Shadows of Justice
A Topher Davis Thriller
by Brian Copeland
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Pub Date Apr 29 2025 | Archive Date Mar 25 2025
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Description
“Brian Copeland and Topher Davis are back with a vengeance. Shadows of Justice is rich with everything that made Outraged a compelling debut: page-turning action, characters we care about, vivid sense of place, and a mind-bending whodunit—all seasoned with welcome shots of mordant humor.” —New York Times bestselling author JONATHAN KELLERMAN
When Kristen Promes leaves her family’s annual Fourth of July barbecue in an upscale Bay Area suburb to pick up her daughter’s playmate, she is never seen again. The discovery of her abandoned vehicle along the short route sparks a media frenzy, thrusting the mysterious disappearance of the affluent suburbanite into national headlines.
San Francisco investigative reporter Topher Davis and his dedicated team dive into the high-profile case. Amidst the relentless coverage, Josephine “Josie” Walker from East Oakland seeks out Topher, revealing that her daughter, Danica, has been missing much longer than Kristen and without any attention from authorities or the media. Desperate for help, Josie pleads with Topher to cover her daughter’s story.
Enlisting the help of his sister, San Francisco PD Homicide Detective Lynn Sloan, Topher attempts to retrace Danica Walker’s final footsteps. As they unravel the layers of her life, they unearth buried connections between the two cases. Will Topher and Lynn expose the perpetrator before another life is claimed, or are they now mere pawns in a more perilous and deadly game?
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781957950655 |
PRICE | $18.95 (USD) |
PAGES | 320 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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