Shadow House

by Joe Rielinger

An unexpected visit from the daughter of an old mentor launches private detective Terry Luvello into one of the most intriguing cases of his career. Margaret Reasoner, the matriarch of one of Cleveland’s wealthiest and most politically connected families, has recently passed away.

Not trusting any of her children, Margaret had added a clause in her will requiring a private inquest should her death take place under suspicious circumstances. Hired to investigate, Terry spends a week at the Reasoner’s sprawling estate dealing with the increasingly hostile family as he unravels the mysteries of the mansion known as the Shadow House.

Terry recruits his partner and girlfriend, Cleveland police detective Hannah Page to aid in the investigation. The two uncover a web of secrets and lies that stretch beyond anything they have ever experienced. As the deceptions pile up along with the body count, a killer plans the ultimate revenge.

Terry’s ingenuity and uniquely wry sense of humor help him navigate this complex case while juggling the demands of his clinical transition about to enter its final phase. In a household where no one is innocent, Terry must decide just how far he is willing to go to find the guilty party.

317 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Joe Rielinger lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife, Lisa, and their two fun-loving, though often borderline crazy golden retrievers. With a lifetime love of mystery, crime, and detective novels, Joe is currently working on the third book in the Terry Luvello series. When he isn’t writing, Joe likes to cook, read, and pretend he might someday learn something about training his two dogs.

Reviews

[Sherie Miklas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite book in the Terry Luvello series so far. Joe Rielinger’s skillful descriptions made me feel as though I was watching a movie. The characters and Shadow House came to life. Terry and Hannah make an engaging team, taking their cues from one another like a well oiled machine. I love Terry’s wit and intellect, but I especially love how he doesn’t suffer fools. After one conversation where one showed their ignorant bigotry, Terry said, “I was always amused by people who thought I might care about their insults. Allowing that to happen would require a level of concern I’ve never been able to reach.”

I’m anxiously looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Avira N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rielinger’s third installment in the Terry Luvello series is a thrilling tale of secrets, betrayal, and redemption. Margaret Reasoner, the recently deceased matriarch of one of Cleveland’s elite families, has left behind a clause in her will that demands an inquiry should her death be deemed suspicious. Tasked with this investigation, Terry faces a hostile family and delves into the secrets of their grand estate known as the Shadow House.

The atmospheric setting of the Shadow House serves as a haunting backdrop to the unfolding drama, evoking a sense of foreboding and unease that permeates the story. Rielinger skillfully crafts a sense of tension and suspense, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems and every shadow holds a dark secret waiting to be uncovered.

His characterization is top-notch. Terry, determined and astute, leads the charge in unraveling a tangled mystery, while his enigmatic partner Hannah adds layers of intrigue to the already enthralling story. As they navigate intricate relationships and personal struggles, their bond grows stronger. But within the walls of the Shadow House, alliances are fragile and hidden agendas abound. Lydia carries the weight of her family’s dark past, while Judith must confront both a troubled legacy and present-day suspicions.

The pacing is deliberate and calculated, with well-placed moments of suspense throughout, while foreshadowing and symbolism hint at future events. The novel explores the concept of shadow both literally and metaphorically, delving into themes of deception, hidden truths, and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface. A riveting read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was long but worth the read. When Terry’s mentor’s daughter shows up on his doorstep begging him to take the case of her mother’s death, he can’t refuse. After all it’s Bernie’s daughter asking him to look into the person who is responsible for shaping Terry into the detective he is today.
Only problem is… it’s at the Reasoner mansion. The Reasoner’s are known for their money and reclusiveness. And privacy.
Definitely a private family, it takes some urging to allow Terry and his cop girlfriend onto the property and grant them a weeks access to the home and it’s inhabit.
It started with the grandma’s doubt. The dead woman had hired Terry to investigate her death in the event she died of unnatural causes.
Which she did. Upon reviewing the report grandma Reasoner died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Terry has his work cut out for him as each family member has secrets not willing to have exposed.
As Terry unlocks secret by secret- read about the havoc he witnesses and creates within the walls of The Shadow House, a.k.a. Reasoner mansion.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ultra-rich and ultra-dysfunctional, so much so that the matriarch is convinced that one of her offspring plans to murder her; so convinced that she had included a codicil in her will stating that the killer's share of their inheritance will go to a charity should this happen. And perhaps her death was not due to natural causes after all.

Joe Rielinger's books certainly does not disappointed - clever and twisty, I have so enjoyed each and every one of his Terry Luvello series and can hardly wait for the next one.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third in the series and I really can't find anything I don't like about it. Adore the relationship between Terry and Hannah. I think the way Terry's transition is handled is sensitive and refreshing to read.

There is just the right amount if twists and turns and the end always makes sense. Can't wait to see where the next one takes us.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denzel Struchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written deceive novel that would have been improved by removing the "woke" theme. If an author cannot write a g[d story without pandering to speciality entitled people,they need to learn to write for the general public.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Luvello a private Investigator and his girlfriend get involved in a case that takes them on a dangerous journey. Annabelle Moffitt who was the daughter of his mentor wanted him to Investigate the death of Margaret Reasoner. A intriguing read full of suspense. I received this ARC copy via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.