What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow #1
Out of the Shadow
There is an alternate cover edition for this ASIN here.
Having survived a rape and her husband's murder, all Becca Rosen wants to do is settle back into a “normal” life, but how normal can life be when she's being stalked by a psychopath with an attitude---and an agenda. The police are no help because they're convinced, with her history of mental illness, Becca has faked the rape to get away with her husband's murder. On top of that, Becca has begun to have flashbacks and nightmares of childhood abuse, possibly at the hands of the rapist. Not knowing where to turn, and feeling like she might go crazy again, Becca hires psychologist, Sarah Abrams, to help her unearth who's behind the crimes of the past...and the present.
Three men come into Becca's life around the same time. While each of these men has his charms, Becca can't be certain whether any one of them is the real killer. Or could it be someone else? Together Becca and Sarah start on a course of hypnotherapy to discover the abuser's identity. Will their work reveal the real killer before it's too late, or will Becca once again fall prey to this demented criminal?
Having survived a rape and her husband's murder, all Becca Rosen wants to do is settle back into a “normal” life, but how normal can life be when she's being stalked by a psychopath with an attitude---and an agenda. The police are no help because they're convinced, with her history of mental illness, Becca has faked the rape to get away with her husband's murder. On top of that, Becca has begun to have flashbacks and nightmares of childhood abuse, possibly at the hands of the rapist. Not knowing where to turn, and feeling like she might go crazy again, Becca hires psychologist, Sarah Abrams, to help her unearth who's behind the crimes of the past...and the present.
Three men come into Becca's life around the same time. While each of these men has his charms, Becca can't be certain whether any one of them is the real killer. Or could it be someone else? Together Becca and Sarah start on a course of hypnotherapy to discover the abuser's identity. Will their work reveal the real killer before it's too late, or will Becca once again fall prey to this demented criminal?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2012
131 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 8, 2015
A very interesting idea that was hindered by the lack of emotion, motive, intruding "breaks", redundancy, and severe predictability.
I hated the structure. I thought it was a very interesting angle, however, the way this book played out, it wasn't a great fit.
Having the seminar tell you the story, versus actually witnessing the story, left this feeling very clinical. It leeched the feeling out of the experience. Unfortunately, since it was done in a way that you were supposed to "witness" this story as it's being told, it really clashed. I was completely disassociated with what was taking place.
This left me open to seeing every single flaw. Instead of being excited and wanting to know what happens, I'm left bored, already knowing who the culprit is, but noticing that nothing, nothing at all, is adding up. No one is behaving in a manner that they should be.
The police are not behaving as police would. They actually tell "Becca" that she needs to bring them the killer. That would never, ever, ever, in your wildest dreams, happen.
Angela never actually describes her boyfriend, nor does she show Becca any pictures of him on her phone. She is not suspicious of a guy asking personal questions about her friend, rather, she still considers herself in love with this person she has known only a short time.
Someone who walks in on molestation taking place, or even consensual touching, between a teen and a six or seven year old girl, would never keep silent! Ever! That's just not fucking normal.
Her mother knew? But she behaves in a way that would suggest that no, she didn't. She even goes so far as to dissuade her from looking deeper, rather than telling her everything she knows. She absolutely knew who it was, and she was more than happy to see the two of them together?? I don't fucking think so.
Clearly, this was supposed to mask things, so you're meant to be left questioning the many suspects. I knew who it was right away. Winn thinks to help you out with the "breaks" in the story, when you're redirected back to the seminar, having questions be answered about what was taking place, and who was doing what. Not only was it redundant, but it gave everything away, it absolutely ruined the book, especially since Winn actually used the same formula that was being used in the discussions.
What takes place after the seminar was also expected. I wasn't surprised once in this read. It's all spelled out for you.
Worse still, is the complete lack of a motive. It just really added to the ire. The whole book became absolutely pointless.
The only thing that was remotely interesting, were the ideas that are being told to you about dealing with someone who has repressed memories, and these things are not truly Winn's. She's just regurgitating the ideas.
Honestly, I just found it to be a completely hollow read.
I hated the structure. I thought it was a very interesting angle, however, the way this book played out, it wasn't a great fit.
Having the seminar tell you the story, versus actually witnessing the story, left this feeling very clinical. It leeched the feeling out of the experience. Unfortunately, since it was done in a way that you were supposed to "witness" this story as it's being told, it really clashed. I was completely disassociated with what was taking place.
This left me open to seeing every single flaw. Instead of being excited and wanting to know what happens, I'm left bored, already knowing who the culprit is, but noticing that nothing, nothing at all, is adding up. No one is behaving in a manner that they should be.
The police are not behaving as police would. They actually tell "Becca" that she needs to bring them the killer. That would never, ever, ever, in your wildest dreams, happen.
Angela never actually describes her boyfriend, nor does she show Becca any pictures of him on her phone. She is not suspicious of a guy asking personal questions about her friend, rather, she still considers herself in love with this person she has known only a short time.
Someone who walks in on molestation taking place, or even consensual touching, between a teen and a six or seven year old girl, would never keep silent! Ever! That's just not fucking normal.
Her mother knew? But she behaves in a way that would suggest that no, she didn't. She even goes so far as to dissuade her from looking deeper, rather than telling her everything she knows. She absolutely knew who it was, and she was more than happy to see the two of them together?? I don't fucking think so.
Clearly, this was supposed to mask things, so you're meant to be left questioning the many suspects. I knew who it was right away. Winn thinks to help you out with the "breaks" in the story, when you're redirected back to the seminar, having questions be answered about what was taking place, and who was doing what. Not only was it redundant, but it gave everything away, it absolutely ruined the book, especially since Winn actually used the same formula that was being used in the discussions.
What takes place after the seminar was also expected. I wasn't surprised once in this read. It's all spelled out for you.
Worse still, is the complete lack of a motive. It just really added to the ire. The whole book became absolutely pointless.
The only thing that was remotely interesting, were the ideas that are being told to you about dealing with someone who has repressed memories, and these things are not truly Winn's. She's just regurgitating the ideas.
Honestly, I just found it to be a completely hollow read.
August 28, 2013
Well, I've read several other reviews and cannot understand the four and five stars given to this book. I wavered between a one- and a two-star review. I almost quit reading it several times. I had been told this was a thrller, but it has more of a romance novel feel to me, a genre I do not read. The whodunit was extremely easy to solve very early on. The dialogue was strange and contrived, with the characters using many words that aren't ordinarily used in conversation. The plot device used didn't work for me--the story is told through a lecture given by the stalking victim's psychologist. This seminar is supposedly for the psychologist's colleagues, yet it reads as a primer on basic abnormal psychology. I can't imagine any counseling professional would have wanted to sit through a weekend seminar that imparts no new information or techniques. I'm glad this was free.
March 30, 2013
OUT OF THE SHADOW was a fantastic read. There were so many twists and turns that I couldn't put the book down. It kept my interest right from the beginning. The story was easy to follow and very well written. There was no way I would have predicted who the "bad guy" was. As mystery and/or thrillers are my favorite, I am always trying to figure things out. I was pleasantly surprised that this one had me guessing. It would be a must read in my books
Rating: 4
Reviewed by KellyR,My Book Addiction Reviews
Rating: 4
Reviewed by KellyR,My Book Addiction Reviews
February 18, 2013
The is a good, suspenseful book about a woman who is trying to discover the man who killed her husband and is stalking her. It really keeps you guessing and isn't predictable. But I was truly annoyed by the product placement. Did she have to get coffee at Starbuck's and groceries at Whole Food's wearing an Izod jacket?? I think details like that root the story too much in current times and I feel that it won't hold as much appeal for readers in the future.
July 13, 2016
I was hooked from page one.
Very well-written with visual and intense emotional details. A who dunnit with edge of your seat twists and turns. At any moment in time it could have been any one of a number of possible perpetrators yet still a surprising finale. Lots of great metaphysical nuggets too. Loved this book! I'm going to order the next one right away.
Very well-written with visual and intense emotional details. A who dunnit with edge of your seat twists and turns. At any moment in time it could have been any one of a number of possible perpetrators yet still a surprising finale. Lots of great metaphysical nuggets too. Loved this book! I'm going to order the next one right away.
October 11, 2020
Very good story. Kept my interest. Lots of twists and turns.
October 26, 2012
A can't put it down mystery. Keeps you guessing until the very end. Have on Kindle to borrow
February 4, 2013
Really well-written mystery! I like the style this author used in writing it. Very unique. Lots of possible suspects but not easy to figure out "who done it" which is a winner in my book!
February 5, 2013
This was a free kindle book.... i couldn't put it down.. had me from the first page... a quick read!
April 30, 2013
This was good but different....
February 19, 2013
Really enjoyed this book...great twists and turns...kept me interested until the end...
March 19, 2013
Lots of twists and turns. A real page-turner. Enjoyed it.
June 5, 2014
Captivating
What a great read.Enjoyed the characters and the story line,highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good thriller, good Summer read.
What a great read.Enjoyed the characters and the story line,highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good thriller, good Summer read.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
January 11, 2018
Wow l
This intriguing concept kept me on the edge of my chair!
Well written, conceptually astute. Intellectually and emotionally a well written book.
This intriguing concept kept me on the edge of my chair!
Well written, conceptually astute. Intellectually and emotionally a well written book.
January 3, 2026
Good read!
I never read a book that was a story within a story and this was very good and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I never read a book that was a story within a story and this was very good and kept me on the edge of my seat.
September 13, 2012
Any reader interested in compelling mysteries will find OUT OF THE SHADOW a powerful read, telling of one Becca Rosen, who survives a rape and just wants to move on with life. The only trouble is: she's being stalked by a psychopath who has a different agenda for her, and the police are convinced she's faking the rape to get away with her husband's murder.
Desperate, Becca hires a psychotherapist to help her handle the flashbacks and nightmares that are plaguing her - only to find that hypnotherapy is peeling back some dangerous layers of memory even as three men, new in her life, may not be as they seem.
Her search for support and understanding from her mother falls short, her involvements with men seem confused and filled with possible danger, and as Becca faces her innermost fears, outward threats and perils rise to haunt her anew.
Becca's realization of her childhood traumas and their affect on her adult perceptions and choices makes for a moving account that gently weaves within it a concurrent mystery revolving around Becca's husband's death and her own experiences of violence.
When Becca's best friend Angela is threatened, Becca must pull out all stops to help her; even confronting her own repressed memories to get to the bottom of why she's become involved in a deadly game.
First- and third-person perspectives alternate in a series of twists and turns that offer a stunning conclusion to a story replete with intrigue and deceptions.
Like the layers of an onion, OUT OF THE SHADOW peels away personalities, motivations, underlying motives, and dark, long-hidden secrets that immerse a circle of people in a web of dangerous associations.
The conclusion is riveting, unexpected, and as satisfying as the rising psychological suspense which begins from the first page and ends with a bang.
** D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Out of the Shadow
J.S. Winn
9781467540063 $2.99
www.jswinn.com
www.amazon.com/dp/B008PYM59C
Desperate, Becca hires a psychotherapist to help her handle the flashbacks and nightmares that are plaguing her - only to find that hypnotherapy is peeling back some dangerous layers of memory even as three men, new in her life, may not be as they seem.
Her search for support and understanding from her mother falls short, her involvements with men seem confused and filled with possible danger, and as Becca faces her innermost fears, outward threats and perils rise to haunt her anew.
Becca's realization of her childhood traumas and their affect on her adult perceptions and choices makes for a moving account that gently weaves within it a concurrent mystery revolving around Becca's husband's death and her own experiences of violence.
When Becca's best friend Angela is threatened, Becca must pull out all stops to help her; even confronting her own repressed memories to get to the bottom of why she's become involved in a deadly game.
First- and third-person perspectives alternate in a series of twists and turns that offer a stunning conclusion to a story replete with intrigue and deceptions.
Like the layers of an onion, OUT OF THE SHADOW peels away personalities, motivations, underlying motives, and dark, long-hidden secrets that immerse a circle of people in a web of dangerous associations.
The conclusion is riveting, unexpected, and as satisfying as the rising psychological suspense which begins from the first page and ends with a bang.
** D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Out of the Shadow
J.S. Winn
9781467540063 $2.99
www.jswinn.com
www.amazon.com/dp/B008PYM59C
August 17, 2012
Out of the Shadow was absolutely nothing like I expected. The synopsis gives nothing away.
I completely love the cover. So amazing.
Out of the Shadow has loads of psychology stuff in it. So if you like learning about human behavior, this is totally the book for you.
Out of the Shadow begins with the story about a woman named Becca who from the very first pages something completely terrible happens. She's raped, then goes downstairs to find her husband bleeding to death. But, the story does not end there. Her life is on a complete downward spiral afterward. Now while she struggles to figure out who raped her, and murdered her husband, she uncovers that she has been previously molested at a young age. Becca buried the memory from her mind, and only after the rape does she realize that something isn't quite right. On a journey to find the truth she grows as a person as well.
Now while this story is mainly focused on Becca it is told from her previous psychotherapist Sara. Sara tells the story of Becca's life at a weekend long conference.
I have to say that both characters were very alike, in fears, goals, and life struggles. Also, they both have amazing self realizations and self growth, which was great because I was rooting for them.
Oh and the person that did all of the heinous crimes is a complete psychopath. Seriously, I would have been super scared, crawled in a deep dark cave somewhere, so he would never find me. Or fake my own death.
The story is a sort of a murder mystery type thing and I have to say throughout I was thinking with each page: "WHO THE BLEEP DID IT!!" Honestly there is no finding out until the end. J.S. Winn did an amazing job when writing this amazing novel. Just the right amount of suspense and story to keep me reading all night.
I hope you go and pick up a copy of Out of the Shadows, and enjoy it just as much as I have.
I completely love the cover. So amazing.
Out of the Shadow has loads of psychology stuff in it. So if you like learning about human behavior, this is totally the book for you.
Out of the Shadow begins with the story about a woman named Becca who from the very first pages something completely terrible happens. She's raped, then goes downstairs to find her husband bleeding to death. But, the story does not end there. Her life is on a complete downward spiral afterward. Now while she struggles to figure out who raped her, and murdered her husband, she uncovers that she has been previously molested at a young age. Becca buried the memory from her mind, and only after the rape does she realize that something isn't quite right. On a journey to find the truth she grows as a person as well.
Now while this story is mainly focused on Becca it is told from her previous psychotherapist Sara. Sara tells the story of Becca's life at a weekend long conference.
I have to say that both characters were very alike, in fears, goals, and life struggles. Also, they both have amazing self realizations and self growth, which was great because I was rooting for them.
Oh and the person that did all of the heinous crimes is a complete psychopath. Seriously, I would have been super scared, crawled in a deep dark cave somewhere, so he would never find me. Or fake my own death.
The story is a sort of a murder mystery type thing and I have to say throughout I was thinking with each page: "WHO THE BLEEP DID IT!!" Honestly there is no finding out until the end. J.S. Winn did an amazing job when writing this amazing novel. Just the right amount of suspense and story to keep me reading all night.
I hope you go and pick up a copy of Out of the Shadows, and enjoy it just as much as I have.
October 2, 2012
Where do I start! What a fantastic read! I loved this book; I really couldn't put it down.
Out Of the Shadow is one of, if not THE best thriller I've read in quite a while. From the very beginning, Becca's story sucks you in and then twists and turns like a twisty turny thing! This novel takes off at a very fast pace from the beginning and continues as such throughout the book right until the very well concealed end. The plot was superb, the writing excellent and the clues and the way the stories tie into each other were very clever and I loved it.
This story is so realistic as the characters come to life in this murder mystery, with the female character being stalked and shadows from her past pursuing her. Becca is so mixed up and doesn't know who she can trust. I'm not giving anymore away as it will spoil it.
Out Of The Shadow peels away personalities, motivations, underlying motives, and dark, long-hidden secrets that immerse a circle of people in a web of dangerous associations.The conclusion is riveting, unexpected, and as satisfying as the rising psychological suspense which begins from the first page and ends with a bang. Ms Winn deserves huge respect for her work and effort and I strongly urge everyone to give this book a go even if it's not what you normally read as it's well worth it. You will not be disappointed!
I look forward to reading more from Ms Winn and I intend to track down her previous works too. Well done, a wonderful success and 5 well deserved stars!
By Kay G for Bex 'n' Books
Out Of the Shadow is one of, if not THE best thriller I've read in quite a while. From the very beginning, Becca's story sucks you in and then twists and turns like a twisty turny thing! This novel takes off at a very fast pace from the beginning and continues as such throughout the book right until the very well concealed end. The plot was superb, the writing excellent and the clues and the way the stories tie into each other were very clever and I loved it.
This story is so realistic as the characters come to life in this murder mystery, with the female character being stalked and shadows from her past pursuing her. Becca is so mixed up and doesn't know who she can trust. I'm not giving anymore away as it will spoil it.
Out Of The Shadow peels away personalities, motivations, underlying motives, and dark, long-hidden secrets that immerse a circle of people in a web of dangerous associations.The conclusion is riveting, unexpected, and as satisfying as the rising psychological suspense which begins from the first page and ends with a bang. Ms Winn deserves huge respect for her work and effort and I strongly urge everyone to give this book a go even if it's not what you normally read as it's well worth it. You will not be disappointed!
I look forward to reading more from Ms Winn and I intend to track down her previous works too. Well done, a wonderful success and 5 well deserved stars!
By Kay G for Bex 'n' Books
July 29, 2012
‘Out Of The Shadow’ was one of the best thrillers I have read this year. Winn created a spine tingling, action-packed, suspense-filled, novel that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
I loved this novel so much. The twists and turns were so creative. I was definitely thrown for a loop on the whole ‘who done it’ part. She was very good at concealing her bad guy up until the end, which is a very tricky thing to do when it comes to writing mysteries. Becca’s story draws you in from the very first page, maybe even the very first sentence for some of you. I know I was hooked from the first sentence, this novel just takes off as a very fast pace from the beginning and is a steady ride throughout the book. This is a big plus and very hard to do, so I give her a lot of credit and much respect for that accomplishment.
The plot was amazing, the writing was brilliant, her clues and the way the stories tie into each other was so brilliant and I loved it.
I really love stories like this they are such entertaining reads and you really cannot put them down. ‘Out Of The Shadow’ was no different I read through it quickly because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This action-packed read is a must have in your suspense collection. I really loved ‘Out Of The Shadow’ and everything about it. I recommend it to any mystery or thriller fan or anyone who just wants to sink their teeth into a good book.
I loved this novel so much. The twists and turns were so creative. I was definitely thrown for a loop on the whole ‘who done it’ part. She was very good at concealing her bad guy up until the end, which is a very tricky thing to do when it comes to writing mysteries. Becca’s story draws you in from the very first page, maybe even the very first sentence for some of you. I know I was hooked from the first sentence, this novel just takes off as a very fast pace from the beginning and is a steady ride throughout the book. This is a big plus and very hard to do, so I give her a lot of credit and much respect for that accomplishment.
The plot was amazing, the writing was brilliant, her clues and the way the stories tie into each other was so brilliant and I loved it.
I really love stories like this they are such entertaining reads and you really cannot put them down. ‘Out Of The Shadow’ was no different I read through it quickly because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This action-packed read is a must have in your suspense collection. I really loved ‘Out Of The Shadow’ and everything about it. I recommend it to any mystery or thriller fan or anyone who just wants to sink their teeth into a good book.
September 22, 2012
Becca was raped and her husband was murdered. When the police conducted the investigation, somehow she became the suspect because in the police report, there was no forced entry in any of the doors and windows of the house. And as for the rape, the hospital ran a DNA test and turned out the samples only matched to his husband's DNA. Now, after the investigation, even Becca doubts herself as she once had developed some kind of a mental illness years ago.
Becca is having nightmares almost on a daily basis so she hires a psychologist, Sara, to help her recover. The story is told in alternating POV's, Becca and Sara.
It's hard to tell if I enjoyed reading this book. Okay - this is a good suspense book. It was a very fast read, the story is gripping, something that you won't stop reading until you read the last pages of the book. The problem lies in me. I easily guessed the bad guy here, like I over-analyzed things. Bad, bad idea! I knew it was him right after he said something to Becca. I also knew about the thing with Adrian and Sara. So it didn't surprise me at all. I can't tell much as I think anything I say could be a spoiler and it's really not good to have an idea about the story.
I've read other online reviews and I agree with them that this is a must read book. Even if I knew what was gonna happen just by reading more than a quarter of the story, I'm still giving this book a 4-star rating for the writing style and the connection of the twists in the story.
Becca is having nightmares almost on a daily basis so she hires a psychologist, Sara, to help her recover. The story is told in alternating POV's, Becca and Sara.
It's hard to tell if I enjoyed reading this book. Okay - this is a good suspense book. It was a very fast read, the story is gripping, something that you won't stop reading until you read the last pages of the book. The problem lies in me. I easily guessed the bad guy here, like I over-analyzed things. Bad, bad idea! I knew it was him right after he said something to Becca. I also knew about the thing with Adrian and Sara. So it didn't surprise me at all. I can't tell much as I think anything I say could be a spoiler and it's really not good to have an idea about the story.
I've read other online reviews and I agree with them that this is a must read book. Even if I knew what was gonna happen just by reading more than a quarter of the story, I'm still giving this book a 4-star rating for the writing style and the connection of the twists in the story.
October 6, 2012
This is a classic Whodunit story accompanied with tragedy and loss.
It is based on a story of a girl named Rachael (I will refer to her as Becca, because that is what she is referred to as for most of the story) and her struggle with repressed memory. It begins with the tragic loss of her husband as well as her being raped in her own home. She begins seeing a Psychologist, Sarah, for help. She feels as though her recent rape has a connection to abuse that occurred when she was just a child.
This book runs two story lines at the same time. Sarah, the psychologist, is holding a weekend convention speaking about Becca's case. This is how we hear about her story. It isn't told in real time. It is told by Sarah to her audience.
Sarah describes many men that Becca comes in contact with through the course of her story. You never exactly figure out who the rapist and murder is until it starts being revealed towards the end. It keeps you guessing throughout the whole thing and really holds your attention. I felt like it was every guy at one point or another. It took me til the end, when it was explained to truly figure it out.
I love how this book was written. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. I was sad when it ended because I wanted it to just keep going.
Overall, 5/5 stars. This story was fun to read (despite the rough topics) and I would recommend it to suspense lovers like myself.
It is based on a story of a girl named Rachael (I will refer to her as Becca, because that is what she is referred to as for most of the story) and her struggle with repressed memory. It begins with the tragic loss of her husband as well as her being raped in her own home. She begins seeing a Psychologist, Sarah, for help. She feels as though her recent rape has a connection to abuse that occurred when she was just a child.
This book runs two story lines at the same time. Sarah, the psychologist, is holding a weekend convention speaking about Becca's case. This is how we hear about her story. It isn't told in real time. It is told by Sarah to her audience.
Sarah describes many men that Becca comes in contact with through the course of her story. You never exactly figure out who the rapist and murder is until it starts being revealed towards the end. It keeps you guessing throughout the whole thing and really holds your attention. I felt like it was every guy at one point or another. It took me til the end, when it was explained to truly figure it out.
I love how this book was written. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. I was sad when it ended because I wanted it to just keep going.
Overall, 5/5 stars. This story was fun to read (despite the rough topics) and I would recommend it to suspense lovers like myself.
May 17, 2013
All I can say is WOW!!! This book was amazing!!! I really had no clue who the psychopath was till the last few pages...Oh and the ending was even more off from what I thought....talk about awesome!! It has been awhile since came across a book that had me guessing and changing my answers several times and keeping me confused all through the book.
This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I am really looking forward to reading more books by her!!!
I really liked how the story was told through the victims therapist. It gave a different edge to the writing style. It made it a lot more believable. I felt so much pain for the Becca/Rachel....she had to endure so much and a lot of it on her own....Reading this book has really made me want to look into understanding psychology more....it is truly interesting how our own minds can close out so many things that were hard for us to deal with.
Winn did a wonderful job of writing this story. It was written very well with hardly to no grammar issues at all. It was the right length and had just the right amount of detail in the story. I started this book early afternoon and finished late afternoon today.....I couldn't put it down, it had me captured since the first page.
You definitely have to get this book and read it!! You will not be disappointed and it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and wondering what will happen next!!!
This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I am really looking forward to reading more books by her!!!
I really liked how the story was told through the victims therapist. It gave a different edge to the writing style. It made it a lot more believable. I felt so much pain for the Becca/Rachel....she had to endure so much and a lot of it on her own....Reading this book has really made me want to look into understanding psychology more....it is truly interesting how our own minds can close out so many things that were hard for us to deal with.
Winn did a wonderful job of writing this story. It was written very well with hardly to no grammar issues at all. It was the right length and had just the right amount of detail in the story. I started this book early afternoon and finished late afternoon today.....I couldn't put it down, it had me captured since the first page.
You definitely have to get this book and read it!! You will not be disappointed and it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and wondering what will happen next!!!
June 21, 2013
Fascinating guessing-game mystery:
A brutal tragedy launches this story into a frightening predator and prey mystery, which gradually uncovers a tale of terrible childhood memories.
Becca Rosen is the victim of a heinous crime, but targeted by the police as the perpetrator, and vilified rather than protected. The key element of the story is Repressed Memory Syndrome, diagrammed by Sarah Abrams throughout a lecture she’s giving, in which she details the abuse and terror that Becca endured.
Complicated by three men – none of whom Becca fully trusts – her life becomes a question of who can she trust and who must she fear. There’s a questionable uncle, a suspicious but attentive new suitor, a control freak mother, an apparently good man whom she leans on for friendship and moral support, and a stalker chasing her through her past and present.
An excellent mystery with a dark element, Out Of The Shadow is well told, detailed, and emotional. Edge of the seat stuff with timely placed red-herrings and the neat twist that…the only person who can really solve this puzzle is the victim herself.
A brutal tragedy launches this story into a frightening predator and prey mystery, which gradually uncovers a tale of terrible childhood memories.
Becca Rosen is the victim of a heinous crime, but targeted by the police as the perpetrator, and vilified rather than protected. The key element of the story is Repressed Memory Syndrome, diagrammed by Sarah Abrams throughout a lecture she’s giving, in which she details the abuse and terror that Becca endured.
Complicated by three men – none of whom Becca fully trusts – her life becomes a question of who can she trust and who must she fear. There’s a questionable uncle, a suspicious but attentive new suitor, a control freak mother, an apparently good man whom she leans on for friendship and moral support, and a stalker chasing her through her past and present.
An excellent mystery with a dark element, Out Of The Shadow is well told, detailed, and emotional. Edge of the seat stuff with timely placed red-herrings and the neat twist that…the only person who can really solve this puzzle is the victim herself.
August 27, 2012
If you want a mystery novel that captivates you from the very first page and won't let you put it down - this is it!! The author pulls you in and will not let you go until the last page. This books is very well written and there are definitely no "slow" parts in it at all.
Becca is raped in her bedroom and finds her husband dead on the couch. The police can find no evidence anyone has been in her apartment, so they finger her as the prime suspect. Becca embarks on her own investigation and psychotherapy to solve her own case. She encounters three different men (and one of them is stalking her), but the reader does not find out "who done it" until the last page.
This is a real page turner and I was very pleased with how it all ended. I sure did not have it figured out!! J.S. Winn's writing reminds me of Mary Higgins Clark's books and she is a fave mystery writer of mine. I cannot WAIT until Winn writes another book. It will DEFINITELY be on my to-read list. Please don't keep us waiting too long, J.S. Winn!!
Becca is raped in her bedroom and finds her husband dead on the couch. The police can find no evidence anyone has been in her apartment, so they finger her as the prime suspect. Becca embarks on her own investigation and psychotherapy to solve her own case. She encounters three different men (and one of them is stalking her), but the reader does not find out "who done it" until the last page.
This is a real page turner and I was very pleased with how it all ended. I sure did not have it figured out!! J.S. Winn's writing reminds me of Mary Higgins Clark's books and she is a fave mystery writer of mine. I cannot WAIT until Winn writes another book. It will DEFINITELY be on my to-read list. Please don't keep us waiting too long, J.S. Winn!!
October 25, 2012
When Jamie sent me her review request, I read the description and I wanted to read it immediately as it really seemed to be my favourite genre. As I get sent many novels to review, I am often disappointed when the story fails to fulfil the description that I have in mind.
When it comes to Out of the Shadow, I was not disappointed. Jamie is in my opinion a brilliant writer and the story is thrilling. I could not put it down and finished it in one night.
Jamie cleverly uses Rachel’s psychologist’s seminar to tell her story. Her novel kept me guessing, (which I love). I guessed wrong which is unusual for me I usually know what the plot is going to be long before anybody else does. I can’t tell you much about it as it is full of surprises.
If you like mystery drama you have to buy Out of the Shadow. I would be surprised if you don’t enjoy it.
Jamie I wish you lots of success you thoroughly deserve it.
Kindly note that Jamie did not pay me anything for this review, my review service is completely free. I get free copies of novels in exchange for my honest opinion.
When it comes to Out of the Shadow, I was not disappointed. Jamie is in my opinion a brilliant writer and the story is thrilling. I could not put it down and finished it in one night.
Jamie cleverly uses Rachel’s psychologist’s seminar to tell her story. Her novel kept me guessing, (which I love). I guessed wrong which is unusual for me I usually know what the plot is going to be long before anybody else does. I can’t tell you much about it as it is full of surprises.
If you like mystery drama you have to buy Out of the Shadow. I would be surprised if you don’t enjoy it.
Jamie I wish you lots of success you thoroughly deserve it.
Kindly note that Jamie did not pay me anything for this review, my review service is completely free. I get free copies of novels in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 19, 2013
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was impressed. I really enjoyed that the story was told from the therapists point of view, that made it very interesting. Things were revealed slowly allowing for mystery and intrigue.
Becca is raped and finds her husband murdered. There is somebody after her but she seems to be the only one on the suspect list. She gets frustrated when the police can't and won't help her. How will she stay safe when there is nobody to help protect her? Why do all the clues lead back to her? Is this a highly intelligent psychopath or has she truly gone crazy?
Becca goes to a therapist and finds out that she has repressed some traumatic childhood memories. Bringing out these memories will be painful but they could just unravel this mystery, hopefully before it's too late.
This book kept me guessing until close to the end. I kept going back and forth on who I thought the "bad guy" was. I figured out who the psycho was but the ending still surprised me! It was definitely a thriller. Check this one out.
Becca is raped and finds her husband murdered. There is somebody after her but she seems to be the only one on the suspect list. She gets frustrated when the police can't and won't help her. How will she stay safe when there is nobody to help protect her? Why do all the clues lead back to her? Is this a highly intelligent psychopath or has she truly gone crazy?
Becca goes to a therapist and finds out that she has repressed some traumatic childhood memories. Bringing out these memories will be painful but they could just unravel this mystery, hopefully before it's too late.
This book kept me guessing until close to the end. I kept going back and forth on who I thought the "bad guy" was. I figured out who the psycho was but the ending still surprised me! It was definitely a thriller. Check this one out.
September 20, 2014
Rebecca Rosen(Becca) is raped and her husband murdered. This begins a long and painful process dealing with repressed memories. Sarah Abrams, her psychologist, is crucial in helping her uncover long-locked recollections of childhood molestation. The set-up of the book is interesting, for the author weaves us back and forth between real-time scenes with Becca and scenes in which Sarah relates Becca's progress to a group of psychoanalysts. At times this gets a bit confusing because the switches aren't "introduced" by a new chapter or even a new section within a chapter. As Becca uncovers more about the past situation her recovery is complicated by the fact that the police for inexplicable reasons believe that she may be involved in her husband's murder, on the one hand, and on the other by her growing romantic interest in two different young men. Each has admirable qualities, and yet one of them may in fact be the rapist/murderer. Winn does a clever job of keeping us guessing as to how this drama will end. A solid read, with the qualification noted above.
November 15, 2012
This book was such a page turner! I loved the thrilling aspect as well as the psychological part. There were three different point of views so it kept me on my toes. Any reader interested in suspense and mystery will LOVE it. The main character Becca Rosen, who survives a rape and loses her husband pretty much in the beginning. You will guess like I did about her innocence or guilt. Then you will find the therapist who is also kind of narrating through a seminar she is giving about trauma survival .
While Becca is stalked by a psychopath, she discovers she has a lot of fight in her. There is a lot of memory and flashbacks that all add up to a huge amount of deceit. A lot of plot turns and reveals. When you start to see the reveals you are kept at the edge of your seat waiting to see who the killer of Becca's husband is and who is her attacker.
Seriously was a great book!! I was a little scared f the "psycho's" entries and voice.
While Becca is stalked by a psychopath, she discovers she has a lot of fight in her. There is a lot of memory and flashbacks that all add up to a huge amount of deceit. A lot of plot turns and reveals. When you start to see the reveals you are kept at the edge of your seat waiting to see who the killer of Becca's husband is and who is her attacker.
Seriously was a great book!! I was a little scared f the "psycho's" entries and voice.
June 25, 2013
A therapist is giving a seminar relating the case of a woman who had been abused as a child, who, as an adult, was raped and her husband murdered. The novel goes back and forth between the case and the therapist. It is fascinating to hear both sides and to learn how similar the two women are. There is the usual suspect (a male neighbor of the patient) who appears guilty and another man who seems well suited to the patient along with a man who offers the therapist potential. The police, naturally suspect the patient may in fact be the killer. The ending is not surprising, but is quite well done. There were times when it was a bit confusing who's story you were reading, but this was clarified in very few sentences. Good reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews