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Annie Graham #2
The Secrets of the Shadows
One little girl, one missing child. One historical mystery colliding with the future.Sophie was afraid of the man in the shadows. He terrified her, but he would always disappear when someone else came. But one day in June 1984, she didn’t escape. He took her.
When a young woman is found draped over a gravestone in a chilling murder, police officer Annie Graham experiences a familiar sense of dread. A new killer is out there, and her senses tell her there is something eerily different about this case.
When she spots the little girl standing outside her window, she knows that the past is about to catch up with all of them. But can she help right the wrongs of thirty years ago, and stop the killer before it’s too late?
Another chilling murder that Annie Graham must solve before the past destroys the future.
Look out for more in the Annie Graham
1. The Ghost House
2. The Secrets of the Shadows
3. The Forgotten Cottage
4. The Lake House
5. The Girls in the Woods
What readers are saying about the Annie Graham series'an atmospheric, spooky read, ideal for the season.' – I Heart Reading
'The Ghost House is the most exciting book I have read in a very long time, and would make an absolutely perfect Halloween read! Amazing début from Helen Phifer and I eagerly await more from her!' – Judging Covers
‘It was an atmospheric, spooky read, ideal for the season.’ – I Heart Reading
‘I was really impressed by this book. … I was amazed how the author got inside of the mind of the serial killer and really showed you his psychotic thought processes.’ – Edler Park Book Reviews
‘the twists and turns are fascinating.’ – A J Book Review Club
‘The story constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. The Ghost House is a magnificent read and it's perfect for those who have a strong stomach and nerves of steel!’ – Librarian Lavender
When a young woman is found draped over a gravestone in a chilling murder, police officer Annie Graham experiences a familiar sense of dread. A new killer is out there, and her senses tell her there is something eerily different about this case.
When she spots the little girl standing outside her window, she knows that the past is about to catch up with all of them. But can she help right the wrongs of thirty years ago, and stop the killer before it’s too late?
Another chilling murder that Annie Graham must solve before the past destroys the future.
Look out for more in the Annie Graham
1. The Ghost House
2. The Secrets of the Shadows
3. The Forgotten Cottage
4. The Lake House
5. The Girls in the Woods
What readers are saying about the Annie Graham series'an atmospheric, spooky read, ideal for the season.' – I Heart Reading
'The Ghost House is the most exciting book I have read in a very long time, and would make an absolutely perfect Halloween read! Amazing début from Helen Phifer and I eagerly await more from her!' – Judging Covers
‘It was an atmospheric, spooky read, ideal for the season.’ – I Heart Reading
‘I was really impressed by this book. … I was amazed how the author got inside of the mind of the serial killer and really showed you his psychotic thought processes.’ – Edler Park Book Reviews
‘the twists and turns are fascinating.’ – A J Book Review Club
‘The story constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. The Ghost House is a magnificent read and it's perfect for those who have a strong stomach and nerves of steel!’ – Librarian Lavender
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2014
242 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 12, 2019
Good story.. Loving this series!
May 22, 2017
Sophie is scared because of a creepy man in the shadows. The man terrifies her and he smells really bad. He wants something from her and he isn't going to leave her alone. Father John is taking her family in as soon as he finds out about the reeking man in the shadows, but unfortunately Sophie isn't strong enough to fight against what she doesn't understand and the man in the shadows manages to take her.
When Annie Graham sees a little girl she has the feeling something is wrong. Annie instantly knows the girl is a ghost. Her colleagues at the police station are working on a murder case. A young woman is being found at a cemetery. Her murderer took the time to artificially drape her over a gravestone. What's the motive behind this horrible act of violence? Annie is doing something else to get some rest, but somehow she still finds herself involved in the frightening new case. Why is Annie seeing that little girl all of a sudden, what message does the ghost have for her? Will Annie be able to stay safe this time or is her life in danger again?
The Secrets of the Shadows is another gripping book about Annie Graham. Annie has some personal problems and therefore she isn't actively involved in the case her team is working on, but something isn't right and she has to find out what it is. I was intrigued from the start and was anxious to find out more about both the shadow man and the mysterious murder. Annie Graham is a brave and tough woman. She has such good instincts, she always finds a way out of dire situations and she's incredibly clever. Her cases are fascinating and eerie at the same time.
Helen Phifer writes in a fabulous descriptive way. I could almost smell the man in the shadows and it was easy to picture every single detail of the story. I was genuinely afraid because of the evil that can effortlessly find access to someone's house and take whatever he wants. It's a fantastic subject for a story and I liked the execution very much. The Secrets of the Shadows is a scary story both set in the past and the present and I found each of these parts equally compelling. There are many surprising elements, which made me want to keep reading without pause. I absolutely loved this amazing haunting crime story.
When Annie Graham sees a little girl she has the feeling something is wrong. Annie instantly knows the girl is a ghost. Her colleagues at the police station are working on a murder case. A young woman is being found at a cemetery. Her murderer took the time to artificially drape her over a gravestone. What's the motive behind this horrible act of violence? Annie is doing something else to get some rest, but somehow she still finds herself involved in the frightening new case. Why is Annie seeing that little girl all of a sudden, what message does the ghost have for her? Will Annie be able to stay safe this time or is her life in danger again?
The Secrets of the Shadows is another gripping book about Annie Graham. Annie has some personal problems and therefore she isn't actively involved in the case her team is working on, but something isn't right and she has to find out what it is. I was intrigued from the start and was anxious to find out more about both the shadow man and the mysterious murder. Annie Graham is a brave and tough woman. She has such good instincts, she always finds a way out of dire situations and she's incredibly clever. Her cases are fascinating and eerie at the same time.
Helen Phifer writes in a fabulous descriptive way. I could almost smell the man in the shadows and it was easy to picture every single detail of the story. I was genuinely afraid because of the evil that can effortlessly find access to someone's house and take whatever he wants. It's a fantastic subject for a story and I liked the execution very much. The Secrets of the Shadows is a scary story both set in the past and the present and I found each of these parts equally compelling. There are many surprising elements, which made me want to keep reading without pause. I absolutely loved this amazing haunting crime story.
July 8, 2025
Really enjoyed the second book in the Annie Graham series as much as I enjoyed the first! Detectives and supernatural occurrences combined is just brilliant and thrilling. Now onto the third in the series and looking forward to what mysteries it holds.
February 4, 2024
Whoever edited this should be fired. There are far too many missing words and spelling issues. Had to fill in a lot of “his” “had” “the” words as they were missing from the text. Just sloppy.
As far as the book goes, it’s a typical Phiffer. Engrossing because it’s an easy read on the brain and formulaic. That’s not to say it’s bad. I genuinely like her books, but they are the reading equivalent of having cereal for dinner or watching a comforting film you don’t need to pay attention to.
As far as the book goes, it’s a typical Phiffer. Engrossing because it’s an easy read on the brain and formulaic. That’s not to say it’s bad. I genuinely like her books, but they are the reading equivalent of having cereal for dinner or watching a comforting film you don’t need to pay attention to.
June 4, 2015
Countrylibrarian
I couldn't wait to read this book and it didn't disappoint. My only complaint was that you knew who the killers the whole time so took out the guess work but still a really good book worth reading
I couldn't wait to read this book and it didn't disappoint. My only complaint was that you knew who the killers the whole time so took out the guess work but still a really good book worth reading
March 10, 2015
Better than the first one and the ghost bits made much more sense this time. Still not a rave read, but at least the author kept the TM and R trademarks out this time.
July 22, 2025
Secrets of the Shadows
I have read all of Helen’ DS Morgan books and thoroughly enjoyed them.
This one wasn’t my cup of tea
I have read all of Helen’ DS Morgan books and thoroughly enjoyed them.
This one wasn’t my cup of tea
November 20, 2022
I read number 2 in this series immediately after finishing the first one and again I really enjoyed it. Its unbelievable, and a little cheesy in parts with Annie and Wills relationship but an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. Again, it has a supernatural theme running through it with more Ghosts another serial Killer and a plot that keeps you page turning until the end. I really like this author and am enjoying this series.
April 18, 2021
Fantastic
Yet another fantastic read .Read this book in two days couldn't put it down .Couldn't wait to see what happened next . Another cracking plot great characters . Really pleased Wills and Annie's romance coming on. That is all I am going to say as I hate to give any plots away . Guaranteed reader will enjoy this series absolute page turner .
Yet another fantastic read .Read this book in two days couldn't put it down .Couldn't wait to see what happened next . Another cracking plot great characters . Really pleased Wills and Annie's romance coming on. That is all I am going to say as I hate to give any plots away . Guaranteed reader will enjoy this series absolute page turner .
May 27, 2025
Love Helen Pfifer books, can’t get enough of them, this series is the best so far, this book the best in this series, so far. One criticism, the first 4 books are available on kindle unlimited, but the last two are not! in my opinion, all should be available, or none. I pay a monthly subscription for this service, so I will not buy books separately.
November 16, 2016
After reading her first book, which was good but a bit hard to follow, being her first time at writing. Now for her second book, much better writing, some misspelled words, but I loved it! Suspenseful and could not put it down.
February 15, 2024
Helen Phifer's Ghost stories featuring Annie Graham
Honestly, I love the characters, the romance (NOT overdone!), the ghosts, the murders (NOT overly gaphic!); the story lines are excellent. Ms. Phifer books are on my permanent read list, and yes, I'm following her! 😀
Honestly, I love the characters, the romance (NOT overdone!), the ghosts, the murders (NOT overly gaphic!); the story lines are excellent. Ms. Phifer books are on my permanent read list, and yes, I'm following her! 😀
April 7, 2025
Spooky but romantic
As I said traumatic spooky without being over the top, the police were funny and close nitted, the romance was enough, I' would recommend it to anyone, it's a easy read that made you feel good 👍
As I said traumatic spooky without being over the top, the police were funny and close nitted, the romance was enough, I' would recommend it to anyone, it's a easy read that made you feel good 👍
October 20, 2025
First book I’ve read in Annie Graham series and by Helen Phifer. It grew on me but gradually as the story went on I was more gripped and got to like the character of Annie very much. Will definitely read more.
March 27, 2017
Great read once started couldn't put it down. Love this author & can't wait to read the next book in this series.
July 22, 2018
Excellent
Love this series, didn't want to put it down once I started reading. Very good story and very well written. Looking forward to reading the next book
Love this series, didn't want to put it down once I started reading. Very good story and very well written. Looking forward to reading the next book
January 4, 2020
Another amazing book can not wait to read book 3
August 23, 2020
Another great book by Helen Phifer would gave given it more stars if I could. Loved the first Annie Graham book and this one didn't disappoint either now can't wait to read the next one.
December 17, 2020
I’m a fan of the Annie Graham books. I’m a fan of her. I loved the murderer, was intrigued by the ghosts and adored the love story. This was a really good read, and I can’t wait for the next one.
May 4, 2021
Loved this book, quite eerie and chilling,great characters
May 16, 2021
Amazing
Amazing author amazing series this is my second time reading this series keep up the good work thanks so much
Amazing author amazing series this is my second time reading this series keep up the good work thanks so much
May 25, 2021
My new Best Author!
Excellent read. Believable or characters, quirky and endearing. Best series ever. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.
Excellent read. Believable or characters, quirky and endearing. Best series ever. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.
October 20, 2022
Great series
This is the second book in this series.I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I will now download book 3
This is the second book in this series.I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I will now download book 3
July 4, 2023
a ghostly tale
I was looking for something a bit different to the usual police detective and this was it. Serial killers, ghosts and romance. What’s not to like.
I was looking for something a bit different to the usual police detective and this was it. Serial killers, ghosts and romance. What’s not to like.
December 1, 2023
The secrets of the shadows
Really enjoyed this book it got better as I read through it and love the characters a very enjoyable book.
Really enjoyed this book it got better as I read through it and love the characters a very enjoyable book.
May 13, 2025
Editing is still pretty bad, but not as bad as the first book. The story is enjoyable, but the poor writing structure definitely takes you out of the story at times.
July 20, 2025
2.5/5
August 28, 2025
Another enjoyable spooky mudrr mystery. Loved it!
November 19, 2025
Absolutely fantastic, can't wait to read book 3
November 20, 2025
loving the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews