Cast of Shadows

I love it when I discover a new favorite author. Kevin Guilfoile is writing intriguing, intellectual thrillers that ask, "What if?" "Cast of Shadows" seems to be set in the not-to-distant future ??? or else in a slightly altered present ??? where reproductive human cloning is just coming into common use. It asks the question: "What if reproductive cloning were (mis-) used to catch a killer?" Guilfoile deeply and thoughtfully explores the potential ramifications and consequences of such technology. The earlier reviewer who objected to the "Christian theme" of this novel must not have listened to it for very long; because "Cast of Shadows" definitely does not have a Christian theme at all: only a sub-plot following the radical Christian right's violent reaction to the use of human cloning technology. In fact, the thread of this sub-plot, woven intermittently into the main story, stays entirely in the background until the very end, when it finally emerges to reveal a deliciously surprising plot twist. Any intelligent, thinking person will love this book. The narrator, Scott Brick, is a good actor with an unpleasant voice; but the story will soon have you overlooking this one small drawback. I am now listening to Mr. Guilfoile's next novel, "The Thousand," which is providing me with at least as much enjoyment as "Cast of Shadows" did. I highly recommend this author.

This book is so many things -- a science-gone-wrong story, a whodunit, a thriller, a personal drama. It starts off being a story about a doctor who violates his own ethics in an attempt to find his daughter's killer in the future...As such, it's not bad. The characters and their dilemmas are real and compelling. Still, you wonder -- how is he going to keep this going for the entire book? But THEN! The plot twists and turns and gets better and better and better. With all the pieces coming together perfectly -- and totally unexpectedly. I don't always like Scott Brick as a reader, but he is pitch perfect here. Giving it drama without being melodramatic.

The only reason I took one star off in the "overall" rating was because the first fourth or so of the book, while good, was not up to the last three quarters. Still, if you're looking for roller coaster entertainment, I most definitely recommend this novel.

I hadn't read or listened to anything by this author before, but this is a terrific book. It poses interesting philosophical and moral questions wrapped around a compelling, fast-paced murder mystery with several unexpected turns in the story. I would love to read more of this author. Oh, and narration by Scott Brick is excellent as usual!

Excellent choice. Kept me glued to my ipod. New ideas and intriguing.
Scott Brice great reader and performer.
Hope I find more stories like this.

Hard to predict

No but Scott Brick narration adds to the dimension of the book

Although the general thread is engaging with all its twists and turns, and has a reasonable ending, the final third was a let down. The Shadow World game, which is full of holes and does not add anything to the story, was too prominent towards the end. The bit where the Shadows are dancing in the night club is just awful. One wonders if the author has ever used a computer game.

WOW - This was the best book I've listened to so far! So many twists and turns, so much to think about, so many interesting characters. I bought it to listen to while driving (downloaded to GPS), but ended up bringing the GPS into the house as I couldn't wait to hear what happened next! The word 'unsettling' describes it well... definitely one I'll keep thinking about for a long time. Wish the author would write another book. Super author and super narrator (Scott Brick). You'll LOVE it!!!!!

If novel has a Christian theme it should be noted

Yes, of course. Kevin Guilfoile captured my attention on this outing, and SB is easily one of the best audio book performers of all time.

The deep dive into the nuances , both ethical and practical, of cloning, are topical and compelling and fascinating. Gave me pause to think about this otherwise abstract topic, and the real world implications around us.

Least interesting was some of the police procedurals, and the complex relationships. On balance, few arcs didn't tie into the overall story however.

As usual, he brought the book to life, and kept the characters separated and moving forward. He aged Davis and Susan well. A well done performance.

Yes.

This one takes abit to get started, and at times seems to stretch things out, but on balance this is a better than average audio book on a fascinating topic. I recommend it.

Interesting, suspenseful, & engrossing!

Don't know if I've ever read anything quite like it

I love anything Scott Brick reads! They were all good!

I just didn't want it to end. This is a new author 2 me. I will read many more of his books

U won't be disappointed!!!!