Shadow Hill

Geneva Chase #4

by Thomas Kies

2022 SUE GRAFTON MEMORIAL PRIZE NOMINEE
How far would someone go to protect corporate profits? Just days before Morris Cutter, a retired powerful oil executive, is scheduled to give a pseudo-scientific report to Congress that will delay crucial action on climate change for decades, he and his wife are found shot to death in their Greenwich, Connecticut, home. The police call it murder-suicide. The couple's son refuses to accept the official conclusion and hires Geneva Chase, crime reporter turned private detective, to prove otherwise.
Genie soon learns that there are suspects everywhere, including within the deceased's immediate family. Morris Cutter's own daughter hadn't spoken with him in years, and his nephew is a climate activist with a radical organization. But Cutter's former company has a vested interest in keeping a low profile until it is able to present its mock-science on Capitol Hill. Genie is bribed, then threatened, to wrap up her investigation before the scheduled hearing date―and to concur with the police findings.
When the lead scientist of the study goes missing, followed by Cutter's daughter, Genie begins to piece together what actually may have happened to Morris and Julia Cutter, putting herself in harm's way as she races to find the truth.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2021

About the author

Author of the Geneva Chase Mystery Series, Thomas Kies lives and writes on a barrier island on the coast of North Carolina with his wife, Cindy.

He has a long career working for newspapers and magazines, primarily in New England and New York, and is currently working on his next novel.

When he’s not writing mysteries, Thomas Kies is the President of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

Reviews

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and most of all Thomas Kies for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 4 in the Geneva Chase series, and each one gets better and better. In this book she has a slight change of career, no longer crime reporter for the local paper. She is a researcher, although it seems she can’t stay away from crime. As always, the pace is great and there are no parts that stall.

Geneva continues to grow as a complex character, as she continues her battle with alcoholism. And challenges from her adopted teenage daughter, and her relationships plus a subplot around school shootings.

I highly recommend this and the previous 3 books, hopefully there will a 5th soon

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Hill by Thomas Kies is the fourth instalment in the Geneva Chase series but it reads well on its own. The book begins in Greenwich, Connecticut at the high-end home of Julia and Morris Cutter, where they are discovered deceased. Both have been shot and the police quickly come to the conclusion that this is a case of murder-suicide. Morris is the retired CEO of an oil and gas conglomerate. Geneva Chase, a private investigator, is hired by the son to look into his parents’ deaths because he believes they were both murdered for reasons unknown. His father had been about to deliver a report on Capitol Hill that would prove climate change was not caused by the petroleum industry. Who killed the Cutters? Why were they killed? Who was worried about what Morris might do? Why is Capitol Hill part of the story? This is a David and Goliath story. Shadow Hill is a fast-paced thriller that becomes more and more intense with the turning of each page. Gemma Chase is a believable strong protagonist who makes this mystery a success. I look forward to reading more books by Thomas Kies. Highly recommended. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

As seen on www.mysteryandsuspense.com

“Shadow Hill” is the fourth novel in the Geneva Chase crime mysteries series by author Thomas Kies. Set amidst the backdrop of the global climate crisis, “Shadow Hill” is a suspense-fueled and relevant crime novel that delves into the seedy underbelly of politicians and climate activists, seeking to gain from a grisly murder.

Oil executive Morris Cutter is slotted to give a climate change conference on Capitol Hill, but days before his scheduled appearance, Morris and his wife are found shot to death in their homes. When the local police deem the crime a murder-suicide, Geneva Chase is hired by the couples’ son, Eric, to disprove the police’s claims and find proof that the Cutters’ were murdered. As Geneva investigates, she soon discovers that Morris Cutter had a lot of enemies- from disowned relatives to politicians and, most especially, angry climate activists. But the more Geneva discovers, the more her life is at risk, and the more she questions who the bad guys really are—and who she can trust.

Kies definitely has a spunky protagonist in Geneva. After the death of her husband and a long battle with alcoholism, Geneva is on the road to recovery and trying to do the best she can raising her teenaged stepdaughter. Full of dysfunction, Geneva is painfully honest and relatable, and I bonded with Geneva right away. The story is told completely from Geneva’s point of view, and it isn’t long before we are immediately immersed in her world.

Although a new reader to the Geneva Chase series, I immediately caught on to the plot and the characters. Kies gives just enough background information to provide a smooth flow to the story and allows for swift relationships between reader and characters to form.

“Shadow Hill” is relevant and poignant, tackling the climate crisis from both sides of the coin. Kies manages to avoid pushing an agenda or taking sides while keeping the reader informed and entertained. The twists and turns in this novel made every character a potential suspect, and it kept me guessing until the very end.

Kies wraps up “Shadow Hill” in an action-packed, completely unexpected way. Although the conclusion itself was completely satisfying, and allowed for full closure, there is just enough left in Geneva and her friends to titillate the reader into wanting more, and I have no doubt Kies will deliver that in further Geneva Chase novels. I look forward to seeing this character again!

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Hill is the fourth installment in the Geneva Chase Series and, although as usual I absolutely recommend starting from the beginning of the series, it can be perfectly read on its own as the author provides enough background information.

I’m liking this series more and more with each new book and, in my opinion, it doesn’t get all the attention it deserves.

Geneva is no longer working as a crime reporter for the local paper but as a freelance journalist and researcher, and in her new role as researcher (not private eye 😆) she must investigate the death of an oil executive and his wife. Police ruled them a murder-suicide, but their son is convinced it was murder, so it comes to Genie to find the truth.

Shadow Hill is a really solid thriller with climate crisis as background, and the powerful oil companies and the climate activists going against them as the main players. It moved at a perfect pace. We’re thrown right into Genie’s investigation and, as she gets deeper into the deceased lives, the tension really ramps up leading to a fantastic ending with plenty of action.

Genie is a remarkable main character. She’s shown tremendous growth since book 1 and I find really interesting how she’s dealing with her problems with alcohol and how, although an important part in her life, is not all about her drinking problem. I’m also curious to see how her new life out of the paper will impact her relationship with her adoptive daughter and her love life. Despite her flaws she’s a really likeable character and I always root for her all the way.

Shadow Hill is an action packed thriller with a really current backdrop that, in addition to entertaining, informs the reader about a really important topic, and has a great main character whose next adventure I’m hoping to read very soon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not impressed. Within the first few chapters the male author wrote the female character with sexist thoughts that no woman in their right mind would ever have, let alone speak. There were some very sexist themes that the male author skewed throughout the story including themes that were degrading and obscene toward women. With that said, the storyline was intriguing and I finished the book to find out what happened. I just wish the author wouldn’t have threw in the biased views and words to be so demeaning to women. He could have easily written her without being slandering and derogatory. One of the key aspects of the storyline came together at the end and made no sense. It was briefly touched on at the beginning, skipped over a few times in between, and randomly brought up at the end again. It was a relevant point to the plot line but was very poorly written about throughout the story. It wasn’t a good plot twist—it didn’t make any sense with the rest of the story and sadly the ending was a huge let down.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this entire series over the last few months and I am hooked! I love Geneva Chase! Genie is now freelancing as a crime reporter and as a "researcher" for an investigative firm. Genie's first assignment with Lodestar is to look into the deaths of Morris Cutter and his wife that the police have ruled as a murder/suicide. Cutter is a recently retired CEO of a large oil and gas company just days before he is due to testify on Capital Hill regarding a new study which shows that fossil fuels are not responsible for global warming. Soon a suspect begins to emerge: a volatile environmental group. But the oil and gas company is not at all happy that these deaths are being investigated again as the new CEO is now scheduled to testify and is willing to go to extreme lengths to shut it down and therefore any negative press.

As always this is a smart concise mystery but this one the author definitely has a message to share with regards to climate change. I loved that Genie is on the wagon throughout this book (I never liked the constant drinking side story). This book could be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend starting at the beginning. You will understand all the supporting characters so much better.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a free copy of #ShadowHill in exchange for an honest review.

[AC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This appears to be the second book in the series - I have not read the first; however, this can stand on its own without any problem at all. (Edit: it is book four in this series.)

Geneva Chase, former reporter, now freelancer and information analyst for Lodestar Analytics, is assigned by her boss to look at the apparent murder-suicide of Morris Cutter and his wife. While the local authorities see it as open and shut, Lodestar is hired by the family to go over it again. To Geneva and her boss Nathaniel, it is anything but apparent.

Cutter die just days before he was to present a report before Congress, about environmental issues with fracking and so forth. Thee are plenty of suspects: the remaining family, Cutter's brother, who accepted a buyout at a cheap price before the company they ran went public and was worth tons more than he got, a couple of radical environmentalist groups, and even the board of the company itself. There are some goons who appear - courtesy of the board - and offer Geneva $250K an then a half a million dollars to agree that it was a murder- suicide and issue a report saying so. Geneva refuses, finds that people are following her, and the stakes are even higher when Cutter's daughter disappears, the lead scientist on the report vanishes, and Nathaniel is brutally beaten.

The pace of the book is good. There are no real laggy parts, and no giant holes in the narrative. I did have an issue with the ending - not with the ending itself, but with the main character screaming and seeming to be a it out of control. The circumstances were pretty dire, but still, I'd have liked her to not freak out "We're going to die!!!" style.

Overall, a satisfying read, and a solid four stars.

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the reading copy.

[Aristotle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Break out the chilled Absolt Vodka and hot sex!
Geneva Chase is back!

Book 4 of Geneva Chase was a quick paced plot driven story.
Having read all four books it feels like the author has a vivid sexual imagination or deeply suppressed carnal desires. For example here is a paragraph from Shadow Hill

'A tall brunette, clad in black leather bustier, chaps, and boots. She held a leash that was attached to a pasty middle-aged man with a paunch who was wearing only a red thong and a dog collar around his neck.'

"Fido here has been a bad dog and needs more training."

Ha! Is Thomas Kies Fido?

The sins of the flesh and alcohol are prominent through out this series. Looking forward to book 5

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series and it has rectified the pitfalls of the previous book in that the story moves around the main plot with Genie doing some good investigation and research. The writing also maintains a continuous momentum with no lapse. Looking forward to the next book.

[Gail C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geneva Chase is a tough, dedicated, and flawed investigator who lost her job as a reporter because of a drinking problem. She now works freelance as an investigator for a research firm; shorthand for a detective agency that isn’t a detective agency because of state regulations. Being freelance allows her to decline any job she feels may not be totally on the up and up and also allows her to do freelance work as a journalist when the occasion arises.

Making up Geneva’s circle are a former Israli special forces woman turned dominatrix who has taught Geneva some simple self defense moves, a teenage girl for whom she is guardian, a former lover who, by the way, is married, and numerous people from her days as a reporter. The push and pull of these people serve to heighten Geneva’s personality and struggles as she battles her problems with alcohol and her focus on investigative work. While they play minor parts in the story, the focus is primarily on Geneva, her activities, her thoughts about drinking, dating, parenting, and whatever case she is working at present.

The case Geneva has at present mixes climate change, big oil, intimidation, and government complicity/corruption with the apparent murder-suicide of a wealthy couple. He was the retired CEO of a large oil company, slated to present a scientific paper to congress in a week’s time. The paper, which has been commissioned by the oil company, purportedly refutes the current scientific reports that indicate there is currently a significant climate change that is manmade and which is taking earth to the brink of destruction.The problem? The CEO has been doing more research and there seem to be some thoughts that he has changed his thinking on the entire issue.

All these issues are central to Geneva’s investigation. Did he really kill his wife then himself or was this a clever murder with an even more clever murderer who executed it flawlessly. Like a dog with a bone, Geneva pursues every angle in spite of physical threats and the serious mugging her boss endures. Meanwhile, her teenage daughter is showing an interest in boys (not what Geneva is ready for) and working on a high school newspaper article about shootings and active shooter drills in the high schools.

The novel is non-stop action and will likely hold the interest of anyone who likes hard-charging, thriller types of mysteries. At times it seems to follow a side-story down a small rat hole, but then quickly return to the main story. There is a constant build to an intense final conflict that sees Geneva fleeing for her life down a stretch of icy road. The final reveal of the truth behind the deaths offers a bit of a twist, although seasoned readers are not likely to be surprised.

My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Lauri Schoenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Shadow Hill! The main character, Geneva Chase, is a sassy, independent, and driven reporter who searches out the truth. She was relatable and snarky which I really enjoyed. I loved how this story blended important conversations about climate change and the LGBTQ community. I thought that was brilliant and much appreciated. The plot twists and the story arc is riveting and kept me turning the pages to find out who killed the Cutter's or was it really a murder/suicide?

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geneva "Genie" Chase has left her crime reporter job at the Sheffield Post to work as a freelancer for Lodestar Analytics as a researcher. Her first big investigation is to look into the New Year's Day murder-suicide of Morris Cutter and his wife Julia for the Cutter Estate. The recently retired CEO of an oil company, Cutter was scheduled to present a pseudo-scientific report to Congress (aka Shadow Hill) that would delay crucial action on climate change. Genie finds several suspects who wanted to stop this from happening including Cutter's own daughter Lisa, a climatologist working for NASA, and his nephew Stephen who is a climate activist working for radical environmental organization Gaea. Hints that both Morris and Julia had been having affairs before their deaths provide another bunch of suspects that need to be eliminated by Genie.

Genie is bribed and threatened to quickly wrap up her investigation before the scheduled hearing date and to have her investigation agree with the police findings. But then the lead scientist of the study and Cutter's daughter Lisa go missing, and Genie's boss Nathaniel is brutally attacked and tortured for information about their whereabouts. Genie pieces together where the missing scientists might be hiding. It's a race against time for Genie to save them all from a deadly fate.

The feisty Genie is a interesting flawed protagonist who continues to deal with her personal demons as an alcoholic, the challenges of raising her late fiance's teenaged daughter and her romantic feelings for her ex-lover Frank and Lodestar associate John.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press/SOURCEBOOKS with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journalist Geneva Chase has her first assignment doing “research” for Lodestar Analytics, an intelligence firm owned by Nathaniel Rubin. The firm has been hired by Eric Cutter to investigate the deaths of his parents. The case, believed to be a murder suicide, has been closed by the police but Eric can’t believe that his father Morris, the just retired CEO of Continental Petroleum and Gas, would kill his wife Julia then shoot himself. Geneva begins by eliminating suspects which proves to be more difficult than she thought. She is distracted by her adopted daughter’s new interests in a boy and the reappearance of a former lover. The executives at CP&G and their consultants urge Geneva to resolve the case…and accept either a bribe or violence. Then people involved in the Cutter case start to disappear and Geneva realizes that she may be next.

It’s good to be back in Sheffield. Although it can be read as a standalone mystery, this is the fourth in the Geneva Chase series and it is the best. Geneva, a complex character, continues to grow while fighting to control her alcoholism. Her daughter is growing up too and because involved in a subplot about school shootings. Favorite characters return and new ones are introduced. Sheffield (Fairfield County, CT) is the perfect location with its expected wealth and excess. I look forward to the next in the series. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Thomas Kies for this ARC.

[Bogens Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Shadow Hill” by Thomas Kies is a true mystery and thriller. And it is indeed a true thriller. No doubt, there will be surprises and scares in this book. Thomas Kies truly knows how to write suspense! Buckle up and get ready!

Two people are found shot, a man and his wife, Morris and Julia Cutter. The police find it to be a murder-suicide, but the couples son does not accept this. He hires a private detective, to find out what really happened and hopefully to prove the police wrong. But there are way more suspects, than first expected.

I find the storyline to be somewhat unique, and with the plot twists, the story becomes a true mystery and thriller.

The characters are solid, and even though they might nor develop a lot throughout the story, they surely have a storyline, which they stick to. The characters are furthermore believable, and true to the story.

The descriptions are detailed and horrific. Thomas Kies certainly knows how to create a suspenseful novel with endearing and at the same time horrifying characters.

If you want some suspense in your life, or at least a suspenseful read, “Shadow Hill” would be a good choice for you!

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the choices that the Poisoned Pen Press makes when choosing titles. This book is no exception. It is so topical with climate change as an issue that focuses much of the action. The story opens as a couple is found dead. Was it a murder/suicide or could it have been a carefully staged execution? The couple’s son wants to know.

Enter Geneva Chase. She is a complex character who was introduced in an earlier novel. I have not read that one but will probably go back and do so. Geneva has her own issues, problems and people surrounding her. What will happen as she investigates events?

This title will be enjoyed by those who like a contemporary story with characters that come to life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Jaclyn Shupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Cutter's are found in an alleged murder suicide, Geneva Chase is hired to prove that they were actually murdered. Soon Genie is finding suspects everywhere from family members to former coworkers. When Geneva starts piecing clues and stories together she finds herself in danger she may not be able to escape.

This is the fourth book in the Geneva Chase series. IT's a really good mystery that keeps you guessing to the end.

*I was provided an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher for my honest review

[Nirali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was an absolute joy to read for those who love a thriller with a realistic setting. Although you think you have guessed the ending, it'll surprise you!
The characters are brilliantly written and you'll feel betrayed and worried like you know them. It is a fast paced story that will keep you hooked till the last page. It is a perfect whodunit that will not disappoint.
Perfect for a quick summer read, definitely recommend you pick this up!

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genie is a great character. Her background as a crime reporter makes her a perfect story teller even as she takes readers through the twists and turns of quite a thrilling mystery. Some really topical issues are brought to bear here and I enjoyed the climate change activism angle. Quite a lot going on in this book and the author really lands it.

[Terhi Tatjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this one, climate change and the dirty politics around it and the fossil fuel industry are front and center. Geneva is hired to reopen a closed “suicide/homicide” case by the grieving family estate, and she learns that all families don’t stick together. The battle between boomers and those who came after about how they’re just focused on money and leaving behind a shit planet for us is battling it out with the younger generation of ‘how could you all do this to us, and just care about money?’ It’s an argument made today, and the battle is on-going. When an old oil executive has a change of heart precipitated by the birth of his grandchild, the company big wigs are threatened, and profits are put first. Unraveling this mystery culminates in a wild scene. The company line is that climate change is a natural occurrence and nothing humans are doing, especially anything to do with those profitable fossil fuels, has anything to do with the warming climate. Yea, if you believe that, then I’ve got a bridge I want to sell you. The twist is that not even the money hungry evil-doers believe that; they just want to sow enough discord and confusion that they can keep on keeping on. This one was definitely my favorite of the Chase books, lots of action and good layers.

Favorite Line ~ “Dead bodies and real estate don’t mix, Genie, it’s just bad juju.”

[Taelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a murder mystery it is very well written and I did enjoy it. I thought the plot was interesting and even though it was handling such a big topic like climate change, it was still digestible. The only reason I lowered my rating was because you can obviously tell that a man was writing a female lead. Not that there is anything wrong with this, there is just many stereotypes that the main character portrayed as well as some what felt like woke activism every now and then. Another reason I only rated it 3 stars was because the book was very realistic on how things in real life play out, especially corporate shadiness but towards the end it got to be a little too ridiculous on the situational circumstances our characters found themselves in. Overall I did really enjoy this book, I loved the plot twist and it kept me entertained, there is just some things I think could have been handled better.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have thoroughly enjoyed the Geneva Chase series but this has been my least favorite. This saavy reporter's snarky inner monologue usually makes these books great, but in this book it veered into more shallow, vain territory.

This is Geneva's first assignment not as an investigative reporter for the local paper, but as a researched for Lodestar Analytics. Her local community was recently rocked by the murder-suicide deaths of a recently retired oil company CEO and his wife. Their son doesn't believe this is how they died and is paying Lodestar to find the truth. But with the company's future on the line, there are many people that would pay Geneva far more to stick to the police's story and let this investigation go.

Great plot and pace, just could have done without some of the editorializing! Hope this author is not done writing this series!

[Julie Trapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Just days before Morris Cutter, a retired powerful oil executive, is scheduled to give a pseudo-scientific report to Congress that will delay crucial action on climate change for decades, he and his wife are found shot to death in their Greenwich, Connecticut, home. The police call it murder-suicide. The couple's son refuses to accept the official conclusion and hires Geneva Chase, crime reporter turned private detective, to prove otherwise. [amazon synopsis]

1st book I have read in the series. Maybe I would have liked it better if I read them in order. Geneva used to be a reporter, but her drinking ended that. Now she is aa PI for a private firm. She deals with threats, an obnoxious teenage daughter, and we deal with crude writing.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geneva Chase is now freelancing for Lodestar Analytics. She has been tasked to investigate the deaths of Morris and Julia Cutter, retired CEO of Continental Petroleum and Gas and his wife. The police said it was a murder/suicide but Eric Cutter, son of the couple, disagrees. As Genie investigates, CP&G execs encourage / threaten her to finish the investigation quickly. The reason - a climate control hearing in DC that could harm their business. As Genie finds, the wealthy oil industry will do everything to protect its interest.
Always fun reads, with a nod to escalating climate crisis. Looking forward to book 5!

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for this book, I seriously couldn't put it down. It is filled with twists and turns that are not expected, it keeps you locked in and guessing. I enjoyed reading about the process of investigative journalism, and the dangers that may be witnessed or experienced in the process of scoping out a storyline. I am hoping there will more books written with these characters, it would make an interesting thriller series. I really enjoyed that you can imagine this happening in reality, including Genie's home life, dealing the care of a home, children, and sobriety while on assignment. Everytime I thought I had figured out the ending and who was the villian, something new would come into play and I would be starting all over again from a new angle. Keeps you sucked in!
This book is well written and flows nicely. Definitely a great read for anyone who enjoys thrillers.

[Bob Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok book- investigator Geneva Chase tries to find out truth about murder/suicide for family- big oil versus environmentalists going on entire book- she finds out who killed the former CEO and wife and saves the day

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the Geneva Chase series. Tom has again created a mystery that draws you in and holds your attention.
He did a great job of weaving current social and climate issues into the story.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thriller with a bunch of twists in the story. Multiple points of view add a layer that wouldn’t be there without it. Solid storyline and good characters.

[David Daggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep writing Kies. Geneva is a very deep. Character that I have enjoyed through all of his books.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

love

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book four in the Geneva Chase series (I hate it when I do that). Decent book - 30 pages. Nothing special. Light and easy.