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The Shadow Man
Savannah surgeon Malcolm King had a perfect life—a loving wife, devoted daughter, and a thriving medical practice. And then it all ended. A chance encounter with a reckless driver in an airport parking lot leads to his first brush with the law. The senseless slaughter of a neighbor’s pet soon follows, with Malcolm inexplicably questioned in the matter by the police. An adversary is found decapitated. An acquaintance is chopped into pieces and stuffed into a garbage bag, Malcolm soon finds himself the prime suspect in a serial murder case. But he’s not a killer. Or is he? Who is the Thin Man who lurks at the edges of his vision? Are the flocks of ravens that crowd overhead a warning of impending doom? Or do they exist at all? And how can he protect his family from something—or someone—he knows absolutely nothing about? As Malcolm fights to discover the truth, he learns from a mysterious Seminole tracker that he may not be the first victim of a chameleon-like serial killer known as The Shadow Man. Malcolm’s quest for justice takes him perilously close to the edge of sanity—and perhaps a little bit over it. The Shadow Man is a new breed of psychological thriller, serving up a dark look into the human soul that will have the reader searching for the truth. In Mark Murphy’s debut novel, respectable surgeon Malcolm King becomes entangled in the mind games of a psychopathic serial killer. Malcolm’s home is invaded, his medical practice falls apart, and his family is threatened by a faceless assailant from the world between light and darkness: the Shadow Man. The Shadow Man begins with a killer, identified only as “Q,” dumping a woman’s dismembered body into a Florida swamp filled with hungry alligators. The action then shifts to Savannah, where Malcolm’s car is side-swiped by a dark-tinted SUV which then disappears into the night. The seemingly random hit-and-run is the beginning of a nightmare when the mysterious SUV is found to bear license plates from a stolen vehicle—and the stolen vehicle’s owner is found dead in a Florida hotel. A string of horrific murders follows. Malcolm soon finds himself the prime suspect in a serial murder case, having to convince the police—and himself—that he is not responsible for these crimes. But what is the truth? Can Malcolm save himself and his family? Or will the Shadow Man win out at last, dragging them all into oblivion? The Shadow Man is a unique work. Beautifully written, it is at once evocative and gruesome, an exploration of the intimate bonds of a loving family and the sheer terror of having those things stolen away. This novel is heart-pounding thrill ride the reader simply cannot put down.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2012
17 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
About the author
Mark Murphy
3 books40 followersMark Murphy has been a doctor since 1988.
He has been a writer his entire life.
After spending his early childhood reading anything he could get his hands on and roaming the marshes and maritime forests of coastal Georgia--where he collected myriad seashells, arrowheads, and fossils and fancied himself a swashbuckler of the highest order--Mark entered the creative literary world by winning a local poetry contest in the fifth grade. Later that year, he wrote, directed, and starred in his own play about the signing of the Declaration of Independence and started his own self-published classroom newspaper.
It was the high-water mark for Murphy's elementary school literary career.
In high school, Mark continued to write. He served as the high school newspaper's editor and won a few awards for his editorials, critical reviews, short stories, and poetry. He also attempted several times to start a novel. Alas, those attempts went nowhere, rarely making it beyond the first chapter--or the next call from his girlfriend, who was far more interesting than anything he could write about.
When he enrolled at the University of Georgia as a journalism major, he seemed destined for a literary career.
But he loved science. And he missed science.
Mark changed majors to Zoology with plans of becoming a marine biologist, like Jacques Cousteau. He even spent the better part of a year doing marine biology research. A good bit of that time involved tossing about on the Atlantic in a converted shrimp trawler that had once been used as a drug-smuggling boat, a leaky vessel that stank of diesel and dead fish. It was this experience that made him realize he did not want to be the next Jacques Cousteau (or the first, for that matter). Instead, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and go to medical school.
After graduating from the University of Georgia as a First Honor Graduate, with a 4.0 GPA, Mark enrolled at the Medical College of Georgia. After receiving his M.D., he moved on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to begin his Internal Medicine residency. Mark's training at UNC was filled with interesting experiences; he took care of a dying sitcom star, a fallen televangelist, several corrupt politicians, and a serial killer while in Chapel Hill. He began to realize that medicine afforded physicians with a unique perspective into peoples' lives --an observation that would serve him well later.
Continuing his training in Chapel Hill as a Fellow in gastroenterology, Mark wrote several book chapters and academic articles--but his creative writing muse had withered away to nothing.
In 1994, Mark returned to his hometown of Savannah, Georgia, to start the practice that would ultimately become the largest gastroenterology group in South Georgia.
The untimely death of Mark's friend, Lisa Erickson, led him to write a short story, "The Funeral," as a gift for her husband. This story was published in a collection of short stories in 2004. For the past 15 years, he has written a regular opinion column for his hometown newspaper, the Savannah Morning News, and in 2021 won the Georgia Press Association's Otis Brumby Award as the top Op-Ed columnist in Georgia.
In 2012, Mark decided to tackle writing a novel once more. The result was "The Shadow Man," his first novel. "The Curse of the Thrax," his second novel, was published in 2014.
Mark lives in Savannah
He has been a writer his entire life.
After spending his early childhood reading anything he could get his hands on and roaming the marshes and maritime forests of coastal Georgia--where he collected myriad seashells, arrowheads, and fossils and fancied himself a swashbuckler of the highest order--Mark entered the creative literary world by winning a local poetry contest in the fifth grade. Later that year, he wrote, directed, and starred in his own play about the signing of the Declaration of Independence and started his own self-published classroom newspaper.
It was the high-water mark for Murphy's elementary school literary career.
In high school, Mark continued to write. He served as the high school newspaper's editor and won a few awards for his editorials, critical reviews, short stories, and poetry. He also attempted several times to start a novel. Alas, those attempts went nowhere, rarely making it beyond the first chapter--or the next call from his girlfriend, who was far more interesting than anything he could write about.
When he enrolled at the University of Georgia as a journalism major, he seemed destined for a literary career.
But he loved science. And he missed science.
Mark changed majors to Zoology with plans of becoming a marine biologist, like Jacques Cousteau. He even spent the better part of a year doing marine biology research. A good bit of that time involved tossing about on the Atlantic in a converted shrimp trawler that had once been used as a drug-smuggling boat, a leaky vessel that stank of diesel and dead fish. It was this experience that made him realize he did not want to be the next Jacques Cousteau (or the first, for that matter). Instead, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and go to medical school.
After graduating from the University of Georgia as a First Honor Graduate, with a 4.0 GPA, Mark enrolled at the Medical College of Georgia. After receiving his M.D., he moved on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to begin his Internal Medicine residency. Mark's training at UNC was filled with interesting experiences; he took care of a dying sitcom star, a fallen televangelist, several corrupt politicians, and a serial killer while in Chapel Hill. He began to realize that medicine afforded physicians with a unique perspective into peoples' lives --an observation that would serve him well later.
Continuing his training in Chapel Hill as a Fellow in gastroenterology, Mark wrote several book chapters and academic articles--but his creative writing muse had withered away to nothing.
In 1994, Mark returned to his hometown of Savannah, Georgia, to start the practice that would ultimately become the largest gastroenterology group in South Georgia.
The untimely death of Mark's friend, Lisa Erickson, led him to write a short story, "The Funeral," as a gift for her husband. This story was published in a collection of short stories in 2004. For the past 15 years, he has written a regular opinion column for his hometown newspaper, the Savannah Morning News, and in 2021 won the Georgia Press Association's Otis Brumby Award as the top Op-Ed columnist in Georgia.
In 2012, Mark decided to tackle writing a novel once more. The result was "The Shadow Man," his first novel. "The Curse of the Thrax," his second novel, was published in 2014.
Mark lives in Savannah
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 15, 2012
Okay, I'm biased. I wrote this. But I think it accomplished what I set out to do--to write an atmospheric, twist-laden Stephen King-like thriller with more than a hint of the supernatural and a villain so evil that you feel like showering after reading about him.
My home town, Savannah, Georgia, is an old city by U.S. standards. It clings delicately to its namesake marshes like a true Southern Belle, gracious and unassuming. But my town has many ghosts. As John Berendt discovered in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," there is a seamy underbelly to the city that the casual tourist may never glimpse. The old girl has some grime on her knickers. And that aspect of Savannah is one which I hoped to bring out in my novel. I think I was successful in that regard.
I also wanted to stress the strength of the loving bonds of one's family and a connection with the unseen and unknown (God, the spirit world, and nature itself). Without being a spoiler, the essential strengths of the best characters in "The Shadow Man" are derived from these sorts of connections--and the flaws of the most corrupt characters are rooted in their lack of these values. The innate strengths of the female characters in the novel reflect this, as well. My "girls" are no shrinking violets, no damsels-in-distress. They kick ass--and keep the family together, too.
This book was supposed to be a page-turner. I wanted it to be nearly impossible to put aside--the literary equivalent of a bag of Lay's potato chips given to a starving man.
I'll let the rest of you tell me what you think.
My home town, Savannah, Georgia, is an old city by U.S. standards. It clings delicately to its namesake marshes like a true Southern Belle, gracious and unassuming. But my town has many ghosts. As John Berendt discovered in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," there is a seamy underbelly to the city that the casual tourist may never glimpse. The old girl has some grime on her knickers. And that aspect of Savannah is one which I hoped to bring out in my novel. I think I was successful in that regard.
I also wanted to stress the strength of the loving bonds of one's family and a connection with the unseen and unknown (God, the spirit world, and nature itself). Without being a spoiler, the essential strengths of the best characters in "The Shadow Man" are derived from these sorts of connections--and the flaws of the most corrupt characters are rooted in their lack of these values. The innate strengths of the female characters in the novel reflect this, as well. My "girls" are no shrinking violets, no damsels-in-distress. They kick ass--and keep the family together, too.
This book was supposed to be a page-turner. I wanted it to be nearly impossible to put aside--the literary equivalent of a bag of Lay's potato chips given to a starving man.
I'll let the rest of you tell me what you think.
March 29, 2017
Respected surgeon is being set up by a serial killer to make it look like he is the serial killer. His best friend believes in him or does he? His wife believes in him or does she? His daughter seems to be the only one willing to defend him as he is a fugitive on the lam.
Although I found myself turning the pages quickly which is of course the number one reason I read thrillers, I also found myself rolling my eyes at many of the situations.
A couple of examples... the doctor is hiding out and ends up hiding from tracking dogs inside of an animal's corpse. He gets the "best dream-filled sleep he has had" while inside the putrid, bloated body.
He keeps using his cell phone (which by the way kept a charge for much longer than any phone I've heard of) while thinking that eventually the cops would look for him through GPS and then he would not be able to use the phone...well duh!
Not bad, but not great either.
Although I found myself turning the pages quickly which is of course the number one reason I read thrillers, I also found myself rolling my eyes at many of the situations.
A couple of examples... the doctor is hiding out and ends up hiding from tracking dogs inside of an animal's corpse. He gets the "best dream-filled sleep he has had" while inside the putrid, bloated body.
He keeps using his cell phone (which by the way kept a charge for much longer than any phone I've heard of) while thinking that eventually the cops would look for him through GPS and then he would not be able to use the phone...well duh!
Not bad, but not great either.
July 26, 2012
Shadow Man: Mark Murphy
Orchestrating a murder and making sure no one finds the victim is where our psychological thriller takes fold. The Florida swamps is the setting as a sick and demented killer named “Q” begins by dismembering the body of an unknown woman and burying her deep within the swamp hoping the alligators will devour her as their next meal. Tossing her body parts into the swamp as if he is playing ring toss or any other game requiring you to rid yourself of the pieces, he flings them quite callously to his newfound reptilian friends. But, not everyone runs the way he likes it and soon many other alligators would stomp, chomp and want their taste of this bounty but someone shakes his confidence. Mystical rites, customs or just the fact that looking up into the sky he sees ravens. Hearing the song of these ravens and wondering about the Seminole culture would shake him to the core but not stop him from killing even more. Remembering that the Seminoles believed in all this mystical folklore, spirit guides and communing with nature. Blocking it out of his mind but he heard something else. Would this sound of a howling dog haunt him? If a soul were moved would it come back for him? Shadow Man: Mark Murphy.
Malcolm King is about to enter a world that one might say is identical to that of living in the Twilight Zone. Things are about to happen that would make him think he might be losing his mind, living in another world or dimension and definitely threaten his inner most being and rock his world equal to that of 9.0 quake on the Richter scale.
Some quakes or tremors start off with just a little shake or rattle before the full impact occurs. An intentional hit by a Chevy SUV Florida plates destroys his BMW leaving Dr. Malcolm King answering questions of the police. Only because of who he is does he get a warning. Flying off the handle, crashing the parking gate he’s stopped by a police office. Only because of who he is does he get a warning and not a ticket. But, the next incident might shake his world a little harder and the pieces of his life begin to shatter as his argument in the middle of the night with a neighbor comes crashing down on him but not before he learns that the SUV was stolen and sends the plate number to a friend in the Savannah, Chatham PD.
Disoriented and unsure of himself he is greeted in the morning by another officer this time asking about his early morning call to his neighbor, John Pendleton. A row over his dog Snoopy the center of the conversation the fact that the dog was mutilated and killed with definite precision as if by a surgeon soon to be his problem The author graphically describes what the killer does to this poor Basset Hound as he defines it as eviscerating the dog. Can you feel the earth shaking? Maybe a 2 on the scale.
This is just the tip of the quake as Amy; his wife goes to be with her mother during surgery that has complications. As another death is attributed to his killer but not before someone enters his home and blows out all the mirrors and windows and gets away. A former patient is found dead with his business card near his body and the man gutted out the same way as the dog. Just how all this fits together has yet to be seen as the first death has not been identified or reported. Who was the officer that came to his house to question him about the dog? Could this be a brazen killer? Move the quake to 3.5 on the scale. If you have ever seen the old classic movie Gaslight you might think the events are similar and that someone is trying to make you think you are going crazy. Added into the mix is his friend Ben who appears to be helping him. But, when brought in for questioning the officer seems cold and odd. Speaking with Ben he realizes he does have his best interest at heart but there are many things happening that appear odd. Sharing his encounters with his wife brings to light that the first cop was a phony and telling her the truth ignited her fear but her anger for holding back. But, when Malcolm listens to his messages his heart pounds and he realizes that the person behind these events is serious, as a tape of the latest victim begging him not to kill him has surfaced on his machine. But, who is doing this remains to be seen and why quite diabolical yet clever.
A close friend warns him about another murder and Mal is on the run. Haunted by a man he refers to as the Thin Man in his dreams he runs and finds this specter or person claiming he wants to help him. Just who is Billy Littlebear and why does he want to help him? As Billy tells him about his heritage as a Seminole Indian, why he is helping him and fact that he is a cop Malcolm begins to process that the same killer is after him that went after this man’s brother. But why and who? As the author tells the history of the tribe, the people and their problems with the government we get Malcolm to relax, get sidetracked from his trouble as he tells him about his brother, the gruesome murders and the link to his. But, his brother was not that lucky, no one came to his defense and he died from a lethal injection. The history of the murders you won’t believe until you read it for yourself. But, be aware that the descriptions are graphic and not for anyone squeamish. What happens next is almost in slow motion as Malcolm thinks Billy is behind the murders and learns the truth about what happened to his wife. Next, he tries to find Amy and Mimi only to teach the lunatic that is after him has kidnapped them. Ripper is the key and his paper the link to why this man is doing it. Pawns all of the victims. All of them linked to Malcolm his paper on Jack the Ripper and this man’s insecurities and hate for his own physical deformity and more. But, Mimi is smart, savvy and will not allow this man to win and does all she can to save herself and Amy, her mother as Billy Littlebear comes to the rescue but where is Malcolm and how did the media get involved in this nightmare and why was Tina Baker the reporter so bent on getting this story at all costs?
When Malcolm comes face to face with the killer called the Shadow Man you won’t believe his reasoning, why he has been committing murders and the end result. How many more people will die before someone finally takes him down? Just how far will Amy and Mimi go to save themselves and Malcolm? One man whose life would be ruined if this man succeeds? When you finally understand his rationale and see where it leads the earthquake will reach more than just 10 on the scale as the explosions soar, the death count rises and a killer thinks he’s won.
This is a story about deceit, trust, loyalty, honesty and one man named Billy Littlebear who came into Malcolm’s life and then was gone. Where is the Shadow Man? Only the author knows what happened and have course this reader who read this fast paced psychological thriller with a touch of paranormal, which really made the ending special. You want to know why? Great characters that are strong, straightforward and a young girl named Mimi, who is tough, bold and who won’t give up until your father is safe and her parents are together. What is the final outcome? Who lives? Who dies? Ask the Shadow Man if you can find him? Let’s hope you don’t! Read it and find out and beware: This guys dangerous. Don’t turn your back.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Orchestrating a murder and making sure no one finds the victim is where our psychological thriller takes fold. The Florida swamps is the setting as a sick and demented killer named “Q” begins by dismembering the body of an unknown woman and burying her deep within the swamp hoping the alligators will devour her as their next meal. Tossing her body parts into the swamp as if he is playing ring toss or any other game requiring you to rid yourself of the pieces, he flings them quite callously to his newfound reptilian friends. But, not everyone runs the way he likes it and soon many other alligators would stomp, chomp and want their taste of this bounty but someone shakes his confidence. Mystical rites, customs or just the fact that looking up into the sky he sees ravens. Hearing the song of these ravens and wondering about the Seminole culture would shake him to the core but not stop him from killing even more. Remembering that the Seminoles believed in all this mystical folklore, spirit guides and communing with nature. Blocking it out of his mind but he heard something else. Would this sound of a howling dog haunt him? If a soul were moved would it come back for him? Shadow Man: Mark Murphy.
Malcolm King is about to enter a world that one might say is identical to that of living in the Twilight Zone. Things are about to happen that would make him think he might be losing his mind, living in another world or dimension and definitely threaten his inner most being and rock his world equal to that of 9.0 quake on the Richter scale.
Some quakes or tremors start off with just a little shake or rattle before the full impact occurs. An intentional hit by a Chevy SUV Florida plates destroys his BMW leaving Dr. Malcolm King answering questions of the police. Only because of who he is does he get a warning. Flying off the handle, crashing the parking gate he’s stopped by a police office. Only because of who he is does he get a warning and not a ticket. But, the next incident might shake his world a little harder and the pieces of his life begin to shatter as his argument in the middle of the night with a neighbor comes crashing down on him but not before he learns that the SUV was stolen and sends the plate number to a friend in the Savannah, Chatham PD.
Disoriented and unsure of himself he is greeted in the morning by another officer this time asking about his early morning call to his neighbor, John Pendleton. A row over his dog Snoopy the center of the conversation the fact that the dog was mutilated and killed with definite precision as if by a surgeon soon to be his problem The author graphically describes what the killer does to this poor Basset Hound as he defines it as eviscerating the dog. Can you feel the earth shaking? Maybe a 2 on the scale.
This is just the tip of the quake as Amy; his wife goes to be with her mother during surgery that has complications. As another death is attributed to his killer but not before someone enters his home and blows out all the mirrors and windows and gets away. A former patient is found dead with his business card near his body and the man gutted out the same way as the dog. Just how all this fits together has yet to be seen as the first death has not been identified or reported. Who was the officer that came to his house to question him about the dog? Could this be a brazen killer? Move the quake to 3.5 on the scale. If you have ever seen the old classic movie Gaslight you might think the events are similar and that someone is trying to make you think you are going crazy. Added into the mix is his friend Ben who appears to be helping him. But, when brought in for questioning the officer seems cold and odd. Speaking with Ben he realizes he does have his best interest at heart but there are many things happening that appear odd. Sharing his encounters with his wife brings to light that the first cop was a phony and telling her the truth ignited her fear but her anger for holding back. But, when Malcolm listens to his messages his heart pounds and he realizes that the person behind these events is serious, as a tape of the latest victim begging him not to kill him has surfaced on his machine. But, who is doing this remains to be seen and why quite diabolical yet clever.
A close friend warns him about another murder and Mal is on the run. Haunted by a man he refers to as the Thin Man in his dreams he runs and finds this specter or person claiming he wants to help him. Just who is Billy Littlebear and why does he want to help him? As Billy tells him about his heritage as a Seminole Indian, why he is helping him and fact that he is a cop Malcolm begins to process that the same killer is after him that went after this man’s brother. But why and who? As the author tells the history of the tribe, the people and their problems with the government we get Malcolm to relax, get sidetracked from his trouble as he tells him about his brother, the gruesome murders and the link to his. But, his brother was not that lucky, no one came to his defense and he died from a lethal injection. The history of the murders you won’t believe until you read it for yourself. But, be aware that the descriptions are graphic and not for anyone squeamish. What happens next is almost in slow motion as Malcolm thinks Billy is behind the murders and learns the truth about what happened to his wife. Next, he tries to find Amy and Mimi only to teach the lunatic that is after him has kidnapped them. Ripper is the key and his paper the link to why this man is doing it. Pawns all of the victims. All of them linked to Malcolm his paper on Jack the Ripper and this man’s insecurities and hate for his own physical deformity and more. But, Mimi is smart, savvy and will not allow this man to win and does all she can to save herself and Amy, her mother as Billy Littlebear comes to the rescue but where is Malcolm and how did the media get involved in this nightmare and why was Tina Baker the reporter so bent on getting this story at all costs?
When Malcolm comes face to face with the killer called the Shadow Man you won’t believe his reasoning, why he has been committing murders and the end result. How many more people will die before someone finally takes him down? Just how far will Amy and Mimi go to save themselves and Malcolm? One man whose life would be ruined if this man succeeds? When you finally understand his rationale and see where it leads the earthquake will reach more than just 10 on the scale as the explosions soar, the death count rises and a killer thinks he’s won.
This is a story about deceit, trust, loyalty, honesty and one man named Billy Littlebear who came into Malcolm’s life and then was gone. Where is the Shadow Man? Only the author knows what happened and have course this reader who read this fast paced psychological thriller with a touch of paranormal, which really made the ending special. You want to know why? Great characters that are strong, straightforward and a young girl named Mimi, who is tough, bold and who won’t give up until your father is safe and her parents are together. What is the final outcome? Who lives? Who dies? Ask the Shadow Man if you can find him? Let’s hope you don’t! Read it and find out and beware: This guys dangerous. Don’t turn your back.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
October 16, 2012
Rating: 4.5 stars (but worthy of rounding up)
Dr. Malcolm King has an enviable life; he's a well-respected surgeon with a loving family. But everything starts to unravel when grisly murders occur and all evidence points to him. He contacts a longtime friend, Ben, who works in homicide. When every victim has a connection to Malcolm and various personal effects of his are found at the crime scenes, even Ben starts having his doubts.
Still, Ben manages to give Malcolm a heads up that the police are coming to arrest him. In a desperate attempt for more time to clear his name, Malcolm goes on the run and encounters Billy Littlebear. Billy says he's there to help and has details about the real murderer. Unfortunately, Malcolm doesn't know who to trust anymore, especially since the killer seems to know his every move. Is anyone safe from this mad man? Is Dr. King innocent? Is Billy really there to help?
I hesitate to offer much more summary, because it would take away from the experience of reading the book. Just when you think you can guess the next development, hold on. The author stays one step ahead of you with every turn of the page. A couple of times I considered jumping to the end to release the tension of not knowing, but I quickly realized I didn't want to miss one piece of the puzzle.
Pick up a copy and clear a day! Once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy a fast-paced ride that will leave them guessing.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
Dr. Malcolm King has an enviable life; he's a well-respected surgeon with a loving family. But everything starts to unravel when grisly murders occur and all evidence points to him. He contacts a longtime friend, Ben, who works in homicide. When every victim has a connection to Malcolm and various personal effects of his are found at the crime scenes, even Ben starts having his doubts.
Still, Ben manages to give Malcolm a heads up that the police are coming to arrest him. In a desperate attempt for more time to clear his name, Malcolm goes on the run and encounters Billy Littlebear. Billy says he's there to help and has details about the real murderer. Unfortunately, Malcolm doesn't know who to trust anymore, especially since the killer seems to know his every move. Is anyone safe from this mad man? Is Dr. King innocent? Is Billy really there to help?
I hesitate to offer much more summary, because it would take away from the experience of reading the book. Just when you think you can guess the next development, hold on. The author stays one step ahead of you with every turn of the page. A couple of times I considered jumping to the end to release the tension of not knowing, but I quickly realized I didn't want to miss one piece of the puzzle.
Pick up a copy and clear a day! Once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy a fast-paced ride that will leave them guessing.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
June 24, 2013
My Thoughts:
The Shadow Man kept me turning pages late into the evening! It started out with a grisly murder and ended with heart-stopping drama. Throughout the story I was constantly trying to figure out what was up with The Shadow Man. Why was he bent on ruining Malcolm and his family? It was a quite twisted and entertaining story. While I liked the character of Billy, I wasn't a fan of the way the author tried to weave in some Indian legend supernatural stuff through Billy and some birds, but I'll let you read it and be the judge rather than give away anything else. For the most part The Shadow Man kept me on the edge of my seat, the author very adeptly portrayed the evilness that was The Shadow Man.
Warning:
For the most part I review Christian novels on my blog. This is in NO WAY a Christian novel. There is violence, there is cursing(including the f-word), and evil is portrayed very prominently. The characters were portrayed true-to-life, Malcolm and his family were not dysfunctional, and evil does not have victory, and that is how I was able to read this book...besides the fact I love a good scare-the-pants-off-of-you read!
The Shadow Man kept me turning pages late into the evening! It started out with a grisly murder and ended with heart-stopping drama. Throughout the story I was constantly trying to figure out what was up with The Shadow Man. Why was he bent on ruining Malcolm and his family? It was a quite twisted and entertaining story. While I liked the character of Billy, I wasn't a fan of the way the author tried to weave in some Indian legend supernatural stuff through Billy and some birds, but I'll let you read it and be the judge rather than give away anything else. For the most part The Shadow Man kept me on the edge of my seat, the author very adeptly portrayed the evilness that was The Shadow Man.
Warning:
For the most part I review Christian novels on my blog. This is in NO WAY a Christian novel. There is violence, there is cursing(including the f-word), and evil is portrayed very prominently. The characters were portrayed true-to-life, Malcolm and his family were not dysfunctional, and evil does not have victory, and that is how I was able to read this book...besides the fact I love a good scare-the-pants-off-of-you read!
April 6, 2013
The Shadow Man by Mark Murphy
Wow, what is it with these southern gentlemen and their macabre story telling. Mark Murphy is going to be a name to contend with in contemporary thrillers, move over Pat Conroy. While Murphy is not as poetically inclined in his prose, he certainly grabs your interest and you only wrest free on the final page. This is a tale of demented love, twisted by jealous desire and self loathing.
Malcolm King is a successful surgeon with a lovely family. His perfect life is shattered by malicious mischief. Murphy does a terrific job in his characterizations. Malcolm is highly likeable and his family is believable. The portrayal of Q is compelling and frightening.
The touch of the occult adds to the misty mystery quality of the story. I am really impressed that this is Mr. Murphy’s first novel. I look forward to his next and strongly recommend that you budget sufficient time to read this in as few a sittings as possible. It is worth it!
I highly recommend the book.
Wow, what is it with these southern gentlemen and their macabre story telling. Mark Murphy is going to be a name to contend with in contemporary thrillers, move over Pat Conroy. While Murphy is not as poetically inclined in his prose, he certainly grabs your interest and you only wrest free on the final page. This is a tale of demented love, twisted by jealous desire and self loathing.
Malcolm King is a successful surgeon with a lovely family. His perfect life is shattered by malicious mischief. Murphy does a terrific job in his characterizations. Malcolm is highly likeable and his family is believable. The portrayal of Q is compelling and frightening.
The touch of the occult adds to the misty mystery quality of the story. I am really impressed that this is Mr. Murphy’s first novel. I look forward to his next and strongly recommend that you budget sufficient time to read this in as few a sittings as possible. It is worth it!
I highly recommend the book.
July 23, 2012
I am a huge fan of the horror/thriller genre. I have watched and read so many films and books in this genre, that I am rarely surprised by anything. This book was definitely an exception! The whole time I read 'The Shadow Man' I was on edge, even my own foot startled me at one point. Mark Murphy did a great job of creating an eerie atmosphere throughout the whole book, and the ending was excellent. Read it now!!
July 24, 2012
I read this in one sitting, as I couldn't tear myself away. I was on the edge of my seat (both literally and figuratively) for much of the book The atmosphere is so rich and unsettling that you can't help but surrender to it, as the story grabs you and doesn't let go. Certain moments will chill you to the bone, and Murphy writes them in such a way that you share in his characters dread, feel the fear as if it were you. Stop reading my review and start reading this book.
October 10, 2012
Malcolm King has lived a perfect life. He's a successful surgeon, has a beautiful wife and daughter, and is content with lot he's drawn in life. He has everything he's ever wanted and loves his life to the fullest. God has made his dreams come true and for that he's grateful.
When an unexpected accident occurs after he's returned home from a surgical convention, Malcolm doesn't think much of it. He assumes it was just a random occurrence. Yet when other unexpected happenings start to crop up, he's no longer sure as to whether what happened at the airport was as random as it seemed. Someone's out to get him and he's not sure as to why that might be.
Malcolm's first thought is to protect his family. His second thought is to discover the identity of the person behind the recent attacks. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done. His unknown assailant is quite clever and covers his tracks at every turn. He's now been implicated in several murders and the police are sure that he's behind every one of them. It doesn't matter that he cites his innocence at every turn. He's guilty and the authorities will do everything within their power to take him down.
His only saving grace is a man he's come to think of as the Thin Man. Malcolm first thought the guy was a figment of his imagination, something he conjured up in the face of such adversity. Yet it soon turns out that the Thin Man is nothing like what he'd perceived him to be. Billy Littlebear has extensive knowledge of Malcolm's life. He knows exactly what's going on with the situation at hand. Despite this, Malcolm is unsure as to whether he can place his trust in Billy's hands.
With no other alternative, Malcolm embarks on a journey that leads him along a rocky path toward discovering just what it is that the serial killer wants. The closer he gets, the more the body count piles up. Never-the-less, he's determined to unmask the culprit, once and for all. He knows there's no turning back and he won't rest until he's cleared his name completely.
Time begins to dwindle and Malcolm soon finds himself at the head of the foray. Those he loves and cares for have been threatened. There's no longer any doubt that he's a target. He'll need to step up and make things happen if he's to succeed in doing away with the Shadow Man and all of his shenanigans. His dreams and the blackbirds show him where he needs to go, even if he can't quite understand what's going on, then and there. Never-the-less, he'll do everything within his power to thwart the killer's plans, even if it may end up getting him killed in the long run.
This is one of those books that you just can't put down once you sit down and start reading it. Full of intrigue and numerous twists and turns, it's sure to boggle the reader's mind as he/she flip the page to discover what happens next. It's definitely one I recommend for reading. I enjoyed it immensely!
When an unexpected accident occurs after he's returned home from a surgical convention, Malcolm doesn't think much of it. He assumes it was just a random occurrence. Yet when other unexpected happenings start to crop up, he's no longer sure as to whether what happened at the airport was as random as it seemed. Someone's out to get him and he's not sure as to why that might be.
Malcolm's first thought is to protect his family. His second thought is to discover the identity of the person behind the recent attacks. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done. His unknown assailant is quite clever and covers his tracks at every turn. He's now been implicated in several murders and the police are sure that he's behind every one of them. It doesn't matter that he cites his innocence at every turn. He's guilty and the authorities will do everything within their power to take him down.
His only saving grace is a man he's come to think of as the Thin Man. Malcolm first thought the guy was a figment of his imagination, something he conjured up in the face of such adversity. Yet it soon turns out that the Thin Man is nothing like what he'd perceived him to be. Billy Littlebear has extensive knowledge of Malcolm's life. He knows exactly what's going on with the situation at hand. Despite this, Malcolm is unsure as to whether he can place his trust in Billy's hands.
With no other alternative, Malcolm embarks on a journey that leads him along a rocky path toward discovering just what it is that the serial killer wants. The closer he gets, the more the body count piles up. Never-the-less, he's determined to unmask the culprit, once and for all. He knows there's no turning back and he won't rest until he's cleared his name completely.
Time begins to dwindle and Malcolm soon finds himself at the head of the foray. Those he loves and cares for have been threatened. There's no longer any doubt that he's a target. He'll need to step up and make things happen if he's to succeed in doing away with the Shadow Man and all of his shenanigans. His dreams and the blackbirds show him where he needs to go, even if he can't quite understand what's going on, then and there. Never-the-less, he'll do everything within his power to thwart the killer's plans, even if it may end up getting him killed in the long run.
This is one of those books that you just can't put down once you sit down and start reading it. Full of intrigue and numerous twists and turns, it's sure to boggle the reader's mind as he/she flip the page to discover what happens next. It's definitely one I recommend for reading. I enjoyed it immensely!
October 4, 2012
Mark Murphy wrote The Shadow Man and I joined in on the Tribute Books Blog Tour. I love reading, I love tours and now I am a bit in love with Mark Murphy or better yet in his world. I am a fan of mystery. The kind that has you lost elsewhere and not wanting to return. Stephen King is known for this as well as Johnathan Kellerman, Tami Hoag and Lisa Gardner. All favorites of mine. I know that Mark Murphy is going to be sitting on the shelf right along side of them now. You know by now that I do not tell you much about a plot as I want you to discover it for yourself. Hate when someone gives away a story line to me. So let's just share that this is suspense caught up in a dream catchers weave as it rips into reality.
September 9, 2012
Just received my brand new copy of The Shadow Man in the mail today. I won this book on goodreads giveaways. Hooray for me! I cannot wait to get started on reading this book. Thanks, Mark Murphy, for the giveaway. I am so happy and excited. This book grabbed you at the beginning and didn't let go until the end. I loved this book. It was exciting and scary and mysterious all the way through. The killer was really off the wall, and I don't think I have ever read a book with this same plot. It was super good, and I would highly recommend it. Again, thank you for the giveaway. I am very excited that I won it and got to read it.
Read
August 28, 2012Not your everyday murder novel. Deep character development, lush settings (VERY Savannah!) and twisty, turny sub-plots that never go where you expect. As soon as I heard Mark Murphy had written a book, I had to read it. Murphy's columns in the Savannah Morning News are among my favorites and I share them often. And so I will, with this book. Sending to my mom, who will pass on to my sister in law. Definitely a good read.
July 15, 2012
Beginning with the prologue, this book was a thriller that I found hard to put down - I read it in two days. It combines mystery, tragedy, some Savannah history, and a bit of the supernatural. It truly had a Stephen King feel and was an excellent novel - you will not be disappointed!
Read
July 27, 2012I love EVERYTHING Savannah, and this one didn't let me down. I was creeped out, intrigued and exhilarated as I followed Malcolm's struggle to regain the life he loved. I'm not usually a mystery genre reader, but this one kept me on the edge of my seat.
July 30, 2012
It has been awhile since I have finished a book in less than twenty-four hours. 'The Shadow Man' does not disappoint. It has many twist, turns and surprises, all the way to the very end. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great thriller.
January 27, 2014
Basic writing. Good thriller. Twisty but expected plot development. Put the book down numerous times to read something else.
April 21, 2023
This was a very interesting read although quite disturbing. The reason I only gave it 4 stars and not 5 is for the language which I didn’t see as being necessary at all. Even in the uneventful moments of the story, language was course and just didn’t add anything to the story itself. I understand that an evil person might use language such as was used by the protagonist, but I just wish there hadn’t been so much cursing in the entire book by all the characters.
I did enjoy the suspenseful nature of the story and the mystery of the protagonist. It was very interesting and good writing that kept my husband and me turning pages as we read aloud to each other. It was a disturbing thought to see what happened to the people who were in some way involved with the main character solely at the whim of the protagonist. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so I don’t want to reveal too much. It was quite graphic in the description of the killing that occurred and the way the bodies were disposed of in prior murders.
The huge surprise in the last chapter was hinted at so was not completely unexpected, but the way it had happened was a little shocking. It’s no wonder that one could be off-balanced by being rejected and always an outcast. No doubt that this was part of the making of a killer.
All in all, I would recommend this read to people who enjoy thrillers and also anyone who is not bothered by cursing just in regular conversation. This book will keep you interested from beginning to end. It will keep you guessing and wondering about who is behind the murders.
I did enjoy the suspenseful nature of the story and the mystery of the protagonist. It was very interesting and good writing that kept my husband and me turning pages as we read aloud to each other. It was a disturbing thought to see what happened to the people who were in some way involved with the main character solely at the whim of the protagonist. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so I don’t want to reveal too much. It was quite graphic in the description of the killing that occurred and the way the bodies were disposed of in prior murders.
The huge surprise in the last chapter was hinted at so was not completely unexpected, but the way it had happened was a little shocking. It’s no wonder that one could be off-balanced by being rejected and always an outcast. No doubt that this was part of the making of a killer.
All in all, I would recommend this read to people who enjoy thrillers and also anyone who is not bothered by cursing just in regular conversation. This book will keep you interested from beginning to end. It will keep you guessing and wondering about who is behind the murders.
August 10, 2024
This is my third book with the title "The Shadow Man." Different authors, different story lines.
On my "to read" list longer than most because it remained elusive. Opted to purchase it from Thriftbooks online. Not worth the hunt in my opinion.
Beginning fairly well until about midway. Here, the reader is introduced to a new character. Native American Billy Littlebear has been hunting and tracking the serial killer who killed his wife. Dr. Malcom King, a man Littlebear does not know, is being framed for the killer's many other murders. So the two join forces.
There are some very creative, clever chapters along the way which I suppose is what kept me going. Like the sprinkling of guidance from the spiritual realm. And the big reveal as to how this trio could be connected. But I ask you then, how many times can the seriously injured, deeply wounded killer get up, disappear, only to resurface to create mortal mayhem once again.
But yes, it's fiction. And by the time I reached the end, I was more than ready to be done.
Not sure what the cover art seeks to convey. Kind of generic really. A little more oomph if you will.
On my "to read" list longer than most because it remained elusive. Opted to purchase it from Thriftbooks online. Not worth the hunt in my opinion.
Beginning fairly well until about midway. Here, the reader is introduced to a new character. Native American Billy Littlebear has been hunting and tracking the serial killer who killed his wife. Dr. Malcom King, a man Littlebear does not know, is being framed for the killer's many other murders. So the two join forces.
There are some very creative, clever chapters along the way which I suppose is what kept me going. Like the sprinkling of guidance from the spiritual realm. And the big reveal as to how this trio could be connected. But I ask you then, how many times can the seriously injured, deeply wounded killer get up, disappear, only to resurface to create mortal mayhem once again.
But yes, it's fiction. And by the time I reached the end, I was more than ready to be done.
Not sure what the cover art seeks to convey. Kind of generic really. A little more oomph if you will.
January 16, 2019
This is a valiant effort at a King-like novel by a doctor from Savannah. The greatest accuracy and the least suspension of belief are reserved for those passages that describe medical procedures and use medical terminology. As far as police procedure and the investigation of crime are concerned, I don't think the doctor did his homework. I do, however, appreciate the time it takes to write a novel and salute the doctor for giving it his best shot.
November 23, 2020
This was a great read! Didn't want to put it down wanting to know what is going to happen next!
March 24, 2025
Wow, such a good book, so many twists and turns! Bittersweet to the end.
January 9, 2013
Let me start this by saying I am a huge fan of Dr. Murphy's writing -- Absolutely love his column in the Savannah Morning News, and I enjoyed hearing him speak and read his fantastic and incredibly moving short story "The Funeral" at the Flannery O'Connor House this past fall. I have a great deal of respect for him as a person and a writer, and I look forward to reading more of his work. (You sensed a big "but" coming, right?) However, this novel fell short for me on a couple of fronts. I read a lot of mystery/thriller novels, and I'm familiar with the cliches and red herrings of the genre. The book, although there's much good in it, falls into a couple of familiar and tired holes. And that's a little disappointing because I had really high expectations. The characters, particularly Dr. Malcolm King, our protagonist, are appealing and felt realistic, for the most part. I'm not a fan of the "magic Native person" trope, but I liked Billy Littlebear's character and felt he deserved more time in the narrative. I also would have liked more of the King's domestic life, his friendship with Ben, and his work life as well, to flesh him out even more. Q or The Shadow Man is a worthy psychopath, but again, we could have gone deeper into his psyche and he would have been even more interesting and twisted. I felt like the ending of the novel suffered from too many new characters and sub-plots that distracted from the main narrative thrust (and Billy Littlebear disappeared as well). The threats to Amy and Mimi felt scary and real, and the violence was quite effective. Without revealing what the the big "twist" is, I will say that this was one of the other places I felt let down. I guessed it, and I thought "no way, too obvious" and feels like it's coming from left field. We needed more of Malcolm's background for this twist to have more heft and resonance (it could have been really wrenching, but it was not). The best part of this novel is Dr. Murphy's writing. He's a fine writer of detailed scenery, and his descriptions of Savannah (including areas I know well) are elegant and beautiful. The history lessons are occasionally a little clunky, but they added interest for me. I would read more about both Malcolm King and Billy Littlebear; I liked the characters that much, and I will eagerly await the next book from Dr. Murphy.
November 22, 2012
Many thanks to Goodreads, Langdon Street Press and Mark Murphy for my free ARC of this book!
As usual you will not find any spoilers in my reviews nor do I get overly technical and analytical. I am not an English major, professor or editor. I am a regular joe who likes to read and base my reviews primarily on opinion and how I the book made me feel. Don't like my review? Well you are entitled to your own opinion, just don't harp on me about mine.
Now, as always, minor technical stuff. This novel was well polished with few errors that I could find. Simply the typical typographical or grammatical stuff that you will find in just about every novel out there including some that have been through several printings over the years.
I truly enjoyed this novel. I read a lot of hack 'em up, high body count, chiller/thriller/killer books and this one is definitely up in my top 10. The story was intricate without being too focused on minute details with a great pace and memorable characters. Malcolm is a great somewhat average guy hero in that he isn't over the top (hate the stories like a janitor suddenly is the world's most intelligent secret agent/martial arts expert/sniper. Like I said, I read a lot of these types of books and can usually spot the twists a mile away. Not this time. I didn't see this one until it was right there on the page. Nice job Mr. Murphy, you got me good!
All in all I would have to say that this is a fantastic debut novel and I sincerely hope that we will be more from Mr. Murphy in the future. You certainly have me waiting for the next novel and I hope it's just as thrilling as this one was.
As usual you will not find any spoilers in my reviews nor do I get overly technical and analytical. I am not an English major, professor or editor. I am a regular joe who likes to read and base my reviews primarily on opinion and how I the book made me feel. Don't like my review? Well you are entitled to your own opinion, just don't harp on me about mine.
Now, as always, minor technical stuff. This novel was well polished with few errors that I could find. Simply the typical typographical or grammatical stuff that you will find in just about every novel out there including some that have been through several printings over the years.
I truly enjoyed this novel. I read a lot of hack 'em up, high body count, chiller/thriller/killer books and this one is definitely up in my top 10. The story was intricate without being too focused on minute details with a great pace and memorable characters. Malcolm is a great somewhat average guy hero in that he isn't over the top (hate the stories like a janitor suddenly is the world's most intelligent secret agent/martial arts expert/sniper. Like I said, I read a lot of these types of books and can usually spot the twists a mile away. Not this time. I didn't see this one until it was right there on the page. Nice job Mr. Murphy, you got me good!
All in all I would have to say that this is a fantastic debut novel and I sincerely hope that we will be more from Mr. Murphy in the future. You certainly have me waiting for the next novel and I hope it's just as thrilling as this one was.
September 15, 2012
With The Shadow Man, Mark Murphy has written an enthralling mystery novel. Malcolm King is introduced as a character that has a seemingly perfect life. He and his family live comfortably and he has a great job. But everything soon changes, as murders begin occurring. Malcolm is linked closely to each person killed, and quickly becomes a suspect; he realizes he cannot trust anyone anymore, and makes the tough decision to run away.
This novel introduces great characters, especially Billy Littlebear, whom Malcolm depends on while on the run. Characters like this help distinguish a thriller from the many other ones available. Malcolm is also developed in a way that intrigues the reader. At some points, one feels empathetic towards him, hoping he can return to his idealistic life. But at others, it is hard not to be suspicious, and wonder whether he is involved as someone other than a victim.
Although this novel started out fast paced, the end did not unveil in the same way. The end seemed to drag on a little too long, taking away from the suspenseful plot. If the story had been wrapped up more quickly, it would have been more enjoyable.
Still, there are many good aspects of this book. The reader must keep guessing as to what is really going on, and the introduction of folklore and supernatural elements is a great addition. This is an entertaining, intriguing read.
**I Received This Book In A FirstReads Giveaway**
This novel introduces great characters, especially Billy Littlebear, whom Malcolm depends on while on the run. Characters like this help distinguish a thriller from the many other ones available. Malcolm is also developed in a way that intrigues the reader. At some points, one feels empathetic towards him, hoping he can return to his idealistic life. But at others, it is hard not to be suspicious, and wonder whether he is involved as someone other than a victim.
Although this novel started out fast paced, the end did not unveil in the same way. The end seemed to drag on a little too long, taking away from the suspenseful plot. If the story had been wrapped up more quickly, it would have been more enjoyable.
Still, there are many good aspects of this book. The reader must keep guessing as to what is really going on, and the introduction of folklore and supernatural elements is a great addition. This is an entertaining, intriguing read.
**I Received This Book In A FirstReads Giveaway**
March 9, 2013
Malcolm is a surgeon who lives with his wife and daughter. His life is perfectly ordinary, until the day someone hits his car and everything changes.
I liked the first half of the book more than the rest. The prologue is one of the best parts: the writing is atmospheric and the killer's really creepy. There are lots of twists and turns, but later on they're just not as exciting anymore.
The quality of writing changes. Some parts are amazingly written, while others seem really rushed and not very well thought out. There are plenty of dramatic lines. Sometimes they work, other times it seems like the writer is trying too hard to make everything as exciting as possible.
The characters are interesting (my personal favorites being Tina and Mimi), but sometimes their reactions (or lack of) just don't make sense.
The killer is horrifying, both in the way he looks and the way he acts. He's a big fan of Jack the Ripper (though the same is probably true of every other serial killer), a self-proclaimed genius surgeon who led a difficult life because of a condition he was born with. The writer mostly does a great job with the killer: he's scary, insane and really, really smart. But I have to say that the revelation of his motives and some other things that happen later make him seem much weaker.
Altogether, it's a solid thriller, with strong female characters and a bad guy who completely freaked me out, which is always a plus.
I liked the first half of the book more than the rest. The prologue is one of the best parts: the writing is atmospheric and the killer's really creepy. There are lots of twists and turns, but later on they're just not as exciting anymore.
The quality of writing changes. Some parts are amazingly written, while others seem really rushed and not very well thought out. There are plenty of dramatic lines. Sometimes they work, other times it seems like the writer is trying too hard to make everything as exciting as possible.
The characters are interesting (my personal favorites being Tina and Mimi), but sometimes their reactions (or lack of) just don't make sense.
The killer is horrifying, both in the way he looks and the way he acts. He's a big fan of Jack the Ripper (though the same is probably true of every other serial killer), a self-proclaimed genius surgeon who led a difficult life because of a condition he was born with. The writer mostly does a great job with the killer: he's scary, insane and really, really smart. But I have to say that the revelation of his motives and some other things that happen later make him seem much weaker.
Altogether, it's a solid thriller, with strong female characters and a bad guy who completely freaked me out, which is always a plus.
September 21, 2012
I've found myself reading a lot of 'thrillers' over the past several years, a lot filled with psycho genius serial killers. I keep waiting to exhaust the genre. That certainly did not happen with this book.
Malcolm King is on his way home from a surgical convention in Miami when he must deal with a hit-and-run driver at the airport at home. He has no idea just how his life is about to change. When Malcolm realizes he is being set up he turns to Ben, his friend in the police department. Then Ben begins to believe Malcolm is involved in these horrific murders. Help seems to appear in the form of Billy, a Seminole Indian and expert tracker who supposedly has had experience with the killer before. But can he trust Billy? Will the killer be found or will the body count continue to rise?
An intriguing story that will keep you guessing with twists and turns carrying it onward to a terrifying climax. A perfect ending. Threads of Indian mysticism woven lightly here and there. This novel will keep you reading well past your bedtime and watching for Mark Murphy's next offering to add to your shelf. I know I am.
I won this book on Goodreads.
Malcolm King is on his way home from a surgical convention in Miami when he must deal with a hit-and-run driver at the airport at home. He has no idea just how his life is about to change. When Malcolm realizes he is being set up he turns to Ben, his friend in the police department. Then Ben begins to believe Malcolm is involved in these horrific murders. Help seems to appear in the form of Billy, a Seminole Indian and expert tracker who supposedly has had experience with the killer before. But can he trust Billy? Will the killer be found or will the body count continue to rise?
An intriguing story that will keep you guessing with twists and turns carrying it onward to a terrifying climax. A perfect ending. Threads of Indian mysticism woven lightly here and there. This novel will keep you reading well past your bedtime and watching for Mark Murphy's next offering to add to your shelf. I know I am.
I won this book on Goodreads.
October 12, 2012
Malcolm King is a devoted husband and father as well as a dedicated and skilled surgeon. Heading home after a medical conference in Miami, Malcolm is the victim of a hit and run. After the accident Malcolm’s life starts to come apart at the seams. People are dying all around him and the clues left behind point straight to him as the guilty party. Malcolm knows he’s no killer, but how can he catch the real culprit and clear his name? Then there is the ‘Thin Man’ who is following and watching him…is he friend or foe?
‘The Shadow Man’ is a chilling and haunting novel of suspense, murder, and revenge. Through Mr. Murphy’s skilled words, Savannah comes to life and becomes the backdrop for a serial killer who is diabolical and invisible. The plot and characters were amazingly put together and the story flowed very well. I loved this novel and I was utterly shocked by the ending. I don’t want to give away too much, because you have to read this book for yourself! Fast-paced and eerily evil, ‘The Shadow Man’ is an absolute must-read for any horror or suspense enthusiast!
‘The Shadow Man’ is a chilling and haunting novel of suspense, murder, and revenge. Through Mr. Murphy’s skilled words, Savannah comes to life and becomes the backdrop for a serial killer who is diabolical and invisible. The plot and characters were amazingly put together and the story flowed very well. I loved this novel and I was utterly shocked by the ending. I don’t want to give away too much, because you have to read this book for yourself! Fast-paced and eerily evil, ‘The Shadow Man’ is an absolute must-read for any horror or suspense enthusiast!
December 7, 2012
I didn’t really have any expectations going into this book, although I knew it wasn’t my typical reading genre. Sometimes it’s good to break out of your personal reading mold, so I was looking forward to that very much. If you’re looking for a thriller, this one won’t disappoint you.
I had a difficult time getting through this one in terms of the material covered. This is about a serial killer, which is bad enough, but the killer is an especially brutal one, doing things like removing organs and leaving murdered pets outside for kids to find. I think a more experienced reader of this genre may be used to things like that, but it really made me sick to my stomach at times and I’d have to put it down for awhile to calm myself. There were also several situations that filled me with anxiety, scenarios where someone’s sanctuary was breached, and that kind of thing just scares the pants off me.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
I had a difficult time getting through this one in terms of the material covered. This is about a serial killer, which is bad enough, but the killer is an especially brutal one, doing things like removing organs and leaving murdered pets outside for kids to find. I think a more experienced reader of this genre may be used to things like that, but it really made me sick to my stomach at times and I’d have to put it down for awhile to calm myself. There were also several situations that filled me with anxiety, scenarios where someone’s sanctuary was breached, and that kind of thing just scares the pants off me.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
September 17, 2012
Mark Murphy wrote ”This book was supposed to be a page-turner. I wanted it to be nearly impossible to put aside--the literary equivalent of a bag of Lay's potato chips given to a starving man.” Well, as far as I am concerned he achieved what he set out to do. I was glued to this book and hated having to put it down to do other things. I finished it within 24 hours of starting it. It was filled with twists and turns and my suspicions kept being proved wrong. Malcolm King has good friends and loving family which keep him going when others would have given up in despair. The descriptions can be graphic and not for the weak stomached and I was saddened with how a few things turned out, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense novel. I was very pleased to receive my copy free as part of the Goodreads First Reads.
October 15, 2012
My sister won this on goodreads giveaways, and passed it along. Started 10/14/12
finished 10/19/12
Malcolm King is a successful surgeon that finds himself framed for a murder of a neighbors dog. This is the start of a string of murders all tied to Malcolm. Could he be a killer and not remember? His best friend calls him to warn him the police are coming to take him in, so he flees. With the help of Billy Littlebear, he escapes. Billy helps him fight the Shadow Man, but will they be able to save everyone else and bring the killer to justice?
This was a great story and concept, I just don't think the execution was completely up to par. I would like to have had Mimi and Amy's characters to be better developed.
finished 10/19/12
Malcolm King is a successful surgeon that finds himself framed for a murder of a neighbors dog. This is the start of a string of murders all tied to Malcolm. Could he be a killer and not remember? His best friend calls him to warn him the police are coming to take him in, so he flees. With the help of Billy Littlebear, he escapes. Billy helps him fight the Shadow Man, but will they be able to save everyone else and bring the killer to justice?
This was a great story and concept, I just don't think the execution was completely up to par. I would like to have had Mimi and Amy's characters to be better developed.
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