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A Jill Kennedy and DCI Max Trentham Mystery #1
Into the Shadows
When Rodney Hill, wrongly arrested for a series of murders, hangs himself, Jill Kennedy, the forensic psychologist whose profile led to Hill’s arrest, gives up her work with the police and moves to the peaceful village of Kelton Bridge to write self-help books, enjoy a quiet life with her cats and perhaps an occasional flutter on the horses.
Then the likeable but unremarkable vicar’s wife, Alice Trueman, is brutally murdered, and Jill discovers that Kelton Bridge is far from the quiet refuge she had anticipated. According to DCI Max Trentham, Jill’s ex-colleague and ex-lover, the case if pretty cut and dried — Alice’s son was found standing over her body with the murder weapon in his hand. But he won’t talk.
And that’s not all. Someone is intent on reminding Jill that she made a mistake in the Rodney Hill case. Is it a malicious joke, or is there a more deadly agenda? It begins to look as if real killer — the man who should have stood in Rodney Hill’s shoes, the man still terrorizing the Lancashire Pennines — is stalking her. And that is a truly terrifying thought.
Then the likeable but unremarkable vicar’s wife, Alice Trueman, is brutally murdered, and Jill discovers that Kelton Bridge is far from the quiet refuge she had anticipated. According to DCI Max Trentham, Jill’s ex-colleague and ex-lover, the case if pretty cut and dried — Alice’s son was found standing over her body with the murder weapon in his hand. But he won’t talk.
And that’s not all. Someone is intent on reminding Jill that she made a mistake in the Rodney Hill case. Is it a malicious joke, or is there a more deadly agenda? It begins to look as if real killer — the man who should have stood in Rodney Hill’s shoes, the man still terrorizing the Lancashire Pennines — is stalking her. And that is a truly terrifying thought.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2007
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414 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 9, 2011
This is the first in a new British series (to me, anyway) with Jill Kennedy, a forensic psychologist, at the center along with a detective, Max Trentham. The book is mainly set in the small village in which they both live, and there are two murders to solve: a serial killer nick-named "Valentine," and the deaths of the town vicar and his wife. Jill and Max have a history together, and as the book progresses, they dance around each other with their relationship becoming clearer. There are clues that could lead to many characters in the book being either or both of the killers, and each time I thought I had it figured out, a new clue would surface. I liked the people and the complexity of the plot line; the setting, however, wasn't as well written as I would need it to be to give a better rating. The characterization was terrific, with each of the characters distinguishable from the others -- even the minor characters. I will follow the series to spend more time with them.
February 24, 2015
There is nothing quite like the pleasure of discovering a new series that really grips you from the beginning.
"Into the shadows" did not dwell on the gory side of the forensic details, so it should appeal to those who normally shy away
from forensic novels for that reason. Jill Kennedy has 'retired' from her job as a police forensic criminal profiler. She has
bought a cottage in the country where she intends to write of her past experiences. Of course, her job follows her when the serial killer whose case she had worked on before, continues his evil killing spree. Her ex-lover, Max Trentham is back on the scene as well, working on a double murder case in her new villiage. Jill lives alone with 3 cats for company. However, she realizes the value of becoming part of her new community and attempts to make friends.... but could one of her new 'friends' be a cold-blooded killer? Although the murder case and the serial killer case do play a large part in the novel, it is one that is mainly character driven. Jill, Max and all of the village characters are well rounded and I found I want to visit them again and again.
Well done Shirley Wells!
"Into the shadows" did not dwell on the gory side of the forensic details, so it should appeal to those who normally shy away
from forensic novels for that reason. Jill Kennedy has 'retired' from her job as a police forensic criminal profiler. She has
bought a cottage in the country where she intends to write of her past experiences. Of course, her job follows her when the serial killer whose case she had worked on before, continues his evil killing spree. Her ex-lover, Max Trentham is back on the scene as well, working on a double murder case in her new villiage. Jill lives alone with 3 cats for company. However, she realizes the value of becoming part of her new community and attempts to make friends.... but could one of her new 'friends' be a cold-blooded killer? Although the murder case and the serial killer case do play a large part in the novel, it is one that is mainly character driven. Jill, Max and all of the village characters are well rounded and I found I want to visit them again and again.
Well done Shirley Wells!
May 12, 2014
Forensic psychologist, Jill Kennedy, has trouble forgiving herself when her wrong profile diagnosis of a serial killer leads to the wrongful arrest of Rodney Hill. She gives up her work and moves to the rural peace of Kelton Bridge.
But it seems that murder follows her wherever she goes, for just as she is settling into the community, the vicar's wife, Alice Trueman, meets a brutal end.
Jill's cheating ex-partner, DCI Max Trentham, leads the murder hunt, and despite her reluctance, Jill finds herself being drawn back into the investigation.
Matters escalate when further murders indicate that the real serial killer is still at work - and he seems to have his sight set on Jill.
This, to a certain extent, is a police procedural, but the main detective is the amateur sleuth, Jill, as she puts her professional expertise to use in tracking down the killer.
But is she too close to this one to make a sound judgement? You'll have to read the novel to find out.
It was a pleasant read, and I would look for more books by this author, but it didn't set my world on fire.
But it seems that murder follows her wherever she goes, for just as she is settling into the community, the vicar's wife, Alice Trueman, meets a brutal end.
Jill's cheating ex-partner, DCI Max Trentham, leads the murder hunt, and despite her reluctance, Jill finds herself being drawn back into the investigation.
Matters escalate when further murders indicate that the real serial killer is still at work - and he seems to have his sight set on Jill.
This, to a certain extent, is a police procedural, but the main detective is the amateur sleuth, Jill, as she puts her professional expertise to use in tracking down the killer.
But is she too close to this one to make a sound judgement? You'll have to read the novel to find out.
It was a pleasant read, and I would look for more books by this author, but it didn't set my world on fire.
June 19, 2013
Forensic psychologist Jill Kennedy has recently moved to the village of Kelton Bridge, having quit police work after a case went wrong. A man arrested as a serial killer based on Jill's profile committed suicide in jail. He was not guilty and after another woman turns up murdered, everyone knows that the killer,"Valentine", is still at large. Valentine is a particularly vicious killer who carves hearts into his victim's flesh. The pressure of what Jill perceives as her failure and the infidelity of her policeman lover drives her into a new career writing books. However, both Valentine and DCI Max Trentham have different plans for Jill. When the vicar's wife is murdered, Jill is drawn inexorably into the investigation and back into Max's life.
Into the Shadows is a very well constructed mix of the English village mystery and police procedural. Max and Jill are strong characters, both likable and fallible. The supporting cast of villagers and suspects are equally memorable. Valentine" is suitably creepy and Wells kept me guessing until the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this five book series.
The Jill Kennedy and DCI Max Trentham Mysteries were published several years ago in England and are now available in kindle editions in the US. I am a fan of her Dylan Scott Mysteries so I was delighted that I was finally able to read this earlier series.
Into the Shadows is a very well constructed mix of the English village mystery and police procedural. Max and Jill are strong characters, both likable and fallible. The supporting cast of villagers and suspects are equally memorable. Valentine" is suitably creepy and Wells kept me guessing until the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this five book series.
The Jill Kennedy and DCI Max Trentham Mysteries were published several years ago in England and are now available in kindle editions in the US. I am a fan of her Dylan Scott Mysteries so I was delighted that I was finally able to read this earlier series.
July 23, 2012
A very enjoyable first in series featuring a forensic psychologist, Jill Kennedy and DCI Max Trentham as they try to track down a serial killer called Valentine. They've already gotten it wrong once--a year ago, the wrong man was arrested and convicted and subsequently killed himself, and Valentine has struck again...and he's leaving little "gifts" for Jill at her new cottage in a nearby village. Jill has given up her job with the police to concentrate on writing--and her relationship with Max also dissolved--but she's now being persuaded to consult with them again by Max's boss. Another series of murders in the village where Jill lives keeps Max busy and sometimes too close by for Jill's liking.
By the end of the book, I had an excellent sense of who these characters were, although the Valentine mystery was very easy to solve. The village murders involved a bit of a plot twist that I didn't see coming though, so that's always a bonus. Glad I have the second in series already waiting.
By the end of the book, I had an excellent sense of who these characters were, although the Valentine mystery was very easy to solve. The village murders involved a bit of a plot twist that I didn't see coming though, so that's always a bonus. Glad I have the second in series already waiting.
July 11, 2016
This first book in the series featuring forensic psychologist Jill Kennedy and DCI Max Trentham is set in the small English village of Kelton Bridge
I enjoyed the characters and the village :)
A serial killer is on the loose - called Valentine. He cuts hearts out of his victim's bodies. The main Characters, Jill and Max, thought they had caught him, but they had the wrong man. Jill retires from profiling, and moves to a small village to write books, and Max continues in the police force - but on other cases
Then a murder occurs in the small village where Jill now lives, and Max is assigned the case.
It is an interesting story and it flows well. Recently I have read some books that don;t flow well - and are difficult to follow - this one is very well written
I enjoyed the characters and the village :)
A serial killer is on the loose - called Valentine. He cuts hearts out of his victim's bodies. The main Characters, Jill and Max, thought they had caught him, but they had the wrong man. Jill retires from profiling, and moves to a small village to write books, and Max continues in the police force - but on other cases
Then a murder occurs in the small village where Jill now lives, and Max is assigned the case.
It is an interesting story and it flows well. Recently I have read some books that don;t flow well - and are difficult to follow - this one is very well written
March 18, 2017
This is a well written book with pleasant characters so 4 stars. The plot, the hunt for a serial killer of prostitutes, offers nothing new and the subplot, the murder of the vicar's wife, is rather ludicrous. This is a cozy mystery in that there is no blood and guts and very little reference to actual police procedure. I guessed who the murderer was early on because so little was said about him. It is a pleasant way to pass a few mindless hours.
May 25, 2020
I enjoyed this story but the narrator sounded very old which hurt the depiction of the characters. I was also confused by all the characters in this story. Nevertheless, I will move on to the next book in this series bc the mystery was good.
February 18, 2011
I enjoyed this mystery. Too bad I read the second one first!
January 28, 2020
New to these characters
Nice short chapters but it has the necessity to keep you reading. Look forward to hearing about these two characters in other books by this author. Recommend it.
Nice short chapters but it has the necessity to keep you reading. Look forward to hearing about these two characters in other books by this author. Recommend it.
March 8, 2025
The first book in the Kennedy and Trentham series.
Kennedy, a forensic psychologist, has retired from police work after having her last case resulted in the death of the Suspect, the Valentine killer. She has doubts if it was even the right person. She moves to a small village in Lancashire, and has the doubts rekindled when it looks like valentine is back.
Her ex is around, Trentham, still a detective with the local force, and they’re on good terms. Her old boss is trying to get back to work but she’s having none of it.
This book is a good introduction to the series. It has quite a large cast of characters, but they all have distinct personalities and it’s easy to remember who’s who. I particularly liked the way Kennedy, and therefore the reader, were introduced to the village via a party at the big house - a clever way to do it!
It’s not your usual police procedural. It has much more ‘normal life’ type of story going on. Drinks down the pub, developing the relationships between characters, that sort of thing. Just a really enjoyable read.
This all adds to the main thread of the story about the killer. There are red herrings galore as it becomes a real whodunnit.
Enjoyed this book. I liked the mix of crime solving and village life, I liked the location setting, and the characters were portrayed in a likeable way. A series I’ll probably read more of.
Kennedy, a forensic psychologist, has retired from police work after having her last case resulted in the death of the Suspect, the Valentine killer. She has doubts if it was even the right person. She moves to a small village in Lancashire, and has the doubts rekindled when it looks like valentine is back.
Her ex is around, Trentham, still a detective with the local force, and they’re on good terms. Her old boss is trying to get back to work but she’s having none of it.
This book is a good introduction to the series. It has quite a large cast of characters, but they all have distinct personalities and it’s easy to remember who’s who. I particularly liked the way Kennedy, and therefore the reader, were introduced to the village via a party at the big house - a clever way to do it!
It’s not your usual police procedural. It has much more ‘normal life’ type of story going on. Drinks down the pub, developing the relationships between characters, that sort of thing. Just a really enjoyable read.
This all adds to the main thread of the story about the killer. There are red herrings galore as it becomes a real whodunnit.
Enjoyed this book. I liked the mix of crime solving and village life, I liked the location setting, and the characters were portrayed in a likeable way. A series I’ll probably read more of.
November 24, 2010
English village mysteries are one of the categories that remind me that even though I love the dark and noir side of crime fiction, a little lighter fare every now and again is good for the psyche. Or at least a welcome change in approach. I'm always on the lookout for a new "series" of these style of books to accumulate for when I'm looking for something lighter as I'm running a little short of favourites to turn to.
INTO THE SHADOWS is a more modern take on the traditional English village style of book, mostly I felt, because there's yet another serial killer involved. I have to say that the combination of a blurb talking about a retirement life with cats, romantic tension with an ex-lover trying to regain affection, and a stalking serial killer and I was feeling a little leery. Add to that some predictable plot points (every male in the village seemed to be a suspicious character), and some flat out unbelievable plot points (look behind you - well in this case above you for goodness sake!) and I wasn't exactly in my own particular reading comfort zone.
Surprisingly enough though, I found that I could still read this book. Perhaps it's because Jill and Max were an interesting pair, flawed, warm, funny, very realistic. Perhaps it's because it is an English village mystery and there are some aspects of those style of books that you can just let roll - after all they are the perfect antidote to a cold Sunday afternoon. And that's probably the main reason that I'm always on the lookout for a good English village series - I like reading these sorts of books, curled up in the rocking chair in front of the fire, large glass of something red and a small select box of good choccies. Whilst I can't say that INTO THE SHADOWS wasn't a flawed book, it certainly had enough going for it to put other entrants in the series on my potential new series to follow list.
INTO THE SHADOWS is a more modern take on the traditional English village style of book, mostly I felt, because there's yet another serial killer involved. I have to say that the combination of a blurb talking about a retirement life with cats, romantic tension with an ex-lover trying to regain affection, and a stalking serial killer and I was feeling a little leery. Add to that some predictable plot points (every male in the village seemed to be a suspicious character), and some flat out unbelievable plot points (look behind you - well in this case above you for goodness sake!) and I wasn't exactly in my own particular reading comfort zone.
Surprisingly enough though, I found that I could still read this book. Perhaps it's because Jill and Max were an interesting pair, flawed, warm, funny, very realistic. Perhaps it's because it is an English village mystery and there are some aspects of those style of books that you can just let roll - after all they are the perfect antidote to a cold Sunday afternoon. And that's probably the main reason that I'm always on the lookout for a good English village series - I like reading these sorts of books, curled up in the rocking chair in front of the fire, large glass of something red and a small select box of good choccies. Whilst I can't say that INTO THE SHADOWS wasn't a flawed book, it certainly had enough going for it to put other entrants in the series on my potential new series to follow list.
May 9, 2014
Review based on the audio book read by Shirley Dixon.
Although this wasn't anything special, I kind of liked the way it flowed. It was very stereotypical in the characterisation with all the male characters depicted as potential suspects, even though the 'real' Valentine was obvious from the first chapter in my opinion. It's been a while since I read a detective-thriller from a female author, and the differences between her male peers were very obvious. I felt that some of the characters were not portrayed so well; for example, Michael was a very wet-behind-the-ears 18-year old and the dialogues sometimes seemed as if they were a transcription of a one-sided telephone call making them unbelievable with no intereaction from the other party.
But, all in all, it was a very quick read with a good pace. And although it's not amongst my favourites, it was a pleasant story, if what a bit too predictable.
Dixon made a good narration, even though the characters came across older than their real personas, but her accents were reasonably good (I'm from the south of England, and it reminded of watching Coronation Street, so the region was right enough for me) but I've never understood why a series has different audiobook narrators for each book in the series...
Although this wasn't anything special, I kind of liked the way it flowed. It was very stereotypical in the characterisation with all the male characters depicted as potential suspects, even though the 'real' Valentine was obvious from the first chapter in my opinion. It's been a while since I read a detective-thriller from a female author, and the differences between her male peers were very obvious. I felt that some of the characters were not portrayed so well; for example, Michael was a very wet-behind-the-ears 18-year old and the dialogues sometimes seemed as if they were a transcription of a one-sided telephone call making them unbelievable with no intereaction from the other party.
But, all in all, it was a very quick read with a good pace. And although it's not amongst my favourites, it was a pleasant story, if what a bit too predictable.
Dixon made a good narration, even though the characters came across older than their real personas, but her accents were reasonably good (I'm from the south of England, and it reminded of watching Coronation Street, so the region was right enough for me) but I've never understood why a series has different audiobook narrators for each book in the series...
March 2, 2014
This was a good story though all of a sudden near the end it all seemed to get a bit rushed, I thought. I liked both Jill and Max as characters and there are plenty of other characters in the village the author could keep in her series.
Annoyingly, Amazon keeps referring to the subtitles on these books as Max Tentham instead of Trentham. Not great if they can't even get the titles displayed correctly.
Another aggravation for me was the Americanised spellings in a book set in the UK. I hate it when that happens like terrorizing or organize.
Then there was an odd sentence to me-"A car door slammed and she went to the window to look out. Max was unfastening his seatbelt and getting out". Spot the deliberate mistake. Then there were hyphens totally misused. Added where they weren't needed and left out when they were and speechmarks were dropped and odd words were missed out of sentences, too. However, I didn't spot one apostrophe mistake which was a big plus. I'll stick with the series to see how the next story goes.
Annoyingly, Amazon keeps referring to the subtitles on these books as Max Tentham instead of Trentham. Not great if they can't even get the titles displayed correctly.
Another aggravation for me was the Americanised spellings in a book set in the UK. I hate it when that happens like terrorizing or organize.
Then there was an odd sentence to me-"A car door slammed and she went to the window to look out. Max was unfastening his seatbelt and getting out". Spot the deliberate mistake. Then there were hyphens totally misused. Added where they weren't needed and left out when they were and speechmarks were dropped and odd words were missed out of sentences, too. However, I didn't spot one apostrophe mistake which was a big plus. I'll stick with the series to see how the next story goes.
December 10, 2009
Excellent start to (so far) a three-book series. I do wish the main characters could resolve their petty differences, but I guess this is going to be like Pam and Jim on "The Office" - the suspense is going to keep on for a bit. Not critical to read these books in any order, but it does help with the backstory. Another fine British mystery writer!
April 18, 2012
This book is extremely well written and held me involved throughout, which says a lot for the author because I'm less a fan of police procedurals than amateur sleuths. But I liked the chilling edge and she kept me guessing right to the end. A collection of fascinating characters very well-drawn and I warmed to Jill and Max as the story progressed. Loved the cats!
August 10, 2016
I'm always looking for new British Police Procedural series. This was an easy read and kept my attention. Protagonists in jeopardy are not a favorite theme of mine so hopefully this is a once and done occurrence. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
August 2, 2014
This was a good read but I didn't find it as 'gripping' as some however, it did keep me turning the pages and had 2 different crimes interlinked. The main culprit didn't become clear until nearly the last page so will probably read the others in the series.
September 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I havent read anything by the author before but definately would again and for 80p on Amazon Kindle store it was a bargain!! There was a good storyline and grat insight into the characters. I would definately recomend this book
August 12, 2015
Loved it! Love the good British murder mysteries. Even better with pets. So glad Holly settled in the end and Max kept her. So having gone from "no, we are not getting a dog!" they end up with two! lol
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November 17, 2009This author had me guessing that about half the characters was the killer. So I appreciated the cleverness of the way she wove the tale.
June 16, 2011
First entry in an appealing new not-so-cozy Brit police procedural series: highly recommended for fans of Deborah Crombie and Hazel Holt.
September 29, 2012
A British detective mystery, with interesting village characters and the kind of plot where the killer could be anyone. Kept me guessing to the end.
October 21, 2012
Not bad, but I've read much better Brit mysteries.
September 1, 2014
As with all Shirley Wells books, I found it a great read and love the characters,
March 5, 2014
This was not quite a cozy book. Very dark and criminal mindish. The ending was very anticlimactic and a bit disappointing. Will still try the second book in the series.
May 17, 2014
I bought this and then immediately bought the second one in the series. Good who dunnit set in a sleepy village, but with a nice twist.
January 31, 2016
Really liked this one & enjoyed the new characters interaction.
December 7, 2017
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will be downloading the rest in the series. Highly recommended for all mystery lovers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will be downloading the rest in the series. Highly recommended for all mystery lovers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews