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Hangman's Shadow #3
Tear Us Apart
The clock is ticking, even though Marlee has already been missing for over six years.
Isaac Sofer has three months before his wife is declared dead. But when Jesse and Cindy arrive to take the case, it quickly becomes clear that Isaac is just playing along. Though the initial request for their services—and even the payment—came from his accounts, he didn’t hire them.
And he doesn’t know who did.
Finding Marlee, dead or alive, is only the first step.
Almost seven years ago, someone wanted Marlee Sofer dead. Now, it’s possible that same person desperately needs her alive.
Tear Us Apart is the third book in the Hangman’s Shadow series but it can be read as a standalone. Cold cases that aren’t as cold as they should be, from a USA Today bestselling author.
Isaac Sofer has three months before his wife is declared dead. But when Jesse and Cindy arrive to take the case, it quickly becomes clear that Isaac is just playing along. Though the initial request for their services—and even the payment—came from his accounts, he didn’t hire them.
And he doesn’t know who did.
Finding Marlee, dead or alive, is only the first step.
Almost seven years ago, someone wanted Marlee Sofer dead. Now, it’s possible that same person desperately needs her alive.
Tear Us Apart is the third book in the Hangman’s Shadow series but it can be read as a standalone. Cold cases that aren’t as cold as they should be, from a USA Today bestselling author.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
3 people are currently reading
3935 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Scudiere
65 books389 followers📖𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘆, 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!
GET YOUR FREE BOOK FROM ME HERE
https://www.readajs.com/book-series/n...
"Install a seatbelt in your favorite reading chair!" - ★★★★★
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!
GET YOUR FREE BOOK FROM ME HERE
https://www.readajs.com/book-series/n...
"Install a seatbelt in your favorite reading chair!" - ★★★★★
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 8, 2025
A.J. Does it Again with “Tear Us Apart,” Book 3 in the Hangman’s Shadow Series
I do not like to see reviewers leaving a synopsis of a manuscript. I feel that is the author’s job. They know how much of the story they want out in the open. It is the reviewer’s responsibility to tell other readers how good the book was and why they feel that way.
A.J. Scudiere’s “Tear Us Apart” is Book 3 in the Hangman’s Shadow Series. This book is an excellent read with more twists than Chubby Checker. The book continues with the previous characters, and with each new entry in the overall structure of the Universe she is building, the primary and secondary characters continue to grow into complete characters you can invest your time with, and whom you genuinely begin to care for.
As with the other books in this series, her other series, and her stand-alone tomes, she provides the readers with a well-written, well-edited, well-proofed, and cohesive book. She is further developing not only the characters, but also the story. The narrative is well-executed, with an enticing plot that allows the reader to suspend their disbelief. The dialogue is fresh and believable. The action is fast-paced and is a difficult book to put down once you begin reading.
I can’t wait to read the next story in the Hangman’s Shadow series.
I do not like to see reviewers leaving a synopsis of a manuscript. I feel that is the author’s job. They know how much of the story they want out in the open. It is the reviewer’s responsibility to tell other readers how good the book was and why they feel that way.
A.J. Scudiere’s “Tear Us Apart” is Book 3 in the Hangman’s Shadow Series. This book is an excellent read with more twists than Chubby Checker. The book continues with the previous characters, and with each new entry in the overall structure of the Universe she is building, the primary and secondary characters continue to grow into complete characters you can invest your time with, and whom you genuinely begin to care for.
As with the other books in this series, her other series, and her stand-alone tomes, she provides the readers with a well-written, well-edited, well-proofed, and cohesive book. She is further developing not only the characters, but also the story. The narrative is well-executed, with an enticing plot that allows the reader to suspend their disbelief. The dialogue is fresh and believable. The action is fast-paced and is a difficult book to put down once you begin reading.
I can’t wait to read the next story in the Hangman’s Shadow series.
September 4, 2025
What I admire about A.J. Scudiere’s writing is how quickly the tension takes hold, you’re dropped into the middle of a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, and before you know it, the pages are turning themselves. Tear Us Apart is no exception. Though it’s the third book in the Hangman’s Shadow series, it reads seamlessly on its own, delivering both the pulse of a thriller and the layered depth of a mystery that stretches far beyond a “missing woman” premise.
The hook is instantly chilling: Isaac Sofer’s wife Marlee has been gone for nearly seven years, but someone, someone who isn’t Isaac, wants her found. That eerie dissonance between what’s on paper and what’s really happening drives the story with relentless momentum. Jesse, Cindy, and Georgia make for a team you want to follow: sharp, capable, but not infallible. Their dynamic adds warmth and grounding to a story that could easily veer into pure adrenaline.
Scudiere balances multiple threads with skill, the urgency of Marlee’s case, the resurfacing specter of the assassin Sin, and the unsettling possibility that the past is not nearly as buried as it seems. Each revelation is timed just right, pushing the reader to question every character’s motives and to wonder what truths are being hidden in plain sight.
What stayed with me most, though, is the emotional undercurrent: love, betrayal, and the way time changes the shape of both. Marlee isn’t just a mystery to be solved; she’s a reminder of how the people we lose never really stop haunting us.
Tear Us Apart is the kind of thriller that keeps you up too late, heart pounding, but also leaves you reflecting on loyalty, identity, and the long shadows cast by the past.
The hook is instantly chilling: Isaac Sofer’s wife Marlee has been gone for nearly seven years, but someone, someone who isn’t Isaac, wants her found. That eerie dissonance between what’s on paper and what’s really happening drives the story with relentless momentum. Jesse, Cindy, and Georgia make for a team you want to follow: sharp, capable, but not infallible. Their dynamic adds warmth and grounding to a story that could easily veer into pure adrenaline.
Scudiere balances multiple threads with skill, the urgency of Marlee’s case, the resurfacing specter of the assassin Sin, and the unsettling possibility that the past is not nearly as buried as it seems. Each revelation is timed just right, pushing the reader to question every character’s motives and to wonder what truths are being hidden in plain sight.
What stayed with me most, though, is the emotional undercurrent: love, betrayal, and the way time changes the shape of both. Marlee isn’t just a mystery to be solved; she’s a reminder of how the people we lose never really stop haunting us.
Tear Us Apart is the kind of thriller that keeps you up too late, heart pounding, but also leaves you reflecting on loyalty, identity, and the long shadows cast by the past.
September 13, 2025
Tear Us Apart by A J Scudiere is the third book in the Hangman Series.
Jesse is a private investigator who employs Cindy, and Georgia. Cindy is a psychic who can see things with touch and Georgia is the daughter of retired FBI agent. Each one has more in their history than is known.
Jesse is a private investigator who is asked to help investigate the disappearance of Marlee Sofer. The 7-year mark is coming up. Jesse and Cindy see husband Issac. The way he is acting they can tell he did not hire them. So, who did? They bring in Georgia who is a computer expert.
The story unravels very quickly with nonstop action. There are a lot of twists and turns and as the story unfolds.
The writing is well done and easy to read. I recommend this story. I do feel you get more out of the story if you read them in order.
Jesse is a private investigator who employs Cindy, and Georgia. Cindy is a psychic who can see things with touch and Georgia is the daughter of retired FBI agent. Each one has more in their history than is known.
Jesse is a private investigator who is asked to help investigate the disappearance of Marlee Sofer. The 7-year mark is coming up. Jesse and Cindy see husband Issac. The way he is acting they can tell he did not hire them. So, who did? They bring in Georgia who is a computer expert.
The story unravels very quickly with nonstop action. There are a lot of twists and turns and as the story unfolds.
The writing is well done and easy to read. I recommend this story. I do feel you get more out of the story if you read them in order.
Currently reading
July 28, 2025The NEW REAL release date is up! Tear Us Apart will be here Sept 11th! Or you can get it early from me.
😉😉😉
Seven years ago, someone needed Marlee Sofer dead. Now, that same person may need her very much alive.
When Jesse and Cindy meet Marlee's husband Isaac for the first time, it's very clear something is wrong. A closer inspection reveals that it wasn't Isaac who hired them at all.
So why did he play along? And who really hired them to find Marlee?
If they don't find out what happened - and fast - the killer stands to inherit everything.
GRAB IT HERE >>> https://www.readajs.com/book/tear-us-...
ALL RETAILER LINKS 📖📖📖
😉😉😉
Seven years ago, someone needed Marlee Sofer dead. Now, that same person may need her very much alive.
When Jesse and Cindy meet Marlee's husband Isaac for the first time, it's very clear something is wrong. A closer inspection reveals that it wasn't Isaac who hired them at all.
So why did he play along? And who really hired them to find Marlee?
If they don't find out what happened - and fast - the killer stands to inherit everything.
GRAB IT HERE >>> https://www.readajs.com/book/tear-us-...
ALL RETAILER LINKS 📖📖📖
September 6, 2025
This gripping murder mystery captivates readers with its intricate plot and unexpected revelations. Georgia's return to the investigative team adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. Each page brings a new surprise, challenging readers' assumptions and keeping them on the edge of their seats. The author masterfully weaves a complex storyline that defies predictability, with twists that dramatically reshape the investigation. The stunning conclusion will leave readers breathless and thoroughly satisfied. For those who crave suspenseful, intelligent crime fiction, this book is an absolute must-read that guarantees an exhilarating intellectual challenge from start to finish.
September 5, 2025
Received the book for a voluntary and honest ARC review.
Jeanne, Cindy, and Georgia, Nash Investigation, atr hired to verify if Marlee Sofer is dead. They have 3 months before the 7 year limit is up.
But who actually hired them. The email from Issac, the husband, is not really from him. But he acts as if he did when they meet with him.
Plenty of plot twists and changes to keep things moving.
The book is exciting and kept me reading until the end. It was hard to put down.
Good psychological thriller
Jeanne, Cindy, and Georgia, Nash Investigation, atr hired to verify if Marlee Sofer is dead. They have 3 months before the 7 year limit is up.
But who actually hired them. The email from Issac, the husband, is not really from him. But he acts as if he did when they meet with him.
Plenty of plot twists and changes to keep things moving.
The book is exciting and kept me reading until the end. It was hard to put down.
Good psychological thriller
September 22, 2025
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
September 4, 2025
Exceptional! Definitely one of A.J.'s best books. Was captivated from the first page through to the end. The characters are so rich and layered that you want to hang out with them - always the smartest kids in the room.
October 2, 2025
great story
I thought sure it would be the guy actoss the street. Kept me thinking and wondering. Wonderful story and I can’t wait for the next book.
I thought sure it would be the guy actoss the street. Kept me thinking and wondering. Wonderful story and I can’t wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews