Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks Intriguing suspense mystery with a detective using the unusual skills of art and forensic linguists to solve the crime. Believable relatable characters with hints of romance and snippets of humor with a surprising ending.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Woman of Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks

Darby Graham is investigating some suspicious activity at primitive but posh Mule Shoe Dude Ranch near Yellowstone National Park. She is a recent graduate of Clan Firinn, a program that helps law enforcement officers recover from PTSD. As events escalate, Darby is confronted with several murders. She will need to face her PTSD triggers to survive. Help is available only by traveling through the wilderness to contact the outside world. Will Darby be able to survive the wilderness to bring back help?

True to Parks’ past novels, this book has lots of plot twists and suspense. It has interesting characters whose pasts were revealed layer by layer. I especially liked finding out Darby’s history and the events that caused her PTSD.

Darby's specialty of forensic linguistics was fascinating to read about. It added an exciting facet to the story.

The setting near Yellowstone and the frequent earthquakes were also an interesting feature. Not too many books that I have read have been set there and I learned something about the geology of the region.

In short, this book is not your typical Christian suspense. If you are a fan of Christian fiction, this one will stand out from the rest. These opinions are my own and I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.

"Woman in Shadow" by Carrie Stuart Parks is a great read! I have read all of Carrie Stuart Parks' books, but this one is a little different than her other ones. I love how she uses her expertise as a forensic artist to create the main character. You can tell Carrie Stuart Parks has expertise in this area and the character is very well developed. Along with all of her books, this book will keep your attention, and will keep you guessing until the very end.

I highly recommend this book, along with all of Carrie Stuart Parks' books.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks is a hunt or be hunted story through the Yellowstone National Park area. The story takes places at Mule Shoe resort as a art community. First, the story starts out with flushing out the characters and the surroundings. Then the story advances into the conflict. After that the conflict takes over the story and pushes all the characters to their boundaries. One of my favorite parts was that the story actually focused on the conflict, Parks did not craft a romance story that took away from the immediate danger that the characters were in. I did like the setting. It was one of my favorite parts. As someone who has never been out to Yellowstone National Park; I loved being able to explore and discover this part of the country. Overall, Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks is a keep readers on their toes type of story. Readers will not see what is the climactic moment or the showdown until the moment happens.

I received a complimentary copy of Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks through Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

In typical form, Carrie Stuart Parks delivers a believably intense and suspenseful read in her new novel, Woman in Shadow. Main character Darby Graham, a forensic linguist battling PTSD, arrives at a ranch in Idaho thinking she's there to relax and look into a couple of suspicious activities on the ranch only to find herself in the middle of a huge mystery. Full of twists and turns, readers will find themselves, like Darby, trying to decide who to trust. Clearly Parks has done her research on Idaho, because the setting seems so real and only adds to the suspense. Darby has quirks, but she's real and someone we can all relate to since we' all have difficulties to overcome. I'm a fan of Parks' fiction, and this book is one reason why. I had a hard time putting the book down because I needed to see what happened next. Parks delivered the kind of read for which she's known--believable, can't-put-it-down, edge-of-your-seat suspsense. I enjoyed getting lost if the rugged resort Darby stayed at and trying to figure out if something fishy was going on or not, and if so, what. Can't wait for Parks' next novel!

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another suspenseful thriller by Carrie Stuart Parks. This novel will capture your attention immediately and will not let go until the final page. Treat yourself to this fast paced mystery. You will not be disappointed.

One terrible event after the other and a woman who's braver than anyone can be and two dogs who are real heroes. The crime is outraging and God's help is really needed.

Darby Graham is suffering from PTSD as a result of a tragic injury suffered in the line of duty. As part of her rehabilitation, she travels to a dude ranch just miles away from the Yellowstone caldera and experiences a serial arsonist, a multiple-murderer and then finds herself a victim of an attempted murder. This is an action thriller with a thoroughly engaging female protagonist. If you like the thriller genre, this is a good weekend read! I received a complimentary advance publication copy of this book and the opinions expressed are mine. #WomaninShadow #NetGalley

Earthquake and Darby much needed vacation is gone A town newspaper getting messages from a serial arsonist after each fire. The scars are deep with the work she does as a forensic linguist. Who can she trust in this town, and keep her past in the past. Full of intrigue, suspense and good characters and plot. The author’s own expertise has come thru with an enjoyable mystery.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Thomas Nelson

An intriguing gothic story set on a ranch near Yellowstone. Broken heroine who comes into her own through the story. Many twists and intricately tied to the area. Great read for those who love suspense with a thread of romance.

Woman in Shadow is an excellent romantic suspense. A well written plot that kept me on the edge of my seat until I finished reading it. The character dynamics and the setting descriptions were outstanding. Ms. Parks is one of my favorite authors. Fans of suspense will definitely enjoy this book.

Carrie Stuart Parks is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! In Woman in Shadow she writes her characters masterfully. I love Darby Graham's difficult past combined with her sarcasm, it's the perfect balance.

Woman in Shadow had me guessing and confused (in a good way!) for most of the book. I did not see the ending coming and loved how she crafted this adventure.

Terrific story that had my pulse pounding and kept me up reading late into the night!
Suspenseful with an action-packed ending and surprising conclusion, plus interesting, complex characters, made this a stellar read. The use of art and linguistics was an unusual approach to solving crimes.
The main plotline was enhanced with well researched details that made the story pop with authenticity. I felt like I was there!

Darby had me pulling for her from the start, with her quirky self talk and her rescue of the abandoned dogs.
The unique experience of a woman trying to overcome PTSD and move on in life, while in the middle of an intense investigation, added another level to her emotional and spiritual struggle. Love how she puts the pieces of the mystery together, and also comes to grips with her past, eventually seeing that there is a God who cares for her and has not abandoned her. A few hints of romance, but certainly not the focus here.
"...be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Highly recommend to fans of mystery with suspense and faith. 5 stars!

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

“The best liars...and the most devastating lies, come from the people you’d never believe would lie to you.”

“The shadow of guilt, fear, and shame.”

Gwen Marcey, Evelyn McTavish, Piper Boone...and now Darby Graham. Carrie Stuart Parks can expertly craft a heroine protagonist that is equal parts broken, quirky, interesting, complex, and someone you root for. In other words, a multi dimensional and well developed character that is relatable.

I love how this book, like all Carrie Stuart Parks books, really showcases her familiar writing style and covers a different aspect of law enforcement - this time with a forensic linguist. She still utilizes art again in this book and everything is extremely well researched.

So what about the mystery angle? I really liked this one because there were red herrings all over the place. I had suspicions about several people and could never lock down whodunnit. I loved the final reveal and was definitely satisfied in all the twists and complexities.

I loved the Christian and faith elements as always in her books. There is a small amount of romance but nothing eye rolling or cringeworthy, which is always appreciated. All in all, another hit from Carrie Stuart Parks! She is a definitely a must-read whenever a new book comes out.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

'So we're effectively cut off from the world with a badly injured woman and a homicidal maniac on the loose.'

Carrie Stuart Parks always pulls in the reader with her well written stories. As an internationally known forensic artist herself, she is able to always grab my attention every single time, all the while adding multiple layers to each story, crafting believable characters with real problems. I was on the edge of my seat with this one. Well done!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read this author before and she is a truly gifted writer! I had a hard time putting this book down, it was so real and Darcy was such an amazing woman - dealing with PTSD but also with an incredible sense of humor. I did not figure out the bad guy until the very end, I was shocked. This book should be on your reading list for sure!

This book is full of suspense down to the last minute. It keeps you highly engaged and guessing. It is a good clean thriller that also addresses faith. There are multiple stories within stories which sometimes make it a little hard to follow who is who.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

WOMAN IN SHADOW by Carrie Parks is my type of book. This story has many plot levels, weaved throughout. The character of Darby is complex, flawed, funny and easy to fall in love with. I kept learning details about her former life, far along into the story. It is like a slow reveal. That is what makes a story rich in my opinion. The romance is low key, barely there. I loved this and was sad for it to end.

WOMAN IN SHADOW by CARRIE STUART PARKS is a thriller that will keep you guessing right to the end.
The story starts at Targhee Falls Idaho with Darby Graham, a forensic linguist, on her way to the Mule Shoe Dude Ranch. She finds two malnourished dogs, Holly and Maverick, who she saves from being shot by Bram White, the good looking deputy sheriff. The dogs belonged to the Mystery Woman, who seems to have disappeared. Darby takes them with her to the ranch. I love her interaction with them, especially the conversations she has with them.
Darby is suffering from PTSD after an unfortunate mistake she made five years ago which led to her husband being shot and her losing her leg. She is recovering at Clan Firinn. Her counselor has sent her on this holiday to check out what is going on, as a special favour to the owner who is a friend of his. She is to remain incognito and try and work out who is responsible for the strange goings on at the ranch, which is isolated, without electricity, internet or cellphone coverage or modern ways of transport. It is as though the whole place is drowned in shadows and mystery, from the ever present earthquakes, the literally two-faced people in the Shadow Woman's drawings, the abandoned mine, the traps set for Darby and the unsuspecting guests, a serial arsonist, and the murderer or murderers at large.
I want to add that I find the idea of forensic linguists and forensic artists fascinating.
This is a really enjoyable and exciting novel with a great Christian message of redemption. I like to see Darby holding onto the two scriptures that her counselor at Clan Firinn gave her to encourage her.
I highly recommend Woman in Shadow to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.