I am forensic psychologist Claire Britten. Although a lot of my work in the past has been helping corporations or individuals ferret out fraud, I am now employed by criminal lawyer Nick Markwood here in Naples, Florida. My new job is one I hope won’t take me too far from home, as I’m a working mom, recently divorced, with a four-year-old daughter. I promised myself and my ex that I wouldn’t take an assignment far from home, but here I am at the other end of the Sunshine State, helping Nick prove whether a death was an accident, murder or suicide.
My motto is “The dead still talk if you know how to listen.” If you don’t know, a forensic psych does not do lab or autopsy work but dissects people’s lives, usually after they are dead. I interview people they left behind—enemies, family—sometimes those are one and the same. I’m a handwriting expert and read body language. The thing is, my work can be dangerous if the person I interview is a so-called person of interest or, worse yet, the murderer.
Nick is totally dedicated not only to his law firm, but to a private endeavor called South Shores. When he was a boy, he found his father dead of an apparent suicide, but has always been certain it was a murder, and by a trusted friend. So, besides his public cases, he is on a covert mission to expose the billionaire who set his father up—and ruined lives.
I don’t know whether it’s good or bad that I’m falling for Nick. The dangers we are in here on this first case are pulling us closer together. Who would think that a beautiful Civil War era plantation would be treacherous? Worse, it’s supposed to be haunted. And what are Nick’s ties to the woman he’s defending who owns it?
A day in my life? Every one is different, and lately, dangerous. Although I’ve promised myself that, if I live through this, I will just return to my little girl and my tame fraud fighting—hopefully, mostly on line through my Clear Path website. But the allure of adventure and Nick makes that hard. I love helping people and families in need, but I know I need to help my own family. If I survive this Chasing Shadows case, there is the Mangrove Murder case looming, a case that may change my life again forever.
Chasing Shadows is the first book in the NEW South Shores romantic suspense series, published by MIRA, November 2016.
The dead still talk if you know how to listen. . .
Every case that Claire Britten cracks is a win, not only professionally but personally. The forensic psychologist has spent a lifetime fighting a neurological disorder, and her ability to conquer it is a testament to her razor-sharp intuition.
Nick Markwood is used to winning in the courtroom, so when his latest case is overthrown by Claire’s expert testimony, he can’t help being impressed by her skill. He needs her on the team of his passion project—investigating unusual cases involving mysterious deaths. Her condition doesn’t deter him, and neither does the attraction that sparks between them. . .even if it should.
As they join forces to investigate a murder in St. Augustine, Florida, Claire is thrust into a situation far more dangerous than she’d anticipated, pushing her disorder to a breaking point. Just when she fears she can’t trust her own mind, she discovers Nick’s personal connection to the case—and wonders whether she can trust anyone at all.
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Meet the author
Karen Harper is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romantic suspense and historical novels about real British women. Winner of the 2006 Mary Higgins Clark Award, Karen and her husband divide their time between Florida and Ohio. Chasing Shadows is the launch book for her new South Shores Series with two more books following in February and May. Connect with Karen at karenharperauthor.com, on Facebook.
All comments are welcomed.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of Chasing Shadows. US entries only, please. The giveaway ends December 1, 2016 at 11:59 AM EST. Good luck everyone!
I have read other books by Karen Harper and I really enjoyed them.
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Forensics is still one of my favorite topics.
A new author & series for me. Thanks for the chance to win.
Wow..great review. Thanks.
Does look like a great read. Would like very much to see how it works out for Claire and Nick. Really appreciate the intro to a new author/series. Always so exciting, and refreshing. Thank you for a chance at a new read
Karen Harper writes captivating novels. Thanks for this fascinating giveaway.
Another Florida book! I love Florida books!
Wow~what an interesting story and the hints into the past of Claire’s boss/boyfriend? Nick! I’m sure this will be a successful series! Thanks for today’s introduction, Dru Ann. Thanks to Karen for the chance to win a copy!
🙂
Thanks for the chance to win this book. It sounds fascinating. Love and death always are.
This sounds great! Looking forward to checking this book/series out.
Forensics can make for fascinating stories! Thanks.
Terrific book, no need to enter me in the drawing, just wanted to say how much I loved reading CHASING SHADOWS
I’ve added this book to my must check out list. Thanks for including it on your blog and for the giveaway.
Hi Dru, Yes please enter me in the giveaway. This looks like it’s going to be an amazing series.
This book sounds amazing. Forensics is a great subject and I would like to learn more about it. Looking forward to reading “Chasing Shadows”.
This does sound like an engaging one.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Hopefully, I will win a copy. Have added Chasing Shadows to my TBR list. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
This book sounds very interesting—what an unusual profession Claire has,
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This book looks good! Thanks for offering this giveaway! lindaherold999@gmail.com
I love Karen’s books. Sounds like another exciting series to enjoy. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this title
Oooh! Another Good one for my TBR list. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!