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Hidden in the Shadows
Twenty-three-year-old Evie Day never dreamt she’d be back in Woodsville Arkansas, a small town in the middle of nowhere, after having left five years earlier, but the death of her grandfather called for her return.
After discovering a photo from 1933 of a mysterious woman standing next to a tiny wooden box, a strange vial of blood wrapped up in a handkerchief in the pocket of her grandfather’s overalls, and a key hidden in his desk drawer that belongs to a secret safety deposit box, Evie is unwittingly thrown into a world of evil where those closest to her are the ones to be the most feared.
After discovering a photo from 1933 of a mysterious woman standing next to a tiny wooden box, a strange vial of blood wrapped up in a handkerchief in the pocket of her grandfather’s overalls, and a key hidden in his desk drawer that belongs to a secret safety deposit box, Evie is unwittingly thrown into a world of evil where those closest to her are the ones to be the most feared.
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Published February 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 20, 2022
Call it 3.75 stars!
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and A. D. (Angie) Vancise for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After having A.D. Vancise reach out and request I read this ARC, I was both honoured and curious about what was to come. An eerie story that spans two time periods, Vancise takes the reader on a journey and jolts them with what they will discover. Part mystery, part horror thriller, the story develops quickly and leaves the reader wondering if they have any control over what they are reading. My first piece by A.D. Vancise and what a ride it was.
Evie Day is back in her hometown, five years after she vowed she would never look back. In Woodsville, Arkansas to attend her grandfather’s funeral, Evie discovers an old photo in his belongings. This leads to other oddities, including a vial of blood, presumably from a case he was working as a local cop many years ago. Now, Evie is pulled into the middle of the mystery that her grandfather left for her, albeit inadvertently.
While she delves a little deeper, Evie uncovers a secret life her grandfather may have been living, or at least a case that remained unsolved. What begins somewhat innocently soon unravels and keeps Evie from being able to stop herself. Mysteries abound and people she’s never heard of become the centre of her world.
Meanwhile, in a flashback narrative, the story of what happened back in 1933 comes to life, with horrible situations and a witness there to recount the tale. Torture, murder, and a taste for blood all come to the surface while a killer (or group) runs rampant around town. How will it all connect with Evie‘s discoveries and what does it all mean? A.D. Vancise has the answers, but demands patience and full attentiveness of her audience to discover the truth.
I try to keep an open mind when I discover a new author, in hopes that they will click for me. A.D. Vancise did so in some regards with this uniquely framed story that had me scratching my head throughout the reading experience. Some crime fighting and even more baffling revelations left me wanting to know more, while being jarred by what I was learning. I can only wonder if some of Vancise’s other books pack the same punch, as she is sure to have quite the following if this is the case.
It takes a strong narrative to keep the reader connecting with a piece through to the very end. A.D. Vancise does that in her own way, luring the reader with some jolting information and hopes that it will be enough. The pacing of the book proved useful to help digest some of the larger and more problematic parts of the storytelling, content, not delivery. Vancise uses a handful of interesting characters to portray the jarring effective of her story and left me asking myself what I was reading on more than one occasion. Plot twists and reveals helped keep me on my toes throughout and left me to wonder if there will be more in this vein, if not in the form of a series. Vancise is a new author for me, but I have not yet decided if I will be back for more, or if this is one novel I need to allow some digestion before committing to something else. Well worth a gander, if only to see what the hype is all about.
Kudos, Madam Vancise, for a unique journey well into the depths of the genre. I liked it, i think!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and A. D. (Angie) Vancise for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After having A.D. Vancise reach out and request I read this ARC, I was both honoured and curious about what was to come. An eerie story that spans two time periods, Vancise takes the reader on a journey and jolts them with what they will discover. Part mystery, part horror thriller, the story develops quickly and leaves the reader wondering if they have any control over what they are reading. My first piece by A.D. Vancise and what a ride it was.
Evie Day is back in her hometown, five years after she vowed she would never look back. In Woodsville, Arkansas to attend her grandfather’s funeral, Evie discovers an old photo in his belongings. This leads to other oddities, including a vial of blood, presumably from a case he was working as a local cop many years ago. Now, Evie is pulled into the middle of the mystery that her grandfather left for her, albeit inadvertently.
While she delves a little deeper, Evie uncovers a secret life her grandfather may have been living, or at least a case that remained unsolved. What begins somewhat innocently soon unravels and keeps Evie from being able to stop herself. Mysteries abound and people she’s never heard of become the centre of her world.
Meanwhile, in a flashback narrative, the story of what happened back in 1933 comes to life, with horrible situations and a witness there to recount the tale. Torture, murder, and a taste for blood all come to the surface while a killer (or group) runs rampant around town. How will it all connect with Evie‘s discoveries and what does it all mean? A.D. Vancise has the answers, but demands patience and full attentiveness of her audience to discover the truth.
I try to keep an open mind when I discover a new author, in hopes that they will click for me. A.D. Vancise did so in some regards with this uniquely framed story that had me scratching my head throughout the reading experience. Some crime fighting and even more baffling revelations left me wanting to know more, while being jarred by what I was learning. I can only wonder if some of Vancise’s other books pack the same punch, as she is sure to have quite the following if this is the case.
It takes a strong narrative to keep the reader connecting with a piece through to the very end. A.D. Vancise does that in her own way, luring the reader with some jolting information and hopes that it will be enough. The pacing of the book proved useful to help digest some of the larger and more problematic parts of the storytelling, content, not delivery. Vancise uses a handful of interesting characters to portray the jarring effective of her story and left me asking myself what I was reading on more than one occasion. Plot twists and reveals helped keep me on my toes throughout and left me to wonder if there will be more in this vein, if not in the form of a series. Vancise is a new author for me, but I have not yet decided if I will be back for more, or if this is one novel I need to allow some digestion before committing to something else. Well worth a gander, if only to see what the hype is all about.
Kudos, Madam Vancise, for a unique journey well into the depths of the genre. I liked it, i think!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 5, 2023
What did I just read??! I’m all hear no, see no, speak no but here goes…
This is the book of all your nightmares!! Sickening to my soul! I’ll have nightmares about these monsters!
An utterly terrifying story that gave me chills, and had me sick to my stomach. I’ll admit that I skimmed through the POV who’s flashback narrative story flips back to 1933 then comes to life in a Sci-Fi fantasy sort of way..
The other POV is in 1991 is a suspense mystery, told by Evie Day when she returns after five years Evie Day is back in her hometown, in Woodsville, Arkansas to attend her grandfather’s funeral. Evie discovers an old photo in his belongings along with a key and a vial of blood, from a case he was working as a local cop many years ago. Now, Evie is pulled into the middle of the mystery that her grandfather left for her.
I’m super sensitive to child and animal abuse, so this was so insane for me to handle. This was listed as a Fiction Thriller and oh no it was not! I love horror flicks but I could NEVER watch this if it became one. To me this was more part graphic horror and great suspenseful mystery..
Trigger warnings: sadistic pedophiles, child rape/extreme abuse/child trafficking's, satanic rituals, bloody sacrifices, an absolute horror.
Ms. Vancise, what a crazy journey a bit much but bravo because i liked it , I think. I give it 3.5 stars
This is the book of all your nightmares!! Sickening to my soul! I’ll have nightmares about these monsters!
An utterly terrifying story that gave me chills, and had me sick to my stomach. I’ll admit that I skimmed through the POV who’s flashback narrative story flips back to 1933 then comes to life in a Sci-Fi fantasy sort of way..
The other POV is in 1991 is a suspense mystery, told by Evie Day when she returns after five years Evie Day is back in her hometown, in Woodsville, Arkansas to attend her grandfather’s funeral. Evie discovers an old photo in his belongings along with a key and a vial of blood, from a case he was working as a local cop many years ago. Now, Evie is pulled into the middle of the mystery that her grandfather left for her.
I’m super sensitive to child and animal abuse, so this was so insane for me to handle. This was listed as a Fiction Thriller and oh no it was not! I love horror flicks but I could NEVER watch this if it became one. To me this was more part graphic horror and great suspenseful mystery..
Trigger warnings: sadistic pedophiles, child rape/extreme abuse/child trafficking's, satanic rituals, bloody sacrifices, an absolute horror.
Ms. Vancise, what a crazy journey a bit much but bravo because i liked it , I think. I give it 3.5 stars
November 13, 2023
This book really wasn't for me and I am not excessively squeamish. While the writing was decent, this passed my normal barriers for what I could enjoy reading. If you enjoy horror movies, etc., you might enjoy it. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2025
Evie Day thought she had escaped Woodsview, Arkansas, for good, but the sudden death of her grandfather summoned her back. While helping her Grams sort through his stuff, Evie sees an old photograph of a mysterious woman holding a small wooden coffin. The picture gives her the creeps, but something about it also compels her to dig deeper. It is a photograph from an old case her grandfather was working on. Moreover, she finds vials of blood and a key to a secret safety deposit box hidden within his things. The more she searches for answers, the more she faces anger and resistance from residents of the town. Something sinister happened, but what?
Under the hypnotizing sound of a metronome and the care of his therapist, Charlie relives repressed memories from his horrific childhood. This includes agonizing abuse, satanic rituals, child trafficking, and other depraved acts.
What is the connection between Evie’s findings and Charlie’s revelations? One thing is for certain: once this nefarious secret is uncovered, there is no going back.
Before diving into this review, I want to provide a caveat to all readers. This novel is graphic and horribly disturbing at times, so please read with caution. Hidden in the Shadows by A.D. Vancise is a powerful story about trauma, underground cults, and two worlds colliding. Themes of coming-of-age and justice pepper the pages as Evie pieces together the details of a horrific crime spanning decades. Charlie is transported back to his nightmarish childhood and adolescence.
Despite many of the graphic scenes, Vancise has crafted a propulsive crime novel that delves deep into a dark underworld many have no idea exists. Vancise highlights how dangerous things can get when money is plentiful and the dastardly players are people of tremendous influence. Sadly, that’s how repulsive crimes against children fly under the radar, and my heart constantly broke while reading Hidden in the Shadows. My strong sense of justice kept me going throughout, along with Evie’s determination to piece together clues and interview characters that would (hopefully) lead her to the truth.
For readers who can power through disturbing content in hopes that justice will prevail, A.D. Vancise’s Hidden in the Shadows is a worthy choice. The author deftly builds suspense by merging Evie and Charlie’s worlds. Beyond the fast-paced action, the author sends shivers up your spine with haunting encounters that include hypnotization and mind control, providing another layer of dimension. What’s lurking beneath the shadows? Read and find out!
Under the hypnotizing sound of a metronome and the care of his therapist, Charlie relives repressed memories from his horrific childhood. This includes agonizing abuse, satanic rituals, child trafficking, and other depraved acts.
What is the connection between Evie’s findings and Charlie’s revelations? One thing is for certain: once this nefarious secret is uncovered, there is no going back.
Before diving into this review, I want to provide a caveat to all readers. This novel is graphic and horribly disturbing at times, so please read with caution. Hidden in the Shadows by A.D. Vancise is a powerful story about trauma, underground cults, and two worlds colliding. Themes of coming-of-age and justice pepper the pages as Evie pieces together the details of a horrific crime spanning decades. Charlie is transported back to his nightmarish childhood and adolescence.
Despite many of the graphic scenes, Vancise has crafted a propulsive crime novel that delves deep into a dark underworld many have no idea exists. Vancise highlights how dangerous things can get when money is plentiful and the dastardly players are people of tremendous influence. Sadly, that’s how repulsive crimes against children fly under the radar, and my heart constantly broke while reading Hidden in the Shadows. My strong sense of justice kept me going throughout, along with Evie’s determination to piece together clues and interview characters that would (hopefully) lead her to the truth.
For readers who can power through disturbing content in hopes that justice will prevail, A.D. Vancise’s Hidden in the Shadows is a worthy choice. The author deftly builds suspense by merging Evie and Charlie’s worlds. Beyond the fast-paced action, the author sends shivers up your spine with haunting encounters that include hypnotization and mind control, providing another layer of dimension. What’s lurking beneath the shadows? Read and find out!
December 11, 2022
Reading this book was certainly a ride! Vancise has woven an intricate tale that crisscrosses decades without losing focus or momentum. There is a deeply disturbing storyline that, quite frankly, was difficult to read at times. However, the layers of mystery propelled the book headlong toward its satisfying end. The epilogue implies that a sequel is forthcoming. I’ll be interested to see where Evie’s story takes her.
November 19, 2023
I understand the author is primarily a visual artist and this makes absolute sense as her descriptions of often dark scenarios are truly evocative. This is done very cleverly and may be too much for some readers but I think it works well and serves to embed the reader in the context and events of the book,
December 28, 2023
Hidden in the Shadows by A.D. Vancise
I tried…really really tried to overcome my squeamishness but could not do so. I skimmed to about 25%, read the end, and opted to not finish because…this book is dark and deals with issues I am unwilling to read graphic depictions of – pedophilia, torture and murder of children, satanic cults, murders, and all of these in just the first part. The world is filled with too much darkness for me to want to read this type of story. Even the end was dark and gritty with a barely surviving person that may go on to show up in future books…and no matter what the sleuthing provided and perhaps some eventually saved…I won’t put my time into or fill my mind with more of what has already been lodged there. On the positive side, I guess, is that the writing is excellent and it is easy to visualize all that takes place though…I would really NOT have been able to “see” some of what was written and might have been able to read the story if references and not graphic scenes were provided.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
Rating is not easy…but…I would say a 2 for me and for someone who loves this type of writing they will give it a 5.
Stars 1-2
I tried…really really tried to overcome my squeamishness but could not do so. I skimmed to about 25%, read the end, and opted to not finish because…this book is dark and deals with issues I am unwilling to read graphic depictions of – pedophilia, torture and murder of children, satanic cults, murders, and all of these in just the first part. The world is filled with too much darkness for me to want to read this type of story. Even the end was dark and gritty with a barely surviving person that may go on to show up in future books…and no matter what the sleuthing provided and perhaps some eventually saved…I won’t put my time into or fill my mind with more of what has already been lodged there. On the positive side, I guess, is that the writing is excellent and it is easy to visualize all that takes place though…I would really NOT have been able to “see” some of what was written and might have been able to read the story if references and not graphic scenes were provided.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
Rating is not easy…but…I would say a 2 for me and for someone who loves this type of writing they will give it a 5.
Stars 1-2
April 19, 2023
When Evie returned to her hometown for her grandfather's funeral, she found a photo of a woman from 1933. When Evie was nine years old, she asked about that photo from her grandfather but he said that he doesn't want to talk about it. Now, Evie is twenty-three-years old and she is curious to know more about the woman in the picture.
While going through her grandfather's possessions, Evie found strange things. Evie's grandmother suggested that she remember the saying of her great-grandmother - "never trouble Trouble till Trouble troubles you, for if you trouble Trouble, Trouble’s sure to trouble you." But Evie can't rest until she finds out the truth. Danger is lurking in every corner and the more Evie gets involved in it, the more sinister she finds things are.
The author has created a great horror atmosphere and since I read this book at night, I was terrified as well as enjoyed it more. The author has done a wonderful job in this book. The story is gripping and the book is unputdownable. Those who love reading horror novels should go ahead with this one without any second thoughts.
While going through her grandfather's possessions, Evie found strange things. Evie's grandmother suggested that she remember the saying of her great-grandmother - "never trouble Trouble till Trouble troubles you, for if you trouble Trouble, Trouble’s sure to trouble you." But Evie can't rest until she finds out the truth. Danger is lurking in every corner and the more Evie gets involved in it, the more sinister she finds things are.
The author has created a great horror atmosphere and since I read this book at night, I was terrified as well as enjoyed it more. The author has done a wonderful job in this book. The story is gripping and the book is unputdownable. Those who love reading horror novels should go ahead with this one without any second thoughts.
April 19, 2023
"Hidden in the Shadows" written by the author A.D. Vancise is a thriller. The main character of the story is twenty-three-year old Evie Day. Evie left Woodsville, Arkansas five years earlier and she didn't want to return to this small town. The death of her grandfather brought Evie back to Woodsville.
While searching for a photo of her grandfather for the funeral, Evie came across a photo of a woman from 1933. In the photo, the woman was standing on the left side of a small coffin of her dead baby. Evie has always been nosy and she is determined to find out who this woman is and why her grandfather has kept her photo among the family photos.
The story is interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat till the last page. The cover photo is nice and the title of the book is suitable. The story is well paced and one couldn't put this book down once you start reading it. Those who love reading thrillers shouldn't miss this one. It's a great story.
While searching for a photo of her grandfather for the funeral, Evie came across a photo of a woman from 1933. In the photo, the woman was standing on the left side of a small coffin of her dead baby. Evie has always been nosy and she is determined to find out who this woman is and why her grandfather has kept her photo among the family photos.
The story is interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat till the last page. The cover photo is nice and the title of the book is suitable. The story is well paced and one couldn't put this book down once you start reading it. Those who love reading thrillers shouldn't miss this one. It's a great story.
April 8, 2023
This is the first novel I have read by this author, but I will definitely be reading more. She's very talented and has full control of her writer's toolbox: characterization, plot, dialog, pacing, tension, and just a great, clean prose style that reads really well.
This book delivered exactly what I hope for in a mystery thriller story. The story unfolds from the perspective of multiple, well-developed characters, and tension is always present.
I like the simple writing that tells a somewhat complex story. This book is full of surprising twists and turns and keeps the reader guessing until the end. A real page-turner. Thank you A.D. Vancise for your imagination and the ability to create such amazing works. I will read more by this author.
This book delivered exactly what I hope for in a mystery thriller story. The story unfolds from the perspective of multiple, well-developed characters, and tension is always present.
I like the simple writing that tells a somewhat complex story. This book is full of surprising twists and turns and keeps the reader guessing until the end. A real page-turner. Thank you A.D. Vancise for your imagination and the ability to create such amazing works. I will read more by this author.
December 22, 2022
When Evie returns to her idyllic hometown for her grandfather’s funeral, the last thing she expects is to be dragged into a decades-old mystery. Instead, she finds various sinister clues aInstead, among her grandfather’s possessions, such as a haunting photograph and a bloody knitting needle. Teaming up with figures from her past, such as an old flame, Luke, and a friend from school, Azlinn, she uncovers a deep and twisted conspiracy. The closer they get to the truth, the more sinister and expansive it becomes – and the nearer the threats come to the home.
Hidden in the Shadows by A. D. Vancise is a tale of conspiracy and power. Told through interweaving storylines that slowly connect, the novel explores themes such as greed, lust, and belief in the supernatural. In this book, Vancise skilfully intertwines the magic of cozy small-town charm with the horrific acts those in power can do.
A. D. Vancise makes a sharp delineation between good and evil in her portrayals. Many of the characters, Evie included, are relatable, and the reader can empathize strongly with their journey. The story is filled with heartwarming portrayals of people with nothing but good intentions. On the other hand, the book also depicts people committing heinous acts with no remorse. The author does a beautiful job of depicting both sides of the spectrum and presenting the extremes of human intention.
Hidden in the Shadows by A. D. Vancise is a thrilling mystery that keeps readers in suspense from the first clue until the end. Vancise manages to tell a compelling and imaginative story with a tense and coherent plot within a very atmospheric setting, keeping the reader hooked until the end. The prose is well-written and a joy to read. However, the book contains some very distressing and graphic scenes that are unsuitable for children or the weak of heart. Overall, I would strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy mystery and horror novels.
Hidden in the Shadows by A. D. Vancise is a tale of conspiracy and power. Told through interweaving storylines that slowly connect, the novel explores themes such as greed, lust, and belief in the supernatural. In this book, Vancise skilfully intertwines the magic of cozy small-town charm with the horrific acts those in power can do.
A. D. Vancise makes a sharp delineation between good and evil in her portrayals. Many of the characters, Evie included, are relatable, and the reader can empathize strongly with their journey. The story is filled with heartwarming portrayals of people with nothing but good intentions. On the other hand, the book also depicts people committing heinous acts with no remorse. The author does a beautiful job of depicting both sides of the spectrum and presenting the extremes of human intention.
Hidden in the Shadows by A. D. Vancise is a thrilling mystery that keeps readers in suspense from the first clue until the end. Vancise manages to tell a compelling and imaginative story with a tense and coherent plot within a very atmospheric setting, keeping the reader hooked until the end. The prose is well-written and a joy to read. However, the book contains some very distressing and graphic scenes that are unsuitable for children or the weak of heart. Overall, I would strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy mystery and horror novels.
December 28, 2022
Buckle Up! Vancise takes the reader on an emotional ride of eerie discontent. Both intriguing and horrifying at the same time. Definitely a page turner, wanting to see where the story goes. Exposes unfathomable evil. Looking forward to finding out more of Evie's journey.
January 8, 2024
TW: Extensive, gory abuse of all kinds (explained below)
Evie Day is back in her hometown, helping her grandmother clean out her grandfather’s things after his recent passing, when she stumbles across a strange photo she remembers seeing once as a child and that made her grandfather extremely upset. Now, as an adult, Evie is recognizes that it’s a photo of a woman standing next to a small coffin. Determined to find out her beloved grandfather’s connection to the photo, and why he would keep such an upsetting image, Evie begins to investigate. But she quickly finds herself in over her head, and into something much darker than she could ever have imagined.
The story is told through two POVs: Evie’s and a mysterious person named Charlie who recounts their experience to a therapist of growing up in a mysterious “organization,” which traffics in the worst kinds of abuse of dark materials.
So, yeah this book really hooked me and I was really eager to figure out what was going to happen in both sets of stories, especially as they converged. And WOW, that’s all I’ll say there. No more, no less. This definitely a book where the less you know going in, the better.
But one thing you SHOULD know is that there is very extensive, gory abuse, mostly involving children, both physical and sexual. Also, some animal, though not much. It’s very upsetting in some cases and made me put the book down at parts. It’s what took it from a five- to a four-star read for me. I understand that the book involves an organization that involved this type of abuse and that it made the investigation more meaningful, but the descriptions were very graphic. It was off-putting, and I wouldn’t blame anyone who couldn’t read the book because of it.
So it was a very good book, but with a caveat. Hopefully the author continues to create great storylines, but with more tact.
Evie Day is back in her hometown, helping her grandmother clean out her grandfather’s things after his recent passing, when she stumbles across a strange photo she remembers seeing once as a child and that made her grandfather extremely upset. Now, as an adult, Evie is recognizes that it’s a photo of a woman standing next to a small coffin. Determined to find out her beloved grandfather’s connection to the photo, and why he would keep such an upsetting image, Evie begins to investigate. But she quickly finds herself in over her head, and into something much darker than she could ever have imagined.
The story is told through two POVs: Evie’s and a mysterious person named Charlie who recounts their experience to a therapist of growing up in a mysterious “organization,” which traffics in the worst kinds of abuse of dark materials.
So, yeah this book really hooked me and I was really eager to figure out what was going to happen in both sets of stories, especially as they converged. And WOW, that’s all I’ll say there. No more, no less. This definitely a book where the less you know going in, the better.
But one thing you SHOULD know is that there is very extensive, gory abuse, mostly involving children, both physical and sexual. Also, some animal, though not much. It’s very upsetting in some cases and made me put the book down at parts. It’s what took it from a five- to a four-star read for me. I understand that the book involves an organization that involved this type of abuse and that it made the investigation more meaningful, but the descriptions were very graphic. It was off-putting, and I wouldn’t blame anyone who couldn’t read the book because of it.
So it was a very good book, but with a caveat. Hopefully the author continues to create great storylines, but with more tact.
April 19, 2023
There are very few books that have the power to capture the reader's attention from the first page itself. A.D. Vancise's "Hidden in the Shadows" is one such book. The protagonist of the story is Evie Day. After the death of her Gramps, she had to return to her small town Woodsville so she could support her grams.
While helping her grams with her Gramps' stuff, Evie came across a locked drawer, a key to a safehaven secret safety deposit box, a photo of a woman from 1933, a newspaper clipping of a president coming through Castlewood, a blood-stained handkerchief, etc.
Evie feels that her grandfather has kept lots of secrets and even her grandmother isn't aware about them. This book shows the importance of love and sacrifice for our loved ones. The characters of the story are well developed. The twists and turns make the book more interesting. After reading this book, I am interested in reading more books by the author in the future.
While helping her grams with her Gramps' stuff, Evie came across a locked drawer, a key to a safehaven secret safety deposit box, a photo of a woman from 1933, a newspaper clipping of a president coming through Castlewood, a blood-stained handkerchief, etc.
Evie feels that her grandfather has kept lots of secrets and even her grandmother isn't aware about them. This book shows the importance of love and sacrifice for our loved ones. The characters of the story are well developed. The twists and turns make the book more interesting. After reading this book, I am interested in reading more books by the author in the future.
November 27, 2023
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
I read the BLURB on this book and was interested and intrigued to follow Evie's story, which takes up approximately three quarters of the book.
However fellow readers the other quarter before the stories come together features,
WARNING : Child abuse murder rape and trafficking, with some animal abuse for good measure, in at times graphic and gruesome detail. Had this been mentioned in the BLURB, I would not have touched it with a barge pole, but having started a book I always try to finish, though at times it is a tough read.
Evie however is a quality character brave clever fearless and according to the Authors notes will appear in more books. I trust the BLURB for these will be more accurate.
I read the BLURB on this book and was interested and intrigued to follow Evie's story, which takes up approximately three quarters of the book.
However fellow readers the other quarter before the stories come together features,
WARNING : Child abuse murder rape and trafficking, with some animal abuse for good measure, in at times graphic and gruesome detail. Had this been mentioned in the BLURB, I would not have touched it with a barge pole, but having started a book I always try to finish, though at times it is a tough read.
Evie however is a quality character brave clever fearless and according to the Authors notes will appear in more books. I trust the BLURB for these will be more accurate.
January 22, 2024
A Goodreads Giveaway!
This was totally out of my comfort zone and would not want to read another,
However, it was well written, totally spell binding, hard to put down, wanting to see where it was going and it got worse!
But taking out all the nightmare elements it was worth 4* and for people who enjoy this sort of read I am sure they would give it 5*
This was totally out of my comfort zone and would not want to read another,
However, it was well written, totally spell binding, hard to put down, wanting to see where it was going and it got worse!
But taking out all the nightmare elements it was worth 4* and for people who enjoy this sort of read I am sure they would give it 5*
July 8, 2025
Hidden in the Shadows” by A.D. Vancise is a chilling, fast-paced thriller that blends buried secrets, sinister rituals, and psychological suspense. Evie’s search for answers and Charlie’s haunting past collide in a story that grips you from the first page. Dark, compelling, and impossible to put down.
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April 28, 2023A world of evil hides in plain sight in HIDDEN IN SHADOWS by A.D. Vancise, a spine-tingling small-town horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
May 23, 2025
Hidden in the Shadows by A.D. Vancise is a thrilling, atmospheric read with sharp twists and deep emotional resonance. The suspense never lets up, and the characters feel real. Highly recommend for fans of dark, psychological stories, I couldn’t put it down!
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July 21, 2023Praise for Hidden In The Shadows.
"Hidden in the Shadows by A. D. Vancise is a thrilling mystery that keeps readers in suspense from the first clue until the end." -Literary Titan.
"Writing with crisp efficiency, mordant wit, and bursts of searing terror, Vancise whets the novel's escalating puzzles and portents with an edge of queasy uncertainty." -Editors Pick, Booklife.
"A.D. Vancise excels in crafting a dark, atmospheric story." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"If you are a reader who is tired of reading the same old books that are lackluster and forgettable, then take a chance with this one...you will not be disappointed." -The Red-Headed Book Lover.
"The author vividly informs your mind's eye." -Readers' Favorite.
"Hidden in the Shadows by A. D. Vancise is a thrilling mystery that keeps readers in suspense from the first clue until the end." -Literary Titan.
"Writing with crisp efficiency, mordant wit, and bursts of searing terror, Vancise whets the novel's escalating puzzles and portents with an edge of queasy uncertainty." -Editors Pick, Booklife.
"A.D. Vancise excels in crafting a dark, atmospheric story." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"If you are a reader who is tired of reading the same old books that are lackluster and forgettable, then take a chance with this one...you will not be disappointed." -The Red-Headed Book Lover.
"The author vividly informs your mind's eye." -Readers' Favorite.
June 7, 2023
Entered a giveaway and ended up with this book and oh boy where on earth do I start? This book had me pulled in all different directions in the best way. I loved that there were two POVs that converged in the second half of the book and just when you thought you pieced something together, the author was there to remind you that you knew absolutely nothing.
This was such an intense read and I highly recommend it. I labeled it a thriller but it had small pieces of horror and some sci-fi thrown in there as well.
I will also say that there are definitely some triggering subjects in this book that are extremely dark so proceed with caution.
Overall easy 4.5⭐
This was such an intense read and I highly recommend it. I labeled it a thriller but it had small pieces of horror and some sci-fi thrown in there as well.
I will also say that there are definitely some triggering subjects in this book that are extremely dark so proceed with caution.
Overall easy 4.5⭐
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