Secret's Shadow: The First Cassidy McCabe Mystery [Paperback]

Alex Matthews says that she wrote this book because she doesn't think women are accurately portrayed in most mysteries. Women should sue her for defamation of character. Cassidy McCabe takes stupidity to new lows. There were several times when I had to restrain myself from throwing the book across the room in disgust at her actions, or lack thereof.

It's too bad, because the writing is good and the story decent. But McCabe is beyond hope and that ruins the book.

I can't help but wonder if I read the same book that the other reviewers did. This is an okay book, great if you'd like some light reading, but I certainly wouldn't classify it as a must-read. I found the main character to be flighty, and her actions a bit silly at times. I certainly didn't buy the independent, strong-willed woman bit. If Cassidy McCabe were such a spunky lady, why would she continually leave her doors unlocked when she was fully aware of the fact that she was being watched, harassed, etc., by members of the mob, or worse? Wouldn't such an independent thinker put every possible safe-guard and obstacle in place to ensure her safety?

That was just one aspect of the book which didn't ring true. The book seemed to ponder the exact same questions over and over, never really going anywhere. The mystery was, in fact, finally solved through pure coincidence.

What do you do when one of your clients commits suicide and leaves a note saying you are to blame and now the family is suing for malpractice? This is just part of Cassidy McCabe's problems. Cassidy is a psychotherapist that runs her practice from her home. The latest disaster to enter her life is just one in a long series of disasters. She is being stalked by the mob for her ex-husbands debt. She is broke and struggling to make ends meet, due mostly to his prior disasters in which he always seemed to get her involved. She comes home one day and there, sitting on her porch looking like she owns the house, is a small calico cat. Big problem, Cassidy doesn't like cats, or so she claims, but she can't just turn her back on the kitten. Zachary Moran is the brother of Cassidy's client that committed suicide. He is an investigative reporter and doesn't believe that his brother committed suicide, despite the evidence. He contacts Cassidy and convinces her that it is in their best interests to investigate and discover the truth. As they uncover hidden skeletons in the Hollister past that Zach didn't even know about, Cassidy receives more threatening phone calls and an attempt on her life. She keeps this information to herself though because she isn't sure how much she can trust Zach, or her growing attraction to him. Secret's Shadow is a great book. Ms. Matthews has done an excellent job. It has mystery and suspense, danger and excitement, all with a touch of romance. There are places where the conversation and dialog is a bit hard to follow, but all in all, a very good read.

Tracy Eastgate Reviewer