While I'm not writing long for sequels these days, I feel it's fair to mention that this is book #4 in an ongoing series, and the number one reason I've seen stated in early for not enjoying this book is due to the fact they went in expecting this to be a stand alone novel. It's certainly easy to separate each case as singular experiences, but the true joy in picking up the mysteries in this series is getting to revisit the characters that the reader has grown to adore over the past few years. If you're looking for a fast paced thriller that stands out on it's own, I wouldn't recommend jumping in here, but if you're a fan of the series or looking for a new set of books to become immersed in with deep characterization, I highly recommend these books.

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.from-publisher netgalley66 s Sandysbookaday 2,235 2,237

EXCERPT: 'Time's up, old friend. I will take your eyes and then your tongue, leaving you unable to see or speak. Only then will your lies end. I'm one nightmare you'll never wake up from.'

ABOUT THIS BOOK: It’s Halloween night in Cedar Valley. During the town’s annual festival, Detective Gemma Monroe takes a break from trick or treating with her family to visit an old family friend, retired Judge Caleb Montgomery, at his law office. To Gemma’s surprise, Caleb seems worried—haunted, even—and confides in her that he’s been receiving anonymous threats. Shortly after, as Gemma strolls back to her car, an explosion at Caleb’s office shatters the night.

Reeling from the shock, Gemma and her team begin eliminating suspects and motives, but more keep appearing in their place, and soon another man is killed. Her investigation takes her from a chilling encounter with a convicted murderer at the Belle Vista Penitentiary, to the gilded rooms of the renovated Shotgun Playhouse, where Shakespeare’s cursed play Macbeth is set to open in a few weeks.

Yet most disturbing of all is when Gemma realizes that similar murders have happened before. There is a copycat killer at play, and if Gemma can’t stop him, he’ll carry out his final, deadly act.

MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book of four in this series that I have read. This is an exciting read with just the right balance between Gemma's professional and private lives.

As the countdown to her wedding begins, there is an explosion that rocks the town in more ways than one. Set at Halloween, it involves injustices and revenge.

Just Gemma, I kept coming up with suspects, but I was wrong every time. I enjoyed this fairly fast paced read and it was almost a five star read for me except for two things...one would be a spoiler so I'm not going there, and the second is that I found the ending, although exciting, a little jumbled and untidy.

This is a series that I intend to continue to follow. I the characters and the setting of Cedar Valley. I do recommend that, should you want to read this book, you start at the beginning of the series. While Shatter the Night could work as a stand alone, references are made to incidents in the previous books, and there are things in the characters histories that you will not understand. This series would make an ideal holiday binge read.

Highly recommended.


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