I have read (and enjoyed) other novels by Carrie Stuart Parks and as such was really excited to check this one out, but if I'm being honest, I really struggled to get into this story. And I couldn't say for sure why. It was well written, and full of action and everything that I would typically enjoy in this type of story, but for whatever reason I just really struggled to connect with it. I do wonder if this had more to do with my frame of mind at the time of reading than the actual story itself though, as like I said it was well written and I've very much enjoyed other books from this author in the past. I didn't dislike it really, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I know that I could have had I been able to fully engage with the story and the characters as much as I would have liked. If you have enjoyed other books by Carrie Stuart Parks, I would certainly suggest giving this one a shot for yourself and being your own judge... I certainly plan to come back when life isn't so crazy and seeing if perhaps I can enjoy it more once my mind is in a different place!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Forensic Linguist, Darby Graham thinks she is on vacation, but her trip to Mule Deer Ranch in Targhee Falls, Idaho is anything but a vacation. Before she hardly gets there things start happening, an earthquake, a fire, and a mystery that she would soon be trying to figure out. I have only read a few books from Carrie Parks, and I have no idea why. I will surely be looking for more of Parks books to read, as well as follow her future books. Women in Shadow is an amazing read. A read I will not soon forget. 

With exceptional characters created by Carrie Stuart Parks, readers are taken on a unique journey that will keep them on the edge of their seats biting their nails!! Mule Deer Ranch is a unique place and perfect for the story setting. I really like Darby, and when Deputy Bram White comes in the picture the story gets more intense as they work together to find out who the culprit is that is starting so many fires, and why it seems they are trying to close the Ranch down. There is a lot going on in this book with tensions flying high, and the dangers lurking in the shadows. Parks does a phenomenal job of writing this story, knowing exactly how to keep the readers attention as the story unfolds. And as for the Woman in Shadows the title talks about, well you need to read the book to find out what that is all about. If you enjoy a good clean suspense/mystery that will bring you much enjoyment. I highly recommend Women in Shadows by Carrie Stuart Parks. It is a story that will pull at your heart strings and stay with you for a while. 

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a  copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I received a free copy from NetGalley. A forensic linguist, defiantly a different sort of main character for a mystery novel, needs to recover from trauma so she is sent to a ranch to see if there is anything to the strange things that have been happening there. On the way she adopts a pair of stray dogs that play a large role in the rest of the novel. Lots of people die and I'm left wondering if the main character might get her own series because I would like to read about her again.

Darby Graham was a forensic linguist, but now works for the mysterious Clan Fenian. She has been sent to the Mule Shoe Dude Ranch, an exclusive art retreat in the mountains of Idaho, both for her own benefit and to investigate a series of accidents.

The story is told in two points of view–Darby is first person and Bram is third person. This felt a little jerky at first, especially at the first switch from Darby to Bram), but I got used to it pretty quickly and it didn’t bother me after that. If anything, the switch from first to third was a subconscious cue that the point of view had changed … because I tended to miss the obvious cue, like the new chapter. #FastReaderProblems

The retreat is very back-to-nature, with no cell phone reception and no internet access. Also no television, radio, electricity, or modern sewerage. There is no road in, just a trail that’s suitable for horses and the occasional horse and cart bringing up supplies. Other than that, access is by helicopter.

It’s the perfect setup for a suspense novel …

The accidents Darby was sent to investigate keep happening, and there are a couple of instances that seem more like someone trying to frighten her off. Then there are the earthquakes – the ranch is only
fifteen miles from Yellowstone, so some degree of volcanic activity is to be expected. But, as someone who lives within erupting distance of another of the world’s supervolcanoes, I can tell you that you can’t feel most earthquakes. When you can feel them, it’s time to get worried.

The story was effectively a closed room mystery, like Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (I haven’t read the book, but have seen a movie adaptation). In typical Christie style, there is a Big Reveal where Darby finally puts together all the clues and uncovers the real evildoer–predictably, the character I least expected, but one who make perfect sense.

I’ve read several other novels by Carrie Stuart Parks, and she never fails to impress me with her heroines. They are intelligent and brave, and usually have a unique skill and fascinating skill or occupation. Darby is no exception. This is backed up by a tight and effective plot, outstanding writing, and the occasional welcome drop of humour.

The real heroes of this story are Holly and Maverick, the “stray” dogs Darby adopts as the story starts and takes to the ranch. They prove all the old sayings about dogs as protectors and friends.

Recommended for suspense readers, especially dog lovers. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

This book started slow, ramped right up and had an exciting middle, then got boring. The main character, Darby, is an interesting woman. She has a tragic past, but she’s strong (although she doesn’t realize just how strong). The rest of the characters are fairly one dimensional. The writing was decent but in the end there wasn’t enough substance to hold my attention.

An engrossing thriller with lots of twists, lots of action, and a little romance. Darby Graham has a complicated past. She is barely healing from physical and emotional damage. After spending time with a rehabilitation program for severe PTSD she is sent to the Mule Shoe Ranch for some relaxation and some light investigation. All she knows it that strange things have been happening there. Darby is quickly sucked into a dangerous situation. Who can she trust? And what about that attractive deputy?
Darby was an interesting and complex character. She is tough in many ways yet she is also somewhat emotionally fragile. Placed in a confusing and deadly environment she has to employ her background in forensic linguistics combined with all of her strength and wits in order to save herself and others. She is not deeply religious but has grown to rely on God’s promises of strength and courage.
Woman in Shadow was a well-written story that breathed life into imperfect characters. It is a reminder that sometimes life calls for us to use all our talents and skills to survive. A very good story that definitely keeps the reader’s attention.

Darby Graham arrives at Mule Shoe on a mission to discover the source of the resort's recent "accidents." But as she digs deeper, she faces shadows from her own background, including PTSD triggers. Will she be able to use her experience as a forensic linguist to escape the growing darkness?
This book is clever. Darby has a great sense of humor and her internal dialogue shows how real she is. The romance is subtle, which I appreciate because romance isn't my preferred style. There is a fair bit of violence and numerous crime scene descriptions. The author introduces several larger topics, too, such as gemology and forensic science. I also noticed a shift about halfway through the book, and the second half is a bit slower than the first half.
While the book didn't capture my full attention, it's a fun read and kept me guessing until the end.

This was my first book by this author. I don't particularly care for books written in the first person and maybe that's part of the reason I didn't quite connect with it like I had hoped. I felt like it started out slow. It did pick up about halfway through and I enjoyed the mystery and suspense toward the end of the book. I did appreciate Darby's wittiness and her unique profession. I also liked the faith aspect that was woven throughout the book.

This is a well written Christian mystery with interesting characters. The mystery of who was behind everything at the dude ranch kept me riveted. I love how the suspense builds. The only downside for me was that the number of accidents and deaths that occurred in the book. It was too many for me. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review.

I'd consider myself an avid Christian Suspense reader, but I'm new to Carrie Stuart Parks.
Verdict: I'm a fan! I just adored her writing style. Very edgy and griping for the CF genre. It took me a while to get invested, but once I got a few chapters in, the pages kept turning.

Darby is a forensic linguist who is hoping to spend some time away, but finds herself neck deep in a mystery. I found the plot believable, but captivating. As Darby works the case, she is also working through her own trauma. Will PTSD keep her from the task at hand?

This one was a unique page turner, and I look forward to picking up something else by CSP in the near future.

I received a copy of this book digitally via NetGalley. I also ordered a paperback copy for my collection. I read and reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this book. Darby Graham is a woman suffering from PTSD. She arrives at Mule Shoe ranch with 3 stones from a PTSD rehab program and a goal to relax and come to grips with her life. But not so fast. Between the multiple earthquakes that happen, some more dangerous than others, fires being set by an arsonist, and strange happenings at the ranch has Darby more on a hunt to find out what all this is about. Being a forensic linguist she can help decipher notes being left by the serial arsonist and try to help figure the many so called "accidents" happening at the ranch. Darby's life is threatened by more than just her PTSD. The author Carrie Stuart Parks has a way of writing that is just so suspenseful you can't put this book down. Throw in a couple of dogs, a love story and a mystery woman and you have a great novel. Be prepared to stay up late devouring this book.

Special thanks to #netgalley, #thomasnelson and @carriestuarparks for a copy of this book

This book is full of action, and the characters are great. Darby, a forensic linguist, is sent to a remote ranch for research. Here she is saving Shadow woman"s dogs, but who is she, and how come she left her dogs to die?
Investigating an arson, a murder and some attempting murders she is closer to the truth.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this book.

I like how this author quickly engages readers with her endearing characters and sweeps them onto a Ranch in the middle of nowhere. I enjoyed the mysteriously deadly situation in the hills as we meet Darby Graham, a woman trying to cope with PTSD (survived an unimaginable event) and is a forensic linguist. Not only that, but I’m always fascinated at how the author weaves her expertise as a forensic artist into her stories. It’s amazing what someone can discover when she delves into matters. I couldn’t put this fast-paced, intriguing story down. I loved how this author blends mystery, humor, suspense, and the hint of romance in the mix.

Deputy Bram White is aware of the problems at Mule Shoe Ranch, but he is also investigating a serial arsonist. After getting more information about Darby Graham, Bram listens to her analyses of the situation. He can’t overlook all the “accidents” that have happened at the Ranch in such a short time. Things could turn deadly if they aren’t careful. Deputy White and Darby Graham try to narrow down what they are looking for. Was it an arsonist who is also a killer, or was it a separate perpetrator altogether?

I enjoyed the splash of romance and how both wounded souls are trying to heal their hearts before they can go forward in the romance department. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns, and I liked how these two unlikely partners work together to fight crime. This is a fun standalone story and one that would work well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This is one-off story from Parks but it's packed with all the great things one expects from a top Parks novel: nail-biting suspense, realistically complex and endearing characters, forensic science and dogs!

Darby Graham is another of Parks' wonderful creations. She's a forensic linguist grappling with the effects of PTSD as a result of a crime case gone wrong a few years back. She also lost a leg in that incident and I appreciated how Parks shows no fear in including this in her lead together with her prosthetic limb. Darby is smart, intuitive, tremendously brave for someone who has lost so much and is struggling with PTSD and Parks gives her so much vulnerability that one can't not be rooting for her.

The suspense pretty much starts immediately and doesn't let up so I was turning pages continuously. There were moments when it became a bit of a blur especially near the end and the bad guys were a surprise to me when they were revealed. Darby's forensic skills coming to the fore.

And the 2 dogs: Holly and Maverick whom Darby adopts after saving them from being putdown. They steal the show frankly and how Parks (a huge dog lover) presents them together with Darby's intuitive connection with them both made this novel a delight to read.

I do hope we might see Darby Graham once again.

I received an early ebook copy of the novel from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley as part of their First Editions reading program with no expectation of a positive review.

Parks’ latest novel starts off with a bang. Literally.

Arriving in Targhee Falls, protagonist Darby Graham experiences an earthquake from nearby Yellowstone National Park. The ground beneath her is unsteady, an echo of her own situation—life knocked her off her feet and she’s doing everything she can to find her balance.

A forensic linguist, Darby was sent to a remote resort in Idaho—part dude ranch part art retreat—to do a little research. She’s also completing her stint with the mysterious Clan Firinn, an organization designed to help law enforcement personnel recover from PTSD. This assignment will finish her treatment and help her return to the real world.

Despite the warning to stay low-profile, Darby quickly places herself front and center as she prevents a sheriff deputy from putting down two stray dogs. Raising the curiosity of the locals, she now has the two dogs in tow as she makes her way from the last outpost in civilization to the very isolated Mule Shoe Ranch in a horse drawn wagon.

Told that “something’s not right” at Mule Shoe, Darby anticipates a quick and easy visit, using her unique set of skills to solve whatever ails the place. Instead, she finds herself in the midst of a dangerous situation. Accidents, vandalism, and a close encounter with a grizzly bear have insightful Darby digging further into the strange happenings.

Parks writes additional scenes in the point of view of Bram White, the sheriff deputy Darby saves from having to shoot the dogs. Not a task he wanted to do, he finds himself swept up in Darby’s charismatic—if somewhat sarcastic—and magnetic personality. He’s instantly smitten, but unaware of all the complications in Darby’s life. Recovering from a serious injury and a tragic event, Darby’s past may be more than Bram can handle. Parks does an excellent job of weaving the romantic thread throughout the suspense and mystery of the rest of the plot.

Darby’s job as a forensic linguist adds another captivating dimension to the story. A forensic artist herself, Parks infuses the narrative with examples of how Darby does her job. Her ability to parse meaning from how a person says or writes something is fascinating, but it’s some of her other skills that she relies on to solve the mystery. I like the balance Parks creates in the character, her life is about more than any one relationship or skill set, she’s a well-rounded character with flaws and a sharp mind.

Despite the inclusion of the dogs, this is not for cozy readers, though not excessive, there is some violence on the page, but for those of us who love a taut mystery, dynamic characters, and a touch of romance, Woman in Shadows makes for a terrific read.

Breathe now, you may not get the chance later...

Oh. My. Goodness. What a story! It's because of novels like Woman In Shadow that Carrie Stuart Parks is one of my all-time favorite authors! As far as suspense goes, this book IS the dictionary definition of the genre! It's the epitome, the embodiment, the personification...well, I think you get the idea.

I've been looking forward to reading Woman In Shadow since finishing Carrie Stuart Parks's last book. I didn't know what her next novel would be but I knew it would be excellent whatever it was. Expectations were clearly met and surpassed. I hold this book up with my other two favorites of hers, Formula For Deception and Relative Silence. I can definitely tell you that Woman In Shadow will be on my list of favorite books this year and I would give it a higher rating if allowed.

Carrie Stuart Parks had me captured with her barking dogs in the very first line and I was held captive through the final explosive showdown. The drama and suspense were so riveting and downright chilling that I finished this book in a matter of hours. I just could not put it down. I went right through breakfast with my spoon in one hand and e-reader in my other.

A bit reminiscent of And Then There Were None, Woman In Shadow had so many twists and turns and I was kept entirely enthralled and definitely second guessing everything. Carrie Stuart Parks's blunt and sometimes gritty writing style is on full display with this book and it's what keeps me coming back for more. If you enjoy suspense that is more suspense and less romance I cannot recommend this book and author highly enough. Seriously, it is a MUST read!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

PTSD is not just a consequence of military service. It can also evolve from the dangers and trauma faced by First Responders. Such was Darby Graham’s circumstances. She had been part of a recovery program, but now had arrived at Targhee Falls,ID, to put her new found recovery to a test. The Mule Shoe Dude Ranch had experienced a number of mysterious events - accidents, deaths, and missing staff. Darby’s recovery program had asked her to look into the events and report back. She had not been asked to risk her life.

But life at the dude ranch continued to go downhill. Dead animals showed up in unexpected places, more staff were found dead, windows were shot out. With the exception of a local sheriff deputy, she was not sure who to trust - even the sheriff herself seemed implicated.

I do wish that the author and/or publishers had included references to the help available to those struggling with PTSD whatever the source. A website or phone number would have been a great way to begin or conclude the book. This was an Advanced Reader's Copy, so the possibility of such appearing in the final version of the book exists.

Written with a mixture of first-person and third-person narratives. this faith-based story follows Darby and other characters as they seek to discover the source of the events that sought to destroy the well-deserved reputation of Mule Shoe. The book deserves a sequel, I would like to hope it is possible. I give the book five-stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

I'm always ready for a new Carrie Stuart Parks book! Woman in Shadow takes readers into an interesting adventure with a forensic linguist at a remote luxury ranch resort. One suspicious coincidence after another, some more perilous than others, caused a few raised eyebrows which necessitated Darby's investigative expertise. I liked the setting as well as the character variety. My absolute favorite characters, though, were the nonverbal sort -- Holly, Maverick, and the Shadow Woman. The author uses these characters to bring about the mystery and solution in a suspenseful way.

There is a lot of Biblical reference in this book, which I expected and enjoyed. The inspirational bits bring sunshine and comfort into the dark danger that Darby faces over and over. However, I would not feel comfortable sharing this book with my "clean reading" friends because alcohol is mentioned frequently, and cursing is mentioned with one of the main characters. Some people I give books to (my grandmother and certain friends) would definitely be offended.

This book started out a little strange and it took me a couple of chapters to figure out what was going on and that I liked the story. Once into it I couldn't put it down. It is a great whodunit and there is lots of action and suspense. Interpersonal relationships were kind of strange but I guess that is acceptable with all the mental issues most of these folks had along with PTSD for the main character.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

An exciting and spell bounding read:
I really enjoyed this intriguing and suspenseful book. The premise was unique, it was full of danger and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting.
I liked that the characters were flawed and I enjoyed seeing them work through their issues. I was particularly happy to see the growth and healing that took place in Darcy's life as my heart went out to her for all that she had endured. There was a light romantic interest between Darcy and Bram, however the main focus of the story was on the mystery and investigative aspects.
I liked the positive and uplifting message that the author incorporated. We've all been living in the shadows to some degree and it is only by the grace of God that we can find the strength and courage to break free into the light.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.