Shadows

by Alan Barrett

When a ritual serial killer selects the notorious Sixfields housing estate in which to exhibit his work a whole community threatens to tear itself apart. Detective-Inspector Frank Crosby puts his own life in danger and jeopardises a thirty-five year career as he allows personal feelings to influence his pursuit of the killer. A resident of the Sixfields estate for more than ten years Robert Milner's sanity is ebbing slowly away. His only visitors are the shadows who emerge late at night to mock and taunt him. When Milner becomes a prime suspect in the ongoing murder investigation even he is unsure about his involvement. Against a background of gang warfare, drugs, and street riots DCI Oliver Rees-Bramley and his team come under increasing pressure as the deranged killer is driven to even further excesses. In a final unexpected twist, high in the Welsh mountains, a remote hill farm provides the backdrop for a violent and bloody conclusion to the ill fated investigation.

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2012

About the author

The author was born seven miles from Swindon in the Oxfordshire village of Ashbury. The early part of his life was spent in nearby Watchfield from where he attended Shrivenham Primary School and Faringdon Secondary Modern. Initially employed in administration at RMCS Shrivenham he transferred to an IT post in Bicester before moving to MOD (Navy) Bath as a systems analyst in 1993 where he is currently employed in the same capacity by Boeing UK. Married to Lynn (nee Wilson), the couple lived in Swindon for seventeen years before moving to Brackley in Northamptonshire. Their current home is Melksham in Wiltshire. Alan and Lynn have two daughters Kim and Nikki and a grand-daughter Mistee. Alan's interests include writing, poker and chess. He also enjoys the musical theatre and period drama. In the dim and distant past he once completed a London Marathon but his sporting activities are now restricted to a squash court and the golf course. He still suffers an occasional match at the County Ground where Swindon Town FC were followed on a regular basis for twenty-five years.

Reviews

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy 5 stars. I found this book gripping and couldn’t put it down. The author quickly sets the seen and the story is fast paced from the beginning. Any thriller fan will enjoy this book. It can be quite gory in places but not overly so. There were some good twists and it kept me guessing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

[Alex J Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Shadows to be a very interesting read. The characters were solid and believable, and the settings well described and I could quickly feel it all coming to life. Also many people will be able to relate to the daily life detailed in the urban setting. Shadows is quite well paced, I was eager to keep reading throughout the book. The book has some quite shocking parts, any fan of thrillers will be satisfied. Certainly parts of the book I found quite powerful and harrowing, I highly recommend Shadows to fans of crime thrillers.

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found shadows to be a solid book though not what I would call a page turner. The author has created an all too real scenario where anti-social behaviour and intimidation by youngsters in a neighbourhood is rife. I liked the eclectic collection of police officers and the slight twist in the stories tale. Overall a good read though I would beg the author to not use the excessive amount of exclamation marks in his next work.

[Alan Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've already rated 'Shadows' on Amazon, but it needs as much publicity as possible. Simply because, it is a thrilling read!

The reader is invited into the dark and twisted void of Robert Milner; the tragic hero and my word, there are shocks and secrets spilling out all over the place.

Great characters, great story...just - GREAT!

Buy it, buy it, buy it!

[Nanny Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me gripped from the second page. Set the scene extremely well of a down trodden housing estate. Very well written with a lot of research done. Bit gory at times but so very realistic. Did not expect the twists and turns, couldn't put this book down. Excellent read.

[Amy Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say to much about the book as will ruin the experience that this book gives you. The author is very clever at keeping your interest throughout the book. Really couldn't put it down.