Title: Shadow Man
Author: Alan Drew
First published May 23, 2017
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781400067800 (ISBN10: 1400067804)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
In the style of Dennis Lehane, Alan Drew’s Shadow Man takes readers on a thrilling ride through the dark and dangerous world of Southern California. Detective Ben Wade returns to his hometown of Rancho Santa Elena seeking a peaceful life, but instead finds himself in the midst of a serial killer’s reign of terror.
As the town is rocked by the killer’s gruesome murders, Ben and forensic specialist Natasha Betencourt work tirelessly to catch the culprit. However, when a teenager’s suicide uncovers a long-buried secret, Ben must make a decision about how far he is willing to go to protect his town and stop the killer.
Shadow Man is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Alan Drew, a talented author known for his gripping psychological thrillers featuring Detective Benjamin Wade. His latest novel, THE RECRUIT, has already received critical acclaim, and his previous work, SHADOW MAN, was a hit with readers.
But Drew’s success goes beyond his thrillers – his debut novel, GARDENS OF WATER, has been published in nearly two-dozen countries and translated into ten languages.
Drew honed his writing skills at the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he was awarded a Teaching/Writing Fellowship. Today, he shares his expertise as an Associate Professor of English at Villanova University and directs the creative writing program there.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Drew enjoys spending time with his family in their home near Philadelphia.
If you’re a fan of suspenseful, thought-provoking reads, be sure to check out Alan Drew’s books.
Editoral Review
Shadow Man by Alan Drew is a thrilling mystery novel that explores themes of family, justice, and the dark side of small-town America. First published on May 23, 2017, this novel is a second work by the author, who has also written The Gardens of Water.
Set in the fictional town of Banning, California, the novel follows the story of Detective Ben Wade as he investigates the murder of a young boy. Wade is haunted by a past mistake that cost him his job as a detective and his marriage.
As he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy his life once again. Along the way, he meets several compelling characters, including the victim’s family, ex-convicts, and corrupt police officers.
The novel’s strength lies in its vivid portrayal of the setting and characters. Drew has a gift for creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating.
The descriptions of Banning are rich and detailed, drawing the reader into the world of the novel. The characters are complex and multifaceted, with flaws and strengths that make them feel real.
The dynamics between them are intriguing and add depth to the plot. One of the novel’s weaknesses is its pacing, which can be slow at times.
Drew takes his time to build tension and develop the characters, which is admirable, but the plot may feel sluggish for some readers. Additionally, some of the plot twists may be predictable, which could lessen the impact of the ending.
The novel is also noteworthy for its exploration of social issues such as poverty, racism, and police corruption. Although the events take place in the 1980s, many of these issues are still relevant today.
Drew does not shy away from the complexities of these issues, and his nuanced portrayal adds depth to the novel. Overall, Shadow Man is a solid addition to the mystery genre.
Fans of thrillers and police procedurals will enjoy the suspenseful plot and well-crafted characters. However, readers who prefer faster-paced novels may find the book slow-moving.
Additionally, those who are sensitive to depictions of violence or child abuse may want to avoid this novel. I would rate this novel a 4 out of 5 stars.
The writing is strong, the characters are intriguing, and the themes are thought-provoking. However, the pacing and predictability of some plot twists are areas that could use improvement.
Despite its flaws, Shadow Man is a compelling read that will leave readers thinking long after the final page.