Legacy of Shadows: An International Crime Thriller

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Genres: Book Club, Novels, Contemporary, Drama, Mystery

382 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2024

About the author

CAROLYN BOWEN is a mystery author who calls on her life escapades and an adventurous, imaginative spirit to inspire and entertain. Bowen uses travel as a muse to explore cultures and dialogue to bring her stories to life. Her writing credits include Cross-Ties, a romantic adventure; The Long Road Home, a contemporary crime fiction mystery; The Sydney Jones Mysteries, and The Family Legacy Series.

Reviews

[Carolyn Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Legacy of Shadows: The Family Legacy Series Book 2 is penned by author Carolyn M. Bowen in the family drama, thriller, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited for the general adult reading audience. Set against the scenic backdrop of gorgeous Tuscany, the novel follows David as he navigates treacherous alliances and personal conflicts. As his wife fights for her life, David finds himself entangled with a northern cartel and embroiled in a dangerous affair. Caught between the Chicago mob and the Italian underworld, he must navigate a perilous path to protect his family and legacy. Bowen's expert storytelling transports readers into a world where every secret uncovered leads deeper into the shadows of organized crime, making for a riveting exploration of loyalty, love, and the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of power and survival.

Author Carolyn M. Bowen has crafted a gorgeously detailed thriller filled with vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters. The atmospheric attention to detail brings the complex world of organized crime to life on every page, immersing readers in a dangerous allure. The tension and suspense were palpable throughout as David grappled with moral dilemmas and faced adversaries from both sides of the law. These clever story beats played out at just the right moment so that we’re never left wondering for too long about any specific clue of the storyline. Overall, Legacy of Shadows was an exhilarating reading experience that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and I would highly recommend it to all fans of complex, character-driven crime dramas.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book legacy of shadows by Carolyn Bowen we meet David who owns a newly inherited vineyard and has secret ties with the Italian mafia. He has a meeting set up with the Rocco family and David knows dealing with the mafia is a delicate dance that you must balance just right. He also has concerns about his left hand Man Elpidio’s wife to be, who is a money grubber a social climber in may write checks she don’t have the clout to pay off. So when he gets a call saying his beautiful wife Xana has been in a car accident he has the wonder what kind of accident it was, the intentional kind or the accidental. This book was so good and I know most mystery fans are like me they love a great twist and a mystery… Well trust me when I say there is a twist in this one! This book was so good I put off reading it and now I am regretting waiting, it was so good. I am not even a big fan of mafia books but that is not an overwhelming theme in the book it is mainly about a man who has a lot on his plate and is trying his best to juggle it all when a devastating accident put his wife in a coma I think the author is very talented and has a knack to keep you turning the pages this book is truly entertaining and despite the people not being the most stellar of citizens you still kind of want to root for David I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Zacharri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really not that much into crime books, but I randomly picked this one up for a read and it definitely did not disappoint. Carolyn M. Bowen creates dynamic, flawed characters in her writing, along with vivid setting descriptions that left me immersed in the story. She brings the crime world to life, with the perfect blend of loyalty and love, family, friends and foe, deceit and danger. The main character, David, faces challenges from gang wars, keeping his family safe, to affairs amidst his wife’s fight for her life. It is full of twists and turns, is gripping and detailed. Loved it and can’t wait for the next book, definitely recommend it.

[Prashant Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Shadows,” the second book in The Family Legacy Series by Carolyn M. Bowen is a gripping crime thriller and suspense subgenres novel.It explores themes of family, power, aspiration and sacrifice for the sake of family. The novel is nestled in the scenic view of Tuscany. The novel revolves around protagonist David ,who finds himself ensnared in a complex network of perilous connections and internal conflicts.

"David becomes ensnared in a perilous web of connections with a northern cartel and entangled in a risky affair. As he maneuvers between the Chicago underworld and the Italian criminal network, his primary goal was to protect his family and their enduring legacy. Amidst this turmoil , David's wife is fighting for her life . Infusing his tribulations with a deeper emotional resonance .David's involvement with Northern syndicate and a secret affair push him to its edges.As he maneuvers through the perilous currents of organized crime.

David’s path is fraught with danger and sacrifice as he navigates the treacherous world between the unforgiving Chicago Mob and the cunning Italian underworld. Set against the backdrop of lush vineyards and the shadowy realms of organized crime, his journey becomes a riveting exploration of the sacrifices required for family and legacy.Amidst the picturesque vineyards and the murky underbelly of organized crime, David’s odyssey unfolds—a gripping exploration of the familial bonds and sacrifices that shape his legacy.”

"Each twist and bend in the storyline reveals hidden layers of family secrets, plunging us further into a realm where shadows reign supreme.The Shadow Legacy unfolds as a captivating narrative, where loyalty holds the same value as currency, and love becomes a perilous game."

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Shadows by Carolyn Bowen follows David around as the family's Italian Mafia godfather. His name and position were established in the first book of the Family Legacy series. Now, David is marketing his brand of products out into the American market. The Chicago gangs begin to add the pressure just as David’s wife is struggling for her life. David’s main goal is to protect the family. But the definition of family is rewritten and blood brothers turn their back on the family. By the end of the book, David’s life isn’t close to how he began, but he wouldn’t change a thing.

If you are looking for your next favorite novel, Legacy of Shadows will fit the bill. Carolyn Bowen keeps her characters moving quickly through the struggles of a mafia family. You will savor the tender moments with the family and sit at the edge of your seat during the betrayals and battles. I love how the author leaves the readers wondering what secrets will be revealed in the next book. I highly recommend this novel and eagerly await the next.

[Lorna Enslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting and captivating, deep and exploratory.
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024
‘Legacy of Shadows’ An International Crime Thriller, by Carolyn M Bowen, weaves an epic tale of power, family and ambition, set against the backdrop of verdant Tuscan vineyards and the illicit activities of the underworld. Our protagonist, David, walks a treacherous path: caught between criminal alliances and the possibility that his beloved wife Zana may never wake up from a coma, following an accident.

David’s Italian mafia connections collide with a ruthless Chicago mob and a clandestine affair with a ‘Georgian Peach’ threatens to push him over the edge.

This riveting exploration of the sacrifices made in the name of family and legacy will intrigue and captivate readers, as a shadowy, secret world opens up: leaving you invested till the very last page.

[Soochi Sandhiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is an interesting and captivating blend of family troubles, thrills, and crime, suited for a wide range of readers. It's set in the pleasant world of Tuscany and follows David as he deals with a not-so-pleasant world full of horrendous ups and downs. As David's wife struggles for her life, he gets caught up in a risky affair and tangled with a powerful crime group from the north. Even though he was in a difficult situation, love for his family kept him going, and he kept everything aside to protect what was important to him.

The author's impeccable storytelling makes an intricately woven crime world close to reality, and you would be part of it. This helps in engrossing the readers on every page of the story and keeping them hooked to know what happens next. The plots and subplots are exciting as well as gipping to keep going. I was definitely impressed by this work.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Legacy of Shadows" promises a thrilling journey through the intricate world of international crime. Carolyn M. Bowen's novel delivers a gripping narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. As readers delve into the pages of this contemporary drama, they are sure to be captivated by Bowen's skillful storytelling and vivid character development. With over a thousand ratings and glowing reviews, this book has already made a significant impact on readers, promising an engaging and immersive reading experience. For fans of crime thrillers and suspenseful novels, "Legacy of Shadows" is a must-read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows David the leader of the family and his quest to keep his family growing. He runs into trouble with his first wife being a victim of an accident and then afterward he continues to run up against the Chicago mob and the Northern mob in Italy. He spends time in Tuscany and also in the Southern part of the U.S. still working on expanding his business and taking out the people harming his business and family. A good story that keeps moving from page to page and has wonderful characters, very much worth the read.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe that I would have enjoyed this book much more if I've read the first one in the series. Legacy of Shadows has strong characters and a good plot that kept me entertained. It's interesting to observe how the author draws the characters' personalities and how they clash as they each want something that will affect the other's life. It's a war between good and evil, law and crime.
I thank Ms. Bowen, her publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.

[Swati Tanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an exciting mix of family troubles, suspense, and crime, perfect for grown-up readers. It's set in beautiful Tuscany and follows David as he deals with a dangerous world full of tricks and risks. As David's wife fights for her life, he gets caught up in a risky affair and tangled with a powerful crime group from the north. Stuck between rival gangs, David has to make tough decisions to keep his family safe and protect what's important to him.

The author's great storytelling makes a detailed world of crime come to life, drawing readers into a web of secrets and excitement. The vivid descriptions make it a thrilling read, leaving readers eager for the next book in the series.

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