CHASING SHADOWS

In Jones’ supernatural mystery, the second in a series, a detective touched by the occult investigates the disappearances of 49 women.

Jarek Videni, the intuitive detective, returns to solve an even more gruesome case. He’s in Deadwood, South Dakota, in 1924; over the past 28 years, 49 women have gone missing in a town already brimming with an undercurrent of lawlessness. Deadwood once flourished as a mining town—the gold is long gone, but the tunnels and their secrets remain. Jarek arrives at the Terry Hotel and encounters ghosts desperately seeking to communicate with him as they predict another victim will soon be taken (“ ‘Shhhheee’s neeexxt,’ it said before taking a deep, raspy breath. ‘Shhee’ss neeexxt . . . and she knowsss it’ ”). Also staying at the hotel is Marcus Livingston, a federal agent determined to find answers and stop whatever is taking the women. Jarek was summoned to town via a telegram from his grandmother, Leona Videni, who urged him to keep a close eye on Ulrika Johnston, the maid at the hotel. She is a sweet young woman, the unknowing target of wicked people plotting against her—and against Jarek, as well. The nefarious group is led by a man who believes he can control demons, and Jarek will have to find a strength he didn’t know he had (and pick up some unexpected allies) if he hopes to defeat this evil. The author builds upon the foundation of the series’ previous installment (Chasing Shadows: Genesis, 2022) to develop his historical supernatural milieu and his protagonist, Jarek, as he comes into his own as an investigator and discovers more about himself and his ties to mysterious dark forces. The new characters, particularly Ulrika and Marcus, are engaging, with their own unique characterizations, providing grounding to support the mystery story. The villain is not one to be taken lightly, and Jones creates a great sense of danger and suspense. Overall, this is a fantastic sequel that will delight returning readers.

A thrilling and tense mystery with electrifying horror, featuring a detective with a heart of gold.