Shadows of the Past

by Tammy L. Grace

Her Past Haunts Her. Her Future Hangs in the Balance.

Ex-CIA operative Quinn Stone’s world unravels when a ghost from her past emerges in a Boston airport. A cryptic message drags her to a Vermont B&B, where a man she thought was dead reveals a chilling Quinn is the only one who can stop The Collective—a lethal network targeting Senator Tanner Chase, a presidential hopeful.

As buried family secrets threaten to derail her, Quinn teams with her ex-colleague, Ethan Cross of Sentinel Security, to protect Chase through a deadly gauntlet of near misses, each a breadcrumb to a traitor buried deep in her old agency.

The Collective’s corruption might infect every level of power. At a high-stakes event, violence erupts, secrets unravel, and blood spills. Can Quinn dismantle the conspiracy threatening to reshape America—or will the shadows of her past bury her first?

If you enjoy intricate conspiracies and fast-paced intrigue, featuring unforgettable characters with hidden ties, don’t miss this captivating new suspense drama from USA Today bestselling author Tammy L. Grace.

Read more from USA Today bestselling author Tammy L. GraceHOMETOWN HARBOR SERIES

Hometown The Beginning (Prequel Novella)Finding HomeHome BloomsPromise of HomePieces of HomeFinally HomeForever HomeFollow Me HomeLong Way HomeCome Home for ChristmasFeels Like HomeCOOPER HARRINGTON DETECTIVE NOVELS

Killer MusicDeadly ConnectionDead WrongCold KillerDeadly DeceptionDeadly PursuitGLASS BEACH COTTAGE SERIES

Beach HavenMoonlight BeachBeach DreamsSISTERS OF THE HEART SERIESGreetings from Lavender ValleyPathway to Lavender ValleySanctuary at Lavender ValleyBlossoms at Lavender ValleyComfort in Lavender ValleyReunion in Lavender ValleyCHRISTMAS BOOKS

A Season for Hope (Christmas in Silver Falls)The Magic of the Season (Christmas in Silver Falls)Christmas in Snow Valley (Hometown Christmas Series)One Unforgettable Christmas (Hometown Christmas Series)Christmas Sisters (FREE PREQUEL to Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Wishes (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Surprises (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Shelter (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Hearts (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)OTHER TITLESThe Wishing TreeWish AgainOverdue WishesOne More WishPick of the LitterHearts UnleashedWelcome AboardUncharted WatersWRITING AS CASEY WILSONA Dog's HopeA Dog's Chance

Genres: Mystery

330 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2025

About the author

Tammy L. Grace is a USA Today bestselling and award winning author who writes women's fiction, mysteries, and sweet Christmas stories. She also writes about the bond we have with dogs using her pen name, Casey Wilson. Tammy is known for creating perfect escapes, unforgettable characters, and binge-worthy series.

When Tammy isn't working on ideas for a novel, she's spending time with family and friends or supporting her addiction to books and chocolate. She and her husband have one grown son and a spoiled golden retriever.

Tammy enjoys connecting with readers.
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Reviews

[Julie Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! The research that Tammy must have done is amazing. Fast paced, interesting, can’t wait for the next book.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would be caught dead reading a political thriller. Well, that is until one of my favorite authors wrote one. Tammy L. Grace has written Shadows of the Past. Did I like it? I loved it! I have to admit that I sat down in my recliner and opened the book with a lot of trepidation. I stay away from politics as much as I can considering I have a husband who loves to discuss politics. It’s just not my favorite topic.

There are several things I liked about the book, and I can’t wait to read more of the series. My fingers and toes are crossed! There is a kind of love story. The main character is Quinn Stone, who partners up with an old flame that has started his own top-notch security company. Ethan and Quinn used to work together at the CIA. Quinn works out of her home doing investigations, taking on only the ones she wants to do. In this book, they are trying to keep a presidential candidate safe during his campaign.

Shadows of the Past is not a simple book. It is not a romance although I hoped it would be. It is a complex story although it is easy to follow if you pay attention. The author has a way of presenting the story in a way that kept me interested and did not lose me. I didn’t feel like she was dumbing it down either.

If you know anything about Tammy L. Grace, you know she usually has dogs in her books and this one is not any different. We meet Quinn’s golden named Zephyr and there is another special golden named Cara. Oh, and there was a passage in the book taking us back to a small town that I’m fond of in another series that Tammy wrote some books for. That was heartwarming.

If you love suspense, mysteries and thrillers, you will enjoy this book and I highly recommend a copy for your nightstand. You can’t go wrong with a book written by Tammy L. Grace and especially Shadows of the Past. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive an ARC of this book from the author. Tammy L. Grace has woven an excellent story of politicking, espionage and government corruption into a fascinating and fast-paced storyline. Her characters come to life on the pages and just make this book more compelling by the minute. I could not put it down!

[Bettie A Covington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn Stone is an illusive character that I want to get to know better. This story was a very quick read, because I couldn't put it down. This is the introductory book of the series and I was so disappointed to learn there aren't six more volumes already. Can't wait for the next one.

[Peter Mathon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows

Thriller with solid, likable lead characters. Just the right amount of light humor, emotional moments, and dog parenting to humanize the narrative. Fun, easy to read.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Quinn Stone character - a subtle badass! A fascinating look at client protection methods (especially appropriate at this time). Keeping my fingers crossed that this is the first of many Quinn Stone books.

[Mary Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars

This was a very exciting and fast paced novel. I am a huge fan of this author and boy did she deliver! I loved the female lead and her furry friend. This is very different from the types of books by Ms Grace and I would love to read more Quinn Stone novels. I highly recommend this novel.

[Cathy Van Kley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series (I hope) from Tammy Grace. Very well written suspense story that reflects the world we are living in. Great characters and would love more!!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Another great story by Tammy L Grace! While it's not her usual women's fiction, the story line kept me hooked through the end. I can't wait to hear more of Quinn's story.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense

Espionage, money laundering, snipers and a well infiltrated rogue government group set to kill the leading presidential candidate. But there is another group that is not going to let that happen. An explosive tense story from page one and thoroughly enjoyable. I hope the next in this new series comes quickly.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch!

This book has everything a political thriller should have ! It was mind boggling the amount of knowledge put into this book! Very well written! Would love to read more about Quinn's adventures with the Sentinel team!

[Valerie J. Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and very much hope she continues the series. I'm anxious to see what comes next. While this isn't her regular genre (except for the Goldens), you would never know it. It was that good! More please!

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new genre for this author, but it is a winner for me. A political thriller with lots of high tech spy elements. Quinn left the CIA after her father died on a mission. A chance spotting in an airport had Quinn believing he may still be alive

When Presidential candidate Chase continues to be targeted at campaign rallies Quinn joins the forces of Sentinel with another former operative Ethan. Protecting Chase is difficult as the Secret Service blocks their efforts

The reader is treated to lots of descriptions of high tech surveillance gear and weapons. Who is the mastermind behind the assassination attempts?

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Margaret Osmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start with this is not my usual type of reading material, it even took me a while to agree to read an advanced copy. It’s just not my thing, there’s enough politics in the world, but it’s also written by my favorite author, Tammy L grace, who’s venturing out into a new genre. Since I have read all her other books, I convinced myself to give it a try, I was very pleasantly surprised.
It’s the story of Quinn Stone, who retired from the CIA after her father was murdered on a mission. She is now carrying out her own covert missions under the guise of being a travel writer. While on her way home from one of her “trips” she sees someone she swears is her father in an airport. Now if you’re have a bit of a pension for being a detective, as I do, this is where it gets interesting. Lots of ideas and how to find people and ways to hide, very interesting. The premise of the book is that a presidential candidate has dealt with several assassination attempts. This is where she joins forces with her dad and an old flame/colleague Ethan to find out who is behind these attempts and to keep him alive long enough to be elected.
Of course, if you know, Tammy, you know she has a dog in every book and this one is a golden named Zephyr, he’s owned by Quinn and is a huge part of bringing her back to the real world when one of her missions is over. Quinn‘s dad will be taking care of Zephyr during this intense and dangerous mission. I will definitely be reading the next book.

[Teresa A. Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE THIS BOOK!

Great characters! I like how the characters history was woven into the story. At times the story was very close to things we have been experiencing in real life, this story approached things from some angles I hadn't considered before. Looking forward to seeing where Quinn goes next.

[Karen Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

intrigue and corruption

Quinn is an engaging character. She loves her dog and her dad. She’s an important part of the Sentinel team who are trying to keep Chase, the presidential candidate alive. The Secret Service and FBI don’t seem to care if he survives. Who’s calling the shots?

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn is no longer in the CIA, but is now a private contractor and does a little freelance writing. She also has a Golden Retriever named Zephyr. This is a different genre for the author, and I have mixed feelings about the book because it hits too close to home in so many ways. However, I feel that the writing is excellent, the characters are well-developed, and it is obvious that the author did her research. Quinn has an opportunity to have a relationship with someone she thought had died and maybe even a relationship with an old co-worker. I can see these relationships progressing in future books.

[Ruth Oldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

an exciting new mystery with a female former CIA agent, name and description depending on circumstances

Fed up with politics and rogue government players, and the death of her agent dad, he starts her own security protection company. As she’s at the airport 10 years later, she recognizes the walking pattern of a man entering the next gate ? Could her father really be alive ?
He is! Betrayed by a fellow agent, he fled to protect her and her mom. Now “the Collective”is trying to prevent a reform candidate from wining the presidential election. There is much intrigue, many ‘accidental’ happenings at campaign rallies with too few agents. Those with experience are pulled away and replaced by inexperienced ones. Each attempt on the candidate’s life is blamed on an accident: Fireworks, errant Hunter’ bullet, etc. Some of the players are caught, and the election is won. next book will continue the search for the Collective leader.
I’m eager for “the rest of the story!”

[Helen Tawney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book. The plot of this book was fascinating. Someone was planning to assassinate a presidential hopeful. The details surrounding the plan to protect him and the methods involved to protect him was very fascinating. You think what could go wrong? I enjoyed the characters story in this book. The description of the jobs of these people made it even more interesting. And of course, a dog to top it all off. I really enjoyed this book; it was hard to put down and the details were so well written there was no question about what was happening. I would give it 5+ stars. I loved the ending, not a cliff hanger but a promise of maybe another story. A must read

[Victoria Bahnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Genre from a Favorite Author

Tammy L Grace uses her signature style to further develop the story of Quinn Stone, a new character introduced in her free prequel First Shadows. Shadows of the Past finds Quinn retired from the CIA and working as a freelance investigator, enjoying a quieter life, and choosing the cases she wants to work.
All this is turned upside down by a chance sighting in an airport and the revelation of a dangerous conspiracy only she can stop. She’s drawn back into the world of political intrigue and teams up with a former colleague to protect the target and expose the people behind the plot.
It’s a fast-paced read with lots of twists and suspense. I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Carol Ardeeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting book and hopefully the start of a new series and genre from a favorite author. I was privileged to be able to advance read this novel and surprisingly well pleased since it's a new genre for her and one I don't usually read. I don't usually read mysteries either but her Cooper Harrington series has become a favorite so I thought why not! The plot caught my attention immediately as I had read the prequel and was anxious to see where it would take me. Well, I couldn't put it down! The characters were engaging and of course there's a Golden named Zephyr. If you like intrigue and even if you are not a big fan, give this one a try. I don't think you will be disappointed!!

[Darwin Prioleau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralled

I loved this Quinn Stone novel.I was intrigued from beginning to end. All the characters were strong. I felt as though I knew them all. I was torn between wanting the book to end and not wanting it to end. I am forever stunned by Grace's versatility as a writer. I have read all her books and they never disappointed me. While I have my favorite series I hope to be able to read the next installment of the Quinn Stone novels.

[Rosana Cogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, edge of the seat reading from the first page to the end! If you want non stop action in every chapter this is the book to read. There is corruption around every turn while our heroes are on a mission to protect a presidential candidate. This story seems to mirror today’s news headlines.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more Quinn Stone novels! Although I had some problem with the alphabet soup of agencies, the material Tammy Grace presented was so timely and too believable. An attempt on a presidential candidate's life unfortunately falls right in place with today's philosophy. Thanks to the continuous and gritty effort of Quinn, Ethan and his agency, plus Quinn's number two man, these efforts failed. Yes, Tammy, please bring Quinn back.

[Cynthia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

Excellent read! Pulled me in right from the start and kept going until the end!! Such a different genre for Tammy but truly enjoyed it.

[Chris Corkell · Rating 5 out of 5]

suspense

I don't know how Tammy Grace does it but she continues to write such great stories. Another must read this is go g to be another great series.

[Susan M]

An awesome book. I couldn't put it down.