doesn’t find the answers soon, the lives of more innocent children will be at risk…
Titles in the Detective Madison Harper series include – Shadow Falls – Cry For Help –
Title: Shadow Falls
Series: Detective Madison Harper #1
Author: Wendy Dranfield
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Published: January 25, 2021
Publisher: Bookouture
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Shadow Falls begins the Detective Madison Harper series with a chilling story that will hold you tightly in its grip and not let go. If that Cover Description Blurb doesn’t grab your attention then I guarantee the book certainly will. I received an ARC of Shadow Falls and also purchased it this morning when it went live – so, yeah I was completely captivated by the stories of Madison, Nate, and Jenny.
There are stories within the main mystery/thriller story as we get Madison’s and Nate’s backstories as well. Both were falsely accused of crimes, both spent time in prison, and both are actively trying to find out why and who framed them years earlier. Now they’re working together as private investigators while still pursuing their own personal cases.
As with any of my Mystery reviews, I’ll not be giving you details – those you should discover firsthand for yourself. I can say that Shadow Falls is one intense, page-flipping story that will draw you in very easily.
Jenny’s disappearance is most parents’ nightmare, yet Madison (and we) get a different feel about Jenny’s mom and dad. There is far more beneath the surface and we will begin to build anticipation from the start. Shadow Falls gave me chills. And not the good kind but the kind that will have you looking over your shoulder and staring deeper into the shadows kind of chills. There are twists, turns, and definitely red herrings here… and that conclusion. Simply amazing, with the added feel of icy shivers up your spine.
The second story, Cry For Help, is out in February 2021 so we don’t have long before we can dive back into this world once again. If you love a really good mystery with twists that you will not see coming, then Shadow Falls is perfect for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Bookouture via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I own a Kindle edition of this title as well as an ARC.
Available for the Kindle
