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Detecting Fear
Your heart pounds in your chest, breath catching in your throat as the hair on the back of your neck slowly prickles with the feeling of being watched.
What is it that you’re truly afraid of?
The neighbor next door who might be a serial killer? Falling prey to a psychopath? Or your own inner demons, unleashed? Murder, mystery, mayhem - pick your poison.
The stories in this anthology, previously published in periodicals ranging from Suspense Magazine to The Saturday Evening Post, run the gamut from Hard-Boiled to cozy, noir to funny, with whodunit as the theme.
Whether you’re a fan of great past detectives like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Poirot, or modern investigators like Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad and Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta, you’ll find something to satisfy your inner sleuth within these pages.
What is it that you’re truly afraid of?
The neighbor next door who might be a serial killer? Falling prey to a psychopath? Or your own inner demons, unleashed? Murder, mystery, mayhem - pick your poison.
The stories in this anthology, previously published in periodicals ranging from Suspense Magazine to The Saturday Evening Post, run the gamut from Hard-Boiled to cozy, noir to funny, with whodunit as the theme.
Whether you’re a fan of great past detectives like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Poirot, or modern investigators like Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad and Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta, you’ll find something to satisfy your inner sleuth within these pages.
120 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2021
6 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Hollinger
29 books302 followersWith degrees in Crime Scene Technology and Physical Anthropology, Florida writer Shannon Hollinger hasn’t just seen the dark side of humanity—she’s been elbow deep inside of it! She’s an avid animal lover, reader, and hiker, and has been known to use her forensic skills to figure out who ate the last cookie in the house.
A multi-genre, Amazon charts top 20 best-selling author, Shannon writes psychological thrillers filled with jaw-dropping twists and shocking endings, the police procedural Chief Maggie Riley mysteries, where the darkness of the Maine wilderness is rivaled only by the deadly secrets it conceals, and the romantic suspense Cassidy Knox mystery thrillers, where the animals will steal your heart and the nights are as hot as the days.
Her novels have been translated into multiple languages, and her short fiction has appeared in Suspense Magazine, Mystery Weekly, and The Saturday Evening Post, among many other magazines and anthologies.
Shannon is a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
To keep current on book news and to enter monthly giveaways, sign up for Shannon’s newsletter through her website, www.shannonhollinger.com.
Find Shannon on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/thiswritersays
https://www.instagram.com/thiswritersays
https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonhollinger
http://www.pinterest.com/thiswritersays
http://www.bookbub.com/profile/shanno...
https://www.amazon.com/author/shannon...
A multi-genre, Amazon charts top 20 best-selling author, Shannon writes psychological thrillers filled with jaw-dropping twists and shocking endings, the police procedural Chief Maggie Riley mysteries, where the darkness of the Maine wilderness is rivaled only by the deadly secrets it conceals, and the romantic suspense Cassidy Knox mystery thrillers, where the animals will steal your heart and the nights are as hot as the days.
Her novels have been translated into multiple languages, and her short fiction has appeared in Suspense Magazine, Mystery Weekly, and The Saturday Evening Post, among many other magazines and anthologies.
Shannon is a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
To keep current on book news and to enter monthly giveaways, sign up for Shannon’s newsletter through her website, www.shannonhollinger.com.
Find Shannon on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/thiswritersays
https://www.instagram.com/thiswritersays
https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonhollinger
http://www.pinterest.com/thiswritersays
http://www.bookbub.com/profile/shanno...
https://www.amazon.com/author/shannon...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 2, 2021
Detecting Fear is comprised of six whodunit detective stories featuring Detective Shaw.
The stories in this book range from macabre to witty, each well-written, unique, suspenseful and unpredictable.
My favorites were Detecting Fear and Searching for Sunshine.
Thanks to the author, BooksGoSocial and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
The stories in this book range from macabre to witty, each well-written, unique, suspenseful and unpredictable.
My favorites were Detecting Fear and Searching for Sunshine.
Thanks to the author, BooksGoSocial and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
February 21, 2021
The stories in this anthology, previously published in periodicals ranging from Suspense Magazine to The Saturday Evening Post, run the gamut from Hard-Boiled to cozy, noir to funny, with whodunit as the theme.
I loved the first story ... then I read the second story and loved it more/ But my favorite is the locked-door mystery. I would never have guessed the ending.
These are all very short short stories, sometimes only 2 or 3 pages making this a quick read. They are all well-written featuring Detective Shaw in each story.
I believe there is something here that will satisfy everyone's thirst for mystery. Maybe even a Perry Mason moment!
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery anthology. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
I loved the first story ... then I read the second story and loved it more/ But my favorite is the locked-door mystery. I would never have guessed the ending.
These are all very short short stories, sometimes only 2 or 3 pages making this a quick read. They are all well-written featuring Detective Shaw in each story.
I believe there is something here that will satisfy everyone's thirst for mystery. Maybe even a Perry Mason moment!
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery anthology. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 2, 2021
“Detecting Fear” is a collection of short stories of mystery, suspense and intrigue that were previously published in periodicals. The stories are diverse and compelling. These tales restructure what makes readers truly frightened. Mistakes have been made, but surely there is no need to get upset over a silly blunder. Or is there? Characters not only know where people live, they have been there. What makes each house important? A sign? A secret? Is there anything that might help? Readers will find plenty to discover. The stories are intense and gripping and yet concise enough to be finished while waiting for an appointment, or picking up children after school.
I received a review copy of “Detecting Fear” from editor Shannon Hollinger and Books Go Social. It is an exciting collection that will amaze even the most seasoned mystery reader.
I received a review copy of “Detecting Fear” from editor Shannon Hollinger and Books Go Social. It is an exciting collection that will amaze even the most seasoned mystery reader.
May 18, 2021
Shannon Hollinger and I are friends on Goodreads, although as with most such "friendships," we have never met or spoken, so I think that I can be pretty objective in judging her work. I knew from reading things that she had posted that she is a good writer, but this is the first time I have read her fiction.
And that too is very good. All the stories have the same protagonist, a police detective named Shaw. In just one of the stories, Shaw is the narrator; the other stories are all written in the third person. Shaw is always a decent, caring officer, striving to help people.
The shortest story here, "A Little Bit of a Murderer," is essentially just a puzzle. This is an "impossible crime" locked room tale.
In "It's in the Bag," the roommate of a woman who works in the Medical Examiner's office has disappeared. Shaw's detective work quickly solves the case. This is fine as a mystery but I particularly like the unusually realistic response from a man told that he has made a bad decision.
The case in "Dying Print" begins not with a murder but with the investigation of a threat. The person who reports being threatened is, appropriate for this collection, an editor at Mystery Madness magazine. Readers of this book will probably feel some sympathy for the perpetrator.
In "It's All About the Cat," the cat in the title seems to be the only witness to a murder. Shaw, who already owns a parrot, now has custody, at least temporarily, of the cat as well.
"Searching for Sunshine" is the longest story in the book, and one of the best. A college student's younger sister has died in what appears to be a swimming accident. The student thinks that this is more than unlikely, and Shaw agrees.
"Detecting Fear" is a fine title and a very good story. A deranged murderer is suspected of having also kidnapped a child, who may still be alive. The killer has been arrested, and taunts the police with threats about what might happen to the child. This is an excellent story with a powerful ending.
Ms. Hollinger is very effective at coming up with unusual but perfectly believable motives for these crimes. She is also particularly good at writing dialogue.
I have to add that the cover is terrific. I note that Ms. Hollinger is credited with "book cover design" - obviously a woman of multiple talents!
And that too is very good. All the stories have the same protagonist, a police detective named Shaw. In just one of the stories, Shaw is the narrator; the other stories are all written in the third person. Shaw is always a decent, caring officer, striving to help people.
The shortest story here, "A Little Bit of a Murderer," is essentially just a puzzle. This is an "impossible crime" locked room tale.
In "It's in the Bag," the roommate of a woman who works in the Medical Examiner's office has disappeared. Shaw's detective work quickly solves the case. This is fine as a mystery but I particularly like the unusually realistic response from a man told that he has made a bad decision.
The case in "Dying Print" begins not with a murder but with the investigation of a threat. The person who reports being threatened is, appropriate for this collection, an editor at Mystery Madness magazine. Readers of this book will probably feel some sympathy for the perpetrator.
In "It's All About the Cat," the cat in the title seems to be the only witness to a murder. Shaw, who already owns a parrot, now has custody, at least temporarily, of the cat as well.
"Searching for Sunshine" is the longest story in the book, and one of the best. A college student's younger sister has died in what appears to be a swimming accident. The student thinks that this is more than unlikely, and Shaw agrees.
"Detecting Fear" is a fine title and a very good story. A deranged murderer is suspected of having also kidnapped a child, who may still be alive. The killer has been arrested, and taunts the police with threats about what might happen to the child. This is an excellent story with a powerful ending.
Ms. Hollinger is very effective at coming up with unusual but perfectly believable motives for these crimes. She is also particularly good at writing dialogue.
I have to add that the cover is terrific. I note that Ms. Hollinger is credited with "book cover design" - obviously a woman of multiple talents!
February 22, 2021
This book is a collection of six short stories which were previously published in different periodicals (from Suspense Magazine to The Saturday Evening Post). They follow investigations carried out by Detective Shaw.
For me, law student, it was intriguing, fascinating and very fast read! In my opinion this is must read for everyone who is interested in mystery/thriller books, who likes to guess who did what while reading this genre, and also for workers in law field in order to see the way of investigator's thinking and acting during investigation.
This is great book for spooky read! Now I am very curious about other books by Shannon Hollinger!
I would like to thank NetGalley, publisher and the author for providing me with the review copy!
For me, law student, it was intriguing, fascinating and very fast read! In my opinion this is must read for everyone who is interested in mystery/thriller books, who likes to guess who did what while reading this genre, and also for workers in law field in order to see the way of investigator's thinking and acting during investigation.
This is great book for spooky read! Now I am very curious about other books by Shannon Hollinger!
I would like to thank NetGalley, publisher and the author for providing me with the review copy!
February 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this collection of detective stories. I always enjoyed watching investigation shows like Criminal Minds. That is exactly what this collection of cases reminded me of. Her stories put you in the mind of these criminals and everything was expertly written. Definitely something here for all mystery and detective lovers.
March 29, 2021
Why I Picked Up the Book
The book was listed in the Goodreads review group I’m part of. It’s the first book in there that caught my attention, for several reasons. First, I missed reading a good mystery. Then, the first two sentences of the blurb pulled me in, making me wonder if the entire book was written in a similar fashion. Lastly, I love Holliger’s writing style.
Big Pluses
The main reason why I enjoyed Detecting Fear so much was the writing style. The author has a unique way to pull me into each story. Then, it was the variation. This is a short story collection, each different in style and theme, each new title making me wonder what the author had in store this time.
Minuses
Dying Print was too predictable soon after it started. Finding out the who the criminal is and why before the detective (or whoever happens to investigate) always leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
The Characters
We find Detective Shaw in each of the six short stories from Detecting Fear, although in some he falls into the background. Each story adds something to the character, giving us a better understanding of who he is and what drives him. The nature of the short stories doesn’t leave much room for characterization, but the little I know of him wants me read more.
One character stands out from the villains side, Edgar from Detecting Fear. He’s so spooky that shivers went down my spine as I was in his head.
The Plot
The stories vary in intensity. Some deal with serial killers and murdered children, others with missing persons, and other center around a stalker. Each story is consistent and makes sense, some with unexpected ending, others leaving a few questions behind.
Who Would Enjoy Reading Detecting Fear?
Anyone who enjoys mysteries should give this book a try. The stories are so different, I’m sure there’s something for everyone.
I received a free copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Check my blog for more reviews!
February 21, 2021
DETECTING FEAR by Shannon Hollinger is a compendium of six detective stories that are both well-told and well written, suspenseful, and pleasantly devoid of vulgarities.
In the title story our hero Detective Shaw rescues a young boy from a preplanned drowning by a demented killer.
In the second story, ALL ABOUT THE CAT, perhaps it is not entirely about the cat.
In number three, DYING PRINT, I tend to share the view of the villain (villainess?) that the printed word deserves better treatment.
In four, A LITTLE BIT OF MURDERER, yes, Timmy Boyles is certainly that.
IT`S IN THE BAG tells about a natty way to dispose of body parts.
And lastly, SEARCHING FOR SUNSHINE, when a little girl goes looking for a lost dog, she exposes
all kinds of criminal activity.
I rate this book a full 5 stars.
In the title story our hero Detective Shaw rescues a young boy from a preplanned drowning by a demented killer.
In the second story, ALL ABOUT THE CAT, perhaps it is not entirely about the cat.
In number three, DYING PRINT, I tend to share the view of the villain (villainess?) that the printed word deserves better treatment.
In four, A LITTLE BIT OF MURDERER, yes, Timmy Boyles is certainly that.
IT`S IN THE BAG tells about a natty way to dispose of body parts.
And lastly, SEARCHING FOR SUNSHINE, when a little girl goes looking for a lost dog, she exposes
all kinds of criminal activity.
I rate this book a full 5 stars.
March 29, 2021
Suspense and sarcasm abounds as the incredulous but tenacious Detective Shaw battles murderous mysteries and sociopathic skullduggery in this concise but enthralling collection of intriguing mysteries that will leave you nervously checking over your shoulder and repeatedly eying the doorknob as you sleep with the lights on. This collection of short but suspenseful stories wastes no time in churning up that fear that we all fight to keep tamped down in that dark, dank corner of our soul, .... "am I next?"
February 27, 2021
This is group of magazine stories that have been made into a book. The stories deal with cases that Detective Shaw is involved with. Each story tells a little bit about the crime and provides some information as to who actually committed the crime. Based on what information he has received, he ultimately finds the individual responsible at the end of the story.
I had a hard time trying to figure it out. If you enjoy stories in this vein, then grab this book. You will not be sorry.
I had a hard time trying to figure it out. If you enjoy stories in this vein, then grab this book. You will not be sorry.
February 19, 2021
In this addictive little collection, we jump straight into the world of Detective Shaw -- a no frills, down to earth investigator with an eye for details -- and take a peek inside six of his most memorable cases.
These short stories are quick, satisfying, and varied. Some were intensely serious, one had a generous splash of humor, and one offered a deeper peek into Shaw’s life and backstory. Every story employed plenty of foreshadowing, allowing an astute reader to solve the crime alongside or ahead of Detective Shaw.
Detecting Fear
This gripping suspense story drops the reader right into the chair opposite an ice-cold murderer. The things left unsaid are the most telling in this spine-tingling race against the clock.
It's All About the Cat
And now for something completely different! This humorous piece features a fabulous whodunit perfect for the short story format.
Dying Print
Shaw is far cleverer than the suspect in this “I knew she was trouble when she walked in” style noir.
A Little Bit of Murderer
This one feels like a vignette. It is short, has a surprising twist, but seemed a bit topheavy.
It's In the Bag
For thriller fans, this piece is great adventure. Full of surprising twists and outstanding foreshadowing, It’s In The Bag is my favorite. I think Gilligan needs his own spinoff.
Searching for Sunshine
To wrap things up, Shaw teams up with a grieving daughter to uncover the truth about her little sister’s death.
This is a slim collection of previously-published short stories all featuring Detective Shaw. Because they are in the original format, some pieces are in present tense, others in past tense, and one in first person, making for bumpy reading. Some stories felt like they were part of a larger piece, but all were self-contained and readable as standalone pieces.
After enjoying these slivers of Shaw, the reader is left hungry for more clues about the intrepid detective. Whether he appears in other short stories or in a longer format, any mystery involving Detective Shaw is well worth the read.
CW: child victims
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
These short stories are quick, satisfying, and varied. Some were intensely serious, one had a generous splash of humor, and one offered a deeper peek into Shaw’s life and backstory. Every story employed plenty of foreshadowing, allowing an astute reader to solve the crime alongside or ahead of Detective Shaw.
Detecting Fear
This gripping suspense story drops the reader right into the chair opposite an ice-cold murderer. The things left unsaid are the most telling in this spine-tingling race against the clock.
It's All About the Cat
And now for something completely different! This humorous piece features a fabulous whodunit perfect for the short story format.
Dying Print
Shaw is far cleverer than the suspect in this “I knew she was trouble when she walked in” style noir.
A Little Bit of Murderer
This one feels like a vignette. It is short, has a surprising twist, but seemed a bit topheavy.
It's In the Bag
For thriller fans, this piece is great adventure. Full of surprising twists and outstanding foreshadowing, It’s In The Bag is my favorite. I think Gilligan needs his own spinoff.
Searching for Sunshine
To wrap things up, Shaw teams up with a grieving daughter to uncover the truth about her little sister’s death.
This is a slim collection of previously-published short stories all featuring Detective Shaw. Because they are in the original format, some pieces are in present tense, others in past tense, and one in first person, making for bumpy reading. Some stories felt like they were part of a larger piece, but all were self-contained and readable as standalone pieces.
After enjoying these slivers of Shaw, the reader is left hungry for more clues about the intrepid detective. Whether he appears in other short stories or in a longer format, any mystery involving Detective Shaw is well worth the read.
CW: child victims
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 7, 2021
In this collection of short stories, Detective Shaw searches for answers in a variety of cases. Some of the cases more unusual than others. My favorite was Detecting Fear in which Shaw questions a truly evil criminal. I also enjoyed the theme of pets in many of the stories from cats and dogs, to the detective’s own parrot, Gilligan. I am grateful for a promotional kindle edition of this quick fun series of mysteries.
March 11, 2021
The collection of short stories of Decorative Shaw was right up my alley! Each "case" provided just enough suspicion to pull me into the mystery with him. Hollinger does a great job of creating snapshots of a crime, solving them just in time, and sometimes even leaving a little room for the story to possibly continue. I'm a big fan of the crime genre and I enjoyed this collection immensely.
March 15, 2021
Short and sweet, in good and suspenseful ways. A strong set of page-turners that makes for a quick, fun read. There's a wide variety of stories, which makes it that much more impressive. Good stuff.
Thanks very much for the review copy!!
Thanks very much for the review copy!!
March 6, 2021
Detecting Fear
Detective Shaw was asking Edgar what his name was.
Then he asks Edgar where the kid is.
An Amber Alert has already been issued.
He was taken to the old Stockton mine (# 95), but he’s not there anymore.
He’s at Devil’s Peak.
A S&R unit & dive team was sent to the Geede’s Water Control Dam (Green River reservoir).
Jimmy & Allan are also missing from the kid’s birthday party.
It’s All About the Cat
Detective Shaw observes Percival (Siamese) laying by the dead woman (40+, Caucasian, CPA) in a pool of blood.
Will the murder mystery get solved & someone brought to justice?
Dying Print
Shelly informed Detective Shaw someone was after her.
Lou has the mutilated doll in a plastic evidence bag.
Vice Detective Turk Johnson is helping with the case.
DA Marjorie Grace came to see Detective Shaw & Shelly.
A Little Bit of Murderer
Dr. Hastings (ME) & Pam Gatsby (forensic tech) told Detective Shaw & Sergeant Simmons the victim had been strangled.
Timmy Boyles was being restrained.
It’s in the Bag (80)
Michelle Farley had received the bad news from Detective Shaw (Waverly PD Homicide).
Someone had murdered her little sister Amelia.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Mystery, book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great Mystery movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. It was just for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Detective Shaw was asking Edgar what his name was.
Then he asks Edgar where the kid is.
An Amber Alert has already been issued.
He was taken to the old Stockton mine (# 95), but he’s not there anymore.
He’s at Devil’s Peak.
A S&R unit & dive team was sent to the Geede’s Water Control Dam (Green River reservoir).
Jimmy & Allan are also missing from the kid’s birthday party.
It’s All About the Cat
Detective Shaw observes Percival (Siamese) laying by the dead woman (40+, Caucasian, CPA) in a pool of blood.
Will the murder mystery get solved & someone brought to justice?
Dying Print
Shelly informed Detective Shaw someone was after her.
Lou has the mutilated doll in a plastic evidence bag.
Vice Detective Turk Johnson is helping with the case.
DA Marjorie Grace came to see Detective Shaw & Shelly.
A Little Bit of Murderer
Dr. Hastings (ME) & Pam Gatsby (forensic tech) told Detective Shaw & Sergeant Simmons the victim had been strangled.
Timmy Boyles was being restrained.
It’s in the Bag (80)
Michelle Farley had received the bad news from Detective Shaw (Waverly PD Homicide).
Someone had murdered her little sister Amelia.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written Mystery, book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great Mystery movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. It was just for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
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March 11, 2022I’m Jasmin, and this is my review for “Detecting Fear”. :D
There are many aspects of your book that I absolutely love! The way each chapter just draws me in. You have an eye-catching introduction!
The new mysteries you introduce in each chapter are even more fascinating than the last. Each chapter I catch myself holding my breath and think “Oh my god, what’s going to happen?” It’s amazing!
I love the way you introduced Detective Shaw in the first chapter! He was passionate about finding the eight-year-old boy and was determined to find him. I love characters like him! And the way we explored more of his character through-out the book helped us understand more and more about him!
I loved the suspense at the end of Chapter 1 when Edgar said “In the end, I always manage to make my playmates face what it is that they’re truly afraid of”. I don’t know if that was the insanity talking or if that was some awesome foreshadowing. In the last chapter when he found the skull in the pond, it said he remained calm. So it was probably the insanity! XD
Other than that I love how suspenseful you made your stories/chapters! It was amazing and had me jumping and on my feet with each second as I read it!
The only problem I had with this book was the lack of diversity… and there were about 2 typos.
But you’re an amazing author and I loved this book! Easily 5 stars!
There are many aspects of your book that I absolutely love! The way each chapter just draws me in. You have an eye-catching introduction!
The new mysteries you introduce in each chapter are even more fascinating than the last. Each chapter I catch myself holding my breath and think “Oh my god, what’s going to happen?” It’s amazing!
I love the way you introduced Detective Shaw in the first chapter! He was passionate about finding the eight-year-old boy and was determined to find him. I love characters like him! And the way we explored more of his character through-out the book helped us understand more and more about him!
I loved the suspense at the end of Chapter 1 when Edgar said “In the end, I always manage to make my playmates face what it is that they’re truly afraid of”. I don’t know if that was the insanity talking or if that was some awesome foreshadowing. In the last chapter when he found the skull in the pond, it said he remained calm. So it was probably the insanity! XD
Other than that I love how suspenseful you made your stories/chapters! It was amazing and had me jumping and on my feet with each second as I read it!
The only problem I had with this book was the lack of diversity… and there were about 2 typos.
But you’re an amazing author and I loved this book! Easily 5 stars!
March 1, 2021
Was invited to read this little book of short stories for free, and found it quite entertaining. Some were better than others, I think my favorite was “It’s All About the Cat”. Of course I’m a cat lover, so that may have influenced me. In some of the stories, especially “Dying Print”, some of the narration was a bit over the top on the description side, or a bit overly dramatic. (Maybe it was intended to feel like a Mickey Spillane detective drama?) I’ve often found that less is more, when it comes to using metaphors and dramatizations. (A common trap for most authors starting out.) But it was still enjoyably written. Since the stories were relatively short, there wasn’t a lot of space to develop the mystery, but I think the author did admirably for the time allotted in each one. Character building was well done, if sometimes a bit over-done. It was fun getting to know Detective Shaw, who was the only constant throughout. I think I would enjoy a longer novel involving him in a good mystery. Don’t stop now!
February 24, 2021
The only reason that I did not consider giving "Detecting Fear" a 4.5 or 5 star review was - I wanted more!
The short stories in this anthology have the potential for development into a series of novels that could land the cases of Detective Shaw in equal quality comparison and contention with James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux, Karin Slaughter's Will Trent and Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone.
Shaw's rogues gallery of suspects range from a surprise serial killer to a murderer who escapes with no apparent way out. So many plot twists that could be explored in 65 thousand satisfying words!
The stories are very well-written and just enough to whet the readers' appetite for what could be an ongoing murder mystery banquet served up Shannon Hollinger. I anxiously await the invite.
The short stories in this anthology have the potential for development into a series of novels that could land the cases of Detective Shaw in equal quality comparison and contention with James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux, Karin Slaughter's Will Trent and Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone.
Shaw's rogues gallery of suspects range from a surprise serial killer to a murderer who escapes with no apparent way out. So many plot twists that could be explored in 65 thousand satisfying words!
The stories are very well-written and just enough to whet the readers' appetite for what could be an ongoing murder mystery banquet served up Shannon Hollinger. I anxiously await the invite.
March 5, 2021
Detective sure is a man who feels put up on by the questions rookies ask Ian begrudgingly loves his animals (not that he would ever admit it!) he’s also a great detective and in this book you will read the stories to prove it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and totally liked detective Shaw, But I must admit my favorite part was win the cat and his parrot made friends and although it was a small part I loved it. I highly recommend this book to those who like short stories about crime and solving the crimes. These stories basically tell you the crime and then you watch the detective solve it it’s an awesome book and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it. I received this book from book sirens and I am leaving this review totally voluntarily.
May 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this collection and found the individual stories entertaining as well written. My only complaint is the first story felt like it didn’t have a proper ending. It could just be me.
If you enjoy short stories, this is definitely a great collection!
If you enjoy short stories, this is definitely a great collection!
May 22, 2021
This was an enjoyable collection of short stories. They contained those twists we love in full length novels. Shannon's background in forensics really showed in her writing. I liked each one in its own way and hope for some full length novels from her with the same fun storylines.
May 31, 2021
Mystery books are my go to reading. That said, although the stories in this collection were kind of interesting, the characters were not developed as well as they could have been.
I was given an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2024
3.5 stars. I loved the writing, and the character of the detective, but most of the single stories didn't fully grab me. I am not a big lover of short stories so I'll try a full novel from the author and it'll probably work better for me!
April 1, 2021
This was a collection of 6 short thriller mysteries and I’ve given it 3 stars as there were some I really enjoyed and others I didn’t think were good at all. It does start on a high, but there were some stories in the middle that were just missing something.
“Detecting Fear” is a great opener and gave me chills at the end, “It’s All About the Cat” was clever with how the story developed and I found it believable, and “It’s In the Bag” was dark, creepy, and entertaining.
“Dying Print” it was clear to me from the start what the ending would be, “A Little Bit of Murder” I just found strange and not that entertaining, and “Searching for Sunshine” I felt the ending was lacklustre and unsatisfying.
It’s a mixed bag, but I would recommend it as three of the stories were very thrilling – plus it’s only a quick read.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
“Detecting Fear” is a great opener and gave me chills at the end, “It’s All About the Cat” was clever with how the story developed and I found it believable, and “It’s In the Bag” was dark, creepy, and entertaining.
“Dying Print” it was clear to me from the start what the ending would be, “A Little Bit of Murder” I just found strange and not that entertaining, and “Searching for Sunshine” I felt the ending was lacklustre and unsatisfying.
It’s a mixed bag, but I would recommend it as three of the stories were very thrilling – plus it’s only a quick read.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 31, 2023
These were good short stories that I really enjoyed. I may have to read more detective Shaw stuff.
June 20, 2021
This book was sent to me as an ARC on NetGalley. However, all opinions are of my own.
This is a collection of stories following Detective Shaw.
Classic case of mysterious and guessing throughout. It gives us an insight into some of his most frightful cases and what happened. Full of both suspense and sarcasm but I guess thats expected when reading something written by a detective.
I, unfortunately, didn't thoroughly enjoy this but it was still interesting.
This is a collection of stories following Detective Shaw.
Classic case of mysterious and guessing throughout. It gives us an insight into some of his most frightful cases and what happened. Full of both suspense and sarcasm but I guess thats expected when reading something written by a detective.
I, unfortunately, didn't thoroughly enjoy this but it was still interesting.
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