CHASING SHADOWS – Erin Richards
Cerridwen Press
ISBN: 971419915857
April 2008
Romantic Suspense with Paranormal Elements

San Jose, California – Present Day

Juliana Westwood has a vision, a dream about the kidnapping of a young girl, and her dreams always come true. She feels the kidnapper’s excitement, and although she did not see any details, she knows she will be having more dreams about the kidnapped child. Juliana makes an appointment with the San Jose Police Department and finds Detective James O’Malley waiting for her. Lieutenant Alex MacKenzie is called in to confer with the psychic along with Officer O’Malley. Alex is shocked when he sees Juliana. They have not seen each other for twelve years, when they were graduating from high school, and so much in love. He had experienced Juliana’s psychic abilities first hand when his best friend was killed, and then suddenly Juliana left town, leaving him heartbroken. Currently, Juliana is a financial planner and has done very well; she recently transferred from the East Coast, back to San Jose, her hometown.

Juliana’s second dream reveals that the child is Lisette, Alex’s niece, and the little girl recognizes her abductor. Juliana cannot see the kidnapper because she is seeing everything through his eyes. She begs the officers for anonymity so that the dreams will continue, and for her own safety. Juliana also confesses that not only does she have visions, but she can also read minds. She works with Alex and James on their investigation, even though she experiences excruciating headaches and dizziness.

Juliana is happy to see Andrea, Alex’s twin, who used to be a good friend. She hopes to help the devastated Andrea find her daughter. The awareness between Juliana and Alex sizzles. Neither has forgotten the love they knew so many years ago. Will they be able to clear the air between them and rekindle the love? Will Juliana be able to help Alex and James find Lisette?

The first chapter of CHASING SHADOWS immediately catches the reader’s interest as Juliana reveals her psychic vision. It is a frightening story of a man who planned the abduction carefully, but readers only know as much as Juliana knows as she dreams. She senses something different about the kidnapper. Could he be sensitive to her probing? His violence is escalating as he moves toward his goal. Juliana is fearful of her gift, which runs in her family and caused so much havoc of insanity and suicide, but she is an intelligent woman who has learned to deal with her visions and help the police. Alex is angry that Juliana left him without explanation twelve years ago. Can he trust her now? Secondary characters, James and Andrea, find comfort with each other as they search for Lisette. They are all interesting and appealing characters.

CHASING SHADOWS is a very compelling tale, well written, emotional and intense. It is also frightening when you think about a little girl being in a kidnapper’s clutches, especially as Juliana sees his anger and cruelty. This story is sure to stay in your mind well after you have read the last page. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you won’t want to miss CHASING SHADOWS.

Marilyn Heyman