Shadow Child

Witches of Palmetto Point #6

by Wendy Wang

A wish is the strongest form of magic. It's also the most dangerous.For psychic Charlie Payne being haunted is an everyday experience. When Charlie agrees to help her cousin forage for furniture at an auction she expects to steer her cousin clear of any lingering spirits. But a child's wish makes that impossible.When her cousin brings home an object with a ghost-child attached to it, Charlie finds herself drawn into a sixty-year-old mystery.  Her instinct is to help the child move toward the light. But the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that some things should stay buried, because a spirit guarding a secret will do whatever it takes to protect it, including kill. 

Shadow Child is the sixth book in the Witches of Palmetto Point series. If you like spine-tingling supernatural suspense, witches, ghosts, and other paranormal creatures then you will love the Witches of Palmetto Point series.Get your copy now and get comfy because once you start reading, you won't put it down.Other books by Wendy WangHaunting CharlieWayward SpiritsDevil's SnareThe Witches LadderThe HarbingerShadow ChildCaptive Souls (coming this spring)

Genres: Paranormal, Witches, Fantasy, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Supernatural

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2019

Reviews

[Spacechik · Rating 2 out of 5]

What?

This story was not as interesting as the previous stories. The author seemed to run out of ideas on ending this story and forced it to a conclusion I felt was cheesy. In addition, the constant use of a contraction was extremely annoying. I'm from the south myself and YA'LL is so overused in this book. Normal language does not include YA'LL in every sentence. Ridiculous .

[Lindsey Flaute · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t enjoy all the pagan religion talk, but enjoyed the story line.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sixth outing in the Witches of Palmetto Point series, Charlie and her cousins Jen, Lisa and Daphine, all play a predominant role in trying to solve a sixty-year-old mystery that has the ghost of a young girl befriending Jen's daughter and bringing with her some other spirits that may want to cause harm. Along with that, Lisa agrees to help Jason on a missing girls since he and Charlie are still on the outs from the last case they worked on together. It was nice getting to see the 3 cousins using their magic more predominantly, something we haven't seen as much of in the previous books. As with each of the books each story is a perfect blend of paranormal and humor with a touch of scary.

[Stormy McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow child is a good, suspenseful tale. The primary plot thread/mystery isn't resolved, but Ms Wang promised to resolve it in the next book. This story is better edited than the previous two, and I finished it in a single day!

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are good books with great storylines. I think the only part I don't like is how the plot builds the entire time and then the resolution is over in five pages. It comes and then the resolution is over in five pages. It pretty anticlimactic.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment is out....and you need to read it!

6th in the Witches of Palmetto Point, it can be read as a standalone, though I would recommend reading the previous books so that you get some much needed background info.

After their last case together, Jason and Charlie still aren't working together, both too stubborn and prideful to apologize (though really, Jason needs to get his head out of his, well, you know) A young girl has gone missing and Jason refuses to reach out to Charlie and asks her cousin (and fellow witches) Lisa and Daphne to help him locate her - his solve rate has been dismal since their falling out. Running parallel to this story is the main one, Jen has brought home a playhouse for her daughter and it came with spirits attached, angry ones.

I was already anticipating the next book before I had even finished this one. Wendy Wang is excellent at creating characters that you are drawn to, characters that you feel actually exist. I can't wait to see what happens with the missing girl, I can't wait to see if Jemima gets her own story, or where Tom and Charlie end up (can they even end up anywhere) -hell, I still think that Jason and Charlie belong together. And let's not forget about Scott, will he stop being an idiot? So much! I want to know so many things! Pick this one up right away!

[Ana Noez · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favourite one. Not only was the story pretty boring, but all the characters have become so unlikeable.

I did understand why Jason couldn't/didn't want to believe demons existed in the last book. But his actions in this one are pretty disappointing. I thought that Lisa would check his massive ego and humble him back to reality and into a decent human being. Nope... Lisa just shuts up every time he attacks her with: Do you wanna pick a fight?

Our main character has become even more annoying, as she still doesn't know how to properly defend herself, but jumps into every possible dangerous situation she can. And still pushes back her anger, grits her teeth, and starts crying when Scott screams at her. At least she stopped saying: I really hate you sometimes!

Dear Scott, I have heard you are a great dad to Evan. But since no actual parenting on your side has been shown, please shut the hell up!

Tom was the only likeable character and he was seriously robbed. His whole ass personality has disappeared and only an amazing looking golem is left.

[Niccole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, #6. Right out of the gate, I feel like the whole 'witch' situation was never really brought to complete light with Jack. Poor guy. I mean, the girls act like he is so unobservant, and discredits any real conversation about it. Then, magically, we are all to understand that Jack knows about it and that is that. I would've like to seen more detail about that conversation.

Moving on, we see that Ruby has a knack for wishes. It is probably time for Jen to start addressing potential issues with consequences for Ruby.

I think that it was completely disrespectful for Jason to have the nerve to ask Lisa to help him. He is so blind by his ego (and Cameron's doubt) that he cannot admit that he was wrong in #5. Jason just assumed that Lisa could be the replacement Charlie. Gross, I hated that. Lisa might want to put her relationship status with him in check.

Not crunching time to solve the missing child situation, rather keep her story going into this book was brilliant. It shows that not all endings solve everything.

Lastly: what absolutely ruined Jen (or Wendy for not catching it) for me was page 227 of the electronic version. At the Kitchen Witch Cafe are Jen, Ben, Charlie, Daphne, and Lisa. Jen made the comment that her family is gathered around the dinner table, and the only ones missing are Daddy (Jack), Ruby, and Evangeline. Apparently Evan doesn't count- and his own mother didn't make any attempt to add his name to Jen's list. Super disappointing.

[Maryann Larucci-Troche · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journeys continue with this circle of witches. I’m really glad Cameron came back because he witnessed happenings in book 5 and nothing was said about it. I’m this one he does reach out to Charlie to help him understand info on his brother; however, when he isn’t receiving the info he’s wanting, he walks away like his asshole self and throws away the crystals given to him completely thinking Charlie is full of shit again.

Ben and Charlie Re working together even more now. Ben realizes a partner is better than just himself and realizes the value of Charlie’s gifts. Offers her to join him with the DOL. Now that’s something to consider since her job is being outsourced to India.

Charlie and Jason make up which I’m glad; however, he did not offer Charlie to come back and work with him. We will see what happens in book 7.

Uncle Jack is finally brought into the circle with complete knowing of what’s going on and he’s hysterical!! I LOL to the point of having to leave my bed not to wake my husband and even got a stitch in my side for laughing so hard. The vision I created I just can’t stop. 😂 When he discovers what Tom is....Hysterical!!!!!

I like that the two children, Ruby and Evan’s gifts are becoming stronger and coming out. Will look forward to seeing how they begin helping their parents.

I am enjoying these stories so much!! I never want them to stop. It’s like watching a witchy paranormal soap opera!!

[Tina M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4

I’ve read all the previous books so far in this series and I’ve really enjoyed the journey and the building of the family, friends, and the main storyline that connects them altogether. The dynamics have continued to engage the reader all the way through.
The last book I was a little bit upset over a couple of issues that really bothered me, and had me worried the author was suddenly going off track. I’m really glad to see she’s pulled it back together in this one.
I really appreciated the end note where she let you know why it ended the way it did, and I look forward to the next one. I have to agree with her that there’s nothing worse than an ending or main section of a book suddenly seeming rushed and not throughly explained. It was part of the problem I had with the last book.
I also don’t care for books that try to involve too many main stories all unfolding at once and trying to figure out and stay focused on. I’d much rather see them given their own book devoted to them, just as she’s done with this particular character that she carries into the next book.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author builds an interesting and unique world, and it has been grand to watch her flesh it out. Lots of crystals and spells and unique capabilities (like talking to animals). The characters have grown over the series. There is a lot of suspense - much tighter than I’ve seen in other books of this genre.
There are a couple of bothersome points … too many typos/missing words/missing or surplus or misplaced apostrophes.

The couples seem to be made from convenience. There’s no clear romantic development, no reason for the bonds, which form extraordinarily quickly. Partners are chosen based on looks. The only relationship with real insight seems to be with our heroine and her ex.

Finally, this story was bait-and-switch - sort of. Two plot lines - a mother and child pair causing danger to our heroine and her family, and a 13 year old kidnapping victim. Only one of these plot lines is resolved, leaving this reader feeling cheated. Granted, there is a note from the author at the end saying it will be resolved in the next book …

[Patrice Veilleux Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful & A Compulsive Page Turner

Auctions, antique picking and estate sales...these were all part of my entire adult life. About 40 years ago, cleaning out an estate with antique oak files we found file after file about people who had been committed to an insane asylum, the contents of which raised the hair on our arms. During that era it was common to commit women to these places if they had depression, anxiety or the husband simply wanted them gone...and lobotomies were considered a “cure” for many of these things. Thankfully, we have come a long way from that.

This story exposes the reality of those cruel times using the magical abilities of Charlie’s clan to shine a light on the ghosts of little Barbara Jean who becomes 6 year old Ruby’s invisible playmate as well as her despondent mother, Edwina. Well written and a compulsive page turner. As usual, a 5 star story.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliff hanger warning! Though not particularly upsetting because I love the series, i don’t usually read them back to back. Perhaps in part because she was named after my sweet friend in heaven, I was drawn quickly into the story of Barbara Jean and the other mysteries in Shadow Child.
I really enjoyed the cousins stories and the mysteries (to be continued in next book) though i was satisfied with half of the loose ends tied because I LOVE this series!
It always amazes me just how easily women used to be locked up at the sole discretion of their “loving husbands.” How can these stories not make you feel, but this had an unexpected twist. It all ended a bit too quickly though. I would have like to have seen a little more closure for poor Ruby. But then as in life, with spirit stories , humans don’t get to choose the timelines or end dates and times. And Ruby, no doubt, is just beginning her education and training in the the world of magic.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read through book 6 in this series so far and I want to love them but there’s so much missed potential!! The premise is great, the characters are likeable, and each story flows pretty well but dammit can the author please start writing some actual stakes and details of the resolution into her novels?! In every single book there is supposedly this big bad problem but it’s always resolved in like a page and half at the end of the book. Oh, the 6 year old niece gets “taken into the darkness”? No problem, we won’t actually make it hard for the characters to resolve this. Turn the page and bam - the ghosts are banished and the girl reappears. Nothing at all about where or why Barbara Jean took her in the first place. No reaction from Ruby whatsoever except she “looked bewildered.” These books could be SO good with a little more effort and a good editor.

[Sherry Bledsoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple. Reading

Not much substance probably more geared for the under 14 crowd but it's better than half the junk offered in your Kindle Unlimited subscription now a days. When I first started with Kindle Unlimited - it was an excellent way to discover promising Authors that I might never have discovered but since Amazon reformatted a system that wasn't broken......finding good books has become difficult and it's no longer a user friendly system any longer. More than half the time I select a book that I know I am not going to enjoy simply just to have anything to read at all. Would I recommend this book to a friend - probably not.

[DS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy these books. The characters are great and story lines interesting and easy to follow. I'm really fascinated with the Reaper character and excited to see how his relationship with Charlie evolves. I gave it 4 stars, because I found the excessive use of "ya'll" and "yes, ma'me" gratuitous and annoying. Being a Southern girl myself, this seemed more Hollywood than authentic language. I think the author could convey the respect they have for Evangeline with more depth and creativity. Even with that being said, can't wait for the next installment!

[Heather Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A child and mother love

Haunted play house, lonely ghost daughter, loving but guilt ridden ghost mother, missing daughter, stubborn partners and frightened father....that is just touching some of the transitions that happen in this book. One minute your happy, next your sad and then your mad. Wendy Wang takes us on a emotional rollercoaster ride...lol. Charlie and her coven and friends are trying to save souls, mend broken relationships and find a little girl before it is too late!! Enjoy your reading! Blessings

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should get more than a 5 star rating!!!!

Really grabbed my attention and held on
throughout the entire book. The characters
are fantastic and I truly loved this story line
and plot. I love it when a book starts out
holding my interest and this one definitely
did just that. I absolutely love a great ghost
story that revolves around a page turning,
can't put down mystery. This series is one
that meets that requirement. Can't wait for
the next one in the series!!!

[Mary Aquino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic as usual

I started this book at 1 PM. It's 9 PM and I finished it. In between, I also ran errands, made dinner and fed my family. This book was so good I couldn't put it down.

If you've read the other Witches of Palmetto Point books, you will l oh ve this one. Wendy Wang crafts a tale steeped in lowcountry charm and typically Charlestonian ghost-story intrigue.

Can't wait for Captured Souls, her next book.

[Natasha Isaacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story

I liked how this story ended. Every parent has doubts and usually blame themselves for things they shouldn't. I am getting sick of Charlie's ex-husband, and I really wish we could see Even and Charlie bond more and learn together. I wish Charlie would grow a back bone and stand up to her ex-husband. We did see her get snarky and lay down the law on the new girl.

[Ashley Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Witches of Palmetto Point book series and hope the series never ends. I must admit this story took a bit long to take off but once the story kept on developing, I was very much intrigued and wanted to know more on how the character's were all related and what may happen next. I was very much surprised being left on a cliffhanger and can't wait to get started on the next book for the next journey for our beloved characters.

[Pat Van Dolah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My First Read

This is the only book in the series that I have read. Perhaps that is part of my confusion. I downloaded this book because the cover picture and title really caught my attention. However, some of the characters were underdeveloped. The storyline was interesting, but the editing errors were distracting. At times, the incorrect character’s name was given to the dialogue, forcing me to reread passages several times to figure out who actually said it.

[Carol Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read books 1-6 in this series and have thought of these characters as a family. I love them all except for Scott! That is his problem. I recommend reading the books in order because the characters have grown with each book. The mysteries in these books are wonderful and the use of magic and psychic abilities in solving is very interesting. I look forward to book no. 7. “Witches of Palmetto Point” is a fun series! Thank you Wendy Wang for the great stories!

[karen shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I wrote a review a couple of hours or so ago, bemoaning the author's misuse, or no use, of commas in the series' previous books.
I'm pleased to see that this book shows a marked improvement in the writing/editing; and I'm on to the next one because I really enjoy the books, despite the issues I was having with the commas (and some of the awkward phrasing that went along for the ride).

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced ghostly adventure.

Picked this without realising it was book 6 in a series (don’t ask me how I managed that 🤨), yet I was easily able to follow this story while picking up hints of the characters background (p.s. Scott is an @sshat).

A fun ghostly tale with a plot thread that will be continuing in the next book. So, I either have to go back to book 1 to play catch-up, or just keep moving on… decisions, decisions 🤷🏻‍♀️

3.5 stars ⭐️

[Cattie Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ghostly read

Charlie has her work cut out for her in this novel. Her niece Ruby gets herself a new playhouse...complete with it's own little ghost girl. Is she dangerous, who is the other ghost that has shown up as well? These are questions that Charlie will have to figure out (with some help from her cousins) all while dealing with life in general. Love these characters more and more with each novel. Highly recommend

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

This, number 6, is the first Witches of Palmetto Point books that has disappointed me. It has no real ending - only a cliffhanger. I normally will not read anything else by an author who has disrespected her readers this way. I have to think about this. Truthfully, this makes me very sad. This skillful story teller does not have to manipulate her readers with a cliffhanger to make them want the next in the series. What a shame.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed seeing more of Jen's daughter Ruby in this one, as well as the descriptions of the settings. The small side moments from the characters were sweet. I particularly liked the moment Uncle Jack got an eyeful. I am annoyed with Jason the cop in this one, but enjoy Lisa just basically telling him to get over himself. I also like that we get more time seeing the cousins other than Charlie. I can't wait to get my teeth into more of this series.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand the want to have the religion talk between Charlie and Scott with Heather between pagan and being Catholic, but I honestly would have preferred not to have to read about it. The build-up of the plot for this book was a bit anticlimatic since it was concluded so quickly at the end. Thank God Jason and Charlie have made up because I personally prefer the solving crimes over any other plot line that involves ghosts in these books.

[Cathal Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Wang delivers another exciting book in the Witches of Palmetto series. Charlie is exploring her powers more while her son and her nephew are coming into their own powers.... This book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, but doesn’t feel unfinished. I’m anxious to see where the story goes from here....