What do you think?
Rate this book
Reed & Billie Mysteries #13
The Shadow
“Do you remember Halloweens when you were a kid? Every year from about the age of five until you stopped trick-or-treating, the same thing.
“Ghost? Hobo? Even Superman? You wouldn’t think of anything else. Always, you had to be a policeman.”
Roughly a month after going head-to-head with the copycat killer who had singled Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie out in an attempt to capitalize on their recent success, the duo is still reeling. Faced with uncertainty over where they are and what they are doing for the first time since partnering together years before, they retreat home to Oklahoma for the holidays to regroup.
A vacation that is at once cathartic and therapeutic, right up until the moment Columbus Police Chief Eleanor Brandt calls informing them they are needed back in Ohio for a case.
Judge Warren Steele has been a fixture in the Dayton legal community for almost thirty years. Fast approaching his seventieth birthday and the final days of his tenure on the bench, he is murdered outside of his home, his body left dressed up as a snowman on the front lawn of the very courthouse he has presided over for the past three decades.
A brutal public display that is only the beginning as Reed and Billie are pressed back into action. Forced to unravel secrets in the city going back years, their hunt takes them through the local police departments, churches, courthouses, and even universities, all in the name of deciphering the motivation of their newest target.
“Sometimes all you need is to be reminded why you fell in love with something in the first place...”
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2024
665 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
85 books313 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 10, 2024
Not Your Typical Summer Read
Shadow, by Dustin Stevens is # 13 in the Read and Billie detective series. And believe me, for those of us already hooked on the series, it does not disappoint! For those of you contemplating beginning this series, don't let the # 13 scare you off.
The first thing you need to know is that Billie is a Belgian Malinois and is Read's partner. They are ace detectives! Of course they always seem to get the tough ones and never seem to get any rest. This one picks up time wise where the other one left off and keeps Read, Billie, and the other guessing and yet somehow... Billie is ok! Don't worry! However, if you start with Shadow, be sure to go back to the beginning after Shadow and read book #1 The Boat Man.
Shadow, by Dustin Stevens is # 13 in the Read and Billie detective series. And believe me, for those of us already hooked on the series, it does not disappoint! For those of you contemplating beginning this series, don't let the # 13 scare you off.
The first thing you need to know is that Billie is a Belgian Malinois and is Read's partner. They are ace detectives! Of course they always seem to get the tough ones and never seem to get any rest. This one picks up time wise where the other one left off and keeps Read, Billie, and the other guessing and yet somehow... Billie is ok! Don't worry! However, if you start with Shadow, be sure to go back to the beginning after Shadow and read book #1 The Boat Man.
June 28, 2024
Reed and Billie are spending the holidays with his family and trying to get back to normal after their last case. They are interrupted by their boss when a body is discovered in a church yard.As this case takes shape they are working with the local LEO’s as well their normal support folks. In this smaller town they soon find that the murder was specific in type of death and who was killed. Next thing you know another body is found and the race is on. I’d you’re a Billie & Reed fan you will not be able to put this down ! With non stop action, a clever cast of characters and an extremely well written storyline you won’t be able to put this one down !
June 28, 2024
The saga of Reed and Billie continues with The Shadow. On its own, The Shadow is a great read and will completely engage the first time reader, while delivering an amazing continuing adventure for avid Reed and Billie fans.
Dustin Stevens has created a uniquely captivating reader experience - the plot, the characters, the detective procedural, the storytelling, and the deeper issues that sneak up on you the next day or so.
The Shadow unfolds over only a few days so tension is baked in. Stevens captures and conveys the personal level in that the reader feels “the job” aspect of what Reed does for a living. Reed steps off the plane returning from a brief vacation and an urgent call drags him into a case before he unpacks. Reed absorbs the daily grind with long hours , little sleep, and primitive food choices, and the reader can feel the fatigue.
There is depth to the clue finding and the case solving in The Shadow - and a frustration because every lead, insight, and theory must be pursued - with the clock ticking in the background. Stevens uses The Shadow to explore concepts and issues that readers will find themselves mentally rolling over after the evening’s reading has ended. The role of criminal adjacency, justice, and shades of gray in one’s view of good and evil.
Often when posting a review for this genre there are suggested tags for: fast-paced, action-packed, page turner, characters, suspense, violence, but not one for “thought provoking”. There should be one for The Shadow.
Dustin Stevens has created a uniquely captivating reader experience - the plot, the characters, the detective procedural, the storytelling, and the deeper issues that sneak up on you the next day or so.
The Shadow unfolds over only a few days so tension is baked in. Stevens captures and conveys the personal level in that the reader feels “the job” aspect of what Reed does for a living. Reed steps off the plane returning from a brief vacation and an urgent call drags him into a case before he unpacks. Reed absorbs the daily grind with long hours , little sleep, and primitive food choices, and the reader can feel the fatigue.
There is depth to the clue finding and the case solving in The Shadow - and a frustration because every lead, insight, and theory must be pursued - with the clock ticking in the background. Stevens uses The Shadow to explore concepts and issues that readers will find themselves mentally rolling over after the evening’s reading has ended. The role of criminal adjacency, justice, and shades of gray in one’s view of good and evil.
Often when posting a review for this genre there are suggested tags for: fast-paced, action-packed, page turner, characters, suspense, violence, but not one for “thought provoking”. There should be one for The Shadow.
June 23, 2024
Like Christmas in June, a new Reed and Billie novel is truly a gift.
And as with the previous twelve installments in this series, number thirteen, The Shadow, does not disappoint.
On a return trip from visiting family, Reed and Billie receive a call, before even boarding the plane, that sets them off on another urgent mission to solve an unusual murder before the villain can strike again.
The perpetrator, although shrouded in mystery, engenders intrigue as he believes that he is doing “public service” murders—the victims deserve what they are getting, akin to vigilante justice. Think, television’s Dexter…
As is de rigueur for Reed and Billie plots, the crimes(s) are so seemingly random, or without detection by obvious means, that neither R&B nor the audience has any clue as to how this case can be solved. I really appreciate this about DS and the R&B series—the mystery remains for the majority of the book, building up intense suspense, giving it that literal can’t-put-it-down urgency.
My only qualm is that Reed’s relationship with Serena, which seems to have taken on a Sam and Dianne dynamic—'nuff said…
I highly recommend The Shadow. For fans of the series, it’s an obvious “must read”. If you are new to this series, the book does work as a standalone.
But be forewarned, Reed and Billie are an addictive pairing, and you will be compelled to begin at book one and read the previous twelve immediately.
Be sure to plan accordingly…
And as with the previous twelve installments in this series, number thirteen, The Shadow, does not disappoint.
On a return trip from visiting family, Reed and Billie receive a call, before even boarding the plane, that sets them off on another urgent mission to solve an unusual murder before the villain can strike again.
The perpetrator, although shrouded in mystery, engenders intrigue as he believes that he is doing “public service” murders—the victims deserve what they are getting, akin to vigilante justice. Think, television’s Dexter…
As is de rigueur for Reed and Billie plots, the crimes(s) are so seemingly random, or without detection by obvious means, that neither R&B nor the audience has any clue as to how this case can be solved. I really appreciate this about DS and the R&B series—the mystery remains for the majority of the book, building up intense suspense, giving it that literal can’t-put-it-down urgency.
My only qualm is that Reed’s relationship with Serena, which seems to have taken on a Sam and Dianne dynamic—'nuff said…
I highly recommend The Shadow. For fans of the series, it’s an obvious “must read”. If you are new to this series, the book does work as a standalone.
But be forewarned, Reed and Billie are an addictive pairing, and you will be compelled to begin at book one and read the previous twelve immediately.
Be sure to plan accordingly…
July 4, 2024
This book is an ARC provided by the author. I am voluntarily providing this review accordingly. ** Having read nearly every book in this series I'm a fan -a BIG fan - and I expect a lot from Dustin. I've never been disappointed and this installment has upheld my expectations. We have Reed and Billie returning from a Christmas visit with Reed's parents in Oklahoma and on the way back to Columbus, Ohio for a few more days of rest he gets a call that effectively cancels any remaining days of R&R. There's been a bizarre murder in Dayton that requires in immediate attention. Since his support assignment to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) Reed (and Billie) find themselves investigating some of the most complicated and difficult crimes. In this one, a Common Pleas Court judge has been stabbed and posed on the courthouse lawn dressed as Santa Claus. There are no clues immediately available but the case does slowly, painfully and, with great difficulty and research, reveal details that shed light on the how of the crime. But then, more deaths occur that seem random.
Reed starts to enlist the experience of the Dayton PD, Forensics Experts, Courts Personnel, heck, anyone who maybe can shed light on what's happening and why. What starts to emerge is a pattern of cases where something didn't go "right" according to expectation. But who is doing the killing? Toward what end? What will end the carnage?
Reed starts to enlist the experience of the Dayton PD, Forensics Experts, Courts Personnel, heck, anyone who maybe can shed light on what's happening and why. What starts to emerge is a pattern of cases where something didn't go "right" according to expectation. But who is doing the killing? Toward what end? What will end the carnage?
June 15, 2024
A slow burn that ends in a raging inferno of action.
Detectives Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner, Billie, haven't even returned from their trip home to visit family when they are called to the horrific scene of a body, make to look like a snowman, on the court house yard. The body is that of a sitting Judge and he has been brutally slain. Within days there is another body. But what's the connection between to two? Or is there a connection? Reed has to double down on his investigative work and rely on his fellow law enforcement officers to pull a rabbit out of the hat, in this explosive thriller. A deep dive into the courthouse archives will slowly reveal a secret that someone thinks needs to be rectified.
Dustin Stevens writes a procedural book that is both captivating and consuming. He teases out the clues slowly and methodically, step by step, until the ending when everything falls together and reveals the perfect solution. I love the relationship between Reed and Billie...And who wouldn't want Billie as their partner.
Detectives Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner, Billie, haven't even returned from their trip home to visit family when they are called to the horrific scene of a body, make to look like a snowman, on the court house yard. The body is that of a sitting Judge and he has been brutally slain. Within days there is another body. But what's the connection between to two? Or is there a connection? Reed has to double down on his investigative work and rely on his fellow law enforcement officers to pull a rabbit out of the hat, in this explosive thriller. A deep dive into the courthouse archives will slowly reveal a secret that someone thinks needs to be rectified.
Dustin Stevens writes a procedural book that is both captivating and consuming. He teases out the clues slowly and methodically, step by step, until the ending when everything falls together and reveals the perfect solution. I love the relationship between Reed and Billie...And who wouldn't want Billie as their partner.
July 8, 2024
A very GOOD and LONG immersive book!
This one is really nice and long! I liked that so much. It took a longer time to read, which extended my pleasure in this book. Sometimes I finish his books way too fast and then I feel slightly frustrated at wanting more, but this one was really so good and long that I feel satiated with Billie and Reed! Now I want my son to read it so he can understand why I just don’t want to stop reading these books. This story was complicated and twisty, so it really kept my interest constantly. No chance of being distracted by other things that needed my attention. I was able to, for days, just read without giving in to the temptation to do other things that really should have been done. And I don’t feel in the least bit guilty about it. This book could have been written in several books in order since there were so many different trails to follow, yet they all blended together to make one wonderful book. I seriously recommend this book to you to read.,
This one is really nice and long! I liked that so much. It took a longer time to read, which extended my pleasure in this book. Sometimes I finish his books way too fast and then I feel slightly frustrated at wanting more, but this one was really so good and long that I feel satiated with Billie and Reed! Now I want my son to read it so he can understand why I just don’t want to stop reading these books. This story was complicated and twisty, so it really kept my interest constantly. No chance of being distracted by other things that needed my attention. I was able to, for days, just read without giving in to the temptation to do other things that really should have been done. And I don’t feel in the least bit guilty about it. This book could have been written in several books in order since there were so many different trails to follow, yet they all blended together to make one wonderful book. I seriously recommend this book to you to read.,
June 28, 2024
The Shadow by Dustin Stevens is an epic sequel to the Detectives Reed and his K-9 Bille series
After visiting his parents on Oklahoma City, Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie get a phone call from his boss about a new case. Eleanor Brandt, Chief of the Columbus Police Department tells him Judge Warren Steele was murdered and his body was inordinately displayed out side of his home.
As you read this story, you will find our two detectives attempting to recover hard-to-find clues while interspersing with the Columbus P.D. as well as local and other nearby police departments. Along their way to find the killer, Reed keeps in touch with Deek, his IT specialist who was valuable enough to be hired as a consultant to the Columbus P.D.
This is a detailed investigation by Reed and Billie and it will keep you in suspense right up to the exciting and unexpected conclusion. You will really enjoy this ride authored by Dustin Stevens!
After visiting his parents on Oklahoma City, Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie get a phone call from his boss about a new case. Eleanor Brandt, Chief of the Columbus Police Department tells him Judge Warren Steele was murdered and his body was inordinately displayed out side of his home.
As you read this story, you will find our two detectives attempting to recover hard-to-find clues while interspersing with the Columbus P.D. as well as local and other nearby police departments. Along their way to find the killer, Reed keeps in touch with Deek, his IT specialist who was valuable enough to be hired as a consultant to the Columbus P.D.
This is a detailed investigation by Reed and Billie and it will keep you in suspense right up to the exciting and unexpected conclusion. You will really enjoy this ride authored by Dustin Stevens!
June 28, 2024
I just finished reading The Shadow, a novel by Dustin Stevens and one of my favorite series. This 13th book in the series (hard to believe!) is a thrilling story of Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie, an awesome Belgian Malinois, as they are summoned to the scene of a brutal murder of a judge whose body is bizarrely posed in front of his courthouse. What follows is a frenetically paced race to find The Shadow and try to stop yet another murder. Will they succeed? Read the book to find out. All the beloved characters from the first 12 books appear, especially Deke his cyber expert friend and all the police and forensic teams. The book builds rapidly to a nail biter finish. The book is best read as a series but can be a standalone since the novel references historical events from the series. You will enjoy this book, IF you like to stay up late; hmm, you may not be able to sleep!
June 15, 2024
Another great story by Dustin Stevens! I'm a fan, I enjoy the suspense of Dustin Stevens novels. But this series, Reed & Billie, is my favorite and it always has me hanging on to my kindle so tight, I'm afraid I'll break it! I love the relationship between Reed and his K-9 partner Billie. They started out paired together as kind of a last chance and seeing them become true partners has been a great part of the series. The best part is that without being repetitive, you can pick up any one of the books in this series and not feel like you're missing half the story.
THE SHADOW is full of suspense, the characters are intriguing and you never know what might happen! The edge-of-my-seat-rush to the finish had me holding my breath and the ending took it away.
I'll be eagerly awaiting their next case!
THE SHADOW is full of suspense, the characters are intriguing and you never know what might happen! The edge-of-my-seat-rush to the finish had me holding my breath and the ending took it away.
I'll be eagerly awaiting their next case!
June 22, 2024
Another intriguing and electrifying edition in the Reed and Billie series! Even if a reader picks up this volume #13 as their first of the series, they won't feel at a loss without the Reed and Billie's full back story to enjoy this slow building adventure. Stevens' story weaving technique that alternates between the intrepid detectives, the mastermind behind the murders, and the actual perpetrators is a compelling method of building suspense and keeping our interest as the pages roll by. Add in vivid word pictures to describe what our characters are experiencing, and you've got a winner on your hands!
Having read all the previous books in this series, I'm looking forward to seeing another volume hopefully not too far down the road. I highly recommend this one along with all the Reed and Billie books - you won't be disappointed.
Having read all the previous books in this series, I'm looking forward to seeing another volume hopefully not too far down the road. I highly recommend this one along with all the Reed and Billie books - you won't be disappointed.
July 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this latest Reed and Billie novel! Dustin Stevens continued the story of Reed and Billie, including the "twist" I've come to expect in the series. If you've read and enjoyed others in this series, you're sure to like The Shadow just as much. If you haven't read any of the others (shame on you!) you'll still be able to jump right into The Shadow and enjoy it as you don't have to know all about the first novels to understand and enjoy this one.
As I've read the series, I feel like I've gotten to know Reed and Billie and love them both. And who doesn't love a K-9!?!) They've grown in their partnership in each novel and continue in this one.
I don't want to give anything away but ill tell you this ... Detective Reed and Detective Billie make it through a tough time and get their man!
As I've read the series, I feel like I've gotten to know Reed and Billie and love them both. And who doesn't love a K-9!?!) They've grown in their partnership in each novel and continue in this one.
I don't want to give anything away but ill tell you this ... Detective Reed and Detective Billie make it through a tough time and get their man!
June 28, 2024
Another Reed and Billie GREAT
Detectives Reed and his K-9 partner Billie are returning from a vacation in Oklahoma to visit his parents when they are contacted by his police chief to hurry home.
A prominent judge in Dayton, Ohio has been murdered and his body left in a bizarre, public display outside the courthouse.
This is the beginning of a whirlwind of activity, with Reed and Billie racing to understand the purpose behind several murders and possible future targets.
The Shadow keeps you both intrigued and guessing the "why" of these murders.
This series is one of my favorites by Dustin Stevens and I highly recommend you read all of the adventures these 2 detectives have.
Detectives Reed and his K-9 partner Billie are returning from a vacation in Oklahoma to visit his parents when they are contacted by his police chief to hurry home.
A prominent judge in Dayton, Ohio has been murdered and his body left in a bizarre, public display outside the courthouse.
This is the beginning of a whirlwind of activity, with Reed and Billie racing to understand the purpose behind several murders and possible future targets.
The Shadow keeps you both intrigued and guessing the "why" of these murders.
This series is one of my favorites by Dustin Stevens and I highly recommend you read all of the adventures these 2 detectives have.
Read
June 28, 2024I devoured this book The Shadow, a Reed and Billie novel by Dustin Stevens. I then read it again more slowly. Dustin has the knack in his writing that makes you feel Billies breath on your shoulder or sitting at the table reviewing case files with Carol Hammond. Dustin immerses you right into the story. If you haven't read any other Reed and Billie books in the series or only a few, don't worry you can read this series in any order as the author does give back history on Reed and his K9
Partner Billie. Don't miss out on this wonderfully written novel.
Partner Billie. Don't miss out on this wonderfully written novel.
June 29, 2024
I love this series. It has a fabulous cast of characters. Reid and Billie are tasked with solving very interesting cases. In this installment it starts off with the murder of a judge who is then dressed as a snowman and put on display at the courthouse. Why and by whom are of course the big question. We meet the killers and learn what makes them tick but the motive is kept a mystery to us until the end.
You can read this as a stand alone. If you like it, and I'm sure you will, I highly recommend going back to the beginning to read all their adventures.
You can read this as a stand alone. If you like it, and I'm sure you will, I highly recommend going back to the beginning to read all their adventures.
July 1, 2024
I received this ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving this review. Headed home after vacation, Reed gets a call to head to Dayton to a crime scene that is totally bizarre…a judge murdered, the body moved and staged like a snowman in front of the court house. No witnesses and no clues. Then another body, but what is the connection? Is there a pattern? Reed and Billie are putting in a lot of miles tracking what could be leads and looking for connections. The story builds as the team works the case. Be prepared to stay up to turn that next page. Dustin never disappoints!
July 3, 2024
Reed and Billie get called back after a brief vacation to visit family and are pulled into the case of a beloved murdered judge. The killer stages the death in a macabre way, leaving Reed to unravel the mystery with very little to go by. Sadly, this will not be the only death to investigate, leaving Reed (and Billie) to get the killer before he/she has a chance to kill again. Fantastic story, with all the twists, turns and suspense I’ve come to love from this series.
I was provided with an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC), this is my honest opinion of this excellent book!
I was provided with an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC), this is my honest opinion of this excellent book!
July 4, 2024
Always an exciting read
When Reed and Billie are involved. The more of their investigations that I read, the more I understand and feel the loss of Riley. I wish there had been more stories of her working with Reed. But I would not have wanted for Billie to not be included. Very good detective work, most of which was boring, tedious, and eliminating what was not relevant, but needed to be done
While I have read most if not all of Dustin Stevens’ books, Reed and Billie are still my favorite characters.
When Reed and Billie are involved. The more of their investigations that I read, the more I understand and feel the loss of Riley. I wish there had been more stories of her working with Reed. But I would not have wanted for Billie to not be included. Very good detective work, most of which was boring, tedious, and eliminating what was not relevant, but needed to be done
While I have read most if not all of Dustin Stevens’ books, Reed and Billie are still my favorite characters.
July 14, 2024
Great Series
The Reed and Billie books just get better and better. In this book, Reed & his partner are in route home after visiting family for holidays when he gets a call from his boss wanting him on a case as soon as possible. Someone has killed a judge and then a woman who left the police force to go to law school. Both their bodies were placed in public areas. Reed digs deep to try and find a connection to these 2 murders and who is behind it all. Very fast paced book that keeps you wondering if they can find the bad guys.
The Reed and Billie books just get better and better. In this book, Reed & his partner are in route home after visiting family for holidays when he gets a call from his boss wanting him on a case as soon as possible. Someone has killed a judge and then a woman who left the police force to go to law school. Both their bodies were placed in public areas. Reed digs deep to try and find a connection to these 2 murders and who is behind it all. Very fast paced book that keeps you wondering if they can find the bad guys.
December 28, 2024
Such a ride!
Happily, yet a bit unhappily, I have just finished the final book in Dustin Stevens' series, The Shadow: A Reed and Billie Novel. I couldn't possibly select my favorite because each book in the series is such a fantastic trip for those of us who are addicted to the mind-blowing adrenaline rush of a great police procedural. And I assure you this is one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Please Mr Stevens write additional Reed and Billie books ... I need them in my life.
Happily, yet a bit unhappily, I have just finished the final book in Dustin Stevens' series, The Shadow: A Reed and Billie Novel. I couldn't possibly select my favorite because each book in the series is such a fantastic trip for those of us who are addicted to the mind-blowing adrenaline rush of a great police procedural. And I assure you this is one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Please Mr Stevens write additional Reed and Billie books ... I need them in my life.
March 9, 2025
I’m normally a fan of the Reed and Billie series, but this novel fell flat for me. I stopped and started it, taking a long time to finish reading it. What I liked: inclusion of new police departments, thus adding more and interesting characters; the relationship between Reed and Billie; the idea of justice not meted out correctly. What I didn’t like: the plot felt like it dragged on; the killers are very one-dimensional; the family and personal relationships need to be more fully fleshed out. Overall, I thought this was just an okay book.
June 28, 2024
Reed and Billie never fail to produce a heart pounding adventure! Shadow is no exception! It amazes me to no end how fertile the mind of Dustin Stevens is. He comes up with an original and head scratching story every time out. I like to try to predict what is going to happen when I read a book…. Impossible with a Dustin Stevens book! And yet… it all remains very real and believable! Pick up a copy and settle down into your favorite chair…. You will be there a while!!!
June 30, 2024
Billie & Reed are returning from a well deserved holiday vacation spent either his parents when he is assigned a new case. A well known judge was murdered & posed inside a snowman in front of the judicial building. Who would want to murder a prominent judge who was reaching retirement age? Their investigation uncovers secrets that have been buried for years. A great read, you won’t be disappointed!
July 1, 2024
Another wonderful story from the Reed and Billie series! After taking some time off and visiting his parents, Reed gets a call during a stop over on his flight home. There's been a grisly murder of a prominent figure, and he and Billie are needed asap. Trying to followthe lack of clues to find the culprit take Reed and Billie all over the state! Great read! I received an advanced reader copy free and have voluntarily chosen to leave an honest review.
July 1, 2024
Oh my gosh! I LOVE Billie and Reed and this did not disappoint! High octane, non-stop. I don't think Reed got more than 3 hours sleep the whole book! Great plot that felt relevant and understandable. I do wish we could have had more Billie action in this one. I also love the revisiting of characters from previous books. Feels like Reed is building some good relationships. I'm also enjoying the steady evolving of the Chief of Police into a strong ally for the team.
August 6, 2024
Very wordy!
Like the last book the author spends too much time describing every.single.thing! Also, stop repeating information! I'd rather have a tightly written 300 pages than a drawn out 450!
What was the point of the elaborate displays & calling the news? Totally unnecessary for the story. The judge should have at least been corrupt to justify the violence in the killers mind.
Like the last book the author spends too much time describing every.single.thing! Also, stop repeating information! I'd rather have a tightly written 300 pages than a drawn out 450!
What was the point of the elaborate displays & calling the news? Totally unnecessary for the story. The judge should have at least been corrupt to justify the violence in the killers mind.
March 5, 2025
Good read but something is missing.
I've been reading the Reed and Billie books for awhile now and maybe it's just me getting burnt out on them but they just don't seem to be as good as they were before. It's almost like there's someone else writing the storyline. They are too wordy and go into too much description where it's just not necessary. If I hear about his muscle memory to pet Billie many more times I might scream. This may be my last one' at least for a long while.
I've been reading the Reed and Billie books for awhile now and maybe it's just me getting burnt out on them but they just don't seem to be as good as they were before. It's almost like there's someone else writing the storyline. They are too wordy and go into too much description where it's just not necessary. If I hear about his muscle memory to pet Billie many more times I might scream. This may be my last one' at least for a long while.
June 23, 2024
Reed and Billie are back in a gripping tale of someone trying to fix some wrongs in the wrong way.
Racing to figure out why a prominent judge has been killed and displayed in a gruesome manor, both Reed and Billie keep at it, trying to prevent the next, scurrying from one department to the next attempting to find clues to what madman or men are the perpetrators.
Racing to figure out why a prominent judge has been killed and displayed in a gruesome manor, both Reed and Billie keep at it, trying to prevent the next, scurrying from one department to the next attempting to find clues to what madman or men are the perpetrators.
June 29, 2024
A well researched police procedural takes you into the mind of an experienced detective and how, with logic, along with the tools available and used to solve the case. I also realized how important the connection between Billie and Reed was. You will enjoy this book and have trouble putting it down until you finish it.
June 29, 2024
Billie and Reed don’t even make it home from vacation before they are called into action to solve the murder of a judge. The judge was found on display sitting on a bench in front of the courthouse concealed in snow in the shape of a snowman. If you haven’t ever read a book by Dustin Stevens, I highly recommend this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews