The Shadow Man by Mark Murphy

About the Author:

During Dr. Mark Murphy's residency days at the University of north Carolina in Chapel Hill, he treated a sitcom star, a televangelist, a politician, and even a serial killer. Using their stories as inspiration, he poured himself into his first novel, to critical acclaim.

In The Shadow Man Murphy draws on his own life experiences to shape main character Malcolm King: a regular guy with a loving daughter and a thriving career as a doctor. The result is an utterly believable, likeable family. But unlike Murphy's real life, Malcolm and his family undergo severe psychological duress when Malcolm becomes the target of a serial killer framing him for a rash of murders.

Yet Malcolm almost plays second fiddle in comparison to Murphy's other main character: a living, breathing setting of Savannah, Georgia. In fact, a well-known landmark serves as the novel's cover: an atomospheric, black and white shot of the Forsyth Park fountain at night.

Murphy's creative writing career began in 2004 with the publication of the short story "The Funeral" in a collection of works entitled "O! Georgia!" Shortly after, he attended the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, where his creative spark and passion for short stories was re-ignited. Two years ago, the Savannah Morning News brought him on as a regular family columnist, where he shares reflective thoughts and gentle observations on life and family each week.

Murphy's distinguished medical career started at the University of Georgia, where he earned a B.S. in Zoology before going on to the Medical College of Georgia to receive his M. D. with honors. He has since founded a medical practice and served on the boards of several prominent medical associations, including the Georgia Medical Association.

In addition to a burgeoning writing career, he continues to practice medicine as a gastroenterologist and serves on the board for the Savannah Book Festival, where he lives with his family.

Learn more about Mark Murphy at: www.mark-e-murphy.com

My Thoughts:

The Shadow Man kept me turning pages late into the evening! It started out with a grisly murder and ended with heart-stopping drama. Throughout the story I was constantly trying to figure out what was up with The Shadow Man. Why was he bent on ruining Malcolm and his family? It was a quite twisted and entertaining story. While I liked the character of Billy, I wasn't a fan of the way the author tried to weave in some Indian legend supernatural stuff through Billy and some birds, but I'll let you read it and be the judge rather than give away anything else. For the most part The Shadow Man kept me on the edge of my seat, the author very adeptly portrayed the evilness that was The Shadow Man.

Warning:

For the most part I review Christian novels on my blog. This is in NO WAY a Christian novel. There is violence, there is cursing(including the f-word), and evil is portrayed very prominently. The characters were portrayed true-to-life, Malcolm and his family were not dysfunctional, and evil does not have victory, and that is how I was able to read this book...besides the fact I love a good scare-the-pants-off-of-you read!

The Pawn by Steven James

The first book in The Patrick Bowers Thriller series did not disappoint at all! If you like stories about serial killers and murder mysteries then you definitely have to pick this book up.

Patrick Bowers is called in when several girls have been found dead, the work of a serial killer with a signature of a chess pawn left behind. Patrick's wife has recently passed away from breast cancer and his 17 year old step-daughter Tessa is staying with his parents while Pat tries to help find the killer.

"The Illusionist" is what this serial killer calls himself. He prides himself on being one step ahead of the law. Part of the thrill he gets from the kill is the game. He's not interested in sexually assaulting the women he kills. The pain that he inflicts on them before they die is what he is interested in. When Patrick joins the team to find him the game becomes even more interesting.

Feeling guilty about his relationship with Tessa, Patrick insists that the FBI bring her to him so that he can make things "right" with her. Unfortunately this puts Tessa right in the sights of The Illusionist.

There are so many twists and turns in this book that it kept me on the edge of my seat! From government cover-ups, to the happenings in Jonestown(Jim Jones and the People's Temple Cult), to The Illusionists background, each story is interwoven together to make for an exciting read. There are definitely some graphic death scenes that would probably make some people cringe so I would recommend this book for a more mature audience. Tessa's character really got on my nerves. I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her. I found she acted more like a 12 year old than a 17 year old. My daughter had to remind me that after all Tessa had lost her mother recently and never had a father so therefore she wouldn't act like a "normal" 17 year old, but I still found her character annoying. As dysfunctional as Tessa and Pat's relationship is though, I found myself cheering for them when they did connect. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see that relationship develop.

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

A serial killer is on the loose in Amaryllis and 3 women think they know who that killer is; the only problem is that each one thinks it is a different person. Five women have been killed by the person the papers have named “The Closet Killer.” There is no motive for the killings until the most recent, which is the one that causes Cherry Mae, Deena, and Tully all to suspect different men.

Cherry Mae has cleaned houses in Amaryllis for years. This is the first time that she has ever snooped, and what she finds sends terror through her old bones.

Everyone knows that Deena’s brother isn’t right in his head and has a problem with his temper. When the police arrest him Deena is determined to find out what actually happened even though she is afraid that what they claim is true.

Tully married her husband Mike right out of high school much to her parent’s disappointment. Now pregnant and facing the fact that Mike may have been having an affair Tully doesn’t know where to turn when Mike comes home with a different uniform on and blood is left on the doorknob of their home. 

The three women band together to compare notes and hopefully find which one of their 3 suspects is the Closet Killer.

Gone To Ground was a great suspense that kept me turning the pages until the very end. I didn’t know “whodunit” until the very end and found the wrap-up extremely satisfying. I also liked how each of the women had a "voice" in the story. Chapters alternated between each one of their point of views. 

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl

Cassidy has joined a gym and is attending Boot Camp led by Elizabeth. Cassidy is desperately trying to keep a young figure in order to not be passed up by the new young intern at Channel 4. She is enamored with Elizabeth from the beginning. Elizabeth has such exciting stories to tell. Cassidy is anxious to count Elizabeth among her friends.

Allison's sister Lyndsay shows up desperate for a place to stay. Their mother is practicing "tough love" and refuses to allow Lyndsay back into the house. Allison and Marshall allow Lyndsay to stay with them. Lyndsay is working on staying clean and sober. She takes up baking which causes Allison to start having a bit of a stomach. Encouraged by Cassidy she attends the Boot Camp at the gym.

Nicole has been tentative about dating fellow FBI agent Lief, but they have been exploring a relationship between them. When devastating news hits Nicole she breaks off with Lief and refuses to share any reason with him. Nicole is a private person, but finds that she needs to share her news with her best friends Allison and Cassidy.

The Triple Threat Club once again comes through for each other when their lives are touched by the evil of one woman.

This 3rd installment in the Triple Threat series was a bit different than the other 2 novels. In those we didn't know who the killer was until the end. In this one we know who the killer is and how she orchestrates everyone in her life. It was interesting to read how all of the clues were finally brought together and the mystery solved when we already knew who the killer was. I think this was my favorite one so far. I have the next book Eyes of Justice sitting here ready for me to pick up.

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?

That's the teaser on the back of this book. Of course it had me hooked!

Jazz is no ordinary teen, although he knows how to act like one. But when you have been raised by the world's most horrific serial killer it is hard to be "normal". Especially when your dad has taught you everything he knows in order to groom you as his successor. 

"Dear Old Dad" is now behind bars. Jazz really is trying to lead a normal life now. He has a girlfriend, he's in the school play. But Jazz' life is anything but normal. He lives with his crazy gramma, trying to keep the child welfare people from sending him to a foster home, his best friend Howie is a hemophiliac, and he lives in fear of becoming just like his father.

When a woman is found dead in a field with 3 fingers missing Jazz knows right away that another serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately he can't get the law enforcement to agree with him before another murder is committed. Jazz joins forces with the police to catch the murderer. Jazz knows how a serial killer thinks and he wants to prove to himself that he is not like "Dear Old Dad". But it's a fine line he is walking because he understands the cravings to see a person's last breath seep out of them.

This is one of those books where I wish I had half hearts to give out. I would have given this a three and a half rating. I vacillated between really liking it and "it was just okay". I really liked the suspense of the story and the not knowing who the killer was until almost the very end. I disliked that this is a YA book. The theme was pretty horrific and sometimes goes into some gory details about what the killer did to his victims. Surprisingly the author kept the language fairly tame. I was offended by his use of Jesus, and g** d*** but other than that there really wasn't a lot of language, maybe because the theme was harsh enough? 

I Hunt Killers is published by Little Brown and will be out for sale in April 2012- I received my ARC copy at ALA in January.

Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

Someone is writing on a blog that she wishes certain popular people were dead. She is feeling abused by the popular people.  When 3 of the most popular students at school disappear she begins to freak out and realize that someone has seen her wish and has decided to act upon it.

Madison and Tyler are taking their turn driving for Safe Rides. A service for people who have had too much to drink. They are supposed to make sure their "client" is safely in their home before leaving them. Unfortunately Madison and Tyler do not make sure that Lucy is safe because she refuses to go into the house. Frustrated with Lucy they drive away. Not knowing that this will be the last time they ever see her.

The whole town is on edge especially after 2 more students disappear. Tyler seems to know more than he is sharing with Madison. Throughout the story she is consumed by her attraction towards him, but also leery of him because he is new and mysterious.

Is there a serial killer out there getting revenge on popular students? Who will be next? Why is this happening in this quiet affluent town?

Wish You Were Dead was truly a nail-biter! Especially the ending! A must read for those who enjoy a good mystery/scary story.