A good novel grabs the reader immediately as does The Woman in the Shadow.

Darby Graham has just arrived in Targhee Falls, as an unsettling earthquake grips the area. Set near Yellowstone National Park, Darby finds the ground beneath her is unsteady, as is her upcoming situation. Life has knocked her off her feet and she’s doing everything she can to recoup any sense of normalcy.

Darby is a forensic linguist. She has been sent to a remote resort in Idaho. It seem to be part dude ranch and oddly, part art retreat. She is on site 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.

She has been warned to keep a low-profile, yet Darby quickly places herself front and center as she prevents a sheriff deputy from destroying two happy and hungry stray dogs. Now Darby had raised the curiosity of the locals concerning the who and why about her. Guess what? Darby now has the two dogs in her care as she makes her way from the last outpost in civilization to the very isolated Mule Shoe Ranch riding in great style...in a horse drawn wagon.

Instead of a respite visit to recover from PTSD, she finds herself in the midst of a dangerous situation. First the earthquake or should I say quakes, multiple accidents, vandalism, and a close encounter with a grizzly bear and this all has Darby digging further into the strange happenings.

Despite the fact that she saves Bram White, the sheriff deputy, from having to shoot the dogs, the two find themselves swooped up into a complicated relationship, even romantic. He’s instantly smitten with Darby, but unaware of all the complications in Darby’s life. Darby’s past may be more than Bram can handle. Im ‘m not a fan of romance novels but Parks does an excellent job of weaving the romantic thread throughout the suspense and mystery of the rest of the plot.

If you read the notes you’ll learn the the author herself is an forensic artist enabling her to realistically infuse 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.

Thus is for readers who love a tense mystery, dynamic characters, and a touch of romance.

Be aware the mystery is a slow reveal of clues so this read is for the more relaxed reader.

WOMAN IN SHADOW by Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christian mystery/suspense set in rural Idaho. Parks has written a winner in this one. It will keep you reading on into the night. I don't know when I have enjoyed a suspense any more than this one. The plot is so different, you just must read this one. A lot of times novels will cross somewhat in plots and ideas, but this one is unique. It deals with PTSD in that the main heroine is battling it. But that is not the main focus. It all takes place at Mule Shoe Ranch an isolated resort for the rich. All is not well with the ranch in fact a murderer is loose on the ranch or maybe there is more than one. Is all a way to bring the owner to ruin and maybe sell for less than the worth of the resort or is he somehow involve with the murders? Is it connected to the arsons that have been scattered around the small town? A great read that I highly recommend. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for this riveting Read.

I did not want to put this book down! It kept me guessing until the very end of the book. A great read!

Since finding her, I haven't been able to leave anything but 5 star reviews for Parks' work! Over time, she just seems to get better, so.....sorryNOTsorry about that. Anyway, "Woman In Shadow" was a unique book, laced with mystery, intrigue, unusual characters and as always, a satisfying ending to a tumultuous series of events.

Darby is a forensic linguist who is trying to keep her mind off the tragedy in her past. As a member of Clan Firinn, she has taken on the task of flying below the radar to help a fellow member find out who is sabotaging his events complex on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park. What should be an idyllic place, Mule Shoe Dude Ranch, has become one of mysterious accidents, small fires and even the occasional death or two. Darby is to quietly observe and report her findings to her Clan Firinn counselor. ( I was excited to hear the stories of other characters who had gone through the rehabilitation program for ex-law enforcement going through PTSD, first mentioned in a prior Parks' book.) Darby comes across some dogs, abandoned by a missing lady the town calls Shadow Woman, due to her solitary lifestyle. Darby connects with the two wayward pets and they become an integral part of the story, typical for many of Parks' books. Who doesn't enjoy a charming pup or two?

Bram is a cop who is investigating a series of arsons surrounding the area near Mule Shoe. He finds himself beginning to suspect those around him in the community, which makes him even more committed to find the arsonist, whose crimes have also included a murder. Do the incidents at the Mule Shoe have anything to do with the arson? Who is the lovely lady who keeps to herself? As the story moves forward, Bram finds he can't get Darby off his mind, which complicates things.

There are many characters in this book who you root for, but as any regular reader of Parks' work knows--don't get too close to them, as they might not be around by the end credits. Suspense, lush scenery, watercolor and art references, gemology, seismic earthquakes...there are many interesting sidebars that vy for the reader's attention. "Woman in Shadow " is a book that will keep you captivated and guessing until the last few chapters.

My only issue would be that I wish we'd have seen or heard a bit more about Darby's backstory and history prior to nearing the end. I think that would have fleshed out the character just a bit more. Darby is a tough cookie and has gone through a LOT, which caused me to root for her happiness even more. I love strong female protagonists and can't wait for others to be swept up into this Western yarn filled with mystery and thrills.

This book is one you will devour, because waiting to find out what happens is just torture! Settle in with some snacks and a comfy seat, ready to escape and lose track of time. If you like fast paced, realistic reads with lots of action, this one is for you!

I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is a fascinating read! From the very beginning, little hints here and there shape the main character, who has major past trauma to heal from.
As an Idaho girl, some of the towns are familiar to me. Getting a baked Idaho potato for dinner in Idaho is a big deal. Most of our state’s potatoes are shipped elsewhere.
The right amount of clues are added to suspect bad guys but the ending really took me by surprise.
The author does an excellent job of writing a suspense crime story that will keep you tuned in to the last page. At times I wondered if I would make it through the tense moments!
“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Targhee Falls, Idaho

"Why are those dogs barking?" I pointed across the wooden picnic table toward two obviously upset canines yelping nearby.

From the first line, I was drawn into this story. While it seems innocent enough, dogs barking, it turns out to be a significant part of the story. The most unexpected part of this entire story was the humor that Darby gives to each scenario, whether in her spoken words or her thoughts. I was snickering within the first few pages and had several laugh-out-loud moments.

I found this book to be fast-paced, incredibly well-written, and I couldn't put it down. There is a lot of mystery, intrigue, twists and turns, and a maniac killer on the loose. This one kept me guessing to the end, which I loved. I do not enjoy books as much when it is easy to figure out who the bad guy is. I would not recommend this to the faint of heart as there is more than enough death, some that will keep you reeling from the shock of it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great who-done-it novel, that is fast-paced, a quick read, and includes a satisfying ending.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to publish a favorable review but was more than happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

This new stand-alone story from Carrie is filled with intrigue, secrets, danger and a chance at redemption - you definitely don't want to miss out on it.

Its not often that I find stand-alone stories to be as good as a series. I love a good slow burn mystery/suspense that is developed over several books but Carrie has something special here. It's a story that grabs you right away and keeps you searching for answers all the way to the last page. She begins with Darby Graham, a former forensic linguist who has come to Mule Shoe Ranch to complete an assignment meant to prove she is ready to move on with her life. She is content to keep her past in the past and move beyond the pain of loss into a better future. But first she has to find out what's happening at MSR. There have been several injuries and accidents recently along with the tragic deaths of two guests that requires that someone dig a little bit deeper than local law enforcement has been able to do. So Darby intends to figure things out quickly and get back to Clan Firinn for discharge. Problem is, no one seems to have any idea who would cause such problems. The staff all seem friendly and helpful, honestly shocked at the recent happenings and willing to answer all her subtle questions. But sheriff's deputy Bram White, is also working the case and is suspicious of Darby's interest and questioning of the staff. He's got a second case of interest involving a serial arsonist who enjoys taunting law enforcement with snarky notes left at the burn sites and with little help coming from the sheriff, he's quickly getting overwhelmed. Figuring out Darby's past takes a bit of work, but Bram is good at investigating and soon sorts it all out. If he can convince Darby to help him out with the cases, he just might stand a chance at solving them. But when more of the guests are targeted in tragic ways, Bram and Darby will have to use all their investigative know-how to figure things out or it just might mean the death of them all. What does the elusive Shadow Woman have to do with it all and why is it so hard to catch the culprit? They'll have to find out in a hurry before someone ends their investigation for good.
Clearly, the plot lines of the story are engaging and intriguing. It's the kind of story that you just have to know what is going to happen before you set it down. I personally read the whole thing in my hammock one afternoon and refused to stop until I finished. I loved the slow reveal of the characters thoughts and pasts as well as the carefully crafted mystery that gave nothing away until necessary. I suspected a number of characters but didn't really know for sure until I read the how or why of everything. I loved that the story was located near Yellowstone. I took a trip there two years ago and relished every second we had there, exploring and hiking the area. There is so much history and nature to be found there and I really enjoyed revisiting the area in my mind through this story. I also liked that one of the main characters dealt with an previous injury that required a prosthetic limb. It gave the story another depth that could be explored and expounded on to help readers learn about living with that kind of disability. Everything concerning the prosthetic was told with clarity and honesty and I liked hearing about the details. I have several family members who have lived with this type of disability and it helps me understand them better. I will certainly be recommending this story to others in the hope that they will enjoy it as much as I did. It's definitely one you want to be on your TBR list and your shelves to reread again.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Woman in Shadow was a fast paced thriller for me. I loved Darby’s strong character. A forensic linguist is a rather interesting job description. There’s a lot of non stop action once Darby gets to mule shoe. I’d like more backstory on her before life but that’s just me

Carrie Stuart Parks is a master storyteller with her details and expertise bringing everything to life. A flawed and relatable main character sets the stage for a story full of adrenaline laced surprises and edge of your seat suspense that builds until the last page. I was left craving more even when the story had finished, crashing from an exciting adrenaline rush the unexpected villain brought on. Darby Graham is sent to check out suspicious events at a dude ranch. With this job finished Darby will graduate from her time at Clan Firinn, even if she doesn't feel ready. Doubts still attack her and Darby is terrified to use her skills in linguistics and reveal who she really is. But she was asked to go and so she does, assuming it will be a day or two of work and then she can return to her new normal. But everything starts wrong with a dead raccoon and a destroyed art room. Some one is working hard to continue the troubles at Mule Shoe Dude Ranch. But who would do this and more importantly why? The owner is seriously considering selling to escape the problems but Darby feels something else is behind all this. Bram White is a sheriff's deputy Who starts his day being sent to destroy two ownerless dogs. But he ends up driving a wagon out to the ranch to deliver Darby. When he discovers Darby used to work as a forensic linguistic, he asks for her help with a serial arsonist he is trying to catch. But the chilling "accidents" at the ranch are becoming more dangerous and frequent, pulling them both into a hunt for answers. Darby and Bram are going to have to work together to figure out what is going on because the accidents are becoming deadly and it seems no one at the ranch will be allowed to leave alive.
This story had me sitting on the edge of my seat, furiously flipping pages to find just one more clue to the identity of the bad guy. I love the realistically flawed characters that relate to each other and the reader so well. Carrie Stuart Parks is always a must read for me and this story made it even more so. You definitely want to dive into this story. I'm already anxiously awaiting her next book! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really enjoyed the Gwen Marcey series and everything I've read by this author since then has been disappointing. Fortunately, this book was better than her last several books. It still didn't reach the same level as the Gwen Marcey series, but it's an improvement.

I found Darby to be an interesting character. She was unique and flawed and had experienced a lot of trauma in her life; but I still felt disconnected to her. There was a lot going on, (maybe too much going on.) a lot of characters, and a lot of information at the beginning it was hard to really get to know Darcy quickly.

Darby is a forensic linguist, and while it did play a part in the story, I wish it would have played a bigger role. It's such an interesting job that I would have liked to have learned more about it!

There is certainly something mysterious about being somewhat stranded in a remote location that makes for a very interesting read. The setting is really interesting and having grown up in the Northwest as well as having lived in Idaho, I was easily able to picture the scene and what was going. Even if you've never been to the area it's described well enough that it almost plays like a movie in your mind!

There was a large cast of characters at first and I had a hard time keeping them straight. A couple of them were unique and easy to remember, but the rest were kind of a blur. To the point when the killer was revealed it took me a minute to remember who they were.

I thought the arson plot line was a bit unnecessary. Or at least wished it had tied into the main story-line better.

I also agree with other reviewers that the romance was a bit odd. It just didn't fit in the story very well and just felt odd and stiff. I don't like it when characters instantly fall in love. The 'tension' between them was ridiculous.

Overall I found this to be a good story. Not one I would probably go back and reread, but certainly memorable!

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The first chapter of this book did not hook me; by chapter five I was all in. However, it then turned a bit too preposterous for me. I knew nothing about this author prior to reading Woman in Shadow, so I looked at her website which describes her writing as “ hyper-realistic”. If you define that term as distorting or exaggerating reality, then it is an apt term.

The main character, Darby, is a forensic linguist and I did enjoy that unique perspective, as well as some of her humor.

This was a fast, but not particularly satisfying read.

I highly recommend that you read this complex story. In this latest release, Ms. Parks writes in such a descriptive, scientific way. I love the complexity of her books. In this book, readers will be introduced to Darby who has been through a lot in her life, but arrives at a remote ranch in Idaho thinking she is there to relax and continue working on herself. However, she is in for many surprises as there seems to be something sinister occurring on the ranch. In the past, she worked as a forensic linguist and she is forced to put those skills to the test to determine what is going on. This entire book kept me guessing until the end who might be behind what was going on and what might occur next. I really recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed!!!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

This is mystery and suspense that is well-written, with a slow pace at first as the mystery is methodically unraveled. The protagonist is Darby Graham, a young woman suffering from PTSD, who has come to the Mule Shoe Ranch to help her recovery. As a forensic linguist, she is very talented in picking out subtle clues and observing and I loved that I was learning how this skill worked as she used it. This particular area in Idaho has been subjected to various earthquakes, but the real problem seems to be a serial arsonist who is taunting the police. Deputy Bram White is introduced at the beginning, a young man who seems to be instantly attracted to Darby and who admires her love for animals when she takes in Maverick and Holly, two dogs who were abandoned by a resident who was known as the “shadow woman.” Part of the mystery is for Darby to discover the identity of this woman and where she disappeared to. Bram is focused on finding the serial arsonist while Darby is trying to find out who is creating mayhem with vandalism at the ranch. As the action and pace picked up, so did my interest and by the end of the book, I could not read fast enough to find out what was really happening. There were plenty of false leads and plot twists to tantalize me as well as real clues to be discerned along the way. The author demonstrated her mastery of weaving a good, complicated story with complex characters that was thoroughly enjoyable. The romance was in the story but was not a major part of it. There were also Biblical references that added to the story, in my opinion, since Darby has moved away from faith but still remembers certain verses. This is a clean Christian read set in a remote and breathtaking location.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This was not the story for me. The first issue I had with it was the switch between 1st person and 3rd person. The story is told from two different perspectives and switches back and forth. I enjoyed the parts written in 3rd person, but really struggled with the 1st person narrative. I also felt like, although there was a ton of action happening, the story dragged for me. I'm not sure why exactly, I just really had a hard time getting invested in the characters and plotline. I did enjoy about the last quarter of the story and think that most people who enjoy a good murder mystery will appreciate this book. It just wasn't for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Carrie Stuart Parks has written another excellent story of suspense and intrigue to keep the reader glued to the pages of the story. This book, like her others, is woven with forensic and law enforcement information that keeps it interesting and more accurate.

Darby Graham is a character that you instantly like and endears herself to you. Her final assignment before graduating her rehabilitation program will prove to be challenging as she must face her past while trying to uncover what is going on at Mule Shoe. She has to choose whether to find strength in her rehabilitation, teaching, and God or give in to the temptation to give up.

This has been one of my favorite books by Ms. Parks. It was full of mystery and suspense that kept me guessing until the very end. Not only does it entertain, but also provides a great message. This book will not disappoint!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

In the book, Woman in Shadow, by Carrie Stuart Parks, Darby Graham's boss sends her to an elite dude ranch for some rest and relaxation. However, the official reason is for Darby to investigate some strange events that have occurred. She must keep her identity under wraps, at all costs!

When odd "accidents" begin taking place, Darby knows something devious is at work. She scrambles to solve the mystery of what is really happening at this dude ranch high in the mountains!

Wow....this is a complicated tale. Hang on for a wild ride!

Darby Graham has been sent to a resort, Mule Shoe Ranch, as part of her recovery program and to, hopefully, ease her back into work. Her recovery has been long. Five years ago something very tragic happened to her that left her with huge losses, including a leg prosthesis.
This resort is a ranch for the wealthy that costs $1,000 per night. They have been experiencing some accidents which Darby's boss thinks she may be able to help. Darby is a forensic linguist. There seems to be a serial arsonist, as well as other things that are suspicious.
Deaths begin to happen on the ranch, as well as the mystery of Shadow Woman who has left behind drawings that may be a link to the things happening at the ranch.
I loved the dogs, Holly and Maverick! Their loyalty and protectiveness was amazing.
My surprise was when the truth was revealed regarding Darby's husband.
The love interest was Deputy Bram who was working to help solve what was going on at the resort.
There was really just a small sprinkling of Christianity in this book, but plenty of references to cussing. Not written cuss words, just that the character let out a spew of cuss words, etc.
I was given an advanced copy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Book Title: Woman in the Shadows by Carrie Stuart Parks
Book Reviewer: Donna Feyen
Woman in the Shadows by Carrie Stuart Parks will keep you on your toes. Darby is a character you immediately connect with. Between her past that she is trying to move on from and her love of dogs, she is immediately a hero to me. She has been in a program to help her overcome a bad situation and the PTSD from it. They send her to a ranch to see what she can identify of the ‘accidents’ that keep happening. I loved her skill as a forensic linguist. It was fascinating how the author would dissect the conversations.

There was a minor romance with one of the deputies. He is investigating a serial arsonist.

The author added some very interesting scenes. One of them was how the Mae drew people and you looked at each side of their face (public and private side). The dogs had their own personalities and were key characters in the story.

Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks is a fantastic mystery story and has the suspense level of a thriller. It has the feel of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None – the kind of story where a murderer is on the loose and you as the reader have no idea who it is. No one is safe. Everyone is trapped in one place.

Darby Graham is visiting the Mule Shoe ranch under false pretenses. She’s there to find out what’s going on at the ranch. Strange things are happening, driving the tourists away and wreaking havoc on the ranch. But the situation turns dangerous as Darby and police officer Bram White realize the sabotages are turning deadly.

The thing I love about Carrie Stuart Parks’ novels is her quirky and intense characters. Darby’s complicated past plus her unusual profession as a forensic linguist makes her intriguing. She’s the underdog, and her determination will make readers fall in love with her. Same for Bram – his struggles make him that much more likeable.

The suspense in this story is over-the-top. I love action, and this book brought the intensity. At some point readers will suspect every single character as the culprit. I had no idea which characters would be alive in the end, let alone who the villain was.

Overall a fantastic and enjoyable story.

Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)

Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A very fast paced, edge of your seat story. Darby Graham goes to Mule Shoe Ranch to help a friend and also to heal from a tragic incident in her past that caused her to leave the FBI. With the help of a local deputy they barely stay one step ahead of an arsonist, killer and saboteur. Full of twists and turns and who did it you never know until the final showdown. I absolutely loved it!