Shadows in the Forest

Jennifer J. Morgan

Jul 2022 · Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries Book 1 · Secret Staircase Books, an imprint of Columbine Publishing Group

About this ebook

Libby Madsen, professional massage therapist and co-owner of the luxurious Dharma Inspired Day Spa, has probably heard it all. During what she thinks of as ‘tabletop confessions’ her clients often talk about way more of their personal lives than she really wants to hear. So when a regular, Maggie Crenshaw, talks about how her daughter went away on a camping trip with friends, it’s just so much chatter. But when Maggie says Isobel didn’t return home on time, is not answering her phone, and that the young woman is diabetic and really needs her meds. Libby offers to pick up the medications at Maggie’s house and deliver them—she and her Labrador puppy, Shadow, are going camping in the same area and it’s no trouble at all.

 

Except when Libby and Shadow arrive at the campground, Isobel is nowhere to be found, and no one there has seen her or the group of friends she claimed to be traveling with. Libby enlists the help of handsome Forest Ranger Greg Lawson, but even he can’t find anyone who has seen the girl. The fact that she’s now been without her insulin for several days is worrisome, and Greg initiates a Search and Rescue operation.

 

Libby and Shadow join Greg and the volunteers to search the adjoining camping areas. Some shady characters and a few clues do turn up. But no Isobel. Libby becomes convinced that something more sinister is going on and she’s determined to find out what has happened, little knowing that her own life may be in danger as she gets too close to the truth.

 

Praise for Jennifer J. Morgan’s Libby Madsen cozy mystery series:

“Readers know what a sucker I am for dogs, and the Libby Madsen mysteries are some of the best. I love, love, love Shadow and Libby and the adventures they get themselves into. Jennifer J. Morgan is destined to be one of the brightest new stars in the cozy mystery scene!” – Connie Shelton, USA Today bestselling author

Ratings and reviews

Shadows in the Forest is the debut novel for author Jennifer Morgan, and for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, it's definitely worth picking up. I'm not a fan of spoilers, so I will not be giving anything away. I thought the story flowed quite well, the plot believable, and the characters relatable. This story was very easy to read, and I will say that I finished it in less than a day. Great job! I will be picking up the sequel to see what happens next!

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About the author

Jennifer J. Morgan grew up in the desert Southwest where she always dreamed of becoming an author. Raised in New Mexico, and currently living in Arizona, she is a desert dweller through and through. Similar to her protagonist, Libby Madsen, she loves traveling and adventure.

When she was younger, she was a huge fan of mystery/suspense novels—favorites being Dean Koontz, James Patterson, and Sue Grafton. Cozy mystery is more of a favorite today—enjoying the fun and adventurous spirit of authors such as Connie Shelton, Tonya Kappes, and CJ Love.

When she’s not writing, Jennifer enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling with her husband and two dogs. She is also an arts and crafts nut, always taking on a new project that sparks her creativity. 

​Fun fact: Most of her characters in the Libby Madsen Cozy Mystery are named after beloved pets that have blessed her life over fifty+ years. She is a HUGE animal lover (dogs, cats, birds...). Given the chance, she’d rescue them all (including a few goats, chickens, ducks, you name it...). Or, as she likes to say, her animals have always rescued her.