Shivers in the Shadows

by H.C. Cardona

The pumpkins are glowing, the cider is hot… and this year’s Halloween festival comes with a side of murder.

When the Shadow King—an eerie figure from Cherry Blossom Bay’s favorite October legend—seems to step out of folklore and into real life, Piper laughs it off as seasonal fun… until a body is found at the haunted walk-through. Now, between juggling medical exams, an overprotective partner-in-crime-solving, and a suspect list tangled with old grudges, Piper must unravel the truth before the killer disappears into the mist.

But the closer she gets to the truth, the more the shadows close in—bringing strange warnings, midnight sightings, and the unsettling feeling that the killer isn’t just lurking in the festival crowds… they might be haunting her every step.

Because in Cherry Blossom Bay, not all the ghosts are make-believe… and some legends kill.

Perfect for fans of small-town snark, slow-burn chemistry, and cozy mysteries with a Halloween twist.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2025

About the author

H.C. Cordona is one of the pen names of Heather C. Myers.

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love new small town spooky legends
Here is the story of the Shadow king, it says he comes a t Halloween to whisper a name and you are to haunt with him but if you do not live up to his expectations, your soul is forever his.
Piper goes to the Halloween outside activities with the new man in her life. She sees a possible sinister or the Shadow king in the distance during the event.
She then hear a sound before finding the dead body of Marius the director of the haunted maze. Was he trying do a ritual to bring forth the Shadow king. There is a few suspects, the old colleague that was let go from co directing the haunted house, an unknown person known by the colleague and the local witch who warned Marius that he was crossing the line with conjuring the Shadow king with the haunted maze.
Piper finds something in the maze that is a clue to what is going on.
Piper's new man gets upset because he is not put first in her life.
Kitsune does not like her new man, jealous maybe.

I love the sarcasm in the story.
Piper is juggling a case, the murder and her schooling.
Will Piper be put in danger?

I hope the relationship between Piper
and Kitsune get more define in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tre.wandereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following Piper's story since the beginning. And this is the first in the series that I felt like I was still waiting for something, like the story wasn't yet meant to close on that last chapter. I mean, sure, they solved it, but it feels like something HUGE is coming. And maybe this is what H.C. is giving to us. This inexplicable want to find the missing pieces. It didn't disappoint. But I have to say, my growing frustration with the love story is gnawing at my insides. I won't give out spoilers, but the push and pull is arghhhh! lol

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

wicked belief brings life and breath to shadows and darkness

twisted faith turn festival gathering fatal

sullied hope brings sorrow.

the unspoken gains life, and hope and heart might not do more than limp, yet Death rides, and sorrows and loss follow.

intense, cherry blossom bay, dark adventures.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper is back, in this seventh installment. It's a good one. A good story, easy to read, chemistry and banter. I really enjoy this series and I can only recommend it.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Genesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book enjoyable. It features intrigue, murder, a love triangle, and follows Piper and Kitsune as they solve a mystery. I recommend it to all fans of cozy mysteries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.