Title: Land of Shadows
Author: Rachel Howzell Hall
First published March 23, 2014
317 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765336354 (ISBN10: 0765336359)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
In the heart of bustling New York City, a young woman is discovered dead in her luxurious apartment. Detective Elouise “Lou” Norton is called to the scene, where she meets her new partner, the experienced detective Jack Daniels.
While the initial assumption is that the victim committed suicide, Lou isn’t convinced. The apartment building is owned by the powerful billionaire, Alexander Steele, who Lou believes may have had a hand in the disappearance of her own sister years ago.
As Lou delves deeper into the case of the victim, she uncovers shocking connections to her sister’s disappearance. Determined to finally find the truth about her sister, Lou risks everything to bring the killer to justice.
But as she gets closer to the truth, she realizes that the danger is far from over. Can Lou catch the killer before it’s too late?
Find out in Rachel Howzell Hall’s gripping novel, Land of Shadows.
About the Author
Meet Rachel Howzell Hall, a highly acclaimed author and finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Her latest book, And Now She’s Gone, has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Lefty, Barry, Shamus, and Anthony Awards.
As a New York Times bestselling author, Rachel has also written The Good Sister with James Patterson and several other books in the Detective Elouise Norton series, including They All Fall Down, Land of Shadows, Skies of Ash, Trail of Echoes, and City of Saviors.
Publishers Weekly recently gave Rachel’s upcoming thriller These Toxic Things a starred review, calling it a “cleverly-plotted” and “refreshing take on the serial killer theme.” In addition to her successful writing career, Rachel has served on the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and been featured on NPR’s Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts podcast. She also mentors aspiring writers through Pitch Wars and the Association of Writers Programs.
Rachel resides in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. To learn more about her and her work, visit her website and follow her on Twitter @RachelHowzell.
Keep an eye out for her next novel, And Now She’s Gone, set to be published in September 2020.
Editoral Review
Rachel Howzell Hall’s Land of Shadows is a thrilling mystery novel that takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. With its vivid descriptions, complex characters, and intricate plot, this novel is a must-read for fans of the crime fiction genre.
The novel follows the story of Lou Norton, a tough and determined homicide detective who is investigating a deadly crime spree that has left several women dead. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of corruption, deceit, and betrayal that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.
Hall’s writing style is both engaging and descriptive, with vivid descriptions of the gritty urban landscape of Los Angeles that make the city feel like a character in its own right. The characters are complex and well-developed, with each one possessing their own unique flaws and strengths that make them feel like real people.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with just the right amount of suspense and tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is intricate and well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
One of the strengths of Land of Shadows is its exploration of issues such as race, gender, and class. The novel delves into the systemic inequalities that exist in society and how they impact individuals in different ways.
It also examines the ways in which these inequalities can be perpetuated by those in positions of power.
While Land of Shadows is an excellent novel, it does have a few flaws. Some readers may find the plot to be a bit convoluted at times, and the ending may feel a bit rushed.
Overall, Land of Shadows is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that is sure to appeal to fans of the crime fiction genre. With its excellent writing, complex characters, and intricate plot, it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
Rating: 4/5
