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Shepard & Gray #1
The Secret Witness
From the bestselling author of A Killer’s Wife comes the thrilling first installment in the Shepard & Gray series, featuring a young sheriff who teams up with a former prosecutor to stop a copycat killer.
This is Reaper speaking.
So begins an anonymous letter published in a Utah newspaper after a young couple is viciously murdered. Tooele County sheriff Elizabeth Gray leads the investigation into the double homicide, which is eerily reminiscent of a string of brutal killings years ago. When the letter leads detectives to yet another body, Gray calls on an old friend for help.
Former prosecutor Solomon Shepard is still struggling to recover from the deadly courtroom attack that ended his career. He’s been keeping a safe distance from the action, teaching criminology seminars about serial murders and psychopathology—until Gray asks for his help on the Reaper case.
As the body count mounts, Shepard and Gray race to unravel the deranged design of a copycat killer—and find themselves in a face-off with an enemy they never saw coming.
This is Reaper speaking.
So begins an anonymous letter published in a Utah newspaper after a young couple is viciously murdered. Tooele County sheriff Elizabeth Gray leads the investigation into the double homicide, which is eerily reminiscent of a string of brutal killings years ago. When the letter leads detectives to yet another body, Gray calls on an old friend for help.
Former prosecutor Solomon Shepard is still struggling to recover from the deadly courtroom attack that ended his career. He’s been keeping a safe distance from the action, teaching criminology seminars about serial murders and psychopathology—until Gray asks for his help on the Reaper case.
As the body count mounts, Shepard and Gray race to unravel the deranged design of a copycat killer—and find themselves in a face-off with an enemy they never saw coming.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
8065 people are currently reading
9966 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
72 books2,106 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
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August 29, 2023Plenty side stories, slow development, the characters didn’t hold my interest. Shepard was supposed to be a prosecutor but acted as an investigator... 🤨
Dnf @ 35%
Dnf @ 35%
May 1, 2023
Solomon Shepard is a former prosecutor in Utah who suddenly found himself retired following his recovery from a courtroom attack that left him with life-altering injuries. Billie (Elizabeth) Gray is the County Sheriff and the daughter of the former sheriff. Someone is committing murders mirroring ones committed by The Reaper some years previously and investigated by Solomon and Billie's father. Billie asks Solomon, who has become something of a recluse, to help her investigate the current crimes.
I chose to read this book as I have a copy of book 2 from Netgalley and wanted to learn about Shepard & Gray's backgrounds. I've read a couple of the author's previous books and really like his style. This one is very well written with engaging characters and an interesting story that kept me involved. Solomon gradually puts himself out there and seems to have no fear. Billie is tough but a smart cookie and works to earn the respect of her officers. I certainly didn't see the ending coming but it was a good one. I'm looking forward to reading Book #2, The Grave Singer.
I'm not all that familiar with the US justice hierarchy but I was a bit surprised that Solomon was allowed to participate in the investigation almost from the beginning and to issue orders to the investigating police officers.
I borrowed a copy of this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
I chose to read this book as I have a copy of book 2 from Netgalley and wanted to learn about Shepard & Gray's backgrounds. I've read a couple of the author's previous books and really like his style. This one is very well written with engaging characters and an interesting story that kept me involved. Solomon gradually puts himself out there and seems to have no fear. Billie is tough but a smart cookie and works to earn the respect of her officers. I certainly didn't see the ending coming but it was a good one. I'm looking forward to reading Book #2, The Grave Singer.
I'm not all that familiar with the US justice hierarchy but I was a bit surprised that Solomon was allowed to participate in the investigation almost from the beginning and to issue orders to the investigating police officers.
I borrowed a copy of this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
June 22, 2022
Unexpectedly good!
Very well written. From the first paragraph until the last page my attention was unwavering. A very demented serial killer of the worse type and the family secret revealed at the very end.
I highly recommend this book to people who like to delve into the mind of serial killers.
I received this as a First Reads book from Amazon and this is my honest review.
Very well written. From the first paragraph until the last page my attention was unwavering. A very demented serial killer of the worse type and the family secret revealed at the very end.
I highly recommend this book to people who like to delve into the mind of serial killers.
I received this as a First Reads book from Amazon and this is my honest review.
July 25, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE SECRET WITNESS (Shepard & Gray Book #1) by Victor Methos is the exciting start to a new crime thriller series set in Utah and featuring a former prosecutor and the new female county sheriff. This book starts off with a bang and keeps the chills and twists coming.
After three vicious murders, Tooele County Sheriff Elizabeth Gray believes she is facing the same serial killer her father, the former sheriff was never able to catch. The Reaper was responsible for a string of vicious murders without leaving any evidence. Elizabeth calls on the friend and retired prosecutor her father trusted while working The Reaper case.
Former prosecutor Solomon Shepard knows about psychopathy. He wrote a preeminent reference book on the subject. He is retired from the Major Crimes prosecutor’s office after a courtroom attack and has become almost a hermit in his apartment. Elizabeth asks for help on the one case that has always haunted Solomon and is the only one with the ability to pull him back into his old life.
As Shepard and Gray investigate the body count grows and they are not sure if they are dealing with the return of the original serial killer or a copycat. They soon find themselves face-to-face with a killer neither expected.
I loved this thriller! The main characters were fully drawn with interesting backstories and a chemistry that worked as well as their partnership. I am very glad this is the start of a series because I really am invested in these characters and looking forward to following them in future books. The subplot with Solomon’s neighbor was heartbreaking and I hate to say realistic. The killer was a surprise, but believable even without the surprise twist at the end. I am always interested in the Nature vs. Nurture psychological arguments in serial crime books. The plot moves at an even and fast pace throughout with plenty of twists and surprises to keep the reader turning the page.
I highly recommend this new crime thriller and I am looking forward to more books in this series!
THE SECRET WITNESS (Shepard & Gray Book #1) by Victor Methos is the exciting start to a new crime thriller series set in Utah and featuring a former prosecutor and the new female county sheriff. This book starts off with a bang and keeps the chills and twists coming.
After three vicious murders, Tooele County Sheriff Elizabeth Gray believes she is facing the same serial killer her father, the former sheriff was never able to catch. The Reaper was responsible for a string of vicious murders without leaving any evidence. Elizabeth calls on the friend and retired prosecutor her father trusted while working The Reaper case.
Former prosecutor Solomon Shepard knows about psychopathy. He wrote a preeminent reference book on the subject. He is retired from the Major Crimes prosecutor’s office after a courtroom attack and has become almost a hermit in his apartment. Elizabeth asks for help on the one case that has always haunted Solomon and is the only one with the ability to pull him back into his old life.
As Shepard and Gray investigate the body count grows and they are not sure if they are dealing with the return of the original serial killer or a copycat. They soon find themselves face-to-face with a killer neither expected.
I loved this thriller! The main characters were fully drawn with interesting backstories and a chemistry that worked as well as their partnership. I am very glad this is the start of a series because I really am invested in these characters and looking forward to following them in future books. The subplot with Solomon’s neighbor was heartbreaking and I hate to say realistic. The killer was a surprise, but believable even without the surprise twist at the end. I am always interested in the Nature vs. Nurture psychological arguments in serial crime books. The plot moves at an even and fast pace throughout with plenty of twists and surprises to keep the reader turning the page.
I highly recommend this new crime thriller and I am looking forward to more books in this series!
September 5, 2022
Always a fan of Victor Methos and his writing, I was pleased to begin this new series. In stories that always pack a punch, Methos treats readers to the dual protagonists of cop and prosecutor, both of whom are trying to reinvent themselves. Gritty storytelling matches well with a deceptive killer to give the reader something exciting to explore and paving the way towards what could be a stunning new series. Methos at his best!
The opening line of an anonymous letter published in the local paper says it all: “This is Reaper speaking.” The announcement comes just after a couple is found brutally murdered in the vehicle, the scene quite similar to a string of killings years before. Sheriff Elizabeth Gray is not sure if she has a copycat on her hands, but she knows that she will not be able to do it alone.
After being permanently sidelined by an attack in the courtroom, Solomon Shepard is trying to make the most of his days. He’s left the legal world and has been writing, as well as lecturing on serial killers at the local college. However, when Sheriff Gray calls on him, he’s intrigued and ready to put some of his knowledge to practical use. The Reaper case is one he knows well and Shepard is ready to see just how intense being back in the field can be.
While sifting through the evidence, both Gray and Shepard realise that this killer will stop at nothing to be noticed and make the list of victims grow swiftly. Bloody discoveries will leave them both in the crosshairs of this new killer, seeking to be a part of evil greatness. What Gray and Shepard soon discover is that they had no way of predicting the truth that is revealed before them. Methos chills the reader to the core with this novel, the first in what could be a stellar series.
I have always enjoyed the work of Victor Methos, primarily because he gets to the heart of the matter with stunning legal and criminal analysis. There is a great deal for fans of both genres to enjoy here, particularly those who like something with more of a serial killer flavouring. Methos keeps things sharp and presents the reader with something that has them wanting more, which can only mean he better keep the stories coming.
At the heart of every good book is a strong narrative, which serves to guide the reader. Victor Methos does that effectively with a strong foundation that directs the reader throughout the story. Short chapters and great characters help keep the reader enticed, while providing something for all to enjoy. Plot twists abound, keeping the reader from being able to predict everything as it occurs, one of Methos’ great skills. I can only hope the series progresses soon with new and exciting ideas, as Methos has me curious about where things are headed.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for another great story. I can only hope you have more ideas percolating.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The opening line of an anonymous letter published in the local paper says it all: “This is Reaper speaking.” The announcement comes just after a couple is found brutally murdered in the vehicle, the scene quite similar to a string of killings years before. Sheriff Elizabeth Gray is not sure if she has a copycat on her hands, but she knows that she will not be able to do it alone.
After being permanently sidelined by an attack in the courtroom, Solomon Shepard is trying to make the most of his days. He’s left the legal world and has been writing, as well as lecturing on serial killers at the local college. However, when Sheriff Gray calls on him, he’s intrigued and ready to put some of his knowledge to practical use. The Reaper case is one he knows well and Shepard is ready to see just how intense being back in the field can be.
While sifting through the evidence, both Gray and Shepard realise that this killer will stop at nothing to be noticed and make the list of victims grow swiftly. Bloody discoveries will leave them both in the crosshairs of this new killer, seeking to be a part of evil greatness. What Gray and Shepard soon discover is that they had no way of predicting the truth that is revealed before them. Methos chills the reader to the core with this novel, the first in what could be a stellar series.
I have always enjoyed the work of Victor Methos, primarily because he gets to the heart of the matter with stunning legal and criminal analysis. There is a great deal for fans of both genres to enjoy here, particularly those who like something with more of a serial killer flavouring. Methos keeps things sharp and presents the reader with something that has them wanting more, which can only mean he better keep the stories coming.
At the heart of every good book is a strong narrative, which serves to guide the reader. Victor Methos does that effectively with a strong foundation that directs the reader throughout the story. Short chapters and great characters help keep the reader enticed, while providing something for all to enjoy. Plot twists abound, keeping the reader from being able to predict everything as it occurs, one of Methos’ great skills. I can only hope the series progresses soon with new and exciting ideas, as Methos has me curious about where things are headed.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for another great story. I can only hope you have more ideas percolating.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 22, 2022
(NOTE: June 2022 Amazon First Read)
REVIEW:
What a great surprise to find the latest release from Victor Methos as one of Amazon Prime First Read choices! I discovered this author’s books a little over a year ago and immediately digested his backlog of legal thrillers. Not a single disappointment – and with a gripping start to a new series cements his place on my list of favorite writers of crime/legal thrillers.
“This is the Reaper speaking . . .” -- or is it?
In a tantalizing plot, readers are introduced to Elizabeth Gray, a beautiful but tough young sheriff following in her father’s footsteps and Solomon Shephard, a handsome but broken former prosecutor who team up to stop a copycat killer through police procedural investigating and courtroom drama. A bit of a wobbly start in the set-up that I’m not going to address here – I think that the next book in the series may tidy-up some of these concerns (and there were a few clues leading me in that direction). Frankly, the case in progress wasn’t affected. From an impeccable and clever storyteller, Methos delivers crime fiction at its absolute best while writing about violent acts of evilness with frightening passion and vivid description.
I could not turn the pages fast enough. This might be the best yet from Methos. And that wowzer of an ending left me gasping. BRAVO, Mr. Methos – you’ve definitely wowed me once again.
I can hardly wait to catch-up with Gray and Shepard for their next nail-biter. The second book, The Grave Singer, is scheduled for release on May 16, 2023.
REVIEW:
What a great surprise to find the latest release from Victor Methos as one of Amazon Prime First Read choices! I discovered this author’s books a little over a year ago and immediately digested his backlog of legal thrillers. Not a single disappointment – and with a gripping start to a new series cements his place on my list of favorite writers of crime/legal thrillers.
“This is the Reaper speaking . . .” -- or is it?
In a tantalizing plot, readers are introduced to Elizabeth Gray, a beautiful but tough young sheriff following in her father’s footsteps and Solomon Shephard, a handsome but broken former prosecutor who team up to stop a copycat killer through police procedural investigating and courtroom drama. A bit of a wobbly start in the set-up that I’m not going to address here – I think that the next book in the series may tidy-up some of these concerns (and there were a few clues leading me in that direction). Frankly, the case in progress wasn’t affected. From an impeccable and clever storyteller, Methos delivers crime fiction at its absolute best while writing about violent acts of evilness with frightening passion and vivid description.
I could not turn the pages fast enough. This might be the best yet from Methos. And that wowzer of an ending left me gasping. BRAVO, Mr. Methos – you’ve definitely wowed me once again.
I can hardly wait to catch-up with Gray and Shepard for their next nail-biter. The second book, The Grave Singer, is scheduled for release on May 16, 2023.
June 4, 2022
Writing wasn't great - could have been an interesting and compelling story but instead it plodded along and couldn't generate suspense or excitement. Didn't like most of the characters. Almost did not finish but forced myself to finish just to see if I liked the ending - I didn't.
June 14, 2022
Really enjoyed my Amazon first read this month!
June 6, 2022
First in a new series and available right now with Amazon First Reads.
This is the Reaper speaking.
I became a fan of this author when I read The Shotgun Lawyer in 2021, and I definitely enjoyed The Secret Witness. Solomon Shepard is a former prosecutor who left his profession after being stabbed while trying a case. He has become a homebody who suffers from permanent nerve damage and panic attacks.
Solomon is convinced by his friend (Sheriff Elizabeth “Billie” Gray) to offer his opinion on whether he thinks the Reaper has returned after eight years. The murders are reminiscent of a string of brutal killings that were never solved. Has the Reaper returned, or is it a copycat?
I felt the storyline progressed at a nice pace, I liked the main characters, and the big twist in the book definitely shocked me!! Parts of the book made me sad. Parts made me angry. Yet, through it all, I remained interested. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
This is the Reaper speaking.
I became a fan of this author when I read The Shotgun Lawyer in 2021, and I definitely enjoyed The Secret Witness. Solomon Shepard is a former prosecutor who left his profession after being stabbed while trying a case. He has become a homebody who suffers from permanent nerve damage and panic attacks.
Solomon is convinced by his friend (Sheriff Elizabeth “Billie” Gray) to offer his opinion on whether he thinks the Reaper has returned after eight years. The murders are reminiscent of a string of brutal killings that were never solved. Has the Reaper returned, or is it a copycat?
I felt the storyline progressed at a nice pace, I liked the main characters, and the big twist in the book definitely shocked me!! Parts of the book made me sad. Parts made me angry. Yet, through it all, I remained interested. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
February 15, 2026
Victor Methos, a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney, knows violent crime—and it shows. His real-world experience fuels sharp, suspenseful storytelling. Methos delivers gripping plots, layered characters, and twists that land hard and late. Secret Witness is yet another winner and a strong reminder of why he stands out in the crime-thriller lane.
The Secret Witness (Shepard & Grey, Book 1) is a strong start to the series and one I’m genuinely looking forward to continuing.
The Secret Witness (Shepard & Grey, Book 1) is a strong start to the series and one I’m genuinely looking forward to continuing.
June 3, 2022
Hmmmm....you don't really find out why it's called the Secret Witness....
November 28, 2023
This is yet another scenario where I came across the second installment of a series first and wanted to read it. However, because of my hang-up with reading a series in order, here I am, again, starting the series from the beginning. Yeah, I know, I’m weird, but I really dislike thinking or sensing that I am missing something when I read a series out of order. This has happened to me before when I have unknowingly read an installment out of order. It bugs me so I really try and avoid doing it. Personally, I blame this particular quirk on the day job😊
This may seem kind a nitpicky, but the book summary is confusing. I know that the writer has no control over how GR describes a book. However, publishers do have control over their book descriptions on their own websites and GR just pulled this description from the publisher. What do I know though? I’m not a publisher; I’m just an avid reader who reads book summaries before making a decision on whether or not I want to read a book.
First and foremost, a letter from the killer was not published in the paper after the first two killings or even the third. Secondly, the first two killings were an older, retired couple, not a young couple. Lastly, the letter did not lead to the third body/victim. Regardless of these errors, the primary storyline is the investigation of a series of murders that are being done in the same manner and location as the murders of a killer that operated years ago that identified himself as “The Reaper”. After a two-month killing spree, “The Reaper” appeared to disappear. Soloman Shepard was a prosecutor that worked with the former Tooele County Sheriff, on the previous Reaper cases as a psychological expert/profiler.
There is also a secondary storyline, the friendship between Sol and his teenaged (16) neighbor, Kelly. Sol kind of watches over Kelly and has let her sleep on his couch when her alcoholic, stepfather starts beating on her and her mother. Additionally, Kelly’s stepfather has made it clear to her that he will not spend any money taking care of her, so Sol pays Kelly to run errands for him so that she has money to buy things that she needs. Sol is a borderline agoraphobic and still has mild panic attacks when he goes out sometimes. None of this info is a spoiler since it was revealed early in the story.
It isn’t until around the 40% mark that Billie and Sol realize that the killer, who is now pretending to be “The Reaper”, is most likely a copycat. As is often the case in these types of stories, I enjoy trying to figure out “whodunit”. In the second half of the story that has Billie and Sol continuing the investigation from each murder where they begin playing a game with the new Reaper, in an effort to rattle him into making a mistake, which he does. Most of the second half of the story centers around the legal proceedings of the killer. I typically don’t enjoy the court trials and proceedings part of a story; I find them boring. Fortunately, there wasn’t a lot of that in this story.
Most of the story was a solid 3star read. However, that ending!!! OMG!!! First it scared the crap out of me, then it just made me sad, a bit of a tear jerker, and finally absolute shock! I'm still so stunned by that ending. I read this book in two sittings, and I look forward to continuing the series.
This may seem kind a nitpicky, but the book summary is confusing. I know that the writer has no control over how GR describes a book. However, publishers do have control over their book descriptions on their own websites and GR just pulled this description from the publisher. What do I know though? I’m not a publisher; I’m just an avid reader who reads book summaries before making a decision on whether or not I want to read a book.
First and foremost, a letter from the killer was not published in the paper after the first two killings or even the third. Secondly, the first two killings were an older, retired couple, not a young couple. Lastly, the letter did not lead to the third body/victim. Regardless of these errors, the primary storyline is the investigation of a series of murders that are being done in the same manner and location as the murders of a killer that operated years ago that identified himself as “The Reaper”. After a two-month killing spree, “The Reaper” appeared to disappear. Soloman Shepard was a prosecutor that worked with the former Tooele County Sheriff, on the previous Reaper cases as a psychological expert/profiler.
There is also a secondary storyline, the friendship between Sol and his teenaged (16) neighbor, Kelly. Sol kind of watches over Kelly and has let her sleep on his couch when her alcoholic, stepfather starts beating on her and her mother. Additionally, Kelly’s stepfather has made it clear to her that he will not spend any money taking care of her, so Sol pays Kelly to run errands for him so that she has money to buy things that she needs. Sol is a borderline agoraphobic and still has mild panic attacks when he goes out sometimes. None of this info is a spoiler since it was revealed early in the story.
It isn’t until around the 40% mark that Billie and Sol realize that the killer, who is now pretending to be “The Reaper”, is most likely a copycat. As is often the case in these types of stories, I enjoy trying to figure out “whodunit”. In the second half of the story that has Billie and Sol continuing the investigation from each murder where they begin playing a game with the new Reaper, in an effort to rattle him into making a mistake, which he does. Most of the second half of the story centers around the legal proceedings of the killer. I typically don’t enjoy the court trials and proceedings part of a story; I find them boring. Fortunately, there wasn’t a lot of that in this story.
Most of the story was a solid 3star read. However, that ending!!! OMG!!! First it scared the crap out of me, then it just made me sad, a bit of a tear jerker, and finally absolute shock! I'm still so stunned by that ending. I read this book in two sittings, and I look forward to continuing the series.
June 6, 2022
When I spotted this as an option for an Amazon First Read selection, I was almost giddy. Methos is, after all, a literary genius whom I both admire and, possibly, just a little, worship. I dove in without a moment of hesitation. I must admit, however, now that the shiny newness of a “latest release” has faded, what remains is the sense that this just not reflect the Methos-level work he has penned in the past. The shine is definitely dulled.
The story is that of a retired hermit-like prosecutor, Solomon Shepard, who is approached by the local sheriff, Billie Gray, when “the one who got away” appears to resurface. A serial killer known only as the Reaper has been on a prolonged hiatus, but a recent string of murders is so similar to those of the Reaper himself, many are convinced that the original killer is back in the game. Solomon is lured back into the realm of the Reaper with the hope of finally identifying the murderer and putting the case to rest.
So is the story engaging? Well….yes, it is. The characters are a tad shallow, but they are believable and consistent. The plot is one that offers a surprise ending that I never saw coming, and it was a quick page-turner. Why, then, only three stars? Because this book lacked the spark that has made me such a Methos fan. There were no examples of clever wordsmithing. There was no snarky dialogue, no characters who engaged me to the point of sadness at turning the final page. In short, there was no shadow or imprint of Methos on a single page.
If you’re looking for a well done, fairly straight forward story, with a twist right at the tail end, you may very well enjoy this. If, however, you are a Methos fan looking to pad your love affair with his work, I’d skip this one and wait for Methos to rise again to the greatness of which he is fully capable.
The story is that of a retired hermit-like prosecutor, Solomon Shepard, who is approached by the local sheriff, Billie Gray, when “the one who got away” appears to resurface. A serial killer known only as the Reaper has been on a prolonged hiatus, but a recent string of murders is so similar to those of the Reaper himself, many are convinced that the original killer is back in the game. Solomon is lured back into the realm of the Reaper with the hope of finally identifying the murderer and putting the case to rest.
So is the story engaging? Well….yes, it is. The characters are a tad shallow, but they are believable and consistent. The plot is one that offers a surprise ending that I never saw coming, and it was a quick page-turner. Why, then, only three stars? Because this book lacked the spark that has made me such a Methos fan. There were no examples of clever wordsmithing. There was no snarky dialogue, no characters who engaged me to the point of sadness at turning the final page. In short, there was no shadow or imprint of Methos on a single page.
If you’re looking for a well done, fairly straight forward story, with a twist right at the tail end, you may very well enjoy this. If, however, you are a Methos fan looking to pad your love affair with his work, I’d skip this one and wait for Methos to rise again to the greatness of which he is fully capable.
August 25, 2023
An amazing edge-of-your-seat book that will keep me thinking about this story for days to come. The author knows how to take you on a journey with so many twists and turns you can barely keep up. The characters are well developed and make you love and hate them just the way a reader should. I did not see the ending coming and it made my eyes bug out of my head. Highly recommend this book if you love a good thriller. Nora Wolfenbarger author of The Blackbird Series.
May 16, 2023
This has been on my tbr for the longest time, ever since I made my boyfriend buy it me because his gaming name is the same as the killers name in this book 😂 nothing says ‘I love you’ like imagining your boyfriend is a murderer whilst reading right? 😅
I was actually pleasantly surprised by this book, it had a lot going on and plenty to keep you guessing. I was hooked on it and after being in a slump for over a month, raced through this in 4 days! I did feel like it was missing something, there wasn’t quite enough drama for me, and it felt a bit too simple, I was waiting for a big twist that never really came! Don’t get me wrong there was a twist or two but just not enough for me. The ending was a bit of a shock but still nothing mind blowing. But I enjoyed it all the same for a quick easy read!
I was actually pleasantly surprised by this book, it had a lot going on and plenty to keep you guessing. I was hooked on it and after being in a slump for over a month, raced through this in 4 days! I did feel like it was missing something, there wasn’t quite enough drama for me, and it felt a bit too simple, I was waiting for a big twist that never really came! Don’t get me wrong there was a twist or two but just not enough for me. The ending was a bit of a shock but still nothing mind blowing. But I enjoyed it all the same for a quick easy read!
December 25, 2022
Loved it! I had to not read it before bed because I’m a giant scaredy cat but couldn’t put it down otherwise. I loved Solomon and I’m excited there will be another book in this series with him in it again. And double bonus extra awesomeness, one of the characters in this is named after me. So take that world.
June 1, 2022
A county sheriff and recovering/retired prosecutor team up to discover if “The Reaper” has returned.
Solomon Shepherd had been brutally attacked in court and was rehabbing at home when Sheriff, Elizabeth “Billy” Gray blusters into his place, desperate for help. The Reaper, a serial killer who destroyed 11 lives 8 years ago appears to be back having killed a senior couple and Uber driver in manners extremely similar to prior homicides and locations very close or related. What was exactly the same: communication from the killer - THIS IS REAPER SPEAKING Four short words that send Solomon and Billie on their way to catching this deviant.
“The Secret Witness” is book 1 in a new series by author, Victor Methos. Volume 2, “The Grave Singer” is due out in May 2023. Methos is a well published author of courtroom drama and investigative thrillers and this story fits the genre perfectly.
The character list isn’t overwhelming so it’s easy to get to know the two leads. Much of the story is driven by dialogue and it moves quickly. There is a component of psychological analysis that’s a bigger part than most of his books. If you’re a fan of this element, you’ll love it, if not, you’ll be a bit bored at times but it passes quickly and returns to more traditional action.
In this storyline, the antagonist is a teenager which adds interesting social and emotional twists to the story. In one way or another, all the adult characters have to deal with that issue and make some kind of value based decision(s) giving readers a chance to ponder the same. True to Methos’ style, he keeps his opinions to himself and lets readers have at it. Thank you V. M.
Also a giant thanks for keeping the writing on the high road. There are a few expletives along the way, (no f-bombs), no gratuitous violence or sexual content, just good storytelling. Altho’ I figured out who “The Secret Witness” was early on, it didn’t effect my enjoyment of the story.
Peeling back the layers of this story was good but the introduction of partners Solomon & Billie was better. Protagonists with hearts, feelings and reasonable foibles make for enjoyable reading, regardless of how icky the story might be📚
Solomon Shepherd had been brutally attacked in court and was rehabbing at home when Sheriff, Elizabeth “Billy” Gray blusters into his place, desperate for help. The Reaper, a serial killer who destroyed 11 lives 8 years ago appears to be back having killed a senior couple and Uber driver in manners extremely similar to prior homicides and locations very close or related. What was exactly the same: communication from the killer - THIS IS REAPER SPEAKING Four short words that send Solomon and Billie on their way to catching this deviant.
“The Secret Witness” is book 1 in a new series by author, Victor Methos. Volume 2, “The Grave Singer” is due out in May 2023. Methos is a well published author of courtroom drama and investigative thrillers and this story fits the genre perfectly.
The character list isn’t overwhelming so it’s easy to get to know the two leads. Much of the story is driven by dialogue and it moves quickly. There is a component of psychological analysis that’s a bigger part than most of his books. If you’re a fan of this element, you’ll love it, if not, you’ll be a bit bored at times but it passes quickly and returns to more traditional action.
In this storyline, the antagonist is a teenager which adds interesting social and emotional twists to the story. In one way or another, all the adult characters have to deal with that issue and make some kind of value based decision(s) giving readers a chance to ponder the same. True to Methos’ style, he keeps his opinions to himself and lets readers have at it. Thank you V. M.
Also a giant thanks for keeping the writing on the high road. There are a few expletives along the way, (no f-bombs), no gratuitous violence or sexual content, just good storytelling. Altho’ I figured out who “The Secret Witness” was early on, it didn’t effect my enjoyment of the story.
Peeling back the layers of this story was good but the introduction of partners Solomon & Billie was better. Protagonists with hearts, feelings and reasonable foibles make for enjoyable reading, regardless of how icky the story might be📚
August 2, 2022
I am very picky, but this book was great.
This book really caught me from the first chapter.
The book is about a serial killer being chased by a female Sheriff with pink tips on her hair and a retired prosecutor because of stress in a small city outside of Salt Lake City.
What I liked:
-A tremendously good start. This may be one of those starts you never forget.
-the characters were interesting and believable
-They catch the serial killer at about halfway through the book, then it becomes the prosecution. Kind of a Law and Order kind of thing, but different. All the characters stay involved
-The serial killer was very unique too
-There is a good discussion of the serial killer without getting preachy.
-Good twist at the end and in a few places.
-Just a good book.
What I didn't like:
Nothing.
This book really caught me from the first chapter.
The book is about a serial killer being chased by a female Sheriff with pink tips on her hair and a retired prosecutor because of stress in a small city outside of Salt Lake City.
What I liked:
-A tremendously good start. This may be one of those starts you never forget.
-the characters were interesting and believable
-They catch the serial killer at about halfway through the book, then it becomes the prosecution. Kind of a Law and Order kind of thing, but different. All the characters stay involved
-The serial killer was very unique too
-There is a good discussion of the serial killer without getting preachy.
-Good twist at the end and in a few places.
-Just a good book.
What I didn't like:
Nothing.
June 7, 2022
This was an Amazon First Reads.
This was by turns dull, depressing and bizarre. Shepard has apparently not left his apartment for 6 months, but suddenly starts going out at all hours, calling Ubers right, left and centre. The actual plot started off quite intriguing, but all the suspense went out of it about half way through, and both the final chapter and the solution to what had happened to Kelly, Shepard's neighbour, were sickening.
This was by turns dull, depressing and bizarre. Shepard has apparently not left his apartment for 6 months, but suddenly starts going out at all hours, calling Ubers right, left and centre. The actual plot started off quite intriguing, but all the suspense went out of it about half way through, and both the final chapter and the solution to what had happened to Kelly, Shepard's neighbour, were sickening.
September 5, 2023
Note: I am reviewing both the books in this series together.
Prior to reading these books I had heard of Victor Methos and especially his book 'The Neon Lawyer' which I am interested in reading.
Both these books are part of a new series involving Solomon Shepard, a former prosecutor who suffered a near fatal attack by a psychotic killer whom Solomon was prosecuting and Elizabeth (Billie) Gray, a young detective following in her father's footsteps.
Like in most cases I began the series by reading the second book before moving on to the first one. The first book deals with a copycat killer impersonating The Reaper, a serial killer who was never caught while the second book has a criminal holding years old grudge against Solomon for prosecuting and imprisoning him.
While both books are fast paced without a dull moment, I did find I enjoyed the second book much more than the first one. I found the nemesis of the second book, Alonso Ash, a lot more interesting and scary. His delusion, sense of false victimhood and lack of fear of any consequences made him truly terrifying. I am still not sure why the first book is called 'The Silent Witness' but the title of the second book 'The Grave Singer' makes sense when Alonso references an ancient practice to decide if a person on trial was truly guilty or not.
One thing though: Solomon Shepard is described as someone being not that old (maybe mid to late 30s) who uses the aid of a walking stick as a result of the attack he suffered in the courtroom but I somehow couldn't create a clear picture of him in my head. There were times when I pictured a much older man which was in direct contrast to how he was described.
P. S.: From the short bio, I found Victor Methos's own journey to becoming a lawyer quite interesting as well.
Rating:
The Silent Witness ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
The Grave Singer 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Prior to reading these books I had heard of Victor Methos and especially his book 'The Neon Lawyer' which I am interested in reading.
Both these books are part of a new series involving Solomon Shepard, a former prosecutor who suffered a near fatal attack by a psychotic killer whom Solomon was prosecuting and Elizabeth (Billie) Gray, a young detective following in her father's footsteps.
Like in most cases I began the series by reading the second book before moving on to the first one. The first book deals with a copycat killer impersonating The Reaper, a serial killer who was never caught while the second book has a criminal holding years old grudge against Solomon for prosecuting and imprisoning him.
While both books are fast paced without a dull moment, I did find I enjoyed the second book much more than the first one. I found the nemesis of the second book, Alonso Ash, a lot more interesting and scary. His delusion, sense of false victimhood and lack of fear of any consequences made him truly terrifying. I am still not sure why the first book is called 'The Silent Witness' but the title of the second book 'The Grave Singer' makes sense when Alonso references an ancient practice to decide if a person on trial was truly guilty or not.
One thing though: Solomon Shepard is described as someone being not that old (maybe mid to late 30s) who uses the aid of a walking stick as a result of the attack he suffered in the courtroom but I somehow couldn't create a clear picture of him in my head. There were times when I pictured a much older man which was in direct contrast to how he was described.
P. S.: From the short bio, I found Victor Methos's own journey to becoming a lawyer quite interesting as well.
Rating:
The Silent Witness ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
The Grave Singer 🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 3, 2022
A serial killer called ‘Reaper’ and an intriguing detecting partnership in a legal thriller-style mystery by a new to me author and narrator had me tingling with anticipation.
The Secret Witness caught my eye because it was set in Tooele (too-i-luh) County, UT, and I couldn’t pass up a serial killer case investigated by a retired county prosecutor with PTSD and a fairly new woman sheriff. Solomon Shepard and Sheriff Billie Gray’s dad worked the original Reaper case and didn’t solve it after several killings and the Reaper going silent. Now, either the Reaper’s back for he has a well-informed copycat.
Solomon is more behavior and personality analyst than strictly a lawyer. He was an oddity in his heyday and even more so now that’s he’s lived as a recluse since his attack and life-threatening injury that left him walking with a cane. He is reluctant when Billie asks for help on the new case which is chillingly like the old Reaper profile. Throughout The Secret Witness, Solomon slowly, but surely returns to the land of the living and gets back in the saddle by, first assisting Billie with the investigation, and then getting back into prosecution work. Solomon was intriguing from the start because he is vulnerable and then throughout, his character is allowed to make mistakes, feel like a failure, sometimes show some brilliance, and feel everything from fear to determination.
Sharing the story and the point of view narration is Billie Gray, a new sheriff, who has to prove herself not just as a woman law enforcement officer, but because her deputies suspect she got the job because of her dad having been a successful former sheriff. She’s a good cop, but she needs someone who thinks outside the box to track this killer and she isn’t afraid to go drag him out of his apartment and support someone everyone else thinks is washed up.
I used to enjoy reading legal thrillers because they show the investigation side and then the follow up bringing the case to court. I enjoyed this return to the genre and I thought the detecting team had a good friendship, mutual respect, and really clicked as a working partnership both when they’re out tracking evidence and when they’re in the courtroom. There was a good build of tension through the story and nailbiter moments at various times during the story. The perpetrator was chilling and a formidable, complex antagonist.
The side story about the abuse situation going on with teenage Kelly, Solomon’s neighbor, added another layer of emotion to the story. My heart broke for this girl and I appreciated the tough choice he had to make in regard to Kelly said a lot about Solomon’s integrity in that muddied situation.
That last chapter was a great surprise twist. I wasn’t entirely surprised as I noted the hints dropped earlier and discounted them when other things came up. Well played!
The narration was done by Timothy Andres Pabon. He had a smooth delivery and a subtle narration style. He brought suspense and dramatic moments into the forefront, some variation for gender, age or personality of the characters, and let the book’s own voice do the telling. I thought he matched both Solomon and Billie’s style in their points of view well.
I’m so glad this is the start of a series. I will definitely be looking up the author’s backlist as I wait for the next series installment. Legal thriller, police procedural, crime novels, and murder mystery fans should put this on the reading list.
I rec'd a digital audio from Brilliance Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Aug 26th.
The Secret Witness caught my eye because it was set in Tooele (too-i-luh) County, UT, and I couldn’t pass up a serial killer case investigated by a retired county prosecutor with PTSD and a fairly new woman sheriff. Solomon Shepard and Sheriff Billie Gray’s dad worked the original Reaper case and didn’t solve it after several killings and the Reaper going silent. Now, either the Reaper’s back for he has a well-informed copycat.
Solomon is more behavior and personality analyst than strictly a lawyer. He was an oddity in his heyday and even more so now that’s he’s lived as a recluse since his attack and life-threatening injury that left him walking with a cane. He is reluctant when Billie asks for help on the new case which is chillingly like the old Reaper profile. Throughout The Secret Witness, Solomon slowly, but surely returns to the land of the living and gets back in the saddle by, first assisting Billie with the investigation, and then getting back into prosecution work. Solomon was intriguing from the start because he is vulnerable and then throughout, his character is allowed to make mistakes, feel like a failure, sometimes show some brilliance, and feel everything from fear to determination.
Sharing the story and the point of view narration is Billie Gray, a new sheriff, who has to prove herself not just as a woman law enforcement officer, but because her deputies suspect she got the job because of her dad having been a successful former sheriff. She’s a good cop, but she needs someone who thinks outside the box to track this killer and she isn’t afraid to go drag him out of his apartment and support someone everyone else thinks is washed up.
I used to enjoy reading legal thrillers because they show the investigation side and then the follow up bringing the case to court. I enjoyed this return to the genre and I thought the detecting team had a good friendship, mutual respect, and really clicked as a working partnership both when they’re out tracking evidence and when they’re in the courtroom. There was a good build of tension through the story and nailbiter moments at various times during the story. The perpetrator was chilling and a formidable, complex antagonist.
The side story about the abuse situation going on with teenage Kelly, Solomon’s neighbor, added another layer of emotion to the story. My heart broke for this girl and I appreciated the tough choice he had to make in regard to Kelly said a lot about Solomon’s integrity in that muddied situation.
That last chapter was a great surprise twist. I wasn’t entirely surprised as I noted the hints dropped earlier and discounted them when other things came up. Well played!
The narration was done by Timothy Andres Pabon. He had a smooth delivery and a subtle narration style. He brought suspense and dramatic moments into the forefront, some variation for gender, age or personality of the characters, and let the book’s own voice do the telling. I thought he matched both Solomon and Billie’s style in their points of view well.
I’m so glad this is the start of a series. I will definitely be looking up the author’s backlist as I wait for the next series installment. Legal thriller, police procedural, crime novels, and murder mystery fans should put this on the reading list.
I rec'd a digital audio from Brilliance Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Aug 26th.
June 21, 2022
In a word? Disastrous.
I chose this as my Amazon First Reads expecting that it will rate as highly as some of the other works by Methos (several of which I own), but I was wrong. Dead wrong. Is Methos out of practice or something? This thing reads like it was written by an amateur, of which Methos is NOT. Something happened though, something that clearly didn't resonate with me as it did with all the others who've rated this entry highly. And it sucks. This thing was just all over the place, lacked a certain structure I couldn't put my finger on.
Main characters Shepard and Gray were likable for the most part, especially Shepard. I found him charming in his own way and felt even a little "protective" of him due to his handicap. I appreciated his vulnerability and his willingness to overlook it to protect others. I have to admit, though, that his mannerisms and habits were sometimes described in such a way that it almost seemed like Methos forgot about his handicap. Dude got around a LOT, and sometimes seemingly rather easily. Gray could stand for more development, though I'm sure that'll come in future entries (which I may or may not read). I wish Methos explored her closeness with Shepard a little more fruitfully, but again, that's probably forthcoming in the future.
Now the plot and even all the courtroom legal thrills? Those all felt lacking, like things were in constant disarray. The story definitely started out great and I was drawn in immediately. But as it continued on, it started losing me. And losing me. And losing me. Pacing mutated into this sporadic and choppy thing, often passing by narratively from paragraph to paragraph, as if Methos was just going through the motions and just checking off boxes. Seeing as how you are told who the killer is pretty early on, there's also really not much here to surprise you. No big revelation until the very end when you finally learn who the "secret witness" is.
I don't feel like spending too much time reviewing this thing beyond what I've already stated. There are books that seize my interest and hold on, and there are those that don't. This one fell to the latter. It was simply too messy and uncompelling for me to dissect too far. Heck, I even had a vacation recently and didn't feel pulled in to keep reading until vacation was over. Now that's saying something. The extra star is solely for the various wonderfully written entertaining or thrilling moments that were reminiscent of previous entries by Victor Methos that I loved. Otherwise, this was mostly one-star territory for me.
Will I continue the series? Unknown at this time. As of now, I see myself forgetting all about it. Time will tell. In the meantime, I've got other stories to dabble in...
I chose this as my Amazon First Reads expecting that it will rate as highly as some of the other works by Methos (several of which I own), but I was wrong. Dead wrong. Is Methos out of practice or something? This thing reads like it was written by an amateur, of which Methos is NOT. Something happened though, something that clearly didn't resonate with me as it did with all the others who've rated this entry highly. And it sucks. This thing was just all over the place, lacked a certain structure I couldn't put my finger on.
Main characters Shepard and Gray were likable for the most part, especially Shepard. I found him charming in his own way and felt even a little "protective" of him due to his handicap. I appreciated his vulnerability and his willingness to overlook it to protect others. I have to admit, though, that his mannerisms and habits were sometimes described in such a way that it almost seemed like Methos forgot about his handicap. Dude got around a LOT, and sometimes seemingly rather easily. Gray could stand for more development, though I'm sure that'll come in future entries (which I may or may not read). I wish Methos explored her closeness with Shepard a little more fruitfully, but again, that's probably forthcoming in the future.
Now the plot and even all the courtroom legal thrills? Those all felt lacking, like things were in constant disarray. The story definitely started out great and I was drawn in immediately. But as it continued on, it started losing me. And losing me. And losing me. Pacing mutated into this sporadic and choppy thing, often passing by narratively from paragraph to paragraph, as if Methos was just going through the motions and just checking off boxes. Seeing as how you are told who the killer is pretty early on, there's also really not much here to surprise you. No big revelation until the very end when you finally learn who the "secret witness" is.
I don't feel like spending too much time reviewing this thing beyond what I've already stated. There are books that seize my interest and hold on, and there are those that don't. This one fell to the latter. It was simply too messy and uncompelling for me to dissect too far. Heck, I even had a vacation recently and didn't feel pulled in to keep reading until vacation was over. Now that's saying something. The extra star is solely for the various wonderfully written entertaining or thrilling moments that were reminiscent of previous entries by Victor Methos that I loved. Otherwise, this was mostly one-star territory for me.
Will I continue the series? Unknown at this time. As of now, I see myself forgetting all about it. Time will tell. In the meantime, I've got other stories to dabble in...
June 9, 2022
“The Secret Witness” is a murder mystery so badly written that I’m quitting after 40 pages. It’s filled with awkward, clunky sentences comprised of poorly chosen words and errors in grammar, sentences like:
“A slight trickle of fear touched his belly for the first time.”
“Sickening anxiety confused him as to what to do.”
“Her entire world became her feet pounding dirt and the sound of her hot breath as she grew more and more winded and tried not to think about the footfalls behind her and whether they were getting closer.”
“The dead tree gave him an ominous, claustrophobic feel. As if the air pressed in on him and stuck to his skin.”
So, the prose is no pleasure to read.
The content is problematic. Although this purports to be a “police procedural” about the hunt for a serial killer, its command of procedure is woefully inadequate. For example, main character Solomon is a former prosecutor who, years ago, supposedly investigated a string of murders believed to have been committed by the same man now engaged in a new killing spree. Except, prosecutors do not investigate. They can’t because that would make them witnesses in the cases they’re prosecuting, and a lawyer cannot be a witness at the trial he or she is prosecuting. Other matters of procedure are glossed over or treated with a lack of precision and specificity.
The characters are not compelling or even particularly sympathetic. Forty pages in and I still have no idea what anyone wants or why they want it. In other words, I have no idea what is driving anyone or why I should care. And the victims? The most we get to know about them are their names and the gruesome and sometimes implausible manners of their deaths.
Amazon “First Readers” may well want to skip this in favor of another selection.
“A slight trickle of fear touched his belly for the first time.”
“Sickening anxiety confused him as to what to do.”
“Her entire world became her feet pounding dirt and the sound of her hot breath as she grew more and more winded and tried not to think about the footfalls behind her and whether they were getting closer.”
“The dead tree gave him an ominous, claustrophobic feel. As if the air pressed in on him and stuck to his skin.”
So, the prose is no pleasure to read.
The content is problematic. Although this purports to be a “police procedural” about the hunt for a serial killer, its command of procedure is woefully inadequate. For example, main character Solomon is a former prosecutor who, years ago, supposedly investigated a string of murders believed to have been committed by the same man now engaged in a new killing spree. Except, prosecutors do not investigate. They can’t because that would make them witnesses in the cases they’re prosecuting, and a lawyer cannot be a witness at the trial he or she is prosecuting. Other matters of procedure are glossed over or treated with a lack of precision and specificity.
The characters are not compelling or even particularly sympathetic. Forty pages in and I still have no idea what anyone wants or why they want it. In other words, I have no idea what is driving anyone or why I should care. And the victims? The most we get to know about them are their names and the gruesome and sometimes implausible manners of their deaths.
Amazon “First Readers” may well want to skip this in favor of another selection.
July 14, 2022
First in a new series by Victor Methos, this is a mix of police & court procedural with a bit of suspense/thriller from tracking a serial killer. It had a lot of elements that I love from watching Law & Order.
Solomon Shepard is a retired prosecutor that gets pulled into a search for a serial killer by family friend, Sheriff Billie Gray. The familiarity and banter between these two was a comfort in contrast to the stark realities of a town gripped by the resurgence of The Reaper. Solomon’s unlikely friendship with his teenage neighbor, Kelly, was also endearing.
While it was difficult, I liked that Methos detailed the attacks and how the killer worked. Not everything is as it seems and there’s lots of twists and turns to enjoy as well. As with any murder investigation & prosecution - having all the answers doesn’t alleviate the grief and frustration of all involved.
I’m looking forward to more of Solomon & Billie.
Narration:
This was my first time listening to Timothy Andrés Pabon and I enjoyed his performance. There are a lot of characters, personalities, and emotions here and he delivered.
Solomon Shepard is a retired prosecutor that gets pulled into a search for a serial killer by family friend, Sheriff Billie Gray. The familiarity and banter between these two was a comfort in contrast to the stark realities of a town gripped by the resurgence of The Reaper. Solomon’s unlikely friendship with his teenage neighbor, Kelly, was also endearing.
While it was difficult, I liked that Methos detailed the attacks and how the killer worked. Not everything is as it seems and there’s lots of twists and turns to enjoy as well. As with any murder investigation & prosecution - having all the answers doesn’t alleviate the grief and frustration of all involved.
I’m looking forward to more of Solomon & Billie.
Narration:
This was my first time listening to Timothy Andrés Pabon and I enjoyed his performance. There are a lot of characters, personalities, and emotions here and he delivered.
June 6, 2022
terrible and intriguing
I really wish I had never gotten this book. It is so terrible to read about remorseless killers. This is not a good suspense, rather it’s the details of something monstrous.
I really wish I had never gotten this book. It is so terrible to read about remorseless killers. This is not a good suspense, rather it’s the details of something monstrous.
July 2, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the copy of The Secret Witness. As soon as I finished this book I went to see what other books I could buy from this author because this was an amazing book. The writing made me not want to put this book down until I turned the last page. I loved Billie and Solomon’s relationship. I also loved how Solomon looked out for Kelly and tried to help her mom. If you love twisty stories, this is the book for you. I won’t give any spoilers but there was a LOT going on. If you don't love twists, the writing and the characters are enough to make this book a must read!
July 3, 2022
A very good Kindle freebie for June by a hit or miss author. I’m a fan of his book, The Innocent Client, but The Killer’s Wife was a disgrace.
The first installment of Shephard (a prosecutor) and Grey (a sheriff) in a small town in Utah.
Filled with twists and turns in the chase to catch a serial killer. Be prepared for brutality.
Well worth a read.
The first installment of Shephard (a prosecutor) and Grey (a sheriff) in a small town in Utah.
Filled with twists and turns in the chase to catch a serial killer. Be prepared for brutality.
Well worth a read.
June 2, 2022
From the blurb this sounded like a straight up thriller but I'd have to classify it as a hybrid between a procedural and a legal thriller. Solomon Shepard is a former homicide prosecutor who left his profession after being stabbed in the courtroom and now has become a homebody suffering from panic attacks. Billie Gray is a local sheriff who's father worked with Shepard eight years previously, trying - and failing - to apprehend a serial killer known as The Reaper. When Reaper-like new killings begin occurring, Gray and Shepard join forces to stop them.
At first I was a little perplexed with Solomon - its a little odd having a prosecutor running around in an active police investigation, but I'm no expert on these things so I suppose it could happen. I realize now that the author did it this way because after about halfway the book moves into the courtroom and Solomon has the main role here as the prosecutor. It works well. Would this happen in real life? Maybe not. Is it entertaining? Yes. Solomon evolves nicely through the story and Gray plays more of the secondary role in supporting him in their quest to get the killer incarcerated.
I really enjoyed this book. A few loose ends here and there, but overall a good story with a nice twist ending which actually made sense. I appreciate the author didn't shortchange me as a reader with a cliffhanger ending in the first book of this new series. I'll be keeping my eyes open for the next in the series.
At first I was a little perplexed with Solomon - its a little odd having a prosecutor running around in an active police investigation, but I'm no expert on these things so I suppose it could happen. I realize now that the author did it this way because after about halfway the book moves into the courtroom and Solomon has the main role here as the prosecutor. It works well. Would this happen in real life? Maybe not. Is it entertaining? Yes. Solomon evolves nicely through the story and Gray plays more of the secondary role in supporting him in their quest to get the killer incarcerated.
I really enjoyed this book. A few loose ends here and there, but overall a good story with a nice twist ending which actually made sense. I appreciate the author didn't shortchange me as a reader with a cliffhanger ending in the first book of this new series. I'll be keeping my eyes open for the next in the series.
July 20, 2022
I really hate the idea of if a person kills someone else that's because of they have bad genets or a brain injury. I am tired of seeing killers plan and slaughter people mercilessly to have people then say oh it wasn't their fault they just had an impulsion that they couldn't control.
I know that the killer was caught and sent to spend at least 15 years in jail in this book, but I hated every part in the book that talked about impulses, demons, or brain injuries. Because take Maria for example, she helped her husband kill her daughter (who only stayed in the house to protect her mother from her husband) and then they dumped her somewhere to hide the crime. That was pure evil. A crime that wasn't committed out of having bad genes or brain injury, it was a crime that was committed out of fear of being single, of losing the fake felling of security that having a husband gives in a patriarchal society and that was enough reason for Maria to help Travis kill her own daughter.
So, for me it doesn't make sense when people argue that we should get murderers out of jail to treat them. Because they never mange to do so and the only thing the happens is that said murderers get out of jail only to kill again and again. So, why fight for someone's right to live their life freely if they have willingly taken that life from so many people who did nothing wrong.
I know that the killer was caught and sent to spend at least 15 years in jail in this book, but I hated every part in the book that talked about impulses, demons, or brain injuries. Because take Maria for example, she helped her husband kill her daughter (who only stayed in the house to protect her mother from her husband) and then they dumped her somewhere to hide the crime. That was pure evil. A crime that wasn't committed out of having bad genes or brain injury, it was a crime that was committed out of fear of being single, of losing the fake felling of security that having a husband gives in a patriarchal society and that was enough reason for Maria to help Travis kill her own daughter.
So, for me it doesn't make sense when people argue that we should get murderers out of jail to treat them. Because they never mange to do so and the only thing the happens is that said murderers get out of jail only to kill again and again. So, why fight for someone's right to live their life freely if they have willingly taken that life from so many people who did nothing wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
Well written with a decent enough storyline
Book kept my interest - characters were likeable enough tho could have been a bit further character development. Storyline interesting but ending bit too rushed - decent enough twist
Book kept my interest - characters were likeable enough tho could have been a bit further character development. Storyline interesting but ending bit too rushed - decent enough twist
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