Woman in Shadow - by Carrie Stuart Parks (Paperback)

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.

4.5 stars "So . . . . It's really you who's been living in the shadows." Sent to a remote area of Idaho to complete her personal restoration process, forensic linguist Darby Graham begins her covert investigation of suspicious incidents at the prestigious Mule Shoe Ranch by picking up two companions, of the canine variety. All the locals can tell her is that the dogs were abandoned by a resident hermit whom they had aptly dubbed the "Shadow Woman". Creatively saving the two pets from extermination by the local sheriff's deputy, Darby is immediately thankful for their companionable instincts, for her intel was correct; something is definitely "off" in Idaho. Sheriff's Deputy Bram White is instantly intrigued; " . . . for the first time in a very long time, he wanted to get to know a woman. This woman." Could Darby think that he has anything to do with Roy Zaring's issues at the ranch , but then again, who does? The staff? The guests? The locals? There are way too many possibilities, leading Darby for one, to question whether or not she is mentally or physically capable of figuring it all out; after all, no one there knows her full story, nor does she want them to. Maybe teaming with Bram is not a bad idea. After all, he suggested it. But there is Someone else more than capable of helping her, and He has made a promise that He fully intends to keep; "Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go". Unfortunately, Darby is definitely going to need a hefty dose of divine intervention. This story has a dizzying array of moving parts and multiple suspects, but don't despair. When your head swims and your heart is on the brink of breaking, remember that the truth will come out of the shadows and into the light, where it should have been all along. What a great story!

I am very ambiguous about Woman in Shadow. I had a hard time getting into this book because it seemed so unrealistic. On the other hand after getting about halfway through I was anxious to continue reading to see how the mystery was resolved. The author did do a good job of weaving clues together and dropping bread crumbs for the reader. I am anxious to hear how other readers felt about this book. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Woman in Shadow from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.