Shadow Falls by Wendy Dranfield

Nov 28, 2020 Natalia R rated it really liked it

This is the first installment in Wendy Dranfield's Detective Madison Harper series. I enjoyed this book. It was a solid detective story, with plenty of twists and turns. Props to the author for creating such unique backstories for the main characters. Madison is a former police officer who was framed for a crime she didn't commit. After serving a few years in prison, she is finally out and is determined to find out who framed her. She tracks down Nate, a private investigator who was also framed ...more

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Jan 24, 2021 Lou rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shadow Falls, previously known as Find My Child, is the first instalment in the Detective Madison Harper series, set in Northern California. It's 2019 and in Malibu, California, ex-police officer Madison Harper is staying at a dive motel which is serving as a halfway house for those just released from prison; she's been there seven months after serving six years of a ten-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter. A recently released convicted cop murderer who was doing time in her hometown of Col Shadow Falls, previously known as Find My Child, is the first instalment in the Detective Madison Harper series, set in Northern California. It's 2019 and in Malibu, California, ex-police officer Madison Harper is staying at a dive motel which is serving as a halfway house for those just released from prison; she's been there seven months after serving six years of a ten-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter. A recently released convicted cop murderer who was doing time in her hometown of Colorado, Madison is just managing to scrape enough money together to survive working at Big Bob's Diner. Nathaniel "Nate" Monroe has been out of prison for two years now after spending seventeen years on death row for the murder of his fiancée Stacey Connor in Austin, Texas, after new evidence came to light which exonerated him; he believes the town’s parish priest and Stacey's Uncle, Father Jack Connor killed her. He's currently trying to get back on his feet staying at the Majestic Hotel near Zuma Beach and has received compensation for his wrongful conviction. Both Madison and Nate share a common objective: to discover and prove who framed them and why as both are innocent of the crimes they were sent down for and Madison is desperate to clear her name and get her conviction overturned. Nate is an unlicensed private investigator (PI) and Madison decides to call him for help after reading about his case in the newspaper.

They meet at the Mango Bar where Madison tells him she believes her framing was an inside job. Initially, Nate has reservations about taking her case and when she begs him for a job he isn't sure. Eventually, he concedes and agrees to look into her case involving bent coppers in return for her help in any new cases that come in. Trusted associate and ex-convict Rex Hartley is responsible for putting plenty of business his way and he soon brings him a new case; twelve year old Jennifer Lucas has been missing for a fortnight after attending Camp Fearless, a summer camp in Shadow Falls situated in the Wildwood National Forest. Can they find the missing girl and bring her home as well as chasing the truth about both of their cases?; cases that stole a big part of their lives. This is a compulsive and intriguing procedural with two incredibly charismatic central characters whose backstories make up the majority of the book. It's fascinating going through step by step trying to find the evidence to prove who and why both Nate and Madison were callously framed. It's well plotted with lots of action and some startlingly good twists. It's difficult to shock me but I definitely was thrown and blindsided throughout the story. It's compelling and gripping and the reveals at the end really gave the book extra pizazz. Highly recommended. ...more

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Nov 29, 2020 Sherri Thacker rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-books-that-i-loved, netgalley-books

Happy to see this is a first in its series by this author and she’s already working on book #2. Fast paced, action packed from the very page! Really enjoyed it and looking forward to more with Nate and Madison. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

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Nov 21, 2020 Barbara Schultz rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, great-cover, love-this-author, page-turner, thriller-psychological, netgalley, ng-2020-challenge

5 Stars and I give very few perfect 5 star ratings!
Madison is a former police officer and private investigator. Nate Monroe is now a PI. Both have something in common in that they both were framed for crimes they didn’t commit and sent to prison. After 17 years, Nate was found innocent as there was no proof that he killed his finance. Story is mostly present day but does go back to the time Nate was in prison. Additional we learn more about Madison’s situation.
Madison believe Nate can help her ...more

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Jan 27, 2021 Shalini rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A young girl Jennifer missing from the camp and a Detective determined to find her, despite meeting with roadblocks in the form of non-cooperative people. Having read many of author Wendy Dranfield books, I knew I would get some fun reading down.

The cop, Detective Madison was most unusual. She had spent years in prison, being falsely accused, and her partner, in this case, was PI Nate, another person who had seen how unjust charges could warp you. It just took him seventeen years to get his free ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Renita D'Silva rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow Wow Wow! Thrilling from start to finish. An outstanding read. I am so glad this is the first of a series as I was bereft when the book finished. It so completely transported me. If you don't read this one you are missing out! ...more

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Feb 19, 2021 Zoé-lee O'farrell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021-book-contender, read-in-2021

OMG Wendy what have you done to me. This was dark and twisty and just something else!! Frigging hell my mind and emotions are all over the place. What a powerhouse start to a new series. I need to catch my breath!!

Wendy is one of my favourite authors and I don’t even need to read the blurb. She knows I am the biggest fan of Dean in her other series, well a close first behind her of course. But I think that I will be clawing my way to the top with this series. Nate and Madison are an entirely new OMG Wendy what have you done to me. This was dark and twisty and just something else!! Frigging hell my mind and emotions are all over the place. What a powerhouse start to a new series. I need to catch my breath!!

Wendy is one of my favourite authors and I don’t even need to read the blurb. She knows I am the biggest fan of Dean in her other series, well a close first behind her of course. But I think that I will be clawing my way to the top with this series. Nate and Madison are an entirely new ball game.

Nate, sentenced to death row but got released after 17 years. But with one woman dead and another missing how long until his past catches up to him.

We then have Madison, who was a Detective but framed for a murder she didn’t commit. She lost her son and ex-girlfriend and she is out seeking the truth. Although, I think that we might get some answers in the next book.

These explosive characters are so flawed. Flawed in a way that I am enamoured with them but also slightly wary of the darkness that is within them. Nate has a dark side that I reckon we will see one day and that day all hell will rain down.

Back to the story, it has left me speechless. Boy, I didn’t expect it. It was such a terrifying look at what could go wrong. Past, present are intertwined. Nates past to being incarcerated, the case of the missing girl at Camp Fearless and a psychiatrist reading an unknown diary. A woman is struggling big time.

What I love is that this book focuses on one case, one disappearance. Just one. There is no senseless murder spree, we have a missing girl and we need to find her because things are dire. I mean they really were. Of course, we have our red herrings and I still liked one of them for it. However, when you learn the truth, I felt cold inside, I felt my eyes well up at the complete misjustice of it all. No one should have to suffer like this. It was dark and harrowing and it had me flicking the pages on the kindle so quickly as I needed to know how it would all end.

The dynamic of Nate and Madison is fascinating to watch. One who has had his faith rocked, his world is about to combust but he is still there trying to do what is right. The other, not use to being on the wrong side of the law, struggling to find her place as she struggles with whom to trust. From the opening pages, I was hooked as I craved to learn more about what makes them tick. What happened in this case and in their past and where they would go from here.

The short answer well its a dark and shadowy path, one I think both might miss the line completely, you know that one you should never cross.

As I said I am a huge fan of Wendy’s and I have always loved her writing. It is easy to lose yourself in, it’s conversational and it’s inclusive. We can see the scene through the other characters, we see what they see when they see it and sometimes being blinkered we are missing what was right in front of us!!!

It was shocking and riveting and nothing less than pure adrenaline and excitement. Not sure how I will cope with book 2!!! ...more

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Feb 03, 2021 Jazz Webb rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shadow falls is centred around the disappearance of Jennifer Lucas, who goes missing from a summer camp. Her grandmother hires PI Nate Monroe to help find her as after a fortnight the small towns local police force haven't come up with any creditable leads . Nate finds himself with a partner to help him as ex detective Madison Harper needs his help and offers to work for him to pay her fees. The disappearance of Jenny gets stranger as each day passes and both Nate and Maidson suspect there is mo Shadow falls is centred around the disappearance of Jennifer Lucas, who goes missing from a summer camp. Her grandmother hires PI Nate Monroe to help find her as after a fortnight the small towns local police force haven't come up with any creditable leads . Nate finds himself with a partner to help him as ex detective Madison Harper needs his help and offers to work for him to pay her fees. The disappearance of Jenny gets stranger as each day passes and both Nate and Maidson suspect there is more to this than a simple missing child.

This is my first time reading wendy Dranfield and it won't be the last I am completely hooked by this series already and this is only book one. The excitement of hearing book two will follow shortly is unbearable I want to read it now. This crime thriller is written extremely well, we have several different points of view regarding Jenny's disappearance but they are structured in a way that reads extremely well. We also have a side story running parallel of someones therapist.

I know the series is called the detective Maiden Harper series, but for me PI Nate stole the show. I found his character so down to earth and a little comical at times I could picture him perfectly. Plus his side story with the dog Brody is so adorable it shouldn't be allowed. Nate is a troubled man after spending 17 years on death row for being wrongfully sentenced for murdering his girlfriend. He is now obsessed with solving other peoples problems whilst making sure to keep his agenda of complete redemption. I am excited to see where his story goes and I can feel its going to be a few more books until I find out.

Maidsln says she was set up for the murder of her partner and she unlike Nate, who knows the killer , appears to have suspicions which we aren't privy to. There is something slightly untrustworthy about Maidsln but that doesn't make her any less likeable. She clearly has her own agenda as well I just don't know why she is using Nate to complete it, book two may point us in the right direction.

The fact this is a crime mystery but we aren't with police rather private investigators I think is genius. Crime books can get a bit clinical where as this book doesn't have to follow the same structure. I liked that even though we aren't reading about police we still get to know part of their investigation as we go along.

The story mystery itself is rather interesting. If you read a lot of this genre you may find yourself making outrageous guesses throughout the book and I guarantee you one of them will be correct. I honestly thought by the latter part of the novel that nothing I thought made sense. But it is tied together so neatly there's no room for confusion. There are several twist along the way and although I guessed two of them I still gasped at the last few chapters. It is remarkable how reading this novel I got so committed in the outcome. I flew through this book over several hours as I couldn't put it down.

Crime mystery is subjective and for me this was a home run. Not only will I be struggling to contain my excitement for the next in the series I think its time I read more of wendy Dranfield'w work. I think this type of book is everything I desire crime, mysterious and even a bit of thriller. Plus Brody the dog is about the best character pet I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Such great writing and amazing characters Esme being a favourite side character.

I would highly recommend this book it's a great way to get lost in a world that might be more messed up than ours at the moment. Both protagonist are great and I hope that PI Nate manages to stay on throughput this series. The book description isn't great and honestly I wouldn't of read this book from that alone, but trust me when I say do much has been missed there and its much better than the description give it credit for , happy to rate 5 stars especially after that last chapter what a great seaway, slightly predictable, to the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley the publishers and Wendy Dronfield fir the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest review. You may have earlier copies of shadow falls that is called find my child. ...more

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Dec 07, 2020 Janilyn Kocher rated it really liked it

I was a bit skeptical when I began this book. Both main characters are former felons, although wrongfully convicted. Both grew on me as the story developed. In fact, I liked their unorthodox approach as the law had failed both. Toward the end, my stomach twisted with all,the heinous revelations. Diabolical minds lurked in the shadows. My Favorite character is Brody, the dog. I liked him instantly. He is smart, concise, and patient for the humans to figure out what he already knows. I have to rea ...more

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Jan 26, 2021 Bridget rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: series, netgalley-arc, mystery, thrillers, peach-vanilla, crime

Shadow Falls is the first instalment in the Detective Madison Harper series set in Northern California. Ex-police officer Madison Harper is staying at a motel which is serving as a halfway house for those just released from prison. she's been there seven months after serving six years of a ten-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter.

A recently released convicted cop murderer who was previously doing time in her hometown of Colorado, Madison is just managing to make ends meet working at Big Shadow Falls is the first instalment in the Detective Madison Harper series set in Northern California. Ex-police officer Madison Harper is staying at a motel which is serving as a halfway house for those just released from prison. she's been there seven months after serving six years of a ten-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter.

A recently released convicted cop murderer who was previously doing time in her hometown of Colorado, Madison is just managing to make ends meet working at Big Bob's Diner. Nathaniel (Nate) Monroe is a PI who has been out of prison for two years following the murder of his fiancée Stacey Connor in Texas. New evidence came to light which exonerated him and he believes Stacey's uncle, Father Jack Connor killed her. He's currently trying to get back on his feet and is staying at a hotel near Madison. Both Madison and Nate need to find out who framed them as both are innocent of their crimes and Madison is desperate to get her conviction overturned. Madison decides to call Nate for help after reading about his situation. Nate is initially reluctant to take on Madison's case but agrees in return for her help with any new jobs he takes on.

Twelve-year old-Jennifer Lucas has gone missing from Camp Fearless, a summer camp in Shadow Falls situated in the Wildwood National Forest. Nate and Madison set out to learn the truth about their own cases as well as find the missing girl.

Shadow Falls is my first novel by Wendy Dranfield and I loved learning more about both of the charismatic main characters. An intriguing and compelling procedural, I found myself reading late into the night. With plenty of action, it was cleverly plotted and I was caught out by the misdirection on a few occasions. The author's gritty and razor-sharp style meant I was never bored and the final revelations gave the story a last-minute boost. I can't wait to read the second instalment, Cry for Help and in the meantime, I may well make a start on Wendy Dranfield's 'Dean Matheson' series. Very highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion. ...more

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Jan 28, 2021 Melanie’s reads rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What a terrific start to a new series, this introduces ex Detective Madison Harper and PI Nathaniel Monroe/Nate. Both are ex convicts and Nate was previously training to become a priest before being wrongly sent to death row for the murder of his fiancée, who he had chosen over priesthood.

Knowing they were both framed they are on a mission of revenge as they also pool their combined skills to solve the case of twelve year old Jenny who has disappeared while at summer camp. Three stories and thre ...more

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Nov 18, 2020 Anne Sophie J rated it it was amazing

‘Find My Child’ is the first book of the series about Detective Madison Harper and…. Wow, what an excellent start ! It was suspenseful, fast paced and absolutely thrilling to read.

In this story, we follow Madison and Nate, a former cop and and a private investigator, who go on a search of a missing girl, Jennifer. The plot seems basic at first but the complexity of both the characters and the investigation makes it unpredictable and brillant.

I LOVED IT, I think it’s beautifully written, from p ...more

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Jan 19, 2021 Joseph - Relax And Read Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

It's been a long time since I read a book set in the US, but the blurb of this book and the beautiful cover enticed me enough to give it a go. I'm now glad I did so as I really enjoyed this book.

Madison Harper is an ex-detective just released from prison. She had been framed by someone for a murder she didn't commit. Now that she's out with no place to live and no money she wants to find out who did this to her and she wants to clear her name. Someone stole six years of her life and has taken he It's been a long time since I read a book set in the US, but the blurb of this book and the beautiful cover enticed me enough to give it a go. I'm now glad I did so as I really enjoyed this book.

Madison Harper is an ex-detective just released from prison. She had been framed by someone for a murder she didn't commit. Now that she's out with no place to live and no money she wants to find out who did this to her and she wants to clear her name. Someone stole six years of her life and has taken her son away from her. In order to do this she approaches a private investigator, Nate Monroe, to help her in her quest. Like Madison, Nate is a damaged soul, an ex-convict who has spent seventeen years on death-row for the murder of his fiancee. But Nate is innocent, he was framed too for this murder but was eventually released after new evidence proved his innocence. He knows who's behind this and is determined to find the person responsible for destroying his once-happy life. So both Madison and Nate are on a mission.

At first Nate is reluctant to help Madison. He doesn't like bent-cops. But then hearing and believing her story, he agrees to take her on as his employee. She will help him with his investigations and at the same time he would look into her case.

Their first case together is that of a missing nine-year-old girl who has disappeared while on Summer camp in a remote area of Northern California. There are a couple of suspicious individuals at the camp, but with no evidence and no body it will be very difficult for Nate and Madison to find any clues. The local police does not appreciate their interference and is reluctant to help. It's as though they too have something to hide. One thing is sure, something fishy is going on at the mysterious camp. What happened to Jenny? Is she lost? Did she drown in the lake? Or has she been kidnapped? Is she still alive or buried in the surrounding woods? Will Nate and Madison find the truth?

Well this book brought together two very interesting characters, each dragging a heavy baggage behind. Both Nate and Madison have suffered enormously at the hands of unscrupulous individuals who have ruined their lives. I loved these characters and their determination to seek the truth. In this book we don't have just one main character as we usually have in crime stories but two. Even though Madison is mentioned on the cover, Nate carries equal weight in the plot.

It felt as though this was not just one book, but three in one. We have the main missing person story, and then both Nate's and Madison's back stories. The author sometimes switches from the main plot to either Nate's past in prison or Madison's earlier life. We also have some chapters from the pov of a psychologist. I couldn't understand this character's significance, but then towards the end everything made sense.

The plot is well-written, entertaining, fast-paced and at times tense. We have a number of unexpected twists and turns and red herrings that keep the reader on their toes. I found myself desperately wanting to find out what happened to Jenny. The author leaves us clueless till the unexpected ending. The book ends with a massive cliffhanger, making the reader want to go straight to book 2 - Cry for Help, which is exactly what I've done.

I enjoyed reading this book and have no qualms in recommending it. With thanks to Bookouture for an ARC copy of 'Shadow Falls' through Netgalley. ...more

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Jan 29, 2021 Caitlyn Lynch rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime, thriller, mystery

Nate Monroe and Madison Harper were both framed for crimes they didn’t commit. Madison served her time; Nate was exonerated, but both of them are still hungry for revenge and to bring to justice those who wronged them. Now they’ve teamed up as PIs, working together to find Jenny, a little girl who’s gone missing from her summer camp.

There’s an inbuilt conflict here as Madison is a former cop and Nate doesn’t trust cops (for good reason). Honestly, I thought Madison still having faith in the poli Nate Monroe and Madison Harper were both framed for crimes they didn’t commit. Madison served her time; Nate was exonerated, but both of them are still hungry for revenge and to bring to justice those who wronged them. Now they’ve teamed up as PIs, working together to find Jenny, a little girl who’s gone missing from her summer camp.

There’s an inbuilt conflict here as Madison is a former cop and Nate doesn’t trust cops (for good reason). Honestly, I thought Madison still having faith in the police when she knows she was probably framed by someone in her own department was naive, but her skills do come in very handy in their PI work, and it’s not long before Nate starts to see that. Nate’s own backstory as an almost-priest doesn’t really come into play much here - he could have gained someone’s trust by asking to pray with them, for example - but as this is obviously the first in the series, I’ll definitely be interested to see where it goes next.

Some chapters written from the point of view of a psychiatrist reading a patient’s journals are sprinkled throughout, and for a long time it seems that they don’t have any relevance to the case. It’s not until late in the book that it’s revealed the patient is a major player we’ve been reading about all along. Honestly, I think these could have been cut; they didn’t add anything significant to the story we didn’t find out elsewhere, and it was more satisfying to read about Madison and Nate uncovering the truth than the psychiatrist, who seemed more concerned about her own future career than anything else.

With that said, this is SUCH a good story. There are some genuinely fascinating twists and turns, I really liked both Madison and Nate and I’m fascinated to know more of both their backstories and hope they both find justice - and I hope Nate figures out how to handle Brody, the ex-cadaver dog he ‘accidentally’ acquired during the story properly!

Five stars for a really great read, and I’ll be looking out for the next in the series.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Renee rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Madison Harper is about to ask for help. A former cop, she was recently released from prison, after serving time for murder. She reaches out to Nate Monroe, an unlicensed private investigator, hoping that he will take her case. Madison claims she is innocent, and when Nate shows little interest in her plight, she manages to convince him to hire her. Nate doesn’t like cops, ex or otherwise, since he was sent to death row for a crime he didn’t commit. There is a lot to learn about Nate and Madison ...more

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Jan 23, 2021 Julie Lacey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is a brilliant start to a new series and it has so much potential due to Madison and Nate’s past experiences.
Both of them were wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit and now, both out of prison their paths cross and Madison asks Nate for his help.
Nate has set up a private investigation business and Madison persuades him to let her work for him as she’s an ex cop.
Their first case is that of a missing girl from summer camp. Her grandmother asks them to help find her as the Police ...more

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Feb 04, 2021 Stella rated it it was amazing

Amazing. Can't wait for the next one; Cry For Help. ...more

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Jan 26, 2021 Natalie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is the first book in a brand new series and it started off really well.

It was fast paced, full of twists and turns from the very first page!

The story flowed well and the characters were intriguing and cannot wait to read book 2!

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Feb 19, 2021 Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Ohmahgawd...

What a crazy, wild ride. I am not sure where to begin. But what a book. Interesting concept for main characters plus what a mystery. I can’t wait to see where this goes because man am I invested.

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Dec 03, 2020 Joanna Lambert rated it it was amazing

Shelves: psychological-thrillers

I've read quite a few psychological thrillers this year. Many promise the reader an 'unputdownable read' or an 'edge of your seat experience'. Some live up to those promises, some don't. Find My Child, Wendy Dranfield's debut for Bookouture delivers all of that and more. It is indeed an unputdownable read with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat from page one until ‘The End’. I've read her other three thrillers and really enjoyed them, but this book seems to have elevated her writing I've read quite a few psychological thrillers this year. Many promise the reader an 'unputdownable read' or an 'edge of your seat experience'. Some live up to those promises, some don't. Find My Child, Wendy Dranfield's debut for Bookouture delivers all of that and more. It is indeed an unputdownable read with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat from page one until ‘The End’. I've read her other three thrillers and really enjoyed them, but this book seems to have elevated her writing to another level.
Central characters Nate and Madison come with baggage. They’ve been in prison, both wrongly convicted. So, as well as their first case, to find a missing twelve year old, the need to prove their innocence is also an issue with both of them. Madison also needs to find her son who was taken into care when she was imprisoned. It’s an easy read and the characters are well developed. Nate was studying to be a priest when he was arrested and imprisoned for murder and Madison was a serving policewoman when she was incarcerated. New evidence has seen Nate released with massive financial compensation while Madison served her term and is all but broke. Wanting someone to help her clear her name and also find her son Owen, she approaches Nate. She also needs a job, and figures that with his similar background he might employ her to work for him. He already has his first case – to find a missing child - and she convinces him with her police background she could be useful. Nate eventually agrees.
In the beginning they tend to rub each other up the wrong way but each brings their own individual talents to the partnership and as the book progresses, they begin to settle down together. In their search for missing twelve-year-old Jennifer Lucas, there are false trails, shocks and surprises, all of which keep you on track, wanting to know what exactly did happen to her. It’s a brilliantly written story and I’m really looking forward to the second book which comes out in the new year. Oh, and as a postscript, if you loved Rocky in her Dean Matheson series I’m sure you will love Brody too.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of Find My Child in exchange for an honest review.

Well deserving of five big stars. ...more

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Feb 11, 2021 Samantha Rogers rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shadow Falls (Detective Madison Harper Book 1)
Due 1/25/21

You thought your little girl was safe at summer camp. You were wrong.
She drags her eyes open, realizing she’s starting to fade. Did she imagine the voices, or were they real? She tries calling out - “Daddy?” - using all her remaining strength. But she’s too late and her little voice just isn’t loud enough....

When Detective Madison Harper arrives at a remote summer camp in Shadow Falls, norther California, her heard breaks for Jenny, the s Shadow Falls (Detective Madison Harper Book 1)
Due 1/25/21

You thought your little girl was safe at summer camp. You were wrong.
She drags her eyes open, realizing she’s starting to fade. Did she imagine the voices, or were they real? She tries calling out - “Daddy?” - using all her remaining strength. But she’s too late and her little voice just isn’t loud enough....

When Detective Madison Harper arrives at a remote summer camp in Shadow Falls, norther California, her heard breaks for Jenny, the sweet little girl last seen splashing in the lake with her friends before she vanished. Peering into the silent cabins filled with rows of neatly made beds, Madison knows this idyllic place is hiding a terrible secret.
The girls parents are distraught, and the local police have no leads - they desperately need Madison’s help. She’ll do whatever it takes to crack this case, because it’s the only way back to the son she lost to the care system years ago when she was framed for a crime she didn’t commit.
But with the camp staff keeping tight-lipped and her new partner on edge of a breakdown, Madison can’t find any truth to her instinct that there is more to Jenny’s perfect parents than meets the eye. Until she discovers a disturbing family portrait Jenny drew at the local library. Was this angel girl more troubled than anybody knew? Was she in danger from those she trusted most?
One thing is certain, if Madison doesn’t find the answers soon, the lives of more innocent children will be at risk...

Thank you Bookouture & Netgalley for this ARC.

This is the first book in a new series. I really loved this book. This is one of my favorite genres. The story is about ex Detective Madison Harper and ex con Nate Monroe. Nate is working as a PI, and Madison finds him to help her uncover the truth about her past and a crime she didn’t commit. Nate is hired by Esme, to find her grand-daughter Jenny, who has gone missing from summer camp.
There were so many twists and turns that I needed to find out what happened, and never wanted to put this book down. The author did an amazing job of drawing the reader into the story and keeping them intrigued. I can’t wait to dive into the second book and continue reading about Nate and Madison’s story! ...more

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Jan 19, 2021 L.S. rated it it was amazing

My first psychological thriller of the year, and what a way to start. I must admit that it’s a bug-bear of mine whenever the book’s subtitle insists on calling the story unputdownable or absolutely gripping – because, all too often, that is not the case, for me, anyway – however, this is one book where such a claim is 100% valid.
That this is the first in the series is another reason to dive in, because the two main characters – Nate & Madison – have really interesting stories to tell, both havin My first psychological thriller of the year, and what a way to start. I must admit that it’s a bug-bear of mine whenever the book’s subtitle insists on calling the story unputdownable or absolutely gripping – because, all too often, that is not the case, for me, anyway – however, this is one book where such a claim is 100% valid.
That this is the first in the series is another reason to dive in, because the two main characters – Nate & Madison – have really interesting stories to tell, both having been imprisoned on murder charges and both keen to prove who set them up.

Shadow Falls sets the reader up for a fascinating ride if we’re to believe their own issues will be met head on in future books. But, back to the plot in question … Nate is hired by the grandmother of a missing 12-year-old girl, who feels police efforts to find her granddaughter have not been thorough enough. As a PI (without license), Nate is ready to investigate. His own experience of being wrongfully imprisoned has put justice centre stage in his life, and if he can also expose police corruption or negligence, then so much the better.

Madison, having served her time, is desperate to find out who set her up too, but she lacks the financial resources to start her own investigations. She persuades Nate that, as a former cop, she can help him with the investigation and asks that he then helps her out afterwards.

Both characters are wounded by their experiences and focusing on something else outside of their own lives helps them to function. At first, there is some awkwardness between them. Nate is way more sceptical of Madison’s cop-like methods, and her directness doesn’t sit well with him. As time goes on, though, they settle into their roles and complement each other.

In the pursuit of the missing girl, they head off to a summer camp where suspects seem to crop up all over the place. With the help of Brody, an ex-police dog, they start to eliminate options while finding more twists and turns that lead them temporarily off-track, until a series of mistakes by the girl’s abductor (now potentially her killer too) allows them to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Although, this is not without putting themselves in great danger first.

It’s a thrilling story that held my attention. An exciting plot with original main characters, whose own back stories will no doubt prove just as fascinating to follow in future books in the series. I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of Shadow Falls (previously titled Find My Child) in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Marsha Keeper Bookshelf rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-romance, keeper-bookshelf, netgalley, beginning-of-new-series, keeper-bookshelf-2021, series, owned, thriller, bookouture

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Shadow Falls begins the Detective Madison Harper series with a chilling story that will hold you tightly in its grip and not let go. If that Cover Description Blurb doesn’t grab your attention then I guarantee the book certainly will. I received an ARC of Shadow Falls and also purchased it this morning when it went live – so, yeah I was completely captivated by the stories of Madison, Nate, and Jenny.

There are stories within the main mystery/thriller story as we get M Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Shadow Falls begins the Detective Madison Harper series with a chilling story that will hold you tightly in its grip and not let go. If that Cover Description Blurb doesn’t grab your attention then I guarantee the book certainly will. I received an ARC of Shadow Falls and also purchased it this morning when it went live – so, yeah I was completely captivated by the stories of Madison, Nate, and Jenny.

There are stories within the main mystery/thriller story as we get Madison’s and Nate’s backstories as well. Both were falsely accused of crimes, both spent time in prison, and both are actively trying to find out why and who framed them years earlier. Now they’re working together as private investigators while still pursuing their own personal cases.

As with any of my Mystery reviews, I’ll not be giving you details – those you should discover firsthand for yourself. I can say that Shadow Falls is one intense, page-flipping story that will draw you in very easily.

Jenny’s disappearance is most parents’ nightmare, yet Madison (and we) get a different feel about Jenny’s mom and dad. There is far more beneath the surface and we will begin to build anticipation from the start. Shadow Falls gave me chills. And not the good kind but the kind that will have you looking over your shoulder and staring deeper into the shadows kind of chills. There are twists, turns, and definitely red herrings here… and that conclusion. Simply amazing, with the added feel of icy shivers up your spine.

The second story, Cry For Help, is out in February 2021 so we don’t have long before we can dive back into this world once again. If you love a really good mystery with twists that you will not see coming, then Shadow Falls is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Bookouture via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I own a Kindle edition of this title as well as an ARC. ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Kavita rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shadow Falls by Wendy Dranfield kept me guessing the story till the end. The author takes us through many possible suspects and gradually reveals the one. This story will stay with me for a long time.

Madison Harper is an ex cop who is out of prison and wants to restart her life by first finding the people who wrongly put her into prison. She joins Nathaniel Monroe, who is an excon on his own mission to find out his culprit. Both of them have similar pasts but they are so different. The case tha Shadow Falls by Wendy Dranfield kept me guessing the story till the end. The author takes us through many possible suspects and gradually reveals the one. This story will stay with me for a long time.

Madison Harper is an ex cop who is out of prison and wants to restart her life by first finding the people who wrongly put her into prison. She joins Nathaniel Monroe, who is an excon on his own mission to find out his culprit. Both of them have similar pasts but they are so different. The case that comes to them is of Jennifer who has been missing from the summer camp. Her grandmother Esme feels the cops are not doing enough and hires Nate to solve find her grandchild. Revealing anything beyond this much will not be fair to your journey through the story.

The story has three parallel story lines going on in different chapters and the author has been able to all these stories separate and yet merge them at the correct moment. The story also talks to us about the pasts of our leading characters and their stories goes in sync with the case of Jennifer. Its amazing how the author has combined so many themes and stories through this one and she at the end manages to show us the real culprit but also keeps us wanting more of Madison and Nate's story. The development of the working relationship between Madison and Nate, their personal traits and also their ability to understand each other, give space to each other and solve the case in a synchronized manner is really worth reading. I enjoyed the story from the start to the finish. In between I had started having doubts as to where the the story was going but then it all made sense in the end with a very big reveal.

If you love crime thrillers and want to start to read a series where you have very real, jaded by life characters who make it their mission to help others and themselves then this is the story for you.
I for sure am going to keep a look out for the next in the series because I have come to love Madison and Nate.

I thank the author, the publisher, Bookouture and Netgalley for approving my request to review the story and the opinions expressed are entirely mine. ...more

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Dec 27, 2020 Mackenzie RM rated it it was amazing

Shelves: e-arcs, series-first-book, 2020

5/5 stars!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

From the first few lines I was hooked and had trouble putting down this book. Find My Child is the story of former Detective Madison Harper and Private Investigator Nate Monroe, who team up together to investigate the case of a missing child from a summer camp in Shadow Falls, California on behalf of the grandmother. Everyone is keeping to themselves and not offering any information, even the local police. As information gets uncovered and secrets revealed, this case ...more

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Dec 07, 2020 Elaine Tomasso rated it liked it

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Find My Child, the first novel to feature former police detective turned PI Madison Harper.

Madison teams up with Nate Monroe to work the disappearance of teenager Jennifer Lucas from a summer camp in Northern California at the behest of her grandmother, Esme Lucas. Her parents aren’t so keen and as Madison investigates it becomes clear that they are keeping secrets.

I quite enjoyed Find My Child which is a well plotted and writ ...more

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Jan 31, 2021 Elaine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: authors-to-look-out-for, detective, series, 2021, adult, contemporary, favorites, netgalley, small-community, mystery

This is a story that stays with you long after you've read it . . . A page turner you won't want to put down until you've reached the shocking conclusion and so much is revealed but more questions are raised leaving you eagerly anticipating the opportunity to read the next story in this series to discover what happens.

I actually finished reading this the day before I started this review. I needed time to think about the story and my reactions to it, it is that sort of story. . . . and I'm still This is a story that stays with you long after you've read it . . . A page turner you won't want to put down until you've reached the shocking conclusion and so much is revealed but more questions are raised leaving you eagerly anticipating the opportunity to read the next story in this series to discover what happens.

I actually finished reading this the day before I started this review. I needed time to think about the story and my reactions to it, it is that sort of story. . . . and I'm still not certain how to portray just how amazing a read it is without giving spoilers away.

Detective Madison Harper is no longer a police detective. She's been released from jail after spending time there for a murder she did not commit, one that leaves her wary of trusting her ex-colleagues and determined to clear her name. Undaunted, she seeks the help of someone who has had his name cleared after spending seventeen years on death row for the murder of his fiancée. He's now working as an investigator, though he isn't licensed to do so. Madison wants his help to clear her name and will work with him on cases in the meanwhile.

Their first case is working for a grandmother who is distraught after her granddaughter goes missing whilst participating in a summer camp at Shadow Falls. . . . Get ready for a suspense filled, dramatic and emotive story, filled with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing and turning those pages. There are so many disturbing aspects to the whole story it really is a superb thriller and the start of a brilliant new series.

Whilst not appropriate for anyone looking for a cosy read, this is a story which explores relationships, highlights injustice and keeps you enthralled from the start to its shocking conclusion. I can't wait to continue reading more in this series and really hope that a couple of prison wardens get their just desserts before the series ends!

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this amazing book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. ...more

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Feb 08, 2021 Diana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I absolutely loved this book!

Madison Harper is down on her luck. Although the blurb refers to her as a detective, Madison is actually not one. She used to be one before going to jail. Now out of jail and having lost everything including her son and obviously her career, Madison struggles to make ends meet. She decides to offer assistance to a Private Investigator, Nate, in exchange for his help in finding out who was behind her imprisonment. If that is not interesting enough, Nate is also a form ...more

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Jan 24, 2021 Jen James rated it really liked it

Shadow Falls is the first book in a new series by Wendy Dranfield. Our two main characters, are Nate, who was wrongly imprisoned and put on death row for murder; and Madison who is an ex police officer who was framed for murder, and served her sentence. Their circumstances and situations are very different since their release.
Through the book we learn more of their back stories, and the details of the crimes they were accused. Their quest for their own justice, leads them to wanting to help oth ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Els rated it really liked it

I have read other books by this author and they were are great ones. I was very curious to meet her new main characters and find out what they would get on their plates.

First of all I have to mention that the protagonists have been through the wringer themselves. They are still fighting to get order in their private lives, but in the meantime they put those battles on the backburner to solve other people’s mysteries. Their minds are not always in the best of places, but they support each other t ...more

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