A Positive Professional Review

I wrote Shadow Song so long ago, I only vaguely remember it at this point. It wasn't until a couple of books later that I began seeking out reviews. I found a listing of book bloggers for my genre, and rather than submitting my latest, I decided to try Shadow Song, because I really liked it (which is rare for me). I only heard back from two of the bloggers, one of whom was Jeyran Main from Review Tales. She told me she had a several month backlog of books, which was fine; I was happy just to get an affirmative response. Then I promptly forgot about it.

She posted her review yesterday and it's very complimentary.

“Shadow Song” by April Tompkins is a captivating novel that skillfully blends elements of mystery, romance, and personal growth into a seamless narrative. The story follows Ashley Montrose, a woman whose life takes an unexpected turn after she loses her job and stumbles into an unforeseen adventure that challenges her in every possible way.

Ashley’s journey begins with a simple job search that leads her to a resort near her home. Misunderstandings at her job interview land her in the role of a carnival ride operator instead of the portrait painter she aspired to be. Despite the initial setback, Ashley embraces her new circumstances, finding joy and a sense of purpose in her supervisory role and the camaraderie she builds with a group of itinerant ride handlers.

However, the tranquility of her new life is shattered when she discovers the body of her boss, thrusting her into the center of a murder investigation. The introduction of Mitch, the rival painter she initially despises, adds depth to the story as their relationship evolves from antagonism to support and, ultimately, romance.

Tompkins weaves a complex tale that explores themes of resilience, the importance of community, and the transformative power of unexpected challenges. Ashley’s character is relatable and inspiring, showcasing the strength it takes to navigate adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.

The mystery element of the novel is well-crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Ashley, with the help of Mitch and private investigator Greg, unravels the truth behind her boss’s death. The resolution is satisfying, providing closure to the murder mystery while opening new doors for Ashley’s future.

Shadow Song” is not just a mystery novel; it’s a story about finding oneself in the most unlikely of places and the unexpected paths life can take us on. April Tompkins delivers a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns, emotional depth, and characters that stay with you long after the last page. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, romance, or tales of personal discovery, “Shadow Song” is a must-read that offers something for everyone.

I've only ever managed to get a couple of professional reviews and I always dread reading them. I suffer from a severe case of imposter syndrome. I do believe, however, that almost all book bloggers strive to write positive words. I'm not complaining. If their job is to support authors, why would they want to trash a book? And it's at least clear from this review that Ms. Main read the book. (I did have to provide her with a synopsis, but my synopsis certainly wasn't this detailed.)

One thing I do like is that she identified how Shadow Song is multi-genre. It's been difficult for me to categorize. (It's not a romance, though, but it features a romance.) 

If I was to review the book, I'd be more critical. The story could have been tighter. That's one of the drawbacks of discovery writing. That said, as the author, I'm grading on a curve and Shadow Song is my best work.

Receiving the review was a bit of a day brightener, and it provided content for my website, of which I have very little new to talk about.

If you want to check out Shadow Song, click the image below.