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Dark Horse #2
Barn Shadows
A year after her tumultuous exit from the Foxwoode Riding Academy, seventeen-year-old Brynlei returns to confront her demons and win Foxwoode’s elite Top Rider Award. When she stumbles over an antique doll at the construction site of a new barn, a series of inexplicable occurrences force her to question whether her condition as a “Highly-Sensitive Person” is to blame or if something more sinister is at play.
As Brynlei becomes consumed with discovering the history of the unearthed doll, the bizarre happenings escalate to dangerous levels. She soon realizes that someone close to her is lying. But who? Could a decades-old tragedy and the threatening events at Foxwoode be more closely entwined than she ever imagined?
As Brynlei becomes consumed with discovering the history of the unearthed doll, the bizarre happenings escalate to dangerous levels. She soon realizes that someone close to her is lying. But who? Could a decades-old tragedy and the threatening events at Foxwoode be more closely entwined than she ever imagined?
- GenresHorses
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
45 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Laura Wolfe
12 books334 followersLaura Wolfe is a bestselling author of twisty, fast-paced psychological thrillers. Her books include a 2024 Silver Falchion Award Winner (PROM QUEEN) and a 2024 ITW Award Nominee (THE IN-LAWS). Laura loves animals and nature. When she's not working on her next book, you can find her hiking through the woods, doting on her rescue dog, or binge-watching true crime documentaries and calling it research. She enjoys living with her husband, son, and daughter in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 15, 2017
I was lucky to read the first book in this series, Trail of Secrets but some books in a series can be read as a 'stand-alone' and Barn Shadows is one of these.
Some of the back story of Trail of Secrets is given so it's easy to get an idea of what is going on. I found Barn Shadows equally as enjoyable as the first book. It's pleasurable to read with no complicated names and the characters are interesting and variable.
I agree with some reviewers that it is hard to put down, in the sense, that you just want to know how everything pans out in the end. With a 'real' ghost featuring in this book, it makes the storyline so much more intriguing. The mixture of horses, the paranormal and characters in their teens, would really appeal to a lot of young readers and this is what counts.
I've mentioned before that Brynlei, our protagonist, is a HSP, so a lot of what she feels I can relate to. However, I don't have her ability to see spirits which is so disappointing for me! The pacing of the book is good; it prevents the reader from rushing to the end, thereby missing out key facts and information.
You can't fault Laura Wolfe for her ability to write such excellent novels; she obviously has more than one talent. This author is just getting better and more creative as time goes on. Brilliant read!
Some of the back story of Trail of Secrets is given so it's easy to get an idea of what is going on. I found Barn Shadows equally as enjoyable as the first book. It's pleasurable to read with no complicated names and the characters are interesting and variable.
I agree with some reviewers that it is hard to put down, in the sense, that you just want to know how everything pans out in the end. With a 'real' ghost featuring in this book, it makes the storyline so much more intriguing. The mixture of horses, the paranormal and characters in their teens, would really appeal to a lot of young readers and this is what counts.
I've mentioned before that Brynlei, our protagonist, is a HSP, so a lot of what she feels I can relate to. However, I don't have her ability to see spirits which is so disappointing for me! The pacing of the book is good; it prevents the reader from rushing to the end, thereby missing out key facts and information.
You can't fault Laura Wolfe for her ability to write such excellent novels; she obviously has more than one talent. This author is just getting better and more creative as time goes on. Brilliant read!
November 22, 2018
I have looked forward to reading this book and am glad I finally found time to get to it. I enjoyed the first book in this series, and the second book was even better. I love a good ghost story, and this one had it. Brynlei is a great leading lady. She's driven to be a great horse rider and win the coveted Top Rider award at the summer Foxwood riding camp, but she also has the ability to sense things about people and her surroundings (and see ghosts). She wanted to stay under the radar this summer after all the mystery and craziness of the previous summer, but when a spooky doll is unearthed in a construction site on the camp and then she starts seeing the ghost of a little girl, she has to find out what is behind it all. I loved this story. It kept me guessing, had moments of spooks and danger, and then had a great ending. It's got good messages about friendship and determination. Also, I like that Brynlei doesn't accept things face value and likes to get to the truth of everything. This story is clean and a good fit for readers 11 and up. I recommend it if you love mystery, ghosts, and, of course, horses.
March 23, 2017
When I started Barn Shadows, it felt a lot like the first book (Trail of Secrets) in the series. By the middle, however, it becomes obvious that the sequel doesn't just add to the world of the series, but completely changes it. While Trail of Secrets had that "ghost story" feel to it, it never had any real ghosts. Barn Shadows turns that upside-down with the addition of an actual ghost and a layered mystery that only gets harder to guess as the book progresses. The characters from the previous book are expanded upon and share the stage with equally interesting and ocassionally mysterious new characters. The only problem I have with this book is that the book ends very quickly after the mystery is solved with only 15 more pages left. This isn't a big problem, though, as it definitely works perfectly as a transition into a third book.
Overall, I'd give this book a 9.5/10. A great read, especially if you loved Trail of Secrets or love horses!
Overall, I'd give this book a 9.5/10. A great read, especially if you loved Trail of Secrets or love horses!
March 30, 2017
Barn Shadows is the second book in the Dark Horse Series and I truly enjoyed reading it!
The story revolves around the main character Brynlei, a horse and nature loving teenager, who returns to the elite Foxwoode Riding Academy. Her main goal is winning the Top Rider Award; however, she soon finds herself in the middle of an untold mystery from a forgotten past. Brynlei struggles to focus on her riding because bizarre dreams, freak accidents and ghostly sightings lead her on a path to uncover the truth. An exciting and somewhat chilling ghost story develops right before the reader as Brynlei strives to uncover the secrets of the past. Her observations and thoughts pull the reader deep into the happenings of this thrilling ghost story. The book is a real page turner and very hard to put down. I read the book with immense anticipation from beginning to end and was on edge while the secrets unfolded and the past was revealed piece by piece.
I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to everybody!
The story revolves around the main character Brynlei, a horse and nature loving teenager, who returns to the elite Foxwoode Riding Academy. Her main goal is winning the Top Rider Award; however, she soon finds herself in the middle of an untold mystery from a forgotten past. Brynlei struggles to focus on her riding because bizarre dreams, freak accidents and ghostly sightings lead her on a path to uncover the truth. An exciting and somewhat chilling ghost story develops right before the reader as Brynlei strives to uncover the secrets of the past. Her observations and thoughts pull the reader deep into the happenings of this thrilling ghost story. The book is a real page turner and very hard to put down. I read the book with immense anticipation from beginning to end and was on edge while the secrets unfolded and the past was revealed piece by piece.
I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to everybody!
September 9, 2017
Brynlei returns to Foxwood Academy to pursue her dream of becoming the Top Rider. Her parents are apprehensive about sending her and can you blame them (you have to read the first book to understand). After the okay from her therapist, she is allowed to return with the promise that she won't let her sensitive condition get her way like it did last summer.
However, once Brynlei settles into the Academy, it isn't long before strange occurrences begin unfolding and Brynlei isn't sure if she is losing her mind or if someone is just messing with her. While she tries very hard to focus on her riding and Jett, she is easily distracted and the ghost that has shown up really needs her help. Can Brynlei help this ghost and still manage to win the Top Rider award.
This book is well written and a great continuation from the first. Brynlei is an easy to love character and one that you can relate to. Her unique sensitivities that allow her to see and interact with ghosts and other things that normal people aren't attuned to make the story even more captivating.
The story is well paced and I enjoyed reading it. I hope to see more from this author and to read more about Brynlei and where life will lead her now.
However, once Brynlei settles into the Academy, it isn't long before strange occurrences begin unfolding and Brynlei isn't sure if she is losing her mind or if someone is just messing with her. While she tries very hard to focus on her riding and Jett, she is easily distracted and the ghost that has shown up really needs her help. Can Brynlei help this ghost and still manage to win the Top Rider award.
This book is well written and a great continuation from the first. Brynlei is an easy to love character and one that you can relate to. Her unique sensitivities that allow her to see and interact with ghosts and other things that normal people aren't attuned to make the story even more captivating.
The story is well paced and I enjoyed reading it. I hope to see more from this author and to read more about Brynlei and where life will lead her now.
November 24, 2019
Loved the first two books
These tales are very well written. The twists and turns are so creative. The emotions are real and you feel like you are part of them. And then the riding and the horses, perfect blend.
I very much recommend them to anyone, especially a horse story enthusiast like myself (50 yr old married mother of two with a horse of her own finally).
These tales are very well written. The twists and turns are so creative. The emotions are real and you feel like you are part of them. And then the riding and the horses, perfect blend.
I very much recommend them to anyone, especially a horse story enthusiast like myself (50 yr old married mother of two with a horse of her own finally).
April 27, 2017
Thank you for reading and spreading the word about the second book in my YA mystery series. I hope you enjoy it!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews