Review: Delia's Shadow

I received an eArc from Net Galley. Delia's Shadow will be available September 17th, 2013.


Delia's Shadow is a beautifully written, often thrilling, ghost story set in San Francisco in 1915.

Delia Martin is returning home from New York City to her adopted family after a three year trip. On the train, we're introduced to Shadow, a persistent yet kind spirit that only Delia can see. Shadow is desperately trying to get Delia to solve her murder, but all she can show Delia are dream images from her death. We meet Sadie, Delia's dear friend and foster sister, as well as Sadie's fiance, Jack, and his partner Gabe. As the Panama Expo begins, a serial killer from Gabe's past starts to torture and kill again.

Gabe and Delia grow close, and as her Shadow shows more and more of her life to Delia, it becomes increasingly clear that she is one of the killers victims. Gabe, Jack, and Delia work together to solve Shadow's murder before the cunning killer can strike again.



I really enjoyed this book. Usually I find historical fiction a little hard to get into, but Moyer starts off so strong that I found it hard to put the book down. 

I love how strong Delia and Sadie are. They support Jack and Gabe just as much as the men protect them. I never once felt like Delia was a damsel that needed rescuing. I'm used to in-your-face contemporary, so the subtle romance took a little bit of getting used too. As the story went on, the chemistry between Gabe and Delia was undeniable.

The paranormal aspects were deliciously creepy. I found myself checking over my shoulder for a Shadow of my own more than once. The suspense was gripping, so much so that I read the last one hundred pages in one sitting. The death and torture details were tasteful yet terrifyingly effective.

The setting was awesome. I loved the descriptions of the dresses and the restaurants. The expo was one of my favorite scenes - I really felt like I was a part of the action and excitement.

Rating: 4/5

I can't wait to buy my own copy of Delia's Shadow and I'm looking forward to anything else Jamie Lee Moyer releases.

26

Yesterday was my 26th birthday. I'm almost in my late twenties. This is both exciting and nauseating.

25 was a good year. I wrote a couple books, had one published, and landed my super faboosh agent, Kat Rushall! 

I really don't see how 26 can live up to 25, but I really hope it puts up a good fight.

So I thought I'd put up 26 random things  about myself / goals for this year / more random stuff.

1.   I'd like a book deal. (shocker, I know.)

2. I absolutely hate the sound of people eating. Especially weirdly textured food like bananas. I also despise hurried eaters. The ones who cannot get food into their mouth fast enough. I have a lot of food related peeves.

3. My neighbor has a litter of five week old boxer puppies and I got ALL the birthday kisses.

4. I almost cried during the thirty second N'Sync reunion.

5. I don't realize the book I'm writing sucks until I'm already 30k into it. 

6. I'm obsessed with audiobooks.

7. My favorite color is purple.

8. I got black chuck taylors for my birthday. I'm in desperate need of ankle socks.

9. I have seven tattoos.

10. I love the Twilight saga && don't hate FSOG.

11. I haven't clapped in my house since I watched the Conjuring.

12. I think my husband is actually the hottest guy on the planet.

13. For my 26th birthday, my Mom got me a trip to Silverwood theme park. I'm currently making a calender with count down days on it. I'm like a freaking seven year old.

14. My great grandpa is 102 and just bought my book.

15. I have to remind myself that Jamie Bower is not actually Jace Wayland.

16. Sugar saves any spaghetti sauce.

17. I love cabbage.

18. I loathe mushrooms, but love mushroom soup. (I strain the little mushroom chunks).

19. Neil Gaiman is my patronus.

20. I think Ben Affleck will make a fine Batman.

21. I think Moonchild is a stupid name.

22. I've seen the Princess Bride 500 times. (It sounds like an exaggeration, but it's really not. I watched it before bed at least four times a week in high school).

23. Number 22 gave me unreal expectations about first loves.

24. Sometimes I let my eighty pound German Shepard sleep on my pillow and I put my head on her tummy.

25. My family is cooler than your family. Just kidding. Your family is equally as cool as mine. Let's have a picnic.

26. This year will be my best year yet.