The Shadow Side (Berkley Sensation) [Paperback]

Linda Castillo (Author)

Book Description

Series: Berkley Sensation | Publication Date: July 1, 2003

Cases of random violence have erupted across the country--murderous acts committed by previously non-violent people. Detective Adam Boedecker, grieving brother to one of the suicide-murderers, has discovered that all the suspects had taken a new breakthrough anti-depressant, Valazine.

Elizabeth Barnes has devoted her heart and soul to pharmaceutical research. She's at the top of her game and slated to be awarded top honors for her latest breakthrough drug. Until a detective contacts her about a recent wave of homicides.

At first, Eli dismisses it as the wild accusations of a grieving, burnt-out cop. But after another mysterious death, and some investigating of her own, Eli realizes that this intense, driven man may be the only one who can stop the killings . . . and save her from the dark side of her work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Linda Castillo's novels are...

"...chilling suspense."--People magazine
"...compelling and hair-raising."--USA Today
"...electrifying."--The Dallas Morning News
"...excellent..."--Publisher's Weekly


THE SHADOW SIDE is . . .

"An electrifying chiller rife with action and passion . . . splendid."--The Dallas Morning News
"...exhilarating romantic suspense..."--The Best Reviews
"...evocative..."--RT Bookclub

"Ms. Castillo digs deep to reveal the darker side of passion and greed in this gripping novel." -- Patricia Rouse, Rouse's Romance Readers Groups

From the Publisher

Rita Award finalist Linda Castillo has been hailed as "masterful, heartwarming, and heart-stopping...an author to watch."—Romantic Times. Now, this bestselling author returns with her most timely and terrifying novel of seductive suspense . . .

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (July 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425191028
• ISBN-13: 978-0425191026
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #808,948 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Linda Castillo lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next thriller set in Amish Country and featuring Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. Her first novel in the series, Sworn to Silence, was a New York Times bestseller.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chilling intensity -- Very highly recommended, August 1, 2003

By 

C. Penn "WordWeaving" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Shadow Side (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)

With childhood tragedy as a motivator, Dr. Elizabeth "Eli" Barnes devotes her life to medical research. Indeed, her one and only love is work. Consequently, Eli eagerly anticipates receiving the Distinguished Woman of Science Award for the development of Valazine, a drug that treats depression. But before the ceremony, Detective Adam Boedecker approaches her, convinced that Valazine has contributed to a sudden rash of murder/suicides. While she initially rejects the possibility, Eli's conscience quickly leads her own research and shocking conclusions.

Adam's career as a street cop nearly ended three years ago when a kid put a Saturday night special to his head and pulled the trigger. Brain damage left him struggling to relearn ordinary skills while his wife slept with his best friend. Admittedly a better cop than a brother, Adam concludes his brother's usage of Valazine led to murder/suicide, leading him to unofficially pursue investigation regardless of the cost. Moreover, intrigued by Eli's strengths and vulnerabilities, Adam does not anticipate the damage the investigation could do to his heart.

All the more shocking for its potential to appear in contemporary headlines, THE SHADOW SIDE presents an evocative, chilling tale of suspense. Once again author Linda Castillo displays remarkable talent for creating a tale both plausible yet extraordinary. Both Eli and Adam are damaged, finding recovery as they move through a maze of antagonism and suspicion to learning to trust their hearts and each other. As Eli's priorities shift and as Adam overcomes his disability, their characters develop with strength and power, even as they masterfully reflect the edgy, underlying tension of the novel. A novel fraught with chilling intensity and betrayal, THE SHADOW SIDE comes very highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific romantic suspense...., July 1, 2003

By 

iheartjackbauer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shadow Side (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)

Dr. Elizabeth Barnes has spent her whole life trying to find a way to help people battle depression. A tragedy in her own past has driven her to do all she can to help the people that are plagued by depression. After spending ten years researching and developing a new drug, Valazine is finally out on the market, and studies show her it's thriving. Which is why she is so shocked when burnt out cop, Adam Bodecker forces himself into her office and tells her that her drug is responsible for turning people taking Valazine into violent monsters.

Det. Adam Bodecker thought he lost it all on the night that he was shot. He had no idea what lost was until the day he learned that his brother murdered his pregnant wife and then turned the gun on himself. Not believing for a second that Michael could do that, Adam digs deeper, and what he finds, infuriates and well as shocks him. All he wants are answers, and the one person who could give them to him is the woman who is partly responsible for the drug being on the market at all.

The Shadow Side shows Castillo's extrodinary writing skills once again as these two people race to uncover the truth before any more lives are taken. You have danger, suspense, romance and sex, along with a plot that will keep you spellbound in all his horrifying glory.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good medicine for suspense addicts, July 18, 2003

By 

S. Gould "gouldpjaks" (Woodmere, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Shadow Side (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)

Linda Castillo caught my attention with "The Perfect Victim". Her new novel, "The Shadow Side" has truly won my respect. Dr. Elizabeth Barnes has devoted her life and her extraordinary talents to developing a cure for the depression that led her mother to commit suicide at age thirty five. Detctive Adam Boedecker, a burnt out cop on disability after being shot in the head three years earlier, needs to prove that his brother's murder suicide was the result of taking Valzine the new drug developed by Dr, Elizabeth Barnes released by Dr. Barnes employers. Adam's research uncovers a string of similar cases all tied to Valzine. At first angered by Adams accusations, Elizabeth soon suspects that one or more of her colleagues cannot be trusted. After the murder of Elizabeth's friend and mentor she finds herself on the run with only Adam to help her. Together they must pursue a killer and help eachother to heal. This is a well written and suspenseful tale that is perfect for a day at the beach or pool.