When Shadows Fall

Dr. Samantha Owens, Book 3

By: J. T. Ellison

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

Dear Dr. Owens,

If you are reading this letter, I am dead and I would be most grateful if you could solve my murder… Forensic pathologist Dr. Samantha Owens thought life was finally returning to normal after she suffered a terrible personal loss. Settling into her new job at Georgetown University, the illusion is shattered when she receives a disturbing letter from a dead man imploring her to solve his murder. There's only one catch. Timothy Savage's death was so obviously the suicide of a demented individual that the case has been closed. When Sam learns Savage left a will requesting she autopsy his body, she feels compelled to look into the case. Sam's own postmortem discovers clear signs that Savage was indeed murdered. And she finds DNA from a kidnapped child whose remains were recovered years earlier. The investigation takes Sam into the shadows of a 20-year-old mystery that must be solved to determine what really happened to Timothy Savage. Nothing about the case makes sense but it is clear someone is unwilling to let anyone, especially Samantha Owens, discover the truth.

©2014 J. T. Ellison (P)2014 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"[Ellison's] ability to neatly tie together the mysterious clues helps make this a standout in the romantic thriller subgenre." ( Publishers Weekly Starred Review)

Serial killer story? Cult story?

This novel is a horrid mess. It's almost as if the author changes her mind several times while writing. We are not looking at mere twists and turns; there are complete changes in direction. I've previously given excellent ratings to the first 2 novels in this series. I may or may not listen to the 4th and final book.

Another Good Installment To The Series

I'm a long time fan of JT Ellison's work. Her characters are interesting, well developed, but not "perfect" (I find perfect protagonists really annoying).

"When Shadow" Falls is the third Samantha Owens novel. Unlike many "series" novels, one could pick this one up as a stand alone and thoroughly enjoy the read. There are a few minor spoilers, but again, unlike many "series" novels, one could read this third book and then pick up the previous two without feeling cheated.

Ms. Ellison's writing is tight, her vocabulary broad (but not gratuitously so), and her characters likeable. Her first novels were very well written but she seems to be growing as a novelist. When Shadow Falls was my favorite thus far, in fact it was so good, I listened to it in a day. You won't want to put this one down.)

Romance fans take note: while this book is published by MIRA (a division of Harlequin), it's not your mother's romance novel. There's a smidge of romance, but mostly it's suspense, suspense, suspense.

Joyce Bean was excellent with the delivery of the story

I love Samantha Owens!!!

I loved it...I never can stop listening....I finish quickly! I always want to know what is going to happen next and I never can figure out the story line! I love that about the book!

Lots of twists and turns

Too many unexplained flaws in the end. Had all the possibilities of a strong 4 up til the prologue. The majority of the characters were well drawn and the narrator was very good.

Good chic lit

hate to say it but JT is getting formulaic....a sprinkle of this and a spoonful of that, stir up the plot and you've got another JT Elliison romantic mystery thriller....; not too hot, not too cold, but just right for those who adore her.

love it

As usual I was hooked on this book from the beginning, I love these JT Ellison books. They keep me engaged and on the edge of my seat

like it listen to it twice..love all of the books

hope to hear more of the books by this aurhor. very suspenseful. I liked the book

Kept me interested

There were plenty of characters and aspects to the story to keep me interested. The narrator was pretty good at changing voices and speaking clearly. Overall, I was glad I chose this book, even though I hadn't read the first two.

Who's on first?

If you can't say anything nice ---. I wish I could have the time back. Is that enough words? Two more.

Book goes off the deep end

The story starts off as a serial killer story, then a girl goes missing and a girl from many years back who disappeared returned. Then the whole thing turned into a cult story. I was insulted. Seriously a queen or princess on a slab. I thought Rosemary's Baby or Jim Jones' story was written a long time ago. Convoluted, hard to follow and keep up with characters. I will not be reading any more JT Ellison's books.