Shadows of Wildstone

by Mandy Magro

What happens when the past won't let go? Buried secrets rise to the surface in this rural-set romance and mystery from bestselling author Mandy Magro.


Even after leaving small-town Wildstone behind her, Nyah Love hasn't been able to escape the soul-deep tragedy of her dark past. How's she meant to live a happy life when her younger sister is still missing after sixteen years? But fate plays a devastating hand when her mother loses a battle with an illness that Nyah knew nothing of. With no other choice, she must return to her hometown and sort out her mother's estate - heartbroken at losing her longed-for chance to fix their shattered relationship.

Caleb Hart has had his heart broken way too many times. By his first love, Nyah, when she abruptly left town, then by a cheating ex-girlfriend. Now a sergeant with the Wildstone police, he's never given up on trying to find out what happened to her little sister.

Nyah's homecoming is the kindling that soon ignites this cold case. As buried secrets gradually find their way to the surface - firstly with the reading of the will, and then when an unexpected emergency in the neighbourhood uncovers new evidence - Caleb is there to support her through it all. She doesn't want the complication of love, but how long can she resist her reignited feelings for him? As the past returns with a vengeance, they must face the shocking truth ...

PRAISE FOR MANDY

'If you're looking for the perfect romance to curl up with, you can't go past Jillaroo from Jacaranda. Steamy, heartfelt and quintessentially Australian, this was an absolute delight.' - Better Reading

'The land is always a key feature in Mandy Magro's books and Jillaroo from Jacaranda is set to a spectacular Aussie landscape ... A staple summer read.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews

Genres: Romance

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Mandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction, and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman, and a romantic at heart, she loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and all the wonderful characters that live there.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyah Love left Wildstone a small country town with her dad for Cairns and they both haven’t been able to escape the tragedy of the past. Her little sister disappeared one afternoon, her mum always blamed her and sixteen years later she’s still missing. Unexpectedly Nyah returns to Wildstone, her mother passes away, she has to sort out her estate and sell her cottage and she's not sure what to expect.

Caleb Hart was her teenage boyfriend, first love, when Nyah left town so quickly it shattered his heart, he’s now a policeman and he desperately wants to solve the cold case and what happened to Skye?

Returning brings up memories for Nyah, both good and bad ones, she sees people she hasn't caught up with in years, including neighbours, an ex-teacher, Caleb and his sister Hope and her bestie. They had such an idyllic childhood, getting up to mischief, riding horses and pulling stunts at school and this all ended when Skye went missing and Nyah found it too painful to keep in touch with the Hart’s.

Caleb knows this is the perfect chance to find out what happened to the twelve years old, will Nyah find clues in her mums cottage, and someone must know or have seen something and he needs to find new leads and evidence.

I received a copy of Shadows of Wildstone from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed Mandy Magro’s new book, a mystery for a change and with lots of descriptions of how than main character felt towards returning, searching for answers and the truth about her mum and sister; what it's like to live in a small Aussie town and seeing Caleb, missing her dad and dog, and her life in Cairns.

I like Ms Magro’s boho style of writing, it suits her and the locations her novels are set in and five stars from me.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sixteen years previously, Nyah Love and her father, Robert, left Wildstone for good. Nyah's little sister, twelve year old Skye had gone missing, and everything was done to find her. Finally, with her mother blaming both her husband and remaining daughter for Skye's disappearance, Robert had had enough. They'd been living in Cairns, Queensland since they left. But when Nyah heard her estranged mother had died from cancer, she knew her chance of reconciling with her was gone - she would definitely return to Wildstone for the funeral.

Caleb Hart was the local police officer, following in his father's footsteps. He was also the man who'd loved Nyah all those years ago. And he was still searching for Skye. Returning brought all the emotions to the surface again for Nyah - would they ever find Skye? Was she alive somewhere...

Shadows of Wildstone by Aussie author Mandy Magro has a good plot which carried it through, but the story was filled with so much angst and drama that I was continually rolling my eyes. Apprehension, worry, fear, anxiety - it filled the pages, along with constant repetition. I was glad to turn the last page.

With thanks to HQ Fiction for my ARC to read and review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyah Love left Wildstone at the age of sixteen broken hearted she had recently lost her younger sister Skye, who vanished from the front yard with no clue and then her mother blamed her, her loving father Robert took Nyah away to Cairns where they started a new life and things are good, Nyah is a child physiologist now and loving her life but when Nyah is told her mother, Claire has died she needs to go back to Wildstone for the funeral and sort her mother’s affairs out and this will also mean seeing her first love Caleb Hart and her best friend Hope Hart, emotions are going to be running high.

Caleb was heart- broken when Nyah left all those years ago but he did understand why they left but he is now a police officer like his father who was in charge when Skye vanished and Caleb has never put that cold case file away he is always looking for clues. This meeting with Nyah will open up feelings that have been locked away for a long time.

Nyah and Caleb re-start their friendship and soon it is like the old days to a certain extent they are talking, reminiscing and laughing but when a busted water main at a close neighbour’s of Nyah’s old home uncovers buried secrets this cold case is now officially re-opened and both Nyah and Caleb know that someone close knows what happened to Skye and they soon have suspects and answers.

This is a fabulous story, mystery and a beautiful romance re-kindling of a love that neither had ever let go of but this is difficult Nyah’s home is Cairns now and moving permanently to Wildstone is not an option and Caleb has a beautiful home and a fabulous life in Wildstone but neither can put the love that is growing behind them can they work out a way to find the happiness and love that they both deserve. This one is very moving and filled with heart-felt emotion I am a big fan of MS Margo’s and highly recommend this one.

My thanks to Harper Collins AU for my copy to read and review.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen of rural romance has delivered her latest outback romantic fiction.
Shadows Of Wildstone is a second chance love story with a slight mystery thread.
Nyah Love fled her hometown of Wildstone when tragedy struck.
When her mother passes she must return to deal with her estate and confront the past.
Caleb Hart has never forgotten his first love and now the local police sergeant vowing to never give up finding out the truth about Nyah’s sister.
But as the will is read and a crisis occurs it brings to attention the truth.
Can Nyah and Caleb rekindle their feelings for each other or will history get in the way….
Mandy gives her audience her signature brand.
There’s the emotion, friendship, community, love, healing, tenderness, secrets, steamy and of course heart and soul.
Offering readers the right concoction of lovely characters, a Aussie rustic plot, furry friends, sentimental romance, everyday issues, country music and the support of family and friends.
I enjoyed my time with Nyah and Caleb and was intrigued by the why.
Enjoy this brand new rural delicacy from our homegrown country storyteller.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance, outback romantic suspense story.

Sixteen years since she left the small-town of Wildstone, Nyah Love is forced to return to handle her estranged mother's estate. Nyah has struggled to live her life since the mysterious disappearance of sister, and her return to Wildstone reignites the cold case. She also rekindles her connection with her first love, Caleb Hart, who is now the Sergeant of the Wilstone police.

I really enjoyed the authentic connection between Nyah and Caleb.
'I've always been here for you, and I always will be, no matter what, because I want to be, forever.'
I love how the story progressed, right through to the beautiful ending.

I love the very Australian nature of this story. I particularly appreciate the variety of Cairns and nearby locations littered throughout this story, including the Esplanade, local beaches, Kuranda, and Limberlost.

[Melissa Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I start a book by Mandy Magro, I know I’ll fall in love with the characters, the setting and the storyline. An this one didn’t disappoint.

Nyah left Wildstone after a tragedy of her sister going missing. That meant leaving her ex. But now with her mother’s death, she has returned. And facing her ex and the past, this causes Nyah to question everything. But needing answers is important for her to move forward.

Mandy has written this book with so many emotions floating through it, that you honestly can feel everything the characters do.

[Natalie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A generous 2.5 stars rounded up.

I usually enjoy a bit of escapist romance, and Magro is a repeat author for me, but this was not one for me.

The narrative is repetitive and I skipped large sections and it didn’t make any difference. There are some highly dubious decisions (e.g.dad not traveling) and unrealistic timelines that make no sense (crime/court case -start, process and decisions).

Onwards and upwards to her next one.

[Molly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book… when I started reading it and it was a murder mystery I was a bit unsure as I’m not 100% into those sort of books but I’m so glad I kept reading. The storyline was very good and the ending was perfect I loved it so much and always one of those few books that really gets you in. You can imagine it and you also wish it was you all at the same time.
Highly recommend

[Josie Pallot · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was painful.
I normally rate Mandy but this was really hard to read.

[Bine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is slightly on the edge of my usual reading but the hints of a crime aspect drew me in.

As I am a lover of Aussie mysteries, it’s not a surprise that I would have liked to see that aspect more fleshed out but I was happy to be drawn into the story and just to go along for the ride.

Lots of emotional ups and downs for the characters throughout. At times some things and thoughts were maybe a bit repetitive but I picked up the book at the right time (as after-work-escape) and didn’t mind it too much.

I wonder if this is a typical book for the author who has twenty-six titles to her name or if this is maybe a first venture into the crime genre which will become more prominent in the future (if it was a first venture- I only read one other by Mandy and it didn’t have any crime aspects to it).

Thank you Harper Collins for sending me a review copy. The book was a gift but opinions are all my own.

[Angelynn23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great rural romance with a twist of crime and mystery. I think this is my second book of Mandy Margo and I enjoyed them. It’s always nice to feel that community spirit and keeps your heart warm.

With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non Fiction, YA) & MIRA for an amazing ARC.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mandy Magro writes romantic fiction in which her heroes and heroines often face more difficult obstacles than romantic fiction usually presents. Generally this is quite realistic and has enhanced her fiction for me, but unfortunately here she has used a crime plot which sits uneasily in the greater framework.

The difficulty with the subplot around Nyah’s missing sister is that although emotionally accurate for the characters, the events feel unrealistic. Basic police procedures are flouted to such an extent that it could impede a prosecution. I kept thinking “as if!” while events related to this sub plot were unfolding. It was distracting, and for me, made this one of Magro’s weakest novels.

However, as I said, the emotions evoked around this sub plot were pretty realistic, and contributed a lot to both character development and the flowering of the relationship between Caleb and Nyah.

As a piece of romantic fiction, it largely works. The relationship between Nyah and Caleb – past and present – is vividly evoked. The obstacles which could prevent the relationship rekindling are real and (often) practical. Few readers will have difficulty believing in this relationship, or cheering for it to come to fruition.

But overall, that crime sub plot is so wonky and unbelievable that it detracted from the novel for me.

This is a novel that will be enjoyed by Magro’s fans, but will probably seem average to new readers. It may be actively annoying to those who like grounded and realistic crime fiction.

You may also be interested in my reviews of other novels by Mandy Magro:
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[Thedisenchantmentofmagic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Harper Collins and Mandy Magro for the amazing opportunity to read your new book! I was so excited to dive into a story set right here in my own country — and even more thrilled that it begins just down the road from me, in Cairns!

This book is packed with Australian slang and culture — it’s woven into every chapter, from the characters’ dialogue to their surroundings. While I appreciated the authentic Aussie touch, I personally found the constant references a bit overdone. For instance, the frequent mentions of “Cairns” and descriptions like “the Australian sky” felt repetitive. It was clear from the first chapter where the story was set, so revisiting that point so often pulled me out of the story at times.

I also struggled with the inner monologues and thought processes of the characters. In the opening chapter, we meet Caleb Hart and get a deep dive into his reflections on past relationships and his hopes for a family. However, these thoughts felt repetitive and, to me, didn’t quite capture the natural voice of an Australian male — more like a woman writing from a male perspective.

The subplot involving Nyah’s sister, Skye, also felt unnecessary. While it added some backstory and emotional depth for Nyah, it was resolved too quickly — major moments were wrapped up in just a couple of chapters.

Overall, I did enjoy aspects of the story, but the writing style and genre weren’t quite to my taste. That said, if you love heartfelt, real-life romances set against a distinctly Australian backdrop, this book will definitely appeal to you!

[GrowingInTheValley (Rhiannon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are moments like this when I wonder what’s wrong with me for letting too much time slip between Mandy Magro’s books. One chapter into Shadows of Wildstone and I was instantly reminded why I adore her writing—her ability to bring a story to life with such vivid detail is second to none.

This is a beautifully emotional second-chance romance. I’m a sucker for a damaged hero who quietly pines for love but can’t quite reach for it, still haunted by old betrayals. Add in the fact that he’s a police officer, has a dog, and loves to cook? Absolutely irresistible.

Be warned, though, have your tissues handy. I was not prepared for how deeply heartbreaking some of these scenes would be.

If I had one small critique, it’s just that a few words and phrases felt repetitive, and the ending stretched on a little longer than I needed. But overall, this story swept me up and reminded me why Mandy Magro is an auto-buy author for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

#ShadowsofWildstone #NetGalley
https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781...

[J | Booked, Babe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HarperCollins for the review copy of this book.

This was my first time reading Mandy Magra and I was pleasantly surprised!

Shadows of Wildstone follows Nyah as she returns to her hometown of Wildstone, forced to confront unresolved grief, past choices, and relationships she never truly left behind. The writing style is warm and descriptive, with a strong focus on character emotions and the small-town setting, which really anchors the story.

While the pacing is gentle, the emotional journey and quiet tension kept me engaged, especially watching Nyah navigate healing and second chances. Not my usual go to book, but a heartfelt, well-written rural romance!

[Maree Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third Mandy Magro novel and it didn't disappoint.
Some very wonderfully real characters here who I came to love and care for.
There were certainly times when I needed the tissues, other times when I laughed out loud or cheered along with them.
I loved the rural setting of Wildstone but felt right at home with Nyah in Palm Cove, as that is my favourite spot in the world.

This story is about love and loss, of hope and new beginnings, of never giving up on finding the truth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the digital arc. All opinions are my own.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyah grew up in Wildstone with her family, until her younger sister Skye disappeared at the age of 12. Then Nyah and her father moved to Cairns leaving her mother in Wildstone. Life goes ahead until Nyah goes back to Wildstone after her mother’s death. Along comes her childhood friend Hope and Hope’s brother Caleb who just happens to be her first love.

Part romance, part solving the mystery of Skye’s disappearance this book does a great job at describing the landscapes of both Cairns and the remote area where Wildstone would be located.

[ANDREA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Mandy Magro books and her style of writing . Sadly this one was hard to read as it went on and on a bit too much . I did love the story of Nyah and Caleb ,
Loved the great outcome after so much sadness in their lives . I find myself flicking a lot of pages .

[Kylie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of the timeframes weren't realistic.

[Bex Dalziell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm usually a big Mandy Magro fan but this book was a struggle, the intense over the top descriptions of everything made this book drag out.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy read with a lot going on and it did get predictable near the end. Struggled to like or relate to the female character

[Sheree Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read most of Mandy’s books & this is probably my favourite

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows of Wildstone is the newest release for Aussie author Mandy Magro …and I think it’s one of my favourites by this author to date. It blends romance with secrets and mystery which drew me in to the story from the start.

✨ I enjoyed the setting of this book. Beautiful FNQ and also a small inland rural town. The relationships felt authentic and the mystery added another layer to the story. I enjoyed watching Caleb and Nyah reconnect…gotta love a second chance romance filled with longing and hope 🥰

Thank you to @harlequinaus for a #gifted copy to read

[Sue Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for lovers of Aussie rural romance who also enjoy a good mystery.

It hooked me in as I tried to work out what happened to Nyah’s young sister, whilst also wondering why Nyah and her Mum had such a toxic relationship. The rekindling of Nyah’s relationship with her first love Caleb and the ongoing “will they, won’t they?” also had me very invested. As well as their shared history they both had past hurts they needed to work through before this decision could be made. Lots going on to hold your interest!

I loved the descriptions of both small country town Wildstone and then the tropics of Cairns and far north Queensland. Great places to have to choose between where you want to live your life!

A perfect beach or holiday read!

4.2 stars