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Logan Point #1
Shadows of the Past
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is stalking her.
Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.
Join the chase as this determined duo search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present and moving into a future filled with new hope and love. Readers will be swept into the sultry South in this debut novel from a promising and already award-winning writer.
Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.
Join the chase as this determined duo search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present and moving into a future filled with new hope and love. Readers will be swept into the sultry South in this debut novel from a promising and already award-winning writer.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
877 people are currently reading
5132 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Bradley
29 books1,296 followersPatricia Bradley is a Romantic Suspense Selah winner, Carol and Daphne du Maurier finalist and the winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Three anthologies that included her stories debuted on the USA Today Best Seller List.
She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga.
Writing workshops include American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats where she was the keynote, Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/
She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga.
Writing workshops include American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats where she was the keynote, Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 455 reviews
October 4, 2025
Shadows of the Past is a suspenseful, action-packed read with twists and surprises that kept me engaged. The story starts in Washington state and moves to small town Mississippi and nearby Memphis when a hometown young women returns to a family situation that becomes more. Add in a handsome author who also travels home to Memphis from Washington and their paths interact for suspense, danger, and romance with inspirational touches.
July 10, 2019
Romantic suspense is my all time favourtie genre, and with authors like Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock and Dani Pettrey, I have quite high expectations for my suspense.
This debut novel from new to me author Patricia Bradley delivered on fast pace, can't put the book down suspense, but more towards the end of the book, specifically the last 8 chapters. She also provided interesting mysteries to solve and characters who was likable.
What frustrated me though was that as soon as a specific character was introduced and a major tip was dropped, I knew what happened to Taylor's dad and who was involved as well as their involvement with Taylor's stalker and it was highly frustrating that Taylor who works with the police and profile people, could not see the clues right in front of her and was so slow to put two and two together. So yes, the revelation was not surprising but the ending was still suspenseful.
I will continue with this series, because I think this author has potential and her books should get better as the series goes on. Plus there was some mysteries not yet resolved which I would like to see what happened.
I went between the kindle and audiobook version while reading. The narrator's southern accents were entertaining.
This debut novel from new to me author Patricia Bradley delivered on fast pace, can't put the book down suspense, but more towards the end of the book, specifically the last 8 chapters. She also provided interesting mysteries to solve and characters who was likable.
What frustrated me though was that as soon as a specific character was introduced and a major tip was dropped, I knew what happened to Taylor's dad and who was involved as well as their involvement with Taylor's stalker and it was highly frustrating that Taylor who works with the police and profile people, could not see the clues right in front of her and was so slow to put two and two together. So yes, the revelation was not surprising but the ending was still suspenseful.
I will continue with this series, because I think this author has potential and her books should get better as the series goes on. Plus there was some mysteries not yet resolved which I would like to see what happened.
I went between the kindle and audiobook version while reading. The narrator's southern accents were entertaining.
August 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this tale of a profiler and the case that hits too close to home for her. Easy to read and really well written for a debut; there were some spots that could have been improved, but I round up on debut novels. I liked it enough to fly through the series in a matter of weeks!
December 22, 2025
So so good!! Full review will be post soon, God willing. :)
February 2, 2018
Not really my thing.
I didn't find the motive for the villain super convincing, and the romance drove me crazy. Overall, well written, but a bit weak.
I didn't find the motive for the villain super convincing, and the romance drove me crazy. Overall, well written, but a bit weak.
December 5, 2018
3.5 stars
September 25, 2021
Great suspense from a seasoned author.
Full review to cone
Full review to cone
December 5, 2014
I found this author at her booksigning at Books a Million and accidentally purchased the SECOND book in the series without reading the first. Because I am totally anal this way, I decided to buy the first book too and read them in order. You totally do NOT have to do this, as each is a book unto itself. Let me tell you, I would have been really sorry if I hadn't gotten this book. It begins at a crime scene and ends with all the threads tied up (at a crime scene) -- and it is one of the best romantic suspense books I have read in a long time. I am a lifetime Bradley fan.
On to book two soon, and I am really excited about it!!!!
On to book two soon, and I am really excited about it!!!!
September 29, 2018
I figured out the mystery pretty early on in the story. I would read this author again.
October 26, 2025
Shadows of the past by Patricia Bradley is a wonderful debut suspense novel.
Taking place in the deep south, the story is carefully plotted with characters that come alive on the page. Taylor Martin is an interesting combination of professor of psychology and a criminal profiler, which helps her when she wants to find out why her father disappeared twenty years earlier and why she thinks she has a stalker presently. Nick Sinclair, a well known author, crosses her path when looking for his brother Scott who was a student of Taylors.
Complex family dynamics and long held secrets make the story very interesting. The conflict is distinctive and the outcome is gripping. Among the danger, Nick and Taylor come to depend on each other and the romance ramps up as they seek to solve the mysteries they encounter.
This compelling story makes me want to read the rest of the series.
*I borrowed this title from the public library. All opinions are mine alone.*
Taking place in the deep south, the story is carefully plotted with characters that come alive on the page. Taylor Martin is an interesting combination of professor of psychology and a criminal profiler, which helps her when she wants to find out why her father disappeared twenty years earlier and why she thinks she has a stalker presently. Nick Sinclair, a well known author, crosses her path when looking for his brother Scott who was a student of Taylors.
Complex family dynamics and long held secrets make the story very interesting. The conflict is distinctive and the outcome is gripping. Among the danger, Nick and Taylor come to depend on each other and the romance ramps up as they seek to solve the mysteries they encounter.
This compelling story makes me want to read the rest of the series.
*I borrowed this title from the public library. All opinions are mine alone.*
February 2, 2017
Great suspense novel. I always enjoy these types of books when there are many suspects and at least a few motives. Patricia Bradley keeps you guessing right up until the last few chapters. The characters are well-developed and the plot has many twists and turns.
September 30, 2018
This is phenomenal Christian fiction suspense. If you have not read books by this author, you must do so. I was wrong in guessing the end very surprised wonderfully written and you all will absolutely enjoy this book if you like books that will keep you guessing and that focus on our awesome Lord and Savior so please read this one.
January 28, 2014
About the Book:
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is stalking her.
Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.
About the Author:
Patricia Bradley's manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). She is a published short story writer and is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. When she's not writing or speaking, she can be found making beautiful clay pots and jewelry. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
My Review:
Taylor's father has been missing for years and she is determined to find him. But it seems the closer and closer she gets to find out what made him disappear, she is knocked farther and father from the truth. Though she has the ability to find him, she maybe in more trouble than she knows. Her job involves solving different crimes, why can't she solve this one? What's the difference?
Nick's wife having passed away a few years ago, Nick busies himself with writing mystery novels but even that is losing his interest. He feels he is failing at life and turns for his brother for help. Finding his brother missing, he begins searching for his brother but has no luck. He finds many clues but is never able to solve the mystery behind his brothers disappearance.Then he meets Taylor, a pretty woman who is also in search of someone, her father. How Taylor came to find him is unknown, but what he does know is she brought trouble along with her. But who knows maybe she'll be able to help solve his mystery too.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is stalking her.
Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.
About the Author:
Patricia Bradley's manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). She is a published short story writer and is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. When she's not writing or speaking, she can be found making beautiful clay pots and jewelry. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
My Review:
Taylor's father has been missing for years and she is determined to find him. But it seems the closer and closer she gets to find out what made him disappear, she is knocked farther and father from the truth. Though she has the ability to find him, she maybe in more trouble than she knows. Her job involves solving different crimes, why can't she solve this one? What's the difference?
Nick's wife having passed away a few years ago, Nick busies himself with writing mystery novels but even that is losing his interest. He feels he is failing at life and turns for his brother for help. Finding his brother missing, he begins searching for his brother but has no luck. He finds many clues but is never able to solve the mystery behind his brothers disappearance.Then he meets Taylor, a pretty woman who is also in search of someone, her father. How Taylor came to find him is unknown, but what he does know is she brought trouble along with her. But who knows maybe she'll be able to help solve his mystery too.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.
February 15, 2014
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Looking for her father ends up landing Taylor Martin into situations that she never expected. Taylor couldn’t find closure about her father walking out on his family until she had a chance to ask him why. But someone is trying to stop Taylor from finding her dad. And meeting Nick Sinclair makes Taylor’s life even more interesting. Especially since Nick’s brother is Taylor’s number one suspect.
This is an awesome debut novel from author Patricia Bradley. After reading the first few pages, I was captured! The characters were solid and believable, and I could truly feel the emotions Taylor felt when she talked about her dad. Tensions were high throughout the book because Taylor was getting to close to answers, which would expose to many people. I don’t like saying too much about what happens in the book, because it ruins it for me when people do that, so I will just say if you love suspense/thrillers, then this book is a must for you to read. Believe me, you will not be disappointed in the time and money spent on this one!!
I received this book from the publisher Revell Publishers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Looking for her father ends up landing Taylor Martin into situations that she never expected. Taylor couldn’t find closure about her father walking out on his family until she had a chance to ask him why. But someone is trying to stop Taylor from finding her dad. And meeting Nick Sinclair makes Taylor’s life even more interesting. Especially since Nick’s brother is Taylor’s number one suspect.
This is an awesome debut novel from author Patricia Bradley. After reading the first few pages, I was captured! The characters were solid and believable, and I could truly feel the emotions Taylor felt when she talked about her dad. Tensions were high throughout the book because Taylor was getting to close to answers, which would expose to many people. I don’t like saying too much about what happens in the book, because it ruins it for me when people do that, so I will just say if you love suspense/thrillers, then this book is a must for you to read. Believe me, you will not be disappointed in the time and money spent on this one!!
I received this book from the publisher Revell Publishers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Read
February 9, 2014Taylor Martin has a stalker. A stalker who has moved beyond the gifts of roses and notes and is now wanting her dead. When circumstances draw Taylor back home to Logan Point, Mississippi, she hopes to finally get answers to her father's disappearance so many years ago. She doesn't expect her stalker to follow her. She also doesn't expect to find herself falling for mystery writer Nick Sinclair as they both search for answers. Will the secrets in the past silence Taylor forever?
This the first book I've ever read by this author. If I'm not mistaken, this is her debut novel. I've got to say I found myself enjoying it more than I thought. At first, I found the characters to be rather dull, but as the story went on and I found myself getting more and more into the characters' lives. I really didn't see the ending coming. I also found myself rooting for Scott, the brother of Nick. I wanted Scott to be cleared of any charges. Still, as romantic suspense goes, I enjoyed it. I'll eagerly be awaiting the next book in this series.
Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, romantic suspense
I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating - 4.5 stars
This the first book I've ever read by this author. If I'm not mistaken, this is her debut novel. I've got to say I found myself enjoying it more than I thought. At first, I found the characters to be rather dull, but as the story went on and I found myself getting more and more into the characters' lives. I really didn't see the ending coming. I also found myself rooting for Scott, the brother of Nick. I wanted Scott to be cleared of any charges. Still, as romantic suspense goes, I enjoyed it. I'll eagerly be awaiting the next book in this series.
Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, romantic suspense
I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating - 4.5 stars
July 29, 2016
Enjoyed this a lot more than I had thought I would. The mystery, or should I say mysteries as there were several different ones going in this book, was really good. Even though I had a strong idea of who the real culprit was it kept me guessing for the longest time, which is always great. If you are looking for a romantic suspense, I would recommend trying Shadows of the Past.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
April 1, 2023
This story was interesting and had some surprises and twists along the way. It was fun to see a crime drama without a cop or private investigator being one of the main two POV characters. I liked that brothers were featured. The stalker angle was a good one. I was kept guessing about who the culprit was throughout the whole story.
There was one scene in which X-rated movies were mentioned. It seemed unnecessary and inappropriate, and it never came back into play to make that scene relevant to the story.
Content: X-rated movies mentioned, alcohol, prostitution mentioned
There was one scene in which X-rated movies were mentioned. It seemed unnecessary and inappropriate, and it never came back into play to make that scene relevant to the story.
Content: X-rated movies mentioned, alcohol, prostitution mentioned
November 11, 2025
This book was enjoyable. Likable characters and a very interesting storyline. The mysteries did seem slightly overwhelming and a bit farfetched at times, but all in all, the book kept my attention and kept me guessing. Good read.
April 18, 2025
Beautifully written romantic suspense with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing!
April 22, 2022
All in all, I do not like to drag writers. I get that writing a book is an extremely long process and to me, a badly written, complete book is so much better then a book that’s never been written because of fear. A book can always be improved, and an author can always write more.
That being said, It doesn’t feel well researched, not interesting, characters are basic, the case was obvious. It feels like a first draft.
Let me explain a little more.
SPOILERS AND RANTING BELOW:
The two leads were pretty much cookie-cutter white, sad, beautiful-but-doesn’t-know-it characters. They have pretty much have the same history, (last lover left them broken hearted suddenly and they both have a parent that left them without a trace in their childhood. They both tried hard to leave something (a brother, a town) behind but failed.
-
The female lead, Taylor is known for her success as a criminal profiler and yet when she meets the “clearly beautiful man” 🙄 she immediately thinks to herself oh he’d never date a loser like me. Loser? Like..like an extremely successful profiler who’s helped to catch a serial killer? Wow. Such a loser.
-
Also, do people ACTUALLY fall in love like this? Like, REALLY? I’ve known this guy like, maybe a week? Two weeks? And I’m just going to say dream about raising an entire family with him because he kissed me. Once. Wow. I’ve never been more glad I’m ace aro.
-Taylor is being stalked but she gets annoyed with people trying to keep her safe, doesn’t charge her phone, doesn’t make sure she has enough gas to get home, and all of this is after dark. Most people with stalkers aren’t that stupid but I guess since it helped the plot all of those facts could be ignored.
-
And a profiler Should at least know the difference between us emo vs punk. Because the way she described Scott was not punk. (Wearing all black, convers, and dark black hair), sounds much closer to emo then it does to punk, which is the word she chose to describe him.
-
Another thing that annoyed me was the limited thinking about the actual case.
At one point Nick asks Taylor if a little boy who tried to help a bird with a broken wing could stalk her and threaten her and Taylor couldn’t answer. The answer is obviously yes. She should know this if she’s worked in criminal profiling. You don’t ever know what goes through peoples heads, it’s exactly what a profiler would know or learn while tracking criminals and interviewing their friends and family.
-
This bother me a little less but still annoying when added to all the other things; When Taylor and her cop friend found the retired cop, Taylors friend pressed her fingers into the man’s leg and says, liver Mortis is starting to set in, he can’t have been dead more then 20 minutes. Now this isn’t entirely inaccurate, as liver mortis does start to set in around 20-30 minutes after death and it would start in the limbs, it’s cutting it veeery close.
-
-I solved the entire “case” (cases) by the halfway point in the book and was entirely bored by the time she finally got around to ✨gasp✨ discovering that the forger was involved.
That being said, It doesn’t feel well researched, not interesting, characters are basic, the case was obvious. It feels like a first draft.
Let me explain a little more.
SPOILERS AND RANTING BELOW:
The two leads were pretty much cookie-cutter white, sad, beautiful-but-doesn’t-know-it characters. They have pretty much have the same history, (last lover left them broken hearted suddenly and they both have a parent that left them without a trace in their childhood. They both tried hard to leave something (a brother, a town) behind but failed.
-
The female lead, Taylor is known for her success as a criminal profiler and yet when she meets the “clearly beautiful man” 🙄 she immediately thinks to herself oh he’d never date a loser like me. Loser? Like..like an extremely successful profiler who’s helped to catch a serial killer? Wow. Such a loser.
-
Also, do people ACTUALLY fall in love like this? Like, REALLY? I’ve known this guy like, maybe a week? Two weeks? And I’m just going to say dream about raising an entire family with him because he kissed me. Once. Wow. I’ve never been more glad I’m ace aro.
-Taylor is being stalked but she gets annoyed with people trying to keep her safe, doesn’t charge her phone, doesn’t make sure she has enough gas to get home, and all of this is after dark. Most people with stalkers aren’t that stupid but I guess since it helped the plot all of those facts could be ignored.
-
And a profiler Should at least know the difference between us emo vs punk. Because the way she described Scott was not punk. (Wearing all black, convers, and dark black hair), sounds much closer to emo then it does to punk, which is the word she chose to describe him.
-
Another thing that annoyed me was the limited thinking about the actual case.
At one point Nick asks Taylor if a little boy who tried to help a bird with a broken wing could stalk her and threaten her and Taylor couldn’t answer. The answer is obviously yes. She should know this if she’s worked in criminal profiling. You don’t ever know what goes through peoples heads, it’s exactly what a profiler would know or learn while tracking criminals and interviewing their friends and family.
-
This bother me a little less but still annoying when added to all the other things; When Taylor and her cop friend found the retired cop, Taylors friend pressed her fingers into the man’s leg and says, liver Mortis is starting to set in, he can’t have been dead more then 20 minutes. Now this isn’t entirely inaccurate, as liver mortis does start to set in around 20-30 minutes after death and it would start in the limbs, it’s cutting it veeery close.
-
-I solved the entire “case” (cases) by the halfway point in the book and was entirely bored by the time she finally got around to ✨gasp✨ discovering that the forger was involved.
January 15, 2020
3 1/2 stars
Taylor was in trouble right from the start with consulting on a kidnapping and having her own stalker to boot. What I found neat about her was that she was a criminal profiler so her experience helped the authorities find stalkers. Not her own though. And that bothered her. I liked her determination, especially when it came to investigating her father’s disappearance. The romantic interest was Nick. I had a thing for him right away because he was a writer and he had an unwavering faith in his brother’s innocence as well as a strong connection to God. Full review is at my website: lorainenunley(dot)com
Taylor was in trouble right from the start with consulting on a kidnapping and having her own stalker to boot. What I found neat about her was that she was a criminal profiler so her experience helped the authorities find stalkers. Not her own though. And that bothered her. I liked her determination, especially when it came to investigating her father’s disappearance. The romantic interest was Nick. I had a thing for him right away because he was a writer and he had an unwavering faith in his brother’s innocence as well as a strong connection to God. Full review is at my website: lorainenunley(dot)com
February 24, 2014
Taylor Martin’s mother has begged her to return home to Logan Point, Mississippi many times, but the painful memories of her father’s disappearance prevents Taylor from returning to her home town. She’s settled into her life as a professor of Psychology at a university in Washington, and her criminal profiling work has given her the opportunity to work alongside the police on several cases. In spite of her success in her career, she feels dissatisfied with her inability to figure out what happened to her own father, whom she hasn’t seen in twenty years. Did he really walk out on her family of his own accord, or is the mystery deeper than she was lead to believe?
Despite wanting to delve deeper into her father’s disappearance, Taylor’s work is interrupted by popular crime writer, Nick Sinclair, who is on the hunt for his own missing relative. His younger step-brother, Scott, has been out of his life for several years, but was reportedly taking Taylor’s criminal profiling case for a while. Taylor is familiar with Scott—in fact, she’s convinced he’s been stalking her since he dropped her class, and the creepy notes she’s found recently are making her wonder if this is more than a simple case of a teenage boy with a crush. Nick is convinced that his brother would never do anything to harm anyone, particularly his favourite professor, and is keen to work with Taylor to figure out who is following her, and clean his brother’s name.
Little do they know that the mystery they’re beginning to uncover is far greater than any Nick could have penned, and that they’re about to crack open a case that someone doesn’t want investigated.
I don’t read a lot of romantic suspense novels, but the synopsis for Shadows of the Past first caught my attention when I saw it in the publisher’s catalogue last year. A crime writer and a criminal profiler (who often works in association with a police department) working together on case—doesn’t that just scream Castle to you? And I’m not complaining, because I love Castle! My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the first four seasons together, particularly as I tend to be more in tune with Castle, with my more artistic brain, while my husband is more scientific, like Beckett. The show has a fantastic dynamic, and I knew it was only a matter of time before someone used it as inspiration for a novel.
That’s not to say that Shadows of the Past is merely a copy-cat for Castle. The similarities are pretty minor, and Nick’s writing doesn’t play a huge part in the story. I didn’t mind this as the details about Taylor’s family history and her criminal profiling were fascinating, and are sure to intrigue any reader who isn’t already an expert on criminology. Once Taylor returns to Logan Point, she spends some time meeting up with a detective friend at the local police department and working with her on both her father’s case and a more recent incident. I enjoyed these sections of the novel, and I’m hoping that Livy, the detective, will get a novel of her own in the future. She definitely piqued my interest, as did a few other characters scattered around Logan Point.
One of my only, minor complaints about this novel is that a great deal of secondary characters are introduced at the start of the novel—both in Washington, and then in Logan Point. It took a while for me to figure out who everyone was in relation to Taylor. Thankfully, no one came across as flat, in spite of the great number of characters, but it did make my head spin for a while. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about Logan Point, but it can take a while to get to grips with all the characters in Shadows of the Past.
I’m a little hesitant to bill this as a romantic suspense, since the romance takes a while to really get going—Taylor and Nick have a lot of animosity between them initially—and even then, it takes the back-seat a fair few times to the suspense. If you’re not a big fan of romance, don’t let that stop you from reading this book. The mystery of Taylor’s father’s disappearance and her stalker definitely captured my attention a lot more than the romance between her and Nick, and I’m a dedicated romance reader. While I was definitely pleased with the outcome to Taylor and Nick’s romance, this part of the story didn’t particularly grip me or make me worry that they wouldn’t get together.
The mystery is what I loved most about this book, and what pushes my rating so high. Taylor’s investigation into her father’s disappearance is interwoven with her desire to uncover the identity of her stalker—and in turn, help Nick to find his brother—and in spite of all these different threads, the story never feels confusing. At a later point in the novel, yet another thread is woven in, binding the story even tighter together. I had my suspicions about one character halfway through the story, but I wasn’t certain if he really was behind it all or not. Another one, I was convinced was a red herring, and I turned out to be wrong! In spite of the many Nancy Drew novels I devoured as a preteen, even I couldn’t complete figure out who was behind everything. As fun as it is to solve the mystery before the protagonist, it’s even more enjoyable when the author keeps you on your toes and has you second-guessing your suspicions.
If Patricia Bradley’s writing is this sharp with her debut, I can’t wait to read her next mystery. Shadows of the Past is sure to please and intrigue many a mystery fan, and I hope her writing gets the attention it deserves.
Review title provided by Revell.
Despite wanting to delve deeper into her father’s disappearance, Taylor’s work is interrupted by popular crime writer, Nick Sinclair, who is on the hunt for his own missing relative. His younger step-brother, Scott, has been out of his life for several years, but was reportedly taking Taylor’s criminal profiling case for a while. Taylor is familiar with Scott—in fact, she’s convinced he’s been stalking her since he dropped her class, and the creepy notes she’s found recently are making her wonder if this is more than a simple case of a teenage boy with a crush. Nick is convinced that his brother would never do anything to harm anyone, particularly his favourite professor, and is keen to work with Taylor to figure out who is following her, and clean his brother’s name.
Little do they know that the mystery they’re beginning to uncover is far greater than any Nick could have penned, and that they’re about to crack open a case that someone doesn’t want investigated.
I don’t read a lot of romantic suspense novels, but the synopsis for Shadows of the Past first caught my attention when I saw it in the publisher’s catalogue last year. A crime writer and a criminal profiler (who often works in association with a police department) working together on case—doesn’t that just scream Castle to you? And I’m not complaining, because I love Castle! My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the first four seasons together, particularly as I tend to be more in tune with Castle, with my more artistic brain, while my husband is more scientific, like Beckett. The show has a fantastic dynamic, and I knew it was only a matter of time before someone used it as inspiration for a novel.
That’s not to say that Shadows of the Past is merely a copy-cat for Castle. The similarities are pretty minor, and Nick’s writing doesn’t play a huge part in the story. I didn’t mind this as the details about Taylor’s family history and her criminal profiling were fascinating, and are sure to intrigue any reader who isn’t already an expert on criminology. Once Taylor returns to Logan Point, she spends some time meeting up with a detective friend at the local police department and working with her on both her father’s case and a more recent incident. I enjoyed these sections of the novel, and I’m hoping that Livy, the detective, will get a novel of her own in the future. She definitely piqued my interest, as did a few other characters scattered around Logan Point.
One of my only, minor complaints about this novel is that a great deal of secondary characters are introduced at the start of the novel—both in Washington, and then in Logan Point. It took a while for me to figure out who everyone was in relation to Taylor. Thankfully, no one came across as flat, in spite of the great number of characters, but it did make my head spin for a while. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about Logan Point, but it can take a while to get to grips with all the characters in Shadows of the Past.
I’m a little hesitant to bill this as a romantic suspense, since the romance takes a while to really get going—Taylor and Nick have a lot of animosity between them initially—and even then, it takes the back-seat a fair few times to the suspense. If you’re not a big fan of romance, don’t let that stop you from reading this book. The mystery of Taylor’s father’s disappearance and her stalker definitely captured my attention a lot more than the romance between her and Nick, and I’m a dedicated romance reader. While I was definitely pleased with the outcome to Taylor and Nick’s romance, this part of the story didn’t particularly grip me or make me worry that they wouldn’t get together.
The mystery is what I loved most about this book, and what pushes my rating so high. Taylor’s investigation into her father’s disappearance is interwoven with her desire to uncover the identity of her stalker—and in turn, help Nick to find his brother—and in spite of all these different threads, the story never feels confusing. At a later point in the novel, yet another thread is woven in, binding the story even tighter together. I had my suspicions about one character halfway through the story, but I wasn’t certain if he really was behind it all or not. Another one, I was convinced was a red herring, and I turned out to be wrong! In spite of the many Nancy Drew novels I devoured as a preteen, even I couldn’t complete figure out who was behind everything. As fun as it is to solve the mystery before the protagonist, it’s even more enjoyable when the author keeps you on your toes and has you second-guessing your suspicions.
If Patricia Bradley’s writing is this sharp with her debut, I can’t wait to read her next mystery. Shadows of the Past is sure to please and intrigue many a mystery fan, and I hope her writing gets the attention it deserves.
Review title provided by Revell.
March 20, 2017
3.5 stars
Taylor Martin is a psychology professor and part-time criminal profiler. The only case that she can’t solve is of her missing father. For twenty years, she has wondered what happened to him without a trace or any clues. She is good at her job and knows it. She does have self-doubt in her personal life where men are concerned.
In walks, or more accurately stalks, Nick Sinclair whose brother is accused of murder. Nick is in desperate need of Taylor’s help in order to acquit Scott. Nick’s wife died in an accident years before, and he has absolutely no plans to fall for Taylor.
This was a very slow character build. Several other characters were introduced so this reader is sure that they will be front and center in future installments. While the story was very clean (Christian novel), the particular writing style was not for me. The narrator did an excellent job in switching back and forth between characters. Thanks to Tantor Media for supplying me this audio in exchange for a honest review.
Taylor Martin is a psychology professor and part-time criminal profiler. The only case that she can’t solve is of her missing father. For twenty years, she has wondered what happened to him without a trace or any clues. She is good at her job and knows it. She does have self-doubt in her personal life where men are concerned.
In walks, or more accurately stalks, Nick Sinclair whose brother is accused of murder. Nick is in desperate need of Taylor’s help in order to acquit Scott. Nick’s wife died in an accident years before, and he has absolutely no plans to fall for Taylor.
This was a very slow character build. Several other characters were introduced so this reader is sure that they will be front and center in future installments. While the story was very clean (Christian novel), the particular writing style was not for me. The narrator did an excellent job in switching back and forth between characters. Thanks to Tantor Media for supplying me this audio in exchange for a honest review.
May 15, 2022
Taylor Martin is a profiler and the case she most wants to solve is the disappearance of her father 20 years earlier; but at the moment, she is being stalked. Nick Sinclair is a well known mystery author and he is trying to unearth the mystery of his brother's disappearance 2 years earlier. Are these two cases tied together with some connection?
Well written suspense with many twists and turns that led to numerous suspects and a totally unexpected ending.
Well written suspense with many twists and turns that led to numerous suspects and a totally unexpected ending.
May 28, 2017
The solving of the crime and the crime's links with the past was interesting but I found the continuing pity party that the profiler throwing for herself to be hard to take. In my option this really interfered with the story. I also found the other characters only marginally appealing.
July 23, 2017
Whoa! This was incredible. I love profiling and this was an awesome clean mystery. It had even me second guessing myself. . . A little. So good. Intense. She did her homework. I can't wait for more from this author. Recommended. Well done.
November 2, 2021
Loved this book! Read it years ago and I'm not sure why I'm just now leaving the review. Bradley is an amazing author who always writes engaging characters with thrilling plots!
June 3, 2022
Fun, fast read.
July 30, 2025
3.5 🌟
Audiobook
Audiobook
July 20, 2017
This book was fantastic! Patricia Bradley is an excellent author! I look forward to reading more of her work.
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