Shadows in the Forest

Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries #1

by Jennifer J. Morgan

Award-Winning Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense-Cozy Mystery category of the 2022 American Fiction Awards

Libby Madsen, professional massage therapist and co-owner of the luxurious Dharma Inspired Day Spa, has probably heard it all. During what she thinks of as ‘tabletop confessions’ her clients often talk about way more of their personal lives than she really wants to hear. So when a regular, Maggie Crenshaw, talks about how her daughter went away on a camping trip with friends, it’s just so much chatter. But when Maggie says Isobel didn’t return home on time, is not answering her phone, and that the young woman is diabetic and really needs her meds. Libby offers to pick up the medications at Maggie’s house and deliver them—she and her Labrador puppy, Shadow, are going camping in the same area and it’s no trouble at all.

Except when Libby and Shadow arrive at the campground, Isobel is nowhere to be found, and no one there has seen her or the group of friends she claimed to be traveling with. Libby enlists the help of handsome Forest Ranger Greg Lawson, but even he can’t find anyone who has seen the girl. The fact that she’s now been without her insulin for several days is worrisome, and Greg initiates a Search and Rescue operation.

Libby and Shadow join Greg and the volunteers to search the adjoining camping areas. Some shady characters and a few clues do turn up. But no Isobel. Libby becomes convinced that something more sinister is going on and she’s determined to find out what has happened, little knowing that her own life may be in danger as she gets too close to the truth.

Praise for Jennifer J. Morgan’s Libby Madsen cozy mystery

IndieReader
"Author Jennifer J. Morgan's SHADOWS IN THE FOREST weaves together a series of intriguing events that develop into a compelling and well-written cozy mystery."

“Readers know what a sucker I am for dogs, and the Libby Madsen mysteries are some of the best. I love, love, love Shadow and Libby and the adventures they get themselves into. Jennifer J. Morgan is destined to be one of the brightest new stars in the cozy mystery scene!” – Connie Shelton, USA Today bestselling author

“I'm hooked on this series. Completely adore Libby and Shadow (her companion black Lab pup--so adorable!). Without giving any spoilers at all, I couldn't put the book down once amateur sleuth, Libby Madsen, was on the search for a lost girl in the mountains. The suspense amid so many suspects, I never did figure out how it would all turn out. Overall, it's a clean read--appropriate for all ages.” – lovereadingmysteries, 5 star online review

“This cozy mystery series has become one of my favorites! Libby Madsen, along with Shadow her dog...Alexis, her best friend/business partner, and her family ... and the gorgeous forest ranger, Greg! I love the friend group! And Jennifer doesn’t disappoint in her second book of the series....I find myself turning pages just wanting to know what happens next. Hope the next title comes soon...” – 5 stars on Barnes & Noble

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2022

About the author

Jennifer J. Morgan grew up in the desert Southwest where she always dreamed of becoming an author. Raised in New Mexico, and currently living in Arizona, she is a desert dweller through and through. Similar to her protagonist, Libby Madsen, she loves traveling and adventure.

When she was younger, she was a huge fan of mystery/suspense novels—favorites being Dean Koontz, James Patterson, and Sue Grafton. Cozy mystery is more of a favorite today—enjoying the fun and adventurous, independent spirit of authors such as Connie Shelton, Tonya Kappes, Mary Seifert, and so many more.

When she’s not writing, Jennifer enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling with her husband and two dogs. She is also an arts and crafts nut, always taking on a new project that sparks her creativity.

Fun fact: Most of her characters in the Libby Madsen Cozy Mystery are named after beloved pets that have blessed her life over fifty+ years. She is a HUGE animal lover (dogs, cats, birds...). Given the chance, she’d rescue them all (including a few goats, chickens, ducks, you name it...). Or, as she likes to say, her animals have always rescued her.

Be sure to follow Jennifer on BookBub for the latest on sales and new releases: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenni...

Reviews

[Karen Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

not great

The story was very basic and not really entertaining, too many convoluted things going on. One thing that drives me crazy about some of these cozy mysteries is the authors apparent need to use ! Constantly. Not a very exciting story for the amount of !s used

[Carol Filipow Pigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read that kept me guessing until the end.

[Jeffrey Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows in the Forest is the debut novel for author Jennifer Morgan, and for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, it's definitely worth picking up.

Libby is a licensed massage therapist living in Mesa, Arizona. She's someone who enjoys her quiet life, loves to hike, and help people lead a healthier lifestyle. However, one day, a regular customer of hers mentions her daughter is missing up in the northern mountains of the state. Having already planned a camping trip to the area, Libby and her dog, Shadow, offer to cruise by the area where the daughter is supposed to be. Naturally, the girl has gone missing.

With the help of a local forest ranger, and several friends back home, Libby tries to make sense of what has happened. Everything she learns just confuses her more, and begins to wonder if she should have just minded her own business.

I'm not a fan of spoilers, so I will not be giving anything away. I thought the story flowed quite well, the plot believable, and the characters relatable. This story was very easy to read, and I will say that I finished it in less than a day.

Great job! I will be picking up the sequel to see what happens next!

[Connie Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reading copy of this one and I must say, it's a new cozy mystery series to get hooked on! When a client expresses concern that her daughter hasn't returned home from a camping trip, Libby Madsen offers to try to locate the girl (and deliver some critical medication) since she'll be heading for that same area for the weekend. But when she gets there, no one seems to have seen Isobel or the group she supposedly went there with. Unsure what to do, Libby talks with a forest ranger and he initiates a full-on Search and Rescue mission. Meanwhile, interest sparks between Libby and Ranger Greg, and Libby's retriever Shadow manages to unearth the first of the clues.

Lots of tense moments, cliffhangers that keep you turning the pages, and nonstop action make this one a winner. Libby and her canine sidekick Shadow are on my favorite characters list for all time now!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luxury massage business owner loves her clients, her 6 month old puppy, hiking, and camping, so when one of her customers worries that her daughter has gone missing in a familiar camp ground, it's a no brainer to help by checking out the camp. This quick read reveals the mysteries behind what happened to the daughter and why. There are serious psychological problems and red herrings which bumps up the complexity in this easy-to-read title. The first in the series, shows kind main characters at work and introduces pandemic worries softened by a clean romantic interest. If a story including child abuse is a deal breaker, don't read. But if healing amidst kindness and exemplary family life is an uplift, then read on to the next in the series.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written by yet another "new to me" author and I basically like most of what I read. The characters are interesting, the plot is easily followed, and the premise is finding a girl who went missing. The answers were astonishing, and informative. I do recommend this book and will be reading the next one.

[Sharon M. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows in the forests

A kidnapped girl, A concerned hiker, A gorgeous ranger with the bluest eyes, lots of people hunting for her and a beautiful site on the Rim in Arizona. Will there be a happily ever after? We can't forget the sweet puppy in the story. Settle down with a great cup of coffee or tea and enjoy this book!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great clean romance and mystery book

I enjoyed the suspense of tracking down the missing daughter. The twists in the story were great. I recommend this book for the young adult reader.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know the old adage that ‘No good deed goes unpunished’…Libby offers to help out a friend and get embroiled in a lot more than she bargained for. Good characters and a twisty plot will keep your interest.

[Janiska nordstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story and the mystery was good. It is kind of amazing that the Covid lockdowns had just begun and everyone was doing rapid tests! I remember having to go to the health department to get tested and waiting 2 weeks for the result! Rapid tests were not available until much later!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty good

Interesting story and characters. The conversations were a bit stiff and unnatural. All in all, worth reading though. Go for it.

[Rose Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome!

I love books that grab my interest immediately! The plot and characters were so real and stimulating. I’ll be reading more in this series. 😃👍

[Rizello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to series. Spa owner is asked to investigate missing daughter of client

[Linda Whitenight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute start to her mystery series, introduction of the characters and their business. I enjoyed the first mystery, it was actually well explained, as it is a difficult psych disorder to explain & understand.