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REVIEW: Long Shadow – Elle Keaton

Long Shadow - Elle Keaton

Title: Long Shadow

Series: Hamarsson and Dempsey Book 2

Author: Elle Keaton

Genre: Mystery, Action-Adventure, Romance

LGBTQ+ Category: MM Gay

Publisher: Dirty Dog Press

Pages: 270

Reviewer: Maryann

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About The Book

Niall’s never known anything but betrayal. All Mat wants is Niall’s heart. What will it take for him to coax Niall in from the cold?

Mat’s connection with Niall is tenuous; one step forward, two steps back. Since that night on the beach Niall’s been avoiding Mat like a bad case of the flu–which, ironically, most of his deputies have come down with. What will it take for Niall to truly believe Mat wants him for who he is?

Mat’s overworked, Niall’s unnerved, and then things really go sideways.

Will a killer destroy everything before Niall realizes they are stronger together than apart?

Long Shadow is a dual POV about a broody introvert and a somewhat patient Sheriff. Mat’s going to have to prove to Niall he’s the man for him. The Hamarsson and Dempsey series follows the same couple as they find their way to their happily ever after.

The Review

From the first time I got to review an ARC for “Storm Season” from Elle Keatons “Accidental Roots” series there was something special about her story telling and characters.  She introduced us to Adam Klay and Micah Ryan and many new characters that kept me wanting more.  After this long series and novels in between she brought readers a new series “Hamarsson & Dempsey” with “Conspiracy Theory”.  Niall Hamarsson and Mat Dempsey, who are opposite in so many ways are back with this new and exciting novel.  With this second installment to the series, Keaton has definitely brought a tale of baffling mysteries that all lead to: danger, shock, heart breaking moments and a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Niall, after finishing up some business, is returning to the small peaceful island of Piedras.  He can’t wait to get back to Fenrir and as much as he doesn’t want to admit, Mat.  Niall has lot’s of issues that haunt him:  cold cases, Ana his mother, information from a most unlikely person and his feelings for Mat.  But Piedras Island doesn’t stay peaceful for Niall and Mat.  They find themselves involved in some of the most convoluted and dangerous investigations.

Along with Mat, Niall finds the love of family with, Alyson, Mat’s Mom.  Then Mat’s sister, Ella and niece Riley come into the fold.  There’s Birdy, whose really a big plus to the investigations and get’s better each time.  With Marshall, Trevor and Caleb there’s a potential for a new story, I hope.  There’s the small Piedras Island, itself, where everybody knows your business.  And, of course, there will always be Fenrir, without him the tale is not complete!

I enjoyed that Elle Keaton gave Niall some moments of humor, some heart felt decisions to make and the idea of the yurt.  She certainly puts Niall and Matt through the ringer with this explosive new novel.  Excellent read, I can’t even imagine what Elle will cook up next!

The Reviewer

Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California.  Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018.  My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen.  New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.

I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.

My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012.  She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series.  Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book! 

As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.

My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing.  I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.

I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews.  One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group.  Joining her site was such an eye opener.  I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.

But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.  

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