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alittlemixofvix's review
3.0
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.
_eight_day's review
5.0
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.
pizzaghost's review
4.0
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.
bookingwithjanelle's review
4.0
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.
bookishundercover's review
5.0
I’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!
3no7's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
“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.
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