Lost in the Shadows

by Steven Slavick

Imagine a time when love was not only discouraged but also considered irrelevant. When women had no legal rights. When the only way for women to secure a bright future was by taking "the dark leap" into marriage. Sound far-fetched? Ludicrous? Impossible? Welcome to Boston on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Grace Galloway always regretted never finding time to meet prospective suitors. She was too busy caring for her siblings. Until she meets a wealthy politician who makes her realize that romance is truly worth fighting for. But then someone plunders her financial assets, leaving her family bankrupt. And when the lone suspect turns up dead, the authorities target Grace for the crime. Now she must prove her innocence while hunting down the thief... After her husband's ship explodes, Lorelai Loudon saves her spouse from a lynch mob. The result: he abandons her, plunging Lorelai into a lifetime of debt she cannot repay. So she seduces someone who can help with that endeavor...the same man that Grace has fallen in love with. All the while, Lorelai pursues the criminal who destroyed her husband's ship in an effort to regain her wealth. But she has no idea that individual is one of her closest allies... Infatuated with a charming smuggler, but forced to marry a man she loathes, Hannah Halliwell uncovers evidence that either man could be the one who murdered her mother. Consumed with vengeance, she sets off a series of events that force all three women to rely on one another to rebuild their lives, search for true love, and identify the mastermind who triggered their misfortunes.

Genres: Historical Fiction

268 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2011

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of three women and the emotional issues they struggled with in their relationships against the backdrop of the beginnings of the American Revolution.

The point of view was third person and I felt that although the plot moved along nicely, the emotions which were so important to the story were not adequately expressed by a third person narrator.

[Lauralee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actually 2.5 stars

Three friends in Boston are experiencing their own misfortunes. Grace finds that someone has stolen her family’s money and is bankrupt. It is assumed that the person who did this is dead, and that Grace is the suspect for the crime. Lorelai’s husband's ship explodes, leaving her with many debts. Hannah’s mom has been murdered. Soon they realize that each of their misfortunes are connected, and together they find out who is the true mastermind.

I really tried to like this book. With the main character whose name is very similar to mine, a historical mystery, and a thriller, how could I not? Sadly, it was not for me. I did not like the main characters, and a lot of them made ruthless actions to each other. It felt like a historical version of Mean Girls. I felt their rivalry to be unnecessary. I really didn’t understand their weird friendship. If they were sincerely wanting to be friends with each other, then why did they have to do mean things to the other and to themselves? One of the example is that Lorelai married Grace’s true love for money, not only stealing happiness from Grace, but also for herself knowing that her husband would never love her in return because his heart belongs to another.

Overall, this book was a depressing and frustrating read. There were also some disturbing scenes in this novel. One example is Hannah’s husband frequently abuses her. As for the mystery part, it was a disappointment. There was not much suspense and mystery build up that made it thrilling. I felt the plot dragged so that I really did not care who the suspect was. Instead, I just wanted the book to end. I did think that the author painted a good setting of the city of Boston on the brink of the Revolutionary War. Other people who are into historical thrillers may like this book. However, this book was not for me. With immature and dislikable characters and a slow dragging plot, this novel will be easily forgettable.

(Note: I read an ARC of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost in the Shadows is set just before the Revolutionary War in Boston and tells the story of three women all struggling with different relationships. Grace finds herself bankrupt and the man who stole the money is assumed dead which leaves her as the suspect. Lorelai saves her husband from a lynch mob and he repays her by leaving her with a tonne of debt. Hannah's mother has been murdered and she finds evidence that either the man she is infatuated with or her husband could be the murderer. The three friends discover that there is a connection between these events and come to depend on each other to discover the truth.

I was really looking forward to reading a historical thriller and learning the story behind these interesting characters but unfortunately I just couldn't connect with them. The story had a good plot and flowed easily but I expected more emotion especially with the dramatic events that occurred. I found it hard to believe the sincerity of Grace, Lorelai and Hannah wanting to be friends considering their actions and the impact on each other.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.