FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FAMISHED”Dark and intense, with an M. Night Shyamalan-level twist.”~Kristen Mae, bestselling author of the Conch Garden seriesOLD SINS. NEW BLOOD.Deputy Sheriff William Shannahan doesn’t feel like a detective, at least not like the ones he admires on TV. Not that he needs to be; the small town of Graybel, Mississippi, is a peaceful place, with acres of farmland, … Graybel, Mississippi, is a peaceful place, with acres of farmland, neighbors who always take care of their own, and noise from the outside world muted by a hundred miles of forest.
That silence is about to be broken.
When a child is found dead in the woods, the medical examiner deems it a dog attack. But the paw prints belong to something far larger than any creature in the Mississippi forests, and what animal would remove the victim’s eyes? Though no one believes him, William can’t shake the feeling that a human killer lurks in the shadowed woods.
And his girlfriend, Cassie, has a son the same age as the victim.
Cassie Parker was raised amid horrors she’s long pushed from her mind, but her scars won’t let her forget. Nor do the hallucinations, dreams so vivid she can feel and smell and taste them. And no one is more terrified than Cassie when another victim is found mauled to death—because this body has been drained of blood. She knows exactly what type of person would sacrifice a child, and why they’re after hers. But how can she explain it to William?
This is William’s chance to act like a detective, to protect the woman and child he’s desperate to save. Pushing back against prejudice and presumption, he uncovers a trail of cruelty that spans decades, but each clue brings him closer to a truth more horrifying than killer beasts in the forest. For concealed beneath small-town politics is knowledge that will shatter everything he knows to be true about his town—and the people in it.
A compulsively readable thriller in the vein of Cujo, The Girl on the Train, and M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village, Shadow’s Keep is a mind-bending exploration of obsession, desperation, and how far we’ll go to protect those we love.
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Shadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn is a twisted and dark tale that Meghan is so good at writing. Shocking and chilling, thrilling and crazy town have a name and that it Meghan and her imagination. The vividness that is written is compelling and nightmare inducing but you can not stop this crazy ride, page after page is turned to find out what happens. Meghan cleverly infuses clues in her twists and turns that you don’t see until the explosive and shocking end, in fact you can never guess where the story is going so it certainly keeps you on your toes..
I recommend you read this book if you love a thriller that is dark and oh so twisted.
Shadow’s Keep is a novel by Meghan O’Flynn. A first read for me by this author, so this story was like unwrapping a gift. A gift that just kept on giving. The blurb says it all. Desperation, obsession, protection, and much, much more.
William is a detective a little jaded. Things are happening and the evidence doesn’t add up. He is desperate to unravel this mystery, so the town can have closure and to bring an end to the violence and loss. Je has a mammoth task ahead. This hits him personally, as he must protect his girlfriend Cassie and her son. These characters had many layers that were begging to be unveiled. A mystery beckoning.
Shadow’s Keep is a super suspenseful and psychological mystery. It will keep a reader on the edge, bordering on terrified and paranoid, in a totally enthralling way. Fearfully perfect reading. Meghan O’Flynn is a talent that will mess with your mind and have you checking under the bed. 5 stars.
5 Stars
Shadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn is another fantastic thriller from this creative genius. I have relished every moment that I have spent exploring all her books, and this one is definitely one of my favourites. Ms. O’Flynn has a real knack for creating a story that not only is engrossing and completely holds your attention, but she is able to build gripping tension and heart-pounding suspense- and made me breathless with anticipation.
Ms. O’Flynn has woven a compelling, creepy story- full of interconnected details, multiple layers, intrigue, danger, mystery, drama, thrills, and chills. She kept me guessing the whole way through. I devoured the book in one sitting, glued to the pages, desperately trying to figure out what was happening.
I am not going to give anything away, or discuss aspects of the story, as I think the blurb does a better job of that than I could ever do, and without giving away any spoilers- but, I recommend going into the story somewhat ‘blind’ and let yourself get swept away by what you will find.
The story definitely lived up to its promise of being dark and intense- with twists you definitely won’t see coming.
Brilliant!
Thank you, Ms. O’Flynn!
Shadow’s Keep: A Novel
By Meghan O’Flynn
Wow this book took me on a dark and thrilling adventure. This isn’t the first book I have read by this author so I knew this book would be good and it turned out to be great. The author does an amazing job bringing me into the story so much so that I couldn’t put the book down till I finished it. There is definitely an unexpected twist that you won’t see coming even if you think you have it figured out. As I’m reading I’m trying to figure out who the killer is and hoping nobody else gets hurt as if I’m really in this story, that’s how good this author weaves this awesome story. I loved every minute of reading this book and I think you will too. I highly recommend this story it is an amazing read.
Shadow’s Keep is another mind-bending novel by Meghan O’Flynn. I had read her Ash Park series and The Jilted so I thought I was prepared for it … but I wasn’t … I was not prepared for the depth of darkness and creepiness that had soaked into the fibre of the story … the backwoods mentality … the southern mysticism … the power of white men in small communities … the bodies piling up …
Shadow’s Keep is a true Meghan O’Flynn story – small clues that seem insignificant, the twists and turns, the confusion when you look up with tears in your eyes and ask yourself ‘How on Earth is it possible??” and it is … The details that make the big picture, the story flowing from one shocking moment to another and weaving a fabric that feels like it is getting tighter and tighter and you can barely breathe and …
I read the last day chapters two times and I cried … both times … the pictures the words painted … my heart was breaking and nothing could put it back together … A complete masterpiece!
I give Shadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn, 4 stars.
Deputy Sheriff William Shannahan struggles. There are many things holding him back. He feels like he is just playing a role. Until the vicious murders begin in their quiet little town. The first one is labeled a dog attack, but William has his doubts. He has a feeling there’s more to it. Can he discover what is really going on before even more bodies turn up? Or is it just his imagination, like everyone else seems to think?
This a suspense book like nothing I have read before. It is not what you think. It is very obvious from the beginning that William is quite broken. Everything he lived for is gone. But he still wants to serve and protect. So he tries to put aside his troubles for the better of his town. The story itself has William learning many things, taking him deeper into the mystery. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing what it really going on until the end.
If you like suspenseful stories, this book is for you.
Shadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn
5 Stars
I spent a little bit of this book totally confused as to what was going on…when it finally sunk in I was totally hooked. I love this author and her creative storylines. After reading her Ash Park series I was already a forever fan and this one just strengthened that. One of the reasons I love this author so much is because she has taken a genre that I do not read and made me read it and look forward to reading more.
This one creeped me out a bit but I could not put it down, and as always I try to figure it out as I go…well I should have already known that wouldn’t work with this authors writing. The ending totally twisted me up and all the way through i would think aha I got it..just to say in the next few pages…no i don’t LOL
Not going to go into the details of this story..Read it, and if you feel a little confused at some points..Stick with it, it’ll all make sense I promise.
Loved it and can’t wait for more from this amazingly talented author!
Shadow’s Keep: A Novel
By Meghan O’Flynn
Rated 4 stars
This story was a shock to me and my mind is still reeling with the possibilities. I never figured this out. This is a perfectly weaved story of suspense. It opens my eyes to a darker side of life. It’s is a typical Meghan O’Flynn book with amazing characters you want to love and shows the harshness of the world and what happens when those two meet.
The characters are light and fluffy on the surface. It’s the story behind their smile that get me. My main emotion was hope but then it turned to shock while reading. This is very smoothly written and easy to read and follow along. All of this easily draw me into the story and the “unknown” keeps me coming back.
I was left with a few unanswered questions. Things I couldn’t figure out how they happened. I could have missed the answers but I’m not sure. Still a freakishly good story.
A great read about being different. Deputy Sherriff William Shannahan is a police officer in a small sleepy town in America. His life is changed when he stumble over a mauled body of a kid in the woods whilst out running. Everyone else thinks it is simply a dog attack, but William senses something just isn’t right. His fears are confirmed when what was one attack turns into a series of murders even crossing counties. Can he solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. The use of suspense was drawn out to perfection making you want to keep reading to find out what happened.
Well developed characters like Will trying his best but still standing up for himself or Cassie trying to look after her son despite financial troubles. Great cast of supporting characters like the sweet kid of George or the prickly Paterson or the people pleaser Mike.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the natural imagery of the woods full of colour and life and detail and beauty but also hiding dangers. Or the sense of the small town surrounded by farmland and marshes where everyone knows each other but is also isolated, a perfect setting for the horror events. Or the sunrise and sunsets in vibrant colours and beauty written to perfection. or the contrasts between light and dark that were perfectly written and use of shadows to gice an eerie sense to events.
I loved the use of the supernatural throughout the novel with a mix of cultures and red herrings an added sense of mystery and magic. This combination with the realism of policemen and crimes ws perfectly written and made for a enjoyable read. Fast paced action with high stakes make for a highly captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.
Shadow’s Keep by Meghan O’Flynn
4 stars
Another great read by this author! It had me turning pages from beginning to end. I thought I knew the answers and had it all figured out, then another twist happens.
I love the way this author weaves a story and keeps you guessing and on your toes. I cant wait to see what she may have next.
Shadow’s Keep by Megan O’Flynn. Let’s just begin with Megan O’Flynn has become one of my very favorite authors and I can’t wait to read the next book. Her books are amazing and I know when I start one I will not stop until I’m finished. This story was no different. Its the story of Deputy Sheriff William Shannahan in Graybel, Mississippi where the craziest thing that happens is a noise complaint. When a child is found murdered he has to come to the realization there is a killer among them. Cassie Parker has a tortured past and she can’t help be have that creepy feeling that this killer is after her and William will do whatever he can to protect her and her child. This story shows how a safe, small, quiet little town can be full of secrets, lies and murder. This book will keep you thinking long after you’ve read it. I can’t wait for the next Megan O’Flynn book!
5 Star
Shadow’s Keep : A Novel
By : Meghan O’Flynn
Shadow’s Keep By Meghan O’Flynn is an Amazingly written book that will have you on the edge of your seat biting your nails trying to figure out what happens next. I literally couldn’t put it down once I started reading.Get ready for a thrilling suspense book about An investigator named William and a string of murders.This is an intense, dark and very creepy must read! This is not my first book by this Author and definitely won’t be my last
Shadow’s Keep by Meghan O’Flynn
4 Stars
This is the first book that I have read from this author. It is a dark, twisted thriller. It shows the measures people will take to protect the ones they love. The author did an amazing job of keeping you constantly on your toes trying to figure out who the killer is. When you think you have figured it out, you realize that you’re wrong. Something happens that throws you for a loop.
The story takes place in the small town of Graybel, Mississippi. A place where everyone knows everyone and nothing really happens until Deputy Sheriff William Shannahan finds a dead child in the woods. It looks like a dog attack but William has a gnawing in his gut telling him otherwise. The story takes off from there and has so many twists and turns, it will have your head spinning.
The story was detailed and compelling. The author did a fantastic job of hiding clues in plain sight. You only realize them when you finish the book. What a crazy ending! The images I have in my head of those final scenes are the stuff of nightmares. Ms. O’Flynn did an excellent job. I won’t say anything else because I don’t want to ruin the story. I did get a little frustrated with William’s self doubt and constant Elliot Stadler references. It has been a long time that I have read a book in this genre and really enjoyed it. I highly recommend reading this book and I will be looking for other books from this author.
Shadows Keep by Meghan O’Flynn is an exciting and fast paced novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire way through!
Having read books by Meghan O’Flynn before I knew I was in for a seriously good ride anyway. And the blurb to this book sounded better, in my opinion, than any of her others and it absolutely did not disappoint.
More than once I found myself sat there with my heart pounding, hanging off the edge of my seat, hardly daring to read what would happen next. There was never a moment you could be bored with this book. It takes you on such a rollercoaster ride. The twists and turns will leave you gasping for breath. This book is well written with in depth and complex characters. For anyone that likes this type of book Shadows Keep is an absolute yay read.
Dark and twisted, this thriller had me on the edge of my seat for the entire ride. O’Flynn has proven herself to be a masterful storyteller and this latest book is no exception. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The plot twists kept me guessing and the ending was completely unexpected. Loved it!
Shadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn was dark, twisted, shocking and down right amazing!
Not my first read by this author, so I knew going in, that I was in for something crazy. I was not disappointed in the least. After binge reading and watching happy, heart melty Christmas books/movies, I needed this turn into the dark twisty, thriller verse. This book was truly the perfect kick off for the New Year.
There is so much going on in this book that I can’t just pick one thing to focus on, nor can I give anything away. This book like the authors other works, are full of small clues that you think insignificant; to shocking twists you don’t see coming, to of course, that heart pounding, breath catching ending that leaves you not only shocked, but for a moment, a little confused.
The attention to detail was on point, but it’s not something I’m shocked about, as this is a constant staple throughout the authors works. What gets me is the ability to not only have shock factors that you don’t see coming, but the ability to grow them as the story moves forward. Each one plays on your mind, and you almost have to back track to see if you can catch were the author led you astray.
The characters, are well build and multi layered, they make this story real and it’s almost like you’re there, taking part rather than watching. This book is another masterful written thriller, from an amazingly talented author. And if you haven’t guessed, I give this book my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
I loved this book! I love how this author has the ability to pull me in right from the beginning. The twists and turns left me sitting on the edge of my seat. I didn’t know what was going to happen next which made the suspense even more intense for me. This story took me on a journey of a string of murders and William the investigator. I loved his character and his ability to love despite what his past has done to him. This is a creepy, dark must read story you don’t want to miss!
Shadow’s Keep: A Novel
By: Meghan O’Flynn
5 out of 5 stars
The story Shadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn is a thrilling book that I loved reading. It constantly had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Chilling scenes which made tingles go up and down my spines had me wondering if everything is what it seemed to be. I loved reading about the character of Deputy Sheriff William Shannahan. He is a man that can’t fight the feeling that there might be more to the killing that is being called an animal attack. He has a strong will and determination. He also is falling for Cassie Parker. William’s investigation leads him down many roads and it is a puzzle that has many pieces to it. Will he be able to find the glue that puts them all together? Read this story to find out. This book has intense scenes and dialogue. William comes from a small town which includes gossip and politics. William also finds himself trying to deal with those who show indifference. Cassie is an intriguing and fascinating character. She is a woman who has fears and scars. This story had me hooked from the beginning and didn’t let go until I had finished the last page. I highly recommend reading it.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
I finished reading Shadow’s Keep by Meghan O’Flynn three days ago and I’m still asking myself, what the heck did I just read? In Shadow’s Keep description it’s called a compulsively readable thriller. I can definitely say that’s an accurate statement.
The main character, sheriff’s deputy, William Shannahan was not necessarily what you’d think of as a leading man. When he stumbles upon a dead child, he contaminates the crime scene and body in his freak out. He seems driven by fictional tv characters and what they would do. He gets flashbacks from an unsupportive parent often. He’s walked over and treated like crap by his boss, but excuses it because they’re friends. But, despite all his imperfections, he sees a crime that others do not and he’s insistent on pursuing it.
The crimes being investigated are gory and the author does not shy away from any of the hard stuff. The storyline that went with these crimes was twisty, and some parts were totally unexpected. Or, maybe most parts were unexpected. I was caught by surprise when it all was figured out who the bad guy is in this book, and that doesn’t happen often. I will say I was a little distracted by the potential paranormal elements in the story, and was annoyed by them. So, in my focus of this, I missed the more important clues!
If you’re interested in a twisted story that will keep you engaged and turning the pages to find out what’s going to happen next, this book is a must read for you! I enjoyed the author’s writing, and thought she did a great job with the serial killer. This is a dark, gory and twisted storyline so if you’re like me, you’ll love this story!
Rating: 4.5 stars
Shadow’s Keep is even more dark and twisted than I expected. Our protagonist, Deputy Sheriff William Shannahan is likable enough, but seemed somewhat juvenile at times. He tends to rely a little too much on fictional detectives from television and books when thinking about how to act and what to do next. The murders are quite gruesome and the author does go into some graphic details, which may be upsetting to some. I was impressed with the building tension of the story. The chapters alternate between characters with little to no warning, but once you have the characters figured out, it’s easy enough to follow. We do get some interesting and jarring twists and of course, there’s a big reveal – some of which I had figured out and some, I didn’t. There are a few lags in the story but overall, it did hold my interest and the chapters that give us the killer’s viewpoint are cringe-worthy and at times, spine-tingling. All in all, a solid thriller where everyone isn’t exactly what they seem and the hits just keep coming.