A Shadow on the Snow – JPC Allen

A Shadow on the Snow is a YA Mystery novel set in the winter. The main character, Rae Riley, is a nineteen-year-old librarian, who has managed to locate her dad. It turns out, her dad is the sheriff, and with him comes a wonderful new family.

Rae’s background comes into play straight away as she receives an anonymous note, telling her to leave. More notes follow, each one more ominous than the last. Rae doesn’t want to tell her dad, as she doesn’t want him to regret accepting her.

JPC Allen, the author, has done a great job in describing Rae, the three cops, the town and the farm. A Shadow on the Snow is JPC Allen’s first novel, using places and characters she knows. JPC Allen was a librarian for ten years, so she draws on her experience there, for example. She helps others to set off on their writing path, and although she encourages people to write what they know, for crime novels, it’s nice not having to experience the danger and attacks yourself!

A Shadow on the Snow isn’t fast-paced, although some scenes are, but it draws you in. Rae Riley wonders who could be the person leaving the note behind, and given her mum’s reputation, there are quite a few candidates. Rae looks at the people around her, wondering who could be a threat.

Then there are the three young cops, sharing a house. Rae plays music with them, but there are little things there that she feels don’t add up. Are they not telling the truth and why not? I loved following the clues and hints of trouble along the way.

JPC Allen has described the sheriff well, I loved his character! His young sons are sweet and so is his mother. I felt for Rae, second-guessing people all the time, figuring them out, wondering if people can be trusted. Sheriff Mal is such a great example of a steady, trustworthy man and Rae comes to see where his strength comes from more and more. Rae’s faith comes out and is encouraged by her new family.

JPC Allen, the author

I enjoyed A Shadow on the Snow very much, even though it meanders more than most books I’m used to. I actually enjoyed the quieter pace, although I wanted to know who wrote the notes! I knew it wasn’t going to end well for the perpetrator, but the ending was still very unexpected. It had me turning pages fast!

I received a review copy via Celebrate Lit but was under no pressure or obligation to write a favourable review.

As with all reviews for Celebrate Lit, this wonderful book comes with a giveaway. (USA Only!) here is the information.

To celebrate her tour, JPC is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Christmas Fiction Off the Beaten Path, a signed copy of A Shadow on the Snow, and a bookmark based on the artwork of an Ohio artist!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/14f21/a-shadow-on-the-snow-celebration-tour

Here are the other reviews, so do comment on other blogs as well!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 18

Nancy E Wood, December 19

Texas Book-aholic, December 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 21

Inklings and notions, December 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 23

Bigreadersite, December 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 24 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 26

deb’s Book Review, December 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 28

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 29

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 30 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, December 30

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 31

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