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Chasing Shadows Series #1
Dead in the Water
A small ocean town. A bloody crime scene, with foul play suspected. But not everything is as it seems, and the killer is not finished with their treacherous game just yet.
In the picturesque ocean town of Cape May, New Jersey, recent high school graduate Finn Lawson has big dreams of becoming a marine biologist. He has a deep love for both the ocean and his best friend, Theo Moore. As he comes close to graduation, Finn's world seems full of promise and possibility. Theo, Cape May's revered lifeguard, is an enigmatic presence, ostracized by the townsfolk due to rumors and whispered secrets. Despite the obstacles, Finn remains steadfastly loyal. As their connection intensifies, Finn finds himself captivated by the mysterious depths of their relationship. Yet, in one fateful night of revelry, everything changes. Theo vanishes without a trace, leaving Finn bereft and grappling with unanswered questions. Desperation sets in as Finn confronts the harsh reality of his friend's disappearance and the shocking discovery that someone in the town has been murdered, with Theo as the possible victim of the murder. Haunted by grief and propelled by a relentless pursuit of truth, Finn embarks on a harrowing quest to uncover the chilling secrets lurking within Cape May's shadows. With each step closer to the elusive killer, Finn becomes a target himself, trapped in a treacherous game of cat and mouse. As memories of Theo intertwine with the present, Finn must navigate a treacherous landscape of memories and deception. Will he find solace in unraveling the truth behind Theo's murder, or will he succumb to the ever-present threat lurking in the depths of Cape May?
In the picturesque ocean town of Cape May, New Jersey, recent high school graduate Finn Lawson has big dreams of becoming a marine biologist. He has a deep love for both the ocean and his best friend, Theo Moore. As he comes close to graduation, Finn's world seems full of promise and possibility. Theo, Cape May's revered lifeguard, is an enigmatic presence, ostracized by the townsfolk due to rumors and whispered secrets. Despite the obstacles, Finn remains steadfastly loyal. As their connection intensifies, Finn finds himself captivated by the mysterious depths of their relationship. Yet, in one fateful night of revelry, everything changes. Theo vanishes without a trace, leaving Finn bereft and grappling with unanswered questions. Desperation sets in as Finn confronts the harsh reality of his friend's disappearance and the shocking discovery that someone in the town has been murdered, with Theo as the possible victim of the murder. Haunted by grief and propelled by a relentless pursuit of truth, Finn embarks on a harrowing quest to uncover the chilling secrets lurking within Cape May's shadows. With each step closer to the elusive killer, Finn becomes a target himself, trapped in a treacherous game of cat and mouse. As memories of Theo intertwine with the present, Finn must navigate a treacherous landscape of memories and deception. Will he find solace in unraveling the truth behind Theo's murder, or will he succumb to the ever-present threat lurking in the depths of Cape May?
- GenresLGBTMysteryContemporary
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
58 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 24, 2023
A recently self-published novel by my best friend… made me reminisce on our travels to Cape May - a place that offers you scenery like no other; a spot where magic and love intersect. Jake’s debut book made me nostalgic for the shores of Wildwood, and Sunset Beach. A thrilling mystery with an exciting twist!
October 8, 2023
I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and BookSirens for this advance copy for free.
"You're this lantern burning in the dark that I can follow and guide me home."
The story takes place in a small town called Cape May. A murder occurred and spread throughout the whole town, but the people didn't seem to care at all. Conversely, Finn needs to find the people who're responsible for his best friend's death, Theo.
Theo was hated by whole people in Cape May; the reason is still a mystery for him and for his close friend. But I love how the author makes Theo strong and has the attitude to not listen to other people's opinions about him. He fights for what is right and brings justice to himself. However, there's something about Theo.
And there's Finn, the loyal best friend of Theo. Such a beautiful character that the author built for the story. He was the friend who would take risks just to save you from drowning. Indeed, a life buoy. It is just sad that he will suffer and experience stuff that breaks him. The boy didn't deserve it! My heart goes to Sharks Finn.
The character of Jada adds spice to the mystery of the story. Another buoy. I wish she had her own story about solving crimes. Finn and Jada's journey to solve the mystery of the death of Theo showed us how the secrets of the people involved were revealed. They will do everything to keep their dirty things in the deep ocean.
I'm looking forward to the second book. The author did great.
"You're this lantern burning in the dark that I can follow and guide me home."
The story takes place in a small town called Cape May. A murder occurred and spread throughout the whole town, but the people didn't seem to care at all. Conversely, Finn needs to find the people who're responsible for his best friend's death, Theo.
Theo was hated by whole people in Cape May; the reason is still a mystery for him and for his close friend. But I love how the author makes Theo strong and has the attitude to not listen to other people's opinions about him. He fights for what is right and brings justice to himself. However, there's something about Theo.
And there's Finn, the loyal best friend of Theo. Such a beautiful character that the author built for the story. He was the friend who would take risks just to save you from drowning. Indeed, a life buoy. It is just sad that he will suffer and experience stuff that breaks him. The boy didn't deserve it! My heart goes to Sharks Finn.
The character of Jada adds spice to the mystery of the story. Another buoy. I wish she had her own story about solving crimes. Finn and Jada's journey to solve the mystery of the death of Theo showed us how the secrets of the people involved were revealed. They will do everything to keep their dirty things in the deep ocean.
I'm looking forward to the second book. The author did great.
November 27, 2023
A thrilling mystery with an exciting twist! Finn & Theo are High Schoolers & best friends. Theo for most of his young life was always bullied. One night Theo vanishes & the next day they find blood & signs of a fuss. It is believed Theo is dead. Finn & Theo's best friend from childhood Jada who's studying to be a criminologist decide to follow the crime. Be sure to look at the chapter headlines since the scenes would jump from present to past to present. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2023
Three stars rounded up to three and a half.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
My first piece of advice when reading Dead In The Water is pay attention to the time line. It gets easier to follow as you read further but you need to pay attention.
I had a few problems with this book but I will tell you now that I am going to read book 2 as I want to see what the future brings. Dead In The Water does not end in a cliffhanger.
I liked the setting and I found the characters interesting. There is no sex in the book and what violence there is happens off page. I don't want to give any spoilers but there were times when I really questioned the actions of the characters. I remember thinking earlier in the book that Theo's actions in regards to his brother did not warrant the treatment that he received at the hands of the locals but this is explained at the end of the book.
I sometimes struggled to read but I was determined to finish the story and I am glad that I persevered.
There was one grammatical/editing mistake which dragged me out of the story and this was the use of the words 'had took' instead of 'had taken.' This really annoyed me and it needs to be changed.
All in all, this is a promising book and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
My first piece of advice when reading Dead In The Water is pay attention to the time line. It gets easier to follow as you read further but you need to pay attention.
I had a few problems with this book but I will tell you now that I am going to read book 2 as I want to see what the future brings. Dead In The Water does not end in a cliffhanger.
I liked the setting and I found the characters interesting. There is no sex in the book and what violence there is happens off page. I don't want to give any spoilers but there were times when I really questioned the actions of the characters. I remember thinking earlier in the book that Theo's actions in regards to his brother did not warrant the treatment that he received at the hands of the locals but this is explained at the end of the book.
I sometimes struggled to read but I was determined to finish the story and I am glad that I persevered.
There was one grammatical/editing mistake which dragged me out of the story and this was the use of the words 'had took' instead of 'had taken.' This really annoyed me and it needs to be changed.
All in all, this is a promising book and I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 12, 2024
The mystery in this is really solid and very compelling. I was actually surprised (which doesn't happen often for me). It was definitely the strong point of this book.
The characters weren't nearly as strong. I like Finn, but he was a little nebulous and not portrayed as clearly as he could have been. Theo was a complete cypher (), and many of the secondary characters just weren't as solid as they could have been.
The weakest part of the whole book is the lack of emotions. Everything was *told* rather than shown. When It was so frustrating, especially because the mystery was so intriguing.
BUT the mystery was so good that I'm moving on to the second book. Maybe the other issues will have resolved themselves there. ;)
The characters weren't nearly as strong. I like Finn, but he was a little nebulous and not portrayed as clearly as he could have been. Theo was a complete cypher (), and many of the secondary characters just weren't as solid as they could have been.
The weakest part of the whole book is the lack of emotions. Everything was *told* rather than shown. When It was so frustrating, especially because the mystery was so intriguing.
BUT the mystery was so good that I'm moving on to the second book. Maybe the other issues will have resolved themselves there. ;)
October 3, 2023
Finn’s boyfriend Theo is killed. Finn and a female friend Jada, whom he never really felt comfortable enough to be himself with, try to discover who murdered Theo.
Finn and Theo were at High School together. Finn hero worshipped Theo. He didn’t like to share him with other people. Theo was invited to a lot of school parties and was a big drinker. In Finn’s eyes, Theo was a protector of others. He once stole a school football hero’s Letter jacket because he’d bullied a younger boy. Not everyone saw Theo as a hero though.
Theo invites Finn to a party, the first one he’s ever invited him to. Finn is neither a partner nor a drinker, but he goes along to the party with Theo as he wants to seem cool for him.
Some suspense is maintained in this mystery story. The plot is a bit scattergun. The grammar is problematic in parts. The book needs more editing.
I found this to be an okay read. It’s not a book I’d be inclined to recommend to others though.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC. I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Finn and Theo were at High School together. Finn hero worshipped Theo. He didn’t like to share him with other people. Theo was invited to a lot of school parties and was a big drinker. In Finn’s eyes, Theo was a protector of others. He once stole a school football hero’s Letter jacket because he’d bullied a younger boy. Not everyone saw Theo as a hero though.
Theo invites Finn to a party, the first one he’s ever invited him to. Finn is neither a partner nor a drinker, but he goes along to the party with Theo as he wants to seem cool for him.
Some suspense is maintained in this mystery story. The plot is a bit scattergun. The grammar is problematic in parts. The book needs more editing.
I found this to be an okay read. It’s not a book I’d be inclined to recommend to others though.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC. I leave this honest review voluntarily.
October 10, 2023
I enjoyed reading Dead in the Water by Jake Grenier. The story revolved around two high school seniors, Finn, who recently moved to a new town and Theo, who quickly became Finn's best friend.
Finn was immediately enamored with Theo, but Theo gave Finn mixed signals throughout their friendship. One night after a party, Finn finally admits his feelings for Theo and then Theo disappears.
Finn and Theo's childhood friend Jada spend the rest of the book trying to figure out who murdered Theo. There are many suspects and Finn realizes that he didn't know Theo as well as he thought he did.
The story kept my attention throughout the book, but I did find the ending a little unrealistic. I still have a lot of questions about some of the characters and didn't particularly like Theo once I got to know him.
Overall, this was a great first book by this author and I look forward to reading what he writes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Finn was immediately enamored with Theo, but Theo gave Finn mixed signals throughout their friendship. One night after a party, Finn finally admits his feelings for Theo and then Theo disappears.
Finn and Theo's childhood friend Jada spend the rest of the book trying to figure out who murdered Theo. There are many suspects and Finn realizes that he didn't know Theo as well as he thought he did.
The story kept my attention throughout the book, but I did find the ending a little unrealistic. I still have a lot of questions about some of the characters and didn't particularly like Theo once I got to know him.
Overall, this was a great first book by this author and I look forward to reading what he writes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2023
A PSYCHOLOGICAL MURDER MYSTERY WITH MANY TWISTS AND TURNS!
This is the author’s debut novel, the start of a series thank you BookSirens for giving me the opportunity.
“Theo knew many secrets, but nobody knew any of his. But there was one exception. Finn Lawson.”
I enjoyed the concept of the story but the only thing that got confusing and irritating was the time jumps back and forth from and during their year friendship, hence the four stars however, it did give us an insight to their developing feelings and important places and times they spent together…
This was a real psychological thriller murder mystery coming of age with tinges of romance and intrigue to pique the readers interest regarding who really is the murderer… and why…
Twists and turns lies ahead but two of them were in the back of my mind as the story progressed so decide and see for yourself dear reader if you guessed correct!
I look forward to the next book of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the author’s debut novel, the start of a series thank you BookSirens for giving me the opportunity.
“Theo knew many secrets, but nobody knew any of his. But there was one exception. Finn Lawson.”
I enjoyed the concept of the story but the only thing that got confusing and irritating was the time jumps back and forth from and during their year friendship, hence the four stars however, it did give us an insight to their developing feelings and important places and times they spent together…
This was a real psychological thriller murder mystery coming of age with tinges of romance and intrigue to pique the readers interest regarding who really is the murderer… and why…
Twists and turns lies ahead but two of them were in the back of my mind as the story progressed so decide and see for yourself dear reader if you guessed correct!
I look forward to the next book of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2023
This book has a lot of great things going for it. First, I loved the Cape May setting, it’s beautifully described and an excellent backdrop to the mystery of what happened to Theo. I enjoyed the characters as well, Finn is so dedicated to finding out what happened to his friend Theo, with a little help from Theo’s childhood friend, Jada. Jada is also a wonderful character, and an excellent would be detective. The timeline jumps around which keeps the reader a bit unbalanced- fitting the tone of the story. It was maybe a bit too long, and the ending is a bit of a whirlwind; but overall the plot is twisty and well executed. A promising new author and I definitely want to read what comes next.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 22, 2025
true love restored
In the beginning twin boys grew without love or friendship. One jealous of the other. After a family car crash one bother disappears in the river from the submerged car. Lifeguaring is the job for one and for the surviving twin. They become friends. They and school friends accept their friendship. After intense closeness one does not proclaim his love, and they separate. The twin does to the harbour and stages an attack on himself and then disappears. Three months of separation and mysterious no tes continue the searching for the missing friend.. they reconnect in a lighthouse and the lost twin is hidden their wishing to kill his brother. Friends and family come to the rescue. The potential murdered is pushed off the lighthouse and dies.
In the beginning twin boys grew without love or friendship. One jealous of the other. After a family car crash one bother disappears in the river from the submerged car. Lifeguaring is the job for one and for the surviving twin. They become friends. They and school friends accept their friendship. After intense closeness one does not proclaim his love, and they separate. The twin does to the harbour and stages an attack on himself and then disappears. Three months of separation and mysterious no tes continue the searching for the missing friend.. they reconnect in a lighthouse and the lost twin is hidden their wishing to kill his brother. Friends and family come to the rescue. The potential murdered is pushed off the lighthouse and dies.
September 27, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As I finished the book, I discovered this to be his first book and a mighty fine job he did.
I was impressed with the intricacies and surprises that appear throughout. I thought the characters were well-developed and needy. Yet, the book ends with a HEA. Since I enjoy mysteries and gay romances the combination in this book gave me huge satisfaction. It was a book I wanted to savor, not one I wanted to read through the night to discover what happens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As I finished the book, I discovered this to be his first book and a mighty fine job he did.
I was impressed with the intricacies and surprises that appear throughout. I thought the characters were well-developed and needy. Yet, the book ends with a HEA. Since I enjoy mysteries and gay romances the combination in this book gave me huge satisfaction. It was a book I wanted to savor, not one I wanted to read through the night to discover what happens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2023
I liked the story. There's a bit of mystery.
The characters are interesting, and I'm curious to read the second book, I don't like leaving stories halfway.
However, I must say that the book needs revision, I found some grammatical errors.
And I think the author should also work on the timelines a little better to prevent the reader from getting lost.
The characters are interesting, and I'm curious to read the second book, I don't like leaving stories halfway.
However, I must say that the book needs revision, I found some grammatical errors.
And I think the author should also work on the timelines a little better to prevent the reader from getting lost.
October 1, 2023
Thank you for trusting me to ARC read the book. I read it within a week.
Love the suspense in it, has an unexpected ending.
Finn, just lost his boyfriend, he and Jada are researching on their own to find out who murdered Theo, only to get involved in more lies and twists, and loose someone else their love.
Love this Book, couldn't stop reading.
Love the suspense in it, has an unexpected ending.
Finn, just lost his boyfriend, he and Jada are researching on their own to find out who murdered Theo, only to get involved in more lies and twists, and loose someone else their love.
Love this Book, couldn't stop reading.
October 23, 2023
The characters are very real and relatable, very well developed. Very well written and a fast paced ending! It portrays teen’s mental health struggles and relationships in a realistic way with a good message. Love the setting for this book. Jake describes the scenery so vividly and beautifully. Looking forward to what’s next!
February 17, 2025
I do have to say that while there were some unrealistic parts of this book that all in all this book was an excellent read. I did not see the final couple chapters coming, and I thought I knew who was responsible for all of the chaos all along. I was wrong. Again while there were some unbelievable parts of the book, I do feel that this was a very, very well written book
October 8, 2023
If you’re looking for a suspenseful and exciting book, well, you’ve found it. A fast paced who done it that keeps you reading. Never a dull moment from beginning to end. The plot thickens and then twists around leaving you captivated. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
November 21, 2023
So I did like the story overall but there were a few things that didn't work for me and took me out of it. It also took me some time to get into the story. I will read book two though.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
February 18, 2025
Mixed Feelings
I thought this was an interesting story. My only comments are about the actual manuscript. It seemed to me that the book could have withstood more rigorous editing and proofing.
I thought this was an interesting story. My only comments are about the actual manuscript. It seemed to me that the book could have withstood more rigorous editing and proofing.
dnf
December 21, 2023I can't get into it, maybe I'll try again later.
December 18, 2024
Prologue and first chapter are clunky. I'll give it one more chapter because the premise is promising. And that's a DNF. Chapter 2 had some unnecessary drama and mire clunky writing.
February 26, 2025
Not sure if it was the writing style or the flipping back and forth plot timelines but I was underwhelmed overall and probably will discontinue following this series. 2.5 stars tops.
November 16, 2023
Wow, this was one intense and awesome reading! This was the first book I ever read by Jake Grenier and I enjoyed his writing style very much! There were times when I needed to remember to look at the chapter headlines since the scenes would jump from present to a year ago to present to couple days before, etc. It does help to look to understand the chapter and where it was heading. Nonetheless, it was a great reading and I couldn’t turn the pages faster to find out who that hooded person was and why it appears that everyone in that town hated one of the MCs. It would make for an awesome gay Hallmarkesque thriller tv movie! I’d give it 5 stars!!!
The story focuses on Finn, a “newcomer” to the beach town whose best friend is Theo, whom he met on his first day of his senior year in high school. From that point, Finn had harbored his true feelings for Theo. Theo would be bullied in school by this “mean girl” and the “football jock” constantly. Finn couldn’t understand why. However, an event occurred where Theo had to pretend he was murdered. It was up to Finn and Theo’s childhood friend, Jada to try to find out who murdered Theo. That’s all I’m going to say. I’d encourage you to pick up the book and read to find out!
The story focuses on Finn, a “newcomer” to the beach town whose best friend is Theo, whom he met on his first day of his senior year in high school. From that point, Finn had harbored his true feelings for Theo. Theo would be bullied in school by this “mean girl” and the “football jock” constantly. Finn couldn’t understand why. However, an event occurred where Theo had to pretend he was murdered. It was up to Finn and Theo’s childhood friend, Jada to try to find out who murdered Theo. That’s all I’m going to say. I’d encourage you to pick up the book and read to find out!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews