Member Reviews

Chief Maggie Riley book 3.

Maggie finally has a new Deputy. And just in time. Because this case quickly turns bad and she needs all the help she can get. With it's trademark twists and everyone keeping secrets this book kept me reading late into the night. Great read.
The sun is rising on another brutally cold winter’s day in Coyote Cove when Chief Maggie Riley finds an unmarked envelope on the steps of the police station. Inside is a photo of a teenage girl, bound and bruised. Maggie’s heart constricts at the terror evident in her tear-filled eyes. Who is she? What has happened to her? And most importantly, can Maggie find her, before it’s too late?

Maggie moved to Coyote Cove for a quieter, safer life than her former high flying city detective work. The work that left her emotionally shattered, that one, terrible case she couldn’t close lying so heavily on her even now. But this feels more personal than anything she’s worked on since then. With no one reporting the girl missing, seemingly unloved and forgotten, Maggie vows to rescue her, and bring whoever hurt her to justice.

As Maggie mines the photograph for clues to hunt down the girl and her captor, her search takes her deep into the seedy, dangerous underbelly of the secretive logging camps. Hidden away in the woods, a law unto themselves, Maggie is in unchartered – and deadly – territory. Then, when she finds the body of a girl who was thought to have run away years ago, one with ties of her own to the loggers, Maggie knows she’s on the right track. But as her search for the truth intensifies, Maggie’s own safety is put in jeopardy. Can she save an innocent girl’s life and get out alive herself, or could this be the one investigation she won’t survive…?

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"The Shadow Girl" by Shannon Hollinger is a gripping and atmospheric entry in the Chief Maggie Riley series, blending suspense, mystery, and character depth in a way that keeps readers thoroughly engaged. Hollinger continues to impress with her skillful storytelling and well-crafted plot twists.

In this third installment, Chief Maggie Riley is faced with one of her most challenging cases yet—a missing persons investigation that quickly escalates into a web of secrets and danger. Hollinger’s ability to create a sense of urgency and tension is evident from the first page, maintaining a pace that keeps the reader hooked.

Maggie Riley remains a standout character, combining strength, intelligence, and a relatable vulnerability. Her development throughout the series continues to be a highlight, and "The Shadow Girl" deepens our understanding of her personal struggles and professional challenges. Hollinger’s portrayal of Riley’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity adds a compelling layer to the narrative.

The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, contributing to the novel’s rich tapestry. Relationships and interactions are believable and add emotional weight to the story. Hollinger excels at creating a sense of place, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings to life and enhance the overall atmosphere of suspense.

While the plot is intricate and engaging, there are moments where the pacing could have been tighter. A few subplots, though interesting, feel somewhat underdeveloped, which slightly detracts from the main narrative’s momentum. Nevertheless, these are minor issues in an otherwise strong and captivating story.

Overall, "The Shadow Girl" is a compelling addition to the Chief Maggie Riley series. Shannon Hollinger has crafted a tale that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for fans of the series and crime fiction enthusiasts alike. With its well-drawn characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric writing, "The Shadow Girl" earns a solid 4 stars and solidifies Hollinger’s reputation as a talented writer in the genre.

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The Shadow Girl was yet another compelling book from the Maggie Riley series with twists, turns and equally captivating characters. It was great to see Kal's storyline in this book and have the curtain pulled back a bit more on Maggie's and Steve's past. While there's a lot in there to discover its enough to keep me hooked till the next books release. The plot was unique, with promising but not always pleasant characters I hope will make a return soon. I'm happy now that Maggie has one more person to lean on and I hope in the coming books that they're here to stay. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book to see what Maggie's up to next!

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & Shannon Hollinger for the arc!

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This was my least favourite in the series, and I don’t know if this is because it is such a saturated market and I have my favourite characters.
Told in many POV, I struggled at times to keep up and think that is why my interest may have waned.
It could be a stand alone, but is certainly better read as a trilogy. I would request more by Hollinger as I am sure it’s me not her!

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This is the 3rd book by Shannon Hollinger that I’ve read and it’s the Maggie Riley series if you must know. The author has written a good, compelling mystery thriller I couldn’t put down. I was in from the first paragraph and I think this was her best book yet. It had drama and suspense that was believable and sone other good things going on to keep a reader happy. I recommend this one and just so you know, it can be read as a stand-alone if you want.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley.

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“The Shadow Girl" by Shannon Hollinger is a compelling addition to the Chief Maggie Riley series, showcasing a notable depth in relationships and a storyline that surpasses its predecessors. As Chief Riley is confronted with a chilling photograph of a bound and bruised teenage girl, the emotional resonance of the narrative is palpable. Hollinger masterfully weaves a tale that is not only a gripping crime thriller but also delves into the personal struggles of the protagonist.

The book demonstrates a stronger narrative compared to its predecessors, with Maggie Riley's character evolving and facing new challenges. The exploration of the seedy and dangerous underbelly of secretive logging camps adds layers of suspense and intrigue. Hollinger skillfully builds tension as Maggie races against time to rescue the girl and bring the perpetrator to justice.

The depth of relationships, both personal and professional, elevates the overall storytelling, making it a standout in the series. The unexpected twists and turns keep the reader on the edge, and the resolution is both satisfying and thought-provoking. This installment leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next, as it concludes with a sense of urgency that demands the immediate pursuit of book 4. "The Shadow Girl" is a dark and gripping crime thriller, earning a solid 4.5 stars for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the promise of more to come.

I need book 4 STAT!

Thanks to Ms Hollinger, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Police Chief Maggie Riley feels like she is in a race against time when the body of one teen is discovered and a disturbing photo of another teen girl lands in her hand. This second girl just might have a chance if Maggie can find her in time. While she works this new case, she is also contending with a new lieutenant, a man of Indian descent in the town of Coyote Cove, a town that has mostly white residents. His name in Kal, and he experiences a lot of racism as he tries to do his job.

As far as Maggie's personal life is concerned, she is engaged to Steve, and it becomes quite apparent as this book progresses that Steve has a terrible secret that he is hiding from Maggie. So, you have Maggie's case with the missing girl, enhanced by the teen's perspective as she is being held captive. Then you have Kal trying to fit into his new job. Then you have the mystery of whatever it is that Steve is hiding from Maggie.

Because of where the first body was found, this is not even Maggie's case, but she can't let it go. She wants to find the missing girl, and if she has to claim plausible deniability, then so be it.

Maggie is a strong woman and a fearless police chief. She refuses to give up on finding the missing girl alive, even if it seems that no one else is as concerned as she is. The drama that went on with Steve was rather intriguing. I can't wait to see what more Maggie has in store. I also would love to see Kal staying in Coyote Cove and having an easier time of it.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

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I think ive come to realize that crime thrillers are just not my thing. i was bored most of the way through. the writing style was great though.

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This book is number 3 in the Maggie Riley series. It certainly didnt disappoint. It had me non stop reading and guessing the culprit.

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The Shadow Girl (Chief Maggie Riley Book 3) by Shannon Hollinger
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Published: September 1, 2023

The Shadow Girl is the third book in the Chief Maggie Riley series by Shannon Hollinger. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series.

This book was filled with so many twists and turns, and when you think everything is wrapped up, it keeps going! This is a fast read and was so good!!! Intense does not even begin to describe this! Wow!!!

I absolutely loved the characters! Chief Maggie Riley is fascinating! She's an accomplished woman, who has made a name for herself, but she also has some dark secrets. I can't wait to get to know her more in the future books.

If you are looking for a book that that you won't be able to put down, this is it! I know I'll be coming back to this series for more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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EXCELLENT police procedural thriller. Enjoyed the characters, the abundance of suspense mingled throughout the story line & the grand finale. Thanks to #NetGalley#Bookouture for #theshadowgirl in return for my honest review.

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This is book 3 of the Chief Maggie Riley series and it is just as good as the others.
I am really enjoying this series. The author does a great job with the story line and having some twists weaved into the story so it isn’t as easy to guess what is happening, which I really enjoy.
This story follows some missing girls in the town and Chief Riley has to figure out where the girls are being held and who is behind their disappearances.

If you like police procedurals, this is a great series to read.

** I received a free copy from Netgalley for my unbiased review **

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Maggie is back in another brilliant instalment. I have been instantly hooked and devoured this in just one sitting.

This is a book with a perfect setting and plenty of twists. I’ve loved the unravelling of secrets and the twists included.

This is another tense and suspense filled read that I have devoured.

I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for us.

I highly recommend this series.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Another gripping installment in the Chief Maggie Riley series by Shannon Hollinger! This book is full of secrets, tension, suspense, mounting danger, and interesting characters! There is something seriously sinister going on in this speck of a town out in the wilderness of Maine. Don’t even get me started on all the secrets that everyone in this place is hiding either. Suffice it to say that Coyote Cove is the place where people go to hideout and keep their secrets from becoming exposed.

In this instalment, Maggie faces her biggest challenge since taking up the post as police chief in Coyote Cove. The discovery of the body of a teenage girl who went missing two years ago hook her to the core. Solving murders was out of her jurisdiction, leaving her to rely on the State police to solve the murder. However, the discovery of a Polaroid photo indicating that another teenage girl is missing led Maggie on a desperate search to find the teen before it's too late.

This is a gripping crime thriller. The story easily kept me reading and it's a series I want to read more from. Especially as there is so much to these characters that we are yet to learn and I'm excited for that.

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I loved this book and series . I love the settings and the characters real . I felt it was fast paced and gritty and just a good read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

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The Shadow Girl by Shannon Hollinger
Chief Maggie Riley #3

Dark, gritty, and compelling ~ Could not put this book down!

What I liked:
* Chief Maggie Riley: brilliant, capable, skilled detective, listens to her gut instincts, moved to Coyote Cove, Maine after a personal loss and going rogue at work, engaged to Steve, upholds the law, works with minimal staff, has a difficult relationship with her parents, brother disappeared when he was young, has a missing girl to find in this series while still dealing with a population that is less than accepting
* Steve Winters: Maggie’s fiancé, financial wiz who lost his fire and moved to the country, understands and loves Maggie, protective, loving, caring, loves his mother and sister though they are not always easy, has secrets from the past that are beginning to emerge – do hope he can figure out what to do about Wesley,
* Kal Kishore: New lieutenant hired by Maggie at the end of the last book, wants a change of scene, has dealt with racial bigotry, broke up with his fiancé before moving to Coyote Cove…seems there is a secret that may come out later, strong, reliable, intelligent, does what it takes, gets the job done, want to know more about him
* Sue: Maggie’s assistant at work, wears interesting clothes to work, a bit of a mother-hen
* The mysteries to be solved: a deceased “runaway” teen that has been gone a couple of years, an abused teen, and a potentially abducted teen to be found – the killer(s) need to be found
* The issues related to Maggie’s brother and parents, Steve’s old “friend” that shows up in this book – imagine he will have a part in the next, wondering how the issue of Maggie’s brother will be resolved, and how the town is beginning to come around and accept the Chief and her team
* The setting, plot, pacing, and writing that was emotive, visceral, visual, immersive, emotive, and at times humorous
* How all the pieces fit together seamlessly
* That it made me think and feel and care and consider the “what-ifs”
* Wondering what will happen next

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about predators and the harm they do
* Being so upset by the adults who kept glossing over and blaming the teens rather than believing them

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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The Shadow Girl by Shannon Hollinger is the third book in the excellent Chief Maggie Riley series and this book was another excellent read. Just like the last book I was hooked from the beginning till the very end.

The sun is rising on another brutally cold winter’s day in Coyote Cove Chief Maggie Riley finds an unmarked envelope on the steps of the police station. When opened she finds inside is a photo of a teenage girl, bound and bruised. Maggie’s heart constricts at the terror evident in her tear-filled eyes.

Who is she?

What has happened to her?

Most importantly, can Maggie find her, before it’s too late?

Tick Tock the clock is ticking!!!!

WoW another excellent book with brilliant twists and turns throughout.
I highly recommend you read the first two books first to learn more about Chief Maggie Riley background.

Big Thank you to Netgalley, the author Shannon Hollinger and Bookouture for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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*5 Stars*

Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.

This was a really interesting read and had great characters. I liked the drive that Maggie had. Some things worked out for the better for the towns people. The ending was interesting and I really want to read the next book

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The Shadow Girl is another homerun by Shannon Hollinger. This book is the third in the series, and all three of them are equally spectacular. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

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This is the 3rd book in the series and irs my favourite so far. A great story line which had me gripped. I'm looking forward to the next book

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