Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Beyond the Shadows by DeAnn Daley Holcomb is a crime thriller with wonderful twists, a story that follows the dogged path of a serial killer that has terrorized the streets of Dallas. Homicide Detective Lance was already convinced that the Smiley Face Murderer was Johnny Watson, now locked in prison, but new cases begin to surface. Can it be a copycat? News Reporter Claire McKenzie has been warning the public about the killer, but little does she know the truth about the serial killer. When she finds out about him, it is too late. She is his captive. Can Detective Harris discover where the killer has taken her quickly enough to stop another murder? The clock is ticking.

DeAnn Daley Holcomb has a gift for plot and it's interesting how she involves readers, making them guess from page to page. There is a sense of imminent danger that permeates the writing and it creates a strong sense of suspense. The reader is always feeling like something awful could happen. And it does! The conflict escalates quickly and the climax is exhilarating. The surprises are bountiful and the twists unexpected. I enjoyed the skillful handling of characters and one interesting element of the plot is the fact that the killer conceals his identity and no one can imagine who he is. Beyond the Shadows is a spellbinding thriller, a gripping read with a wonderful denouement. It is intense, fast-paced and pulsating.