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Savannah Shadows #1
Echoes of Guilt
A Convicted Killer. A Buried Truth. A Lawyer with Everything to Lose.When Savannah attorney Claire Stevens agrees to take on the appeal of Anthony Bates—a convicted serial killer—she knows the case will change her life. Anthony’s confession and trial shattered the city, sending shockwaves through its tightly-knit and tradition-bound society. But as Claire delves into the case, she uncovers glaring unchallenged evidence, conflicting psychological evaluations, and a police force under immense pressure to find a scapegoat.
As Claire dives deeper, her investigation unearths dark secrets about Anthony’s case—and about her own past. Long-buried guilt resurfaces when cryptic messages begin targeting her, drawing a chilling connection between Anthony’s alleged crimes and the tragedy that altered Claire’s life forever.
Caught between her professional duty and the haunting specters of her past, Claire must untangle a web of lies and hidden motives that threaten to obscure the truth forever. The closer she gets to exposing the truth, the more she risks becoming the next victim.
For fans of Lisa Jewell, Karin Slaughter, and psychological suspense, this gripping thriller explores the price of justice, the weight of guilt, and how far someone will go to uncover the truth.
What secrets are you willing to live with?
As Claire dives deeper, her investigation unearths dark secrets about Anthony’s case—and about her own past. Long-buried guilt resurfaces when cryptic messages begin targeting her, drawing a chilling connection between Anthony’s alleged crimes and the tragedy that altered Claire’s life forever.
Caught between her professional duty and the haunting specters of her past, Claire must untangle a web of lies and hidden motives that threaten to obscure the truth forever. The closer she gets to exposing the truth, the more she risks becoming the next victim.
For fans of Lisa Jewell, Karin Slaughter, and psychological suspense, this gripping thriller explores the price of justice, the weight of guilt, and how far someone will go to uncover the truth.
What secrets are you willing to live with?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
2032 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Ryan
161 books1,433 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 27, 2025
Not on par with his others
Lots of mixed emotions about this one. Good storyline, but I thought the antagonist was fairly obvious right from the get go. I also had a problem with how the MC, a lawyer, seemed to have no compunctions about showing case files to people not involved, seeming to repeatedly violate attorney/client privilege. The biggest issue was the editing. Dozens, if not hundreds, of typos, mainly centered around quotation marks, spacing, and punctuation. I’m not used to that level of sloppiness from his books. It totally took away from the reading experience. But it was an interesting read and I’ve already preordered the next in the series. Hopefully, the typos which appeared in the sample pages will be fixed by publication.
Lots of mixed emotions about this one. Good storyline, but I thought the antagonist was fairly obvious right from the get go. I also had a problem with how the MC, a lawyer, seemed to have no compunctions about showing case files to people not involved, seeming to repeatedly violate attorney/client privilege. The biggest issue was the editing. Dozens, if not hundreds, of typos, mainly centered around quotation marks, spacing, and punctuation. I’m not used to that level of sloppiness from his books. It totally took away from the reading experience. But it was an interesting read and I’ve already preordered the next in the series. Hopefully, the typos which appeared in the sample pages will be fixed by publication.
March 3, 2025
Engaging book, quick read. As other reviews have noted, this book did have typos with things like quotation marks which was odd. My critique is more around storylines that were unfinished or confusing. It actually made me wonder if this will become a series and therefore left open on purpose?
April 14, 2025
I don’t very often find myself hoping the protagonist becomes the victim but…
July 16, 2025
The story had a good plot. And it was compelling. It definitely had a hook to get you interested and once you started reading, you wanted to know how it turned out. But the writing quality of the book was very poor. There were so many typos. The worst of which was an incorrect last name for a character that was a key point to the plot. It seemed like maybe someone edited the book that didn’t quite have a grasp on continuity. They even got confused on the same page with understanding that there’s a difference between a can and a bottle.
The characters were all weak, insecure, damaged people that you wouldn’t wanna know. And so dumb. I don’t know how any of them could’ve had the careers that were assigned to them in the book, given the lack of intelligence they all displayed.
I could definitely see this being turned into a lifetime movie. It certainly reminded me of that style of story and character.
The characters were all weak, insecure, damaged people that you wouldn’t wanna know. And so dumb. I don’t know how any of them could’ve had the careers that were assigned to them in the book, given the lack of intelligence they all displayed.
I could definitely see this being turned into a lifetime movie. It certainly reminded me of that style of story and character.
July 14, 2025
This was a great book made even better that it was set in my hometown (I’m also a proud alum of Savannah Country Day School!!)
The plot was amazing, I loved how the appeal process was actually a short snippet of the book, the rest was dealing with the aftermath. I also loved the way everything connected at the end. The connection between the gifts and why Meredith left them (Matty’s graduation present to Claire) was brilliant.
I hated Lawson throughout the entire book but then loved her at the end, how she followed Meredith to the grave and arrested her there and then followed Claire to Matty’s grave and offered Claire to work WITH her rather than on opposite sides (another reason I loved this book - since I’m also a prosecutor).
Definitely worth the read and I can’t wait to read the next ones in the series!!!
The plot was amazing, I loved how the appeal process was actually a short snippet of the book, the rest was dealing with the aftermath. I also loved the way everything connected at the end. The connection between the gifts and why Meredith left them (Matty’s graduation present to Claire) was brilliant.
I hated Lawson throughout the entire book but then loved her at the end, how she followed Meredith to the grave and arrested her there and then followed Claire to Matty’s grave and offered Claire to work WITH her rather than on opposite sides (another reason I loved this book - since I’m also a prosecutor).
Definitely worth the read and I can’t wait to read the next ones in the series!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
Where drivel meets psychobabble!
At page 278 or so I wrote a note in the book begging myself to stop reading this drivel. So I did. I would urge you not to bother with page 1. Save yourself the pathetic display of inept character portrayal. People like the protagonist only exist in bad episodes of "Seinfeld"! Shallow, spineless, foolhardy and idiotic should be the name on her law firm. People with this little control of their emotions and intellect shouldn't be allowed to practice pickleball no less law. Yes James Patterson sells a lot of books by farming them out, but L.T., you need a better rain gauge for picking your "co-authors!"
At page 278 or so I wrote a note in the book begging myself to stop reading this drivel. So I did. I would urge you not to bother with page 1. Save yourself the pathetic display of inept character portrayal. People like the protagonist only exist in bad episodes of "Seinfeld"! Shallow, spineless, foolhardy and idiotic should be the name on her law firm. People with this little control of their emotions and intellect shouldn't be allowed to practice pickleball no less law. Yes James Patterson sells a lot of books by farming them out, but L.T., you need a better rain gauge for picking your "co-authors!"
March 10, 2025
An unputdownable book!
Feeling guilt can be overwhelming and difficult to move on. Claire is not happy about receiving the appeal of Anthony Bates' case. No one wants Claire to take this case. However, Claire does accept and does her best for Anthony Bates. L.T. Ryan and Laura Chase leads the reader through many twists and turns and surprises to come to the conclusion of what has happened. You must read this tantalizing, suspenseful book to find the answer. Happy reading! ☺️
Feeling guilt can be overwhelming and difficult to move on. Claire is not happy about receiving the appeal of Anthony Bates' case. No one wants Claire to take this case. However, Claire does accept and does her best for Anthony Bates. L.T. Ryan and Laura Chase leads the reader through many twists and turns and surprises to come to the conclusion of what has happened. You must read this tantalizing, suspenseful book to find the answer. Happy reading! ☺️
March 16, 2025
Terrible. I couldn’t stand to finish it. I am an aficionado of this genre, but this example was too ridiculous. That an attorney representing a rich whit e guy would present such a terrible defense and get away with it, that the attorney they hired for the appeal would have no experience in criminal cases….really? The author tries to throw in every kind of emotional issue for the lawyer herself, plus she had to have a a creepy mother and stupid sister. There are too many other books I could be reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐ 0 🌶️ 4 🎧
This was my first LT Ryan and Laura Chase story, but it certainly won't be my last... That was fantastic. It was suspenseful and twisty and honestly pretty angsty for a thriller. It had me sure I knew what was going on, all the while dropping hints to the dinger of a twist.
The audio was fantastic. I really enjoyed Marnye Young in this one and thought she did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. And Audio Sorceress out together a fantastic production as always.
This was my first LT Ryan and Laura Chase story, but it certainly won't be my last... That was fantastic. It was suspenseful and twisty and honestly pretty angsty for a thriller. It had me sure I knew what was going on, all the while dropping hints to the dinger of a twist.
The audio was fantastic. I really enjoyed Marnye Young in this one and thought she did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. And Audio Sorceress out together a fantastic production as always.
March 25, 2025
A really good read
I wanted to give this book a 4.5 but it didn't take. Echo of Guilt was a very good read, however it wasn't perfect. At times I could experience the emotions that were
happening to certain people in the story. Sadness from loss of a friend or lovedone, anger, frustration even simple joy. It's all here. That's what I call a good book!
I wanted to give this book a 4.5 but it didn't take. Echo of Guilt was a very good read, however it wasn't perfect. At times I could experience the emotions that were
happening to certain people in the story. Sadness from loss of a friend or lovedone, anger, frustration even simple joy. It's all here. That's what I call a good book!
March 28, 2025
CC1
This was another excellent start on a new series. The whole story and plot unfolded perfectly. Claire paid the price for success. Meredith was a conniving enemy. Didn't know it was her till end. But the Elizabeth Brown scenario didn't come up often enough for it to relate to Meredith. But 10 stars plus !!!!! Thanks Carl Clause i
This was another excellent start on a new series. The whole story and plot unfolded perfectly. Claire paid the price for success. Meredith was a conniving enemy. Didn't know it was her till end. But the Elizabeth Brown scenario didn't come up often enough for it to relate to Meredith. But 10 stars plus !!!!! Thanks Carl Clause i
March 8, 2025
Claire seeks the Truth
Claire Stevens, an attorney, moves back to her hometown of Savannah and ends up in the middle of legal battle to free a serial killer. This book has so many twists and turns along the way. A great read!
Claire Stevens, an attorney, moves back to her hometown of Savannah and ends up in the middle of legal battle to free a serial killer. This book has so many twists and turns along the way. A great read!
March 10, 2025
Fabulous fast moving
I couldn't put this down. The plot had me wanting to turn the pages till I finished the book. Lee is a master story teller with all his different books. Can't wait for his next book. Thanks for all the enjoyable reading!
I couldn't put this down. The plot had me wanting to turn the pages till I finished the book. Lee is a master story teller with all his different books. Can't wait for his next book. Thanks for all the enjoyable reading!
March 28, 2025
A Real thriller!
It is a great read. The only trouble is that I figured out the ‘who done it’ early on. However I did not figure out the ‘why’ until the very end. A lot of good information in this book about the way we view people and why that matters.
It is a great read. The only trouble is that I figured out the ‘who done it’ early on. However I did not figure out the ‘why’ until the very end. A lot of good information in this book about the way we view people and why that matters.
April 6, 2025
Hold your breath
Echoes of Guilt takes the reader through twists and turns throughout the narrative. While well I used the plot is not trite. It forces cute reader to search for the truth from realistically tragic characters.
Echoes of Guilt takes the reader through twists and turns throughout the narrative. While well I used the plot is not trite. It forces cute reader to search for the truth from realistically tragic characters.
April 8, 2025
Good, But Predictable!
I think this was a fun book to read, I certainly read it very quickly, but I did know who had done it within the first few chapters. The amount of foreshadowing was fun but a little too obvious.
This book is great if you’re looking for a quick, easy read.
I think this was a fun book to read, I certainly read it very quickly, but I did know who had done it within the first few chapters. The amount of foreshadowing was fun but a little too obvious.
This book is great if you’re looking for a quick, easy read.
April 30, 2025
Another phenomenal series from LT Ryan and friends. I cannot get enough of novels that have you totally lost on whodunnit til the very end. Suspecting even the best of friends. Excited to get the next in this series.
May 4, 2025
Murder accomplished by freezing women to death.
A murderer crosses the world killing thin blonde women, who remind him of his only love, by freezing them to death. One crafty killer is this murderer!
A murderer crosses the world killing thin blonde women, who remind him of his only love, by freezing them to death. One crafty killer is this murderer!
June 20, 2025
Absorbing.
Enjoy a mystery and sit back. Characters develop slowly to make one keep guessing the true person. Fast paced carrying the reader along. Will continue with the series to see if one can meet them again.
Enjoy a mystery and sit back. Characters develop slowly to make one keep guessing the true person. Fast paced carrying the reader along. Will continue with the series to see if one can meet them again.
August 3, 2025
Interesting tale
The protagonist I believe became pretty obvious near the end and was certainly diabolical, However, someone should have connected the dots between the murders a long time ago,
The protagonist I believe became pretty obvious near the end and was certainly diabolical, However, someone should have connected the dots between the murders a long time ago,
August 10, 2025
lots of trouble
Claire found lots of trouble in her life for years. Will it always be this way? Only time will tell. Enjoy this story.
Hang with it at the beginning. It starts slow.
Claire found lots of trouble in her life for years. Will it always be this way? Only time will tell. Enjoy this story.
Hang with it at the beginning. It starts slow.
August 17, 2025
A mystery of the first order
So full of twists and turns, it would make a great roller coaster ride at a theme park. First in the series, nicely written. I almost figured the mystery out. If I hadn't been holding my breath, I am sure I would have.
So full of twists and turns, it would make a great roller coaster ride at a theme park. First in the series, nicely written. I almost figured the mystery out. If I hadn't been holding my breath, I am sure I would have.
March 5, 2025
Exciting, nice start for a series.
March 17, 2025
Really good! Shocking!
March 29, 2025
Editing failures
The story is actually a good one. Better editing would have made plot development a lot more plausible as it lead into the unpredictable denoument.
The story is actually a good one. Better editing would have made plot development a lot more plausible as it lead into the unpredictable denoument.
April 3, 2025
a captivating read from start to finish ... a few hard to believe episodes but even those were well presented ... maintained the plot uncertainties well
April 7, 2025
It started out so good then fell flat
April 15, 2025
Excellent!
I like this Claire Stevens! She's got some savvy and some bravado! She and Lawson are gonna be a great team in future novels.
I am looking forward to more.
I like this Claire Stevens! She's got some savvy and some bravado! She and Lawson are gonna be a great team in future novels.
I am looking forward to more.
April 18, 2025
I enjoyed this book.
This book had a lot of twists and turns. The more I read the more I could put it down
This book had a lot of twists and turns. The more I read the more I could put it down
April 18, 2025
Wasn't sure I would be able to finish this one, but I kept on reading. Turned out to be better than it began. I rate it 4.4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews