Chasing Shadows

The Strange Air #3

by Erick Mertz

Eleven years ago, a body was found days after a woman calling herself Charlene Browner checked into a motel. No possessions. No cause of death. No next of kin.

It is almost as though she'd never existed.

A strange accident on a lonely road launches Sheriff August Melville on a journey into Canyon County's past. Charlene was on the run -- but from what? As Melville delves deeper into the cold case, he discovers a sinister connection. The past isn't really gone. It's merely prelude for what's to come.

Can Melville solve the case? Or will he meet the same fate as Charlene years before?

510 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2022

About the author

Erick Mertz is an author, born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, a place he is still lucky enough to call his home. He writes a paranormal mystery series, “The Strange Air” , described as “Longmire” meets “The X-Files”, set in the fictional central Oregon town of Whistler’s Grove.
In a previous lifetime, while a student at the University of Oregon, he studied English literature and played records late at night on campus radio 88.1 KWVA. After school was finished, he worked in group homes and as a case manager for community based adults with developmental disabilities. This is an area where he continues to work.
If he’s not writing, you can probably find him worrying about the Portland Trailblazers, drinking a local beer, or exploring that glorious Pacific Northwest landscape with his wife, Lisa, and son, Elijah.

Reviews

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Melville is faced with a mysterious death that occurred many years ago. No one knows the victim or where she came from. Edge of your seat thriller.

[The Salty Heifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust me when I say this I’ve read a lot books. But I have yet to read a small town sheriff meets twilight zone scenario and hey why not we as society have been on shaky ground for awhile now. This seems to work out if your not to stiff in your religious and ideological beliefs. I think if the author tightens up it’s narrative and it doesn’t come off helter skelter like. I really do think you have makings of a great series here. I hope to see more of this author/series in the future.

[Sarah Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING WRITING!!!

I loved this book. It started a little slow, it took time to get the story set up. But when it did, I could not put it down!! I wonder at writers who can think outside our narrow boxes. Thank you Erick for expanding my thought processes!

[Simone Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping paranormal with interesting twist

The characters are well rounded out & totally believable, as are their lives. The way their lives intersect as the story (& mystery)
grows kept me turning the pages well after I should've been sleeping! Can't wait to read the next instalment.

[Cat B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having never read any of the Strange Air Paranormal Mysteries, I had no idea what to expect. The first 2/3 of the story went along as a pretty decent mystery/murder type of tale with a little bit of oddness tossed in here and there. I liked the main character and his relationship with his brother. There was a good story brewing here. In the final third , the story changed. Very strange happenings. There was a lot going on that I did not really understand. I'm not sure that I am invested enough to care to finding out more as the story does not conclude at the end of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down

Loved the book. The story flowed from the pages into the world around me. The suspense was tangible and kept my interest. Have to read the next book to see what will happen next. If you are a fan of a good mystery you will love this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.25 🌟 read rounded ⬇️ to 4 🌟.
Another Strange Air enigma wrapped in a mystery! One to mark off my "Want To Read" Goals list.