Title: Silver Shadows

Author: Bluebell Mertz

Genre:  Mystery

 

Silver Shadows is the third book in the Texas Murder series by Bluebell Mertz. Randy and Colleen are thrown into a new case in what should be their honeymoon, when a series of murders occurs within their hometown, Alpine, Texas. Readers are taken on a gripping journey that dives into the historical family feud between two families, the Murdochs and Prescotts.

A strong element of this book is that Mertz has continued expanding on the family dynamics of Colleen, Randy, and Molly. The developing family connections keep the reader engaged in the storyline and allow for a deeper understanding between the reader and the characters, especially having been developed over the course of a few books.

Although this is a short book, it packs a punch within its pages. It contains detailed descriptions, good twists, family feuds, love, and detective work. Readers may find they feel they have the experience of a larger novel within the pages of Silver Shadows. The author has managed to include diverse contexts in the storyline without overwhelming the reader, as it flows well and connects easily.

The case Molly and Randy investigate in this book is likely to grip readers, offering a fresh take on historical family feuds while including an element of mysterious folklore. However, the complexity of the Murdoch and Prescott family details may cause some confusion for some readers. As the book is shorter in length, readers may feel they lack sufficient time to fully digest and understand the family tree and its many connections. As a result, certain revelations about links between family members may not carry the full impact they could have if given more time to develop.

The pacing within the book is achieved well, as the story doesn’t feel too slow or rushed. Chapters flow well, and different scenes within one chapter are separated clearly, minimizing any confusion from readers on scene changes. At times, readers may wish for scenes to be longer, not because they lack any information, but because they are enjoying the book, and its length can shorten scenes.

Readers familiar with books one and two will notice a growth in Molly’s character development, from a young teenager into a young woman dedicated to working within criminal psychology, alongside the development of her relationship with Randy. This kind of progression allows readers to build a stronger connection with the main characters and feel more invested in their journeys.

Mertz has achieved an easy-to-read and highly digestible book, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The dialogue between characters is easy to follow and comes across as a genuine representation of how people communicate in the real, non-fiction world. This natural flow of conversation adds an extra layer of realness and authenticity for readers to connect with and experience more vividly.

Mertz’s Silver Shadows is the next gripping installment in the Texas Murder series. With its mix of murder mystery, family feuds, and dark secrets, fans of the genre could find themselves gripped by this story and series from page one.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.