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Thomas Shepherd Mystery #6
The Carver
The past returns to haunt Thomas Shepherd.
When a peculiar figurine arrives at the sheriff's department, Thomas Shepherd's instincts scream danger. At first glance, it appears to be a harmless ivory sculpture.
Until the medical examiner uncovers the horrifying truth.
The gift was crafted from human bone .
Haunted by his past, Thomas unravels the intricate web of The Carver, a malicious killer with a penchant for causing suffering. As the body count rises, Thomas must navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and violence.
Will he outsmart a madman whose sadistic desires know no bounds?
The Carver is a relentless rollercoaster of suspense, fear, and unexpected twists that will leave dark thriller enthusiasts breathless.
When a peculiar figurine arrives at the sheriff's department, Thomas Shepherd's instincts scream danger. At first glance, it appears to be a harmless ivory sculpture.
Until the medical examiner uncovers the horrifying truth.
The gift was crafted from human bone .
Haunted by his past, Thomas unravels the intricate web of The Carver, a malicious killer with a penchant for causing suffering. As the body count rises, Thomas must navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and violence.
Will he outsmart a madman whose sadistic desires know no bounds?
The Carver is a relentless rollercoaster of suspense, fear, and unexpected twists that will leave dark thriller enthusiasts breathless.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2024
199 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Dan Padavona
98 books618 followersAuthor of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 7, 2023
advanced copy provided by the author
I really enjoyed this book by dan padavona, as usual haha. I like how we learn a little bit more about Claire, since she has been a supporting character from very early on in the Wolf Lake universe. She is so strong and intelligent. I also loved the paranormal storyline in this book. Sometimes I feel like mysteries/thrillers use paranormal aspects as a “cop out” / low effort way to produce a shocking plot twist, but it definitely did not come off that way in The Carver. It was interesting, and definitely had me spooked. I was equally invested in both storylines as they were playing out in the book. It was also interesting to see Liz’s character development and literally watch her mature in respect to her crush on Levar. I can’t wait to learn how Scout’s friendship with both Liz and Levar plays out. As far as The Carver himself: creepy!! He freaked me out and to think that there probably are people like him in real life??
I really enjoyed this book by dan padavona, as usual haha. I like how we learn a little bit more about Claire, since she has been a supporting character from very early on in the Wolf Lake universe. She is so strong and intelligent. I also loved the paranormal storyline in this book. Sometimes I feel like mysteries/thrillers use paranormal aspects as a “cop out” / low effort way to produce a shocking plot twist, but it definitely did not come off that way in The Carver. It was interesting, and definitely had me spooked. I was equally invested in both storylines as they were playing out in the book. It was also interesting to see Liz’s character development and literally watch her mature in respect to her crush on Levar. I can’t wait to learn how Scout’s friendship with both Liz and Levar plays out. As far as The Carver himself: creepy!! He freaked me out and to think that there probably are people like him in real life??
August 11, 2023
The Carver is CREEPY in my opinion. There is revenge and paranormal all in one. In The Carver we get to learn a little bit more about Claire the medical examiner. In the process Thomas's family is growing a little bit more. Dan Padavona gives you a couple of storylines. I'm enjoying the growth of Scout but miss her helping with investigations more. Dan Padavona gave me suspense and mystery. I had it figured out the culprit was after Thomas, but I didn't know who it was till the end. The Carver kept me on the edge of my seat turning the pages. In my opinion this book is a great continuation to the Thomas Shepherd Series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
October 27, 2025
A fantastic thriller series
This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful story that will keep you guessing until the very end. When the past comes back to haunt Thomas, it does so with a vengeance. Will his second guessing himself end up hurting the investigation, or someone he cares about?
Scout and Liz are gearing up for another ghost hunting party, but will they have learned from their last adventure? And who is going to be their new sidekick?!? Lol! It's definitely going to be an intriguing story with plenty of twists and turns!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful story that will keep you guessing until the very end. When the past comes back to haunt Thomas, it does so with a vengeance. Will his second guessing himself end up hurting the investigation, or someone he cares about?
Scout and Liz are gearing up for another ghost hunting party, but will they have learned from their last adventure? And who is going to be their new sidekick?!? Lol! It's definitely going to be an intriguing story with plenty of twists and turns!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
July 27, 2023
The Carver - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A Thomas Shepherd Mystery Book 6 by Dan Padavona is The Carver...the eponymous killer, whose vendetta against the Nightshade County Sheriff acts as a driving force for his sadistic mania.
Meanwhile, strange events during a ghost hunt at an abandoned mansion, by teen amateur investigator Scout, her friend Liz and Deputy LeVar, see the trio re-evaluate their previous certainties about friendship and the inexplicable paranormal happenings they witness. What's it all about?
Grab your copy of The Carver by Dan Padavona to find out!
A Thomas Shepherd Mystery Book 6 by Dan Padavona is The Carver...the eponymous killer, whose vendetta against the Nightshade County Sheriff acts as a driving force for his sadistic mania.
Meanwhile, strange events during a ghost hunt at an abandoned mansion, by teen amateur investigator Scout, her friend Liz and Deputy LeVar, see the trio re-evaluate their previous certainties about friendship and the inexplicable paranormal happenings they witness. What's it all about?
Grab your copy of The Carver by Dan Padavona to find out!
October 28, 2023
Best Dan Padavona book I’ve ever read!!
I’ve read most of Dan Padavona books and enjoyed them all. This story, in my opinion, is the best I’ve read! There is a new twist of the paranormal in the story and the urgency of what’s going in the criminal storyline made this book hard to put down. Towards the end of the book, I started thinking that this would make a great movie as well! I HIGHLY recommend this book 📖 💜💜💜.
I’ve read most of Dan Padavona books and enjoyed them all. This story, in my opinion, is the best I’ve read! There is a new twist of the paranormal in the story and the urgency of what’s going in the criminal storyline made this book hard to put down. Towards the end of the book, I started thinking that this would make a great movie as well! I HIGHLY recommend this book 📖 💜💜💜.
November 16, 2023
Another Strong Addition to the Thomas Shepherd Series
I always look forward to reading another book in this series. Dan does such a great job of cultivating the characters that you feel like you know them as you watch them go through each adventure. Another great story in this series! As idyllic a town that Wolf Lake seems, I don't think that I'd want to live there with all of the murders that take place there!! !
I always look forward to reading another book in this series. Dan does such a great job of cultivating the characters that you feel like you know them as you watch them go through each adventure. Another great story in this series! As idyllic a town that Wolf Lake seems, I don't think that I'd want to live there with all of the murders that take place there!! !
February 2, 2026
Over the past few months I have, in order, read 16 of the Thomas Shepard series. The Carver was by far the most boring one of all! Should have called this one " the ridiculous triangle of Scout, LeVar and Liz"! I skipped some of those chapters. Very few chapters were about "the carver". At one point I was thinking about not finishing this one but continued as I hoped it would get better. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment.
August 17, 2023
We have several mysteries going on in this book. There are mysterious gifts to Thomas that portend gruesome discoveries. Will Thomas & his officers & friends be able to stop this horrible person? There is also a mystery of a haunted house with an old murder? Scout, Liz & their bodyguard investigate. This book has action and angst.
September 23, 2023
Amazing Read!!!
As always, Dan keeps you on edge and turning pages into the wee hours. I absolutely adore his writing.
The story line and characters are detailed, colorful and rich. He paints such a vivid picture that you feel as if you've been to Wolf Lake and personally know the characters.
As always, Dan keeps you on edge and turning pages into the wee hours. I absolutely adore his writing.
The story line and characters are detailed, colorful and rich. He paints such a vivid picture that you feel as if you've been to Wolf Lake and personally know the characters.
November 1, 2023
In the Nick of Time
Our Intrepid Group of Crime Fighters are tested again. Beautifully crafted miniatures carved in “ivory” are gifted to Thomas. As usual things are never what they seem. We tag along with Scout and her ghost hunting friend and things get pretty weird. Is it real or is someone playing games? A well told mystery, some questions answered and some left open ended for the next story? Looking forward to spending more time with my favorite characters.
Our Intrepid Group of Crime Fighters are tested again. Beautifully crafted miniatures carved in “ivory” are gifted to Thomas. As usual things are never what they seem. We tag along with Scout and her ghost hunting friend and things get pretty weird. Is it real or is someone playing games? A well told mystery, some questions answered and some left open ended for the next story? Looking forward to spending more time with my favorite characters.
June 25, 2024
storylines both creepy and terrifying
While Scout’s friend Liz keeps crushing on Le Var, the two teens finagle permission to do some ghost-hunting accompanied by the beleaguered Le Var.
At the station, Thomas receives an anonymous package containing an exquisitely carved raven….which turns out to be a harbinger of horros to come.
While Scout’s friend Liz keeps crushing on Le Var, the two teens finagle permission to do some ghost-hunting accompanied by the beleaguered Le Var.
At the station, Thomas receives an anonymous package containing an exquisitely carved raven….which turns out to be a harbinger of horros to come.
August 16, 2023
The Carver
As always this is a five star book. I always look forward to this series. There is always lots of thrills and mystery. This is a book you can't put down. Can't wait till the next book comes out. I highly recommend this book and series.
As always this is a five star book. I always look forward to this series. There is always lots of thrills and mystery. This is a book you can't put down. Can't wait till the next book comes out. I highly recommend this book and series.
August 20, 2023
Still enjoying
I've been following this series since book one and none of them depend on reading the previous books to understand what is what. Which is appreciated. Behind all of these stories is one of persevering in the face of the odds brought to each member of the group.
I've been following this series since book one and none of them depend on reading the previous books to understand what is what. Which is appreciated. Behind all of these stories is one of persevering in the face of the odds brought to each member of the group.
August 26, 2023
Another great....
Book by an amazing author. Thrilling and exciting. Keeps you intrigued till the very last page. You can guarantee Mr. Padavona will keep you swiping your screens and flipping pages.
Book by an amazing author. Thrilling and exciting. Keeps you intrigued till the very last page. You can guarantee Mr. Padavona will keep you swiping your screens and flipping pages.
October 6, 2023
Another great thriller!
I think the only thing about this book that changed from all the others is the fact Scout and Liz are ghost hunting. The stuff they talk about is so expensive, and do we not have enough ghost hunting these days?
I think the only thing about this book that changed from all the others is the fact Scout and Liz are ghost hunting. The stuff they talk about is so expensive, and do we not have enough ghost hunting these days?
May 13, 2025
Suspenseful!!!
Dan Padavona is truly an incredible author that manages to keep readers engagement throughout the entire series and especially this book. This cliff hanging book really showed how to keep readers engaged.
Dan Padavona is truly an incredible author that manages to keep readers engagement throughout the entire series and especially this book. This cliff hanging book really showed how to keep readers engaged.
September 26, 2025
Good story about a killer who abducts people, kills them and uses their bones to make intricate carvings. The whole gang is involved and Thomas is still trying to recover from PTSD from the last killer he fought.
August 15, 2023
Fantastic!!!
For anyone looking for a fantastic read, look no further. The Thomas Shepherd series is one of the best series around.
For anyone looking for a fantastic read, look no further. The Thomas Shepherd series is one of the best series around.
August 17, 2023
Riveting
Fast read kept me trying to figure out the point! thanks
Can't for next book enjoyed the book read more
Fast read kept me trying to figure out the point! thanks
Can't for next book enjoyed the book read more
August 18, 2023
Very intense
I really like this group of characters. I am looking forward to more books in the series. Who knows? Maybe LeVar and Scout will get a spinoff series one day.
I really like this group of characters. I am looking forward to more books in the series. Who knows? Maybe LeVar and Scout will get a spinoff series one day.
August 18, 2023
Revenge on a whole new level. I enjoyed that everyone was a part of this mystery. I couldn't help but laugh when LeVar and the girls were in the mansion searching for the ghosts 🤣
August 26, 2023
I always enjoy reading Thomas Shepherd stories. Another good one from beginning to end.
October 28, 2023
Not my favorite
December 7, 2023
Friendship is cut up time
Five stars outstanding thriller the characters were amazing how they worked together and trying to get the clues for better quality time
Five stars outstanding thriller the characters were amazing how they worked together and trying to get the clues for better quality time
January 6, 2024
Crazy good!!
Another Thomas Shepherd novel that did not disappoint. This book was filled with tragedy and mystery, and the needed good ending.
Another Thomas Shepherd novel that did not disappoint. This book was filled with tragedy and mystery, and the needed good ending.
April 4, 2025
Great mystery. The author made the book come a
Live with wonderful characters and a good read. He made each one stand out but were all a private part
Live with wonderful characters and a good read. He made each one stand out but were all a private part
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews