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Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery #9
A Summer Shadow
This summer, as the city of York swelters in a heatwave, it appears revenge is still a dish best served cold…
Chief Inspector Shadow’s relaxing afternoon watching a game of cricket is interrupted when a body is discovered in the scorer’s hut. The victim is a retired clerk, who lived a quiet life. Initially the brutal murder appears random, but a search of the victim’s house reveals more questions than answers. When a skeleton with a crushed skull is discovered hidden in an abandoned building associated with the victim, Shadow speculates there could be a connection. If so, someone wanted to settle a score.
John Shadow is a man of contradictions. A solitary figure who shuns company but is a keen observer of all he meets. A lover of good food, but whose fridge is almost always empty. He prefers to work alone but is assisted by the eager Sergeant Jimmy Chang.
Now the two men must delve into the past and discover if this latest murder victim is as innocent as they first appear.
Chief Inspector Shadow’s relaxing afternoon watching a game of cricket is interrupted when a body is discovered in the scorer’s hut. The victim is a retired clerk, who lived a quiet life. Initially the brutal murder appears random, but a search of the victim’s house reveals more questions than answers. When a skeleton with a crushed skull is discovered hidden in an abandoned building associated with the victim, Shadow speculates there could be a connection. If so, someone wanted to settle a score.
John Shadow is a man of contradictions. A solitary figure who shuns company but is a keen observer of all he meets. A lover of good food, but whose fridge is almost always empty. He prefers to work alone but is assisted by the eager Sergeant Jimmy Chang.
Now the two men must delve into the past and discover if this latest murder victim is as innocent as they first appear.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 23, 2026
Another fabulous installment in this awesome series, I love being back in York with Shadow and Jimmy and it is summer so we start of at a cricket game but Shadow’s relaxing afternoon changes quickly when Jimmy comes to inform him that a body has been found in the scorer’s hut hoping that this could be natural causes is soon vanished and now they have a murder investigation, so much for rest on a Sunday.
This is a brutal murder of retired council worker, Martin Croft what they uncover is that Martin was not a nice man and when they discover a skeleton in the basement of a property that Jimmy and Sophie are looking at, the old newspaper building and that turns out to be Martin’s supposedly deceased sister Annie things take another turn, she was murdered as well but by who, was it her brother?
Martin’s murder looks like it has a lot of anger behind it and when they search his home and find it to be filled with expensive antiques the investigation runs deeper to find out where he got the money from, they uncover a web of not only blackmail but extortion the investigation digs deeper into the past.
Shadow is finding the summer heat hard and life on his long boat is not what it used to be he is spending more time with Maggie his friend from school days and Jimmy as always is there with questions for him but as long as he gets his meals in, his mind is till quick and it is not long before he works how who did it.
I highly recommend this one and the series it is brilliant Shadow and Jimmy as well as the other characters we have gotten to know add so much to the story, and I do hope that there will be more to come. I could barely put this one down.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
This is a brutal murder of retired council worker, Martin Croft what they uncover is that Martin was not a nice man and when they discover a skeleton in the basement of a property that Jimmy and Sophie are looking at, the old newspaper building and that turns out to be Martin’s supposedly deceased sister Annie things take another turn, she was murdered as well but by who, was it her brother?
Martin’s murder looks like it has a lot of anger behind it and when they search his home and find it to be filled with expensive antiques the investigation runs deeper to find out where he got the money from, they uncover a web of not only blackmail but extortion the investigation digs deeper into the past.
Shadow is finding the summer heat hard and life on his long boat is not what it used to be he is spending more time with Maggie his friend from school days and Jimmy as always is there with questions for him but as long as he gets his meals in, his mind is till quick and it is not long before he works how who did it.
I highly recommend this one and the series it is brilliant Shadow and Jimmy as well as the other characters we have gotten to know add so much to the story, and I do hope that there will be more to come. I could barely put this one down.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
May 12, 2026
Inspector Shadow is enjoying a local cricket game when the score keeper is found dead during the lunch break. As they investigate they find he isn’t the mild mannered man he appears to be. Finding his dead sister’s body in the basement is the first indication. The side story Jimmy Chang trying to buy a house has Shadow nervous and amused. This is book 8 in the Inspector Shadow series and always contains great historic tidbits from England. I recommend the entire series.
May 29, 2026
Chief Inspector Shadow the crime solving curmudgeon lol. A wonderful mystery with ties to the past and plenty of scandals both past and present. So many twists and red herrings and the CI Shadow had a Poirot bit of inspiration to solve the case. A most surprising conclusion I was absolutely sure it was the two having an affair. I love the pairing of Shadow and Jimmy his Sergeant. Jimmy is like an over enthusiastic puppy and Shadow dour and plodding they do make for an odd pair but so fun to read as they team up and crack cases. Just a really fun read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2026
A Summer Shadow is the ninth book in H L Marsay’s terrific series, Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery. I was happy to see there was a new story in this series that features Chief Inspector John Shadow and his partner, Sergeant Jimmy Chang. It is set in York, England and the hot summer is in full swing. As the book opens, the pair are at a cricket match in a neighboring suburb. Suddenly, the body of the older man who is scoring the game is discovered in the scoring hut. Initially it is thought to be a heart attack but later it is confirmed to be murder. The Chief Inspector steps up to start interviewing the people running the event and others there too. The coroner, who is Jimmy’s wife Sophie, is called in to look at the body. In investigating the case, Shadow learns about the club president, the chairman and the other adults involved in running the club as well as the victim. He proceeds to talk with the victim’s solicitor and looks through his house. There are many suspects in this case.
Jimmy and Sophie are looking for a house to buy and they discover one for sale near the cricket club. They get Shadow to go with them to look it over. He manages to meet a builder who he invites to join them as well. They discover the old remains of a body in the basement. They suspect foul play and that it was many years before. The property was originally a newspaper office where coincidentally, the sister of the murdered man worked. He had said his sister had dementia and was put in a home in Scotland where she died. Now the identity of the body is to be determined.
Shadow has become pensive about the future after these two bodies were found and his houseboat where he lives is not a good place in the current hot summer. He is thinking about his old friend Maggie and her plans to look for a flat somewhere else and retire. He also takes a look at his life and the fact he is all alone, partly because he has preferred it that way. Shadow and Jimmy continue to investigate the two bodies and believe the deaths could be related. He also isn’t sure the cricket scorer doesn’t have dark secrets in his past.
H.L Marsay has again given us a fabulous story full of surprises, secrets, suspense and drama. The characters are well developed and interesting. Shadow and Jimmy are such a fun pair to watch interact. I’m glad Shadow and Maggie seem to be growing closer since he’s changing his perspective. I enjoy the city of York and the descriptions of the places and people there. This is another 5 star book that I am excited to recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing Company in exchange for my honest review.
Jimmy and Sophie are looking for a house to buy and they discover one for sale near the cricket club. They get Shadow to go with them to look it over. He manages to meet a builder who he invites to join them as well. They discover the old remains of a body in the basement. They suspect foul play and that it was many years before. The property was originally a newspaper office where coincidentally, the sister of the murdered man worked. He had said his sister had dementia and was put in a home in Scotland where she died. Now the identity of the body is to be determined.
Shadow has become pensive about the future after these two bodies were found and his houseboat where he lives is not a good place in the current hot summer. He is thinking about his old friend Maggie and her plans to look for a flat somewhere else and retire. He also takes a look at his life and the fact he is all alone, partly because he has preferred it that way. Shadow and Jimmy continue to investigate the two bodies and believe the deaths could be related. He also isn’t sure the cricket scorer doesn’t have dark secrets in his past.
H.L Marsay has again given us a fabulous story full of surprises, secrets, suspense and drama. The characters are well developed and interesting. Shadow and Jimmy are such a fun pair to watch interact. I’m glad Shadow and Maggie seem to be growing closer since he’s changing his perspective. I enjoy the city of York and the descriptions of the places and people there. This is another 5 star book that I am excited to recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing Company in exchange for my honest review.
May 8, 2026
I absolutely love this series. It's been a while and I've been reading other Marsay mysteries but this is my favourite series. When my husband and I went to Europe in 2024 we made a stop in York so we could see the Minster and the Shambles and walk the wall where one of the murder victims was found. I mean, York is always fabulous but with all the history fresh in my mind from reading this series it was extra special. Now when Micklegate Bar is mentioned I can immediately visualise it because I was there.
But back to the mystery. It's summer so of course there is a cricket match on the village green in a village that has been encroached upon by the city of York. And of course Inspector Shadow couldn't just enjoy the match, even if Jimmy needed a commentary to explain the esoteric cricket terms. Murder disrupts the game and Shadow and Jimmy have to switch gears and the game has to be postponed.
Once again we are sucked into the amazing place that is York. Shadow lives on a canal boat on the river Ouse an easy walk from the city centre. (yes I went and looked at the river and speculated which boat might belong to Shadow.)
The village and cricket club are a fairly incestuous community and we get to know the other people in the village and their relationship with the murderee.
Who turns out to be not the kind of person you are surprised about being murdered.
The clues call for delving into the past and I enjoyed very much following Shadow around to the various pubs and eating places while he parses the information he accumulates. We get to see the usual police investigative and science crew along with Shadow's old friend Maggie.
Did have to laugh at everyone dying of heat at temperatures we in Australia would consider a balmy day. Funnily enough we were in York in August just after a heat wave but I had to visit a Marks and Spencer to buy some warm clothes because it was bitterly cold and overcast. Still M&S is a cultural icon so I needed to go anyway.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But back to the mystery. It's summer so of course there is a cricket match on the village green in a village that has been encroached upon by the city of York. And of course Inspector Shadow couldn't just enjoy the match, even if Jimmy needed a commentary to explain the esoteric cricket terms. Murder disrupts the game and Shadow and Jimmy have to switch gears and the game has to be postponed.
Once again we are sucked into the amazing place that is York. Shadow lives on a canal boat on the river Ouse an easy walk from the city centre. (yes I went and looked at the river and speculated which boat might belong to Shadow.)
The village and cricket club are a fairly incestuous community and we get to know the other people in the village and their relationship with the murderee.
Who turns out to be not the kind of person you are surprised about being murdered.
The clues call for delving into the past and I enjoyed very much following Shadow around to the various pubs and eating places while he parses the information he accumulates. We get to see the usual police investigative and science crew along with Shadow's old friend Maggie.
Did have to laugh at everyone dying of heat at temperatures we in Australia would consider a balmy day. Funnily enough we were in York in August just after a heat wave but I had to visit a Marks and Spencer to buy some warm clothes because it was bitterly cold and overcast. Still M&S is a cultural icon so I needed to go anyway.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2026
Chief Inspector John Shadow is a curmudgeon. He’s single and lives on his narrow, houseboat, Florence, moored along the River Ouse near the village of Bishop’s Drift. While attending a cricket match on a lovely summer day, the scorekeeper, Martin Croft, appears to have been murdered mid-match. It turns out that Martin had several secrets that complicate the investigation, including blackmail, called backhanders in the book.
Aided by Sergent(sic) Jimmy Chang, Shadow’s investigation turns up several possible suspects, all with good reasons to target Martin. Chang’s wife, Sophie, is a doctor and appears to be the local medical examiner. Jimmy and Sophie call upon Shadow to lend his opinion on a building they hope to purchase and turn into their home. While conducting their viewing of the former local newspaper office, they discover another body.
As things get more complicated, Shadow continues digging into records and questioning suspects. Shadow is very good at his job and seems to be a decent person beneath his curt grumpiness. He can certainly turn on the charm when required.
The Summer Shadow is book nine in the Chief Inspector Shadow mystery series. It’s the first book I’ve read in this series, and I had no problem following the story. I did have a few small questions, but nothing major or that slowed my reading. This book works very well as a standalone read.
This is an interesting small town British cozy mystery and police procedural. I don’t know how I missed the earlier eight books, but I hope to read them at some point. I found Shadow a believable police detective and the case attention holding and informative.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity in sharing this book with me, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in the review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Aided by Sergent(sic) Jimmy Chang, Shadow’s investigation turns up several possible suspects, all with good reasons to target Martin. Chang’s wife, Sophie, is a doctor and appears to be the local medical examiner. Jimmy and Sophie call upon Shadow to lend his opinion on a building they hope to purchase and turn into their home. While conducting their viewing of the former local newspaper office, they discover another body.
As things get more complicated, Shadow continues digging into records and questioning suspects. Shadow is very good at his job and seems to be a decent person beneath his curt grumpiness. He can certainly turn on the charm when required.
The Summer Shadow is book nine in the Chief Inspector Shadow mystery series. It’s the first book I’ve read in this series, and I had no problem following the story. I did have a few small questions, but nothing major or that slowed my reading. This book works very well as a standalone read.
This is an interesting small town British cozy mystery and police procedural. I don’t know how I missed the earlier eight books, but I hope to read them at some point. I found Shadow a believable police detective and the case attention holding and informative.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity in sharing this book with me, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in the review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my review of A Summer Shadow by H L Marsay. It is the ninth book in her wonderful Chief Inspector John Shadow series. John Shadow, his young assistant Jimmy Chang, and other police form a murder investigation unit based in the older city of York. John is a loner, lives on a boat on the river, does not drive, and has no energy for enthusiasm or anything computerized. Jimmy is his opposite, but they are dedicated to their work, the good citizens of York, and each other. Sophie, the very competent medical examiner… is also Jimmy’s wife.
The story begins during a local cricket match, being enjoyed by Shadow, Jimmy, and many others. Then, someone discovers that the score keeper, Martin Croft, has been murdered. The investigation begins. Quickly, Shadow and Jimmy also determine that Martin Croft’s sins include bribery, blackmail, and possibly murder. There’s also no shortage of suspects, old and new. The investigation takes a tragic turn when the burned remains of Martin’s sister Annie is found in the basement of the abandoned building where she once worked. Martin had told everyone that Annie had passed in a nursing home many years prior.
Shadow knows both murders are connected, but how… and why so many years apart?
I’ve read all nine Chief Inspector Shadow mysteries. A Summer Shadow is my favorite. Old age is allowing Shadow the doubts to second guess the protective barriers that isolated him within his life since he was younger. He feels alone at times, and even considers selling his boat… his home for many years. He is becoming more tolerable of his younger subordinates, and his few close friends. I anxiously await the tenth story. I especially enjoyed A Summer Shadow’s storyline. It was very pleasurable to permit the story to carry me forward till the mysteries were solved. My rating: 5 STARS!
The story begins during a local cricket match, being enjoyed by Shadow, Jimmy, and many others. Then, someone discovers that the score keeper, Martin Croft, has been murdered. The investigation begins. Quickly, Shadow and Jimmy also determine that Martin Croft’s sins include bribery, blackmail, and possibly murder. There’s also no shortage of suspects, old and new. The investigation takes a tragic turn when the burned remains of Martin’s sister Annie is found in the basement of the abandoned building where she once worked. Martin had told everyone that Annie had passed in a nursing home many years prior.
Shadow knows both murders are connected, but how… and why so many years apart?
I’ve read all nine Chief Inspector Shadow mysteries. A Summer Shadow is my favorite. Old age is allowing Shadow the doubts to second guess the protective barriers that isolated him within his life since he was younger. He feels alone at times, and even considers selling his boat… his home for many years. He is becoming more tolerable of his younger subordinates, and his few close friends. I anxiously await the tenth story. I especially enjoyed A Summer Shadow’s storyline. It was very pleasurable to permit the story to carry me forward till the mysteries were solved. My rating: 5 STARS!
May 28, 2026
Very well written, fast paced story. The real question is who murdered the murderer. What could happen at a really good game of cricket. Chief Inspector Shadow is there with his Sergeant Jimmy to watch the game after being asked. Very handy when they are called to the scene of the murder. Martin the scorekeeper has been stabbed to death. They keep the crime scene clear of anyone just from entering it or from disturbing any clues. Between the two they start to talk to everyone who was near him at the time or just who knew him. Lots of clues but nothing to point to who did it. In the meantime Jimmy and Sophie , his girlfriend, ask Shadow to look at a building they like and are considering buying. It's an old newspaper office. While there they find another body that was there for a long time. Now Shadow has 2 murders to solve. The second body is that of Annie. Martin's sister. So why is she there and not dead in Scotland like Martin said. Has lots of unanswered questions and clues to follow till you have the answer. Really great storytelling. The characters are witty, interesting and keep you turning the pages till you get the answers. Would strongly recommend to everyone who loves a great mystery story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2026
A Summer Shadow ~Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery #9 by H. L. Marsay is a compelling and expertly crafted addition to the series. Although I have only read a couple of the more recent instalments, this novel has certainly encouraged me to revisit the earlier books.
H.L.Marsay’s writing is engaging from the outset, with a well-paced narrative that maintains tension and interest throughout. The plot is both intriguing and suspenseful, supported by strong characterisation and an immersive atmosphere that keeps the reader invested.
Overall, this is a highly enjoyable crime mystery that I would confidently recommend to fans of the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
H.L.Marsay’s writing is engaging from the outset, with a well-paced narrative that maintains tension and interest throughout. The plot is both intriguing and suspenseful, supported by strong characterisation and an immersive atmosphere that keeps the reader invested.
Overall, this is a highly enjoyable crime mystery that I would confidently recommend to fans of the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2026
A Summer Shadow (Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery Book 9) by H L Marsay was a pleasure to read since it has my favorite grumpy chief inspector leading the investigation. This story got off to a slow start even after the unusual murder taking place. However before long it was clear that each new situation, clue or discovery was connected in ways that I had not imagined. This book gives the readers room to figure out the killer. As for the Shadow and Jimmy team, I simply loved these two opposites, both are needed to solve the case. Even with the slow start, A Summer Shadow turned into a “5 star” read for me.
May 22, 2026
I adore Inspector Shadow and his food-focused approach to life so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read A Summer Shadow. This story opens with Shadow and Jimmy at the cricket enjoying a balmy summer day until their peace is ruined with the discovery of scorer Martin Croft slumped over his scorer’s table having been stabbed with a cricket stump. My first thought was that you’d have to have a very sharp stump and a very strong arm to be able to penetrate a body, however as the story progresses and we discover more and more characters with reaso to loathe Martin, it is clear that pure anger could easily have been the driving force. There is plenty going on in this story and plenty of red herrings to throw you off the scent of the killer. I was guessing until the end and look forward to the next Inspector Shadow mystery.
May 28, 2026
This was a really good story for me. I was able to get lost in this story right away. I loved the characters. Inspector Shadow was an interesting man. He handled the investigation with ease in my opinion. The murder scene reminded me of Midsomer murders when someone was also killed when they were score keeping a match.
All in all, I was entertained and I think other mystery lovers will love this too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All in all, I was entertained and I think other mystery lovers will love this too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2026
This book had all the elements of a good murder mystery, but it just missed for me. The characters were good, the descriptions were well written, the plot was well thought out, but it wasn’t compelling to me, just a quick, easy, and ultimately forgettable, read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2026
Follow the two main characters as a delve into this mystery and try to decipher the clues to find out who committed the murder. There are so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing until the end. Like the sitting in background of the story. Good dream.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2026
Engaging mystery that holds your attention and keeps you guessing. Good characters. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2026
Another delightful outing for Chief Inspector Shadow as he investigates a body discovered at a village cricket match. Excellent story and interesting characters particularly the recurring ones who are developing nicely as the series continues.
June 1, 2026
Great series! I am really enjoying this series. Great characters and the mysteries always keep you guessing. Kind of remind me of an Agatha Christie book with it's twists and turns and Poirot. Must read series.
May 7, 2026
This is a nice,easy,uncomplicated mystery that i enjoyed a lot.just hope we dont have to wait as long for the next one
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews