What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bay of Shadows
How far would you go for love?
In a rambling house in a small Australian beach town, Elena Jameson is recovering from her recent divorce. To her delight, she is given the opportunity to foster a little boy, Daniel, whose mother is dead and whose violent father is in rehab. As Elena and Daniel explore the beautiful bay and wild bushland, they form a profound bond that will change their lives forever.
Then Daniel’s father discovers his whereabouts and begins a campaign of terror – not to get his son back, but to prevent Elena giving Daniel a new life.
As the violence escalates, Elena finds that she’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect Daniel from the brutality of his past and an uncertain future. Sometimes the only way to get what you want is to pay the price in blood.
A gothic tale of love and loss, bravery and hope.
In a rambling house in a small Australian beach town, Elena Jameson is recovering from her recent divorce. To her delight, she is given the opportunity to foster a little boy, Daniel, whose mother is dead and whose violent father is in rehab. As Elena and Daniel explore the beautiful bay and wild bushland, they form a profound bond that will change their lives forever.
Then Daniel’s father discovers his whereabouts and begins a campaign of terror – not to get his son back, but to prevent Elena giving Daniel a new life.
As the violence escalates, Elena finds that she’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect Daniel from the brutality of his past and an uncertain future. Sometimes the only way to get what you want is to pay the price in blood.
A gothic tale of love and loss, bravery and hope.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2016
457 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wood
5 books22 followersSamantha Wood is the author of the memoir, Culua: My Other Life in Mexico, which was published in 2003. The Bay of Shadows, her first novel, was published in December 2016 and was inspired by the beach town where she grew up. Her follow-up novel, Under Ten Thousand stars, a love story set in wine country, was released in May 2019.
She began her writing career with a travel piece for the Qantas In-Flight magazine. From then on, she travelled extensively between Mexico and Australia before writing the memoir, Culua: My Other Life in Mexico, a love letter to her mother’s country. She went on to write The Bay of Shadows, a novel about the unconventional bonds of love, and Under Ten Thousand Stars, another tale of love against the odds. Her third novel, The Song of Clouds, set on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, and the last book in the Coastal Noir Trilogy was released on February 28, 2022. Her fourth novel, Shalimar will be released on July 1.
To keep up with all her book news, head over to her website where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter:
www.samanthawoodauthor.com
www.instagram.com/samanthawoodauthor
www.facebook.com/samanthawoodauthor
She began her writing career with a travel piece for the Qantas In-Flight magazine. From then on, she travelled extensively between Mexico and Australia before writing the memoir, Culua: My Other Life in Mexico, a love letter to her mother’s country. She went on to write The Bay of Shadows, a novel about the unconventional bonds of love, and Under Ten Thousand Stars, another tale of love against the odds. Her third novel, The Song of Clouds, set on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, and the last book in the Coastal Noir Trilogy was released on February 28, 2022. Her fourth novel, Shalimar will be released on July 1.
To keep up with all her book news, head over to her website where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter:
www.samanthawoodauthor.com
www.instagram.com/samanthawoodauthor
www.facebook.com/samanthawoodauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 7, 2017
When Elena Jameson was granted the opportunity to foster six year old Tyson, she was thrilled. Her recent divorce had left her fragile – caring for this little boy would be therapy for them both. Learning that the name Tyson made the boy shudder with apprehension, Elena started calling him Daniel – his second name – which suited them both. Daniel had lost his mother to death and his father was a cruel, vindictive and abusive man, currently locked away. Elena chose not to think about the future and what would happen when he was released…
Living a quiet and secluded life in the small bay not far from Melbourne in Victoria, just Daniel, Rafi (their little dog) and Elena, she knew this was the life she wanted. Daniel was a different child, and Elena loved him in the devoted manner of any mother anywhere. Daniel was doing well at school – they explored the beautiful surrounding bush in their leisure time; and soccer brought Daniel joy. But with a terrifying suddenness, everything changed. Violence erupted around Elena and Daniel – the danger was crippling. What would Elena do? She knew she needed to do everything in her power to keep her son safe; but what…?
The Bay of Shadows is the debut novel by Aussie author Samantha Wood and in my opinion it’s exceptional! A gripping and intense plot with a fast pace and riveting emotions – The Bay of Shadows has everything I love in a psychological thriller (even a touch of the Dreamtime). I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly, and will be eagerly watching for this author’s next book :) I also love the cover!
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Living a quiet and secluded life in the small bay not far from Melbourne in Victoria, just Daniel, Rafi (their little dog) and Elena, she knew this was the life she wanted. Daniel was a different child, and Elena loved him in the devoted manner of any mother anywhere. Daniel was doing well at school – they explored the beautiful surrounding bush in their leisure time; and soccer brought Daniel joy. But with a terrifying suddenness, everything changed. Violence erupted around Elena and Daniel – the danger was crippling. What would Elena do? She knew she needed to do everything in her power to keep her son safe; but what…?
The Bay of Shadows is the debut novel by Aussie author Samantha Wood and in my opinion it’s exceptional! A gripping and intense plot with a fast pace and riveting emotions – The Bay of Shadows has everything I love in a psychological thriller (even a touch of the Dreamtime). I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly, and will be eagerly watching for this author’s next book :) I also love the cover!
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
May 19, 2023
The Bay of Shadows is the debut novel for Samantha Wood. Elena Jameson is a divorced woman who has begun fostering a child named Tyson. He doesn’t respond well to the name, so she begins to call him Daniel (his middle name). With that slight touch she begins to unravel some of the horrific circumstances that the boy has survived, not the least of which is an incarcerated father that wants his son back, not because he cares for his son, but because he wants to win. Somehow, to the father, the acquisition of custody, becomes more about a competition than it is about doing what is best for his son. The story becomes Southern Gothic when supernatural elements intercede. Said elements were unnecessary IMHO. It was interesting enough without the supernatural. Those horror elements almost felt appended, after the fact, in order to enhance the word count. Those elements should have been foreshadowed or an intrinsic aspect from the start. The horror seems contrived because it was not present at the beginning. Good, but not great.
August 6, 2019
The Bay of Shadows by Australian author Samantha Woods brings a powerful rollercoaster of emotions!
Samantha's descriptions of the scenery and landscape is refreshing and beautifully done. I could easily envision myself right there on the beach, watching the pelicans and seagulls as the sun sets below the water.
Just as the peaceful serenity of the bay starts to settle in, the once peaceful butterflies are suddenly startled, taking flight in my chest and stomach and I begin to feel a nervous, electric fizz flowing up and down my nerves.
Imagination, creativity, and psychological suspense swirl together with the incorporation of Australian culture and language from the Wiradjuri Aboriginal Tribe. The fear factor climbs to a whole new level and the trepidation I felt was deep, viceral, and nearly paralyzing.
Elana got up, unease in her gut like strained muscles....
She had no idea what she was doing other than a need to follow the budyabudya to wherever it went. Shivering, she walked across the garden, towards the gate, and out to the track. There came a growling from within the brush.
The creature appeared from behind a narrowed she-oak, as if floating, a colossal shape approaching through the mist.
I loved The Bay of Shadows by Samantha Woods and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Samantha's descriptions of the scenery and landscape is refreshing and beautifully done. I could easily envision myself right there on the beach, watching the pelicans and seagulls as the sun sets below the water.
Just as the peaceful serenity of the bay starts to settle in, the once peaceful butterflies are suddenly startled, taking flight in my chest and stomach and I begin to feel a nervous, electric fizz flowing up and down my nerves.
Imagination, creativity, and psychological suspense swirl together with the incorporation of Australian culture and language from the Wiradjuri Aboriginal Tribe. The fear factor climbs to a whole new level and the trepidation I felt was deep, viceral, and nearly paralyzing.
Elana got up, unease in her gut like strained muscles....
She had no idea what she was doing other than a need to follow the budyabudya to wherever it went. Shivering, she walked across the garden, towards the gate, and out to the track. There came a growling from within the brush.
The creature appeared from behind a narrowed she-oak, as if floating, a colossal shape approaching through the mist.
I loved The Bay of Shadows by Samantha Woods and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
August 11, 2017
Interesting story
I liked the story and the characters were very good, but the one thing that bothered me was the mythical character and to me it had no place in the story
I liked the story and the characters were very good, but the one thing that bothered me was the mythical character and to me it had no place in the story
September 11, 2017
Well, if thrillers are meant to be lovely (or cute or quaint), this was it. Mind you, those are not the descriptive adjectives I look for in a thriller (usually quite the opposite), but every so often exceptions are made, particular for freebies. Likeability sometimes goes a long way to elevate an otherwise average story and that's pretty much the case here. Just a ton of immensely likeable characters and a cute kid to boot in what turns out to be a pretty mild suspense thriller about a foster parent/biological (psycho) parent stand off. Exotic locale helps too, Australian flora and fauna and native lore were a delight. There were some inconsistencies in the narrative and there's the every frustrating DIY aspect (which may be the aussie way) of not going to the police and asking for assistance otherwise, but trying to do it all singlehandedly, there's also a good (if you're into that sort of thing) amount or romance and other elements of chicklit or, at least women's fiction. But in the end the engaging narrative, the charming cast and the sheer pleasure of the setting (small beach town post summer season) won the day. For a quick (one sitting from 8 30ish until noon) lite morning read this was well paced and entertaining plenty.
August 30, 2017
I wanted to like this book based on the premise, but I was not impressed with either the prose or the characters. The scenes would sometimes switch with no break in the text, so one line Elena was in her car, and the next she would be in the house and it'd be hours later. Also, there were some weird inconsistencies, such as Daniel's favorite meal being spaghetti w/ garlic and basil towards the beginning, but at the end it's roast chicken w/ potatoes and vegetables, seemingly for no reason. It's as if the author forgot what she'd written.
Also, the main character was so frustrating, and frankly was stupid with how she handled the events in the book. She did not seem written organically at all.
I was honestly expecting a lot more psychological impact from this book, but not a whole lot happens. It's short, so obviously it didn't take much time to read, but I'm still disappointed with how half-baked it is.
Also, the main character was so frustrating, and frankly was stupid with how she handled the events in the book. She did not seem written organically at all.
I was honestly expecting a lot more psychological impact from this book, but not a whole lot happens. It's short, so obviously it didn't take much time to read, but I'm still disappointed with how half-baked it is.
March 11, 2017
I love the Aussie setting in this page-turning psychological thriller. My emotions were high as the fate of an innocent child was at stake. A solid debut - I look forward to reading more from Samantha.
I reviewed a complimentary copy.
I reviewed a complimentary copy.
April 4, 2018
I feel very torn over this book. It had some really good elements, but it ended up feeling like a mishmash of too many genres. There was some suspense, some thriller, some romance, and then a totally inexplicable bit of supernatural that made no sense and caused the ending to be a hash for me.
I did find reading about another country's version of CPS very interesting. I thought it was odd that the father getting out of prison apparently meant that the child was supposed to go straight back to him. That's certainly not how it would have worked in any of the courts I practice in, and made me curious about Australia's CPS system.
Some of the characterization seemed kind of heavy-handed and the "blended family" dynamics were kind of forced. But, I've seen much weirder blended families work things out, so maybe I didn't need as much convincing about that aspect of the plot as the author thought I would. Other readers might have needed more help with the idea of the ex-and his boyfriend-and your boyfriend all hanging out with you, but I've seen it work before. I accepted that pretty much the attitude of "I believed you the first time," while the author kept going back and hitting the same chords over and over again. But that might have felt necessary for the more average reader going, "No way!"
The supernatural elements were what really killed the book for me. Something happens midway through the book that is never explained, never really handled, that then disappears again until the very end of the book. Then it comes back as a deus ex machina, popping up to give the story the "right" ending before disappearing again. Honestly it felt like the author wrote herself into a corner, then went back to a throwaway idea from an earlier draft and wove it back in to get to the ending she wanted. It was a clumsy feeling that didn't match the rest of the story. If this were a series I would hold out hope that this would be explained later, but I don't see any series information on my goodreads. So for now, it stands as the warning that there can be such a thing as too much genre bending.
I did find reading about another country's version of CPS very interesting. I thought it was odd that the father getting out of prison apparently meant that the child was supposed to go straight back to him. That's certainly not how it would have worked in any of the courts I practice in, and made me curious about Australia's CPS system.
Some of the characterization seemed kind of heavy-handed and the "blended family" dynamics were kind of forced. But, I've seen much weirder blended families work things out, so maybe I didn't need as much convincing about that aspect of the plot as the author thought I would. Other readers might have needed more help with the idea of the ex-and his boyfriend-and your boyfriend all hanging out with you, but I've seen it work before. I accepted that pretty much the attitude of "I believed you the first time," while the author kept going back and hitting the same chords over and over again. But that might have felt necessary for the more average reader going, "No way!"
The supernatural elements were what really killed the book for me. Something happens midway through the book that is never explained, never really handled, that then disappears again until the very end of the book. Then it comes back as a deus ex machina, popping up to give the story the "right" ending before disappearing again. Honestly it felt like the author wrote herself into a corner, then went back to a throwaway idea from an earlier draft and wove it back in to get to the ending she wanted. It was a clumsy feeling that didn't match the rest of the story. If this were a series I would hold out hope that this would be explained later, but I don't see any series information on my goodreads. So for now, it stands as the warning that there can be such a thing as too much genre bending.
September 15, 2017
Great read
I could not put it down until I finished reading the whole thing. I loved it ! It has me the whole way through.
I could not put it down until I finished reading the whole thing. I loved it ! It has me the whole way through.
September 12, 2017
I did enjoy the story overall, but at times I was very confused. Things changed with no warning, there were inconsistencies, and I have no idea where the "bunyip" came from. This was not a "fairy tale" but a thriller, and it just seemed to me to be totally out of place.
I was very relieved with how it ended, but Elena made so many mistakes it was ridiculous to even contemplate. Anyone in their right mind would have notified the Police, if for no other reason than to have it on the record. How she planned to "solve" the problem was totally foolish and to even consider such an act was reprehensible IMO. I can't see any ordinary woman being remotely able to pull off such an act of violence against a hardened criminal. It was unbelievable. And yet, in the end, thanks to an imaginary "protector" everything works out perfectly. Too amazing for words.
I was very relieved with how it ended, but Elena made so many mistakes it was ridiculous to even contemplate. Anyone in their right mind would have notified the Police, if for no other reason than to have it on the record. How she planned to "solve" the problem was totally foolish and to even consider such an act was reprehensible IMO. I can't see any ordinary woman being remotely able to pull off such an act of violence against a hardened criminal. It was unbelievable. And yet, in the end, thanks to an imaginary "protector" everything works out perfectly. Too amazing for words.
April 28, 2017
I read The Bay of Shadow in 5 hours, in one sitting at my kitchen dinning room table. After reading the first chapter, I was instantly engaged by the deeply emotive and descriptive style and instantly became emotionally invested in the characters. While the central theme revolves around the relationship between a foster mum and child, an impressive array of other themes were interwoven seamlessly throughout the story: suspense, romance, sex, violence, death, mortality, emotional intelligence, divorce, love, loneliness, mysticism and mystery. I woke up the next morning feeling as if I'd witnessed the entire story with my own eyes and felt every emotion as if it had all happened to me-- everything I expect from a book. Five stars.
December 17, 2017
This novel was all over the place. I'm not even sure the editor so much as glanced at it, because Daniel's hair goes from brown to pale over the course of about a dozen chapters. Transitions between Elena and Daniel's POV are nonexistent, without so much as a page break to indicate it's shifted. The characters are as one-dimensional as characters can be, the police and child services are unbelievably inept, and the day is saved by an aboriginal mythical creature that is literally known to eat children.
I would go on, but I don't think I can top that last part. I wish I could say I were making this up.
I would go on, but I don't think I can top that last part. I wish I could say I were making this up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2017
Sometimes a book will catch your fancy, sometimes it won't. For whatever reason I couldn't get into this book. I mainly found myself annoyed with the main character and her determination to do things on her own without any help. Usually I applaud independence, but when bad people threaten someone you care about and you ... you get help. You don't try to take on the bad guys yourself because in the real world, this won't end well.
September 27, 2018
I couldn't even finish it......
It drove me nuts that Daniel was constantly referred to as "the boy"
Elena's ridiculous notion that Children's Services would blame her for the father's actions against her and therefore not go to the police. It's just stupid.
And then the monster....after reading other reviews as I was to the point of skimming the pages rather than reading to find out the monster is the one who deals with the bad guys in the end, I'm just done, I couldn't read any more.
It drove me nuts that Daniel was constantly referred to as "the boy"
Elena's ridiculous notion that Children's Services would blame her for the father's actions against her and therefore not go to the police. It's just stupid.
And then the monster....after reading other reviews as I was to the point of skimming the pages rather than reading to find out the monster is the one who deals with the bad guys in the end, I'm just done, I couldn't read any more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2017
Elena is a foster mom who is absolutely head over heals for her boy, Daniel. She watched over him constantly, hoping to dispel the nightmares of his life with his biological parents. But his drug-dealing father was lurking nearby. Why would he want Daniel back?
~ this book is way over the top. Bad guys killed by a monster that only they could see? Wow. No thanks
~ this book is way over the top. Bad guys killed by a monster that only they could see? Wow. No thanks
August 8, 2019
I liked the descriptions of Australia coast and some of its folk culture but found the story dated and the ending expected. It didn’t add anything new. Main character’s way of dealing with the situation was silly and not believable, her reluctance to call the police made it worst. The plot would have benefited from a nice twist.
December 10, 2018
Interesting story however was not a fan of the imaginary friend and the unrealistic stance that Elena would not seek the help of the police . Poor judgment for someone determined to protect her child .
October 31, 2018
I would have given it five stars but the end was pretty unrealistic. I really enjoyed the book though - quite an entertaining read
August 31, 2017
A lovely book!
The main characters were so richly described and the plot so well entwined with them I really did not want the book to end. An abused little boy and his foster 'mum' are faced with the real possibility he will be returned to the brutal father as the system believes the child, although now flourishing in a loving environment, should be with 'blood.' Will there be help from the seemingly benevolent creature seen in the garden?
The main characters were so richly described and the plot so well entwined with them I really did not want the book to end. An abused little boy and his foster 'mum' are faced with the real possibility he will be returned to the brutal father as the system believes the child, although now flourishing in a loving environment, should be with 'blood.' Will there be help from the seemingly benevolent creature seen in the garden?
October 30, 2017
Really good read
It's so refreshing to read a good Australian drama, and an amazing effort for a first novel. The characters were superbly drawn and I was with them every step of the way. Sometimes I felt like yelling at Elena to go to the police, but then I remembered what happened to Rosie Batty and couldn't blame her for not having confidence that they would be able to help.
It's so refreshing to read a good Australian drama, and an amazing effort for a first novel. The characters were superbly drawn and I was with them every step of the way. Sometimes I felt like yelling at Elena to go to the police, but then I remembered what happened to Rosie Batty and couldn't blame her for not having confidence that they would be able to help.
December 29, 2018
What goes bump in the night
In a nutshell, Daniel is a foster boy whose father will be released from prison. The father was abusive and Daniel has found a permanent home and is thriving. The father wants the boy back, he doesn't love the boy, he just doesn't want anyone else too.
The father reaches out to his former prison mates and works remotely to get Daniel away from his new home.
You'll need to read the book for the details and conclusion.
In a nutshell, Daniel is a foster boy whose father will be released from prison. The father was abusive and Daniel has found a permanent home and is thriving. The father wants the boy back, he doesn't love the boy, he just doesn't want anyone else too.
The father reaches out to his former prison mates and works remotely to get Daniel away from his new home.
You'll need to read the book for the details and conclusion.
June 13, 2021
An amazing story of pure love. A woman who has lost everything, a child with nobody to care for him and how the fight to stay together and protect each other. It was amazing how many things happened in such a short story and how it makes you appreciate more the good people in your life. Beautiful story with a weird monster in between (I don't even understand what that was about but it was a nice touch) and a fantastic ending.
September 4, 2017
This is a book of good and evil and how love can help us overcome the meanest of intent.
I loved that her need to nurture is do strong that it will protect what God has given. When all looked lost she held on to special life that she would not let anyone hurt and was willing to die to save him.
I loved that her need to nurture is do strong that it will protect what God has given. When all looked lost she held on to special life that she would not let anyone hurt and was willing to die to save him.
September 9, 2017
Good plot
I liked the storyline but not so much the characters. Their actions were just not realistic to me. Elena was hard for me to like. Her actions were idiotic and completely irrational. Also after her long drawn out hysteria, everything was just tied up in a nice, neat little bow all of a sudden.
I liked the storyline but not so much the characters. Their actions were just not realistic to me. Elena was hard for me to like. Her actions were idiotic and completely irrational. Also after her long drawn out hysteria, everything was just tied up in a nice, neat little bow all of a sudden.
September 11, 2017
This was an interesting story with some strange twists
This book seemed a bit slow in the beginning, but grabbed my attention later on, and proved to be in interesting book in the end. It just didn't have the grip on me to be a real page turner or a book that I couldn't put down.
This book seemed a bit slow in the beginning, but grabbed my attention later on, and proved to be in interesting book in the end. It just didn't have the grip on me to be a real page turner or a book that I couldn't put down.
September 19, 2017
wow this book was great. It has a great pace and is a great storyline. I really enjoyed it and found myself not wanting to put the book down. It is a good story with a different type of plot. It involves fostering a child and the family that is left and the battles to get complete custody and what not. Really good read.
May 28, 2018
Loved 'TheBayofShadows'.
great book the only thing I would change would be for Elena to kill Anderson herself. Seemed like the mysterious monster wasn't present enough to really understand his purpose or maybe I missed something. Otherwise I LOVE IT! Great mystery with a perfect ending.
great book the only thing I would change would be for Elena to kill Anderson herself. Seemed like the mysterious monster wasn't present enough to really understand his purpose or maybe I missed something. Otherwise I LOVE IT! Great mystery with a perfect ending.
September 3, 2018
Good
This book was a good read, in a sense it was too predictable for me though. The storyline was very basic but the way the author described the environment was lovely. It was a little disconcerting when she talked about fables and described certain things using certain words without giving a backstory on what language or culture they came from
This book was a good read, in a sense it was too predictable for me though. The storyline was very basic but the way the author described the environment was lovely. It was a little disconcerting when she talked about fables and described certain things using certain words without giving a backstory on what language or culture they came from
January 13, 2020
Unfortunately read this because I enjoy books on this topic but it was very unbelievable. Australia must have a very different system to Uk. where any foster carer would contact their children's service support person or police if there was a problem, not make things worse by not doing so.
Found the ending disappointing.
Found the ending disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
I think it was well written, but I guess I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to take this book seriously. It couldn’t figure out what genre it wanted to be…thriller, romance, fantasy…who knows?! Main character was an idiot. I found myself “face-palming” through the entire book and the ridiculous scenarios she got herself into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews