Journalist Geneva Chase has her first assignment doing “research” for Lodestar Analytics, an intelligence firm owned by Nathaniel Rubin. The firm has been hired by Eric Cutter to investigate the deaths of his parents. The case, believed to be a murder suicide, has been closed by the police but Eric can’t believe that his father Morris, the just retired CEO of Continental Petroleum and Gas, would kill his wife Julia then shoot himself. Geneva begins by eliminating suspects which proves to be more difficult than she thought. She is distracted by her adopted daughter’s new interests in a boy and the reappearance of a former lover. The executives at CP&G and their consultants urge Geneva to resolve the case…and accept either a bribe or violence. Then people involved in the Cutter case start to disappear and Geneva realizes that she may be next.

It’s good to be back in Sheffield. Although it can be read as a standalone mystery, this is the fourth in the Geneva Chase series and it is the best. Geneva, a complex character, continues to grow while fighting to control her alcoholism. Her daughter is growing up too and because involved in a subplot about school shootings. Favorite characters return and new ones are introduced. Sheffield (Fairfield County, CT) is the perfect location with its expected wealth and excess. I look forward to the next in the series. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Thomas Kies for this ARC.

“Shadow Hill” by Thomas Kies is a true mystery and thriller. And it is indeed a true thriller. No doubt, there will be surprises and scares in this book. Thomas Kies truly knows how to write suspense! Buckle up and get ready!

Two people are found shot, a man and his wife, Morris and Julia Cutter. The police find it to be a murder-suicide, but the couples son does not accept this. He hires a private detective, to find out what really happened and hopefully to prove the police wrong. But there are way more suspects, than first expected.

I find the storyline to be somewhat unique, and with the plot twists, the story becomes a true mystery and thriller.

The characters are solid, and even though they might nor develop a lot throughout the story, they surely have a storyline, which they stick to. The characters are furthermore believable, and true to the story.

The descriptions are detailed and horrific. Thomas Kies certainly knows how to create a suspenseful novel with endearing and at the same time horrifying characters.

If you want some suspense in your life, or at least a suspenseful read, “Shadow Hill” would be a good choice for you!

This book was sent to me on Netgalley by Kindle for review. Perhaps after the last few years of politics, I could not get into a political thriller. Others might enjoy this one. The story is slow at times.