Before The Shadows

by cory laniewski

After suffering a near life-threatening injury and close personal loss, Chief of Police Nathan Hargett attempts to uncover more about the recent case that left him in the hospital and three others dead. Recovering in peace, however, comes with its own struggles when the officer's home is targeted. Night terrors and waking nightmares await the off-duty officer in Laniewski's debut suspense novel. Will Nathan be able to find out what happened to victim Emily Moore before the shadows come for him too? 

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Tesia Mentzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved Jim Hopper in Stranger Things you’ll love Nathan Hargett in this thrilling crime mystery! A terrible accident on the job, leaves Chief Nathan Hargett in the hospital. When he finally heals enough to be released weird things start happening and Nathan becomes a target in his own home. He’s seeing shadows, hearing noises and getting suspicious headaches. He starts to question what’s real and not real. You won’t predict the ending…..Hey Cory….I’m going to need book 2 like asap because I HAVE to know what comes next!

[Camella Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first mystery or suspense book I have read in a while and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was creepy without being gory and I could easily see it becoming a hit Halloween film! Without giving too much away, I will say I appreciate the depth of Nathan's struggle with his strange situation. The truth of the existence of shadows being brought into the light was something the book pressed upon me. Many people battle real shadows and Cory's book portrays the warfare often not seen by the outside world in a tangible though fictional way. Well done. I look forward to reading the rest of the series when available.

[Florence Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely intense! This gripping suspense novel pulls you in from the very first moment and refuses to let go. Nathan Hargett is a deeply compelling character, and his journey through trauma, mystery, and mounting danger is both chilling and emotionally powerful. The tension builds with every page, blending psychological fear with a haunting investigation that keeps you guessing. Dark, thrilling, and unforgettable, this is a story that lingers long after the final page!

[Smith Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this before. Even on my Kindle, the story completely pulled me in, but not in the usual way. The characters feel alive, the plot twists feel clever and unexpected, and there’s a depth here that caught me off guard. This book made me feel, think, and smile in ways I didn’t see coming. Truly unforgettable.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ That was ... nuts. A supernatural, crime mystery with jump scares scattered throughout. Fear - the beginning and end to all that is evil. From the first call out to the last, nothing good was coming out of it. Except an outstanding good time. Grab a flashlight, pull the covers over your head and don't look into the dark recesses of the room. EVER!

[Lauren Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before The Shadows by Laniewski is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat mystery that masterfully blends psychological tension with gripping suspense. From the very first chapter, Chief of Police Nathan Hargett’s struggle to recover—both physically and emotionally—pulls the reader into a dark and twisting investigation.

Laniewski does an excellent job weaving together Nathan’s personal trauma with the mystery surrounding Emily Moore’s fate. The novel’s eerie atmosphere and well-paced storytelling make it hard to put down, while the vivid descriptions of Nathan’s night terrors blur the line between reality and paranoia in a way that keeps you questioning what’s real.

As the threats against him escalate, Nathan’s determination to uncover the truth is both compelling and deeply human. The tension builds steadily, and the final revelations are as shocking as they are satisfying.

For fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction, Before The Shadows is a must-read. Laniewski’s debut proves they are a writer to watch, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

[Flor Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually not big on horror/suspense but I really enjoyed this

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great novel! It was intense, gripping, and so enjoyable. Laniewski's style of writing makes you feel you are right alongside the characters. I didn't want to put it down. Highly recommend!