Delia’s Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer

December 17th, 2013 Kimberly Review 78 Comments

17th Dec
Delia’s Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer
Delia's Shadow
by Jaime Lee Moyer
Series: Delia Martin #1
Genres: Crime Fiction, Historical Fiction, Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

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.

I love crime novels, mysteries and serial killers! Mix in supernatural elements and I am drawn to these stories like moths to a flame. Delia’s Shadow is the first novel in the Delia Martin series by Jamie Lee Moyer. Set against the historic city of San Francisco, Moyer drew me in with her easy writing style, dark descriptions and engaging characters. Mini review: Dark and suspenseful. Old school detective work with a rich plot that kept me captivated as Moyer balanced darkness with light.

We meet Delia Martin as she departs the train that has returned her to the City by the Bay. Delia fled the city trying to escape the spirits she saw slipping through walls, winding down stairs and crossing the streets. She was quite happy in New York until, a young woman or should I say ghost sought her out urging her to return home to San Francisco. It’s a dangerous time to be returning as a serial killer is on the loose. The tale that unfolds is riveting; with side dishes of romance and friendship while never letting us forget the evil at large.

Moyer provides a colorful, fleshed out cast of characters who capture the essence of the period. Delia is haunted but fearless when protecting those she loves. I admired her, and found her to be level-headed, witty and even a little nerdy. For Delia fashion should be practical, and her time better spent reading or at the museum. I enjoyed her, but I am anxious for more layers to be peeled away from her facade. I want a closer look at her thoughts and fears. Her best friend Sadie is outspoken and a social butterfly. She is about to wed a young police officer named Jack. I liked Sadie and her meddlesome, yet kind ways. Jack’s partner and boss is Detective Gabe Ryan. He is brilliant and complex. He has suffered great loss and it shows in the way he carries himself. He is well respected by his unit yet he has closed himself off from the living. A romance develops slowly, one that allows growth in both characters. It takes a backseat to the suspense, mystery and paranormal activity, as it slowly weaves itself into the tale. It was done and helped balance the darkness of the story. Other characters, like a spiritualist, ghosts, officers, and family added to the tale. For secondary and third characters they were each unique and had some substance. I am eager to hear each of their stories and hope the author gives them each voice.

Delia’s Shadow is Moyer’ debut novel, and I was impressed with her seasoned writing style. She skillfully weaved in several genres such as historical, paranormal, romance and mythology. She took each strand and created a breathtaking tapestry around this suspenseful crime thriller. The crimes were dark and involved a heinous serial killer. The tale is told from two perspectives. Delia’s is in first person, and Gabe’s is in third. I found it to be the perfect balance as he presented the investigation, and she allowed us to breathe and absorb details. Both are level-headed and methodical, but the author subtly fleshed them out, showing their weaknesses, hopes, fears and desires. The ghosts we encountered added an interesting paranormal element and like Delia we feared them but were also curious as to what they needed. Delia was open-minded and hoped that perhaps she could help. The investigation was captivating, with twists, danger, loss and fear. Despite the supernatural elements, the research, killer, and conclusion were plausible giving an eerie authenticity to the tale. Delia’s Shadow delivered that book high I seek and left me eager for the next chapter.

Fans of suspenseful murder mysteries, with a touch of paranormal and a side dish of romance will find Delia’s Shadow to be an engaging start to a promising new series. Barricade in Hell, the second book, will be released in 2014 and the third, Against A Brightening Sky, will release in 2015. I am anxious to read them.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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78 Responses to “Delia’s Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer”

  1. Tabitha the Pabkins

    O o o o I love the sound of this so much and I even like the sound of the romance! Normally I’m not so hot and heavy about it but this premise just sounds so fabulous. I don’t even normally pick up historicals either but ok I’m in thats all I’ve got to say!

  2. Diamond Nazaneen

    So glad you loved this one! I loved it too. I really loved Delia, Sadie, and Jack and Gabe. The characters were so well done and easy to love. I normally don’t read this type of mystery gothic adult book, but after reading this I wondered why I don’t read the genre more. I can’t wait for the sequel! 😉
    Great review

    • kimbacaffeinate

      so glad you loved it and I hope you try more in this genre 🙂

  3. kara-karina

    So glad, we both enjoyed and appreciated this book, Kimba! Great review, and like you I’m very much looking forward to the next book 🙂

  4. Lily B

    I love how spooky it sounds, really want to get my hands on this one. Delia’s Shadow sounds like a blend I would be drawn too as well. Dark storyline? ghosts? yes please!

  6. Candace

    I have heard loads of wonderful things about this one! I think it’s one I would enjoy. Paranormal and historical are one of my favorites!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you try it Candace, it is a wonderful blend of genres with engaging characters and a wonderful crime mystery.

  7. Trish

    Love the thriller mixed in with supernatural angle. I really want to try this one out as it sounds very impressive for a debut.

  8. Dani

    I have not come across this book before. Thanks for posting about it, you make is sound very interesting!

  9. Chene Sterckx

    This books sounds great! I first saw it on Pamela’s blog and your review has also sold it to me 🙂 Nothing like a strong heroine and some paranormal stuff going on.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Melissa, this was a nice blend so if you enjoy mysteries and historical fiction you would probably enjoy it.

  11. kim { Book Swoon }

    I’m so glad that this book is as good as it’s cover, which I love. The mix of genres is right up my alley, and I really like the sound of the mystery and ghosts. Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Kim I was very happy with this one and hope you get a chance to enjoy it.

  12. Christy

    Okay, okay … I’ll read it. Tor sent me this one, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it or not. Now I will.

  14. Lauren

    I’ve been wanting to read this since I’ve read so many wonderful reviews of it lately! I’m so thrilled to hear you loved it too. I am a sucker for a San Fran setting, and I think I’m going to love Delia (I always have a soft spot for characters who are a little nerdy). Great review! 🙂

  15. Heidi

    I was planning to read this in October but it fell through and now I am so itching to get it done. My TBR pile is ridiculous. I have so many good books waiting to be read. I have got to make time for this!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *eyes tbr pile* I feel your pain and enjoy it when you find the time 🙂

  16. John

    The cover is mysterious and I love this type of story as you do Kimba! Will definitely be looking this one up in the new year!

  18. Dre

    I would like to try this book out. I do like mystery novels, and the paranormal elements made it more interesting! Great review!

  19. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I was surprised by this one. I thought I would like it but didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. So glad you felt the same way! I also can’t wait for the next installment of this series.

  20. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    This turned out to be one of my adult favorites this year! I love that it combines so many different genres. It’s part UF, part PNR, part murder mystery and part historical romance. Fabulous! I’m so so glad you enjoyed it.

  22. Kay

    This sounds crazy good and I haven’t even heard of it before! I”m so glad you brought it to my attention. I love a mix of paranormal with a crime/mystery novel. The characters sound interesting and even though this is a debut novel it seems like the author really knows how to write a good story. Thanks again for bringing this to my attention. It has been added to my TBR pile. 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe you are welcome Kay..I love finding books new homes and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

  23. Ginny

    Love the cover and the mystery and paranormal elements have me interested. As usual, you have added to my wish list.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      good, then my plans to control the world’s tbr piles is well underway 🙂

  26. Andrea

    I received a copy of this, but passed it along due to lack of time. I’m really glad to see you enjoyed DS, though. Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      We cannot read them all, but this cover screamed read me when it arrived…I just had to wait till November to do so.

  28. Stephanie

    This cover is great and looks very mysterious. I love the name Delia for a mystery too! This sounds like a well crafted story that will keep me turning the pages. Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I loved the name too, and it was well crafted. Thanks Stephanie 🙂

  29. aurian

    Great review Kimba, I thought it might be too dark for me, according to other reviews, but I do love books with ghosts and psychics.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      On a scale of one to ten, ten being totally darkness, I would say this is fluctuates between a 4-6

  32. Mary

    I kind of like that the romance in this takes a backseat to everything else because it sounds like the atmosphere and mystery need to be center stage. Too many things going on can ruin a good, eerie story.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I felt the same way Mary, I prefer none or a side dish when I am knee deep in a good mystery.

  33. Victoria (aka Zemfirka)

    Wonderful review! Glad you enjoyed this one. I’ve been seeing this book around and everyone has pretty good things to say about it. It is on my list, but I wasn’t sure if I would really be into the whole ghosts things… for some reason my preference is only for certain paranormal beings, lol 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      They aren’t big on my paranormal list either, but in this case they were the perfect supernatural element.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I totally agree this would be awesome on audio Flea 🙂 *hands you a shot* Happy Birthday!

  36. Lupdilup

    Sounds terrific Kimba! You sure make it hard to keep my TBR in check.
    Another one that’s going right to my wish list.
    Thanks!

  38. Silvia

    Oohh, this sounds good and I really like the cover, too! I’ll have to check it out for sure, thanks for the suggestion and great review, Kimberly! 🙂

  39. Pamela D

    I am glad that you enjoyed this book. I didn’t love it as much as you did, but I am excited about the next book, for the cover, if nothing else. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love historical fiction, and crime mysteries so I just slid right into this world. The covers are wonderful 🙂