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Shadow of the Gypsy
Josh Bartlett had changed his name, holed up as a small-town features writer in the Blue Ridge. Only a few weeks more and he'd begin anew, return to the hills of Connecticut and Molly and, at long last, live a normal life.
After all, it was a matter of record that Zharko had been deported well over a year ago. The shadowy form Josh had glimpsed at the lake was only that --- a hazy shadow. It stood to reason his old nemesis was still ensconced overseas well out of the way.
Surely he wouldn't travel thousands of miles to track Josh down. Not now, not after all this.
After all, it was a matter of record that Zharko had been deported well over a year ago. The shadowy form Josh had glimpsed at the lake was only that --- a hazy shadow. It stood to reason his old nemesis was still ensconced overseas well out of the way.
Surely he wouldn't travel thousands of miles to track Josh down. Not now, not after all this.
- GenresThriller
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2023
1 person is currently reading
2764 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Frome
17 books321 followersProfessor Emeritus of Dramatic Arts at the University of Connecticut
Former professional actor
Screenwriting columnist for Southern Writers Magazine
Features writer for Gannett Media
Former professional actor
Screenwriting columnist for Southern Writers Magazine
Features writer for Gannett Media
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 15, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
SHADOW OF THE GYPSY by Shelly Frome is a suspenseful crime mystery with family drama and a little romance all thrown into the mix of an intriguing read.
Josh is hiding from his past working on a small-town weekly paper. In the mysterious beginning of this story, the reader learns of his dysfunctional upbringing and the blonde girl he dreams about that he hopes to return to soon. But his past catches up to him, even though he has changed his name. He learns he was tricked into a debt to the man he is hiding from, the gypsy, Zharko.
I felt the first few chapters were confusing, but once the pieces of Josh’s past begin to unfold, the story began to pull me in. Josh and all the other characters are all fully fleshed and interesting. They are on a good vs. evil spectrum that has very few shades of gray. Just like his nefarious characters, the author also gives the landscape an atmospheric feel of foreboding. The story moves at an ever-increasing pace and yet I never felt as if I knew what would be reveled or what was about to happen right up to the climax. Mr. Frome has a unique style which in this novel gives the story a noir feeling to this crime mystery and so much more.
I recommend this unique mash-up crime mystery.
SHADOW OF THE GYPSY by Shelly Frome is a suspenseful crime mystery with family drama and a little romance all thrown into the mix of an intriguing read.
Josh is hiding from his past working on a small-town weekly paper. In the mysterious beginning of this story, the reader learns of his dysfunctional upbringing and the blonde girl he dreams about that he hopes to return to soon. But his past catches up to him, even though he has changed his name. He learns he was tricked into a debt to the man he is hiding from, the gypsy, Zharko.
I felt the first few chapters were confusing, but once the pieces of Josh’s past begin to unfold, the story began to pull me in. Josh and all the other characters are all fully fleshed and interesting. They are on a good vs. evil spectrum that has very few shades of gray. Just like his nefarious characters, the author also gives the landscape an atmospheric feel of foreboding. The story moves at an ever-increasing pace and yet I never felt as if I knew what would be reveled or what was about to happen right up to the climax. Mr. Frome has a unique style which in this novel gives the story a noir feeling to this crime mystery and so much more.
I recommend this unique mash-up crime mystery.
June 11, 2022
“Well, I’ve got news for you. The past is never past. And the longer you try to keep it at arm’s length, the hungrier it gets, until one day, sure as hell, it’s gonna get you. And then where will you be?”
Josh Bartlett has been hiding for years. After escaping his hometown in Connecticut, he makes it to the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina, and there he waits. What is he waiting for, exactly? Well, when Josh was a child, he led a very different life. See, at that time, Josh was named Sonny and he witnessed something beyond comprehension. Something that, even now as an adult, he can hardly bear to think about.
That something was an act committed by a man named Zharko-- a man who has been looking for Josh ever since. After painstakingly tracking Josh to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Zharko comes to collect on a debt, one that Josh didn't even know existed.
'Shadow of the Gypsy,' is a thrilling book filled with twists, turns, witty one-liners, interesting characters and everything that a mystery reader loves in a novel.
Shelly Frome's writing is really one of a kind. His ability to create a narrative that the reader thinks they understand, and then turn everything on it's head halfway through is unmatched.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one, particularly Josh/Sonny, who was a very relatable protagonist. I even liked Zharko as a villain in all his menacing and evil ways. He was a very strongly characterized bad guy, who leaves an impression on the reader and keeps them guessing as to what his next move is the whole way through the book.
This is a great read for mystery lovers, but also for anyone who enjoys a coming-of-age novel, or a good thriller. I know I will be thinking about this one for a long time to come!
Josh Bartlett has been hiding for years. After escaping his hometown in Connecticut, he makes it to the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina, and there he waits. What is he waiting for, exactly? Well, when Josh was a child, he led a very different life. See, at that time, Josh was named Sonny and he witnessed something beyond comprehension. Something that, even now as an adult, he can hardly bear to think about.
That something was an act committed by a man named Zharko-- a man who has been looking for Josh ever since. After painstakingly tracking Josh to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Zharko comes to collect on a debt, one that Josh didn't even know existed.
'Shadow of the Gypsy,' is a thrilling book filled with twists, turns, witty one-liners, interesting characters and everything that a mystery reader loves in a novel.
Shelly Frome's writing is really one of a kind. His ability to create a narrative that the reader thinks they understand, and then turn everything on it's head halfway through is unmatched.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one, particularly Josh/Sonny, who was a very relatable protagonist. I even liked Zharko as a villain in all his menacing and evil ways. He was a very strongly characterized bad guy, who leaves an impression on the reader and keeps them guessing as to what his next move is the whole way through the book.
This is a great read for mystery lovers, but also for anyone who enjoys a coming-of-age novel, or a good thriller. I know I will be thinking about this one for a long time to come!
June 12, 2022
I have had the pleasure of reading books by Shelly Frome in the past and have enjoyed them. Shadow of the Gypsy is now my new favorite written by him to date. This one had twists and turns that made my head spin, making me stay on the edge of my seat. I had to read it from cover to cover in one sitting to find out how it would all end. It was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. I loved it.
I am giving Shadow of the Gypsy five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspense filled thrillers. I look forward to seeing where else Shelly Frome’s imagination will take his readers to next. This one is worth a read.
I received a paperback copy of Shadow of the Gypsy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Shadow of the Gypsy five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspense filled thrillers. I look forward to seeing where else Shelly Frome’s imagination will take his readers to next. This one is worth a read.
I received a paperback copy of Shadow of the Gypsy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
June 19, 2022
A thrilling mystery about a man, a hidden identity and a villain of the highest order.
'Shadow of the Gypsy,' by Shelly Frome combines a lot of different elements that you don't often see in a novel like this, to create something truly unique. One of those different elements is the sense of small-town Americana.
This story takes place in a sleepy town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The main character, Josh Bartlett is a reporter doing a profile on a resident of a local retirement community.
While fending off the return questions of a former New York therapist, Josh thinks that he sees a face from his past in the distance. The face is not a welcome one. Josh only left his hometown in Connecticut after an altercation with a criminal named Zharko.
The altercation is left vague and the nature of it makes up some of the core mystery of 'Shadow of the Gypsy.' The reader is only told that Zharko killed a man. Josh has feared Zharko for most of his life, and the idea that this man may have found him in hiding terrifies him to his core.
What's worse is that Zharko is looking for Josh, not for revenge, but for help with a scheme that will ultimately put Josh's life in danger. Josh will have to revisit the place that he ran from so many years earlier in order to find a way through the gauntlet of trouble that Zharko drops off on his doorstep.
This novel is well worth the read! Frome's writing is superb. His prose is expertly crafted to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that is unlike any other book. Reading this novel, I sensed influence, not only from other mystery novels but true crime as well. I would love to read more from this author and I hope he has more novels planned in the future!
'Shadow of the Gypsy,' by Shelly Frome combines a lot of different elements that you don't often see in a novel like this, to create something truly unique. One of those different elements is the sense of small-town Americana.
This story takes place in a sleepy town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The main character, Josh Bartlett is a reporter doing a profile on a resident of a local retirement community.
While fending off the return questions of a former New York therapist, Josh thinks that he sees a face from his past in the distance. The face is not a welcome one. Josh only left his hometown in Connecticut after an altercation with a criminal named Zharko.
The altercation is left vague and the nature of it makes up some of the core mystery of 'Shadow of the Gypsy.' The reader is only told that Zharko killed a man. Josh has feared Zharko for most of his life, and the idea that this man may have found him in hiding terrifies him to his core.
What's worse is that Zharko is looking for Josh, not for revenge, but for help with a scheme that will ultimately put Josh's life in danger. Josh will have to revisit the place that he ran from so many years earlier in order to find a way through the gauntlet of trouble that Zharko drops off on his doorstep.
This novel is well worth the read! Frome's writing is superb. His prose is expertly crafted to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that is unlike any other book. Reading this novel, I sensed influence, not only from other mystery novels but true crime as well. I would love to read more from this author and I hope he has more novels planned in the future!
June 11, 2022
At the beginning of Shadow of the Gypsy, it tends to be slightly mystifying. At first, it is hard to determine "where this is going". Josh - not his real name - has experienced a very dysfunctional childhood. After witnessing a terrible thing, she was sent away and lived in a boarding school before going on to college. He moved to a small town, far away, so nobody would find him. For some peculiar reason, only his mother and childhood girlfriend knew where he was.
After many years and feeling sure he was safe, he decided it was time to persuade his girlfriend to marry him... He was safe now, wasn't he?
From here on out, suspense, mystery, action, and increased drama occur. It moves at a fast pace and is nearly impossible for the reader to determine the plot or its outcome.
The characters are diverse and very believable. They are very realistic The scenes are also portrayed well and easily visualized.
This is a story about neglect, finding oneself, dysfunctional home life, relationships, and trauma.
READER BEWARE: There is some profanity within this book's content.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review
After many years and feeling sure he was safe, he decided it was time to persuade his girlfriend to marry him... He was safe now, wasn't he?
From here on out, suspense, mystery, action, and increased drama occur. It moves at a fast pace and is nearly impossible for the reader to determine the plot or its outcome.
The characters are diverse and very believable. They are very realistic The scenes are also portrayed well and easily visualized.
This is a story about neglect, finding oneself, dysfunctional home life, relationships, and trauma.
READER BEWARE: There is some profanity within this book's content.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review
June 18, 2022
It took reading into this novel quite a bit before I really began to understand what was going on. In fact, it is not until nearly half way through the book we get the real back story of Josh's early life that helps us understand his current adventure. This novel is a journey through the dark realms of the mafia and mobs on the upper east coast. Josh's attempts to clarify his past and live ready for the future form the plot. It's a complex journey filled with good and bad people, false starts and frustrated results. More than once I wondered where the novel was going, what some of the events meant, and the ultimate influence of some of the people.
Frome's writing style is difficult for me to follow at times. For example, Josh at one point says he would have to “venture more deeply into the here and now of Teddy Roosevelt's arena.” (1771/3687) At first read, I had no idea what Frome meant. Later I realized it was a reference to a credo from Teddy Roosevelt introduced much earlier in the book and in an entirely different setting. Frome's use of “arena” threw me and broke up the flow of my reading. This experience was one of many similar ones.
This novel seemed to have a rambling plot. I think I understood in the end that the plot involved some people wanting to take over drug trade from others. And speaking of the end, it came quickly. Suddenly everything wrapped up when it seemed all along it couldn't happen. This is a novel for readers who don't mind concentrating on the text as it takes concentration to follow Frome's writing style.
I received a complimentary digital edition of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Frome's writing style is difficult for me to follow at times. For example, Josh at one point says he would have to “venture more deeply into the here and now of Teddy Roosevelt's arena.” (1771/3687) At first read, I had no idea what Frome meant. Later I realized it was a reference to a credo from Teddy Roosevelt introduced much earlier in the book and in an entirely different setting. Frome's use of “arena” threw me and broke up the flow of my reading. This experience was one of many similar ones.
This novel seemed to have a rambling plot. I think I understood in the end that the plot involved some people wanting to take over drug trade from others. And speaking of the end, it came quickly. Suddenly everything wrapped up when it seemed all along it couldn't happen. This is a novel for readers who don't mind concentrating on the text as it takes concentration to follow Frome's writing style.
I received a complimentary digital edition of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
June 21, 2022
What a madcap mystery! Josh Barlett has a secret. He has changed his name, moved to a remote town, was sure he could now lead a normal life and persuade his childhood crush, Molly, to marry him. However, he is being followed! But how could that be? His nemesis has been removed from the country. Of course, he is finally free. But no. His past has caught up with him. He IS being tailed by Zarko, a Eastern European mafia figure from his long ago past. Zarko has other plans for Josh. If Josh wants a chance to have a normal life, he must do a few favours for Zarko to clear his debt. Will Josh ever get rid of Zarko and find happiness with his true love?
The characters are totally zany, Zarko, a tough girl, who has it in for Josh, yet turns out to be a friend, the police and their informants trying to put everyone away and Josh's employer looking for a big news story. Josh's mother seems to be a totally gloomy, controlling mother, determined to keep Josh shut away from society. I have a problem with the character of Molly. She seems too perfect (as seen through Josh's eyes). I really wish he would find another girlfriend! She doesn't seem to be as in love with him as he is with her. However, that being said, I loved the story! With plot twists and turns, a totally dysfunctional family and a cast of crazy characters "Shadow of the Gypsy" is sure to keep you entertained.
The characters are totally zany, Zarko, a tough girl, who has it in for Josh, yet turns out to be a friend, the police and their informants trying to put everyone away and Josh's employer looking for a big news story. Josh's mother seems to be a totally gloomy, controlling mother, determined to keep Josh shut away from society. I have a problem with the character of Molly. She seems too perfect (as seen through Josh's eyes). I really wish he would find another girlfriend! She doesn't seem to be as in love with him as he is with her. However, that being said, I loved the story! With plot twists and turns, a totally dysfunctional family and a cast of crazy characters "Shadow of the Gypsy" is sure to keep you entertained.
June 27, 2022
Written in the traditional style of crime fiction, the novel slowly reveals the story behind Josh's past, which he thought he had left behind when he changed his name and began working at a small town newspaper in the Blue Ridge mountains. But normal life escapes Josh when a gypsy from his past shows up to demand a favor, or else....
The action is paced in this crime fiction, with some suspense but a more relaxing read than a thriller. Zharko, the gypsy in question, is unusual, perhaps a bit stereotypical, even though the author describes him as a rogue gypsy. His character as described and developed fits well into the role of villain.
An enjoyable crime novel.
The action is paced in this crime fiction, with some suspense but a more relaxing read than a thriller. Zharko, the gypsy in question, is unusual, perhaps a bit stereotypical, even though the author describes him as a rogue gypsy. His character as described and developed fits well into the role of villain.
An enjoyable crime novel.
June 21, 2022
And it’s not the shadow of his smile. It’s the shadow of the dangerous gypsy that Josh has spent most of his life hiding from.
Zharko showed up to collect on an IOU. It appears that Josh is about to be ripped from his comfortable life.
Not only is it going to mess with his life, but also with the lives of his mother and the woman he loves.
I’m not going to tell you any more as I would probably give away the plot. Just know that I didn’t want to put this book down before I made it to the end.
Thank you, Mr Frome, for another enjoyable book.
***Book received from PICT without charge.***
Zharko showed up to collect on an IOU. It appears that Josh is about to be ripped from his comfortable life.
Not only is it going to mess with his life, but also with the lives of his mother and the woman he loves.
I’m not going to tell you any more as I would probably give away the plot. Just know that I didn’t want to put this book down before I made it to the end.
Thank you, Mr Frome, for another enjoyable book.
***Book received from PICT without charge.***
May 12, 2022
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2022/05/12/4-...
Shadow of the Gypsy by Shelly Frome is a suspenseful read with many threads circling back to figure out what mystery Josh has gotten himself involved in.
When Josh thinks he sees the shadowy figure of the gypsy, Zharko, in North Carolina, where he currently lives, he knows it can’t be good since he’s far away from where he grew up in Connecticut, and bad things have happened. Josh’s life takes many turns as he races back to Connecticut to get answers, and he’s in for more than he bargained for.
Josh’s past keeps meeting his present, and there’s a lot of darkness, evil and bad vibes. He’s trying to figure out what’s going on now and how it relates to events in the past.
His mother is not warm and fuzzy and keeps her own secrets. Molly, the girl he’d love to end up with, is wishy-washy at best, and I don’t get warm feelings from her, and neither does Josh! I did like J.J. and even Carmine, who he met in Connecticut. Things are sometimes just a little too convenient, especially when Carmine is around since he plays both sides. Josh and J.J., who seems to have a good heart, have a great rapport, and I had hoped their friendship would take a different path.
There are many twists and turns, and every clue and detail is important at some point. There are secrets, subterfuge, injuries, mobs, businesses that are not what they seem, memories, reminisces, familial connections, crimes committed, and good guys vs. bad.
Josh does a lot of investigating on his own, which gets him into a lot of unexpected trouble. His journalism background and working at a newspaper in North Carolina seems to help him in his quest for answers.
The story is sometimes choppy but mainly has a good flow. There is some closure, but there appear to be a few loose threads, and the book ended very abruptly for me. The cover is fitting to the story being told.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Frome, but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed that it was set in Connecticut, where I’ve lived for most of my life, and the story came alive with all the landmarks and areas mentioned. It was easy for me to visualize the locations.
If you like mysteries with good versus evil, this may be a story you’d like. Shadow of the Gypsy is fast-paced and filled with characters you love to hate. There was intrigue and suspense throughout, and I’m ready for the next book!
https://novelsalive.com/2022/05/12/4-...
Shadow of the Gypsy by Shelly Frome is a suspenseful read with many threads circling back to figure out what mystery Josh has gotten himself involved in.
When Josh thinks he sees the shadowy figure of the gypsy, Zharko, in North Carolina, where he currently lives, he knows it can’t be good since he’s far away from where he grew up in Connecticut, and bad things have happened. Josh’s life takes many turns as he races back to Connecticut to get answers, and he’s in for more than he bargained for.
Josh’s past keeps meeting his present, and there’s a lot of darkness, evil and bad vibes. He’s trying to figure out what’s going on now and how it relates to events in the past.
His mother is not warm and fuzzy and keeps her own secrets. Molly, the girl he’d love to end up with, is wishy-washy at best, and I don’t get warm feelings from her, and neither does Josh! I did like J.J. and even Carmine, who he met in Connecticut. Things are sometimes just a little too convenient, especially when Carmine is around since he plays both sides. Josh and J.J., who seems to have a good heart, have a great rapport, and I had hoped their friendship would take a different path.
There are many twists and turns, and every clue and detail is important at some point. There are secrets, subterfuge, injuries, mobs, businesses that are not what they seem, memories, reminisces, familial connections, crimes committed, and good guys vs. bad.
Josh does a lot of investigating on his own, which gets him into a lot of unexpected trouble. His journalism background and working at a newspaper in North Carolina seems to help him in his quest for answers.
The story is sometimes choppy but mainly has a good flow. There is some closure, but there appear to be a few loose threads, and the book ended very abruptly for me. The cover is fitting to the story being told.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Frome, but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed that it was set in Connecticut, where I’ve lived for most of my life, and the story came alive with all the landmarks and areas mentioned. It was easy for me to visualize the locations.
If you like mysteries with good versus evil, this may be a story you’d like. Shadow of the Gypsy is fast-paced and filled with characters you love to hate. There was intrigue and suspense throughout, and I’m ready for the next book!
May 20, 2022
Deceptions and secrets abound in this story that is part coming-of-age, part family drama and all suspense. At times bittersweet, this book will pull on your heartstrings at the same time it leaves you on the edge of your seat. Although billed as a mystery, which it most certainly is, it also has the feel and atmosphere of noir. Hapless hero caught up in events beyond his control, dealings with thugs and smugglers, and an unrequited love for a girl who he feels is much too good for him. All the makings of a classic. As time runs out, you'll fly though the pages to see how he can possibly extricate himself from this impossible situation. And throughout all this, you'll still have time to marvel over the foreboding and atmospheric descriptions of the surrounding landscape. This is a book I literally fell into and didn't let up on until the very last page.
***I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***
***I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***
September 27, 2022
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpbpy...
Blog: https://nanasbookreviews.wordpress.co...
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow of the Gypsy by Shelly Frome is a suspense novel.
Josh grew up with a detached mother and a shadow gypsy guy who was always lurking around. From a young age, he had a little crush on his best friend Molly. Growing up that didn’t change. He wanted to protect her and himself from Zharko, so he was taking jobs away
from home. A year ago he had found out that his nemesis was gone and he had hoped for a new beginning with his beloved. Unfortunately, his hopes were shattered when he saw him in North Carolina. Not only he was back but he was dragging him into some shady business.
Could Josh, who avoided conflict, escape from this dangerous man and start over his life?
This story is filled with suspense and mystery. The plot is quite engaging with the family drama and the mafia dealings. At first, I was a bit confused but slowly everything made sense. It’s from the stories that you have to pay attention to detail since there are so many characters and situations happening at the same time. There are so many twists and secrets that make you turn the pages fast so you can see what happens next. Some of the characters are very interesting and likable. Josh was the most interesting to me. He went from a little mousy man to a true fighter. I liked that there was a good development in his character. My favorite
parts were when he was trying to uncover the truth.
This book is perfect for those who love a good mystery and the action of a suspense novel. I enjoyed it a lot and I will rate it with 4 stars.
Blog: https://nanasbookreviews.wordpress.co...
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow of the Gypsy by Shelly Frome is a suspense novel.
Josh grew up with a detached mother and a shadow gypsy guy who was always lurking around. From a young age, he had a little crush on his best friend Molly. Growing up that didn’t change. He wanted to protect her and himself from Zharko, so he was taking jobs away
from home. A year ago he had found out that his nemesis was gone and he had hoped for a new beginning with his beloved. Unfortunately, his hopes were shattered when he saw him in North Carolina. Not only he was back but he was dragging him into some shady business.
Could Josh, who avoided conflict, escape from this dangerous man and start over his life?
This story is filled with suspense and mystery. The plot is quite engaging with the family drama and the mafia dealings. At first, I was a bit confused but slowly everything made sense. It’s from the stories that you have to pay attention to detail since there are so many characters and situations happening at the same time. There are so many twists and secrets that make you turn the pages fast so you can see what happens next. Some of the characters are very interesting and likable. Josh was the most interesting to me. He went from a little mousy man to a true fighter. I liked that there was a good development in his character. My favorite
parts were when he was trying to uncover the truth.
This book is perfect for those who love a good mystery and the action of a suspense novel. I enjoyed it a lot and I will rate it with 4 stars.
October 24, 2022
If I am honest, typically when I am reading a mafia book, it involved romance, and a lot of smut. That was not the case with Shadow of the Gypsy by Shelly Frome, as this is a book filled with suspense and the past of a character you have to work incredibly hard to figure out.
Honestly, I don’t know if I liked this book or not. After finishing the book I am still torn. While I enjoyed the story and most of the characters, I am not entirely sure I enjoyed the time I spent reading. The writing style Shelly Frome has is not a writing style that flows. Instead it is filled with stops and starts and a lot of references (speeches, scenarios, so on and so forth) that you have to pay close attention to because they come to fruition much later in the book.
That being said, this book and this author probably handles different POV’s amazingly. You spend the book in either Josh’s point of view, or Zharko’s point of view. I love being in Zharko’s point of view. Why you ask? Because Zharko does not speak fluent English. He speaks that broken English that we typically associate with immigrants that have worked incredibly hard to understand and speak a language that is not easy to speak and understand. And that comes through so clearly in his point of views. You don’t have to worry that when the point of view switches, you won’t know. A lot of Zharko’s sections are in that broken, not quite clear broken English. And while normally this would irritate me to no end, because I hate when authors do this, Shelly actually included a reason as to why. Zharko was so determined to learn the language that he even “thought” in the language, even when those thoughts were a little broken. I fucking loved it.
And while I loved Zharko, I kind of hated Josh. I appreciated that Josh’s entire personality was based on trying to hide his entire life. He wanted to stay hidden, wanted to stay under the radar due to his past and what had happened, but man did I dislike him. It probably doesn’t help that I read a lot of books with morally grey villains that I end up liking, so it isn’t a stretch that I prefer the villain.
Since we are talking about characters I am not a huge fan of, I want to talk about Molly. Molly is the love interest to Josh, the person he has been working as hard as he can to get back too. And while there is nothing wrong with her, I kind of wish she didn’t exist. It felt like the only reason she did exist was the give Josh a taste of the normalcy that he did not have growing up. He was so anxious to start his life with her that he didn’t take the time to consider, would he have been a good match for her? (No he would not have been.)
Overall – This was an interesting book with an odd writing style that I am still not entirely sure I like. Shelly does an amazing job at painting interesting and complex villains, but it feels like that does not transfer over to the hero who ended up feeling a bit boring and bland. The overall plot of trying to take over another mafia was not original, but it was effective for the book so I do understand that as well.
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Honestly, I don’t know if I liked this book or not. After finishing the book I am still torn. While I enjoyed the story and most of the characters, I am not entirely sure I enjoyed the time I spent reading. The writing style Shelly Frome has is not a writing style that flows. Instead it is filled with stops and starts and a lot of references (speeches, scenarios, so on and so forth) that you have to pay close attention to because they come to fruition much later in the book.
That being said, this book and this author probably handles different POV’s amazingly. You spend the book in either Josh’s point of view, or Zharko’s point of view. I love being in Zharko’s point of view. Why you ask? Because Zharko does not speak fluent English. He speaks that broken English that we typically associate with immigrants that have worked incredibly hard to understand and speak a language that is not easy to speak and understand. And that comes through so clearly in his point of views. You don’t have to worry that when the point of view switches, you won’t know. A lot of Zharko’s sections are in that broken, not quite clear broken English. And while normally this would irritate me to no end, because I hate when authors do this, Shelly actually included a reason as to why. Zharko was so determined to learn the language that he even “thought” in the language, even when those thoughts were a little broken. I fucking loved it.
And while I loved Zharko, I kind of hated Josh. I appreciated that Josh’s entire personality was based on trying to hide his entire life. He wanted to stay hidden, wanted to stay under the radar due to his past and what had happened, but man did I dislike him. It probably doesn’t help that I read a lot of books with morally grey villains that I end up liking, so it isn’t a stretch that I prefer the villain.
Since we are talking about characters I am not a huge fan of, I want to talk about Molly. Molly is the love interest to Josh, the person he has been working as hard as he can to get back too. And while there is nothing wrong with her, I kind of wish she didn’t exist. It felt like the only reason she did exist was the give Josh a taste of the normalcy that he did not have growing up. He was so anxious to start his life with her that he didn’t take the time to consider, would he have been a good match for her? (No he would not have been.)
Overall – This was an interesting book with an odd writing style that I am still not entirely sure I like. Shelly does an amazing job at painting interesting and complex villains, but it feels like that does not transfer over to the hero who ended up feeling a bit boring and bland. The overall plot of trying to take over another mafia was not original, but it was effective for the book so I do understand that as well.
For more book reviews, visit aliciajeanne.com
January 21, 2023
“Shadow of the Gypsy” by Shelly Frome is an amusingly entertaining crime mystery following the main character Sonny Korda, a.k.a. Josh Barlett, as he tries to elude Zarko, an Eastern European mafia figure from his past.
On the run for his life, Sonny Korda has disassociated himself from anything that resembles his past life. He changed his name to Josh Barlett and moved to a small town in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The only people that know of Josh’s whereabouts are his mother and childhood sweetheart, Molly, yet somehow, his nightmare has returned. Despite all his efforts, his past has caught up with him. With memories of a traumatic event Josh witnessed as a child haunting his every thought, he must face his fears and protect the women he loves. The only way to ensure their safety is to go to work for Russian mobsters and pay off some debts.
“Shadow of the Gypsy” is a fast-paced Mafia-themed crime mystery with enough twists and turns to keep your head spinning. Thugs enforcing dirty deals and perilous events are a constant. A foreboding sense of gloom runs rampant as the reader digs deep into Josh’s childhood. Zharko is a villain you will love to hate. His menacing behavior taunts the reader, asking them to look deeper for the true evil in the story. The Mafia bad guy leaves an impression from page one, foreshadowing dread as the boundaries of good and evil become blurred. Both Josh and Zharko will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the labyrinth full of endless dangers the characters face.
Shelly Frome’s writing style has the innate ability to lead the reader in one direction and then create a whirlwind of unexpected events, shifting the focus to turn once more. “Shadow of the Gypsy” is an incredible read that had me guessing wrong constantly. The world-building is ominous and creepy enough to keep me up all night wanting more. The characters are well-developed with realistic traits and personalities. Some I adored; some I could not stand.
“Shadow of the Gypsy” has all the best traits of a dark mystery with a true crime vibe. If you enjoy books full of intrigue and suspense, this will not disappoint. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes thrillers that will keep you guessing till the very end.
On the run for his life, Sonny Korda has disassociated himself from anything that resembles his past life. He changed his name to Josh Barlett and moved to a small town in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The only people that know of Josh’s whereabouts are his mother and childhood sweetheart, Molly, yet somehow, his nightmare has returned. Despite all his efforts, his past has caught up with him. With memories of a traumatic event Josh witnessed as a child haunting his every thought, he must face his fears and protect the women he loves. The only way to ensure their safety is to go to work for Russian mobsters and pay off some debts.
“Shadow of the Gypsy” is a fast-paced Mafia-themed crime mystery with enough twists and turns to keep your head spinning. Thugs enforcing dirty deals and perilous events are a constant. A foreboding sense of gloom runs rampant as the reader digs deep into Josh’s childhood. Zharko is a villain you will love to hate. His menacing behavior taunts the reader, asking them to look deeper for the true evil in the story. The Mafia bad guy leaves an impression from page one, foreshadowing dread as the boundaries of good and evil become blurred. Both Josh and Zharko will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the labyrinth full of endless dangers the characters face.
Shelly Frome’s writing style has the innate ability to lead the reader in one direction and then create a whirlwind of unexpected events, shifting the focus to turn once more. “Shadow of the Gypsy” is an incredible read that had me guessing wrong constantly. The world-building is ominous and creepy enough to keep me up all night wanting more. The characters are well-developed with realistic traits and personalities. Some I adored; some I could not stand.
“Shadow of the Gypsy” has all the best traits of a dark mystery with a true crime vibe. If you enjoy books full of intrigue and suspense, this will not disappoint. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes thrillers that will keep you guessing till the very end.
July 20, 2022
Shadow of the Gypsy by Shelly Frome is the story of Josh Barlett, who witnessed a crime at the age of 12 and was forced to leave his home in order to protect his life, and ever since then, he has constantly been running away from his past. Now he is a 35-year-old reporter in the local newspaper who lives a dull life in blue mountain ridges. However, all that would end soon, and Josh would finally return to his hometown after all these years. The plan is to reunite with his high school sweetheart Molly. That is until his past catches up with him, and a Russian spy- Zharko, finally finds him. Now Josh is forced to participate in a Russian mob’s crime because of a debt owed from his childhood.
Author Shelly Frome has yet again come up with a mysterious story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Shadow of the Gypsy is the perfect combination of crime and mystery. Frome has written a breathtaking story that is guaranteed to startle the readers. He has written strong characters whose personal goals intertwine with each other throughout the book. When Josh is forced to participate in a crime, he has two choices. Either he can run from his past again or defeat it! Josh’s journey of fighting life and death consequences will leave the reader in awe. It was genuinely intriguing how Josh didn’t only report the crime but became a part of it.
The story is set in the blue ridge mountains, and with Shelly’s wonderful description of the surroundings, readers can visualize the book perfectly. Interesting side characters like Josh’s neighbors are also introduced who love his boy-next-door personality, which readers may find charming too.
The suspenseful question remains until the very last page whether Josh will defeat his past, or will his past take the best of him? This novel has excellent dialogue writing and well-developed plot twists making for a delightful read.
Author Shelly Frome has yet again come up with a mysterious story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Shadow of the Gypsy is the perfect combination of crime and mystery. Frome has written a breathtaking story that is guaranteed to startle the readers. He has written strong characters whose personal goals intertwine with each other throughout the book. When Josh is forced to participate in a crime, he has two choices. Either he can run from his past again or defeat it! Josh’s journey of fighting life and death consequences will leave the reader in awe. It was genuinely intriguing how Josh didn’t only report the crime but became a part of it.
The story is set in the blue ridge mountains, and with Shelly’s wonderful description of the surroundings, readers can visualize the book perfectly. Interesting side characters like Josh’s neighbors are also introduced who love his boy-next-door personality, which readers may find charming too.
The suspenseful question remains until the very last page whether Josh will defeat his past, or will his past take the best of him? This novel has excellent dialogue writing and well-developed plot twists making for a delightful read.
February 24, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Shadow of the Gypsy
Author: Shelly Frome
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
9 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I enjoyed this mystery very much. I liked Josh, the protagonist; I felt he developed a lot as the story progressed. The writing style is sort of punchy too.” Male reader, aged 51
“Although the pacing is uneven, this is a gripping mystery which keeps you turning the page. The author´s good at developing suspense and not so good at developing secondary characters.” Female reader, aged 38
“This is a skilfully plotted story which I enjoyed a lot. The opening chapters are a bit difficult to follow, but then it gets going and everything begins to fall into place. The author is excellent at developing suspense, throwing in the odd clue, but never giving everything away. Lots of twists and turns and didn´t see coming.” Female reader, aged 49
“If you like gritty criminal dramas, you´ll probably enjoy this.” Male reader, aged 29
To Sum It Up:
‘A Strong, cleverly plotted mystery packed full of suspense. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Shadow of the Gypsy
Author: Shelly Frome
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
9 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I enjoyed this mystery very much. I liked Josh, the protagonist; I felt he developed a lot as the story progressed. The writing style is sort of punchy too.” Male reader, aged 51
“Although the pacing is uneven, this is a gripping mystery which keeps you turning the page. The author´s good at developing suspense and not so good at developing secondary characters.” Female reader, aged 38
“This is a skilfully plotted story which I enjoyed a lot. The opening chapters are a bit difficult to follow, but then it gets going and everything begins to fall into place. The author is excellent at developing suspense, throwing in the odd clue, but never giving everything away. Lots of twists and turns and didn´t see coming.” Female reader, aged 49
“If you like gritty criminal dramas, you´ll probably enjoy this.” Male reader, aged 29
To Sum It Up:
‘A Strong, cleverly plotted mystery packed full of suspense. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
July 7, 2022
Shelly Frome is a writer who can switch gears very effectively. Having read some of his work before, I was definitely not expecting the direction that this book went in, and it made for a thrilling reading experience from start to finish! If you love mysteries with amateur sleuths and an undercurrent of romance, I can say with absolute certainty that you will love this fantastic book!
The main character, Josh Bartlett is a Romany man who used to be part of a community of his people in Connecticut. However, something happened when Josh was a boy that changed the entire trajectory of his life. See, back then he was known as Sonny Korda and he was the witness to a murder committed by a man named Zharko.
Sonny/Josh’s mother thought it was best to change her son’s name and ship him off to boarding school in Tennessee to avoid Zharko finding him. This was when Sonny became Josh—and Josh became a man who always felt the need to look over his shoulder.
After years of living in hiding, Josh finally realizes that he has been found by Zharko and that his only option is to go along with what the man says so. that he can avoid his family and girlfriend getting hurt. Josh’s girlfriend, Molly is a friend of his from childhood whom he has been in a long distance relationship with for several years. Molly knows nothing about why Josh left town all those years ago, and in order to protect her, Josh must keep his secret even when Zharko asks him to return to Connecticut to collect on the debt that he owes the man.
Frome’s writing is superb and must be experienced to be believed. Add this one to your To Be Read list today!
The main character, Josh Bartlett is a Romany man who used to be part of a community of his people in Connecticut. However, something happened when Josh was a boy that changed the entire trajectory of his life. See, back then he was known as Sonny Korda and he was the witness to a murder committed by a man named Zharko.
Sonny/Josh’s mother thought it was best to change her son’s name and ship him off to boarding school in Tennessee to avoid Zharko finding him. This was when Sonny became Josh—and Josh became a man who always felt the need to look over his shoulder.
After years of living in hiding, Josh finally realizes that he has been found by Zharko and that his only option is to go along with what the man says so. that he can avoid his family and girlfriend getting hurt. Josh’s girlfriend, Molly is a friend of his from childhood whom he has been in a long distance relationship with for several years. Molly knows nothing about why Josh left town all those years ago, and in order to protect her, Josh must keep his secret even when Zharko asks him to return to Connecticut to collect on the debt that he owes the man.
Frome’s writing is superb and must be experienced to be believed. Add this one to your To Be Read list today!
June 30, 2022
A mystery with enough twists and turns to keep your head spinning.
Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen in, 'Shadow of the Gypsy,' I found myself having to rethink everything! Shelly Frome is a writer with a lot of talent and he shows it in a big way in this tightly-plotted mystery novel.
The main character of 'Shadow of the Gypsy,' is Josh Bartlett, a young man who has spent most of his life escaping his past. Born as Sonny Korda in Connecticut, as a young boy, Josh witnesses a terrible crime committed by a man named Zharko.
In order to escape Zharko, Josh's mother changes his name and transfers him to a boarding school in Tennessee where he spends the rest of his youth in hiding. As an adult, Josh continues to stay away from his hometown, eventually taking a job as a reporter in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. But it is here that Josh's years of hiding come to an abrupt end and he must finally contend with the secret that he has been keeping and the man that has been looking for him for two decades.
Zharko is a member of the same Romany community that Josh is from, and because of this Josh's mother, Irina seems to feel a certain duty to the man. When Zharko finds Josh in North Carolina, he shows Josh an IOU that he supposedly signed as a boy and informs him that he has a debt to pay to the man, a debt that Zharko intends to collect on now that Josh is all grown up.
Like I said, this book kept me guessing the whole way through and I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking about that ending for a long time to come.
Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen in, 'Shadow of the Gypsy,' I found myself having to rethink everything! Shelly Frome is a writer with a lot of talent and he shows it in a big way in this tightly-plotted mystery novel.
The main character of 'Shadow of the Gypsy,' is Josh Bartlett, a young man who has spent most of his life escaping his past. Born as Sonny Korda in Connecticut, as a young boy, Josh witnesses a terrible crime committed by a man named Zharko.
In order to escape Zharko, Josh's mother changes his name and transfers him to a boarding school in Tennessee where he spends the rest of his youth in hiding. As an adult, Josh continues to stay away from his hometown, eventually taking a job as a reporter in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. But it is here that Josh's years of hiding come to an abrupt end and he must finally contend with the secret that he has been keeping and the man that has been looking for him for two decades.
Zharko is a member of the same Romany community that Josh is from, and because of this Josh's mother, Irina seems to feel a certain duty to the man. When Zharko finds Josh in North Carolina, he shows Josh an IOU that he supposedly signed as a boy and informs him that he has a debt to pay to the man, a debt that Zharko intends to collect on now that Josh is all grown up.
Like I said, this book kept me guessing the whole way through and I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking about that ending for a long time to come.
January 16, 2023
Shadow of the Gypsy by Shelly Frome is a fantastically written mystery that keeps the reader on the edge from page one till the very end. Shelly Frome is a talented author with a pleasant writing style and a knack to create mystery and suspense. The plot is exciting, the characters are memorable and interesting.
A page-turner. A book that keeps you guessing. An excellent mystery.
A page-turner. A book that keeps you guessing. An excellent mystery.
May 5, 2024
My first book read by this author and now I am asking myself why! Frome is a writer that writes in a way that in the beginning, you may be a little confused but you still can’t put the book down! You want so bad to find out the climax of the book which is totally amazing! The protagonist, Josh, leaves town due to a secret that involves Zharko. When Zharko finds him, the reason he was trying to find him is not what I expected. Josh is a character I liked but I wanted to hate Zharko. Because Zharko was portrayed so well as a villian, I could not help but like him too! This is a book the reminds us “our past is only our past until it becomes our present” Thank you to @partnersincrimevbt for my reader copy. These are my honest opinions only.
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