Shadow's Return, by S.C. Wynne

[Ulysses]

Shadow’s Return (Psychic Detective Mysteries, 2)
By S.C. Wynne
Published by the author, 2018
Four stars

S.C. Wynne’s Liam Baker is a fascinating character. Vulnerable and smart, his psychic abilities allow him to speak to the spirits of murder victims—but that doesn’t mean they’re particularly helpful.

Working with homicide detective Kimball Thompson, known only as Thompson throughout this book, Liam begins to see a disturbing pattern in a series of murders. Gradually he and Thompson come to the realization that their worst nightmare is true.

The killing is somewhat less gruesome in this book; but the mysterious nature of the murders makes the story gripping, as does Wynne’s skill as a writer. There is a slow, creeping chill to this narrative, as Wynne builds the story and gradually reveals his punchline. It’s enough to raise goosebumps, for sure.

The evolving relationship between Liam and Thompson is at the center of the story, without in any way detracting from it. For all his gift at reading people and talking to ghosts, Liam can’t usually read the man he has grown to love. Both men realize that they have to learn to communicate the normal way. By talking. Even when he’s not confronting the confusing and angry ghosts who are part of his gift, Liam has other kinds of demons to cope with. Thompson is right there to help him.

I am pretty well hooked on this series, for all its low-key emotions.