"Photograph" is an engaging thriller that captivates readers from the start. The story follows private investigator Shannon Wells, who has been contracted by a young woman seeking to uncover the truth about her mother, recently the victim of a brutal murder. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the mother led a secret life, hidden from her daughter. I found Shannon's character particularly compelling; she embodies toughness and determination. The narrative is fast-paced, featuring several surprising twists that keep the reader on their toes. I would rate this novel a strong 4 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling murder mystery by Brian Freeman. Private investigator Shannon Wells is hired by a woman who wants to make sure her past is hidden. Soon after that woman is murdered and her daughter comes to Shannon asking questions. Shannon comes to find out that a photograph the murdered woman took long ago is the key to unraveling the mystery of the woman’s murder and another murder that happed year ago across the county. This book is smartly written and fast paced. I look forward to reading more of Brian Freeman’s books.!

Having read most, if not all, of Brian Freeman’s books, I can wholeheartedly say that this is one of his best works. The reader is immediately immersed in the search to find out who murdered the investigator’s new client’s mother (who was also a former client). With the only clue (a photograph included in a book of photographs published 25 years ago), the reader is led on an unusual journey from Florida to Michigan replete with a few murders. There is also a significant subplot concerning family relationships which plays a vivid part of the story. However, I felt that the nightmares and the Mara character did not add much to the story and considered them superfluous to the main plot.
I thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Photograph. I loved this novel. I have read other books by Freeman but my favorites are the standalones.
This is a solid who done it, mystery with a suspenseful plot.
A young woman, Shannon, has had a rough life and is a victim of a terrible assault. She lives in Florida and is a PI. She works out of a local bar and starts her day with a pina colada.
She helps women only and those who are in trouble. She’s a loner who has had loss and tragedy but manages to keep her head on straight.
Everything changes when a young woman comes to her to find out why her mother employed her. Although hesitant Shannon explains to the woman what her mother asked her to do for her. She is struck when she is told her client is now dead. Not just dead murdered.
So begins Shannons quest to find out what happened to the murdered woman and in doing so she has opened up an unsolved case.
This is truly a nail bitter and painfully sad.
It is an emotional and painful story that had me guessing till the end.
5 big stars!

Brian Freeman’s Photograph is a compelling blend of suspense, emotional resonance, and psychological intrigue. Centered around private investigator Shannon Wells, the story kicks off with a haunting request from a woman named Faith Selby: “Find out who I really am.” When Faith turns up dead, the only clue left behind is a mysterious photograph of a little girl in the rain—an image that launches Shannon into a chilling investigation that spans from Florida’s sun-drenched beaches to a shadowy town in Michigan.

Freeman masterfully peels back layers of secrets, crafting a cold case that feels both intimate and far-reaching. The pacing is brisk, and the twists are genuinely surprising, keeping readers on edge. Shannon is a strong, empathetic lead whose personal demons add depth to the narrative without overwhelming the plot.

The only reason this isn’t a five-star read is that a few secondary characters could have used more development, and some plot threads wrap up a bit too neatly. Still, the emotional stakes and the central mystery are more than enough to satisfy fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven crime fiction.

Photograph is a standout for readers who enjoy stories with heart, grit, and a haunting sense of mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Freeman, and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shannon Wells is a private investigator who helps women with nowhere else to go. Last year, a woman named Faith Selby came to Shannon with a strange request: Find out who I really am.
Holy crap. So good.

4.5 stars
Freeman is always an instant read for me. This did not let me down. Full of his trademark suspense and great character development. I loved every minute of this book!

Shannon Wells isn’t really sure where her life is going. She’s a PI trying to solve cases on at a time. A woman has come to see her and she fails to help her, but this just starts a case like she’ll never believe. Trying to find out the meaning of the photograph. A really great book. Highly recommend!

A new standalone from my favorite all-time author. What a great cover to complement the perfect title and intriguing plot. His books are timeless page turners for me. This book kept me guessing throughout and I was very happy with the ending. It’ll be interesting to see if this standalone continues into a sequel or blend with another one of this author’s series. Looking forward to find out who may narrate the audiobook to determine if I’ll do it again! Thank you to Netgalley, Edelweiss, and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

Author Brian Freeman continues to amaze me with the novels he creates. Photograph included. PI Shannon Wells finds she is connected to a photograph that contains many secrets. Unraveling them is the tale of the novel, and it does keep your interest. Are we all so closely connected? Do we all have a "shadow" who wishes us harm? You will be surprised at the author's take on these questions.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I always really like Freeman's books and this one was no different. Easy reading with many twists and turns for a real thriller.

This is a fascinating novel about private investigator Shannon and her client whose mother was murdered. All the evidence can be found in an old photo that shows a young girl with a can of Coke in a rainy parking lot at midnight. Lots of clues that lead nowhere, an arson, an old book of photographs...and we're off! Great convoluted story that had me shivering as each clue builds on the last piece of evidence leaving you breathless at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!