Thursday, March 25, 2021

Review of The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice

Stoningham Connecticut
Stoningham Connecticut





If you are looking for a thrilling mystery with an interesting mix of characters this book by Luanne Rice is the book for you.  Along with a great story the book also explores spousal abuse among unlikely people.

The Author


Luanne Rice is a New York Times best selling author of 35 books.  She loves to write about nature  and the sea and bases many of her novels on her home state of Connecticut.  

I had read her books before and really enjoyed them so when I picked up The  Shadow Box, I knew I'd find a good novel and I was not disappointed.  This was another of those books that I was hooked from page one.  


Basic Plot


The setting for the book is the Connecticut coast and specifically a posh enclave called Cataount Bluff.  It is an area occupied by five luxury homes whose owners have long standing roots in the community.

The main character in the book is Claire Beaudry Chase, an artist who makes unusual shadow boxes.  Her husband, Griffin, is a very well connected man who is going to run for governor.  One of Claire's shadow boxes depicts a figure that could point to Griffin as a participant in a decades old crime and could hurt his political future.

The men of Catamont Bluff belong to a secret society called the Monday Club.  There are also other members of the small and secretive society and they all stick together no matter what.

When Claire is attacked in her garage and left for dead the plot unfolds.  After her attacker leaves she is able to escape and hides out for weeks while she tries to solve the crime.  While she is in hiding she discovers that another women who has worked as a decorator for several of the families has been found dead on the same day Claire disappeared.

Questions Claire trys to Solve


The book has lots of twists and turns and lots of questions to be answered.  Who can Claire trust?
Her husband has much of law enforcement in his pocket so she doesn't know who to turn to and is forced to stay hidden.

Claire hears about Sallie, the other woman who died, and wonders if that is connected to her disappearance.

Are the other  members of the enclave involved?  They are all very close and all working hard to make sure Griffin is the next govenor and able to help them in their businesses.

Are Claire's two stepsons Ford and Alexander somehow involved?

Who was her attacker?  Claire feels sure it was Griffin and yet he had on a mask and it all went so fast she isn't sure.

A Must Read Book


To find out the answers to the mystery you will need to read the book.  I am sure you will find it as intriquing as I found it.

For  more information on the Connecticut coast here is a review I wrote about Stoningham.  It includes my photos from a trip there. Stoningham Connecticut




 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


9 comments:

  1. The plot to 'The Shadow Box' sounds very intriguing. You know I love mysteries. Thanks for your recommendation of this Luanne Rice mystery.

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  2. Intriguing for sure, this sound like a real thriller. I love a good mystery. Thanks for the review and recommendation.

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  3. I already want to know who attacked Clair and left her for dead! Clearly, she would never be able to find peace in her home again regardless. Scary thoughts when you consider the potential government official would have an instant made group who would help conceal all of his crimes. It sounds like a great mystery for sure, but let's hope it stays in the fiction realm.

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  4. Going on my list of MUST READ books. Thanks for this review, you have tickled my curiosity, and now I have to wait till I can get it! Well, that's okay, I should finish the two books I have already started before starting this one. Sounds like a real winner for me!

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  5. Unfortunately, in real life as well as in fiction, there are people whose compulsion to acquire political power or wealth is so strong that destroying or even ending others' lives, directly or indirectly, becomes an acceptable means to achieve their ends and satisfy their avarice. Based on this and other reviews of Luanne Rice's novels, I know her enormous popularity and success are well deserved, and I'm sure her treatment of this chilling theme is excellent. Thanks so much for a great review and recommendation.

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  6. I have read this book and also thoroughly recommend it. I certainly didn't want to put it down until I had finished it!

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  7. Mary Beth thanks for the intro to this book - again, a book my mom would enjoy as well. I'll save this one as well.

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  8. Oh this sounds so intriguing and a real mystery! Thank you for a compelling review.

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  9. Another option for our book lists. Thanks for the recommendation!

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