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Swamp Shadows: A Harlequin Crime Suspense Romance
In the mists of the bayou,
a killer waits for her
Heather LaCrae awakens handcuffed to her hospital bed, stunned to find herself on the hook for murder. With no memory of the crime, she must rely on local attorney Nick Monroe. Defending Heather becomes a life-and-death battle when a shooter targets the bayou beauty. As the attacks escalate, not even Heather’s home nestled deep in the swamp is safe. Now time is running out to find a cold-blooded killer who aims to make sure Heather never remembers…
From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
Discover more action-packed stories in the Marsh Mysteries series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following
Book 1: Stalked Through the Mist
Book 2: Swamp Shadows
Book 3: Hunted in the Reeds
a killer waits for her
Heather LaCrae awakens handcuffed to her hospital bed, stunned to find herself on the hook for murder. With no memory of the crime, she must rely on local attorney Nick Monroe. Defending Heather becomes a life-and-death battle when a shooter targets the bayou beauty. As the attacks escalate, not even Heather’s home nestled deep in the swamp is safe. Now time is running out to find a cold-blooded killer who aims to make sure Heather never remembers…
From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
Discover more action-packed stories in the Marsh Mysteries series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following
Book 1: Stalked Through the Mist
Book 2: Swamp Shadows
Book 3: Hunted in the Reeds
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 16, 2025
I hoped to enjoy a few hours with this novel of cat and mouse in the bayous of Louisiana. The plot was interesting, and I definitely cared about the MC and wanted to see her safe. Plus, the setting is different enough from the usual to catch my attention.
However, two problems soon emerged. First, there's the setting. I've visited bayous a few times, and any description of life there that doesn't at least mention mosquitos, flies, or in fact any insects, is as fake as a Preschool stage setting. It never felt real and I kept wondering if the author did any research at all. Or did they think their readers would squeal at the mention of a bug? Whatever the reason, this sanitized "swamp" was very unsatisfying as a setting.
The second problem is the writing, which feels stiff. Telling me someone feels abject terror isn't the same as showing me. At times the dialogue was awkward, and I found myself rolling my eyes at the writing and wishing this interesting story had been executed better.
It's too bad that the publishing system requires an author to churn out books so quickly they can't take the time to give them the quality writing and editing they deserve. This is an interesting book that could have been a winner, but ultimately failed for me.
However, two problems soon emerged. First, there's the setting. I've visited bayous a few times, and any description of life there that doesn't at least mention mosquitos, flies, or in fact any insects, is as fake as a Preschool stage setting. It never felt real and I kept wondering if the author did any research at all. Or did they think their readers would squeal at the mention of a bug? Whatever the reason, this sanitized "swamp" was very unsatisfying as a setting.
The second problem is the writing, which feels stiff. Telling me someone feels abject terror isn't the same as showing me. At times the dialogue was awkward, and I found myself rolling my eyes at the writing and wishing this interesting story had been executed better.
It's too bad that the publishing system requires an author to churn out books so quickly they can't take the time to give them the quality writing and editing they deserve. This is an interesting book that could have been a winner, but ultimately failed for me.
July 25, 2025
This one didn’t work for me at all. The chemistry between the couple didn’t come through. The dialogue between the pair was stilted and felt forced even in moments where there should have been easy access to a lot of emotions.
Also, these people all speak like they live in Nebraska. For one thing, no self respecting multigenerational Arcadian would call it a swamp. That’s a Florida term or one used purely for tourists. It’s called the bayou, which yes, is a type of swamp but one specific to Louisiana. They also don’t call their fixed location homes or shacks on the bayou a shanty. I don’t usually care to nitpick local vernacular this much, but at least a little bit of research into the vernacular of a region is respectful. Especially if you are going to title a book using a term that is completely off.
Why the FMC wanted to live in a “shanty” was not believably explained beyond her parents having lived there too. It was basically instalove but he’s in denial for reasons that are also not fully fleshed out. He’s in love with her but can’t love her? Because of just one bad relationship? Bro. Be an actual adult here and not a teen boy.
The mystery wasn’t really solvable by us as we don’t meet the bad guy, except via a few brief head hops. Those felt completely out of place and should have hit the edit floor. Also, the actual plot makes zero sense as it relies 100% on an unlikely coincidence to work.
There’s no real tension here. Instead of seeming sweet and down to earth, the FMC comes across more as a flighty simpleton who falls in love easily because she doesn’t know better. The MMC says things no real mid-30s man would say. The only real intrigue I found in this one is the set up for the next book.
———
Harlequin Intrigue (June 2025)
Standalone/Series: Marsh Mysteries #2
Themes/Tropes: rural small town Louisiana, modern people against indoor plumbing, framed for murder, she loves me, he loves me not, who is this killer?
Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the room, but more flat and disconnected than sexy, it could have been any characters popped in there
Setting: Louisiana
BIPOC Characters: no
LGBTQ+ Characters: no
Religion: no
POV: third person, past tense, multi POV
Cops/LEO: yes, secondary characters have charged her with murder
Does the Dog/Horse/Cat Die? No animals are harmed in the text
__________
Thank you Harlequin Publishing for the Advanced Readers Copy
Also, these people all speak like they live in Nebraska. For one thing, no self respecting multigenerational Arcadian would call it a swamp. That’s a Florida term or one used purely for tourists. It’s called the bayou, which yes, is a type of swamp but one specific to Louisiana. They also don’t call their fixed location homes or shacks on the bayou a shanty. I don’t usually care to nitpick local vernacular this much, but at least a little bit of research into the vernacular of a region is respectful. Especially if you are going to title a book using a term that is completely off.
Why the FMC wanted to live in a “shanty” was not believably explained beyond her parents having lived there too. It was basically instalove but he’s in denial for reasons that are also not fully fleshed out. He’s in love with her but can’t love her? Because of just one bad relationship? Bro. Be an actual adult here and not a teen boy.
The mystery wasn’t really solvable by us as we don’t meet the bad guy, except via a few brief head hops. Those felt completely out of place and should have hit the edit floor. Also, the actual plot makes zero sense as it relies 100% on an unlikely coincidence to work.
There’s no real tension here. Instead of seeming sweet and down to earth, the FMC comes across more as a flighty simpleton who falls in love easily because she doesn’t know better. The MMC says things no real mid-30s man would say. The only real intrigue I found in this one is the set up for the next book.
———
Harlequin Intrigue (June 2025)
Standalone/Series: Marsh Mysteries #2
Themes/Tropes: rural small town Louisiana, modern people against indoor plumbing, framed for murder, she loves me, he loves me not, who is this killer?
Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the room, but more flat and disconnected than sexy, it could have been any characters popped in there
Setting: Louisiana
BIPOC Characters: no
LGBTQ+ Characters: no
Religion: no
POV: third person, past tense, multi POV
Cops/LEO: yes, secondary characters have charged her with murder
Does the Dog/Horse/Cat Die? No animals are harmed in the text
__________
Thank you Harlequin Publishing for the Advanced Readers Copy
March 30, 2025
Swamp Shadows is a romantic suspense novel that pulls readers in from the very first page. Heather LaCrae wakes up in a hospital, handcuffed to her bed, and accused of murder—a crime she has no memory of committing. With her world turned upside down, she reaches out to local attorney Nick Monroe, who agrees to take on her case. As Nick digs deeper into the evidence, there is an attempt made on Heather’s life. Someone wants her silenced, and as the attacks against her escalate, the tension—and the chemistry—between Heather and Nick intensifies.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its well-developed characters. Heather is a strong yet vulnerable protagonist, grappling with both the accusations against her and the terrifying attempts on her life. Nick, on the other hand, is a compelling hero—brooding, protective, and carrying emotional scars of his own. Their forced proximity as they work together to clear Heather’s name leads to an undeniable connection, and the romance unfolds naturally alongside the suspenseful mystery.
The pacing is well-executed, balancing action, romance, and mystery seamlessly. Adding to the intrigue is the novel’s atmospheric setting. The swamp plays a significant role, not just as a backdrop but as an element of mystery itself. Strange disappearances have been occurring and there are eerie secrets lurking within the murky waters. This element of the unknown adds an extra layer of suspense, making the story even more engaging. While the central murder case is wrapped up by the end of the novel, there are lingering questions about the disappearances in the swamp, hinting at a larger mystery that will unfold as the series progresses.
Overall, Swamp Shadows is an engrossing read that successfully blends mystery, danger, and romance. The characters are likable, the plot is intriguing, and the setting adds a unique twist to the suspense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing an advance copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its well-developed characters. Heather is a strong yet vulnerable protagonist, grappling with both the accusations against her and the terrifying attempts on her life. Nick, on the other hand, is a compelling hero—brooding, protective, and carrying emotional scars of his own. Their forced proximity as they work together to clear Heather’s name leads to an undeniable connection, and the romance unfolds naturally alongside the suspenseful mystery.
The pacing is well-executed, balancing action, romance, and mystery seamlessly. Adding to the intrigue is the novel’s atmospheric setting. The swamp plays a significant role, not just as a backdrop but as an element of mystery itself. Strange disappearances have been occurring and there are eerie secrets lurking within the murky waters. This element of the unknown adds an extra layer of suspense, making the story even more engaging. While the central murder case is wrapped up by the end of the novel, there are lingering questions about the disappearances in the swamp, hinting at a larger mystery that will unfold as the series progresses.
Overall, Swamp Shadows is an engrossing read that successfully blends mystery, danger, and romance. The characters are likable, the plot is intriguing, and the setting adds a unique twist to the suspense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing an advance copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2025
Good book that started with a bang and kept me turning the pages to the end. Swamp resident and local shop owner Heather woke up in the hospital with no memory of how she got there. She is handcuffed to the bed, under arrest for murder. Local attorney Nick, well-known for helping swamp residents with legal matters, agrees to take her case. The evidence against her is overwhelming, but the deeper they dig, the more suspicious they become. Matters become complicated when an attempt is made on Heather's life.
The progress of the investigation kept me glued to the pages as it became evident that someone set Heather up. That same someone is determined that she never gets a chance to remember what happened that night. The attacks escalate, intensifying as they race to uncover the truth before it's too late. Flashes of returning memory aid in their search, but also expose them to additional danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter.
I enjoyed Nick and Heather's developing relationship. The sparks of attraction were there from the start, but Nick fought against them. Past experience left emotional scars that prevented him from believing love was for him. I loved his protectiveness and how their forced proximity forged a strong connection between them. Nick is reluctant to accept that her feelings are anything more than gratitude and pushes her away. It takes a kick in the seat from a friend to make Nick realize the truth. I liked how Heather saw his vulnerability and helped him see the depth of their love.
I liked the swamp setting and seeing the life Heather built there. The people around her look out for each other and play a significant role in the story. The swamp also has its secrets, as people go missing. The book ends with a lead-in to the next story, which will hopefully resolve the mystery.
The progress of the investigation kept me glued to the pages as it became evident that someone set Heather up. That same someone is determined that she never gets a chance to remember what happened that night. The attacks escalate, intensifying as they race to uncover the truth before it's too late. Flashes of returning memory aid in their search, but also expose them to additional danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter.
I enjoyed Nick and Heather's developing relationship. The sparks of attraction were there from the start, but Nick fought against them. Past experience left emotional scars that prevented him from believing love was for him. I loved his protectiveness and how their forced proximity forged a strong connection between them. Nick is reluctant to accept that her feelings are anything more than gratitude and pushes her away. It takes a kick in the seat from a friend to make Nick realize the truth. I liked how Heather saw his vulnerability and helped him see the depth of their love.
I liked the swamp setting and seeing the life Heather built there. The people around her look out for each other and play a significant role in the story. The swamp also has its secrets, as people go missing. The book ends with a lead-in to the next story, which will hopefully resolve the mystery.
May 14, 2025
I like almost everything about this book. The mystery was pretty good. From my own perspective, I would have preferred the killer been a bit more of the story than simply a name mentioned a time or two. What I am thinking if that doesn't make sense if when watching Bones, they always interviewed the killer so you knew a little about the motivations. I just didn't feel as connected to the mystery because of that. I did however feel a connection to the characters and their budding (non) relationship. Heather was so open and while Nick described her as beautiful I think it was her spirit that made her beautiful. She lived a different life and knew heartache and pain but she could still feel wonder and take pleasure in small things like cooking for her guy. The people of her swamp were also an interesting bunch and the underlying mystery that stretched the series, I believe will be really good in the next book.
It has been a while since I read a book by Carla Cassidy and she is as good now as she was years ago. She can give the reader action like the attacks on Heather, heat like he spicy scenes with Heather and Nick, and the feels because Nick couldn't get his head out of his but. The ending was really beautiful and heartfelt. The scene with the Chief felt like a post credit scene in a movie, it didn't change the outcome for Nick and Heather but it sets up what she be a good story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Intrigue for the opportunity to read this ARC.
It has been a while since I read a book by Carla Cassidy and she is as good now as she was years ago. She can give the reader action like the attacks on Heather, heat like he spicy scenes with Heather and Nick, and the feels because Nick couldn't get his head out of his but. The ending was really beautiful and heartfelt. The scene with the Chief felt like a post credit scene in a movie, it didn't change the outcome for Nick and Heather but it sets up what she be a good story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Intrigue for the opportunity to read this ARC.
October 27, 2025
It’s a rather terrifying thought to be charged with a murder that you didn’t commit, and to not have any way to prove that you are innocent. Solid story with romance, drama, and suspense. Endearing characters and friendships, warm interpersonal dynamics. The dialogue was much better in this 2nd book than it was in the first one. The mystery, however, was not one that the reader could actually solve, or even guess, until the case was solved, which was a little disappointing. It’s a fun series, and I liked how some of the characters carried over from the first book. Fast paced and enjoyable read.
September 24, 2025
A scary thought overcomes Heather when she wakes up in a hospital bed handcuffed no less. What happened to her? The thing is she can’t remember. Nick Monroe the local attorney gets answers for her, but danger isn’t over. A man who is known as the Swamp Soul Stealer lurks in the swamps.
Nick starts to have feelings for Heather. He has to remember she’s a client and nothing else. He was hurt before.
Recommend to read this and
Stalked Through the Mist.
The final book is Hunted in the Reeds.
Nick starts to have feelings for Heather. He has to remember she’s a client and nothing else. He was hurt before.
Recommend to read this and
Stalked Through the Mist.
The final book is Hunted in the Reeds.
January 21, 2026
Enjoyed the book but it’s not the type of mystery that you have a chance of figuring out from clues in the book or even suspenseful - closer to police procedural. I was surprised that so few characters from book 1 were in this book - really the on,y connection is the police chief. I liked the friendship between Nick and Bruno. Looking forward to book 3 when the focus is on the stalker that has lightly been in each book.
September 30, 2025
This was a really good way to spend a weekend. The story moves quickly and kept me engaged throughout. I loved the twists and turns the story took; the romance was an added bonus. I really enjoyed the substory that carried throughout the story. I cannot wait until the next book to see what happens next.
Read
May 1, 2025Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Crime Thriller
Miniseries
Marsh Mysteries (Book #2)
Miniseries
Marsh Mysteries (Book #2)
Read
May 1, 2025Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Crime Thriller
Miniseries
Marsh Mysteries (Book #2)
Miniseries
Marsh Mysteries (Book #2)
Want to Read
December 10, 2025O
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews