Brian Copeland's Shadows of Justice: A Topher Davis Thriller is a gripping and thought-provoking read, earning a 5-star rating. As a first-time reader of Copeland's work, I was immediately drawn into the complex case of Kristin Promes, a woman from an affluent Bay Area community who vanishes during a 4th of July celebration. Simultaneously, the disappearance of Danica Walker, a Black woman from East Oakland, goes largely unnoticed by the media and authorities. The connection between these two seemingly disparate cases forms the central mystery, and Copeland masterfully weaves together the threads of their stories.

The plot is incredibly compelling, keeping me engaged and constantly guessing. I was genuinely surprised by the killer's identity, a testament to Copeland's skill in crafting a suspenseful narrative with well-placed clues and surprising twists. Beyond the mystery, the novel effectively shines a light on the disparity in media attention given to missing Black people, a crucial social commentary that adds depth and resonance to the story.

The relationship between Topher Davis, an investigative reporter, and his sister Lynn Sloan, a homicide detective, is a highlight of the book. Their banter and collaborative spirit, despite their different professions, felt genuine and endearing. The glimpses into their shared childhood, like the "Lincoln Logs" reference, added warmth and authenticity to their dynamic. I also appreciated Topher's openness about his mother's death and his advocacy for therapy, particularly his suggestion for Danica's son D'Vante. Even his affection for his dog Sophia and his car, "Black Beauty," added layers to his character.

Copeland's writing is rich in detail, effectively painting a vivid picture of the California environment. From the temperature and scenery to the reputation of Los Positas junior college, the descriptions are immersive without being overwhelming. Topher's investigative skills are so sharp that it's easy to forget he's a reporter and not a police officer. I also enjoyed the author's use of more uncommon vocabulary, which added a touch of sophistication to the writing.

Overall, Shadows of Justice boasts well-developed characters, a complex and unpredictable plot, and a powerful message. Brian Copeland doesn't just tell a story; he immerses his readers in the characters' world, making for a truly captivating and memorable reading experience. I'm eager to read the first book in the series and explore more of Topher and Lynn's investigations.

A really enjoyable read that had me hooked right from the very start. The pacing was good and the story was full of suspense and tension.

Topher Davis is slightly aggy as the main male character but continues to prove himself as the top investigative reporter that he is. I didn't know how this book was going to go and was the twist was good!

I am loving Brian C and his ability to pull me into his world. I am obsessed with the characters and the way I feel like o personally know them and have grown to love them both books so far have been full of suspense and thrill .5/5

I cannot get enough of the Mystery and Thriller Genre! This gripping novel gave me an adrenaline rush that kept me engaged and continuously guessing until the very end.

Kristin Promes leaves her home in the upscale Bay Area during a 4th of July celebration and she never returns. The media goes crazy and the Promes family can’t leave their home without questions being hurled at them by all the reporters camped out at their home.

Over in East Oakland, Danica Walker has been missing much longer than Kristin Promes with no media attention or help from the authorities. Josie, Danica’s mother pleads to an investigative report, Topher Davis, to look into her daughter’s disappearance.

Shadows of Justice by Brian Copeland (Pub. Date: Apr 29, 2025) is part of the Topher Davis Thriller series and follows the charismatic, San Francisco investigative report Topher Davis. While covering the high profile case of Kristen Promes, Topher and his “force to be reckoned with” sister/homicide detective Lynn discover that Danica Walker’s disappearance is linked to the highly publicized Promes case. Together they uncover dirty secrets, strange connections, and disturbing similarities while trying to piece together this unsettling mystery.

I adored Topher and Lynn’s relationship, their banter and how they worked together as a team even though they worked in two different professions. This novel sheds light on the frustrating and painful issues of missing black people being shunned by the media. Overall, Shadows of Justice possessed well developed characters and a complex plot that left the right amount of clues throughout the story leading up to several surprising twists and the ultimate big reveal.

This is my first time reading this author’s work and I will definitely be reading book one of this series!

I’d like to give special thanks to Black Odyssey Media, NetGalley, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Great book that kept me at the edge of my seat wanting more. This book shined a light on the racial differences when dealing with injustices, I was not ready for the book to end and I can't wait to see what else Topher has in store.

My second book from Copeland and baby I am A FAN. This was such a good read. I had A TIME going back and forth trying to figure out what the hell was going on 😭 the plot was good, of course I love the main characters and the new/side characters I loved as well. Topher and sister Lynn are investigating the murder of two missing/murdered women who seemingly live in two different worlds. The twist, turns and secrets revealed how they were connected and baby… let me just say … the culprit shocked me cuz why would someone go through all of that for that??? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 i highly recommend this series. Book I and II were amazing! I need book III asap.

Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for this eARC!

Really good. Engaging and thrilling. You won't want to put it down!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This is my first Topher Davis novel and I liked it. It's entertaining and a solid crime novel and I could see myself reading more about Davis. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shadows of Justice, Brian Copeland

I had no idea this was the 2nd installment in a new series. Brian Copeland (Author) did a wonderful job at not giving lots of details about the characters.

I would give this a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to 4.5 stars. I was impressed with the keep you guessing suspense and murders. Topher Davis (Reporter) works closely with his Homicide Detective Sister, Lynn. The story starts with the murder of Kristen Promes (Caucasian, wealthy, pregnant). The media frenzy making this unsolved murder all anyone can talk about. Meanwhile, a grieving mother’s only daughter Danica (Black, not wealthy, pregnant) has disappeared and it seems nobody cares enough to look into her disappearance. Josie, Danica’s mother, reaches out to Topher for his help. Topher with the help of his sister Lynn discover details link the two cases but how?

I enjoyed this book. I’m glad I discovered it and had the opportunity to read such a great book.

Dislikes: Hearing about Topher’s The Black Beauty (car). There were quite a few mentions and my personal opinion I didn’t think it was necessary. However, that was my only dislike and not a big deal OR a reason not to purchase the book.

I look forward to reading “Outraged” the 1st installment in the Topher Davis series and future books by this author.

This was a strong entry in the Topher Davis Thriller series, it had that element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. The characters had that element that I was hoping for and was engaged with the thriller concept that they worked with. Brian Copeland has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for my copy of Shadows of Justice by Brian Copeland.
Topher Davi’s is a well known investigative television journalist, and is among all the other crews waiting for an update on the disappearance of Kristen Promes a member of one of the elite families in San Francisco. The feeding frenzy among the press is immense. Also in the city a young black woman has also gone missing. There’s no press there!
A fabulous start to a new series. Very well written.

Thank you, Black Odyssey Media for the copy of Shadows of Justice by Brian Copeland. This is the second book in the Topher Davis series. I loved the first book and this one is even better, if that’s possible. Thank you, Black Odyssey Media for the copy of Shadows of Justice by Brian Copeland. This is the second book in the Topher Davis series. I loved the first book and this one is even better, if that’s possible. You can read this as a standalone, but it isn’t released until April 2025 so you have plenty of time to buy and enjoy the first book. The story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area and if you live here it feels comfortingly familiar. I loved the little insights into Topher’s life; from being a dog-dad to being a public figure and dating. This time, Topher and his sister are investigating how the women's deaths are connected, and the connections unearth many secrets that add up to an intriguing story. I’m not sure I could have guessed the culprit, but I loved the conclusion. I can’t wait for book three! 5 stars