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Thomas Shepherd Mystery #7
In the Shadow of the Raven
In the shadowy corners of Wolf Lake, a small town filled with secrets, a series of chilling murders paralyze the community. Women who live alone are found dead, each with an ominous calling card beside their bodies—a dead crow. Sheriff Thomas Shepherd zeroes in on a suspect, while Raven Hopkins, a private investigator with an instinct for truth, becomes entangled in the investigation. She's the only person who believes in the suspect's innocence, putting her at odds with Thomas and the sheriff's department. As Thomas delves deeper into the case, the murders continue, each one more horrifying than the last. Time is running out, and the killer seems to be one step ahead. Can Thomas catch the killer before another life is lost? Or will Raven's belief in a murderer’s innocence lead her down a path from which there's no return? From bestselling Amazon author Dan Padavona, "In the Shadow of the Raven" is a heart-pounding serial killer thriller and mystery. Perfect for fans of Jo Nesbø, Gillian Flynn, and Michael Connelly, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2023
232 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Dan Padavona
98 books618 followersAuthor of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 28, 2023
Is Dan really writing?
The writing style of the last few Thomas Shepherd books has changed a lot and it makes me wonder if Dan has someone else doing it for him. The books have become overly cheesy, the investigators are portrayed as pretty inept by things such as jumping to conclusions and Thomas not knowing that people in his town or county are missing.
I will continue to read the series to keep up with the characters' lives but am very disappointed by Dan's decreasing ability to keep me actively engaged and suspenseful.😐
The writing style of the last few Thomas Shepherd books has changed a lot and it makes me wonder if Dan has someone else doing it for him. The books have become overly cheesy, the investigators are portrayed as pretty inept by things such as jumping to conclusions and Thomas not knowing that people in his town or county are missing.
I will continue to read the series to keep up with the characters' lives but am very disappointed by Dan's decreasing ability to keep me actively engaged and suspenseful.😐
November 7, 2023
repetitive
This was more of a raven book, but some of the pieces are feeling repetitive. That happens often in series and Dan has numerous series so…I can’t imagine avoiding repetition. I’m ready for Chelsey and Thomas to tie the knot and some of the other dangling story lines to resolve. It would also be nice to have a story line where the police are nailing it vs being save by WLC.
This was more of a raven book, but some of the pieces are feeling repetitive. That happens often in series and Dan has numerous series so…I can’t imagine avoiding repetition. I’m ready for Chelsey and Thomas to tie the knot and some of the other dangling story lines to resolve. It would also be nice to have a story line where the police are nailing it vs being save by WLC.
October 26, 2023
In the Shadow of the Raven - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Book 7 in the captivating Thomas Shepherd Mystery series, is In the Shadow of the Raven.
Raven is Chelsea's colleague at Wolf Lake Consulting and together with Thomas, Darren, LeVar and Scout, the two women combine their talents to help catch an evil killer whose cunning has framed two innocent local men.
While Raven quietly struggles with her personal finances, she receives a tempting offer from a large business and must decide whether to abandon those she considers her 'family', or stay and manage as best as she can.
How does everything work out?
To see whether further deaths are prevented and whether Wolf Lake Consulting will continue without Raven, get your hands on Dan Padavona's excellent In the Shadow of the Raven - and be sure you'll read all night!
Book 7 in the captivating Thomas Shepherd Mystery series, is In the Shadow of the Raven.
Raven is Chelsea's colleague at Wolf Lake Consulting and together with Thomas, Darren, LeVar and Scout, the two women combine their talents to help catch an evil killer whose cunning has framed two innocent local men.
While Raven quietly struggles with her personal finances, she receives a tempting offer from a large business and must decide whether to abandon those she considers her 'family', or stay and manage as best as she can.
How does everything work out?
To see whether further deaths are prevented and whether Wolf Lake Consulting will continue without Raven, get your hands on Dan Padavona's excellent In the Shadow of the Raven - and be sure you'll read all night!
January 7, 2026
Not quite as good
I have loved this series from book one and have thoroughly engrossed in the stories, characters and the plots. Usually the story moves quickly and I don’t want to put the book down.
Unfortunately that wasn’t the case with this one. It started off very slow and dragged the Raven storyline on for far too long. It overshadowed the plot line and made the plot line seem secondary, almost like an afterthought.
The resolution of the case was rushed and didn’t quite make complete sense. I would have liked to have more attention given to case and less super focused on Raven. Hopefully the next book in this series is more like what I have come to love about this series.
SMALL SPOILER ALERT AHEAD….
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Why hasn’t Darren proposed to Raven yet????
I have loved this series from book one and have thoroughly engrossed in the stories, characters and the plots. Usually the story moves quickly and I don’t want to put the book down.
Unfortunately that wasn’t the case with this one. It started off very slow and dragged the Raven storyline on for far too long. It overshadowed the plot line and made the plot line seem secondary, almost like an afterthought.
The resolution of the case was rushed and didn’t quite make complete sense. I would have liked to have more attention given to case and less super focused on Raven. Hopefully the next book in this series is more like what I have come to love about this series.
SMALL SPOILER ALERT AHEAD….
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Why hasn’t Darren proposed to Raven yet????
November 14, 2023
dan padavona is one of my favorite authors for a reason 👏🏻 i liked the premise of this book a lot, but the killer’s motive seemed kinda weak. it was really interesting how he executed the murders though, no one is a match for thomas’s team. i get that raven’s job offer was the main sub plot of the story, but i don’t understand why it was such a big deal. she kept talking about how she would lose her friends if she accepted the job, which either makes them sucky friends or unrealistic. everything obviously got all worked out in the end for a happy ending.
October 31, 2025
A definite must read book and series!
This was another intense, complex, and suspenseful story that will hook you from beginning to end. There's also some surprise and intriguing twists, some personal and others regarding the case, that will shock you. It's certainly a must read series for those who love thrillers!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
This was another intense, complex, and suspenseful story that will hook you from beginning to end. There's also some surprise and intriguing twists, some personal and others regarding the case, that will shock you. It's certainly a must read series for those who love thrillers!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
March 6, 2026
Raven can't take care of her own finances but figures out how to rescue Wolf Lake Consulting. Her mulling endlessly over a job offer bored me. Geezus you will still see your friends, you're not moving across the world. The other plot line about the murderer could have been solved in a chapter. This is the second book in a row that goes no where. After 18 consecutive books by this author it's time to take a break.
November 18, 2023
on the edge of your seat book!
I’ve read every book set in Wolf Lake and enjoy the many adventures of the characters. This story kept up tension and intrigue between two separate storylines that were interwoven. I enjoyed the conclusion of both storylines. This is another great book in the Thomas Shepherd series that I hope you will look forward to reading as munch as I did.
I’ve read every book set in Wolf Lake and enjoy the many adventures of the characters. This story kept up tension and intrigue between two separate storylines that were interwoven. I enjoyed the conclusion of both storylines. This is another great book in the Thomas Shepherd series that I hope you will look forward to reading as munch as I did.
June 29, 2024
psychopathic narcissist (might be overkill) maipulates
And kills, while inhabitants of Wolf Lake become frightened and suspicious of the slowest moving suspected perpetrators.
On another front, Raven grapples with financial issues as a plum of a corporate job offer is dangled before her; loyalty wars with practicality.
And kills, while inhabitants of Wolf Lake become frightened and suspicious of the slowest moving suspected perpetrators.
On another front, Raven grapples with financial issues as a plum of a corporate job offer is dangled before her; loyalty wars with practicality.
October 25, 2023
In the shadow of the Raven
Well Dan Padavona did it again . Have read all 7 In this series and loved! them all . caught a couple of mistakes in this one , but they didn't distract from the story. Hope there's a number 8 in the works. Highly recommend.
Well Dan Padavona did it again . Have read all 7 In this series and loved! them all . caught a couple of mistakes in this one , but they didn't distract from the story. Hope there's a number 8 in the works. Highly recommend.
October 25, 2023
In the Shadow of the Raven
OMG. This book is a great as all the other books in this series have been. This is one of my favorite series. I can't wait for the next one. I love this series. I highly recommend this book and series.
OMG. This book is a great as all the other books in this series have been. This is one of my favorite series. I can't wait for the next one. I love this series. I highly recommend this book and series.
November 8, 2023
Will She?
While women are being murdered and the crime fighting team of Thomas and his deputies and WLC and it’s intrepid group of investigators work on finding the person responsible, Raven had a choice to make; stay with WLC of take a 6 figure salary with the potential of major growth. Openness and Honesty is the best way to approach any issue. Great read and have already preordered “Next Girl Missing”.
While women are being murdered and the crime fighting team of Thomas and his deputies and WLC and it’s intrepid group of investigators work on finding the person responsible, Raven had a choice to make; stay with WLC of take a 6 figure salary with the potential of major growth. Openness and Honesty is the best way to approach any issue. Great read and have already preordered “Next Girl Missing”.
December 8, 2023
Intense
Trouble is around every bend, both personally and professionally in this new Padavona thriller. It seems like change is inevitable, but as the characters try to find a killer, yet must also weigh decisions that could greatly alter their futures. Enjoyed the book!
Trouble is around every bend, both personally and professionally in this new Padavona thriller. It seems like change is inevitable, but as the characters try to find a killer, yet must also weigh decisions that could greatly alter their futures. Enjoyed the book!
January 3, 2024
In the Shadow of the Raven(A Thomas Shepherd Mystery Book 7)by Don Padavona
Another engaging mystery with the entire team on a case of who murdered several widowed senior women. This is a trip.through darkness as it is difficult to de
Another engaging mystery with the entire team on a case of who murdered several widowed senior women. This is a trip.through darkness as it is difficult to de
January 14, 2024
Interesting read!
Dan Padavona is a master at weaving everyday into the unthinkable. His books remind me that even though there is evil in the world, there is also good waiting to be revealed.
Dan Padavona is a master at weaving everyday into the unthinkable. His books remind me that even though there is evil in the world, there is also good waiting to be revealed.
April 22, 2024
LOVE these books!
The story line flows and catches you from the start! Personally I especially appreciate the lack of foul language and needless sex scenes… it’s just really refreshing!
Keep’em coming Dan!
The story line flows and catches you from the start! Personally I especially appreciate the lack of foul language and needless sex scenes… it’s just really refreshing!
Keep’em coming Dan!
October 23, 2023
Great
Really enjoyed this adventure. I hope there is more to follow. Some twist and turns and a good dark forest chase.
Really enjoyed this adventure. I hope there is more to follow. Some twist and turns and a good dark forest chase.
October 28, 2023
Wow didn't really know how you managed it. Everything took me by surprise.
Keep it up.
Keep it up.
November 5, 2023
A book in this series is always a good read. Holds your interest from beginning to end.
November 17, 2023
Always a Good Read
I am loving the Thomas Shepherd mystery books series. I love that all the characters are still in the new books. I look forward to book 8.
I am loving the Thomas Shepherd mystery books series. I love that all the characters are still in the new books. I look forward to book 8.
November 28, 2023
Friends become family
Five stars thrilling on the edge of the seat page Turner from the beginning to the end love the characters
Five stars thrilling on the edge of the seat page Turner from the beginning to the end love the characters
December 11, 2023
HOMERUN!!!
Another out of the park hit. So many twist and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you are looking for a FANTASTIC series to read look no further.
Another out of the park hit. So many twist and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you are looking for a FANTASTIC series to read look no further.
June 18, 2025
Enthralling
All books in this series are riveting. Couldn't put it down. Must read this series for thrilling engagement for sure
All books in this series are riveting. Couldn't put it down. Must read this series for thrilling engagement for sure
January 2, 2026
Another decent mystery to solve for the Scooby gang and Raven has to make a big decision about her career path with or without Wolf Lake Investigations.
March 11, 2024
In my opinion this a great continuation of the Thomas Shepherd Series. Dan Padavona gave me all the things I expect from his stories, murder, suspense, mystery and more than one story going on. With all that was going on I knew who the killer was. (read too many murder mysteries Teehee). My favorite thing about this series and previous series no matter what happens everybody comes together and figures everything out. They all have each others backs. In my opinion if you like Dan Padavona you won't be disappointed. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews