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Shadows in the Water #3
Danse Macabre
Is it still revenge if you kill the innocent?
Fast, furious, and with an iron will — Louie Thorne is the woman they fear. Crime lords the world over go to great lengths to escape her retribution. But with her terrifying gift and relentless drive, there is nowhere in the world they can hide.
For Lou it's personal. When her father was murdered by drug lords, Lou survived not only because of her supernatural ability to be anywhere at any time, but because she found a reason to live: revenge. She vowed to destroy those who carelessly destroyed the lives of others.
Yet Lou's freedom to exact these plans lies in her anonymity. She kills without repercussions because she is little more than a ghost haunting the dark underbelly of the world.
Until a young reporter desperate for the story of a lifetime starts to unravel the mystery of Louie Thorne and threatens to expose Lou to the light...
Fast, furious, and with an iron will — Louie Thorne is the woman they fear. Crime lords the world over go to great lengths to escape her retribution. But with her terrifying gift and relentless drive, there is nowhere in the world they can hide.
For Lou it's personal. When her father was murdered by drug lords, Lou survived not only because of her supernatural ability to be anywhere at any time, but because she found a reason to live: revenge. She vowed to destroy those who carelessly destroyed the lives of others.
Yet Lou's freedom to exact these plans lies in her anonymity. She kills without repercussions because she is little more than a ghost haunting the dark underbelly of the world.
Until a young reporter desperate for the story of a lifetime starts to unravel the mystery of Louie Thorne and threatens to expose Lou to the light...
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2018
71 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books648 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 19, 2019
Lou Thorne is conflicted. And Lou Thorne is Death.
Her problem is that she has lost the fire in her belly. She cannot kill. She may have killed an innocent. Almost certainly killed an innocent. Fed him to Jabbers. Now her anguish threatens to convict her of being the abomination her aunt warned her about.
The situation is grave indeed when Death is conflicted.
Danse Macabre is the third entry in the superb Lou Thorne Thriller series. In it, author Kory Shrum ties together the grand arc that began in Shadows in the Water. That book started with the death of Lou's father and followed her personal vendetta against all those who conspired to kill him. She lives because she has one advantage over her foes: she slips through shadows.
The second book, Under the Bones, deepens some truly exquisite moments surrounding tenuous relationships between Lou and her aunt Lucy, her sometimes enemy, Konstantine, and her sometimes friend, King.
Both prior novels create the atmosphere and complexity that introduces Danse. They are not exactly crucial to your understanding, but your enjoyment of this book will be expanded a thousandfold if you've read them. Because in the current book, Lou is faced with the dilemma: she spent her every waking moment training and tracking and killing. But that's over. The last one is dead. Is Death, then, dead also?
And you will enjoy it. The characters are rich and wonderful, and there are several instances of the kind of absolutely sublime prose that have come to mark Shrum's work. The pacing is spot on and, sad to say, Danse Macabre ends long before you're prepared to give it up.
The good news is that every book she writes is better. The better news is that she's writing the fourth book of this series. Stay tuned.
Her problem is that she has lost the fire in her belly. She cannot kill. She may have killed an innocent. Almost certainly killed an innocent. Fed him to Jabbers. Now her anguish threatens to convict her of being the abomination her aunt warned her about.
The situation is grave indeed when Death is conflicted.
Danse Macabre is the third entry in the superb Lou Thorne Thriller series. In it, author Kory Shrum ties together the grand arc that began in Shadows in the Water. That book started with the death of Lou's father and followed her personal vendetta against all those who conspired to kill him. She lives because she has one advantage over her foes: she slips through shadows.
The second book, Under the Bones, deepens some truly exquisite moments surrounding tenuous relationships between Lou and her aunt Lucy, her sometimes enemy, Konstantine, and her sometimes friend, King.
Both prior novels create the atmosphere and complexity that introduces Danse. They are not exactly crucial to your understanding, but your enjoyment of this book will be expanded a thousandfold if you've read them. Because in the current book, Lou is faced with the dilemma: she spent her every waking moment training and tracking and killing. But that's over. The last one is dead. Is Death, then, dead also?
And you will enjoy it. The characters are rich and wonderful, and there are several instances of the kind of absolutely sublime prose that have come to mark Shrum's work. The pacing is spot on and, sad to say, Danse Macabre ends long before you're prepared to give it up.
The good news is that every book she writes is better. The better news is that she's writing the fourth book of this series. Stay tuned.
January 14, 2019
What a book. Lou has a certain ability that all the crime lords fear. She used it to kill off 20 drivers. Impossible to stop reading. Hope they’ll be another.
September 12, 2024
5 Stars
Danse Macabre is the third book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale.
This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves.
Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat.
I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Shadows in the Water (Book #1)
-Under the Bones (Book #2)
-Danse Macabre (Book #3)
-Carnival (Book #4)
-Devil’s Luck (Book #5)
-What Comes Around (Book #6)
-Overkill (Book #7)
-Silver Bullet (Book #8)
-Hell House (Book #9)
-One Foot in the Grave (Book #10)
-Blood Rain (Book #11)
-First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon)
If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
Danse Macabre is the third book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale.
This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves.
Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat.
I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Shadows in the Water (Book #1)
-Under the Bones (Book #2)
-Danse Macabre (Book #3)
-Carnival (Book #4)
-Devil’s Luck (Book #5)
-What Comes Around (Book #6)
-Overkill (Book #7)
-Silver Bullet (Book #8)
-Hell House (Book #9)
-One Foot in the Grave (Book #10)
-Blood Rain (Book #11)
-First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon)
If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
October 4, 2020
This series has been one heck of a surprise for me. I have never before read anything from this author and when I read the first book in the series...well, I was hooked. After book 3, instead of liking this series less, I find that I am liking everything even more. Trying to put into words what exactly about this series is so compelling - I'm really not sure. I mean, this is about a woman with a secret power who basically kills bad men - lots and lots of men. Some horrifically, some without a second thought, and then she takes the bodies to a special place where there is a monster that takes care of the bodies (yes, that is right - the monster EATS the bodies.) BUT somehow...it works, it REALLY works. I know, right?
One of the things that strikes me is the character development. There are not very many main characters - but the ones who are, they are extremely well developed. They each have distinctive personalities that make them likeable and somehow get the reader to root for them, regardless of circumstance. That is what is so crazy - the two main characters (Konstantine and Lou) are actually pretty dark. They are both what most modern society would probably classify as criminals, yet somehow the author has been able to get the reader to understand the reasons behind their actions
and justify these things to ourselves. I actually flinched when in this book Dimitri mentions that Lou has killed 417 men that he can document - that was kind of eye opening. But, then Lou was experiencing her own internal crisis with trying to determine whether or not her actions trying to take criminals off the street was justified or not. So, see...she was trying to do right - kind of. Anyway. She is truly a one of a kind MC - so dark, so unemotional, so strong, yet you can not help but feel sorry for her because you know she is hurting. She is missing out on so much in life - friends, relationships - basically, a normal life.
And man, can we just finally get these two together??? I'm patient, but this is even trying my patience. Konstantine has been MORE than patient (well, honestly, he is just terrified of making the wrong move and scaring her off) but he does know her better than anyone (again, that is also so sad because - well, it just is).
Okay, I guess I haven't really talked about the story line of this book - but with the end of this book we will be seeing a big change in the direction of Lou's life and that is a good thing. So, this is the end of an era and the beginning of something new.
Still - this was exciting, with moments of terror, and lots of humorous times in between.
What more can you ask for?
One of the things that strikes me is the character development. There are not very many main characters - but the ones who are, they are extremely well developed. They each have distinctive personalities that make them likeable and somehow get the reader to root for them, regardless of circumstance. That is what is so crazy - the two main characters (Konstantine and Lou) are actually pretty dark. They are both what most modern society would probably classify as criminals, yet somehow the author has been able to get the reader to understand the reasons behind their actions
and justify these things to ourselves. I actually flinched when in this book Dimitri mentions that Lou has killed 417 men that he can document - that was kind of eye opening. But, then Lou was experiencing her own internal crisis with trying to determine whether or not her actions trying to take criminals off the street was justified or not. So, see...she was trying to do right - kind of. Anyway. She is truly a one of a kind MC - so dark, so unemotional, so strong, yet you can not help but feel sorry for her because you know she is hurting. She is missing out on so much in life - friends, relationships - basically, a normal life.
And man, can we just finally get these two together??? I'm patient, but this is even trying my patience. Konstantine has been MORE than patient (well, honestly, he is just terrified of making the wrong move and scaring her off) but he does know her better than anyone (again, that is also so sad because - well, it just is).
Okay, I guess I haven't really talked about the story line of this book - but with the end of this book we will be seeing a big change in the direction of Lou's life and that is a good thing. So, this is the end of an era and the beginning of something new.
Still - this was exciting, with moments of terror, and lots of humorous times in between.
What more can you ask for?
December 26, 2018
When I first read and reviewed this, I didn't realize it was 3rd in the series. It stands on its own; but the two previous books add a lot of interesting background that greatly contributes to enjoyment of Danse Macabre, and greater insight into, and understanding of, the main characters and their relationships.
Lou has a unique ability. She can shift from one dark place to another dark place. The Danse starts with her using this ability to kill all 20 drivers of a convoy transporting heroin, and destroying the entire shipment, trucks and all. But then something happens to her killer instinct, perhaps associated with a young man she killed. We find out she works with Konstantine and King to kill criminals who are above the law. But with her killer instinct on the blink, she is at a disadvantage. Her family had been brutally murdered, so she wants to avenge them. But vengeance only leads to more vengeance. Hence, the Danse Macabre. The challenge for Lou and her team is to somehow stop the Danse, without letting the guilty escape punishment, and without themselves becoming evil. Interesting psychological conundrums, difficult choices to make, evolvinging personal interactions, relationships, and bonds of friendship. It's a powerful story, with well-drawn characters, full of vengeance, violence and intense action.
Lou has a unique ability. She can shift from one dark place to another dark place. The Danse starts with her using this ability to kill all 20 drivers of a convoy transporting heroin, and destroying the entire shipment, trucks and all. But then something happens to her killer instinct, perhaps associated with a young man she killed. We find out she works with Konstantine and King to kill criminals who are above the law. But with her killer instinct on the blink, she is at a disadvantage. Her family had been brutally murdered, so she wants to avenge them. But vengeance only leads to more vengeance. Hence, the Danse Macabre. The challenge for Lou and her team is to somehow stop the Danse, without letting the guilty escape punishment, and without themselves becoming evil. Interesting psychological conundrums, difficult choices to make, evolvinging personal interactions, relationships, and bonds of friendship. It's a powerful story, with well-drawn characters, full of vengeance, violence and intense action.
November 28, 2023
Here's the scoop.
I favor a singular perspective. My ongoing interest in this series was driven by my admiration for Lou. She's this killer without apologies, taking down the worst—murderers, drug dealers, traffickers. Sounds cool, right? However, in the latest edition, Lou experiences a crisis, straying from the character I held dear. I acknowledge the impact of losing close family members, but the preceding two books portrayed her as relentlessly cold, without a conscience. This sudden shift doesn't add up.
Linking someone's parenthood to sparing the lives of those causing widespread chaos seems like a feeble justification. Having a child doesn't excuse involvement in drugs, trafficking, and murder. A more compelling reason for her abrupt change of heart could have been devised. The conclusion of the book was an improvement and should have been the guiding theme from the start. I didn't interpret it as the author intended, viewing it as character development.
Now, in regard to the other characters, Konstantine is acceptable, and his chapters are bearable. However, the introduction of too many additional perspectives feels unnecessary. Six points of view in this book—six! I recall only three in the initial two books. It's becoming excessive. The majority of this installment focuses on characters other than Lou.
On a side note, the entire plot of the book can be summarized in two chapters. I've opted not to continue with the series.
I favor a singular perspective. My ongoing interest in this series was driven by my admiration for Lou. She's this killer without apologies, taking down the worst—murderers, drug dealers, traffickers. Sounds cool, right? However, in the latest edition, Lou experiences a crisis, straying from the character I held dear. I acknowledge the impact of losing close family members, but the preceding two books portrayed her as relentlessly cold, without a conscience. This sudden shift doesn't add up.
Linking someone's parenthood to sparing the lives of those causing widespread chaos seems like a feeble justification. Having a child doesn't excuse involvement in drugs, trafficking, and murder. A more compelling reason for her abrupt change of heart could have been devised. The conclusion of the book was an improvement and should have been the guiding theme from the start. I didn't interpret it as the author intended, viewing it as character development.
Now, in regard to the other characters, Konstantine is acceptable, and his chapters are bearable. However, the introduction of too many additional perspectives feels unnecessary. Six points of view in this book—six! I recall only three in the initial two books. It's becoming excessive. The majority of this installment focuses on characters other than Lou.
On a side note, the entire plot of the book can be summarized in two chapters. I've opted not to continue with the series.
December 30, 2018
Danse Macabre - a review by Rosemary Kenny
I really like the way this engaging and thrilling end to the Shadows in the Water trilogy was developed by the skill and imagination of Kory M Shrum.
Danse Macabre refers to the strange and deadly 'dance', brought about when a possibly justifiable single act of revenge develops into an ever-increasing cycle of intrigue, evil and murderous madness.
I was spellbound by the idea of the MC Lou(ie) Thorn's sinking into the depravity of lawlessness, while being stalked by the epitome of what she must attempt to avoid becoming herself, with only her sidekicks King and Konstantine to possibly steer her back into sanity and avoid a cycle of vendetta and rash judgements and actions that might put herself and her loved ones in deadly peril from her partners in the 'Danse'.
Which of the antagonists will stop the 'music of Death' that will eagerly continue the saga of destruction, until no more 'dansers' are left to continue with their very souls still intact?
Read all three brilliant books (though they can each be standalones), to get the answers and full satisfaction from Kory M Shrum's Danse Macabre, (the last in her 5-star winner of a series). But be warned - the characters within will stay with the reader for a very long time to come!
I really like the way this engaging and thrilling end to the Shadows in the Water trilogy was developed by the skill and imagination of Kory M Shrum.
Danse Macabre refers to the strange and deadly 'dance', brought about when a possibly justifiable single act of revenge develops into an ever-increasing cycle of intrigue, evil and murderous madness.
I was spellbound by the idea of the MC Lou(ie) Thorn's sinking into the depravity of lawlessness, while being stalked by the epitome of what she must attempt to avoid becoming herself, with only her sidekicks King and Konstantine to possibly steer her back into sanity and avoid a cycle of vendetta and rash judgements and actions that might put herself and her loved ones in deadly peril from her partners in the 'Danse'.
Which of the antagonists will stop the 'music of Death' that will eagerly continue the saga of destruction, until no more 'dansers' are left to continue with their very souls still intact?
Read all three brilliant books (though they can each be standalones), to get the answers and full satisfaction from Kory M Shrum's Danse Macabre, (the last in her 5-star winner of a series). But be warned - the characters within will stay with the reader for a very long time to come!
May 23, 2021
Lou is faced with a most unusual problem: she has spent every day of her life tracking down and killing every person even remotely connected to her father's death, with the solo exception of the crime lord Konstantine. But now it's all over, the last one is dead... and she may have just murdered an innocent.
The burning in her gut that had driven her to killing has died out, and she can't sleep without having nightmares about a young man begging her for his life as he crawls through the snow, painting it red with his life's blood.
So what is a woman with her particular skill set supposed to do now?
Kory's signature style of prose continues to define the characters and story-line and I'm just totally blown away with her talent. You will be too ... so if you haven't already, start with book #1 and be prepared to become immersed in the world of Louie Thorne.
The burning in her gut that had driven her to killing has died out, and she can't sleep without having nightmares about a young man begging her for his life as he crawls through the snow, painting it red with his life's blood.
So what is a woman with her particular skill set supposed to do now?
Kory's signature style of prose continues to define the characters and story-line and I'm just totally blown away with her talent. You will be too ... so if you haven't already, start with book #1 and be prepared to become immersed in the world of Louie Thorne.
January 3, 2019
ONE SLOW BURN!!!
OMG! Wow! I'll get it out eventually. Maybe. Man, talk about a deal with the devil. All the drama, uncertainty, determination, fear, angst, danger and suspense increases steadily while tension spirials bringing this read roaring to life. Twists and turns abound with unexpected circumstances make for one thrilling experience. In a whirlwind of emotions and events really pulls those heartstrings. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. Kory did an amazing job bringing together beautifully. Fantastic job Kory, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
OMG! Wow! I'll get it out eventually. Maybe. Man, talk about a deal with the devil. All the drama, uncertainty, determination, fear, angst, danger and suspense increases steadily while tension spirials bringing this read roaring to life. Twists and turns abound with unexpected circumstances make for one thrilling experience. In a whirlwind of emotions and events really pulls those heartstrings. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. Kory did an amazing job bringing together beautifully. Fantastic job Kory, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
April 1, 2019
Lou Thorne continues to be one of my favorite anti-heroines! I do love snarky, sassy, kickass babes—but they tend to be a dime a dozen. Lou’s dark, predatory calm is a refreshing twist, though it was interesting to see it falter in this book. The vengeance that once fueled her wrath has been sated, and she’s left wondering what now? What does she have left to live—or kill—for? And what happens when the tables are turned and justice is demanded for her actions? Shrum delivers the answers to these questions in that fierce, poetic prose I’ve come to expect and adore of her work. I can’t wait for the next book!
June 23, 2023
Another classic Lou Thorne Book. I highly recommend reading them in order, if nothing more than to fully understand the plot and the characters as they develop. Our protagonist has hit a bit of a snag; if her revenge is complete, does that mean that she needs to find a new hobby? Doubtful. Lou is hardwired to rid the world of evil men and it’s a thirst that’s proving unquenchable. Konstantine and the potential possibilities there are endless. King is making big moves. And the macabre bookstore/voodoo shop that everyone congregates in underneath Kings apartment provide an amazing setting for the series.
February 15, 2022
Lou's character keeps on evolving. Finding herself questioning her actions and unable to fire a gun in anger, Lou finally dies what Lucy asked her to do. She goes to see Ani. There is a new player in the mix, Danni, an investigative journalist in training. Having been sent by her boss to get intel on Lou, she finds herself kidnapped by a mafia boss who thinks she has more information on Lou than she actually has. Ani 5told Lou that she needed to find her own path. A new purpose that was hers, not her father's. After speaking with Danni, Lou thinks she has found her starting point.
December 3, 2024
Danse Macabre!
Thing's are getting to close for comfort for Lou and the 'gang'.
But they've no idea people have put to and to together and found Lou's connections to her 'family' in NOLA and Konstantine.
What they don't realise that they have a spy in their midst.
There's a man wanting to 'hire' her, but in reality, he wants her life.
Konstantine notices that though Lou has gone out killing, she's not got her best on, guns or knives on her and she's not fighting back any more?????
These books just get better.
Thing's are getting to close for comfort for Lou and the 'gang'.
But they've no idea people have put to and to together and found Lou's connections to her 'family' in NOLA and Konstantine.
What they don't realise that they have a spy in their midst.
There's a man wanting to 'hire' her, but in reality, he wants her life.
Konstantine notices that though Lou has gone out killing, she's not got her best on, guns or knives on her and she's not fighting back any more?????
These books just get better.
January 4, 2019
Awesome - Please continue!!!!
This series has it all; action, adventure, romance, fantasy... it is simply awesome. I love Lou. She is the dark version of Wonder Woman (only regular and slightly broken like the rest of us.) I love how Kory developed the characters; they've become so real to me and I want to continue following their development. A must read, you are sure to love it. @Kory, more of Lou and her merry band please.
This series has it all; action, adventure, romance, fantasy... it is simply awesome. I love Lou. She is the dark version of Wonder Woman (only regular and slightly broken like the rest of us.) I love how Kory developed the characters; they've become so real to me and I want to continue following their development. A must read, you are sure to love it. @Kory, more of Lou and her merry band please.
January 17, 2019
Goodbye Louie-Louiiiiiiiiii
This, the third installment of the Lou Thorne thriller series is, for me the best. Previously I had wondered if we would see the real Lou. This third installment gives the reader more insights into the complexities and motivations of Lou Thorne. It is a side that is not identified enough to give her away, but certainly makes Lou human and approachable. I'm finding myself anxiously awaiting for another chapter in her life.
This, the third installment of the Lou Thorne thriller series is, for me the best. Previously I had wondered if we would see the real Lou. This third installment gives the reader more insights into the complexities and motivations of Lou Thorne. It is a side that is not identified enough to give her away, but certainly makes Lou human and approachable. I'm finding myself anxiously awaiting for another chapter in her life.
June 22, 2019
When I first read and reviewed this, I didn't realize it was 3rd in the series. It stands on its own; but the two previous books add a lot of interesting background that greatly contributes to enjoyment of Danse Macabre, and greater insight into, and understanding of, the main characters and their relationships.
Kory's style is sometimes choppy, sometimes with incomplete sentences to add emphasis, sometimes long run-on sentences, some words don't seem quite right; but the books are powerfully written, with lots of emotion. I was gripped by the story, and I had a hard time stopping once I got into it. There is a lot of violence, death, serious injury, loss of loved ones and other themes that definitely get a strong emotional response.
Lou Thorne has a unique ability. She can shift from one dark place to another dark place. The Danse starts with her using this ability to kill all 20 drivers of a convoy transporting heroin, and destroying the entire shipment, trucks and all. But then something happens to her killer instinct, perhaps associated with a young man she killed. We find out she works with Konstantine and King to kill criminals who are above the law. But with her killer instinct on the blink, she is at a disadvantage. Her family had been brutally murdered, so she wants to avenge them. But vengeance only leads to more vengeance. Hence, the Danse Macabre. The challenge for Lou and her team is to somehow stop the Danse, without letting the guilty escape punishment, and without themselves becoming evil. Interesting psychological conundrums, difficult choices to make, evolvinging personal interactions, relationships, and bonds of friendship. It's a powerful story, with well-drawn characters, full of vengeance, violence and intense action.
Kory's style is sometimes choppy, sometimes with incomplete sentences to add emphasis, sometimes long run-on sentences, some words don't seem quite right; but the books are powerfully written, with lots of emotion. I was gripped by the story, and I had a hard time stopping once I got into it. There is a lot of violence, death, serious injury, loss of loved ones and other themes that definitely get a strong emotional response.
Lou Thorne has a unique ability. She can shift from one dark place to another dark place. The Danse starts with her using this ability to kill all 20 drivers of a convoy transporting heroin, and destroying the entire shipment, trucks and all. But then something happens to her killer instinct, perhaps associated with a young man she killed. We find out she works with Konstantine and King to kill criminals who are above the law. But with her killer instinct on the blink, she is at a disadvantage. Her family had been brutally murdered, so she wants to avenge them. But vengeance only leads to more vengeance. Hence, the Danse Macabre. The challenge for Lou and her team is to somehow stop the Danse, without letting the guilty escape punishment, and without themselves becoming evil. Interesting psychological conundrums, difficult choices to make, evolvinging personal interactions, relationships, and bonds of friendship. It's a powerful story, with well-drawn characters, full of vengeance, violence and intense action.
December 31, 2018
I loved this instalment
I loved this instalment of Lou blues story and am already wanting more. I have recommended the series to family and friends. Did think this one was a little short for my liking or maybe I just read it really fast!
What's next for Lou and friends? Hopefully we will find out soon
I loved this instalment of Lou blues story and am already wanting more. I have recommended the series to family and friends. Did think this one was a little short for my liking or maybe I just read it really fast!
What's next for Lou and friends? Hopefully we will find out soon
September 9, 2019
Great series!
This series has taken me on a roller coaster ride. I had tears rolling down my face at more than one point. I had to put the book down a couple of times because it had me so tense! Such good writing you are so there with Lou! Can’t wait for the next book to come out! What a good tv series this would make!!
This series has taken me on a roller coaster ride. I had tears rolling down my face at more than one point. I had to put the book down a couple of times because it had me so tense! Such good writing you are so there with Lou! Can’t wait for the next book to come out! What a good tv series this would make!!
September 23, 2021
Fantastic Series unbeatable
Danse Macabre, Louise story is awesome. The whole series is inspired and the characters are brilliant. I've never waited with such excitement for any other series. Kudos Kory Shrum my favourite author. I have finished the series and I wait breathlessly for the next in the series. Bring on book 7.
Danse Macabre, Louise story is awesome. The whole series is inspired and the characters are brilliant. I've never waited with such excitement for any other series. Kudos Kory Shrum my favourite author. I have finished the series and I wait breathlessly for the next in the series. Bring on book 7.
August 24, 2024
Lou Thorne has become the thing that evil men fear. She thought she could stop the killing after her father was avenged, but she was wrong. When she's captured and tortured by an enemy, it's Konstantine who rescues her and nurses her back to health. This, however, is not enough for her to forgive him for building the special cell she was held in, but they do forge an uneasy truce.
December 27, 2018
This is such a good series. I love when books set your imagination into overdrive. I can't help but think what would I do if I had Lou's abilities? How could I make the world a better place? I can't wait to see what she does next.
January 11, 2019
Really like this series.
This series has held my attention I even bought the last book instead of reading it for free. Can't wait for the next one to come out. Found the way the character changed at the end, made for a better story.
This series has held my attention I even bought the last book instead of reading it for free. Can't wait for the next one to come out. Found the way the character changed at the end, made for a better story.
October 10, 2019
Great Read
I have read all three, and they are best reading that I have read in eons. Keep up the good work Kory, and please keep Lou alive in your books. I am recommending these books to all my reading friends. You are the best.
I have read all three, and they are best reading that I have read in eons. Keep up the good work Kory, and please keep Lou alive in your books. I am recommending these books to all my reading friends. You are the best.
January 12, 2024
I eagerly devoured Shadow in the Water andUnder the Bones. I could see the shift in Louie's direction in Danse Macabre but thought it showed Shrum was losing the character's appeal. The ending sparked me to buy the next box set. I'm very interested to se where she's going with this.
May 6, 2024
Kick Ass Heroine delivers again. It was nice to see some sort of humanity and questioning coming from Lou. Lou's characterisation is evolving and she is letting some emotion into her life. The loneliness of a serial killer.
December 27, 2018
Oh. My. G—! This is such an amazing book! All full of danger, angst, emotion, and everything else! I loved it! I love Kory’s writing! She is so amazing!
December 28, 2018
Excellent
Each book keeps getting better. This one has been the best so far. Excellent character development and people you can care about.
Each book keeps getting better. This one has been the best so far. Excellent character development and people you can care about.
December 29, 2018
Thrilling ride
This third book in the series does a great job at continuing the story and leading the characters in new directions. Im looking forward to more books in this series.
This third book in the series does a great job at continuing the story and leading the characters in new directions. Im looking forward to more books in this series.
January 19, 2019
Lou Thorne continues
Wonderful book, I can’t wait for the next installment. Lou, King, Mel, Piper, Konstantine and especially Jabbers are a great team.
Wonderful book, I can’t wait for the next installment. Lou, King, Mel, Piper, Konstantine and especially Jabbers are a great team.
February 5, 2019
I swear this book is addicting. I started reading and couldn't stop.
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