WINNER, IRDA Mystery/Suspense/Thriller awardLonglisted, 2020 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best NovelSemi-finalist Publisher’s Weekly BookLife PrizeSemi-finalist Kindle Book AwardsFinalist, Wishing Shelf Book Awards
How well do you know those closest to you?
Jessica McDonald appears to have it all: a successful London banking career, a happy marriage, and good friends.
Then a terrorist bombing rocks … London banking career, a happy marriage, and good friends.
Then a terrorist bombing rocks London in the wake of the Brexit referendum.
She narrowly escapes injury and tends to others wounded at the scene, too shocked to process what has happened. Lacking support from her husband in the aftermath, she turns to her new work colleague Will Johnston for comfort, setting her personal and professional lives on a collision course with unforeseen and explosive consequences.
Jessica barely has time to recover before another tragedy hits: her beloved father suddenly dies of a heart attack in Edinburgh, and she rushes to her mother’s side to comfort her.
Waiting for Jessica in her father’s personal effects are instructions in code and the key to a safety deposit box. As she follows the clues her father left behind, Jessica uncovers secrets that will upend the foundations of her life—and put her in grave danger.
Forced from her home and job, Jessica flees to the Scottish coast where she tries to piece together a terrifying conspiracy that has personal and global implications.
Can she stop events that could topple the political establishment of the country? Or will terror succeed?
Shadow of Doubt is perfect for fans of Rachel Caine, LJ Ross, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben and Faith Martin. Grab your copy today!
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This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Shadow of Doubt
Author: S L Beaumont
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 17 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I loved that was not just a plot-led thriller but also a character-led story. The hero, Jessica, is an enthralling character, brave, flawed, facing up to her problems as best she can. I think the author is excellent at knowing what a reader wants.’ Male reader, aged 37
‘Intense, exciting, thoroughly enjoyable novel.’ Female reader, aged 29
‘This is a well-plotted thriller that starts of rather slowly but gathers pace in the second half. With tiny elements of the De Vinci Code, this is a complex thriller, both emotionally and in terms of plot. I thought it was well-written, well-planned and very entertaining.’ Male reader, aged 65
‘Excellent mystery which I enjoyed. First half of the book very different to the second. I liked the second half best, particularly the excellent ending.’ Male reader, aged 34
To Sum It Up:
‘A cleverly plotted, complex thriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Excellent, edge of your seat suspense! Jessica, you’re too curious!
August 7, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
I loved this fast-paced story set in London and Scotland! The intelligent heroine is intrepid, maybe more than is good for her, and gets caught up in an unfolding, dangerous situation that is out of her control. I liked the romance, too! Dastardly villains, thugs, and power crazed fanatics, she deals with them all. The writing was flawless and tight, drawing me in from the first horrific City shocker and keeping me right through to the hopeful, healing end. Note there is some animal cruelty and violence, including spousal abuse, but it is all integral to Jessica’s story.
This was the first work I’d read by the author and I would definitely look to read others. Awesome
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
This is a compelling page-turner! This story was so intriguing I could not put it down. This story has everything that we fear is actually happening today! A fabulous story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! This book will make you question just how well you know your loved ones.
Ripped from today’s headlines – Hidden agendas abound in SL Beaumont’s latest book. Brexit, a free Scotland, and terrorists, oh my! This one will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you haven’t read any of her other books, check them out – after you read this fast-paced thriller. But be forewarned, prepare to be so drawn into the story that you can’t put it down until you are done reading it.
A fantastic read – I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Brilliant character development and twists until the end, the plot races along, I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book from S L Beaumont.