I received this book for free from the TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Published by Thomas & Mercer on February 1, 2021
Genres: Adult, Adultery, Crime, Murder, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Pages: 368
Format: eBook
Source: TLC Book Tours
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
After artist Claire Beaudry Chase is attacked and left for dead in her home on the Connecticut coast, she doesn’t know who she can trust. But her well-connected husband, Griffin?who is running for governor?is her prime suspect.
Just before the attack, Claire was preparing for an exhibit of her shadow boxes, one of which clearly accuses Griffin of a violent crime committed twenty-five years ago. If the public were to find out who her husband is, his political career would be over. Claire’s certain her husband and his powerful supporters would kill her to stop the truth from getting out.
When one of Claire’s acquaintances is murdered, the authorities suspect the homicide is linked to the attack on Claire. As the dual investigations unfold, Claire must decide how much she’s willing to lose to take down her husband and the corrupt group of elites who will do anything to protect Griffin’s interests and their own.
Mysteries and thrillers have been my go-to for the last few years, and The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice drew me in from the first page. It isn’t a secret who Claire Beaudry Chase thinks just tried to kill her in the garage of her large house in a gated community. She’s sure it was her husband under that mask. He didn’t expect her to still be alive after the brutal attack, but the popular attorney and hopefully soon-to-be governor knows exactly how to appear like the grieving husband that the public and police expect. Claire’s latest exhibition of shadow boxes could blow his chances of winning the election, especially with a specially prepared shadow box just for her husband. It’s clear that Claire knows too much of Griffin’s past, and he and his old money supporters will do anything to keep those secrets hidden.
Told in alternating chapters with points of views from Claire, and also the cop investigating her disappearance and his Coast Guard member older brother. Usually the head hopping can get confusing and a little irritating, but it really worked here since there are two investigations going on at the same time. An acquaintance of Claire’s dies the same day as Claire’s attack, and detective Connor follows the threads, growing convinced that the two cases are linked.
Claire was a very sympathetic character, and her will to survive and expose her husband’s brutality kept her going. Her husband Griffin, along with his rich friends and supporters, were real pieces of work. People who only focus on money and power will do despicable things, and they had no limits when going after Claire. She has some very determined and smart people that support her, so when Claire finally reaches out for help, they’ve been fighting for her all along.
I give The Shadow Box a five out of five. I found the pacing and narrative engaging, and I really loved setting and atmosphere. The different time frames were clearly marked at the start of the chapters, so I had no problem keeping everything straight. The second half of the book was told linearly, and the pacing just increased until the explosive finale. The characters and dialogue were spot on, and the villain’s were certainly devious and hell bent on getting their way when they’re threatened. Exposing spousal abuse, murder, and the victims speaking out, The Shadow Box was an engaging read that I highly recommend for other mystery/thriller/suspense lovers.
Find THE SHADOW BOX
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Goodreads
About Luanne Rice
Luanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-five novels that have been translated into twenty-four languages. In 2002, Connecticut College awarded Rice an honorary degree, and she also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Saint Joseph. In June 2014, she received the 2014 Connecticut Governor’s Arts Award for excellence as a literary artist.
Several of Rice’s novels have been adapted for television, including Crazy in Love, for TNT; Blue Moon, for CBS; Follow the Stars Home and Silver Bells, for the Hallmark Hall of Fame; and Beach Girls, for Lifetime.
Rice is a creative affiliate of the Safina Center, an organization that brings together scientists, artists, and writers to inspire a deeper connection with nature, especially the sea. Rice is an avid environmentalist and advocate for families affected by domestic violence. She lives on the Connecticut Shoreline.
Connect with Luanne Rice
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
Giveaway
Enter the Rafflecopter widget below for a chance to win a copy of The Shadow Box. Open to US/Canada residents only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Luanne Rice’s TLC Book Tours Stops:
Instagram tour:
Monday, February 1st: @pnwbookworm
Monday, February 1st: @blondethrillerbooklover
Tuesday, February 2nd: @the.caffeinated.reader
Wednesday, February 3rd: @novelgossip
Thursday, February 4th: @lilacsandliterature
Friday, February 5th: @jess_reads_books
Saturday, February 6th: @travelling.the.pages
Sunday, February 7th: @booktimistic
Monday, February 8th: @readingbetweenthe_wines
Tuesday, February 9th: @thebookishalix
Tuesday, February 9th: @bubblebathbookworm
Wednesday, February 10th: @itsabookishworld_
Wednesday, February 10th: @suzysbookshelf
Thursday, February 11th: @hooked.by.books
Review tour:
Monday, February 8th: Bewitched Bookworms
Monday, February 8th: @sarahandherbookshelves
Tuesday, February 9th: @madismysteries
Wednesday, February 10th: Hallie Reads
Thursday, February 11th: Kahakai Kitchen
Friday, February 12th: Always With a Book and @k2reader
Monday, February 15th: @jessicamap
Monday, February 15th: @nurse_bookie
Tuesday, February 16th: @bookclubfor1
Tuesday, February 16th: @wherethereadergrows
Wednesday, February 17th: Blunt Scissors Book Reviews and @bluntscissorsbookreviews
Thursday, February 18th: @welovebigbooksandwecannotlie
Friday, February 19th: @reading_with_nicole
Monday, February 22nd: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks
Monday, February 22nd: @the.magicalpages
Tuesday, February 23rd: Books and Bindings
Wednesday, February 24th: @lyon.brit.andthebookshelf
Thursday, February 25th: Helen’s Book Blog
Friday, February 26th: Living My Best Book Life and @livingmybestbooklife
Monday, March 1st: Girl Who Reads
Wednesday, March 3rd: Mystery Suspense Reviews
Latest posts by Heather (see all)
- The Midnight Club by Margot Harrison - September 28, 2024
- In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King - September 27, 2024
- The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak - September 21, 2024
Leave a Reply