Shadow Killer

NOPD Forensics Team #1

by India Kells

Two murder victims, two suspects without any memory of committing the murders, and a masterful killer that hides in the shadows of their minds.

Brandon Turner’s head is still spinning from taking a new job with NOPD and moving to a new city. Although New Orleans is fascinating, it’s not as enticing as Noelle, the curvy beauty who is as cold as ice. Brandon is determined to uncover why she hates him so much, but two strange murders soon require his full attention and Noelle’s professional opinion.

Noelle Breaux is a brilliant forensic scientist, but she’s tired of fighting against old school cops who think that being a woman makes you a burden within the department. A new commander and fresh recruits raise her hopes—and those of her Cajun friends within the forensic department—until the hunk that looks like a blonde Viking out of a romance novel seems to be way too friendly with the old guard and she quickly loses hope.

Two of Brandon’s best friends and former colleagues, Daxton Chambers and Cruz Livingston come for a visit with their wives, Mack and Mickie. When the women disappear without a trace, Brandon has a feeling their abduction is related to the strange series of murders he’s been investigating.

With time running out, Noelle and Brandon will have to work closely together to discover who the mastermind is behind the murders and rescue their friends. Along the way, they unravel a deception that goes deeper than they bargained for.

In a city where magic perfumes the French Quarter, and moonlight shadows danger, profound trust is the key to solving this murder case, but love may be the only way to stay alive.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

248 pages, ebook

First published March 9, 2021

About the author

India Kells is the author of dark romantic suspense where raw sensuality, psychological tension, and morally dangerous heroes collide in a blaze of emotional fire.
Her novels delve into the gray areas of desire and the scars that love and life leave behind.
If you crave stories where adrenaline, obsession, and redemption clash, you’re in the right place.

Reviews

[Mojca · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should've made up its mind as to which genre it wanted to tackle. Romance between a body-conscious curvy woman and a ripped hunk? A quasi-feminist manifesto about smart women put down by assholes? Suspense/thriller about killer woman without a single memory of committing the act? Paranormal story about a shadowy stalker? Fanfiction? (which explained a lot!)

I would've preferred the suspense plot, which was the best of the bunch, until the motive was revealed.

I couldn't care less about the heroine and her predicament at work. For someone who despised being judged by looks only, she was quick to drool over the hero's looks. And for someone who despised being judged without people really knowing her, she was quick to do the same where the hero was concerned.
The hero failed to really make an impression, his looks and hunkiness used mostly to counterbalance the heroine's curviness.

As I said, the suspense plot, the story's strongest point, fizzled badly, and I have no idea what the paranormal elements were for (except for the story being set in New Orleans).

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in India Kells new series NOPD Forensics Team. Brandon Turner has just taken a job with the NOPD and moved to New Orleans. He is drawn to Noelle from the minute he meet's her but for some reason she seems to hate him. He is immediately handed two cases that have him puzzled and in need of a second look. And gives him the perfect chance to try to figure out why the woman he is attracted to hates him so much. Noelle is a forensic scientist with the NOPD. She has been fighting with the old school mentality of some of the cops for too long, and she has her hopes raised when a new commander is put in charge. One who makes promises of new recruits who will help clean house. But those hopes are dashed when one of the new recruits is extremely friendly with the people giving her the most grief. But when two of Brandon's friends go missing, she doesn't hesitate to try to help. Especially when he proves that he has nothing but respect for her along with the attraction that neither can deny.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I can honestly say-it won't be the last! I was sucked into the story right from the start. Not only is there suspense involved in it but it had that little bit of paranormal to it that I love! It had me guessing on who the bad person was, and I definitely wasn't right! Brandon and Noelle have this chemistry and spark that I truly loved. I also loved the side characters and would love to know more about them! They had some snark to them that I love in the women I read about! My only downside, I wish there had been a bit more to what happened with one cop in particular. I don't want to say too much and spoil it for anyone, but I almost felt like there was more to the story that wasn't really said. But other than that, I loved everything else about this book! Definitely a great read!

[Christina Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Killer is the first book in India Kells’ NOPD Forensic Team series. It is a romantic suspense story with great well developed characters, a fantastic storyline and a happily ever after. It also belongs the Police and Fire: Operation Alpha series and as a result we get to read more about Daxton Chambers and Cruz Livingston and their wives, Mack and Mickie as they visit New Orleans.

Forensic scientist, Noelle Breaux works hard for the NOPD especially when it comes to dealing with old school, no women, no science cop mentality. With a new commander and recruits joining the NOPD, Noelle really hopes that things will start to change. Brandon Turner is looking forward to his new job with the NOPD and he is quickly put to work when he is assigned a case of two murders with two suspects with no memory.

The chemistry between Brandon and Noelle is instant and intense and after a misunderstanding is resolved, they agree to work together to solve the unexplainable disappearance of Mack and Mickie who has come into town with their husbands Daxton and Cruz to visit Brandon. But will Noelle’s knowledge and Brandon’s skills be enough to save the women and themselves when the past comes back to haunt them? Read it and find out!

Great start to a new series. Amazing addition to the Police and Fire: Operation Alpha Series. I can’t wait for the next book!

This is a voluntary review of a copy received from BookSprout.

[Escape to the pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noelle is part of the NOPD CSI team, and being both a scientist and female has meant that her department and work is wholly under appreciated by the old school boys in the NOPD. So much so that she and the other women in her team are thinking of leaving. At a department party she spots the new detective, but despite liking how he looks, when she sees him seemingly friendly with the old boy network, she writes him off.

Brandon has just joined the NOPD and so can’t understand why Noelle can already dislike him when he has barely spoken to her.

Despite this he works closely with her in a series of odd murders in the city and as they get to know each other the barriers come down.

An enjoyable story with an engaging storyline, though the inclusion of the Susan stoker characters was unnecessary and distracting for me, if not a little frustrating as if you had read those characters stories you just know that Dax and Cruz would have handled what happened very differently...

I though the characters were well developed in the story though with fleshed out backgrounds which I do like to read, and the story did flow well and the conclusion/HEA was good too and the story well wrapped up. It did also make me crave visiting New Orleans which was an unexpected side benefit of the book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great new series! I've only read a few of this authors books so far but they have all been really enjoyable. There is a great bit of research that's obviously been done as working in the LEO field myself this is pretty believable (with only a little artistic licence!).

This story neatly fits in with the other in the wider series and it's great to see characters popping up from other books. Daxton, Cruz, Mack and Mickie even get in on the action.

Noelle loves her job with the NOPD but she is struggling with the poor attitude of the more "dinosaur" members of the force who don't give Forensics the respect they deserve. When she meets Brandon and realises that he knows her main nemesis, she throws him into the sludge pool - which is almost a waste cos he's a bit of a viking god!

Brandon may know the guy giving Noelle grief, but he doesn't share his attitudes. He knows exactly how useful forensics can be. When his first case involves two seemingly random but inexplicably linked murders, he knows he's going to need every bit of Noelle's expertise.

Brandon and Noelle are a great pairing. Brandon is no dummy and Noelle refuses to act the brainless bimbo to appease her less than "woke" colleagues. Poor Mack and Mickie only wanted a night out and got more than they bargained for.

I'm truly excited to read the next in the series!

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say I am a true lover of India's work if it has her name on it I am going to read it so when I saw a whole new series starting I was in heaven and I wasn't disappointed India has the ability to make her characters jump of the page and this was no exception you felt the humiliation and insecurities of Noelle

Noelle and her three friends work the CSi department of the New Orleans police force the only problem is that certain members of the force insist in making life hard for them believing there is no place for science in police work and making things very personal with their comments The captain is determined that there will be change and he is bringing in new blood Detective Brandon Turner is part of that new blood There is an instant attraction between him and Noelle but she soon turns cold against him. Now they will have to work together as a series of murders occur with no reason and the murderers not remembering anything about the event. What is the common link that ties them together and is the danger much closer than they realise Can Noelle trust Brandon or is he part of the problem You will have to read to see

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series and author for me and was very intrigued when I started reading. I love that this book is set in New Orleans and not the normal and popular places. Our main character Noelle Breaux is a forensic scientist for the NOPD. The local force up till now has been very outdated and old fashioned in their approach to the foresenic department, not using them to their best advantage. So when some new police detectives arrive Noelle is hopeful things will change within the force. She is attracted to one of the new men, Brandon Turner, but his friendliness with the crowd of guys who harass the women shoots down that hope....becoming unfriendly and offish toward Brandon.... As they work together, Noelle realises that she was mistaken about him. As our story progresses, some of Brandon’s friends and former colleagues, Daxton Chambers and Cruz Livingston arrive with their wives for a visit, butwhen the girls disappear without a trace a massive search begins and so the story evolves.
With time running out, Noelle and Brandon have to work closely together to discover who the mastermind is behind the murders and rescue their friends. There are plenty of twists and turns, surprises and a great storyline that kept my interest to the end.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandon Turner is a lieutenant that has been recruited to clean up and restructure the New Orleans Police Department. He is deemed a Viking by Noelle due to his looks. He wants to right the wrongs that many of the officers have shown to Noelle and her team.

Noelle Breaux works as a forensics scientist and toxicologist within the NOPD. She and her fellow CSI teammates have been disrespected and disregarded by officers in the NOPD. She is an intelligent, brilliant, and strong woman who doesn’t let people doubt her skills and professionalism.

When the two murders in town are connected, can they find out who the killer is before another victim appears? This book was well written, from the relationships between the two characters to the suspense of who the murderer is, it really drew me in. I really loved this book as it also has Susan Stoker’s characters come in for a surprise visit. It is an enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book... romantic and suspenseful !

There was such a great connection between the main characters, to the point that you could really believe and feel their emotions and actions as they move through the story. Also, the main characters were so relatable with everyday peoples thoughts and insecurities which made the story even more interesting and really drew you into it.

right from the first chapter, there was drama and the story started off quickly and lasted throughout which was perfect -there were no real lulls in the story it just kept building and connecting the dots.

Mixing law enforcement with the world of magic and mystery in new Orleans was awesome and gave a spin to an already interesting read.

and the ending... so touching...sweet as pie and with filled with every good feel youd want from a book... a great end to a story with mystery and murder in new orleans!

I'd definitely give this book a read!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle Breaux is a forensic scientist for the NOPD who is tired of the men’s attitude toward woman in the department. With new hires coming in, there is hope that this might be changing soon. Noelle is attracted to a new Lieutenant, Brandon Turner. But his friendliness with the guys who harass the women shoots down that hope.

When the wives of Brandon’s best friends and former colleagues, Daxton Chambers and Cruz Livingston, arrive to visit, women and Brandon fears their kidnapping may be part of the murders he’s been investigating. Now he and Noelle are racing against time to track down the killer rescue the women. Are they ready to discover something even worse?

The story line was exciting and the characters were so well portrayed that the reader knew right away where each was coming from. Grab your copy and see what Brandon and Noelle uncover in their search for the murderer. 



[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow! There's a whole lotta story packed into this book, and all of it wonderful. It's full of suspense, murders, missing women, sexist cops, romance, friendship, and just a little touch of magic. The murderer isn't who I thought it would be, although the connection makes sense. Noelle's women's group at work - so supportive, having each others' backs, they genuinely like each other and socialize outside of work. Her friend Dominique is an interesting character; hope to see her in future books. When one of the detectives called Noelle the B-word... just love how she handled it! Brandon (the Viking) - OMG!! He wins her over by acknowledging her intelligence and hard work, and by accepting her as she is. The book is well-written and the story flows nicely. This is my first read from this author, but it won't be the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noelle and the others in the CSI unit have every right to be wary and guarded around the two new detectives even though they don't know them, but it's made harder when Brandon tries to make piece and ask for help. Noelle is smart, sexy and knows her stuff and the way she and the other ladies in the CSI unit are treated makes my blood boil but I am not the only one and you hope that changes will really happen especially with Brandon and Callan joining the department. I love the mix of the New Orleans atmosphere, murder, attraction, great characters as it makes for a fantastic read where you mind keeps coming up with ideas for why the murders were committed, how does someone for get everything for hours on end and will Noelle let her defenses down long enough to see how much of a good guy Brandon is and that the belong together ... especially as Dominique likes him!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book. This is the first in the NOPD Forensic Team Series. Noelle Breaux is a forensic scientist for the NOPD. She and he team, a group of women, have been harassed and belittled by the good ole’ boy network in the department. The new commander is bringing in new blood and promised the team things would change. One of the new Lieutenants is Brandon Turner. He is big, blonde, handsome and looks like a Viking. The sparks fly when these two lay eyes on each other but the spark dies when she sees him hugging the main instigator or her troubles. These two have a lot to overcome but there is a chance. This book has old friends from Susan Stoker’s World, action, suspense, murder, kidnapping, arson, romance and some hot steamy scenes. I’m from Louisiana and I have to say Ms Kells captured the essence, romance and magic of New Orleans.

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Viking in New Orleans!!

This is my first book by this author and OMG!!! It was breathtaking. The backdrop of New Orleans with all its unique flair just makes it that much better.
Noelle Breaux is part of the NOPD forensic team. She locks eyes with Brandon and sparks fly.

It would be corny to say that time stopped, but it did. Once she focused her vision again, it was the blond beard that she noticed, and the dark blond hair tied into a man bun. The square jaw and broad shoulders led to a muscled body that her fingers itched to check out, to see if that male specimen was real under the dark blue Henley.

Brandon Turner moves to NOLA to clean up the local PD. His attractions Noelle is smoking hot.

“I can’t believe a Viking made his way down to Louisiana.”

“The way you look makes me ravenous. I remember when I first saw you at that bar. It was like an electric shock coursed through my entire body.”

With a serial killer on the loose and danger around every corner this is A suspenseful treat!!

I will be checking out more from this author in the future.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait for the next book. I love the story. Nolle is a forensic scientist and she and her colleagues are verbally abuse by their police department, that believe woman should be barefoot and pregnant all the time and to be quiet. They are hopeful that things will change since they now have a new commander and he's bringing in fresh recruits. They are at police bar when a couple of the new recruits come in and it appears as though they will be no different than the current officers and they immediately lose hope and they come across as cold to the new recruits. Nolle and one of the new recruits Cal must work together to figure out the current mystery. Two people killed someone and they have no recollection of doing it. What is going on?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of this series and a new to me author. I was drawn in by the characters and the story itself. It takes place in Mew Orleans and the forensic team is ran by some brilliant women. The issue is that the gold old boy network is in charge and does not beleive a woman's place is to be outside the kitchen and home so these women have a major battle to overcome. In walks the new commander who will hopefully change things with the new personnel he is brings in. However theu have a murder mystery on their hands that everyone is trying g to solve that ends up be I no to close to home when two of their own are kidnapped. Will they find them in time? Will theu be able to solve the case? Will things change at the precinct? This is a short fast story that will definitely keep you guessing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brandon & Noelle

Shadow Killer is the first book in a series titled NOPD Forensics Team by India Kells as part of Susan Stoker’s Police & Fire world.
Susan Stoker’s characters Dax and Mickie with Cruz and Mackenzie are very much a part of India Kell’s plot. Brandon Turner and Callan Hemlock have been brought in by recently appointed Commander Beckner to sort out an harassment problem. Brandon Turner and Forensic Scientist Noelle Breaux team together to find out why some women have no recollection of murdering a person. Noelle’s friend Dominique is an interesting character. Looking forward to reading what the author puts Callan Hemlock and Roseline Fontenot through before the Epilogue.

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle is a forensic scientist and is tired of being treated and tormented because she is a woman. She thinks things will get better when new people are brought in. Brandon is one of those new hires and when she sees him hugging her nemesis she has her doubts that things will change. Brandon is like a Viking God, he is very attractive and what a character. Noelle is a strong woman and a great character. The interaction between the two trying to solve this mystery is wonderfully written. This book has kidnapping and plenty of action. This is a great start to the series and I hope there is more. The description of New Orleans made me feel like I was there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maretha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I am crazy about India Kells and Susan Stoker and getting a book where two worlds from these authors are joined was absolutely brilliant. Brandon is the kind af man most women dream about. Thoughtful, sexy, loving and a protector. Noelle is a strong and intelligent woman with a few insecurities. They meet at work. What follows is a story filled with romance and suspense. This is a story about friendship and love. A really enjoyable read with some of my favorite characters from other books as well as unexpected twists.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger in New Orleans

Action-packed and tension-filled, this story pits Noelle and Brandon first against each other, then against a pair of bizarre murders that share a similar modus operandi, but no clear motive. I loved how honest and forthright both Brandon and Noelle were with each other at the start of their relationship. The ending surprised me (you can see how the story will end in plenty of books), which I really enjoyed. I hope India Kells writes the stories of the rest of the CSI ladies, because I know they’ll be great!

[Marie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’m going to steal Brandon for myself after reading Shadow Killer! Big sexy and oh so hot, not to mention the sweetest guy ever! Noelle is a heroine that I can totally root for! She’s got such hidden depth to her character. This story had me totally engrossed, constantly wondering and I loved it!!!! High heat, heart pounding suspense, and even a mystical element to bring it all together. You so need to read Shadow Killer!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beleaguered team within the New Orleans PD is suffering from bullying from members of the old guard. The ladies from the CSI team have been targeted

The new commander promises fresh blood and fresh eyes to look into making the teams better and the atmosphere less toxic

A hot addition to the department grabs Nicole’s attention. His mysterious connection to a member of the bullying copd might prevent a promising connection between her and the Viking

Suspense, romance, magic and drama

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thea™ · Rating 3 out of 5]

India Kells was a-new-to-me author.
Leuk Bouquet-reeks verhaaltje {13-in-een-dozijn} with a little bit of suspense. Eigenlijk niets mis mee... maar alles was nét een btje too easy en te voorspelbaar.
Las echt lekker weg, maar uiteindelijk kan ik er toch niet meer voor geven dan 3 sterren.
Lekker leesvoer voor een zonnige luierdag. 😁

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a read! This one really sucks you and keeps glued and guessing until the very end. Brandon has just started with the New Orleans Police Department and sees Noelle and the attraction is a first site. Noelle thinks he is just like the others in the force and cannot stand him. Now they must work together to solve the murder and mystery. If this story is any indication of how the new "NOPD Forensics Team" I cannot wait to read the next story. This is such a great intriguing plot and I love the characters.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the NOPD Forensics Team Series and what a fantastic start to a new series it is! This is Brandon and Noelle's story.
The team of four exceptionally smart CSI investigators, who try to discover mysteries.what more could you want in a new series?
Brandon and Noelle are teamed together to solve the mystery of two murders with 2 suspects that have absolutely no memory of what happen.
Will they discover who did it???

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate with a dash of magic

What a fantastic new series!
A team of four quirky, geeky, gorgeous, smart CSI investigators, what could be better for a new series?
I really liked Brandon and Noelle, they make such a good team and I look forward to more of the girls bringing men to their knees...is Callan next?
The first book in the series and it leaves you hungry for more, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Police and Fire: Operation Alpha/NOPD Forensics Team series a well written suspense story with a very good story line that kept me turning pages. Noelle Breaux a brilliant forensic scientist and NOPD officer Brandon Turner’s story of suspense, drama, danger, villains, twists, turns, and romance. A story that was well worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
A captivating story with suspense and drama and mystery. I was drawn into the story by the great characters. I found this story impossible to put down once I started reading. The danger was palpable. The attraction between the two main characters was apparent right from the start. The angst created by his actions made the story even more enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by India Kells; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the NOPD Forensics Team Series; Brandon’s just moved to New Orleans and joined the New Orleans Police Department; they have two murders and two suspects that with no memory he’s working with Noelle to solve the case.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle meets Brandon at an after work get together. Brandon finally learns why Noelle doesn't like him. Their relationship grows, even though danger surrounds them.

This book is really well written, as a scientist, I love reading books about women in the scientific field!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.