Beyond the Shadows

by DeAnn Daley Holcomb

A killer is terrorizing women on the streets of Dallas, Texas.

The talented Dallas television news reporter Claire McKenzie hits the airwaves, warning the public about the killer tagged the ‘Smiley Face Murderer’ and reporting the latest information about the investigation. While Dallas Police Homicide Detective Lance Harris searches for the killer of eight women, Claire, his former girlfriend, becomes entangled in the investigation when Harris discovers Claire knows the killer personally.

In a race to find the killer will Lance be able to save Claire? Find out if Claire becomes the serial killer’s next victim.

242 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2023

Reviews

[Jackson Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Campbell is dead, and her murder resurrects a ghost from Chief Homicide Detective Lance Harris’s past. When her body is discovered by a jogger wearing only a torn blouse and a smiley face sticker, Harris suspects a notorious serial killer has struck again. There’s just one problem: The Smiley Face Killer, Johnny Watson, is already confined to Texas’s Huntsville State Penitentiary. Word quickly spreads of the sticker found on Campbell’s body, and television journalist, Claire McKenzie, begins covering the case for the local television station. Harris and Claire quickly become ensnared in an investigation with numerous twists and turns as even more victims come to light. At the same time, the two navigate their own personal feelings for each other and a complicated romantic relationship.

Deann Daley Holcomb’s Beyond the Shadows is the perfect read for lovers of the serial killer and police procedural thriller genres. The easy-to-read prose moves the story at a brisk pace that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat, before pulling the chair out from under them with a surprising conclusion. The characters are well-developed and relatable, which only adds to the page-turning quality of the novel as these characters find themselves in numerous predicaments throughout the solid plot. Although there are a few abrupt scene transitions and shifting points of view, the reader hardly notices as the protagonists race the clock to stop the killer before they can claim yet another victim. Rich in suspense, Beyond the Shadows is a book thriller readers won’t want to miss. It is a winner for fans of mystery, sleuth, and crime thrillers.

I received a free review copy from the author via The Book Commentary and this is my honest opinion.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire McKenzie is an intrepid news reporter on a mission to make her city aware of the 'Smiley Face Murderer,' unaware that she might be the target herself. The clock is ticking, and the body count is rising; Detective Lance Harris leads an intense investigation to catch the murderer, all while trying to save the woman he loves from becoming the next victim. A thrilling story of life and death saved by love. Beyond the Shadows by DeAnn Daley Holcomb is a murder mystery novel that takes the reader on a journey of twists and turns as the detective tries to uncover the killer's identity before they strike again.

One of the strengths of the book is the well-narrated and suspenseful plot. The author does an excellent job of building tension and keeping the reader engaged. The characterization is also well-done, with fully-realized and multi-dimensional characters that are easy to connect with and root for. The setting of the book is another strong point. The small-town atmosphere is well-described, and the author does a great job of creating a sense of place and community that is both eerie and endearing. This setting adds to the flavor of the story, as well as the character development, making the book feel both grounded and otherworldly. The murder mystery is well-executed, with plenty of red herrings and false leads to keep the reader guessing. The author does an excellent job of weaving together multiple plotlines and tying them together satisfactorily, making for a gripping and emotionally impactful finale.

Beyond The Shadows by DeAnn Daley Holcomb is a well-crafted murder mystery that will keep readers on edge from start to finish. With a nail-biting plot, well-realized characters, and a richly described setting, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.

[Barbara Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging mystery with lots of red herrings that will keep the readers on their toes. Always great to read a story with a strong heroine who keeps one step in front of the crazed killer. The fact that it takes place in a metropolitan TV newsroom just adds to the fun.

[Linda Gleiser snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Can hardly wait for her next book.

I live in the Dallas area, so all of the places in the book I know where they are. I really enjoyed this book. Great mystery.

[Timothy]

To Come