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Jesse Nash just lost her daughter.

Georgia Dunham desperately needs to find her mother.

Jesse is on her couch with a bottle of whiskey…she’s supposed to be on the trail of a killer. Can Georgia convince her to take on yet another case when she can't even handle what she has? Jesse may be the only one who can find the elusive Sin.

Cindy Baker might be able to help. But Cindy has seen more lives than she's lived and isn't even willing to open the door.

Troubled pasts come back to haunt them. Twisted cases lead to uncertain futures.

THE HANGMAN'S SHADOW series is coming...

402 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2023

18 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Scudiere

65 books386 followers
📖𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘆, 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Craig.
348 reviews
November 8, 2023
With Bad Name, A J brings us down the path of another group of characters we were introduced to in a few previous series. This one is very captivating. The premise of this series is the solving of various cold cases. Of course, it can't be that easy. In this first book, the cold case turns into a burning hot serial killer case. The pace of the story is frantic. I was able to finish it in one day.

The continued development of these minor characters into the main ones was superbly written. Scudiere adds multiple levels of traits in all of her characters, some good, some bad, but all interesting. While my favorite character of hers of all time did not make an in-person appearance, I am now eagerly awaiting the second book of this series for the potential of that one to make her return.

I highly recommend Bad Name to all fans of thriller stories. I am sure they will become fans of Scudiere just as I have. I give it 5 stars
Profile Image for Loy.
1,514 reviews
November 10, 2023
Bad Name by AJ Scudiere is the start of another series. It is a spinoff from the Vengeance series and brings forth several minor characters.

Georgia is the daughter of Owen Durham – the FBI agent who was featured prominently. She is looking for her biological mother and goes to Jesse Nash, a private investigator. Jesse is looking for Hannalynn who has been missing for 10 years.
They start looking together in the cold case of her disappearance and find more than they bargained for. The story of forensic science and mystery is very engrossing. The book is very beautifully written, and I really enjoyed it.
The only part that threw me was the use of Cynthia and Cindy. They were two different people, and it took me a couple of reads to realize that. They are different but are close --
I give this book 4 stars and looking forward to the next book when I hope they look and find Georgia’s birth mother.


Profile Image for Kodi Luis.
2 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2023
AJ has done what I have now come to expect from her, written a book that pulls you in, makes you say I think I figured it out, only to be proven wrong time and time again. The webs she weaves throughout the book are so intricate you don’t realize how far you’ve been pulled in until you hit the last page and are left holding your breath wanting more.

This book follows up the story of Sin from the vendetta trifecta (highly recommend!!) in trying to track her down, Georgia strikes a deal with an investigative journalist. She helps jesse with a case she is working on and in return Jesse will help her find Sin. What they don’t realize is the case they are working goes so much deeper than a missing woman.
5 reviews
November 9, 2023
I highly recommend this book! AJ Scudiere is my favorite author, and this newest book did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down; the plot followed smoothly, and there were a few times my mouth dropped open while reading. I was easily pulled into the story, the characters, the environment, and the emotions. And there are always great descriptions of food that make me hungry every time. AJ doesn't do plot holes; there were no loose ends in this book except for the ones strategically planned out to lead into the next book of the series.

If you're a seasoned AJ reader, you'll be extra excited to read this series. It ties in characters from the Sin trilogy and the NightShade series. I'm looking forward to the future books in this series!

Profile Image for Louise Taylor.
15 reviews
November 7, 2023
This is the start of another excellent series by AJ Scudiere. I only put this book down to take care of the basic necessities of life like eating and sleeping. I was up reading until 2 AM. I finally just had to go to sleep. Georgia Dunham wants Jesse Nash, a private investigator, to help find her birth mother. But Jesse has a cold case she is working. Hannalyn has been missing for 10 years. What they find defies all of the odds. Read the book. Find out how. You might even find a surprise tucked away.
Profile Image for Kathy Duffy Thomas.
46 reviews
November 21, 2023
Fantastic new series

It’s not surprising that AJ gets better with each book and each series. Bad Name brings in familiar characters and new exciting ones. They’re whole and real, as usual. And as usual, although I want to binge read through the book, I needed to take breaks to get my heart rate down. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
52 reviews
November 10, 2023
Loved it!! AJ has done it again! Familiar faces, new characters, a mystery no one can seem to solve. Jesse and Georgia are reluctant partners who go to great lengths to hunt down a killer while also trying to find Georgia's mom. I could not put it down!
Profile Image for Duane TK.
16 reviews
September 17, 2024
One of the best ones yet! If you haven't read the Vendetta Trifecta, read it first. This book takes you across the country in a search of epic proportions. Jesse Nash is as amazing as she was in Night Shade and her partner is even better. Keeps you guessing until the end.
8 reviews
November 7, 2023
Once more AJ is a spot-on story teller. Tension, anticipation, quirks, and twists. I always enjoy her stories. Lead on fair lady!
Profile Image for Billie.
5,782 reviews72 followers
June 20, 2023
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 action with wonderful world building.
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.
4 reviews
November 8, 2023
I've read all of AJ's books and couldn't wait to start this new series! Well, now I have to wait for the next one as I've already finished it. Who needs sleep?

The main character in the book is Jesse. We met Jesse in the Nightshade series of books, when a serial killer was being hunted. Jesse is in a bit of a mess at the start of this book, then she is strong armed into helping find a missing woman. I'm not going to say anything else about the plot or the twists and turns, as you need to experience the book yourself.

I love the way AJ writes. It's immediate. It's fast paced and it's addictive. Her stories progress quickly and are complex. They keep me interested, which isn't easy. I've given up on 7 books in the last week as I couldn't care less what happened. This is not the case with AJs books. I care about the characters. I want to know more about them, I want to read more about them. I also love how she manages to crossover in her series, giving a voice and creating a life around the characters we meet.

If you've not read any of AJ's books yet, give them a go. All of them.
Now all I have to do is wait for the next instalment....
8 reviews
November 9, 2023
AJ has done it again!

Once again, the way AJ writes has grabbed me right from the start and pulled me in for a thrill ride. Characters we've seen in her other series are the focus, but it feels like you're meeting them again for the first time!
This book starts off with Jesse determined to find out what happened as a 10 year old cold case is given to her. She gets unexpected company from a stranger, Georgia, who she never intended to let tag along in the first place. Georgia, however helpful with the cold case, has another motive for wanting to help with Jesse's investigation. She needs Jesse's help to find her birth mother....who may or may not be a murderer wanted by the authorities.
Every book AJ has written makes you want more the second you're finished with one. Bad Name was no different. I cannot wait for the second installment, but while I do, AJ's Black Carbon & Nightshade Files books will be my go-to re-reads.

WWJ&CD?
45 reviews
November 7, 2023
All I can say is wow!

If you like page turning murder mysteries, this book is for you. Georgia Dunham wants PI Jesse Nash to help her find her elusive mother. None other than Cynthia Beller aka Sin from the Vendetta trifecta series. Jesse was already working on a case involving the disappearance of Hannalyn Burkhardt 10 years earlier. Jesse doesn’t want Georgia’s case, but Georgia invites herself along to help Jesse look for Hannalyn if she’s willing to look for Cynthia/Sin as well. Jesse begrudgingly agrees and the adventure begins. What starts out as a search for a missing person ends up being so much more. What, you ask? Read the book to find out. This is the first book in a new series and it’s a great start in what promises to be another awesome series from AJ Scudiere. Enjoy!
13 reviews
November 8, 2023
A seemingly ordinary cold case investigation brings together 3 incredibly strong women with different agendas and backgrounds. Each bringing their own skill, personality, and trauma to the investigative table. As this cold case begins to blossom into a much larger nightmare, I found myself holding my breath, dropping my jaw, and being swept up into the world of forensic science, murder, mystery, and mayhem. Unequaled story telling, masterful character development, "edge of your seat" thrills and it is only the first book in the series!!! Well done!!
8 reviews
December 14, 2023
If you were lucky enough to have discovered AJ Scudiere and her other series, the Vendetta Trifecta or Nightshade FBI Forensics or Black Carbon series then you will be very happy to know that this start to a new series the Hangman’s Shadow will reintroduce some of her more memorable characters. AJ brings strong protagonists together and builds a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and hungry for more. Bring on book 2
Profile Image for Bobbie.
30 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2024
Awesome spin-off!

A. J. Scudiere hits it on the head...again!
The excellence I've come to expect shines in Bad Name. Amazing characters who are real. Not the self entitled mains you get so often. They have flaws to which they admit but don't use as excuses. Great plot!
Can't wait until book two!
Profile Image for J.B..
Author 13 books616 followers
October 30, 2023
Classic Scudiere! Bones, bodies, science, smarts, grit and a bit of the otherworldly. A great standalone story—but definitely the start of an exciting new series I will be reading all the way through!
12 reviews
November 5, 2023
Incredible thrill ride! Could not put this book down. A.J. fans will not be disappointed and first timers will become fans. The characters are rich and layered, super smart and well . . . heroes! A must read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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