Evil is closer than you think.Psychologist, Mollie Roark, had it all. A hotshot husband, a beautiful daughter, a successful career, and a fancy house on the Napa hillside. She’d finally made it. Left her troubled past and her crazy father far behind her.But two years ago, the unspeakable happened. Her daughter’s burned body turned up on the shores of Lake Berryessa just days after her fifteenth … days after her fifteenth birthday. The police seem certain Dakota fell victim to the Shadow Man, the prolific serial killer who had terrorized the Napa Valley for two decades. Mollie’s normal life is now anything but. Childless, divorced, and unemployed, she’s barely staying afloat. She’s got one mission. To find the scumbag who killed her daughter and make him pay.
When a mysterious old man shows up at her door seeking absolution and promising answers, it’s impossible to resist. But the deeper she goes inside his mind, the shakier her sanity becomes. Everyone is a suspect. No one is innocent. Because Mollie knows evil may be as close as her own shadow.
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Mollie Roark is a Psychologist, but she can’t help herself after her fifteen year old daughter, Dakota, is brutally murdered. Everyone thinks that her killer is the elusive Shadow Man and Mollie is determined to discover his identity. But, in Mollie’s own words, “I’m a chip off the old cuckoo block.” Mollie has fallen into a deep depression, coupled with alcohol abuse, and just might be crazier than her father.
Mollie’s father suffers the demons of PTSD from the Vietnam War and Mollie has long given up on a true relationship with him. He still thinks that Charlie is after him and his property is full of booby traps to take care of that problem.
As Mollie delves deeper and deeper into the mystery surrounding the Shadow Man, she finds out that Dakota was also obsessed with this serial killer. Mollie meets several others who make up the online chat group that is trying to identify him. But, is one of those people the real killer? Or is it someone much closer to home?
Ellery Kane is a great writer and her stories pull you in to the darker recesses of her characters’ minds. Through dangerous habits and even more dangerous situations, you feel their emotions while at the same time wanting to give them a good shake.
Even though I thought I had figured out the identity of the Shadow Man before the end of the book, I still kept reading to see how the author wrapped up the story. And, I’m glad I did since the ending was definitely not what I expected! If you enjoy a fast-paced thriller with dark, emotionally fragile characters, give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Every time I pick up a psychological thriller by Ellery Kane I know I’m in for a wild ride… This book was absolutely no exception. This book had more twists and turns than a mountain road, and more chilling revelations than you could anticipate. It is terrifically well written, but the greatest thing I can say about this book is that I had no idea where it was going or how it would end… Even as it was being revealed. Absolutely fantastic!!
I enjoyed reading this story. It is an emotional side to it and shows how some people struggle in a way you would never guess they do. Mollie is bound and determined to find the person who wrecked her life by killing her daughter. There are different POVs in this story, which helped the storyline accomplish what it set out to do. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
This is the first book I read by Ellery Kane and I was very positively surprised. The book covers the horrors of the Vietnam war and the mental problems caused by the atrocities seen and done during that time and at the same time develops the plot/action regarding the murders of 17 girls in a most horrific manner. It also shows the difficulties imposed on a family relationship when there is betrayal, lies and alcoholism and how a teenager deals with it. It´s interesting to see how the story develops (without being repetitive) from several angles one completing the other. It´s a sad story with a positive ending. Just loved reading it!
I received a copy of this book from the author through Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is a really intense and compelling story that absolutely had me shaking in my boots! I could not put this book down until the end and then, I could not stop thinking about the book, its characters and I admit, I had trouble sleeping. I am hoping for more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Having read this author before I was quick in opening this one up. This also happens to be the season perfect for reading such as this. Evil and terror are ones that you make sure you are wrapped up good in a blankie for courage lol. This one also will pull at your heart and make you sit up straighter at times. Mollie is one that you just keep following due to her tribulations. This one is a deep one that will have you scratching your head at times but you really want answers too. I do not know how she keeps her mind to go forth but will can do that I suppose. This is another one that will keep you prisoner until the ending slaps you in the face.
I’ve always been a fan of Ellery’s writing, even though psychological thrillers typically aren’t my goto genre! I think this one might be her best yet, although I really loved the last one in the series as well. Dr. Roarke (female) could really be anyone that has lost someone in a tragic way, lost her marriage, and really doubts anyone around her. I liked her because she was real – she didn’t make stupid decisions that put her in the situation she was in, and wasn’t living her life a certain way because of the tragedy of her mess up childhood like some of the previous heroines in the Daddy’s of Darkness series. This tale was of a woman trying to get to the bottom of her daughters death and figure out how to live life after a horrific tragedy. I loved the way that Ellery took her through her grief, and even helped her in her relationships (without giving anything away). Highly recommend this book!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Shadows Among Us by Ellery Kane
First off I have to say that I am a HUGE fan of Ellery’s writing and especially her Doctors of Darkness series! This book did not disappoint in any way, the characters were fleshed out and relatable and leave you feeling like you know them and are there in the story. What a story it is! Dakota is a teenager who sees something that she cannot unsee and it leaves her feeling that she cannot tell her mother Mollie, Mollie is going through serious stress of her own with her husband and her father who is a Vietnam Vet who has some serious PTSD… this is told in before and after point of views from Dakota’s experiences. I absolutely loved reading this and did not want to put it down until I knew who took Dakota and what was going to happen to them in the end…. the end!!! Wait till you get to the end wooweee, what an ending it is! Awesome read! Cannot wait to read what this author comes up with next!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. It will in no way impact my thoughts.
Every time I need something this author pops up with a new book. I’ve been in the mood for creepy reads and then I get an email for this! I swear I think Ellery Kane can read my mind.
I’ve been following this author pretty much from the beginning and let me tell you, this is her best work! She improves so much every book that I’m always blown away and this one is no exception!
Mollie is so strong. I mean even after all she’s been through she keeps going. I’d have lost my mind by that point. I would’ve totally fallen apart. So the characters are epic and flushed out as usual and that ending! No spoilers I swear but that ending was exactly what was needed for this story. The writing flows smoothly, no boring parts and the tension in some areas is palpable and delicious.
Bottom line, perfection!
I absolutely love this author’s Doctors of Darkness series and book 4 puts the C in Creepy for sure and it knocks the others right out of the ballpark. If you love Psychological stories then this one will blow your mind and keep you on your toes for sure. And nothing is given away it honestly keeps you wondering who done it throughout. It will have your heart going out to the family and those who endure the pain of what this monster causes. Mollie is one strong woman although she falters now and then. A mother who seeks revenge, and a daughter who is betrayed? Or is it?
Wow-what an amazing story. I can not wait to see what this author gives us next.
Because this one could give me nightmares till then… Shadowman !!