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South Shores #4
Shallow Grave
The truth won’t stay buried forever…
It’s been four months since forensic psychologist Claire Britten last crossed paths with danger. Finally feeling she can catch her breath, together with her partner, criminal lawyer Nick Markwood, Claire has settled into a new role, volunteering with a support group for children stressed by domestic violence. But a leisurely field trip to a wildlife sanctuary turns deadly, leaving Claire to question whether the death was an accident, suicide—or something far more sinister.
Nick gets the South Shores team on the case, hunting down anyone with a potential grudge against the sanctuary. But their investigation turns wild when other attacks come too close to home. With a hostile predator on the loose, Nick and Claire will have to race to unbury the truth before a killer wipes them from the endangered-species list for good.
It’s been four months since forensic psychologist Claire Britten last crossed paths with danger. Finally feeling she can catch her breath, together with her partner, criminal lawyer Nick Markwood, Claire has settled into a new role, volunteering with a support group for children stressed by domestic violence. But a leisurely field trip to a wildlife sanctuary turns deadly, leaving Claire to question whether the death was an accident, suicide—or something far more sinister.
Nick gets the South Shores team on the case, hunting down anyone with a potential grudge against the sanctuary. But their investigation turns wild when other attacks come too close to home. With a hostile predator on the loose, Nick and Claire will have to race to unbury the truth before a killer wipes them from the endangered-species list for good.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
About the author
Karen Harper
111 books1,534 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY. Please visit her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor and her fb page at www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor
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February 18, 2018Ugh... sigh. I have such a hard time with not finishing books. DNF at 35 percent. I was having such a hard time with following all of the characters. There were too many too quickly in the beginning and I just could not follow the story at all. I was not feeling it and could not connect.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the advanced arc.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the advanced arc.
April 1, 2018
This is an excellent addition to this series, Although 4th in line, it reads well as a stand-alone. However, I always recommend starting from the beginning.
Nick and Claire are in their new home, a few months after their last almost deadly encounter. Supposedly things are back to "normal" but unfortunately that doesn't last near long enough.
Claire volunteers with a support group for children affected by domestic violence. The kids are taken on a field trip to a wildlife sanctuary where they have acquired a Siberian tiger. But this turns deadly as the owner of the sanctuary is mauled and killed by the tiger while still caged.
Accident? Suicide? Murder?
Nick gets his investigative team to start hunting down anyone with a grudge against the sanctuary ... a competitor, animal rights protesters perhaps, even the tiger's former owner is suspect here.
But it gets really dangerous when other wildlife is found on Nick and Claire's acreage.... a vicious snake with its throat slashed, a large gator killed elsewhere and dumped literally in their front yard.
With a hostile predator on the loose, Nick and Claire will have to race to unearth the truth before a killer wipes them from the endangered-species list for good.
There's lot of action, although the beginning was a little slow. The suspense is palpable in certain areas. There's a lot of the slaying of different species of animals. The story premise is compelling and kept me rapidly turning pages to see what would happen next.
Many thanks to the author / Harlequin - Mira / Netgalley for the digital copy of SHALLOW GRAVE. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 27, 2020
Great read!
September 26, 2019
Forensic psychologist Claire Britton and new husband Nick Markwood can finally kick back and begin to enjoy life They spent months fighting more than one enemy, and have now been able to enjoy a nice, quiet time. Things have gone so well for Claire and Nick, and Claire's daughter Lexi, that Claire is even volunteering for a support group for children affected by domestic violence.
While visiting a sanctuary with the group of children, as well as Lexi and Nick, there is a sudden and deadly death. It most certainly has to be an accident, at least that is what everyone hopes. However, after this occurs, it becomes evident that things were not as they seemed at the sanctuary.
There is a deeper issue, and that clearly affects Claire and Nick. Claire's ex-husband, Jace, is still very involved in their lives. In large part, because he is very close to their daughter, Lexi. What is more, is that Claire and Jace still care for one another, especially due to the trauma they all experienced in the past (see the previous stories in this series). What is more is that Jace is now dating Brittany, who works at the sanctuary and is the daughter of the man that died.
Although I do my best to read entire series, those new to this series will be able to enjoy this book as a standalone. This is mostly due to the time when the story takes place, and the fact that Claire and Nick are settled, and Jace is dating again. So readers will have a lot to enjoy when they begin turning the pages of this book.
There is intrigue, extreme danger, romance and a strong family element. There is a bevy of wonderful characters that band together when needs must. Actually, I think that is one of the things that am enjoying most about this series, and that is the character development that goes alone with each story in the series.
While visiting a sanctuary with the group of children, as well as Lexi and Nick, there is a sudden and deadly death. It most certainly has to be an accident, at least that is what everyone hopes. However, after this occurs, it becomes evident that things were not as they seemed at the sanctuary.
There is a deeper issue, and that clearly affects Claire and Nick. Claire's ex-husband, Jace, is still very involved in their lives. In large part, because he is very close to their daughter, Lexi. What is more, is that Claire and Jace still care for one another, especially due to the trauma they all experienced in the past (see the previous stories in this series). What is more is that Jace is now dating Brittany, who works at the sanctuary and is the daughter of the man that died.
Although I do my best to read entire series, those new to this series will be able to enjoy this book as a standalone. This is mostly due to the time when the story takes place, and the fact that Claire and Nick are settled, and Jace is dating again. So readers will have a lot to enjoy when they begin turning the pages of this book.
There is intrigue, extreme danger, romance and a strong family element. There is a bevy of wonderful characters that band together when needs must. Actually, I think that is one of the things that am enjoying most about this series, and that is the character development that goes alone with each story in the series.
February 12, 2018
A book not for the faint of heart, but then none of the books in this series have been, and this one is going to keep you guessing and holding your breath right to the end.
We are back with Nick and Claire, and of course, precocious Lexie, and the extended family, and now we are settled down with a new home and a baby on the way, life is back to normal, right?
With tender hearted Claire, life will never be normal, and this is a story that she might not make it to the end, with the evil that is lurking in the background.
A book not to be missed and you will be quickly page-turning as the story gets better and better, enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
We are back with Nick and Claire, and of course, precocious Lexie, and the extended family, and now we are settled down with a new home and a baby on the way, life is back to normal, right?
With tender hearted Claire, life will never be normal, and this is a story that she might not make it to the end, with the evil that is lurking in the background.
A book not to be missed and you will be quickly page-turning as the story gets better and better, enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 6, 2026
I am going to go with a 4.99. Wow is about all I can say. It has a plot twist I didn’t see coming. I think this maybe my favorite so far out of the series. I can’t wait to read book 5.
Anything past this point will contain spoilers so I can remember what the book is about.
Main Characters
Claire Britten Markwood
* Forensic psychologist and one of the main characters.
* Married to Nick Markwood and nearly five months pregnant with their first child together.
* Has narcolepsy and is trying to carefully manage it during her pregnancy.
* Mother of Lexi with her ex-husband, Jace.
* Volunteers with her sister Darcy in Comfort Zone, a program helping children who have experienced domestic violence.
* Becomes particularly concerned about Duncan because his violent father, Irv Glover, is a fugitive.
* Once again becomes personally caught in the danger surrounding the investigation.
Nick Markwood
* Claire’s husband and Lexi’s stepfather.
* Criminal attorney.
* Helps investigate the strange events surrounding the Backwoods Animal Adventure wildlife sanctuary.
* Had previously helped prosecute Duncan’s father, Irv Glover.
* Extremely protective of Claire, especially because she is pregnant.
Lexi
* Claire and Jace’s daughter and Nick’s stepdaughter.
* Almost five years old.
* Has a close relationship with both Jace (“Daddy”) and Nick (“Dad”).
Jace Britten
* Claire’s ex-husband and Lexi’s biological father.
* Pilot and former Navy pilot.
* Secretly works with the FBI’s Stingray program.
* Is now romantically involved with Brittany Hoffman.
* His relationship with Brittany shows that he is beginning to move forward from Claire.
Brittany “Brit” Hoffman
* Daughter of Ben and Ann Hoffman.
* Works at her family’s wildlife sanctuary, Backwoods Animal Adventure (BAA).
* Trained in zoology/animal management and is especially knowledgeable about the animals.
* Jace’s girlfriend.
* Her family is thrown into turmoil when her father dies in the tiger enclosure.
Ben Hoffman
* Brittany and Lane’s father and Ann’s husband.
* Co-owner of the Backwoods Animal Adventure.
* Former Marine who later worked in advertising.
* Dies after being mauled by the sanctuary’s Siberian tiger, Tiberia.
* His shocking death launches the central investigation because Claire and the others question whether it was really an accident.
Ann Hoffman
* Ben’s wife and Brittany and Lane’s mother.
* Helps operate the Backwoods Animal Adventure.
* Must deal with the aftermath of Ben’s death and the questions surrounding what really happened.
Lane Hoffman
* Brittany’s brother and Ben and Ann’s son.
* A violinist with the Naples Symphony Orchestra.
* Considered somewhat of the “black sheep” of the Hoffman family.
* Becomes one of the people whose motives and actions must be considered as the investigation develops.
Jackson
* Longtime friend of Ben Hoffman.
* Works and lives at the BAA.
* Acts as the sanctuary’s zookeeper/jack-of-all-trades and helps care for the animals.
* Later becomes another victim of the escalating violence and is badly attacked.
Bronco Gates
* Nick’s former bodyguard and trusted friend/employee.
* Helps Claire and Nick with the investigation.
* Goes undercover/takes a position connected with the neighboring ranch so the group can learn more about what is happening there.
Nita
* Bronco’s girlfriend.
* Formerly Lexi’s nanny and remains close to Claire, Nick and Lexi.
* Helps with the Comfort Zone children and supports the group during the investigation.
Darcy
* Claire’s sister.
* Helps Claire run the Comfort Zone program for children affected by domestic violence.
* Mother of Drew and Jilly.
Duncan “Duck” Glover
* Nine-year-old boy in Claire and Darcy’s Comfort Zone program.
* Has endured severe domestic violence.
* His abusive father called him “Duck,” so Claire begins encouraging him to use his real name, Duncan, as part of rebuilding his confidence.
* Is terrified that his fugitive father will return.
* His story initially seems secondary to the wildlife-sanctuary mystery but becomes extremely important to the ending.
Marta Glover
* Duncan’s mother.
* Victim of Irv Glover’s abuse.
* Has been trying to rebuild a life for herself and Duncan while Irv remains a fugitive.
Irv Glover — MAJOR SPOILER
* Duncan’s extremely violent and abusive father.
* Previously imprisoned after a road-rage attack; Duncan’s testimony helped convict him.
* After his release, he attacked Marta and killed a social worker.
* Disappeared and became a fugitive.
* Ultimately emerges as the major human threat/killer behind the danger aimed at Claire.
* His hatred is connected to Claire’s involvement with Duncan and Nick’s role in prosecuting him.
Tiberia
* The abused Siberian tiger taken in by the BAA.
* Mauls Ben Hoffman to death.
* Although the tiger initially appears to be the obvious “killer,” Ben’s death opens a much larger mystery involving human motives, secrets and other crimes.
⸻
Full Summary — SPOILERS
Four months after the events of the previous book, Claire and Nick are finally enjoying something resembling a normal life. They are married, living in their new home with Lexi, and Claire is nearly five months pregnant with their first child together. Claire still struggles with narcolepsy but is trying to manage it while protecting her pregnancy.
Claire has also begun volunteering with her sister Darcy in Comfort Zone, a program for children who have experienced violence and abuse at home. One child particularly concerns her: nine-year-old Duncan Glover, nicknamed “Duck.” His father, Irv Glover, is a brutally abusive man and convicted criminal who has disappeared after killing a social worker.
Claire knows Duncan is terrified of his father. She begins calling him Duncan rather than Duck because “Duck” is the name his abusive father gave him, and she wants him to develop confidence and a healthier identity.
The Comfort Zone group takes a field trip to the Backwoods Animal Adventure (BAA), a small wildlife sanctuary owned by Ben and Ann Hoffman. Their daughter Brittany works there and is dating Claire’s ex-husband, Jace.
The sanctuary has recently taken in an abused Siberian tiger named Tiberia.
During the visit, everyone suddenly hears screams from the tiger enclosure. Ben Hoffman has been mauled by Tiberia and dies.
The obvious explanation is that Ben made a fatal mistake around a dangerous animal, but Claire and Nick quickly become suspicious. They begin wondering whether Ben’s death was truly an accident, suicide, or whether someone deliberately arranged circumstances that would cause the tiger to kill him.
The investigation reveals several possible suspects and motives surrounding the sanctuary. The neighboring property and people involved in exotic animals and hunting become important, as do questions about who might want the Hoffman family’s land or want the BAA shut down.
Meanwhile, the danger becomes increasingly personal.
Dead and dangerous animals begin appearing around Claire and Nick’s home, including a dead alligator and a killed snake. The incidents feel less like random wildlife problems and more like deliberate warnings.
Jackson, the BAA’s longtime caretaker and friend of Ben, is also violently attacked and left in serious condition.
Nick, Claire, Bronco and their friends investigate the neighboring ranch and uncover other disturbing activity, including illegal hunting and prostitution. For much of the novel, it appears that these activities and the conflicts surrounding the wildlife sanctuary could explain Ben’s death and the attacks.
At the same time, however, the book has another mystery running quietly underneath everything: Duncan’s missing father, Irv Glover.
Claire has become emotionally invested in helping Duncan escape the psychological hold his abusive father has over him. Irv has every reason to hate the people helping Duncan—especially Claire and Nick. Nick helped prosecute him years earlier, and Claire is now helping Duncan reject the identity and fear Irv forced on him.
Eventually the two storylines collide.
Irv Glover has returned.
The seemingly secondary story about Duncan’s abusive fugitive father becomes central to the final confrontation. Irv targets Claire and kidnaps/endangers her, revealing that much of the personal terror directed toward Claire is tied to him rather than simply to the complicated events surrounding the animal sanctuary.
The title Shallow Grave also takes on a darker meaning when Claire becomes caught up in the danger involving buried bones/remains and Irv’s violent plans.
Claire once again finds herself fighting for survival—this time while pregnant—while Nick and the others race to find and save her.
By the end, Irv Glover is exposed as the major threat behind Claire’s kidnapping and the attacks connected directly to her and her family. Duncan’s fear of his father throughout the novel was completely justified.
The investigation also exposes other wrongdoing involving the neighboring ranch, including illegal hunting and prostitution, while the truth surrounding the various animal-related crimes and Ben Hoffman’s death is untangled.
The story ends with Claire and Nick surviving yet another dangerous investigation and their family remaining intact. Jace’s growing relationship with Brittany also helps move the complicated Claire/Nick/Jace relationship forward.
The biggest twist for me to remember is that the book makes the wildlife sanctuary, Ben’s death, the tiger, and the neighboring ranch seem like the central danger for most of the story, but Duncan’s fugitive abusive father Irv Glover becomes the unexpected major villain in the climax and the threat to Claire.
Anything past this point will contain spoilers so I can remember what the book is about.
Main Characters
Claire Britten Markwood
* Forensic psychologist and one of the main characters.
* Married to Nick Markwood and nearly five months pregnant with their first child together.
* Has narcolepsy and is trying to carefully manage it during her pregnancy.
* Mother of Lexi with her ex-husband, Jace.
* Volunteers with her sister Darcy in Comfort Zone, a program helping children who have experienced domestic violence.
* Becomes particularly concerned about Duncan because his violent father, Irv Glover, is a fugitive.
* Once again becomes personally caught in the danger surrounding the investigation.
Nick Markwood
* Claire’s husband and Lexi’s stepfather.
* Criminal attorney.
* Helps investigate the strange events surrounding the Backwoods Animal Adventure wildlife sanctuary.
* Had previously helped prosecute Duncan’s father, Irv Glover.
* Extremely protective of Claire, especially because she is pregnant.
Lexi
* Claire and Jace’s daughter and Nick’s stepdaughter.
* Almost five years old.
* Has a close relationship with both Jace (“Daddy”) and Nick (“Dad”).
Jace Britten
* Claire’s ex-husband and Lexi’s biological father.
* Pilot and former Navy pilot.
* Secretly works with the FBI’s Stingray program.
* Is now romantically involved with Brittany Hoffman.
* His relationship with Brittany shows that he is beginning to move forward from Claire.
Brittany “Brit” Hoffman
* Daughter of Ben and Ann Hoffman.
* Works at her family’s wildlife sanctuary, Backwoods Animal Adventure (BAA).
* Trained in zoology/animal management and is especially knowledgeable about the animals.
* Jace’s girlfriend.
* Her family is thrown into turmoil when her father dies in the tiger enclosure.
Ben Hoffman
* Brittany and Lane’s father and Ann’s husband.
* Co-owner of the Backwoods Animal Adventure.
* Former Marine who later worked in advertising.
* Dies after being mauled by the sanctuary’s Siberian tiger, Tiberia.
* His shocking death launches the central investigation because Claire and the others question whether it was really an accident.
Ann Hoffman
* Ben’s wife and Brittany and Lane’s mother.
* Helps operate the Backwoods Animal Adventure.
* Must deal with the aftermath of Ben’s death and the questions surrounding what really happened.
Lane Hoffman
* Brittany’s brother and Ben and Ann’s son.
* A violinist with the Naples Symphony Orchestra.
* Considered somewhat of the “black sheep” of the Hoffman family.
* Becomes one of the people whose motives and actions must be considered as the investigation develops.
Jackson
* Longtime friend of Ben Hoffman.
* Works and lives at the BAA.
* Acts as the sanctuary’s zookeeper/jack-of-all-trades and helps care for the animals.
* Later becomes another victim of the escalating violence and is badly attacked.
Bronco Gates
* Nick’s former bodyguard and trusted friend/employee.
* Helps Claire and Nick with the investigation.
* Goes undercover/takes a position connected with the neighboring ranch so the group can learn more about what is happening there.
Nita
* Bronco’s girlfriend.
* Formerly Lexi’s nanny and remains close to Claire, Nick and Lexi.
* Helps with the Comfort Zone children and supports the group during the investigation.
Darcy
* Claire’s sister.
* Helps Claire run the Comfort Zone program for children affected by domestic violence.
* Mother of Drew and Jilly.
Duncan “Duck” Glover
* Nine-year-old boy in Claire and Darcy’s Comfort Zone program.
* Has endured severe domestic violence.
* His abusive father called him “Duck,” so Claire begins encouraging him to use his real name, Duncan, as part of rebuilding his confidence.
* Is terrified that his fugitive father will return.
* His story initially seems secondary to the wildlife-sanctuary mystery but becomes extremely important to the ending.
Marta Glover
* Duncan’s mother.
* Victim of Irv Glover’s abuse.
* Has been trying to rebuild a life for herself and Duncan while Irv remains a fugitive.
Irv Glover — MAJOR SPOILER
* Duncan’s extremely violent and abusive father.
* Previously imprisoned after a road-rage attack; Duncan’s testimony helped convict him.
* After his release, he attacked Marta and killed a social worker.
* Disappeared and became a fugitive.
* Ultimately emerges as the major human threat/killer behind the danger aimed at Claire.
* His hatred is connected to Claire’s involvement with Duncan and Nick’s role in prosecuting him.
Tiberia
* The abused Siberian tiger taken in by the BAA.
* Mauls Ben Hoffman to death.
* Although the tiger initially appears to be the obvious “killer,” Ben’s death opens a much larger mystery involving human motives, secrets and other crimes.
⸻
Full Summary — SPOILERS
Four months after the events of the previous book, Claire and Nick are finally enjoying something resembling a normal life. They are married, living in their new home with Lexi, and Claire is nearly five months pregnant with their first child together. Claire still struggles with narcolepsy but is trying to manage it while protecting her pregnancy.
Claire has also begun volunteering with her sister Darcy in Comfort Zone, a program for children who have experienced violence and abuse at home. One child particularly concerns her: nine-year-old Duncan Glover, nicknamed “Duck.” His father, Irv Glover, is a brutally abusive man and convicted criminal who has disappeared after killing a social worker.
Claire knows Duncan is terrified of his father. She begins calling him Duncan rather than Duck because “Duck” is the name his abusive father gave him, and she wants him to develop confidence and a healthier identity.
The Comfort Zone group takes a field trip to the Backwoods Animal Adventure (BAA), a small wildlife sanctuary owned by Ben and Ann Hoffman. Their daughter Brittany works there and is dating Claire’s ex-husband, Jace.
The sanctuary has recently taken in an abused Siberian tiger named Tiberia.
During the visit, everyone suddenly hears screams from the tiger enclosure. Ben Hoffman has been mauled by Tiberia and dies.
The obvious explanation is that Ben made a fatal mistake around a dangerous animal, but Claire and Nick quickly become suspicious. They begin wondering whether Ben’s death was truly an accident, suicide, or whether someone deliberately arranged circumstances that would cause the tiger to kill him.
The investigation reveals several possible suspects and motives surrounding the sanctuary. The neighboring property and people involved in exotic animals and hunting become important, as do questions about who might want the Hoffman family’s land or want the BAA shut down.
Meanwhile, the danger becomes increasingly personal.
Dead and dangerous animals begin appearing around Claire and Nick’s home, including a dead alligator and a killed snake. The incidents feel less like random wildlife problems and more like deliberate warnings.
Jackson, the BAA’s longtime caretaker and friend of Ben, is also violently attacked and left in serious condition.
Nick, Claire, Bronco and their friends investigate the neighboring ranch and uncover other disturbing activity, including illegal hunting and prostitution. For much of the novel, it appears that these activities and the conflicts surrounding the wildlife sanctuary could explain Ben’s death and the attacks.
At the same time, however, the book has another mystery running quietly underneath everything: Duncan’s missing father, Irv Glover.
Claire has become emotionally invested in helping Duncan escape the psychological hold his abusive father has over him. Irv has every reason to hate the people helping Duncan—especially Claire and Nick. Nick helped prosecute him years earlier, and Claire is now helping Duncan reject the identity and fear Irv forced on him.
Eventually the two storylines collide.
Irv Glover has returned.
The seemingly secondary story about Duncan’s abusive fugitive father becomes central to the final confrontation. Irv targets Claire and kidnaps/endangers her, revealing that much of the personal terror directed toward Claire is tied to him rather than simply to the complicated events surrounding the animal sanctuary.
The title Shallow Grave also takes on a darker meaning when Claire becomes caught up in the danger involving buried bones/remains and Irv’s violent plans.
Claire once again finds herself fighting for survival—this time while pregnant—while Nick and the others race to find and save her.
By the end, Irv Glover is exposed as the major threat behind Claire’s kidnapping and the attacks connected directly to her and her family. Duncan’s fear of his father throughout the novel was completely justified.
The investigation also exposes other wrongdoing involving the neighboring ranch, including illegal hunting and prostitution, while the truth surrounding the various animal-related crimes and Ben Hoffman’s death is untangled.
The story ends with Claire and Nick surviving yet another dangerous investigation and their family remaining intact. Jace’s growing relationship with Brittany also helps move the complicated Claire/Nick/Jace relationship forward.
The biggest twist for me to remember is that the book makes the wildlife sanctuary, Ben’s death, the tiger, and the neighboring ranch seem like the central danger for most of the story, but Duncan’s fugitive abusive father Irv Glover becomes the unexpected major villain in the climax and the threat to Claire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
I can’t say there was anything I enjoyed or could compliment this book on. First the writing; every section ended in a dramatic pause I found myself silently adding “dun dun dun” after everyone for some enjoyment. The storyline was very predictable and somewhat boring/ unrealistic. Now it’s a crime novel I don’t expect it to be extremely realistic or believable however the little details in the story like Nitas wedding happening in two weeks? Throughout the story weird, unimportant events were added in or stated over and over when there was no need to even be included. It served absolutely no purpose to state Ginas background every time she was mentioned. The repeat of information made it feel like each character was being introduced to the book every time they were mentioned. Being able to guess most of the plot twists beforehand made the story seem boring and to set up for a happy ending. Then the author sidelined the original plot at the end and made it all about Claire, just a few lines actually tying the case together which seemed like extremely lazy writing.
This also seemed to be a case of forgetting the story as it went on. It started as a “murder” case, with weird evidence that it was indeed murder, however by the end there were three or four different cases Nick mentioned. Bens death, Claire Kidnapped/ bones in the BAA, illegal hunting, illegal prostitution, Duncan’s abusive father. There was no consistency for the plot.
Next the characters, I can sum up in two words manipulative and plain. Nick and Claire surrounded themselves with people they could boss around and use. Their “friends” only seemed to appear when it was convenient for Nick or Claire, always being told to do something for the case. For example Bronco taking the job at the ranch. Did he want to no, but Nick worked it out in a lengthy monologue saying Bronco basically had to do it. Claire was just a messy repeat of the same information consistently, her having to take her medication was mentioned at least two dozen times. WE GET IT SHE HAS A DISEASE!! For two people that were supposed to be highly educated they could not seem to piece together anything. I found this extremely frustrating, more so like reading a kids mystery novel rather than one for an adult.
So many unneeded characters were add into the book, I’m unsure if this was meant to increase the population of the area or just to add confusion. About half of them could have been cut and not had a major impact on the book.
This also seemed to be a case of forgetting the story as it went on. It started as a “murder” case, with weird evidence that it was indeed murder, however by the end there were three or four different cases Nick mentioned. Bens death, Claire Kidnapped/ bones in the BAA, illegal hunting, illegal prostitution, Duncan’s abusive father. There was no consistency for the plot.
Next the characters, I can sum up in two words manipulative and plain. Nick and Claire surrounded themselves with people they could boss around and use. Their “friends” only seemed to appear when it was convenient for Nick or Claire, always being told to do something for the case. For example Bronco taking the job at the ranch. Did he want to no, but Nick worked it out in a lengthy monologue saying Bronco basically had to do it. Claire was just a messy repeat of the same information consistently, her having to take her medication was mentioned at least two dozen times. WE GET IT SHE HAS A DISEASE!! For two people that were supposed to be highly educated they could not seem to piece together anything. I found this extremely frustrating, more so like reading a kids mystery novel rather than one for an adult.
So many unneeded characters were add into the book, I’m unsure if this was meant to increase the population of the area or just to add confusion. About half of them could have been cut and not had a major impact on the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2018
I was so happy when I saw that Ms. Harper had put out another book in her South Shores series! This is a series that I have been following from the beginning because I love the characters. And there is quite the cast which is why I do recommend starting this series from the beginning. Now that I states that, I do need to let it be known that SHALLOW GRAVE can be read as a stand alone book but you will be missing a lot of history of the characters that is brought up occasionally.
SHALLOW GRAVE does start off slow enough that I did start wondering if this series had perhaps lost its spark but I am happy to report it isn't so. The tension and pacing does pick up quite nicely by chapter three and by the next chapter, I was invested (reinvested) in the characters and the mystery to the point that I ended up staying up a bit late on a work night.
Overall, I would say that I enjoyed the book and it was a very good object lesson to myself to give a book more time to develop. The ending satisfied my curiosity yet I still have more questions that will hopefully be answered in the next book. I do think that my readers who enjoy romantic suspense would like this book especially if they have been following the series.
***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.
SHALLOW GRAVE does start off slow enough that I did start wondering if this series had perhaps lost its spark but I am happy to report it isn't so. The tension and pacing does pick up quite nicely by chapter three and by the next chapter, I was invested (reinvested) in the characters and the mystery to the point that I ended up staying up a bit late on a work night.
Overall, I would say that I enjoyed the book and it was a very good object lesson to myself to give a book more time to develop. The ending satisfied my curiosity yet I still have more questions that will hopefully be answered in the next book. I do think that my readers who enjoy romantic suspense would like this book especially if they have been following the series.
***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.
September 21, 2020
This was another good mystery to this series. The action took place around a family owned small petting zoo, that also contained a tiger that had been taken away from a woman. It was an endangered species. It began with a murder by the tiger , while being fed on a day children with problems in their homes, such as violence was visiting. More problems kept occurring both there, and with people who worked there. The last part of the book was very good, and full of action. Claire, and Nick make a good couple for finding trouble , and exploring the answers. This one had a good twist. Plus it had a happy ending. 4 stars.
May 3, 2020
this kept me interested throughout the book. towards the end there were some surprises for me. I didn't realize this was part of a series - it was a free book i got through the mail. may go back & read others from the series at some point.
June 5, 2024
Book 4 in series
Nick & Claire finally in their house with baby on the way. This starts off fast- paced and jumps in with a murder by a tiger. Nick & Claire are into a tail spin trying to solve this murder .
I loved the characters and had a hard time figuring out who done it.
Nick & Claire finally in their house with baby on the way. This starts off fast- paced and jumps in with a murder by a tiger. Nick & Claire are into a tail spin trying to solve this murder .
I loved the characters and had a hard time figuring out who done it.
April 20, 2018
Rated 4.8 Stars
July 19, 2018
Well, I had to skim over a lot of parts, just because it was dragging. Some things seemed too weird to be plausible. Wasn't my favorite type of book.
November 1, 2018
Love a good murder mystery that is involved and hard to solve.
October 22, 2019
A bit too contrived for me.
March 18, 2021
Waited too long to review this. Don't recall why I was not impressed too much with it.
May 27, 2025
I fell in love with the characters almost immediately. The love between Nick and Claire just bounces off the pages. I also like that Claire suffers from narcolepsy, something I'm unfamiliar with but enjoyed learning more of. I didn't know this was a series, just a random pick at the library, and
liked that there were recaps in the book as to what happened previously.
The only thing I didn't like was that the mystery was too easy for me to solve, I even thought of twists that were possible but just didn't happen. There were no surprises.
But overall, I really liked this book and will be reading more South Shores books. I can't wait to read how Nick and Claire met and fell in love (if that does happen in the first book, lol).
liked that there were recaps in the book as to what happened previously.
The only thing I didn't like was that the mystery was too easy for me to solve, I even thought of twists that were possible but just didn't happen. There were no surprises.
But overall, I really liked this book and will be reading more South Shores books. I can't wait to read how Nick and Claire met and fell in love (if that does happen in the first book, lol).
June 30, 2025
there a lawyer two plot lines going along in her books and this one was the same. the plot line with Duncan and her group of kids that she was helping was really good but it snuck I the background. it suoildnhave been more last of the story, especially since out of the blue all of a sudden it was Duncan's terrible.dad who was the one that was the killer. the plot ine with brit, her brother and the tiger was good a d they emphasized that but then all of a sudden forgot all about it at the end to bring Duncan's father in as the killer lit of no where. both plots were good, but they needed more of a balance between the two.
March 16, 2025
I know she wants to be all up in this, but for the most part, he's tired of staying safe. The moment them folka were having trouble with dead animals at their humble abode, the first thing I assumed was it was Duncan's father. He just didn't seem like the type of person to give up on a vendetta with his temper. The minute ol' boy said he thought he saw his father there would have been no second thoughts in my mind regardless. I will say it wasn't even her fault this time around. I am glad the adjustment period for everyone worked out.
October 25, 2025
I decided to give this author another try, but again I found the writing corny and forced. The author explained the plot instead of letting it unfold. I felt more like I was reading her outline of the plot and her ideas for the story. She explained too many things instead of letting them just be part of the story, assuming the reader would not be able to figure things out on his or her own. The book seems more like young adult fiction.
May 28, 2025
The story was likely juicy, but the intense amount of dialogue between smart characters and odd characters in her books just makes it a difficult read for me. She's obviously talented, just hoping to come back to her books another time and take a bit longer to try to dive into them.
January 14, 2026
First one I’ve read in this series, and way too many characters to keep track of. She continually rehashes previous books, which helps. At the same time, that retelling would be old if you’ve started from the beginning. Too wordy. Could have been half as long! Good ending.
November 1, 2024
More exciting as the book continued.
April 2, 2025
$th book in this series. Karen is an excellent author, She writes very good mysteries and I look forward to reading more books by her.
May 23, 2025
The story line was good but just took sooooo long to get there. The last 2-3 chapters were the best.
May 25, 2025
I highly recommend this series, so good!!
July 12, 2025
Great book! she is a new author for me, and I'll definitely read more.
October 13, 2025
Weak 3 stars. There’s still two books left in the series and I am not going to read them.
January 20, 2026
Credit for accurately portraying Narcolepsy! Thank you!
April 18, 2022
This is the fourth book in this series. It features Claire Britten and her husband Nick Markwood. She is a forensic psychologist who is now working with at risk youths. They take the children to visit a wildlife sanctuary when one of the owners is killed by their tiger. Fortunately her husband, a criminal attorney, is there and can help. Is it a suicide, an accident or murder. There are many avenues to pursue. And while they are doing that a dead gator is left in their pool. Then the animal caretaker is attacked and is in a coma. Then a dead boa constrictor and dead rats are left under a car in their driveway. Is it the former owner of the tiger? Is it the owner of the neighboring hunting game preserve who is trying to buy the land using any means necessary. This story has so many twists and turns. It kept me turning the pages late into the night. I love Karen Harper’s books because they are full of information and suspense.
Courtney Patterson does a great job narrating the audiobook. She helps immerse you completely so well that you feel you are right there with the characters.
Courtney Patterson does a great job narrating the audiobook. She helps immerse you completely so well that you feel you are right there with the characters.
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