Shadows of Deceit: A Gritty Noir Mystery of Corruption and Betrayal

by Timothy R. Baldwin

A rookie PI. A city full of secrets. One deadly game she may not survive.

When rookie private investigator Cassie Maddox takes on her first big case in the gritty streets of Lenape City, she stumbles into a web of corruption, betrayal, and murder.

What begins as a simple job spirals into a dangerous cat-and-mouse chase with the city’s most powerful figures.

Haunted by her father’s legacy as a decorated detective, Cassie is determined to prove herself—even if it means uncovering secrets that cut too close to home.

To find the truth, she must risk her independence, her family, and maybe even her life.

Early readers are already

From the very first page, Shadows of Deceit pulls you into a dark, gritty world where trouble and lies hide behind every fancy front.
— E. L. Bean, Author

A heart-pounding thriller of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
— Jennifer Hill, Reedsy Discovery

Quick, engaging, and the kind you finish in one sitting. I can’t wait to see Cassie’s next case.
— Jennie Rosenblum, Editor

Perfect for fans
✔ Gillian Flynn
✔ Michael Connelly
✔ Raymond Chandler
✔ Karin Slaughter

If you love female-led noir mysteries, crime thrillers full of twists, and private-eye fiction with a dark edge, you’ll be hooked on Shadows of Deceit.
Grab your copy today.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

About the author

Tim grew up in Syracuse, New York. He currently resides in Maryland where he teaches English, Creative Writing, Film, and Theatre on the middle school level. At the insistence of his own students, he began writing seriously in 2014.

He credits his love for story to his mother, who spent countless hours reading to him and his siblings when they were growing up. Growing up, he devoured the literary works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Piers Anthony, and many others. Mysteries, thrillers, and fantasies are among the genres he most frequently reads.

When he’s not writing, he’s reading, teaching, camping, or at a live music concert.

Reviews

[Confuzedxneko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book only really knowing that it was a Mystery novel. It drew me in completely in the first chapter!

We meet Cassie, a budding new PI looking to build her reputation and credibility, while also trying to escape her father's legacy and shadow. This was full of suspense and several plot twists. Every new character and every new piece of evidence seems to point toward someone different, and no one seems to be trustworthy at some points. While there are questions left unanswered and plenty of intrigue left to explore, this certainly was a great opening story for Cassie Maddox and after the way this one ended I can't wait to see what happens next!

[William Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing mystery concerning back room dealing, corruption and city politics, Shadows of Deceit works well as a YA novel, something for younger people to enjoy before graduating to the likes of James Ellroy and Walter Mosley. Young twentysomethng Cassie Maddox is a rookie PI getting started, trying to get out from under the shadow of her father, a seasoned police detective. A simple cheating husband assignment turns up something else when the husband is found dead from an apparent suicide.

Like any good mystery, Cassie begins peeling the onion with help from friend Rafi, an old school friend and IT savant. Bit by bit, she uncovers a scheme of corruption and money laundering hidden behind real estate development projects, and she soon sees that she's in over her head. Nonetheless she follows the clues and presses on, gaining the wrong kind of attention. Certain people in Lenape City don't want her poking into certain arrangements.

The dirty dealings run far and wide, more than she originally suspected, and even her own uncle poses a threat. Cassie has to balance her drive for finding the truth against her relationship with her father, loyalty to friends, and just staying alive against people who want to keep their secrets secret.

This one is a page turner in the second half, so settle in, buckle your seatbelt, and enjoy the ride.

This review came from reading a free advance copy, and I'm voluntarily reviewing the novel.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed a few of this author’s YA books in the past, so I was curious — and a little excited — to see him trying his pen at adult fiction. Cassie, the main character, is a fresh face in the PI world, but she’s not starting from scratch. With a detective dad, she’s picked up plenty of secondhand know-how over the years (even if some of it came through overheard dinner conversations rather than formal training).

Now in her twenties, Cassie is in that stage of life where she’s not quite sure which road to take — except this one has danger, puzzles, and more than a few shadows lurking around the corners. Between finding her footing as a private investigator and unraveling tangled cases, she’s constantly balancing the thrill of the chase with the risks that come with it.

What unfolds is a sharp cat-and-mouse thriller, where each twist tightens the stakes. The blend of youthful energy, family influence, and solid suspense made this one a quick, engaging read — the kind you finish and immediately wonder what Cassie’s next case might look like.

[Ciclochick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the sound of this but, ultimately, felt that some of the impact was lost in the delivery.

The present-tense narrative didn’t work (I hate it whenever it’s used) and limited the scope of the plot. In addition, while I’m more than comfortable with first-person POV, in this case, it reduced the depth of the story, and the main character, Cassie, came across as somewhat underdeveloped. There was rather too much ‘telling’ and little, if any, ‘showing’, giving a rather flat narrative.

The copy editing was mostly good, though a few minor errors slipped through (‘your welcome’ (oops) and confusion over lay/lie). The book would have benefited from stronger technical editing, particularly to address repetition. Certain phrases and ideas appeared frequently with little variation, which became distracting over time.

That said, the underlying plot was strong and engaging, and despite the aforementioned issues, the story was compelling.

[Jennifer Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Shadows of Deceit! From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Cassie’s world — she’s such a smart, determined young private eye, and it was refreshing to see a strong yet relatable female lead take centre stage. The story is full of twists, secrets, and just the right amount of tension to keep me turning the pages late into the night. Baldwin’s writing flows beautifully, and he paints both the characters and settings so vividly that I could almost see it all unfolding like a film.

I’m already eager to see what happens next for Cassie — she’s a character I definitely want to follow as she faces new challenges and unravels more mysteries!

The artwork on the front cover really drew my attention to this book, and it didn’t disappoint.

[R.L. Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huzzah to Timothy R. Baldwin for writing Shadows of Deceit.

This novel drops a rookie private investigator into a case. Cassie Maddox comes across as capable but still learning, which gives the story credibility and tension. Lenape City is sketched with a hard edge that fits the moral gray zones Cassie keeps stepping into, especially as corruption and personal history begin to overlap. The mystery moves quickly without losing track of character, and the twists are carefully placed. I appreciated how Cassie’s father’s legacy complicates her decisions rather than simply motivating them. The result is a crime story that balances investigation, risk, and consequence in a way that feels grounded.

I recommend that you buy this book, read it and leave it a review.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recieved as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.

Shadows of Deceit is wondrously fun read with the author easy writing style coupled with characters Cassie Maddox and all of her complex personal and professional relationships that come as Cassie works to define herself as a private investigator. Her open and shut case of a woman's cheating husband turns out to so much more complicated than first believed. A web of secrets and shadowy abuses with money surrounding powerful businesses within Lenape City could bring things crashing down and help define Cassie's future career.

Highly recommended.

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lenape City has a memory. The streets remember secrets, the skyline bears witness to corruption, and the shadows have their own loyalties.”

From the very first page, Shadows of Deceit pulls you into a dark, gritty world where trouble and lies hide behind every fancy front. Rookie private investigator Cassie Maddox is as interesting as the city she works in, clever, imperfect, and determined to find the truth. Timothy R. Baldwin tells an exciting mystery full of twists, sharp dialogue, and characters that really stick with you.

Another masterpiece by this author.

[Robert Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I need to address the cover and how it completely captures the tone of this book. The artwork is amazing and sets the vibe for an elusive thriller that made me want to know what happens next with every turn of the page. I gobbled this book up in a few days thanks to the straightforward writing, impressive dialogue, and the tapestry of crime and mystery continually unraveling with every step Cassie made. If you like crime thrillers and mysteries with an edge, you'll thoroughly enjoy this one. I can't wait for the sequel!!

[Melissa Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the twists and turns of this book! I loved meeting Cassie and her friends. This book really kept me guessing! Just when you thought you knew who the bad guy was, nope not them. Can't wait to read the next Cassie Maddox mystery! Really loved the little drink recipes at the end that went with the book.

[Jamie Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling story for those who enjoy a strong female lead character. Baldwin’s character development of Cassie Maddox makes the reader root along with the main character as she attempts to prove to herself and to her father that she can be a successful private investigator. This book also includes an interesting twist at the end with a Spotify playlist and cocktail pairings!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Shadows of Deceit" by Timothy R Baldwin is a gripping noir mystery set in Lenape City, featuring rookie PI Cassie Maddox. The novel combines a tense atmosphere, complex characters, and a web of corruption and murder. With unexpected twists and a vivid urban setting, it’s a compelling start to the series, highly recommended for fans of crime thrillers.

[Nichole Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Shadows of Deceit' is a fast moving and suspenseful whodunit that keeps you guessing. Nuances of romance, friendship, family drama, and the angst of being a young adult round out the characters and story. Can't wait to see what Cassie does next in the sequels. The playlist and cocktail recipes at the end are fantastic.