What do you think?
Rate this book
Psychic Detective Mysteries #1
Shadow's Edge
Liam Baker can see things. Dead people like to visit him and tell them how they were wronged. Some might call it a gift, other’s a curse. But either way this ability makes him useful to Los Angeles homicide detective Kimball Thompson.
Some madman is slitting the throats of young male prostitutes and then dumping their bodies in the desert with vague clues of pink feathers and the number five. Usually Liam can talk to the spirits of the dead. But someone is blocking him. Someone is taunting him.
The case is rapidly deteriorating into a violent, psychic pissing contest and Liam can’t see far enough ahead to figure out who wins or who dies.
Some madman is slitting the throats of young male prostitutes and then dumping their bodies in the desert with vague clues of pink feathers and the number five. Usually Liam can talk to the spirits of the dead. But someone is blocking him. Someone is taunting him.
The case is rapidly deteriorating into a violent, psychic pissing contest and Liam can’t see far enough ahead to figure out who wins or who dies.
155 pages, ebook
First published January 19, 2017
113 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Wynne
81 books582 followersS.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
September 23, 2019
Audio - The audio narrator is very good but listening does seem to highlight minor writing flaws. Thompson's lack of first name bothered me as did the attitude towards bereavement; nine months presented as tantamount to wallowing and the mention of the lack of sex in that time felt highly inappropriate to me.
Thompson (no first name) seemed more a crutch than a love interest and his behaviour inconsistant. And with little info on the victims the murders remained emotionless. Had to think who someone was at the grande finalle.
-- --
I really enjoyed reading this, it kept me absorbed throughout.
The mystery plot is pretty standard for this genre and to be honest it didn't hold my attention. Victims were too nameless, reactions too muted to make me care or shiver. I'm not sure the point of all the clues was even explained. In fact the show-down made me laugh, it got silly rather than dramatic, when the evil-villain shouted 'Stop right there' my reaction was to sing the answering Meatloaf lyrics. Which okay probably says more about my music tastes than the book. I could have done with some clarity on Liam's offical role, if he's advising or himself detecting. The murders though were interesting backdrop rather than the driving force of the story.
The emotion is all in the romantic entanglement which is twisty and interesting. Eight months does seem to be m/m-rom-world limit for bereavement though, what's with that? It's no time at all for a loss especially such a close one, that did itch at me. But the characters interested me. I enjoyed the tension between characters as they both danced around their feelings. Thompson making the effort to move on from his feelings and Liam starting to heal and to see him as a man. There's some deep emotion and I wanted to get to know these characters more.
My review keeps angling towards negative, but overall I enjoy this book and look forward to the next one to see more of these characters. Hopefully the psychic angle will be further explored, there's enough here for an interesting start to a the series. A little more effort into the mystery side of things and this one would have been an easy five stars.
BUT a big NIGGLE - Detective Thompson's first name. If you have the ebook search for it! Surprised no-one else has commented because seriously I did it on both kindles to be sure - he's named in the blurb as Kimball, but NOT ONCE in the book. Even during/after sex, even through declarations, he remains 'Thompson'. That is very odd.
Thompson (no first name) seemed more a crutch than a love interest and his behaviour inconsistant. And with little info on the victims the murders remained emotionless. Had to think who someone was at the grande finalle.
-- --
I really enjoyed reading this, it kept me absorbed throughout.
The mystery plot is pretty standard for this genre and to be honest it didn't hold my attention. Victims were too nameless, reactions too muted to make me care or shiver. I'm not sure the point of all the clues was even explained. In fact the show-down made me laugh, it got silly rather than dramatic, when the evil-villain shouted 'Stop right there' my reaction was to sing the answering Meatloaf lyrics. Which okay probably says more about my music tastes than the book. I could have done with some clarity on Liam's offical role, if he's advising or himself detecting. The murders though were interesting backdrop rather than the driving force of the story.
The emotion is all in the romantic entanglement which is twisty and interesting. Eight months does seem to be m/m-rom-world limit for bereavement though, what's with that? It's no time at all for a loss especially such a close one, that did itch at me. But the characters interested me. I enjoyed the tension between characters as they both danced around their feelings. Thompson making the effort to move on from his feelings and Liam starting to heal and to see him as a man. There's some deep emotion and I wanted to get to know these characters more.
My review keeps angling towards negative, but overall I enjoy this book and look forward to the next one to see more of these characters. Hopefully the psychic angle will be further explored, there's enough here for an interesting start to a the series. A little more effort into the mystery side of things and this one would have been an easy five stars.
BUT a big NIGGLE - Detective Thompson's first name. If you have the ebook search for it! Surprised no-one else has commented because seriously I did it on both kindles to be sure - he's named in the blurb as Kimball, but NOT ONCE in the book. Even during/after sex, even through declarations, he remains 'Thompson'. That is very odd.
April 9, 2018
2.5 stars
First things first, let’s mention something the blurb should have addressed: the book starts nine months after the death of Liam’s partner, William (by the way, Liam and William? Couldn’t the author think of a different name?), who was also a colleague and the best friend of the other MC, Thompson.
The blurb completely omits this and I’ve no idea why, since it gets mentioned on the first page and it soon appears clear that Liam is still stuck grieving William’s death.
Not only that, but Liam’s inability to move past his grief, and later his decision to finally face that grief and move on, is what sets in motion directly or indirectly every scrap of relationship development between him and Thompson.
Stranger still was the feeling that the book seems to start in the middle of things, with the investigation already a few weeks in and Liam constantly addressing how different Thompson seemed to be in the last few days, while the story had barely begun.
The investigation itself wasn’t bad, although there was some eye-rolling involved and I found the world building a little lacking.
For example, Liam gets introduced as a psychic consultant and some people are surprised, but nobody seems to find strange that he has visions and can read minds and that he gets taken seriously enough to consult with the police.
Are psychics common in this world and paranormal abilities officially recognized? It seems so, but why not throw in a more detailed explanation, then, instead of leaving the reader to guess? It wouldn’t have taken much, a couple of sentences at most.
I also have mixed feelings about the relationship between Liam and Thompson.
They acted a little childish at times and I’m not sure the author’s style is for me, many times the interactions between the characters and the dialogue’s progression felt slightly off and unnatural.
I was tempted to dnf more than once at the beginning, but in the second half it picked up a little and I felt compelled to keep reading.
Despite the many things that didn’t work for me, I still read the whole book in little more than a day, and a fairly busy day at that, so for now the rating gets rounded up just for entertainment value. I’ll see if I change my mind later and bring it down to 2 stars, but either way I don’t think I’ll pick the next book up.
First things first, let’s mention something the blurb should have addressed: the book starts nine months after the death of Liam’s partner, William (by the way, Liam and William? Couldn’t the author think of a different name?), who was also a colleague and the best friend of the other MC, Thompson.
The blurb completely omits this and I’ve no idea why, since it gets mentioned on the first page and it soon appears clear that Liam is still stuck grieving William’s death.
Not only that, but Liam’s inability to move past his grief, and later his decision to finally face that grief and move on, is what sets in motion directly or indirectly every scrap of relationship development between him and Thompson.
Stranger still was the feeling that the book seems to start in the middle of things, with the investigation already a few weeks in and Liam constantly addressing how different Thompson seemed to be in the last few days, while the story had barely begun.
The investigation itself wasn’t bad, although there was some eye-rolling involved and I found the world building a little lacking.
For example, Liam gets introduced as a psychic consultant and some people are surprised, but nobody seems to find strange that he has visions and can read minds and that he gets taken seriously enough to consult with the police.
Are psychics common in this world and paranormal abilities officially recognized? It seems so, but why not throw in a more detailed explanation, then, instead of leaving the reader to guess? It wouldn’t have taken much, a couple of sentences at most.
I also have mixed feelings about the relationship between Liam and Thompson.
They acted a little childish at times and I’m not sure the author’s style is for me, many times the interactions between the characters and the dialogue’s progression felt slightly off and unnatural.
I was tempted to dnf more than once at the beginning, but in the second half it picked up a little and I felt compelled to keep reading.
Despite the many things that didn’t work for me, I still read the whole book in little more than a day, and a fairly busy day at that, so for now the rating gets rounded up just for entertainment value. I’ll see if I change my mind later and bring it down to 2 stars, but either way I don’t think I’ll pick the next book up.
Want to read
March 29, 2018Price drop to $0.99 right now at Amazon US, 3/29/18
Read
March 20, 2018I woke up this morning with Liam and Thompson on my mind. If that doesn't tell you how I felt about this book before you read another word of my review... know that.
What do you get when you take a grieving psychic who the dead talk to and one gruff police detective who has unrequited feelings for said psychic and have them work a case that could cost them their lives? You get one hell of a romantic mystery that I adored.
Nine months ago, Liam Baker lost the love of his life William and in that time, he’s not been the same. Liam has tried to take his life and if it weren’t for William’s friend, Detective Kimball Thompson there to save and take care of Liam, Liam wouldn’t be living at all. Literally.
I liked that Liam and Thompson have a shared history before the story begins. I didn’t need to see them meet or have their first awkward moments, I liked them being comfortable as work partners and as friends given the circumstances. As the story is told through Liam’s POV, we get how he sees his life and how he sees Thompson, a bit confusing but also the rock that grounds him when he’d rather fly away from the pain of losing William.
I dug Liam and his psychic ability. I’ve always liked books, movies or TV shows that use a psychic to aid law enforcement to find killers and this is just another I have added to the my list. I have to say, I dug that it took place in California and maybe close to where I am. Giving distance with time instead of miles is such a California thing to do and the mention of the desert so close to Los Angeles has me doing my own distance calculations.
I loved Thompson. OMG he was amazing with how he took care of Liam and you felt how much he was in love with him from the first time Liam says Thompson rescued him after William died. I wanted nothing more than Thompson to be happy but the UST between these two was killing me. Goodness, yeah thank goodness for love triangles and men that make Liam wake up and take notice of what is right in front of him.
And yet I get Liam. There is no time stamp on grief and how long it takes one to get over losing a loved one. Though we never get details of how William died, one can deduct it was in the line of duty since Thompson is a cop and that's how he knew William. You don't need to know much about William in this story other than he brought Liam and Thompson together and how much they both feel his loss.
New to me narrator Kale Williams did an amazing job bringing the story to life. Each character was distinctive even down to the odd accent that had my weird brain thinking of an Eddie Izzard skit about a voice box being stuck on demonstration. Williams gave the story the intensity, intimacy and mystery it needed to fly off the page and straight to my ears making my day at work doing a boring report so very worth it.
I love UST and it was given in major doses in this. Yeah. The tension and heat coming off of Thompson was stunning and once Liam opens his eyes, he got all petty and jealous which was so much fun to see.
The mystery of the serial killer with the clues left and then the twist that comes about was done well. It amped the story up another level and kept me on my toes. The killer was cryptic with his messages and while it was awful to see the murders or the murdered showing Liam what they wanted him to see, it was necessary. I only have two minor things that made me pause while reading. One was the reasoning of the murders. It was weird since none of the clues alluded to the pagan holiday but again, small niggle that didn't take away from the story at all. The other was Thompson’s name. I get law enforcement and military use last names or even shortened last names instead of someone’s given name. My father was named William but called Robbie because his last name was Robertson. But… Thompson never becomes Kimball even after the men are intimate. I guess I was waiting for that moment, for Liam to drop the formality and use Thompson’s name. But again, nothing that took away from the story, just something my brain latched on to.
I am so happy that this is a series and that book two is already out. Though I listened to this one, I am not sure I can wait for the audio to get more of Liam and Thompson.
What do you get when you take a grieving psychic who the dead talk to and one gruff police detective who has unrequited feelings for said psychic and have them work a case that could cost them their lives? You get one hell of a romantic mystery that I adored.
Nine months ago, Liam Baker lost the love of his life William and in that time, he’s not been the same. Liam has tried to take his life and if it weren’t for William’s friend, Detective Kimball Thompson there to save and take care of Liam, Liam wouldn’t be living at all. Literally.
I liked that Liam and Thompson have a shared history before the story begins. I didn’t need to see them meet or have their first awkward moments, I liked them being comfortable as work partners and as friends given the circumstances. As the story is told through Liam’s POV, we get how he sees his life and how he sees Thompson, a bit confusing but also the rock that grounds him when he’d rather fly away from the pain of losing William.
I dug Liam and his psychic ability. I’ve always liked books, movies or TV shows that use a psychic to aid law enforcement to find killers and this is just another I have added to the my list. I have to say, I dug that it took place in California and maybe close to where I am. Giving distance with time instead of miles is such a California thing to do and the mention of the desert so close to Los Angeles has me doing my own distance calculations.
Perhaps good things really did come in packages you'd never expect. Maybe sometimes, those packages were steadfast rumpled men with orange auras so bright they hurt your eyes.
I loved Thompson. OMG he was amazing with how he took care of Liam and you felt how much he was in love with him from the first time Liam says Thompson rescued him after William died. I wanted nothing more than Thompson to be happy but the UST between these two was killing me. Goodness, yeah thank goodness for love triangles and men that make Liam wake up and take notice of what is right in front of him.
And yet I get Liam. There is no time stamp on grief and how long it takes one to get over losing a loved one. Though we never get details of how William died, one can deduct it was in the line of duty since Thompson is a cop and that's how he knew William. You don't need to know much about William in this story other than he brought Liam and Thompson together and how much they both feel his loss.
New to me narrator Kale Williams did an amazing job bringing the story to life. Each character was distinctive even down to the odd accent that had my weird brain thinking of an Eddie Izzard skit about a voice box being stuck on demonstration. Williams gave the story the intensity, intimacy and mystery it needed to fly off the page and straight to my ears making my day at work doing a boring report so very worth it.
I love UST and it was given in major doses in this. Yeah. The tension and heat coming off of Thompson was stunning and once Liam opens his eyes, he got all petty and jealous which was so much fun to see.
The mystery of the serial killer with the clues left and then the twist that comes about was done well. It amped the story up another level and kept me on my toes. The killer was cryptic with his messages and while it was awful to see the murders or the murdered showing Liam what they wanted him to see, it was necessary. I only have two minor things that made me pause while reading. One was the reasoning of the murders. It was weird since none of the clues alluded to the pagan holiday but again, small niggle that didn't take away from the story at all. The other was Thompson’s name. I get law enforcement and military use last names or even shortened last names instead of someone’s given name. My father was named William but called Robbie because his last name was Robertson. But… Thompson never becomes Kimball even after the men are intimate. I guess I was waiting for that moment, for Liam to drop the formality and use Thompson’s name. But again, nothing that took away from the story, just something my brain latched on to.
I am so happy that this is a series and that book two is already out. Though I listened to this one, I am not sure I can wait for the audio to get more of Liam and Thompson.
January 14, 2020
Told from Liam's point-of-view, I enjoyed the way S.C. Wynne slowly reveals his backstory. It's very well done. Shadow's Edge is really more about Liam recovering from the loss of his partner, and the development of his relationship with Thompson. There's a nice mystery as well, and Liam's psychic abilities are pretty cool - I hope we learn more about them in the next episode of the series. I'm looking forward to hearing Kale Williams perform Shadow's Return.
an audiobook copy was provided for the purpose of my honest review
an audiobook copy was provided for the purpose of my honest review
May 6, 2018
This was an awkward blending of police work and romance. The non-psychic part of the investigation wasn’t very detailed or realistic. I’m not sure a lead detective on a serial murder case would take the time to go on a blind date. Likewise, the budding feelings between the MCs came off as a little silly in the face of what they were dealing with. It felt very high school. And naturally the finale relies on one of them doing something stupid. Crime/mystery books are my thing so this was a miss for me.
February 7, 2017
Review to come ...
I couldn't put this down, I was certainly fascinated, but the rating is what it is for a reason. I'll explain ...
*****
Really enjoying this so far and am super glad I decided to give it a try :-)!! May the book fulfill its awesome promise!
I couldn't put this down, I was certainly fascinated, but the rating is what it is for a reason. I'll explain ...
*****
Really enjoying this so far and am super glad I decided to give it a try :-)!! May the book fulfill its awesome promise!
July 14, 2021
One thing I have found about Wynne’s characters is that they are always sarcastic...very often damaged...but they always get their “happy ever after”, thus making for a better than just “good” story. I loved Liam and Thompson. Liam is a psychic, who is still grieving the loss of his lover, William...9 months ago. Thompson is a cop and partner with Liam as they track down the guy that has been killing young male prostitutes. Another “secret” romance. Thompson cares for Liam, but it a little slow to realize it. Good Heavens man...just tell him!!! The book was a little too short...why are these genres always “short??? In spite of that, the story was still great. The plot was fast-paced, with mystery...action....and yes there was romance. The ending was simply awesome! I am glad that there is a next book.
February 17, 2017
While I enjoyed the emotional tension between Liam and Detective Thompson, there were just too many questions without answers in my head.
As a mystery fan, these questions made me unsatisfied with the story as a whole. Even if I was totally LOVE the serial killer angle -- serial killer is my favorite theme in mystery/suspense!
On top of that, I felt like this story started way before chapter 1. Like there was a prequel to it somehow.
BUT, I might check out the next book if it still features Liam and Thompson. Who knows maybe it will be a better mystery?
As a mystery fan, these questions made me unsatisfied with the story as a whole. Even if I was totally LOVE the serial killer angle -- serial killer is my favorite theme in mystery/suspense!
On top of that, I felt like this story started way before chapter 1. Like there was a prequel to it somehow.
BUT, I might check out the next book if it still features Liam and Thompson. Who knows maybe it will be a better mystery?
March 29, 2023
Warning This review contains spoilers.
When I hear something like psychic detective my interest is piqued. This is a plotline I usually enjoy.
And truth be told the basic idea of this first novel in a series is promising.
It's the execution that I struggled with.
First I personally don't like to read love stories that have a dead ex as an emotional obstacle. And here it wasn't handled well. Liam's boyfriend Will has been dead for nine months when he hooks up with the boyfriends best friend who we learn has been in love with him even before Will died. It seemed in bad taste.
The characters don't seem consistent. Liam rebuffs all advances of Thompson to even build a more personal relationship outside work. Then he learns that Thompson is in love with him. Then Thompson gets laid and Liam is jealous. Then they fall in bed. Huh? Sorry, but .... huh? That sounds like the script of a really bad soap.
And finally I thought the writing wasn't exactly great. It was stilted and mechanical in places. Especially the love scene sounded not at all sexy to me but like a researcher descibes a coupling from a scientific viewpoint. On top of that we are told how everyone feels and not shown. The result was that I really couldn't feel that supposed love.
And still I have that last glimmer of hope that maybe this series could grow. Or maybe the author could grow. Either or ideally both. I really want a psychic detective series.
When I hear something like psychic detective my interest is piqued. This is a plotline I usually enjoy.
And truth be told the basic idea of this first novel in a series is promising.
It's the execution that I struggled with.
First I personally don't like to read love stories that have a dead ex as an emotional obstacle. And here it wasn't handled well. Liam's boyfriend Will has been dead for nine months when he hooks up with the boyfriends best friend who we learn has been in love with him even before Will died. It seemed in bad taste.
The characters don't seem consistent. Liam rebuffs all advances of Thompson to even build a more personal relationship outside work. Then he learns that Thompson is in love with him. Then Thompson gets laid and Liam is jealous. Then they fall in bed. Huh? Sorry, but .... huh? That sounds like the script of a really bad soap.
And finally I thought the writing wasn't exactly great. It was stilted and mechanical in places. Especially the love scene sounded not at all sexy to me but like a researcher descibes a coupling from a scientific viewpoint. On top of that we are told how everyone feels and not shown. The result was that I really couldn't feel that supposed love.
And still I have that last glimmer of hope that maybe this series could grow. Or maybe the author could grow. Either or ideally both. I really want a psychic detective series.
October 2, 2023
Yes, another psychic plot to add to my reading list. I was on the edge of my seat. Was suppose to be sorting through my library projects. Why when grief and murder surrounds this place. A state of being stuck. Left behind and seeing no way through. Except to solve cold cases and and new unexplained death. That the cops have no leads to follow.
March 25, 2018
Audiobook reviewI have a weakness for psychic stories, so I jumped at the chance to listen to this book, and I had a great time doing it.
Liam Baker was living day to day, still mourning the death of his lover not quite a year earlier. The only think keeping him sane was helping his friend and LA homicide detective Kimball Thompson solving murders and putting the guilty behind bars.
Thompson is running on empty. The latest murders are headscratchers to say the least, and with few, if any, leads to go on things are looking pretty grim to catch the killer before he strikes again. When he targets Liam, Thompson is racing against the clock to find the killer before it’s too late.
I wish this book was longer, but probably not for the reason that you first might think. It wasn't that I just loved it so much that I couldn't get enough, it's because I was left with this unfinished feeling, left with questions I still want answers to. Not in the form of a cliffhanger or anything, just explanations that never really came. I also felt like the past wasn’t explained either, we never really know what happened to William, but maybe that will have a more presence in the next book?
The mystery aspect was both interesting and a bit of a letdown. I loved the aspect of it, the number five and the pink feathers was great details, but I also wanted the mystery to have more of a presence. I wanted to feel the suspense, the horror of it all. I wanted to be there. As it was, it felt like a lot of stuff was glossed over, and never realized to its full potential.
Kale Williams did a wonderful job narrating this book, He kept me fully engaged throughout the book and made it a pleasure to listen to him. It was everything I want from a narrator – different voices for the different characters, but more importantly, Williams narrated with feeling. There was no monotone narration of the words near this book, and I for none will keep a lookout for more of his narrations in the future.
Shadow's Edge was a promising start to a new series and it kept me interested enough that I will look for the next book in the series so see what other adventures these two might find.
Story: 👻 👻 👻
Narration: 👻 👻 👻 👻 ½
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
April 1, 2018
This was a great blend of cop thriller/mystery, some paranormal thrown in, and romance. I liked the whole conflict/plot of the serial killer and the mystery behind all of that, and I liked how Thompson and Liam worked together, along with figuring things out about each other at the same time.
When I first started reading I honestly felt like I had come into the story missing like a prequel or something, but I was able to catch on to what had happened to Liam in the past. His boyfriend, William, died (although I don't think we ever know how, right?) and Liam tried to kill himself from the grief. Thompson, who worked with William at the police department, saved Liam and has since been recruiting him to help on cases where Liam's psychic abilities would help.
Since this is all written in Liam's POV, we never really know Thompson's thoughts. We find out his feelings for Liam go much deeper than just friendship, but are never quite sure for how long he's had those feelings (although I imagine it was when William was still alive) and I wish we had gotten a bit more from Thompson, like chapters from his POV.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was fast-paced, but not too fast, and like I said, I enjoyed the blend romance mixed in with the main story. I'm glad that the next book is picking up with Liam and Thompson again - I always love sequels with the same couple so we can see how their relationship grows and develops.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I first started reading I honestly felt like I had come into the story missing like a prequel or something, but I was able to catch on to what had happened to Liam in the past. His boyfriend, William, died (although I don't think we ever know how, right?) and Liam tried to kill himself from the grief. Thompson, who worked with William at the police department, saved Liam and has since been recruiting him to help on cases where Liam's psychic abilities would help.
Since this is all written in Liam's POV, we never really know Thompson's thoughts. We find out his feelings for Liam go much deeper than just friendship, but are never quite sure for how long he's had those feelings (although I imagine it was when William was still alive) and I wish we had gotten a bit more from Thompson, like chapters from his POV.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was fast-paced, but not too fast, and like I said, I enjoyed the blend romance mixed in with the main story. I'm glad that the next book is picking up with Liam and Thompson again - I always love sequels with the same couple so we can see how their relationship grows and develops.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
3.5 stars
This was an interesting start to a paranormal crime series, with a nice balance of angst and romance. The pacing of the relationship was faster than I'm used to in series like this (usually they're very much slow burns), but I didn't feel like it was too quickly paced since the MCs already had a certain connection since before. There was also plenty of character growth to go through before they could get together, so it didn't feel like things were too easy for them. The crime part was okay but not the strongest; I liked the paranormal angle but feel like it could have done with some more tension during the investigation.
This was an interesting start to a paranormal crime series, with a nice balance of angst and romance. The pacing of the relationship was faster than I'm used to in series like this (usually they're very much slow burns), but I didn't feel like it was too quickly paced since the MCs already had a certain connection since before. There was also plenty of character growth to go through before they could get together, so it didn't feel like things were too easy for them. The crime part was okay but not the strongest; I liked the paranormal angle but feel like it could have done with some more tension during the investigation.
July 17, 2021
3.5 stars
Another good addition to the expansive list of cop/psychic mystery romance series. The psychic here, Liam, reminds me so much of the MC in Jordan Castillo Price's Psycop that I couldn't help comparing them every now and again. The writing, while lacking Ms Price's humor, makes up for it by better suspense and mystery (up until the final scene). Overall a better than average mystery read, but nothing to write home about.
Another good addition to the expansive list of cop/psychic mystery romance series. The psychic here, Liam, reminds me so much of the MC in Jordan Castillo Price's Psycop that I couldn't help comparing them every now and again. The writing, while lacking Ms Price's humor, makes up for it by better suspense and mystery (up until the final scene). Overall a better than average mystery read, but nothing to write home about.
April 1, 2025
This book had a weird dichotomy of being chill, while also being exciting. Like boiling water with a low flame. It's strange, but I really enjoyed it. The relationship between the Liam and Thompson was great, too.
2nd read: Still good.
2nd read: Still good.
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars - Liam is a psychic who is contacted by spirits who were murdered. After almost nine months, he is still grieving the death of his partner/lover, William. William and Thompson were detective partners, and while Thompson still mourns the loss, he is ready to move on. He has been enlisting the help of Liam, both as a means to help Liam move on, as well as to help solve the recent murders of an apparent serial killer. The victims contact Liam, or he is able to contact them at the scenes, but it is a small window of opportunity and understanding their messages and figuring out clues is a bit tricky.
This story is about the murders of the young gay men and Liam’s psychic abilities, but it is also about Thompson trying to get Liam to move on. Thompson has harbored feelings for Liam for quite some time, even back from when Liam was with William, but he eventually gives up hope where Liam is concerned and decides to move on. This is finally the spark that Liam needs to start living again and opens his eyes to the connection they have.
I took to Liam right away. We got to see glimpses of the man he was before William died, and it was clear to see his life was turned upside down by his passing. I don’t recall ever finding out what actually happened to William and while I guess it isn’t important, I kept thinking we would find out. But life goes on, and there was plenty of other stuff to grab my attention. Trying to figure out the mystery of the killer and what the clues meant was interesting, but again, I don’t recall if we ever found out the point of the pink feathers.
In the end, Liam and Thompson made a good team, and I liked them together. I loved learning about Liam’s abilities, how he was able to see or hear things differently at different times, flashes of things that happened that he only got one shot at seeing before they vanished, etc. This was a fairly quick read that kept my attention to the end. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this series and am interested to see what case needs solving next.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
April 3, 2019
“You’re a confusing man, Liam.”
“I’m not trying to be.”
“I know,” - Kimball Thompson & Liam Baker
Liam Baker is a psychic, he can speak to dead people and has some horrifying dreams. He's a bit damaged, from a broken home and his morning his dead boyfriend William. Kimball Thompson is always referred to as Thompson. He's a rumbled cop with a caring attitude. William was his friend, they went through police training together. I came to realise that there is a bit of a role reversal in Shadow's Edge, the cop carries soft caring side wearing his heart on his sleeve more and the psychic is stoic. To me, this is a brilliant play. I really liked their dynamic and their characters.
Shadow's Edge feels much longer than its 155 pages. Not a bad way but in the way that you are living it. But at the same time at 155 pages you can read it in a few hours, I read Shadow's Edge in a single sitting. It's engaging. The plot is well paced with no needless violence and mystery to keep a reader well reading. Between the characters there is a will they won't they aspect that isn't overplayed. The ending is satisfying, questions are answered. I really recommend this if you enjoy M/M or paranormal.
My reading experience in a gif:
November 15, 2022
Took me fiiiiive long years, but I finally finished it! Woohoo! Don't know how many times I read the first page and gave up.
It was a pretty interesting read. I was kind of annoyed by the murderer's motives to kill. I was hoping it was something more out there, if it even makes sense.
I also really felt bad for poor Denny.
It was a pretty interesting read. I was kind of annoyed by the murderer's motives to kill. I was hoping it was something more out there, if it even makes sense.
I also really felt bad for poor Denny.
September 7, 2020
The Shadow's Edge is where the Light Begins!
Psychic warfare is different than normal battles and operations to achieve an objective. It is intended to control other people to your advantage while they are doing the same to their advantage. It is not a measure of good or bad situations. It is what is the final results of the fight.
Everyone gets hurt in different ways and the effects are much larger than expected. Threats that can be mentally carried out from a distance are much harder to fight or resist. Thoughts are as variable as shifting shadows and the dark hides both good and evil.
The power of evil men over young boys who try to do what they can to stay alive and resist the evil forced on them by their parents and classmates is overwhelming. The survival takes money and giving up control to others to get it to even have a chance for another day. A murderer can easily take their life with little to worry about unless he makes mistakes like taking on a psychic.
Psychic warfare is different than normal battles and operations to achieve an objective. It is intended to control other people to your advantage while they are doing the same to their advantage. It is not a measure of good or bad situations. It is what is the final results of the fight.
Everyone gets hurt in different ways and the effects are much larger than expected. Threats that can be mentally carried out from a distance are much harder to fight or resist. Thoughts are as variable as shifting shadows and the dark hides both good and evil.
The power of evil men over young boys who try to do what they can to stay alive and resist the evil forced on them by their parents and classmates is overwhelming. The survival takes money and giving up control to others to get it to even have a chance for another day. A murderer can easily take their life with little to worry about unless he makes mistakes like taking on a psychic.
August 30, 2017
I've been reading S.C. Wynne's books since her first release and she just keeps getting better and better. Shadow's Edge was a fun, thrilling ride, with well-developed characters, suspense, the mysterious, and mystery. I will avoid spoilers but what I can say is that I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last and it now ranks in the top tier of my ever-growing S.C. Wynne collection. I cannot wait to read her release in this series, as it is a natural for series fiction.
January 24, 2017
Feels a lot like painting by numbers to me, albeit well done. Sorry, this author's style just isn't my thing. After three tries I'm officially giving up now.
June 12, 2021
Kept me thoroughly entertained and I read this in just a few hours.
I liked the progression (for the most part - mostly Thompson's behavior at the end) and was very interested in Liam's ability. It seemed like the author was going somewhere with how worn down Liam was and its toll but then it didn't... Anyway, it seemed awful and I felt bad for him but at least he's able to put it to good use.
I will be reading the next. Really want to know more about this world.
I liked the progression (for the most part - mostly Thompson's behavior at the end) and was very interested in Liam's ability. It seemed like the author was going somewhere with how worn down Liam was and its toll but then it didn't... Anyway, it seemed awful and I felt bad for him but at least he's able to put it to good use.
I will be reading the next. Really want to know more about this world.
October 17, 2022
1.75 stars?? I feel like this needed a prologue or at least a part one, because it felt like I was missing so much. Also, there was so much lost opportunity for scenes that we could’ve had, so it contributed to everything feeling too surface level/shallow. In the beginning, I disliked Thompson and liked Liam, then I disliked Liam and liked Thompson, and by the end, I disliked them both.
April 9, 2018
~ 4.5 Stars ~
In the ongoing saga of Where Has This Book Been All My Life?, S.C. Wynne’s Shadow’s Edge takes its place among those rare little gems that remind me why I love to read.
Liam Baker has a talent, or a curse, depending upon which side of it you’re on. He can communicate with the dead, which proves helpful to the LAPD homicide division but doesn’t do much for Liam’s nerves on top of the fact that his own existence over the past nine months has been more one foot in the abyss than an active participation in living. Wynne draws readers into Liam’s life by allowing him to narrate this story in the first person, which is so effective in the result of this drawing an immediate emotional connection between us and the single most traumatic event of his life. Connecting with his pain allows us to build on that investment in a way that makes rooting for some sort of happiness to fall into his orbit part of the engagement in the story
Homicide detective Kimball Thompson has known Liam for a while, but their working relationship is a recent development precipitated by a string of murders with similarities that include puzzling clues left at the crime scenes. Someone is killing street kids, but, more specifically, he’s killing the boys who trade sex for cash, which seems to be the only common connection apart from the items left on or near their bodies. Wynne does a fantastic job of meting out the details of the crimes without giving away everything all at once, including the way Liam’s abilities help but are also hampered by this investigation in a metaphysical way, and I loved trying to piece together the clues along with Liam and Thompson. The best aspect of the procedural is it develops in a way that just as they were figuring out what it all meant, so did I, and those participation points I allowed myself made the reading all the more satisfying.
The gradual and natural evolution of Liam and Thompson’s relationship happens amidst a confusion of feelings for Liam and translates into his nearly losing his one shot at reengaging in his life again. Simply put, Thompson was on the verge of giving up on ever getting closer to Liam, of drawing him back from that abyss and making him see that having a future didn’t mean losing all that mattered to him in the past, and I liked that the tension was drawn out without it eclipsing the fact that there was still a serial killer on the loose.
In a scant 169 pages, S.C. Wynne tells an outstanding story with a proficient economy. The investigation could have been drawn out, the tension between Liam and Thompson could have been exaggerated and left to flounder along interminably, but none of that was necessary to tell an effective story. Once Liam and Thompson put the meaning of the clues together, things wrapped up quickly with a thrilling brush with the killer that exposed his pathology and psychopathy in a delicious way.
Suspenseful on both the investigative and romantic fronts, Shadow’s Edge is one of the finest books I’ve read so far this year.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
In the ongoing saga of Where Has This Book Been All My Life?, S.C. Wynne’s Shadow’s Edge takes its place among those rare little gems that remind me why I love to read.
Liam Baker has a talent, or a curse, depending upon which side of it you’re on. He can communicate with the dead, which proves helpful to the LAPD homicide division but doesn’t do much for Liam’s nerves on top of the fact that his own existence over the past nine months has been more one foot in the abyss than an active participation in living. Wynne draws readers into Liam’s life by allowing him to narrate this story in the first person, which is so effective in the result of this drawing an immediate emotional connection between us and the single most traumatic event of his life. Connecting with his pain allows us to build on that investment in a way that makes rooting for some sort of happiness to fall into his orbit part of the engagement in the story
Homicide detective Kimball Thompson has known Liam for a while, but their working relationship is a recent development precipitated by a string of murders with similarities that include puzzling clues left at the crime scenes. Someone is killing street kids, but, more specifically, he’s killing the boys who trade sex for cash, which seems to be the only common connection apart from the items left on or near their bodies. Wynne does a fantastic job of meting out the details of the crimes without giving away everything all at once, including the way Liam’s abilities help but are also hampered by this investigation in a metaphysical way, and I loved trying to piece together the clues along with Liam and Thompson. The best aspect of the procedural is it develops in a way that just as they were figuring out what it all meant, so did I, and those participation points I allowed myself made the reading all the more satisfying.
The gradual and natural evolution of Liam and Thompson’s relationship happens amidst a confusion of feelings for Liam and translates into his nearly losing his one shot at reengaging in his life again. Simply put, Thompson was on the verge of giving up on ever getting closer to Liam, of drawing him back from that abyss and making him see that having a future didn’t mean losing all that mattered to him in the past, and I liked that the tension was drawn out without it eclipsing the fact that there was still a serial killer on the loose.
In a scant 169 pages, S.C. Wynne tells an outstanding story with a proficient economy. The investigation could have been drawn out, the tension between Liam and Thompson could have been exaggerated and left to flounder along interminably, but none of that was necessary to tell an effective story. Once Liam and Thompson put the meaning of the clues together, things wrapped up quickly with a thrilling brush with the killer that exposed his pathology and psychopathy in a delicious way.
Suspenseful on both the investigative and romantic fronts, Shadow’s Edge is one of the finest books I’ve read so far this year.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
April 8, 2017
** spoiler alert ** VERY raw notes, may contain spoilers but probably nothing major. I write my reviews on my smart phone so autocorrect sometimes does interesting things. You've been warned.
January 21, 2017
This book was just Wow.
I read it in one night. I couldn't put it down and stayed up way past my bedtime and then had some nightmares from it. What more can you ask for?
I could feel the love Thompson felt for Liam and I could feel for what Liam was going through. It is hard to move on sometimes..
There were times I just wanted to cry, smack, and just laugh.
I can't wait for the next book and curious to know what that is about
I read it in one night. I couldn't put it down and stayed up way past my bedtime and then had some nightmares from it. What more can you ask for?
I could feel the love Thompson felt for Liam and I could feel for what Liam was going through. It is hard to move on sometimes..
There were times I just wanted to cry, smack, and just laugh.
I can't wait for the next book and curious to know what that is about
June 22, 2017
Really Nice Read
I love a good ghost mystery. Nothing obvious to me in this read, so watching the plot unravel was thrilling. There's a little romance, yes, but nothing heavy on the sexual side. Just an all-around good storyline.
I love a good ghost mystery. Nothing obvious to me in this read, so watching the plot unravel was thrilling. There's a little romance, yes, but nothing heavy on the sexual side. Just an all-around good storyline.
July 26, 2017
Cops and psychics, one of my favorite pairings and this didn't disappoint. I can't wait to read more!
March 30, 2019
So Liam is a psychic & Thompson is a homicide detective. They solve murders, obviously. I got early vibes of previous series with similar set-ups but this was original and well done although I'm not entirely sure I understand how Liam's abilities work.
So anyway, this is like a double mystery:
1. Who is the murderer?
2. How long will it take Liam to get a fucking clue?
Mystery #2 was my favorite. Although it was 1st person/ Liam's POV, the author did a really good job of making it clear that Thompson was in love with Liam while Liam was totally clueless to this at first. It took a psychic vision and that age-old motivator JEALOUSY to shake Liam out of his grief fog. [Liam's former lover William died but we aren't told how (or did I miss it?). Hopefully that will be answered in the next book bc I want to know, dammit.] I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry and the build up between these two and when they finally acted on their feelings, it did not disappoint.
The murder mystery was background noise for me, but interesting enough, though the resolution seemed a little too neat & easy considering they were at a whole loss when the book began. I wonder if that is because of the short-ish length? But for 4-1/2 hour book, this was definitely an entertaining and complete story with a satisfying HFN.
Narrator Kale Williams hasn't been a favorite of mine tbh. I've dnf'ed audiobooks by him before because I thought his voice was monotonous and I found it hard to stay engaged with the story. However, either he's better here or my tastes have changed because I really enjoyed his narration here. Which is great news for me because now I can take a second look at all those Kale-narrated audiobooks I skipped over.
Now that I'm done rambling, I'm gonna start book 2.
So anyway, this is like a double mystery:
1. Who is the murderer?
2. How long will it take Liam to get a fucking clue?
Mystery #2 was my favorite. Although it was 1st person/ Liam's POV, the author did a really good job of making it clear that Thompson was in love with Liam while Liam was totally clueless to this at first. It took a psychic vision and that age-old motivator JEALOUSY to shake Liam out of his grief fog. [Liam's former lover William died but we aren't told how (or did I miss it?). Hopefully that will be answered in the next book bc I want to know, dammit.] I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry and the build up between these two and when they finally acted on their feelings, it did not disappoint.
The murder mystery was background noise for me, but interesting enough, though the resolution seemed a little too neat & easy considering they were at a whole loss when the book began. I wonder if that is because of the short-ish length? But for 4-1/2 hour book, this was definitely an entertaining and complete story with a satisfying HFN.
Narrator Kale Williams hasn't been a favorite of mine tbh. I've dnf'ed audiobooks by him before because I thought his voice was monotonous and I found it hard to stay engaged with the story. However, either he's better here or my tastes have changed because I really enjoyed his narration here. Which is great news for me because now I can take a second look at all those Kale-narrated audiobooks I skipped over.
Now that I'm done rambling, I'm gonna start book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews