Review: Delia's Shadow

Delia's Shadow

By Jaime Lee Moyer

Published: September 17, 2013

A dark, romantic fantasy set against the backdrop of San Francisco devastated by the Great Quake

It is the dawn of a new century in San Francisco and Delia Martin is a wealthy young woman whose life appears ideal. But a dark secret colors her life, for Delia’s most loyal companions are ghosts, as she has been gifted (or some would say cursed) with an ability to peer across to the other side.

Since the great quake rocked her city in 1906, Delia has been haunted by an avalanche of the dead clamoring for her help. Delia flees to the other side of the continent, hoping to gain some peace. After several years in New York, Delia believes she is free…until one determined specter appears and she realizes that she must return to the City by the Bay in order to put this tortured soul to rest.

It will not be easy, as the ghost is only one of the many victims of a serial killer who was never caught. A killer who after thirty years is killing again. 

And who is now aware of Delia’s existence.

My review:

I was curious about Delia's Shadow because of the setting and the idea of a serial killer. I wasn't as sure about the ghost part of it. Thankfully the elements all worked together really well to present an entertaining story that I found difficult to put down. There is plenty of suspense as well as romance and just a touch of the paranormal. The book reads more like a historical suspense novel than a paranormal book. I think this will increase its appeal to a wide variety of readers.

The ghost aspect is believably incorporated and Delia's friends quickly come to believe what she sees. There is also a young woman who happens to be a medium as well as a friend of Sadie who helps Delia to understand her abilities and to solve the mystery. 

The setting is fascinating with its details about the Panama-Pacific Exposition (1915 World's Fair). The crime scenes are also detailed and can make for gritty reading. I also appreciated the look at what detective work and forensics was like during that time period.

I liked Delia and Gabe, the police detective and Delia's love interest but what really appealed to me about this book was the suspense as the characters always seemed to be two steps behind the killer and the body count rose. I was glad to see that though this story wraps up neatly, this is the first book in a series. If you are a fan of historical suspense and don't mind a little bit of paranormal, then give Delia's Shadow a try.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher