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Sturgis and Kale #1
Once Shadows Fall
After years of paying her dues on the force, Beth Sturgis has earned her place as a detective for the Robbery-Homicide division of the Atlanta PD. Now, she's heading up a major manhunt for a potential serial killer who’s working his way inward from the outskirts of the city. The copycat elements in the first crime scene lead Sturgis to retired FBI agent Jack Kale, who was responsible for apprehending and nearly killing the murderer known as the Scarecrow, the same Scarecrow who appears to be this new killer's terrible inspiration.
A reclusive single father and university professor, Kale is trying to keep the demons at bay through therapy and avoidance. That is, until Sturgis shows up asking for his help. Against his better judgment, Kale is drawn into the most dangerous cat and mouse game of his life. Robert Daniels's Once Shadows Fall, is a gripping thriller in the bestselling tradition of Silence of the Lambs and is sure to become a crime fiction classic.
A reclusive single father and university professor, Kale is trying to keep the demons at bay through therapy and avoidance. That is, until Sturgis shows up asking for his help. Against his better judgment, Kale is drawn into the most dangerous cat and mouse game of his life. Robert Daniels's Once Shadows Fall, is a gripping thriller in the bestselling tradition of Silence of the Lambs and is sure to become a crime fiction classic.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2015
32 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Robert Daniels
24 books32 followersRetired clinical psychologist, Robert Daniels lives in Atlanta, Georgia. In his youth Robert participated in Golden Gloves boxing, but now goes in for less painful pastimes such as tennis, golf, and traveling the world. Only recently did he work up the courage to submit his thriller, "Once Shadows Fall" for publication. It was accepted by veteran editor Matthew Martz of Crooked Lane Books and is expected to be released in the Spring, 2015.
Drawing heavily on his professional background, his first novel, "Once Shadows Fall," a psychological police thriller, (December 8, 2015) was completed after receiving some much needed advice from the late Robert B. Parker.
"Wake the Devil," a sequel to "Once Shadows Fall," also published by Crooked Lane Books, will follow shortly. He recently completed work on Stone Angels, a story set in the Atlanta about an attorney who becomes involved in a series of murders and an old Southern family hiding some diabolical and dark secrets.
Drawing heavily on his professional background, his first novel, "Once Shadows Fall," a psychological police thriller, (December 8, 2015) was completed after receiving some much needed advice from the late Robert B. Parker.
"Wake the Devil," a sequel to "Once Shadows Fall," also published by Crooked Lane Books, will follow shortly. He recently completed work on Stone Angels, a story set in the Atlanta about an attorney who becomes involved in a series of murders and an old Southern family hiding some diabolical and dark secrets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 31, 2016
A debut novel by Robert Daniels, this is a terrific psychological thriller. Being a clinical psychologist, I expected a touch of realism . and boy! did I get it.
Beth Sturgis is a fairly new Homicide Detective in Atlanta, Georgia. Being lead detective on a serial killer case leads her to Jack Kale, retired FBI. He was responsible for the capture of Scarecrow, aka Howard Pell. Whoever this new killer is, he's mimicking Pell.
Being inexperienced, and having made a few mistakes in her investigation, she hopes that Kale can bring his experience and they can shut the copy cat down.
There is nothing new about this particular book, but it is extremely well crafted. The characters are finely drawn,, the bad guys are really bad and the good guys are really good. Kale comes with some baggage,mostly about the death of his former partner, which was why he retired .. or was forced to retire ... from the FBI.
The tension is palpable, especially as Jack and Beth try to rescue victims before they are killed in horrendous ways. The ending is stirring and action-packed.
I look forward to reading the next book featuring these characters, WAKE THE DEVIL.
Beth Sturgis is a fairly new Homicide Detective in Atlanta, Georgia. Being lead detective on a serial killer case leads her to Jack Kale, retired FBI. He was responsible for the capture of Scarecrow, aka Howard Pell. Whoever this new killer is, he's mimicking Pell.
Being inexperienced, and having made a few mistakes in her investigation, she hopes that Kale can bring his experience and they can shut the copy cat down.
There is nothing new about this particular book, but it is extremely well crafted. The characters are finely drawn,, the bad guys are really bad and the good guys are really good. Kale comes with some baggage,mostly about the death of his former partner, which was why he retired .. or was forced to retire ... from the FBI.
The tension is palpable, especially as Jack and Beth try to rescue victims before they are killed in horrendous ways. The ending is stirring and action-packed.
I look forward to reading the next book featuring these characters, WAKE THE DEVIL.
October 15, 2018
One thing I love about my job as a Library Assistant is being in Check In - the area where books are being checked in from patrons, other libraries and NEW BOOKS! I love seeing books come in, period. I see books I have read and loved - and read and not loved- and books that look interesting enough to add to my TBR list or a new book I need to put on hold. I also come across books (cough Kardashians cough) that make me doubt the publishing world - thank gawd that only happens once in awhile. And, then there are moments I know the Book Fairy exists - a new shiny hardcover with the phrases "A Thriller" and "debut novel" comes in from our technical department and there is NO hold on it. I feel guilty at first and look around me and see if anyone else is experiencing this miracle with me. No, it's just me. I caress the cover and slowly open it without cracking the spine. It has me from "Beth Sturgis...Atlanta PD...manhunt for serial killer". This book is going home with me...done. I take it home and put it on the TBR shelf on my bookshelf of books and tea and jewelry. I cannot wait and start the book a night later.
ONCE SHADOWS FALL
(Sturgis and Kale: #1)
Written by Robert Daniels
2015; Crooked Lane Books (352 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, mystery, suspense, romance
RATING: 4.5 STARS
Beth Sturgis has worked her way to the Robbery-Homicide division of Atlanta PD as a Detective. With her partner out of commission, Beth is the lead on a murder case that has all the markings of a past murder spree complete with two women missing. As the serial killer, the Scarecrow, has already been caught Beth is now looking for a copycat. For more insight into the case she looks to Jack Kale, a former FBI agent, to help her discover where the women are and who has them. Kale's reluctant advice leads Sturgis to the bodies of the women and she is afraid there will be more to come.
Kale, who left the FBI due to the Scarecrow case does not want to help Beth or the Atlanta PD and tries to walk away. The killer has other plans for Kale and soon he finds himself in the middle of the manhunt with Beth by his side. In trying to uncover the killer's identity Kale must keep his demons at bay and keep him and Beth alive. Beth just wants to capture the killer before more bodies pile up and her job is jeopardy.
It has awhile since a new-to-me book and author has had me flipping pages deep into the night. As I was reading this one in hardcover I could not sneak extra minutes in the dark like I can with my eReader. Right away this novel had me hooked! Beth is a strong female lead that any reader can relate to - yet she has some secrets that come out slowly but I don't think we have the full story yet. Kale, flawed as Will Trent (from Karin Sluaghter's series Will Trent), is the ying to Beth's yang. They have great chemistry among the thrilling plot. I enjoyed the secondary characters that help balance this book from just being a mystery/suspense. Like a good series we are introduced to these characters but Daniels has kept back things that will have you coming back to find out more. I enjoyed the suspense in this story and the mystery had me guessing to the last clue. And, when you think back it all makes sense...I am so happy to sear that this will be a series and the second book will be out later this year. I don't want to reveal any spoilers so I apologize for my vagueness. I highly recommend this book to ANY mystery lover that can take a bit of grittiness.
My Novelesque Blog
ONCE SHADOWS FALL
(Sturgis and Kale: #1)
Written by Robert Daniels
2015; Crooked Lane Books (352 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, mystery, suspense, romance
RATING: 4.5 STARS
Beth Sturgis has worked her way to the Robbery-Homicide division of Atlanta PD as a Detective. With her partner out of commission, Beth is the lead on a murder case that has all the markings of a past murder spree complete with two women missing. As the serial killer, the Scarecrow, has already been caught Beth is now looking for a copycat. For more insight into the case she looks to Jack Kale, a former FBI agent, to help her discover where the women are and who has them. Kale's reluctant advice leads Sturgis to the bodies of the women and she is afraid there will be more to come.
Kale, who left the FBI due to the Scarecrow case does not want to help Beth or the Atlanta PD and tries to walk away. The killer has other plans for Kale and soon he finds himself in the middle of the manhunt with Beth by his side. In trying to uncover the killer's identity Kale must keep his demons at bay and keep him and Beth alive. Beth just wants to capture the killer before more bodies pile up and her job is jeopardy.
It has awhile since a new-to-me book and author has had me flipping pages deep into the night. As I was reading this one in hardcover I could not sneak extra minutes in the dark like I can with my eReader. Right away this novel had me hooked! Beth is a strong female lead that any reader can relate to - yet she has some secrets that come out slowly but I don't think we have the full story yet. Kale, flawed as Will Trent (from Karin Sluaghter's series Will Trent), is the ying to Beth's yang. They have great chemistry among the thrilling plot. I enjoyed the secondary characters that help balance this book from just being a mystery/suspense. Like a good series we are introduced to these characters but Daniels has kept back things that will have you coming back to find out more. I enjoyed the suspense in this story and the mystery had me guessing to the last clue. And, when you think back it all makes sense...I am so happy to sear that this will be a series and the second book will be out later this year. I don't want to reveal any spoilers so I apologize for my vagueness. I highly recommend this book to ANY mystery lover that can take a bit of grittiness.
My Novelesque Blog
September 16, 2016
As much as I really liked this book- I do have to say that there is nothing really all that 'new' here as far as your very dedicated psycho , serial killer type stories. (Which I happen to really enjoy!)
You have a dedicated, slightly traumatized and brilliant profiler turned professor (Jack Kale) who is approached by the attractive female investigator (Beth Sturgis) who is trying to prove herself by solving a series of high profile murders. Sturgis needs Kale’s help to find the killer that is patterning himself after “the Scarecrow” , a serial murderer that Kale unmasked and captured. The new killer wants to pick up where the old left off. As the body count rises and danger mounts, Sturgis and Kale find romance and must follow some obscure clues to catch a killer or killers before it is too late.
The writing was very good, I really enjoyed the two main characters and learning about their past experiences and then seeing how they now can work together moving forward. Another good "psycho serial killer" book and a start to a good series, which I most definitely will keep on reading!
You have a dedicated, slightly traumatized and brilliant profiler turned professor (Jack Kale) who is approached by the attractive female investigator (Beth Sturgis) who is trying to prove herself by solving a series of high profile murders. Sturgis needs Kale’s help to find the killer that is patterning himself after “the Scarecrow” , a serial murderer that Kale unmasked and captured. The new killer wants to pick up where the old left off. As the body count rises and danger mounts, Sturgis and Kale find romance and must follow some obscure clues to catch a killer or killers before it is too late.
The writing was very good, I really enjoyed the two main characters and learning about their past experiences and then seeing how they now can work together moving forward. Another good "psycho serial killer" book and a start to a good series, which I most definitely will keep on reading!
February 25, 2016
Beth Sturgis is new on the Atlanta Police Force and her first case involves searching for a serial killer who may be acting along or might be a copy-cat. Years ago, there was a serial killer known as 'the Scarecrow' who put fear into all of Atlanta's residents. This new killer appears to know things about the Scarecrow's M.O. that were never made public.
Jack Kale, the lead investigator for the Scarecrow case, left his job with the FBI shortly after the case was solved. He settled into a comfortable professorship at Georgia Tech teaching psychology. It is not long, however, that he is called back to the police department and asked to be a consultant on this new case. Jack's psychological health is fragile. He suffers from panic attacks and has a tendency to abuse his medications. No one doubts that he is a brilliant profiler with profound and perspicacious insight.
Jack and Beth work together on this case and Beth even interviews the Scarecrow who has been jailed for many years. He toys with them and, naturally, is happy to make them turn in circles. What is different this time around is that the killer is leaving clues for Jack, almost as if this is a chess game.
The chapters are short and filled with good action-packed sequences. The new killer calls himself 'The Soul Eater' and enjoys watching his victims suffer. He especially likes to take them to subterranean places and do his deeds in the dark.
My problem with the book is that the ending was too pat and I could see it coming. I don't like to guess the killer or come close to guessing. I want the string of connections to be tight and taut. That wasn't the case with this novel.
Jack Kale, the lead investigator for the Scarecrow case, left his job with the FBI shortly after the case was solved. He settled into a comfortable professorship at Georgia Tech teaching psychology. It is not long, however, that he is called back to the police department and asked to be a consultant on this new case. Jack's psychological health is fragile. He suffers from panic attacks and has a tendency to abuse his medications. No one doubts that he is a brilliant profiler with profound and perspicacious insight.
Jack and Beth work together on this case and Beth even interviews the Scarecrow who has been jailed for many years. He toys with them and, naturally, is happy to make them turn in circles. What is different this time around is that the killer is leaving clues for Jack, almost as if this is a chess game.
The chapters are short and filled with good action-packed sequences. The new killer calls himself 'The Soul Eater' and enjoys watching his victims suffer. He especially likes to take them to subterranean places and do his deeds in the dark.
My problem with the book is that the ending was too pat and I could see it coming. I don't like to guess the killer or come close to guessing. I want the string of connections to be tight and taut. That wasn't the case with this novel.
September 24, 2017
I am pleasantly surprised when a new author debuts a book and I see promise in his writing. As with wine I suspect this author will improve as he hones his writing skills and sharpens his story lines. Although the story did not hold any great surprises for me, it was entertaining.
The story revolves around Beth Sturgis who is the lead investigator on her first major homicide case, a copy-cat serial killer who seems to be modeling himself after a convicted serial killer, a current inmate at a mental health facility housing the worst of the worst.
Beth contacts Jack Kale, a former FBI agent who while with the FBI headed the manhunt for "the Scarecrow". Jack proves invaluable to the investigation team as he has honed his abilities to unravel the clues left by the killer. The description of what the killer does to his victims is pretty graphic.
Throw in the expected developing personal relationship between Beth and Jack which creates some departmental issues rounds out the story.
The story revolves around Beth Sturgis who is the lead investigator on her first major homicide case, a copy-cat serial killer who seems to be modeling himself after a convicted serial killer, a current inmate at a mental health facility housing the worst of the worst.
Beth contacts Jack Kale, a former FBI agent who while with the FBI headed the manhunt for "the Scarecrow". Jack proves invaluable to the investigation team as he has honed his abilities to unravel the clues left by the killer. The description of what the killer does to his victims is pretty graphic.
Throw in the expected developing personal relationship between Beth and Jack which creates some departmental issues rounds out the story.
September 8, 2023
This was EXACTLY what I needed.
After a string of mediocrity, this book was a tall glass of water.
Beth Sturgis and Jack Kale are a tortured duo that I really just could not get enough of. Very complimentary as well with Sturgis extremely ambitious and Kale very trepedatious.
This book reminds me of some of the greats (speaking cinematically) - Silence of the Lambs, Se7en, The Bone Collector... But this book remains very much its own. It's very original, while having just enough familiarity to keep the pages turning.
I blitzed this book in 10 hours of reading time and I loved every second. Some narratives bore me, some characters bother me, but the only frustration about this book was that I couldn't read it any faster.
Robert Daniels is somebody I'm always going to watch for and Kale/Sturgis No. 2 is a PRIORITY BUY for me... It makes me very sad that there's only one more book in this universe. I want more. I will continue to think about this book for a long time.
Thank you Robert Daniels,
Thank you Beth Sturgis,
Thank you Jack Kale,
A very well deserved 5+/5 ⭐️s
After a string of mediocrity, this book was a tall glass of water.
Beth Sturgis and Jack Kale are a tortured duo that I really just could not get enough of. Very complimentary as well with Sturgis extremely ambitious and Kale very trepedatious.
This book reminds me of some of the greats (speaking cinematically) - Silence of the Lambs, Se7en, The Bone Collector... But this book remains very much its own. It's very original, while having just enough familiarity to keep the pages turning.
I blitzed this book in 10 hours of reading time and I loved every second. Some narratives bore me, some characters bother me, but the only frustration about this book was that I couldn't read it any faster.
Robert Daniels is somebody I'm always going to watch for and Kale/Sturgis No. 2 is a PRIORITY BUY for me... It makes me very sad that there's only one more book in this universe. I want more. I will continue to think about this book for a long time.
Thank you Robert Daniels,
Thank you Beth Sturgis,
Thank you Jack Kale,
A very well deserved 5+/5 ⭐️s
December 4, 2016
A new, female homicide detective gets handed a case that looks like a copycat - a copycat because the deranged killer of what look like the same type of serial murders is locked away in a psychiatric hospital. As more similar murders appear, she teams up with a brilliant - though reluctant - ex-FBI agent who is now a college professor. Of course rapport between them grows as we slowly learn his story, which is deeply imbedded in the original serial killer's story. Oh, these dark, twisted minds! This was a satisfying mystery, though quite easy to figure out early on if you've read a lot of murder mysteries. I look forward to reading more in the series.
April 30, 2018
Detective Beth Sturgis is now a detective in Robbery/Homicide after working her way up the ranks. There is murder in a small town near Atlanta and Beth is assigned to assist the local police. The murder has characistics similar to a serial killer who is currently in custody after being caught several years ago. Former FBI agent Jack Kale worked the older case, so he is brought in as a consultant. The killer quickly escalates his crimes and the chase is on!
December 15, 2022
3.9 stars
I have mixed feeling about Once Shadows Fall. On one hand the book is enjoyable; there's no stupid misunderstanding between Sturgis and Kale in their feeling for each other, no hiding secrets or past to scream at, no politic drama or obvious red herrings and the cat and mouse is entertaining. On the other hand some part seems dragging, some predictable and some a little flat. All in all, it's an enjoyable read not yet wow but almost.
I have mixed feeling about Once Shadows Fall. On one hand the book is enjoyable; there's no stupid misunderstanding between Sturgis and Kale in their feeling for each other, no hiding secrets or past to scream at, no politic drama or obvious red herrings and the cat and mouse is entertaining. On the other hand some part seems dragging, some predictable and some a little flat. All in all, it's an enjoyable read not yet wow but almost.
May 25, 2023
DNF @ 69%.
Very annoyed at the way the main characters are portrayed. For example, the female detective has a chip on her shoulder and trying to prove herself in a male dominated profession. She was such a cliche. I was frustrated with the pacing as well. There was a scene about a sewer or water treatment facility, and it just went on and on about the logistics. Too bad because I wanted to like this series.
Very annoyed at the way the main characters are portrayed. For example, the female detective has a chip on her shoulder and trying to prove herself in a male dominated profession. She was such a cliche. I was frustrated with the pacing as well. There was a scene about a sewer or water treatment facility, and it just went on and on about the logistics. Too bad because I wanted to like this series.
July 22, 2023
After reading a number of disappointing mysteries, I was relieved that this one turned out to be well written with a good plot, good characterization, and good twists. It’s a bit dark in regards to some of the gruesome things that happen, but considering the type of story this is and how well developed it is (great writing!), it works. I will definitely read the next one in the series.
December 21, 2024
I enjoyed reading this.
The book could have used some better editing (eg. the white van of the killer was called a black van a few times. Some paragraphs indents were needed when the speaking character changed, etc). It was rather clique at times and the romance plot was predictable and I think unnecessary.
Overall I liked the majority of the book and would read another but the author.
The book could have used some better editing (eg. the white van of the killer was called a black van a few times. Some paragraphs indents were needed when the speaking character changed, etc). It was rather clique at times and the romance plot was predictable and I think unnecessary.
Overall I liked the majority of the book and would read another but the author.
October 5, 2019
This was a very good mystery book. I will definitely read more of Robert Daniels books. I was stumped on who was the killer until the end. I knew Pell was helping him plan the murders but not sure who it was at the prison.
April 10, 2025
Read this book in one go on holiday and loved it. Couldn’t put it down. I discovered it in a book swap coffee shop on the resort and must now wait until I get home to buy the other book in the series. Does anyone know why Robert Daniels only wrote two books?
May 7, 2017
Definitely a GREAT read. Well-written, great characters, twists. Looking forward to more.
July 29, 2017
3.5 feels more like a movie then a book. Got bored by the end and skipped through
December 23, 2017
One of the BEST books I’ve read in 2017!! I’m excited to read more of his books!
March 23, 2019
Brilliantly written. What a page turner!
February 29, 2020
Pretty good read, but with some predictable moments. I will definitely read more from this author to see how he develops. I like how there was no explicit sex, and very little curse words.
March 4, 2020
3.5 rounded up. There are parts that I loved and few that I hated but overall good story.
April 3, 2020
This was outstanding in every way. Can't wait to read more from this author.
December 30, 2020
Fun and addictive page turner with a solid female protagonist I couldn't help but root for. No "wheel reinventing" taking place here- just good ol' police vs serial killer thriller happenings. An enjoyable debut from start to finish.
July 24, 2022
An interesting plot and characters. The paperback needs some editing.
November 26, 2022
Bravo! First novel leads to another! Well done!
Read
December 29, 2022Sorry not for me you could see a romance coming with the cardboard characters(sturgis and kale), very very predictable and hard work for a read. So its a no no from and onwards to better books.
February 10, 2023
Great mystery involving a traumatized FBI agent on the trail of a copycat serial mrderer
Read
September 6, 2023Miniseries
A Jack Kale and Beth Sturgis Thriller
A Jack Kale and Beth Sturgis Thriller
April 20, 2025
Great Read
Very good book. Can not wait to read the next one in the series. I wish the author had more books available.I
Very good book. Can not wait to read the next one in the series. I wish the author had more books available.I
November 4, 2016
3.5 stars
February 10, 2023
Nothing new, but still a good read. With one book written, perhaps the next book will be better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews