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Anna Clarke #3
In The Shadows - A Riveting Saga of Pursuit, Betrayal, and the Inescapable Past
Chased by shadows, haunted by secrets—when the past catches up, who will escape the web of fate in this relentless tale of suspense?
Tom has found you! You need to run!
Kate Crowley has tried to put the past, and Cork city, behind her, but Tom Gallagher isn’t ready to absolve her of her sins. As she flees across Spain his henchmen are only steps behind her, his net ever-closing. But someone on the inside is willing to betray him, offering Kate a lifeline.
Everything Tom worked for is crumbling. His family is destroyed, his life falling apart. Ely Murray is back, claiming the city and Tom’s business as his own. A man can only be pushed so far …
Anna Clarke spends her days watching and waiting. Checking over her shoulder for Dean Harris, the rapist who has evaded the gardaí. Unable to sleep, waiting for news from the final search for her long-lost parents, she needs a distraction. Researching a cold case with her friend, an unsolved murder on the city streets, offers what she needs. But the past is a dangerous place to revisit ...
Kate, Tom and Anna learn that no-one, and nothing, stays hidden forever.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2024
22 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 2, 2024
The third book in the Anna Clarke series, and another great read. Its marked as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading the other books first as the story in this one will not make sense otherwise. I received this one as an ARC and I'm glad I quickly read the first two books before diving into this one. It definitely made the reading experience much better and helped me keep track of the multiple storylines running through the book.
I really hope there will be more in this series because I absolutely loved it and I want to see what else could possibly happen to Anna. Plus, I've kinda got a soft spot for Myles and I want to see more of him.
I really hope there will be more in this series because I absolutely loved it and I want to see what else could possibly happen to Anna. Plus, I've kinda got a soft spot for Myles and I want to see more of him.
January 17, 2024
In The Shadows by Amy Cronin published January 15th with Poolbeg Crimson. It is the final book in The Anna Clarke Trilogy which is described as 'a riveting saga of pursuit, betrayal, and the inescapable past'. In The Shadows follows on from Blinding Lies (Book 1) and Twisted Truth: A chilling contemporary Irish thriller (Book 2) which were both books that I highly enjoyed.
In my review of Twisted Truth, I said that Amy Cronin was getting into her stride as a writer as this series progressed. With In The Shadows, I do believe she has truly come into her own as a writer of first-rate crime fiction. Set in Cork, Amy Cronin delves deep into the underbelly of gangland crime, right into the heart of the Gallagher family. Tom Gallagher is the boss, the head of the family, one that has always been synonymous with terror and violence. He, and his family, are up to their necks in criminal activity but, up until recently they were untouchable, outside the confines of the law. Members of the force of An Garda Síochána were frustrated, knowing perfectly well that Tom Gallagher's gang were heavily involved in multiple cases but Tom Gallagher has had a Teflon coating all his life. He owns people in all the right places and he brings fear wherever he roams.
Tom Gallagher's character is wonderfully developed throughout. He is now a tormented crime don whose world is crumbling around him. Like a wounded animal, he is in pain. Family is everything to Tom Gallagher and any foolish individual who crosses him pays a big price. But now his world is collapsing and he is beginning to lose control. Is this finally the end of the Gallagher empire?
Anna Clarke is a civil servant working in an administrative role within the gardaí. Anna has struggled to come to terms with her past for some time. As a teenager, her parents disappeared, without a trace, leaving herself, and her older brother Alex, to fend for themselves in their home near Kinsale, a beautiful coastal town about thirty minutes from the city centre. Over the course of the series, there are reveals about her parents that start to fill in the gaps but will Anna ever truly know what happened to them?
Anna has a very methodical mind and is strong-willed in her pursuit of justice and truth. After helping her friend, Kate Crowley, who found herself in a very challenging situation, Anna unwittingly found herself crossing paths with the Gallagher family, leading her down a very dangerous path. Meanwhile, Dean Harris, a convicted rapist, who Anna helped get locked up, is also out for revenge. Clearly Anna's life is in danger from many sides.
Anna is encouraged to take leave from work, to step back a little and to recover from a recent traumatic event but Anna is not one to sit still. She needs distraction to keep her mind busy and her body alert. For her own safety she temporarily moves in with her old friend Vivian but maintains her strict daily regime of taekwondo training. Anna is strong, determined and single-minded when in search of the truth so when Vivian, who is a reporter, asks for her help, Anna jumps at the opportunity. Vivian is investigating a cold-case that shocked the city and country over thirty years ago and now, with her new role within a production company, Vivian wants to prove her investigative capabilities. Initially the thrill of the case is exciting as the two try to figure out what really happened in this brutal murder. But they soon discover that people are refusing to answer their questions and there is a much bigger, much more ominous tale to be told than was originally thought. Anna is always in the middle of trouble but she is a survivor and comes through like a cat with nine lives. But do these lives finally run out for her? Does she take one step too far toward danger?
Amy Cronin does a fantastic job, expertly tying up all the various strands that run through this thrilling series, leaving the reader stupefied and reeling. Wrapping up with more than one jaw-dropping reveal, In The Shadows is one seriously bumpy ride, riddled with explosive and shocking discoveries. If you love a riveting and complex tale, a story that will have you on the edge of your seat, then In The Shadows (& the previous two books in the series) is one I highly recommend. (Just an aside - it can be read alone as Amy Cronin provides a solid backstory bringing the reader right into the story whether just picking it up for the first time or returning after reading either of the previous books)
I would like to thank Poolbeg Books, and Amy Cronin, for providing me with a gifted copy in return for an honest review.
In my review of Twisted Truth, I said that Amy Cronin was getting into her stride as a writer as this series progressed. With In The Shadows, I do believe she has truly come into her own as a writer of first-rate crime fiction. Set in Cork, Amy Cronin delves deep into the underbelly of gangland crime, right into the heart of the Gallagher family. Tom Gallagher is the boss, the head of the family, one that has always been synonymous with terror and violence. He, and his family, are up to their necks in criminal activity but, up until recently they were untouchable, outside the confines of the law. Members of the force of An Garda Síochána were frustrated, knowing perfectly well that Tom Gallagher's gang were heavily involved in multiple cases but Tom Gallagher has had a Teflon coating all his life. He owns people in all the right places and he brings fear wherever he roams.
Tom Gallagher's character is wonderfully developed throughout. He is now a tormented crime don whose world is crumbling around him. Like a wounded animal, he is in pain. Family is everything to Tom Gallagher and any foolish individual who crosses him pays a big price. But now his world is collapsing and he is beginning to lose control. Is this finally the end of the Gallagher empire?
Anna Clarke is a civil servant working in an administrative role within the gardaí. Anna has struggled to come to terms with her past for some time. As a teenager, her parents disappeared, without a trace, leaving herself, and her older brother Alex, to fend for themselves in their home near Kinsale, a beautiful coastal town about thirty minutes from the city centre. Over the course of the series, there are reveals about her parents that start to fill in the gaps but will Anna ever truly know what happened to them?
Anna has a very methodical mind and is strong-willed in her pursuit of justice and truth. After helping her friend, Kate Crowley, who found herself in a very challenging situation, Anna unwittingly found herself crossing paths with the Gallagher family, leading her down a very dangerous path. Meanwhile, Dean Harris, a convicted rapist, who Anna helped get locked up, is also out for revenge. Clearly Anna's life is in danger from many sides.
Anna is encouraged to take leave from work, to step back a little and to recover from a recent traumatic event but Anna is not one to sit still. She needs distraction to keep her mind busy and her body alert. For her own safety she temporarily moves in with her old friend Vivian but maintains her strict daily regime of taekwondo training. Anna is strong, determined and single-minded when in search of the truth so when Vivian, who is a reporter, asks for her help, Anna jumps at the opportunity. Vivian is investigating a cold-case that shocked the city and country over thirty years ago and now, with her new role within a production company, Vivian wants to prove her investigative capabilities. Initially the thrill of the case is exciting as the two try to figure out what really happened in this brutal murder. But they soon discover that people are refusing to answer their questions and there is a much bigger, much more ominous tale to be told than was originally thought. Anna is always in the middle of trouble but she is a survivor and comes through like a cat with nine lives. But do these lives finally run out for her? Does she take one step too far toward danger?
Amy Cronin does a fantastic job, expertly tying up all the various strands that run through this thrilling series, leaving the reader stupefied and reeling. Wrapping up with more than one jaw-dropping reveal, In The Shadows is one seriously bumpy ride, riddled with explosive and shocking discoveries. If you love a riveting and complex tale, a story that will have you on the edge of your seat, then In The Shadows (& the previous two books in the series) is one I highly recommend. (Just an aside - it can be read alone as Amy Cronin provides a solid backstory bringing the reader right into the story whether just picking it up for the first time or returning after reading either of the previous books)
I would like to thank Poolbeg Books, and Amy Cronin, for providing me with a gifted copy in return for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
Opinião: Mas que grande viagem que este livro é! Existe tanta coisa a acontecer ao mesmo tempo, tanta ação que não se consegue parar de ler. Uma coisa é certa, o nosso passado acaba sempre por nos apanhar e os passados alheios idem! As diversas estórias passam-se em diferentes localizações, sendo que a principal é Cork na Irlanda e também alguns vilarejos em Espanha. Através de múltiplos pontos de vista que vão sendo narrados, as várias personagens (que são bastantes, é um Thriller psicológico muito completo em termos de enredo e elenco) vão sendo reveladas e sentimos neste livro que temos um enorme puzzle para montar e vamos recebendo as peças pouco a pouco, umas conseguimos logo encaixar, outras nem por isso e ainda existem peças que não pertencem a parte alguma. Uma coisa é certa, no final tudo se encaixa, e o destino está mesmo escrito, nem que seja pelos próprios. É com muita emoção que vos digo que o final é intenso, emocional e cheio de lições a serem retiradas e o epílogo é o melhor do livro todo (Obrigado Amy!). Gostei muito desta leitura e espero que vocês gostem também!
ENG Review: What a great journey this book is! There is so much happening at once, so much action that you can't stop reading. One thing is certain, our past always ends up catching up with us and so do other people's pasts! The different stories take place in different locations, the main one being Cork in Ireland and also some villages in Spain. Through multiple points of view that are being narrated, the various characters (of which there are quite a few, it is a very complete psychological Thriller in terms of plot and characters) are being revealed and we feel in this book that we have a huge puzzle to put together and we are receiving the pieces little by little, some we manage to fit right away, others not really and there are still pieces that don't belong anywhere. One thing is certain, in the end everything falls into place, and destiny is really written, even if it is by themselves. It is with great emotion that I tell you that the ending is intense, emotional and full of lessons to be learned and the epilogue is the best of the entire book (Thanks Amy!). I really enjoyed reading this and I hope you like it too!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
@bibliotecamil_insta
ENG Review: What a great journey this book is! There is so much happening at once, so much action that you can't stop reading. One thing is certain, our past always ends up catching up with us and so do other people's pasts! The different stories take place in different locations, the main one being Cork in Ireland and also some villages in Spain. Through multiple points of view that are being narrated, the various characters (of which there are quite a few, it is a very complete psychological Thriller in terms of plot and characters) are being revealed and we feel in this book that we have a huge puzzle to put together and we are receiving the pieces little by little, some we manage to fit right away, others not really and there are still pieces that don't belong anywhere. One thing is certain, in the end everything falls into place, and destiny is really written, even if it is by themselves. It is with great emotion that I tell you that the ending is intense, emotional and full of lessons to be learned and the epilogue is the best of the entire book (Thanks Amy!). I really enjoyed reading this and I hope you like it too!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
@bibliotecamil_insta
February 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. However, I had to start it over twice, because there were so many character and so many intermingling plot lines. My first suggestion to the author would've been to split these plot lines into other books so that they can be developed more. The writing is good, but everything is jumbled because there are too many characters with hanging threads.
All that said, after looking at some other reviews, it appears that this is the third in a series. The book description on the ARC page says "not part of a series." So, I would definitely say that this is not a stand alone book and to understand the other story lines you need to read the first two books. I still think that there are too many competing plots and characters. While the first two books may have clarified some of the issues I had, I feel like from what I read, the other two books would've ended abruptly with limited resolution.
So, overall, I like the writing style and the plots I could sort out were interesting and developed, but there was a lot that seemed unnecessary to this book and may have been better included in the previous books. I would read other books by this author, but I hope her future books are more focused.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All that said, after looking at some other reviews, it appears that this is the third in a series. The book description on the ARC page says "not part of a series." So, I would definitely say that this is not a stand alone book and to understand the other story lines you need to read the first two books. I still think that there are too many competing plots and characters. While the first two books may have clarified some of the issues I had, I feel like from what I read, the other two books would've ended abruptly with limited resolution.
So, overall, I like the writing style and the plots I could sort out were interesting and developed, but there was a lot that seemed unnecessary to this book and may have been better included in the previous books. I would read other books by this author, but I hope her future books are more focused.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2024
The final part of a trilogy, this book kept up the tension and pace of the previous books as it brings events to a conclusion.
Anna Clarke is drawn into looking into a cold case with her journalist friend, Vivian, while she is on leave from her job working as a civilian with the Gardaí. They are looking into a case of man who was murdered on a city street 40 years ago but it is the assailant who became famous as he escaped from Garda custody despite being handcuffed and jumped into the River Lee, presumed dead. Could "The Boy Who Jumped" have survived?
Alongside this story, the one that carries over from the first and second books also continues, the breakdown of the Gallagher crime family's reign over Cork city and Tom Gallagher's obsessive pursuit of Kate Crowley, who killed his son, David, and fled with her sister and David's daughters to mainland Europe but are living with the constant fear of being found.
I really enjoyed all three of these books. This one in particular really focused on the character of Tom Gallagher, a ruthless and violent man who has weakened due to the actions of his sons and is pushed to the limit by those out to usurp him or turn their backs on him. It says something when you feel even a glimmer of sympathy for a man who has done the things he has been guilty of.
Anna Clarke is drawn into looking into a cold case with her journalist friend, Vivian, while she is on leave from her job working as a civilian with the Gardaí. They are looking into a case of man who was murdered on a city street 40 years ago but it is the assailant who became famous as he escaped from Garda custody despite being handcuffed and jumped into the River Lee, presumed dead. Could "The Boy Who Jumped" have survived?
Alongside this story, the one that carries over from the first and second books also continues, the breakdown of the Gallagher crime family's reign over Cork city and Tom Gallagher's obsessive pursuit of Kate Crowley, who killed his son, David, and fled with her sister and David's daughters to mainland Europe but are living with the constant fear of being found.
I really enjoyed all three of these books. This one in particular really focused on the character of Tom Gallagher, a ruthless and violent man who has weakened due to the actions of his sons and is pushed to the limit by those out to usurp him or turn their backs on him. It says something when you feel even a glimmer of sympathy for a man who has done the things he has been guilty of.
January 1, 2024
This was a brilliant story and a fitting finale to an excellent trilogy. After recent events, Anna is on leave for a few weeks when her frient asks for her help with a cold case documentary she is working on. At the same time, Anna has lots to keep her awake. Dean Harris is on the run and is keen to find Anna while her brother is on site where a dig is ongoing into findind the bodies of their parents. The Gallaghers have not forgotten about her involvement in their recent events.
This was a thrilling unputdownable read. You need to read the previous books to understand how we have arrived at this point. I'm also a bit biased as I'm very familiar with Cork so it's also more enjoyable generally when a story involves an area local to you. The cold case had me intrigued and the ongoing searches for Harris and the others was quite intense. The reveal in particular around the cold case was a complete shock and the ending quite fitting.
I look forward to reading whatever the author has in store for us in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a thrilling unputdownable read. You need to read the previous books to understand how we have arrived at this point. I'm also a bit biased as I'm very familiar with Cork so it's also more enjoyable generally when a story involves an area local to you. The cold case had me intrigued and the ongoing searches for Harris and the others was quite intense. The reveal in particular around the cold case was a complete shock and the ending quite fitting.
I look forward to reading whatever the author has in store for us in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2024
In the Shadows is the final instalment in the Anna Clarke trilogy and boy was it worth waiting for! Cronin expertly weaves all the different threads of this story in a way that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. The mystery of Anna Clarke's past is slowly revealed to us while Anna finds herself immersed in the criminal underworld, run by Tom Gallagher (who deserves a long and glowing review all of his own!) and his family, while also being hunted by convicted rapist Dean Harris. The saga of the Gallagher family really makes me want to like ruthless crime boss, Tom, a villain so perfectly formed, you'll want to like him to!
A fast paced thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat, In the Shadows is the perfect conclusion to Anna Clarke's story. A five star read
A fast paced thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat, In the Shadows is the perfect conclusion to Anna Clarke's story. A five star read
December 3, 2023
Thank you to #BookSirens, the publisher and Amy Cronin for the opportunity to read an advance copy of In The Shadows, to be published 15 January 2024. 4/5 Stars for this Irish-based mystery novel. It was advertised as standalone and worked well; however, it was actually book three of the “Anna Clarke trilogy.” Two close friends work to solve four selected Cold Cases, one of which they focused on where a retired teacher had been bludgeoned to death on the courthouse steps in Cork. Interviews and meetings with former witnesses and guardia result in a rather interesting finale. Great read. #BookSirens #AmyCronin #InTheShadows
December 14, 2023
Absolutely brilliant. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
I love this book. The characters are so believable, with a number of strong female characters. The plot is fast paced and twists and turns so you never know what’s coming next. There are several different story strands that are all resolved by the end of the book, and all in a very convincing way.
I’ll definitely be reading the other books in the series now - I recommend you do the same!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love this book. The characters are so believable, with a number of strong female characters. The plot is fast paced and twists and turns so you never know what’s coming next. There are several different story strands that are all resolved by the end of the book, and all in a very convincing way.
I’ll definitely be reading the other books in the series now - I recommend you do the same!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2024
In the Shadows has a good storyline, it's well-written, and has relatable characters. At last, Anna was able to confront the truth regarding the disappearance of her parents, she also discovers how strong she can be when confronting the rapist that had been stalking her. On top of all that, she'll help Vivian to solve a murder cold case that will unravel her manager's questionable behavior. Great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2024
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 31, 2024
What a finish to a brilliant trilogy. This book could be read alone but I’d recommend to start with book 1 (Blinding Lies) and reading the trilogy through, you won’t be disappointed if you like crime fiction.
Great twists and turns, lots of action and very well written. Couldn’t wait to read In the Shadows and it was even better than I hoped!
Great twists and turns, lots of action and very well written. Couldn’t wait to read In the Shadows and it was even better than I hoped!
March 21, 2024
This is an interesting story. The author does a great job at setting the scene. It was an intriguing cat and mouse story. It gives a truth that secrets are never truly hidden. I was really entertained.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2024
Oh, I'm sorry to say this was disappointing.
I found it to be a pedestrian slog, not a riveting saga. I'm sure there was a half-decent storyline in there somewhere but it was buried beneath dull descriptions and repetitive padding. The author went for "Tell, don't show" rather than "Show, don't tell".
Poolbeg Press should be ashamed of their pre-publication editing/proofreading because the book was littered with errors. Examples: "stationary" instead of "stationery"; "free reign" instead of "free rein"; "car park" used in one sentence then "carpark" in the next. Terrible.
And the exclamation marks! Everywhere! I counted nine on one page! Nine! There were probably pages with more!
I found it to be a pedestrian slog, not a riveting saga. I'm sure there was a half-decent storyline in there somewhere but it was buried beneath dull descriptions and repetitive padding. The author went for "Tell, don't show" rather than "Show, don't tell".
Poolbeg Press should be ashamed of their pre-publication editing/proofreading because the book was littered with errors. Examples: "stationary" instead of "stationery"; "free reign" instead of "free rein"; "car park" used in one sentence then "carpark" in the next. Terrible.
And the exclamation marks! Everywhere! I counted nine on one page! Nine! There were probably pages with more!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews