Where Shadows Feast: A Dark Thriller and Crime Book

Thomas Shepherd Mystery #13

by Dan Padavona

Some killers want to avoid the police. This one wants to be challenged.

In the shadow of Kane Grove University, a murderer stages "accidental deaths" with chess pieces as their signature, daring law enforcement to recognize the pattern.

When Scout Mourning's online crime community connects the dots, she becomes the most valuable piece in a deadly match.

Sheriff Thomas Shepherd must overcome his sensory processing struggles to protect Scout and catch a killer who treats murder as an intellectual sport.

Together, Thomas and Scout must decode the board before the next piece falls.

Or risk becoming part of the endgame.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

Author of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.

Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.

I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.

My thriller style is often compared to Shari Lapena, Louise Jensen, Hilary Davidson, and Dean Koontz.

My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.

More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.

Reviews

[Suzanne Lopes]

Good morning Goodreads, I finished the book 📖 and gave it 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I have to say that when I finished reading the book it left me puzzled. First, I don’t know how from the book before and now to this book that starts with Levar and Scout being in a relationship. These two are main characters that a from the other books before talks about how much he liked Scout but he never really did anything about it because she was 17 and he is a few years older and also because Levar loved her Mom and the whole group and most of all he ever wanted was to take care of her because the were best friends from all the way back to the first book in this series that Scout was paralyzed due to a car accident. Anyway, now they are in a relationship and the reader was left to figure out how they started. Also, Scout is in danger ‼️ and they are all protecting her but her Mom Naomi never shows up to protect her daughter or at least worry about her. So, the story was completely off kilter. Especially, That the person that wanted to kill her was a psychopath. So, basically this book was ok. Actually, this book (in my opinion) was confusing 🫤 So, with that being said the book after this one which is book 24 doesn’t come out till I think February 6, 2026. Anyway, II’ll continue my reading challenge. Read you at my next review (😂🤪😜) get it?!?! Instead of “see you at my next review” 😂 Ok, that was corny!!! Have a great day Goodreads Family….

[Rosemary]

Where Shadows Feast - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Dan Padavona's excellent A Dark Crime psychological thriller, Where Shadows Feast, is Book 23 in his Wolf Lake Mystery Thriller Suspense series.

This time Scout and her close friend and fellow-student are targeted by not one, but two crazed killers and it will take the combined skills of both girls, LeVar and Raven Hopkins and Sheriff Thomas and his PI wife Chelsey, to solve the case and stay alive...whatever the circumstances stacked against them may be.

A breathtaking, all-action novel, with a scarily believable plot and great characters, Where Shadows Feast will keep you up reading all night - don't miss it!

[Charles E. Kochan Jr.]

I recently had the honor of reading an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Where Shadows Feast by Dan Padavona. The series involving Scout Mourning is billed as novels for young readers, but this book and the others I have read are perfect reads for adults as well. There is a bit less intensity compared to Dan’s other books. Scout Mourning is a precocious detective would-be, enrolled early in Kane Grove university. She is approached via her online crime solving group by a mysterious person alluding to chess pieces, in the setting of the death of a fellow student, thought to be a suicide or a fall. But on examination, Sheriff Thomas Shepherd sees deeper and declares this a murder. He is on the high side of the Autism spectrum and has the uncanny ability to see things others miss, and Scout has similar skills at helping to solve crimes. This time, she is becoming the hunted, as we learn the killer views her as the only worthy opponent. A complex case starts to unfold and as the layers are peeled back, there are several likely suspects developed. A seasoned reader always hopes to guess the antagonist, but with Dan’s books, good luck. The book rapidly evolves to a feverish pitch as Scout’s life is at risk despite protection from the whole team. While the next likely victim, Scout does her best to unravel the identity of the killer as bodies pile up. Can she find the intensely evil twisted killer before he finds her? Read the book and enjoy. This is readable as a standalone, but there is a rich history going back many novels, where I suggest starting in order to appreciate all the nuances Dan Padavona weaves into his books. 23rd book of 23 in the series!

[Angela]

A definite must read book and series!

This was another intense, complex, suspenseful, dark, and twisted thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The Sheriff's department and Wolf Lake Consulting always give their all when it comes to their cases. However, when their case involves one of their own, all bets are off, and they will go to the ends of the earth to ensure their safety. With heartbreaking tragic situations, intense stalking behaviors, dark and sadistic murders, it's definitely going to be a difficult case for everyone involved. Another definite must read book and series!!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.

I know that it's not that much longer until the next release date, but I REALLY wish that it would be here sooner! Lol! At least I won't be able to forget the date ~ it's on my sister's birthday. Haha! I can't wait!

[Dawn Myers]

Where Shadows Feast kept me on the edge of my seat turning the pages. There was a lot of mystery and suspense. I figured out who was the killer was from the start. I'm enjoying how things are progressing with everybody. I like how Dan Padavona is letting Scout grow up. As things unfolded it kind of lost some steam. I found the ending a little anticlimactic. In my opinion Dan Padavona does a good job with mystery, suspense and everybody having each others backs. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.

[Linae]

Another great

This book has.lots of moving parts or should I say killers. As usual these stories have drama, intrigue and human connections. I really appreciate the way the characters have developed in this series. This book has included parts of Scouts activities and along with her friend, have added a little twist.

[Tina S Savage]

Awesome Read !

There are so many good books in this series and this one’s no exception and , actually it’s one of my favorites ! I literally could not put this book down, you really never know where this one’s going until it ends . I am anxiously awaiting the next book ! I love where all the characters are going in this series.

[Constance Norgaard]

Where Shadows Feast: A Dark Thriller and Crime Book( Wolf Lake Mystery Thriller Suspense Seri

An exciting run for a serial killer who plays games and kills in horrible ways. Scout is noticed by him. A classmate is missing. Is scout next. The police have much work to do and figure who this person could be.

[Mike G]

I rarely write reviews, but this book was a complete disappointment, especially considering I’ve read all of the Thomas Shepherd mysteries. Is this the same author? A quarter of this book felt like an excerpt from Tiger Beat magazine. Nonetheless, I will read the next book because I usually enjoy the series, but it's clear that the YA material should be kept within the YA series.

[Vicki Gilbertson]

Dan had everyone involved with this weird concept. It was a wild idea thinking Scout and Maddie working with Shepherd and crew. I beginning to think that university is a very bad place.
When will you be letting the big secret out??????

[Barbara Williams]

Anticlimactic

The build up of fear. The ominous threats. The amount of suspects. All of this had me going but then somehow the ending lacked luster. Some things were never fully explained. Felt a little cheated there were no real reason exactly for all the killings.

[Nikki Nelson]

The wolf Lake Series is my favorite!! I can’t get enough! All of Dan Padavona's books are amazing! There has not been one I didn’t like! The books just grab your attention and I can’t put it down! I need to know what’s next!!

[Scherrie Manes]

Great book

Another great book in the Thomas Shepherd series. Full of suspense and drama. Kept me glued to the pages till the very end. Don Padavona is great at mystery, suspenseful, and thrilling books.

[Amy Treboni]

creepy

Super creepy and very gory. The newest killer is just out of reach but are they searching for one person or two?

[janice robertson]

Where shadows feast

Well that's me read all 23 books in this series and enjoyed already have next one ready to read when it comes out expensive read but have enjoyed everyone

[Joseph E. Bradley]

Kept Me Guessing

Another great story with characters that I feel like I know personally. Fast paced with plenty of action and twists to keep you guessing.

[Rebekah Shoopman]

Love this series