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Angelhart Investigations #1.5
Out of the Shadows
5 hours, 5 minutes
A fabulous new series from the queen of crime fiction. —J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of It’s One of Us
In this suspenseful new novella in New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan’s Angelhart Investigations series, the PI team’s biggest client hires them to look into a burglary that quickly escalates into a case with deadly stakes.
Logan Monroe’s family is in danger. After his sister, Laura, and her kids are run off the road and their house is broken in to, Logan tasks the Angelharts with keeping them safe, and the PIs drop everything to take on the case.
But they quickly realize there’s more to the situation than anyone thinks. First, the burglars didn’t take anything—were they just trying to scare her or were they after something they didn’t find? Then Laura can’t reach her ex-husband, who was supposed to take the kids for the weekend. While Jack protects the family, Margo tries to find the ex…but he seems to have disappeared.
As she digs deeper, Margo uncovers someone hiding in the shadows who will do anything to get what he wants—including killing anyone who stands in his way.
A fabulous new series from the queen of crime fiction. —J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of It’s One of Us
In this suspenseful new novella in New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan’s Angelhart Investigations series, the PI team’s biggest client hires them to look into a burglary that quickly escalates into a case with deadly stakes.
Logan Monroe’s family is in danger. After his sister, Laura, and her kids are run off the road and their house is broken in to, Logan tasks the Angelharts with keeping them safe, and the PIs drop everything to take on the case.
But they quickly realize there’s more to the situation than anyone thinks. First, the burglars didn’t take anything—were they just trying to scare her or were they after something they didn’t find? Then Laura can’t reach her ex-husband, who was supposed to take the kids for the weekend. While Jack protects the family, Margo tries to find the ex…but he seems to have disappeared.
As she digs deeper, Margo uncovers someone hiding in the shadows who will do anything to get what he wants—including killing anyone who stands in his way.
Audiobook
First published August 12, 2025
137 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
110 books5,314 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 13, 2025
the setup…
We met Logan Monroe in the last book and he now has Angelhart Investigations on retainer. Alarms go off for him when his sister Laura Barrett and her two children, Sydney and Cody, are deliberately struck on the highway by a truck, totaling their car. They later discover their home had been burglarized while they were detained at the accident. Margo and Jack Angelheart are dispatched to investigate and, for Jack, to protect. It doesn’t take long for the case to get twisty around an ex-husband who suddenly is MIA.
the heart of the story…
Margo takes the lead in trying to figure out the who and what and Jacks stays with Laura and her family in the meantime. They even bring in little sister Lou as backup. But it’s Margo who finds what’s hidden in the shadows and she’s got a great instincts for following and assembling clues. I loved how this family worked in tandem, anticipating each other’s needs without being asked.
the narration…
It’s Hillary Huber…need I say more?
the bottom line…
Margo’s reunion with her family professionally is off to a good start with everyone really committed to make it work. The case had lots of twisty paths leading to quite a few surprises that kept my headphones permanently affixed. I found it all fascinating, laden with tension and was nicely surprised at a potential developing romance. Loving this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
We met Logan Monroe in the last book and he now has Angelhart Investigations on retainer. Alarms go off for him when his sister Laura Barrett and her two children, Sydney and Cody, are deliberately struck on the highway by a truck, totaling their car. They later discover their home had been burglarized while they were detained at the accident. Margo and Jack Angelheart are dispatched to investigate and, for Jack, to protect. It doesn’t take long for the case to get twisty around an ex-husband who suddenly is MIA.
the heart of the story…
Margo takes the lead in trying to figure out the who and what and Jacks stays with Laura and her family in the meantime. They even bring in little sister Lou as backup. But it’s Margo who finds what’s hidden in the shadows and she’s got a great instincts for following and assembling clues. I loved how this family worked in tandem, anticipating each other’s needs without being asked.
the narration…
It’s Hillary Huber…need I say more?
the bottom line…
Margo’s reunion with her family professionally is off to a good start with everyone really committed to make it work. The case had lots of twisty paths leading to quite a few surprises that kept my headphones permanently affixed. I found it all fascinating, laden with tension and was nicely surprised at a potential developing romance. Loving this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 2, 2025
When a woman gets run off the road with her children in the car, she comes home to a torn apart house. Could the 2 incidents be connected!
When Margo gets involved, she discovers that these incidents are more than meets the eye! The Ex husband may just know more than he's letting on!
Solid 4.5 stars!!!!
When Margo gets involved, she discovers that these incidents are more than meets the eye! The Ex husband may just know more than he's letting on!
Solid 4.5 stars!!!!
September 25, 2025
She’s back! It was great to catch up with Margo and the rest of the gang at Angelhart Investigations, Margo’s family business that now has Margo back in the fold after the last installment. This one has Margo and brother, Jack, working together with former client, Logan, from the last installment. This one also takes place shortly after the last one too.
The book summary introduces the primary storyline of Logan’s sister, Laura, and her kids, Sydney and Cody, getting run off the road only later to come home to the aftermath of a break-in. Logan hires Jack and Angelhart to find out if the two incidents are connected and possibly connected to him and his business. Jack is assigned to protect Laura and the kids and Margo is tasked with investigating anyone who may be coming after Logan’s family, like his ex-wife. Brittany, from the last installment, or if maybe someone is after Laura’s ex, Charlie, who is someone who has gotten himself as well as his family mixed up in his nefarious get rich schemes before.
There is also another storyline of the attraction between Jack and Laura. As someone who prefers their romantic suspense stories lean more on the suspense than romance, I can say that this one suited my preference. This was more crime thriller with very little romance that most certainly did not drag down the storyline or interfere with the story flow.
The continuing character development for the members of the Angelhart family was nice to see. The pacing was steady and the storyline interesting. The writing was on par with the series and genre. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarlequinAudio #OutoftheShadows
The book summary introduces the primary storyline of Logan’s sister, Laura, and her kids, Sydney and Cody, getting run off the road only later to come home to the aftermath of a break-in. Logan hires Jack and Angelhart to find out if the two incidents are connected and possibly connected to him and his business. Jack is assigned to protect Laura and the kids and Margo is tasked with investigating anyone who may be coming after Logan’s family, like his ex-wife. Brittany, from the last installment, or if maybe someone is after Laura’s ex, Charlie, who is someone who has gotten himself as well as his family mixed up in his nefarious get rich schemes before.
There is also another storyline of the attraction between Jack and Laura. As someone who prefers their romantic suspense stories lean more on the suspense than romance, I can say that this one suited my preference. This was more crime thriller with very little romance that most certainly did not drag down the storyline or interfere with the story flow.
The continuing character development for the members of the Angelhart family was nice to see. The pacing was steady and the storyline interesting. The writing was on par with the series and genre. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarlequinAudio #OutoftheShadows
August 13, 2025
4.5 stars.
August 23, 2025
As a novella it has a fast pace and the action moves very quickly. I sometimes have trouble keeping up when listening to the audio productions of these. If I lose focus for a few seconds, I can miss something crucial to the plot. You really need to pay attention. Margo came off as a much nicer person this time around and I just loved Jack and Laura and their budding interest in each other.
Angelhart Investigations are called when millionaire Logan Monroe's family is threatened. They need to protect his sister and her family and figure out why someone ran them off the road and broke into their home. Everyone is on edge and when they can't find Laura's ex the focus shifts to him.
The ex is a piece of work, always looking for the big score, and this time he has put his family in danger. Jack, Margo and everyone at Angelhart Investigations will do everything they can to figure it out and protect Laura and her kids.
Angelhart Investigations are called when millionaire Logan Monroe's family is threatened. They need to protect his sister and her family and figure out why someone ran them off the road and broke into their home. Everyone is on edge and when they can't find Laura's ex the focus shifts to him.
The ex is a piece of work, always looking for the big score, and this time he has put his family in danger. Jack, Margo and everyone at Angelhart Investigations will do everything they can to figure it out and protect Laura and her kids.
August 22, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, crime procedural novella. It has engaging, intelligent, strong and capable characters, murder, mystery, intrigue, supportive family, a touch of romance, and a satisfying conclusion. This is a great addition to Ms. Brennan's outstanding Angelhart Investigations series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I am looking forward to reading the next installment with great anticipation. The narrator, Ms. Hillary Huber, does an excellent job voicing the characters.
August 12, 2025
4.5 Stars
Logan Monroe hires Angelhart Investigations when his sister Laura and her two kids are run off the road and she finds her house has been tossed in a break in. Jack Angelhart and his siblings, Margo and Luisa, as well as their mother are all in on the investigation. Jack is more front and center, as opposed to Margo like in the previous books.
Out of the Shadows starts off with a bang and was an exciting, action-packed crime procedural that I listened to straight through! I was hanging on every word as the Angelhart clan tried to locate Laura’s ex-husband and figure out why they were targeted. There was a bit of romance between Jack and Laura as they’re thrown together with Jack sticking close to her family while there’s a threat at large.
I feel you could read/listen to this as a standalone, as it’s focused more on Jack and Laura, and the mystery does wrap up, but you’d miss out on the history and connections that spill into this story.
I was pleased to see Logan, Laura’s brother, a character from the first book, show up again. His ex, Brittany (a piece of work!), is in the story as well, and it makes me wonder if they’ll be in the next book.
Hillary Huber is one of my favorite narrators, so I was thrilled she’s continuing with the series! Her narration definitely enhanced the story as she seamlessly performed all voices: male and female in a variety of ages with a range of emotions!
I voluntarily listened to an advanced listening copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Logan Monroe hires Angelhart Investigations when his sister Laura and her two kids are run off the road and she finds her house has been tossed in a break in. Jack Angelhart and his siblings, Margo and Luisa, as well as their mother are all in on the investigation. Jack is more front and center, as opposed to Margo like in the previous books.
Out of the Shadows starts off with a bang and was an exciting, action-packed crime procedural that I listened to straight through! I was hanging on every word as the Angelhart clan tried to locate Laura’s ex-husband and figure out why they were targeted. There was a bit of romance between Jack and Laura as they’re thrown together with Jack sticking close to her family while there’s a threat at large.
I feel you could read/listen to this as a standalone, as it’s focused more on Jack and Laura, and the mystery does wrap up, but you’d miss out on the history and connections that spill into this story.
I was pleased to see Logan, Laura’s brother, a character from the first book, show up again. His ex, Brittany (a piece of work!), is in the story as well, and it makes me wonder if they’ll be in the next book.
Hillary Huber is one of my favorite narrators, so I was thrilled she’s continuing with the series! Her narration definitely enhanced the story as she seamlessly performed all voices: male and female in a variety of ages with a range of emotions!
I voluntarily listened to an advanced listening copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
October 2, 2025
Angelhart Investigations #1.5
This novella length third book in the series is a tightly plotted mystery. The Angelhart Investigators are hired to protect a family after a break in at their house. The book has good character development and a hint of romance.
This novella length third book in the series is a tightly plotted mystery. The Angelhart Investigators are hired to protect a family after a break in at their house. The book has good character development and a hint of romance.
October 8, 2025
6/10: 3⭐️’s
Narrator: Hillary Huber- good
Laura and her kids are run off the road and they can’t get ahold of her ex-husband. When they get home, they see that someone has broken into their house, but nothing was taken. Strange…are these two events connected?
Laura’s brother, Logan, hired Angelhart Investigations to take on the case and figure out just what exactly is going on. Who hit them? Why? Who broke into their house and took nothing? Why? And where is her ex-husband?
Cute mystery novella that gave more insight into the Angelhart family and brought in Laura and her family. I especially loved her young son, Cody. I hope to see more of them in future books!
Recommend if you have listened to/read the first book in the series and plan on reading the next one.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Rating and review posted: 9/23/25
10/8/25: thank you to publisher added
Narrator: Hillary Huber- good
Laura and her kids are run off the road and they can’t get ahold of her ex-husband. When they get home, they see that someone has broken into their house, but nothing was taken. Strange…are these two events connected?
Laura’s brother, Logan, hired Angelhart Investigations to take on the case and figure out just what exactly is going on. Who hit them? Why? Who broke into their house and took nothing? Why? And where is her ex-husband?
Cute mystery novella that gave more insight into the Angelhart family and brought in Laura and her family. I especially loved her young son, Cody. I hope to see more of them in future books!
Recommend if you have listened to/read the first book in the series and plan on reading the next one.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Rating and review posted: 9/23/25
10/8/25: thank you to publisher added
January 12, 2026
Out of the Shadows picks up shortly after the previous book where we met Logan Monroe. Margo is now working in the family PI firm and Logan has them on retainer. When Logan's sister, Laura, is run off the road with her two children in the vehicle she is not happy, but when she gets home and finds her place ransacked, she is scared. Logan calls in the Angelhart's to investigate. Does this have anything to do with him? Has his terrible ex-wife gone after his sister? Could this have anything to do with Laura's ex, Charlie? When Charlie disappears and neither Laura or her children can reach him, Margo picks up the hunt. With Jack staying in the home to protect Laura and her children, Margo takes lead on the investigation. Who is after Laura and her children? Are they the targets or the bait?
I loved seeing Margo back in the fold, even though she and her mother still don't see eye to eye. Once again, her intuition and keen reasoning come to play to figure out what is actually going on. There seems to be a bit of a romance brewing for Jack, as he is now a divorced single father, but it doesn't take over the story, which I liked. Lou, the younger sister in the company is also brought in. She is a computer whiz and has amazing skills. I enjoyed seeing the family work together as well as learning more about each of them. The story had twists, and suspense that kept me listening eagerly from beginning to end. Hillary Huber does a wonderful job with the narration, once again giving voices to each of the characters making it easy to identify who is speaking. This is a novella, but it reads like a full length novel. On to the next full length story, Don't Say a Word.
I loved seeing Margo back in the fold, even though she and her mother still don't see eye to eye. Once again, her intuition and keen reasoning come to play to figure out what is actually going on. There seems to be a bit of a romance brewing for Jack, as he is now a divorced single father, but it doesn't take over the story, which I liked. Lou, the younger sister in the company is also brought in. She is a computer whiz and has amazing skills. I enjoyed seeing the family work together as well as learning more about each of them. The story had twists, and suspense that kept me listening eagerly from beginning to end. Hillary Huber does a wonderful job with the narration, once again giving voices to each of the characters making it easy to identify who is speaking. This is a novella, but it reads like a full length novel. On to the next full length story, Don't Say a Word.
August 17, 2025
Logan Monroe’s family is in danger. After his sister, Laura, and her kids are run off the road and their house is broken in to, Logan tasks the Angelharts with keeping them safe, and the PIs drop everything to take on the case.
This story starts out with a bang…a car crash! And it just keeps the intensity alive with the hunt for Margo’s ex. And do not think there isn’t a strong chemistry between Margo and Jack.
I enjoyed the mystery of the storage unit. I didn’t quite know if we were about to find secrets in law files or something totally different…you need to read this to find out!
Now, this is part of a series. I have read the first one, You’ll Never Find Me. But it is not necessary that you read it to follow this one. This is a stand alone novella you will enjoy either way.
Hillary Huber does a good job narrating this tale. There are quite a few male voices and she was very good keeping them separate. And she didn’t make me cringe with the children’s voices. So this is a win!!
Need a quick tale with a good mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novella from the publisher for a honest review.
This story starts out with a bang…a car crash! And it just keeps the intensity alive with the hunt for Margo’s ex. And do not think there isn’t a strong chemistry between Margo and Jack.
I enjoyed the mystery of the storage unit. I didn’t quite know if we were about to find secrets in law files or something totally different…you need to read this to find out!
Now, this is part of a series. I have read the first one, You’ll Never Find Me. But it is not necessary that you read it to follow this one. This is a stand alone novella you will enjoy either way.
Hillary Huber does a good job narrating this tale. There are quite a few male voices and she was very good keeping them separate. And she didn’t make me cringe with the children’s voices. So this is a win!!
Need a quick tale with a good mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novella from the publisher for a honest review.
August 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this novella! The Angelharts are an incredible family, and I really enjoyed this glimpse at all of them working together on this case.
Logan Monroe returns from the previous book in this series - You’ll Never Find Me - when his sister Laura, with his niece and nephew, are in a hit-and-run accident. He calls in Jack Angelhart. The Angrlhart’s PI Practice is called in to do some digging.
We get to see everyone here - Jack, Margot, Luisa, Tess, and Mrs. Angelhart - on this case. I’m not going to give anything away here. I also highly suggest that you start with the previous novella and first book in this series before diving into this one.
If you love audiobooks, Hilary Huber continues to narrate this series and does an amazing job. I highly recommend this series on audiobook too!
The next book in this series - Don’t Say a Word - will be released on September 16th. That gives you plenty of time to start and catch up. I highly recommend this series!
Logan Monroe returns from the previous book in this series - You’ll Never Find Me - when his sister Laura, with his niece and nephew, are in a hit-and-run accident. He calls in Jack Angelhart. The Angrlhart’s PI Practice is called in to do some digging.
We get to see everyone here - Jack, Margot, Luisa, Tess, and Mrs. Angelhart - on this case. I’m not going to give anything away here. I also highly suggest that you start with the previous novella and first book in this series before diving into this one.
If you love audiobooks, Hilary Huber continues to narrate this series and does an amazing job. I highly recommend this series on audiobook too!
The next book in this series - Don’t Say a Word - will be released on September 16th. That gives you plenty of time to start and catch up. I highly recommend this series!
September 23, 2025
This was another "new to me" author and this will definitely NOT be the last book I read from Ms. Brennan. I've actually already added the other books in this series to my TBR list.
Again, I've seem to break my rule of not reading a book out of sequence, or reading a book in an already existing series without starting with the first book. It seems that this is happening more and more. *sigh*
So, about this book. One of the things I truly enjoyed the most about this book was getting to meet the Angelhart family from Angelhart Investigations. It is a family run, highly qualified Private Investigations firm in which most of the members of the Angelhart family work together. They are a big family and there are a LOT of them. Part of the team that we get to meet include our MMC Jack Angelhart, his mother, and at least three of his sisters. They are an extremely successful and well-respected firm and I have to say that I liked Jack as a character immediately. I loved watching the dynamic between the investigative teams family members as everyone pitched in on this case and had different roles based on their strengths.
The story revolves around a new case that they are hired for. Logan Monroe hires the firm to protect his sister - FMC Laura's - family after Laura and her 2 children are run off the road by a black SUV and then get home to find that someone has broken into their home and trashed the place looking for something.
Things get even more complicated when they cannot get in touch with Laura's ex-husband Charlie and they fear the worst when a welfare check discovers that Charlie's apartment has been ransacked as well. Charlie is not answering or returning phone calls and no one can find him.
Jack begins the investigation into the two incidents at Laura's ranch and is also working with his team to put her family under protection detail until they can figure out what is going on. I'm not going to say any more than that because this storyline has a million twists and turns and it is fun following along as the Angelhart team begins to unravel quite a big mess.
The pace is quick and the action begins almost right away and does not let up until the end of the book. Charlie, it seems, has gotten himself into quite the pickle.
This book was narrated by Hillary Huber and she does a great job in her portrayal/narration of the different characters. Her voice is distinctive, and I recognized it immediately from other books I've read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC. This book will be out for publication on August 12, 2025.
Again, I've seem to break my rule of not reading a book out of sequence, or reading a book in an already existing series without starting with the first book. It seems that this is happening more and more. *sigh*
So, about this book. One of the things I truly enjoyed the most about this book was getting to meet the Angelhart family from Angelhart Investigations. It is a family run, highly qualified Private Investigations firm in which most of the members of the Angelhart family work together. They are a big family and there are a LOT of them. Part of the team that we get to meet include our MMC Jack Angelhart, his mother, and at least three of his sisters. They are an extremely successful and well-respected firm and I have to say that I liked Jack as a character immediately. I loved watching the dynamic between the investigative teams family members as everyone pitched in on this case and had different roles based on their strengths.
The story revolves around a new case that they are hired for. Logan Monroe hires the firm to protect his sister - FMC Laura's - family after Laura and her 2 children are run off the road by a black SUV and then get home to find that someone has broken into their home and trashed the place looking for something.
Things get even more complicated when they cannot get in touch with Laura's ex-husband Charlie and they fear the worst when a welfare check discovers that Charlie's apartment has been ransacked as well. Charlie is not answering or returning phone calls and no one can find him.
Jack begins the investigation into the two incidents at Laura's ranch and is also working with his team to put her family under protection detail until they can figure out what is going on. I'm not going to say any more than that because this storyline has a million twists and turns and it is fun following along as the Angelhart team begins to unravel quite a big mess.
The pace is quick and the action begins almost right away and does not let up until the end of the book. Charlie, it seems, has gotten himself into quite the pickle.
This book was narrated by Hillary Huber and she does a great job in her portrayal/narration of the different characters. Her voice is distinctive, and I recognized it immediately from other books I've read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC. This book will be out for publication on August 12, 2025.
August 27, 2025
The Angelhart PI team’s biggest client, Logan Monroe, hires them to look into a hit & run and burglary involving his sister Laura that quickly escalates into a case with deadly stakes.
I really enjoyed this novella. This one starts with a literal bang and continues on a fast pace till the end with all of the Angelharts involved. I loved seeing the family working well together. A lot is packed into this story as the family of investigators tries to figure out why Laura has been targeted.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: I did a happy dance when I saw Hillary Huber was the narrator for this book. Huber’s narration was impressive as always. She definitely enhanced the story as she seamlessly performed all voices: male and female in a variety of ages with a range of emotions!
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received a free copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this novella. This one starts with a literal bang and continues on a fast pace till the end with all of the Angelharts involved. I loved seeing the family working well together. A lot is packed into this story as the family of investigators tries to figure out why Laura has been targeted.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: I did a happy dance when I saw Hillary Huber was the narrator for this book. Huber’s narration was impressive as always. She definitely enhanced the story as she seamlessly performed all voices: male and female in a variety of ages with a range of emotions!
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received a free copy of this book.
October 3, 2025
This novella is the first I’ve read of the Angleheart Investigators series, and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed the pacing, the mystery, and it has the right balance of suspense and puzzle pieces to keep my interest. Despite its brevity, I also felt as though I was getting to know the characters. The audiobook is well narrated.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. Publication date: 14 October 2025.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. Publication date: 14 October 2025.
August 14, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
I've quickly become a fan of Allison Brennan's Angelhart Investigation series. I'm on track with reading the series even the novellas, which Out of the Shadows is book 1.5 with another book next month. I enjoy the family and its connections set in Phoenix Arizona. It gives me the feel somewhat of the Kincaid family, which is another of her series.
We get mostly the point of view of Margo as usual, but also her brother Jack. Jack used to be a detective before joining the family investigations business. One of his friends, is worried about his sister, Laura and her ex, Charlie. Basically Charlie was supposed to have the kids over the weekend, but called and cancelled. No one can reach Charlie since Friday. But Laura and the kids have had some incidents.
Jack is protecting Laura and her children, while Margo investigates. She finds out what Charlie was doing and where he went. But so has someone else who wants what Charlie has. And someone else will do anything to get it. Another party is also after what Charlie has.
The danger was frightening and the clueless Charlie is exhausting, no wonder Laura divorced him. There's also a bit of a romance forming in this story. It was exciting and further developed members of the Angelhart family which I loved. I'm so ready for Don't Say A Word in September.
Narration:
The narrator is one of my favorites. It takes me a minute to settle because I have heard her perform so many different characters. I was comfortable with her voice for Margo and the others. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
I've quickly become a fan of Allison Brennan's Angelhart Investigation series. I'm on track with reading the series even the novellas, which Out of the Shadows is book 1.5 with another book next month. I enjoy the family and its connections set in Phoenix Arizona. It gives me the feel somewhat of the Kincaid family, which is another of her series.
We get mostly the point of view of Margo as usual, but also her brother Jack. Jack used to be a detective before joining the family investigations business. One of his friends, is worried about his sister, Laura and her ex, Charlie. Basically Charlie was supposed to have the kids over the weekend, but called and cancelled. No one can reach Charlie since Friday. But Laura and the kids have had some incidents.
Jack is protecting Laura and her children, while Margo investigates. She finds out what Charlie was doing and where he went. But so has someone else who wants what Charlie has. And someone else will do anything to get it. Another party is also after what Charlie has.
The danger was frightening and the clueless Charlie is exhausting, no wonder Laura divorced him. There's also a bit of a romance forming in this story. It was exciting and further developed members of the Angelhart family which I loved. I'm so ready for Don't Say A Word in September.
Narration:
The narrator is one of my favorites. It takes me a minute to settle because I have heard her perform so many different characters. I was comfortable with her voice for Margo and the others. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
August 16, 2025
This was a bit of a sophomore slump for the series. I enjoyed the first book immensely, so perhaps my expectations were a bit too high for this entry.
The character work was not as good as in the first book, focusing more of secondary characters and not enough on the family of sleuths. I would have been happier to see more of Jack’s perspective if the author is trying to make him more of a presence in the series, but what we got for him was somewhat shallow in depth.
The mystery was…meh.
The character work was not as good as in the first book, focusing more of secondary characters and not enough on the family of sleuths. I would have been happier to see more of Jack’s perspective if the author is trying to make him more of a presence in the series, but what we got for him was somewhat shallow in depth.
The mystery was…meh.
October 17, 2025
Excited to see this relationship hopefully blossom in the next entry of the series!
December 26, 2025
3.5 Stars
August 15, 2025
This was so fast and fun. I LOVE the characters in this series and I can’t wait for more in this series.
September 27, 2025
Out of the Shadows is a romantic suspense novella with elements of a missing person mystery and crime thriller. It’s book 1.5 in the Angelhart Investigations series but can easily be read as a standalone. The story follows Laura Monroe, whose ex-husband, Charlie, goes missing at the same time her family becomes the target of escalating threats—including a hit-and-run and a home break-in. Her brother Logan brings in investigators Jack & Margo Angelhart to protect Laura and her children while investigating the truth behind Charlie’s disappearance.
The Angelhart family is a highlight of the story—especially brother and sister Margot and Jack Angelheart, who are a compelling and likeable investigation duo. Margo is sharp, proactive, well-skilled, and very committed to getting to the bottom of things. Her feisty dialogue, especially when interrogating others, adds a lot of entertainment value to the story. Jack Angelhart, previously a police detective and now part of the family PI business, plays a more central protective role with Laura and her kids. He’s the perfect golden retriever MMC and provides grounding for Laura amidst all the stress and danger she faces. Meanwhile, Laura is a complex character who puts her children’s needs above her own and is still reeling over her ex-husband’s mistakes. Her children are a central part of the mystery and add vulnerability and urgency to the narrative. Lastly, Charlie, Laura’s ex-husband, is the most flawed character, and his disappearance is the catalyst of a much larger danger that’s threatening the family.
Alongside the missing person mystery, there’s also a compelling romantic subplot between Investigator Jack and Laura, which will delight romantic suspense lovers! Jack takes on a protective role for Laura and her family, and their chemistry is tangible from their first encounter! Despite Laura’s residual feelings for her ex-husband, Jack’s warmth and protective nature have her very much considering a second chance at love!
This book is marketed as a novella but in reality is the length of a short novel at over 200 pages. The pacing is pretty relentless with short chapters that often end in cliffhangers, and readers will be furiously turning the pages to see how it unfolds! The story has a wonderful balance of suspense, family drama, romance, and police procedural elements. Even though it’s shorter than a full novel, Brennan packs in enough twists, detours, and red herrings to keep readers fully engaged from start to finish.
Overall, Out of the Shadows is an exciting short read and the perfect entry in the Angelhart Investigations series. It also perfectly showcases Allison Brennan’s unique writing style that will appeal to a wider range of readers than a typical mystery or thriller with her strong characters, family dynamics, high-stakes suspense, and touch of romance. Fans of procedural crime thrillers, rich characters, family dynamics, and romantic suspense will enjoy this book!
The Angelhart family is a highlight of the story—especially brother and sister Margot and Jack Angelheart, who are a compelling and likeable investigation duo. Margo is sharp, proactive, well-skilled, and very committed to getting to the bottom of things. Her feisty dialogue, especially when interrogating others, adds a lot of entertainment value to the story. Jack Angelhart, previously a police detective and now part of the family PI business, plays a more central protective role with Laura and her kids. He’s the perfect golden retriever MMC and provides grounding for Laura amidst all the stress and danger she faces. Meanwhile, Laura is a complex character who puts her children’s needs above her own and is still reeling over her ex-husband’s mistakes. Her children are a central part of the mystery and add vulnerability and urgency to the narrative. Lastly, Charlie, Laura’s ex-husband, is the most flawed character, and his disappearance is the catalyst of a much larger danger that’s threatening the family.
Alongside the missing person mystery, there’s also a compelling romantic subplot between Investigator Jack and Laura, which will delight romantic suspense lovers! Jack takes on a protective role for Laura and her family, and their chemistry is tangible from their first encounter! Despite Laura’s residual feelings for her ex-husband, Jack’s warmth and protective nature have her very much considering a second chance at love!
This book is marketed as a novella but in reality is the length of a short novel at over 200 pages. The pacing is pretty relentless with short chapters that often end in cliffhangers, and readers will be furiously turning the pages to see how it unfolds! The story has a wonderful balance of suspense, family drama, romance, and police procedural elements. Even though it’s shorter than a full novel, Brennan packs in enough twists, detours, and red herrings to keep readers fully engaged from start to finish.
Overall, Out of the Shadows is an exciting short read and the perfect entry in the Angelhart Investigations series. It also perfectly showcases Allison Brennan’s unique writing style that will appeal to a wider range of readers than a typical mystery or thriller with her strong characters, family dynamics, high-stakes suspense, and touch of romance. Fans of procedural crime thrillers, rich characters, family dynamics, and romantic suspense will enjoy this book!
September 22, 2025
Loved this one!!!
And, it's a new series, so I am looking forward to reading more about these characters!
The novella revolves around a couple who are divorced and their kids. We start with a BANG, as the wife is CRASHED into on her way home... with the kids in the car. At the same time, she cannot get a hold of her husband.
Her brother is an independent, wealthy guy who seems to be an all-around good guy. He helped his sister find a house when the divorce happened, and put his name on the loan, since her husband wrecked their credit....
He even gave the brother-in-law a townhome to stay in, so that he could see the kids...
But now that no-one can find him, everyone starts to get worried.
To make matters worse, there have been break-ins too!!
So, her brother hires his PI team to look into this, and to protect his sister and the kids until they can find out exactly what is going on.
Is it a coincidence? Were they targeted?
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 stars for me!!! Happily rounded up to 5!!
Loved the characters! Loved the setting! Loved the suspense! And, loved the little bit of romance that just might be budding!!!
OH…and there are dogs, 🐕 and cats, 🐈 and horses 🐎 and so much more!!
#OutOfTheShadows by @AllsionBrennan and narrated beautifully by @HillaryHuber.
This one has already been released, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the audiobook recently! So, look 👀 for it on shelves now!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
And, it's a new series, so I am looking forward to reading more about these characters!
The novella revolves around a couple who are divorced and their kids. We start with a BANG, as the wife is CRASHED into on her way home... with the kids in the car. At the same time, she cannot get a hold of her husband.
Her brother is an independent, wealthy guy who seems to be an all-around good guy. He helped his sister find a house when the divorce happened, and put his name on the loan, since her husband wrecked their credit....
He even gave the brother-in-law a townhome to stay in, so that he could see the kids...
But now that no-one can find him, everyone starts to get worried.
To make matters worse, there have been break-ins too!!
So, her brother hires his PI team to look into this, and to protect his sister and the kids until they can find out exactly what is going on.
Is it a coincidence? Were they targeted?
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 stars for me!!! Happily rounded up to 5!!
Loved the characters! Loved the setting! Loved the suspense! And, loved the little bit of romance that just might be budding!!!
OH…and there are dogs, 🐕 and cats, 🐈 and horses 🐎 and so much more!!
#OutOfTheShadows by @AllsionBrennan and narrated beautifully by @HillaryHuber.
This one has already been released, but I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the audiobook recently! So, look 👀 for it on shelves now!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
August 16, 2025
It may be the fact that I just listened to another novella before this one, but I think the abbreviated stories are just not my thing. They feel rushed and that was the case with this one. I read the prequel and book 1 of this series so it was fun to get more from this series. I know that book 2 comes out next month so perhaps this novella was necessary to set up Jack and the romance that develops in this book for more development in the next book. In any case, I like the Angelheart family and the backstory that unfolds for each book about each family member. I am anxious to see Margot make some headway on her father's mysterious circumstances involving his incarceration. I digress. So this book involves Logan who is seen in the first book and now is divorced from his gold-digging ex (and we get an update about their situation so I encourage readers to pick up at least book 1 before reading this one) and Logan's sister plays heavily in the plot of this book. Her ex husband has found himself in the thick of things and it plays out rather quickly (and as most novella's do.... wrapped up nice and neatly). I wanted to hear more about Margot and the attraction developing again for her and Rick but that was basically shelved for this book with a focus on Jack. The narrator is Hillary Huber and she's always excellent voicing male/female and children. I don't know if this book added to the development of the characters for book 2 but I do think the "romance" angle happened VERY fast! With that said, I still liked the story.
July 17, 2025
Title: Out of the Shadows
Series: Angelhart Investigations #1.5
Author: Allison Brennan
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Hilary Huber
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: August 12, 2025
My Rating 3 Stars
This is the third story with Angelhart family who have a family Investigations business.
Daughter Margo is hanging her own shingle and has started her own PI business.
However, each of the Angelhart siblings has their gifts, and are available and willing to help each other,
In this story Logan Monroe’s family is in danger; his sister, Laura, and children were run off the road and more recently their house is broken in to
Logan tasks the Angelharts with keeping them safe, and the PIs drop everything to take on the case.
Although there were times I wanted to close the book and pick up a nice cozy mystery; I hung in there.
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for granting me this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 12, 2025.
Series: Angelhart Investigations #1.5
Author: Allison Brennan
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Hilary Huber
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: August 12, 2025
My Rating 3 Stars
This is the third story with Angelhart family who have a family Investigations business.
Daughter Margo is hanging her own shingle and has started her own PI business.
However, each of the Angelhart siblings has their gifts, and are available and willing to help each other,
In this story Logan Monroe’s family is in danger; his sister, Laura, and children were run off the road and more recently their house is broken in to
Logan tasks the Angelharts with keeping them safe, and the PIs drop everything to take on the case.
Although there were times I wanted to close the book and pick up a nice cozy mystery; I hung in there.
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for granting me this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 12, 2025.
September 30, 2025
Out of the Shadows is book 1.5 in the Angelhart Investigations series by Allison Brennan. This book can be enjoyed as part of the series or as a standalone mystery. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I will be working on that right away!
I really enjoyed this story! I thought the characters were interesting and the storyline was fascinating! This fast-paced mystery had me on the edge of my seat! This quick read is one that I did not want to put down!
I loved the narration by Hillary Huber! I thought she did an incredible job bringing this book to life!
I highly recommend reading Out of the Shadows! I’ll be diving into the rest of the series now because I could not get enough!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Out of the Shadows (Angelhart Investigations #1.5) by Allison Brennan
Narrated by Hillary Huber
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Published: August 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this story! I thought the characters were interesting and the storyline was fascinating! This fast-paced mystery had me on the edge of my seat! This quick read is one that I did not want to put down!
I loved the narration by Hillary Huber! I thought she did an incredible job bringing this book to life!
I highly recommend reading Out of the Shadows! I’ll be diving into the rest of the series now because I could not get enough!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Out of the Shadows (Angelhart Investigations #1.5) by Allison Brennan
Narrated by Hillary Huber
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Published: August 12, 2025
October 1, 2025
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook! It may not have been long but it really got me interested in Angelhart Investigations and the family that people hire for protection and to investigate cases. And this case sure had all the excitement starting with the car accident and burglary then moving to the mystery of why it had happened, who wants to keep secrets hidden and who might be after something a bit more lucrative. Logan and his sister, Laura with her family were all sweet and I want good things to come their way, like maybe a certain handsome Angelhart? :) A satisfying bite into what sounds like quite the interesting series where I can get more background into the characters. I cannot wait!
The narrator, Hillary Hubor, did a great job in bringing the characters and their mysterious case to life. I am glad I got the chance to listen to it and be introduced to a new series that I will be jumping into shortly!
The narrator, Hillary Hubor, did a great job in bringing the characters and their mysterious case to life. I am glad I got the chance to listen to it and be introduced to a new series that I will be jumping into shortly!
September 8, 2025
This book was actually a surprise to me. The first 2 books in the series were written in first person. So, even though I love Allison Brennan's books, I would not buy it. I did find the eBook at my library and checked it out and found out it was written in third person.
I really enjoyed the book. It was more Allison Brennan than the first 2 books in the series. There were a few editing mistakes. The one that really got me was toward the end when it was said that the file boxes said Thornton Vincent. I have a feeling it was supposed to be John Thornton as Vincent was the first name of his law partner, Vincent Hedges. It took me awhile as Vincent Hedges was mentioned a few sentences prior.
As a whole, it was a good read. I have the next book on reserve at the library.
I really enjoyed the book. It was more Allison Brennan than the first 2 books in the series. There were a few editing mistakes. The one that really got me was toward the end when it was said that the file boxes said Thornton Vincent. I have a feeling it was supposed to be John Thornton as Vincent was the first name of his law partner, Vincent Hedges. It took me awhile as Vincent Hedges was mentioned a few sentences prior.
As a whole, it was a good read. I have the next book on reserve at the library.
September 24, 2025
ALC Received: NetGalley - Harlequin Audio
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Out of the Shadows was such a great read! I really enjoyed the fast pace and the suspenseful atmosphere that kept me invested the whole way through. The storyline felt tightly woven, and I especially liked the way the PI team dynamics with their clients added both tension and heart to the case. It was engaging without ever feeling drawn out, and it struck a nice balance between action and mystery.
I’m rating this 3.5⭐, but definitely on the positive side—I liked it a lot. It made for a fantastic audiobook listen, and it was the perfect companion for my 7-mile walk. Fans of quick, suspense-driven thrillers will really enjoy this one.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Out of the Shadows was such a great read! I really enjoyed the fast pace and the suspenseful atmosphere that kept me invested the whole way through. The storyline felt tightly woven, and I especially liked the way the PI team dynamics with their clients added both tension and heart to the case. It was engaging without ever feeling drawn out, and it struck a nice balance between action and mystery.
I’m rating this 3.5⭐, but definitely on the positive side—I liked it a lot. It made for a fantastic audiobook listen, and it was the perfect companion for my 7-mile walk. Fans of quick, suspense-driven thrillers will really enjoy this one.
September 25, 2025
In this novella, Margo and Jack Angelhart investigate a car accident and break-in when Logan Monroe's sister is targeted by some unknown assailant.
What I really like about this series is how work life and family life become intertwined with the case as the family tackles the mystery of what is going on. Mother Angelhart is a little more front-and-center here, her concern for her family evident. I'm eager to see how she comes into play in upcoming books in the series (at least I hope we get her story.)
I've just binge read this series over the past week and I'm really liking it. I like the personalities here and while the cases aren't overly complicated, they still require the efforts of all the Angelhart investigators.
What I really like about this series is how work life and family life become intertwined with the case as the family tackles the mystery of what is going on. Mother Angelhart is a little more front-and-center here, her concern for her family evident. I'm eager to see how she comes into play in upcoming books in the series (at least I hope we get her story.)
I've just binge read this series over the past week and I'm really liking it. I like the personalities here and while the cases aren't overly complicated, they still require the efforts of all the Angelhart investigators.
November 4, 2025
*Source* Purchased
*Genre* Mystery / Thriller
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Out of the Shadows is a 200-page novella in author Allison Brennan's Angelhart Investigations series. The Angelhart family includes Ava, Jack, Tess, Margo, Nico, and Luisa. Ava is the matriarch, and a former lawyer who is famous in the area; Jack is a former cop with the Phoenix PD and still has a few connections like Sergeant Rick Devlin; Margo is a former military cop, now a private investigator who has been trying for years to uncover the reasons behind her father's decision that landed him in prison; Tess is the research guru, while Luisa is also a former military cop. Nico isn't part of this story.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Mystery / Thriller
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Out of the Shadows is a 200-page novella in author Allison Brennan's Angelhart Investigations series. The Angelhart family includes Ava, Jack, Tess, Margo, Nico, and Luisa. Ava is the matriarch, and a former lawyer who is famous in the area; Jack is a former cop with the Phoenix PD and still has a few connections like Sergeant Rick Devlin; Margo is a former military cop, now a private investigator who has been trying for years to uncover the reasons behind her father's decision that landed him in prison; Tess is the research guru, while Luisa is also a former military cop. Nico isn't part of this story.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
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