Review – ShadowCast by V.P. Morris #psychological #thriller @TeaWriteRepeat
Synopsis
Dakota Kilroy, a 28-year-old investigative journalist, is haunted by the unsolved disappearance of her best friend, Maddy Montgomery who went missing at the age of fifteen. When financial difficulties force her to move back home to Santa Monica, CA, she cannot take the unanswered questions anymore. Determined to find out what happened to Maddy, Dakota starts ShadowCast, a true crime podcast to publicize the case. But little does she know the man responsible for Maddy’s disappearance all those years ago is listening in and tampering with her investigation.
SHADOWCAST is a psychological thriller with page-turning suspense, a story that praises the value of friendship and the fearless pursuit of justice.
Amazon * B&N * Black Rose Writing
Review
I have been on a psychological thriller kick over the last year and this one does not disappoint. It is a little different because we know all those involved, including the killer, and the story is told from his POV and Dakota’s, the protagonist. It is eerie reading the killer’s POV but it is also fascinating to see how a serial killer might think. There is more to his story than meets the eye.
Dakota is an investigative journalist that has been laid off and ends up going back home to CA from NYC much to her chagrin. Her parents are not 100% supportive of her career path and possibly even less so once she is out there and decides to start a podcast to try and find out what happened to her best friend Maddy. I don’t feel like we get to know Dakota’s family very well and I feel like they are shallow and only care about appearances.
While I don’t list to podcasts, I find the concept interesting. I know many listen to true crime podcasts and this would fall into that category. She is very matter of fact when sharing her findings and that draws attention to her show. But like anything on the internet, there are creepers out there and those that are willing to throw rocks at anyone and everyone from the perceived safety from behind a computer.
The story has a nice even pace and I was riveted to the story wondering what was the connection, would they figure out who he was, and how would that impact Dakota. The clues and details of what happened and parsed out at a good pace that keeps the story hopping. The revelation about the history of the killer and how long this has been happening is amazing. Goes to show you there are all kinds of weirdos about there.
There is even a bit of romance to this book between Dakota and Sean. Sean is about 16 years older than Dakota and is heavily invested in her search for Maddy’s killer. You will have to read the book to learn why he cares so much.
Overall this was an intriguing read and we give it 4 paws up.
About the Author
V.P. Morris is an award winning horror and thriller writer. She is also the creator of the fictional podcast, The Dead Letters Podcast. Her interest in true crime and criminal psychology inspired her debut novel, ShadowCast. When she is not reading or writing, she is sending time with her husband, son, and rescue dog in their Connecticut home.