Chasing Shadows

by Dannye Williamsen

Brita is at best a reluctant psychic, and Chief of Police James Weston is the "poster boy for conservative." Can he accept the unimaginable?

Brita Madison has found a sanctuary in Williams, Arizona, a refuge from the multitude of visions and voices that have chased her all her life. Then one vision touches her soul, and she finds herself embroiled in the middle of a missing person's case with a woman’s life at stake. Little does she know that this is only the beginning.

Brita's visions uncover a trail of murders centered around the historic Route 66. As Brita steps deeper into the world she has been trying to escape, she and Weston are in a race against time to identify the serial killer. This journey threatens to tear apart their lives as well as those closest to them.

Please note that the original cover submitted is incorrect. Dannye Williamsen is the author. Ms. Wolters was the marketer.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2015

About the author

Born in Memphis, TN, in 1949, Dannye Williamsen is insightful and innovative in her approach to life, and her writing is designed to share that experience with you. In "Second Chances" and its sequel "The Threads That Bind," as well as in "Center Stage," Dannye offers you characters whose strength and humor in the face of adversity draws you into their world. Her subtle unfolding of the lives of her characters, especially the adversaries, manipulate your emotions until you are no longer able to place them neatly into their predetermined roles. In 2015 Dannye wrote the manuscript for "Chasing Shadows," a Brita Madison Paranormal Mystery and has since published two more in the series - "Shattered Hearts" and "Unraveling Memories." Check out www.DannyeWilliamsen.com for her latest releases.

Her first nonfiction work with co-author John Dean Williamsen titled "It's Your Move! Transform Your Dreams From Wishful Thinking To Reality" won a Bronze Award in the 2004 Book of the Year Awards. She offers nonfiction books and CDs to help you appreciate who you really are; apply what you learn to your day-to-day experiences; and finally, just experience the joy of change. Her nonfiction writings seek to provide information that not only helps you balance your physical, emotional and intellectual centers, but helps you develop a conscious awareness of your use of them.

Her business background in management ranges from land investment to commodity trading to her own entrepreneurial ventures, experiences which she uses in her two novels.

Dannye Williamsen has always sought diversity and excellence in her life, which has resulted in her being named to Marquis' Who's Who in America™, Who's Who in the World™, and Who's Who of American Women™ since 2002, and in 2009 to Who's Who in Finance and Business™. She extends that effort into her search for spiritual understanding and her writing.

Reviews

[Leslie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author and Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock for an honest review.

Brita Madison is a psychic who tries not to acknowledge her abilities rather than embrace them. Ever since she was little she knew she was different, but she also knew from personal experience that society wouldn’t accept her difference, so she tried her whole life avoid anything that would stir up her psychic abilities. She moves to the small town of Williams, Arizona, hoping that the town was small enough where she could live in peace and quiet, but not before long she got a vision of a woman in trouble after having a car accident. At first she didn’t want to get involved, but she knew the woman was alive and needed her help. Knowing that she couldn’t do anything herself since she was new to the area, she decided to go to the police and tell the Chief about her vision. No surprise that Chief James Weston thought she was a nut and threw her out, but Brita didn’t stop there. She took matters into her own hands and hired a taxi to drive her around hoping to find the location that fit the images from her vision. Sam, the taxi driver, had no problems with the knowledge of Brita’s gifts, and agreed excitedly to help her. With the confidence she got from Sam’s acceptance, she was able to connect with the woman of the accident and finally find her before she died. Chief Weston couldn’t believe that Brita was right about the woman, but was still skeptical. After some convincing and a visit from his dead father, it didn’t take long for Weston to come around to Brita’s abilities. When a woman that Brita had a terrible feeling about is found murdered, Weston has no choice but to go to Brita for help, which puts her to the test of opening up to her gifts. This case leads to them uncovering more than just a murdered victim, but maybe the makings of a serial killer and a journey that neither of them thought they would ever experience in a lifetime…

Oh my goodness what a ride this book was! It had me on my toes at every page. I normally don’t like to read suspense/mystery novels because I’m a person whose heart jumps even at reading words, but it was worth the risk. I couldn’t seem to put the book down. The action almost starts immediately after a few pages, and from there is nothing but twists and turns. Two thumbs up to Wolters and Williamsen for not giving the book a chance to be dull. The crime scenarios throughout the book had me on edge with how realistic they were, and I will admit that at times I was grossed out with how graphic they were, but that just added to the book’s charm (charm isn’t really the right word to describe crime, but it was the only word that came to mind). The characters were real, each of their personalities shined, and they made you feel right there with them. The one thing I loved that the authors did was have sections of each chapter told through a different character’s POV, even the antagonist’s, giving the reader a chance to experience each character’s thought and emotions. And by doing this, the reader also got a chance to experience each character’s growth, especially Brita’s. She started off not wanting to open up to her abilities, actually looking at them like curses rather than gifts. But after helping out Weston with his case, she slowly accepts that this is a part of who she is and you see her become more confident in herself as she embraces her abilities. You also get to see her confidence shine when she gets people in her life who are accepting of her gifts, which is a huge importance to her. Since this is the first book in the series, I’m hoping that we get to see more exciting things from Brita’s abilities and some exciting things for her romantically as well.

Chasing Shadows will leave you wanting more, and it delivers more every time. It’s such a great roller coaster ride of emotions, action, mystery, and the whole nine! And if you like reading paranormal suspense and crime novels, I suggest you strap in and prepare yourself for the wonderful excitement. I give this book 5 fangs and I’m so looking forward to the next Brita Madison Paranormal Mystery!

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was quite a ride, the action starts almost as soon as the book begins so there is no long buildup to get things started.

The other thing you need to be aware of is that this is a series starter that revolves around Brita Madison and not really a romance. There is a bit of romance as we go along but it is a light touch and I was never totally sure if there was going to be a love triangle or not (to be honest I am still not 100% sure, maybe we get a better picture in the next book).

So what we have here is a psychic murder mystery and you can guess how accepting police are going to be with that but it gets better . The serial killer is slippery and totally depraved but our perky little heroine is determined to help stop him but she has to get a bit of strength herself since she comes across as pretty fragile for the first 30-40% of the novel.

Her relationship with the Chief of Police, a random cab driver who lucky for her sees no problem with her gifts, along with a few others that come and go throughout the story. All things considered the secondary characters were done well and most were written more than cardboard cutouts. I did have a very small problem in a couple of instances with some very quick changes in POV but they are so minor the only reason I mention them is to let you know why it is not 5 Stars. I did find a small example of inconsistency (or possibly it was a wee touch of TSTL) towards the end of the book, when I see things like that it makes me wonder if the author was rushing to get finished.

Let me make sure you realize that none of these things are showstoppers nor do they really detract from my enjoyment of the which managed a high stress level through a lot of the book which usually means a god story told well. Highly recommended and 4 Stars

Merged review:

Well this was quite a ride, the action starts almost as soon as the book begins so there is no long buildup to get things started.

The other thing you need to be aware of is that this is a series starter that revolves around Brita Madison and not really a romance. There is a bit of romance as we go along but it is a light touch and I was never totally sure if there was going to be a love triangle or not (to be honest I am still not 100% sure, maybe we get a better picture in the next book).

So what we have here is a psychic murder mystery and you can guess how accepting police are going to be with that but it gets better . The serial killer is slippery and totally depraved but our perky little heroine is determined to help stop him but she has to get a bit of strength herself since she comes across as pretty fragile for the first 30-40% of the novel.

Her relationship with the Chief of Police, a random cab driver who lucky for her sees no problem with her gifts, along with a few others that come and go throughout the story. All things considered the secondary characters were done well and most were written more than cardboard cutouts. I did have a very small problem in a couple of instances with some very quick changes in POV but they are so minor the only reason I mention them is to let you know why it is not 5 Stars. I did find a small example of inconsistency (or possibly it was a wee touch of TSTL) towards the end of the book, when I see things like that it makes me wonder if the author was rushing to get finished.

Let me make sure you realize that none of these things are showstoppers nor do they really detract from my enjoyment of the which managed a high stress level through a lot of the book which usually means a god story told well. Highly recommended and 4 Stars

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever had an author that you can't wait for their next book to come out. That's me when I heard about Sandy's new book that she has co written with Dannye Williamsen. I was so excited when I got Chasing Shadows . I curled up with a good cup of tea and I started reading and reading . Yes it is a book that once you start you don't want to put it down. You will get caught up with the mystery and you will fall in love with Brita . She is a psychic that is trying not let the visions get in her way. She has left her home to a small town . She is trying to stop the voices and visions . But alas she is drawn in and helps the sheriff with a what could be a serial killer on the loose . Will they survive to see the killer brought to justice .

This book is quite a ride, you get swept up in the mystery of Brita Madison. This is the first book in the series so we get to meet the characters. Brita, Sam and Sheriff James Weston and the rest of the cast of characters . Sam is the sweet cab driver that Brita meets while she is trying to find the woman from her visions. He is a kind sweet guy that take Brita for who she is . And of course we have the Sheriff James Weston, who is a skeptic but also becomes Brita's friend. They go through a lot together while trying to figure out who the serial killer is. The authors have taken these characters and made them their own. You want Brita as your friend and the men in the book are flawed but yet have hearts of gold and will help you out of any jam. I have a little crush on Sheriff Weston. He is such a great character to read. Along with Brita, you know how she feels from the very beginning of the story . She does so much growing in the book as you read . You see her at first fighting and not wanting to use her special ability. As the story goes on you see Brita grow into a woman that uses her ability to help people instead of shying away of it .

You are dropped into the mystery from the very first page of this book, that this is the first in the series so there is a lot of setting up of characters. There is a little romance but a lot more mystery. The authors take us on a roller coaster ride of emotions . Trust me you will think you have it figured out then bam they take you in a totally different direction. They take you down a road that honestly will be saying WTH I didn't see that coming. I am hoping to that as they write the series that they a some more romance and maybe even a love triangle, between the three main characters . Or they make a task force involving all the law enforcement men that helped Brita out . I would say for being the first book in the series this was a well written and I so can't wait till the next book is out, I want more Brita, Sam and James. So if you want to read a great first book in a series this is the book for you . If you like paranormal mysteries this is the book for you. Another hit for Sandy Wolters and Dannye Williamson. So check it out

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Another Riveting Thriller Mystery To Keep You Guessing"

In this excellently written, easy to read, paranormal novel, self-denying psychic Brita Madison has now moved to the small town of Williams, Arizona. She left her home town in Texas because she couldn't cope with the visions, dreams, and voices which have haunted her since childhood. Living in a small town, it is more comforting for her with fewer paranormal episodes. She doesn't consider herself gifted, just considers it like a handicap. The voices she's heard in the past in large communities have quieted and she can now almost ignore them. But on this one evening, while fixing a cup of hot cider, she sees the ghostly image of a woman's face, turned upside down, hearing "Help me." The emotions she received from this woman are fear, sorrow, and hope. At that very same time, Crista Long, driving on a back road, has dodged an animal which caused her to lose control of her car going into a ravine banked with trees and heavy brush. Her car is perched in a tree, upside down. The missing report appears on tv the next morning and Brita recognizes the woman from her vision. She goes to the local sheriff's office where Chief James Weston scoffs at her silliness. But she hires a taxi driven by Sam Jenkins to search for the woman. He acknowledges her powers as a gift, thus she feels he'll be a good friend. But can she convince the sheriff to accept her the same way? This is an exciting story to read with many twists and turns. It's very compelling with a very engaging story line. There is a hint of romance, which really didn't have a chance to develop in this novel, but perhaps the second book in this series written by Sandy Wolters and Dannye Williamsen will have the romancing. Great read, highly recommend.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. The writing style is fluid and allows a personal view of each character's perspective. While this book is a paranormal fiction, the characters are realistic. I was easily entrenched into the story by the characters' personalities as well as the juxtaposed aura of enlightened vitality and dark desires. I certainly recommend this book for anyone who loves a read that includes a good chase, the paranormal, mystery, love and friendship. In addition, I would like to include a trigger warning for those that have suffered a sexual assault.

[Greta Burroughs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Dannye Williamsen's paranormal books. I was honored to receive a copy of "Chasing Shadows" to read and review. I was looking forward to getting lost in another one of her great novels and wasn't disappointed!

The story grabs you from the very beginning. There is no lengthy introduction of characters or setting of the scene. Williamsen weaves the necessary information in as the tale progresses. I love the way Dannye takes the reader along for the ride. With her descriptive style of writing, you can picture the events taking place and feel the emotions experienced by the characters.

The storyline is not the run-of-the-mill typical self-assured psychic vs bad guy. It delves into Brita's reluctant acceptance of her psychic abilities and if she really wants to use them, as well as the prejudice encountered by non-believers. Of course, there is much more to the tale blending together to keep the reader interested in all aspects of the story.

I won't give a synopsis of the story, other reviewers have taken care of that. But I will tell you, if you want to read a fantastic paranormal book that will keep your interest from first page to last, "Chasing Shadows" is the one to read. I'm looking forward to reading book two in the series!

[D.E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept behind the novel Chasing Shadows is interesting – a real-life mystery with a bit of supernatural. A psychic who is not in touch with her supernatural side and a police detective that only believes in things he can see and feel. I was intrigued and signed up to review the book despite a TBR pile that threatens my sanity. The story itself was indeed interesting and contained moments of suspense. I liked the idea of using a psychic that wasn’t sure of her powers and was just starting to figure out how to properly interpret her visions. The Chief of Police Weston was also an interesting character although I felt he was a bit quick in overcoming his conservative ways.

There were some issues with the writing that prevented me from enjoying the book as much as possible. Explanations of police procedure, supernatural powers, etc. read like information dumps and didn’t flow within the story. They were awkward, too long and much too clinical. I also felt the authors didn’t give the readers enough credit for being able to understand the story. They explained many things that an average mystery reader would understand. (Of course as a former police detective I am somewhat biased.) Sometimes it read like a text book for a beginning detective. The jokes between the characters seemed forced and stilted. In general there was too much telling and not enough showing.

All in all this book has potential to be a great read.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little paranormal mystery. Brita has moved to a small town where she hopes she can keep her powers under wraps but before long she becomes involved in a missing persons case. Having successfully solved that problem, she starts to have visions of a crime, when she brings what she knows to the police she rapidly becomes wrapped up in a serial killer's crimes. Can she help the police find him before he kills any more?

I enjoyed this as a nice weekend read.