Recent Reads - The Silver Shadow

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The Silver Shadow by Liz Tolsma - Polly Blythe is trying to make her way as a newspaper reporter in Denver in 1900, but she's not getting chances at anything but society news. When a woman is attacked not far from the newspaper office, she manages to get the scoop, but her story is still pushed to the back of the paper. Then Polly's friend becomes a victim of the mysterious assailant, and the story becomes very personal. Polly is more determined than ever to follow the story and help bring the man to justice.

Edwin Price is the Denver detective working on the case and wondering if there's a connection between several of the attacks on women. All were out walking alone in the evening, hit on the head, but not robbed or attacked in any other way. What is the motive? Edwin is considering the young reporter's idea that the attacks are connected when a friend of his dies from her injuries and then later when his sister becomes a victim. Edwin and Polly begin working together to look for the culprit and keep women safe, and a friendship develops too.

After writing a fiery editorial and keeping the attention on the story, Polly starts receiving threats from the Silver Shadow, as the attacker has been nicknamed. Edwin does his best to keep her safe while following up on any leads, all while they both deal with stubborn and overbearing superiors in their workplaces. 

I've read several of the True Colors series, and this one is a little different because so little was known about the real criminal and his motives. Author Liz Tolsma had plenty of room to fictionalize since the historical framework was so loose. The motive and identity of the Shadow is not clear in her fictional version of the story either, so the focus of the story stays more on Polly and Edwin, and on the theme of women finding their independence during this time in history.

From the publisher:

Step into True Colors -- a series of Historical Stories of Romance and True American Crime

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.

Denver of 1900 is still a dangerous place to be following the silver crash of 1893. And out of the dark comes a shadow intent on harming women. Ambitious young Denver newspaper reporter Polly Blythe is searching for the big story that's going to launch her career. On Friday evening, August 24, 1900, she gets her break when two women are cracked over the head within a two-minute walk of each other. But policeman Edwin Price thwarts Polly's ideas of a serial criminal . . . until the shadowy figure strikes again. Will the reporter and the policeman team up to find the culprit before he strikes too close for comfort?

By the same author: The Gold Digger, The Pink Bonnet, The Green Dress

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a digital ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

#TheSilverShadow #NetGalley

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