In 1924, Sarah O’Connell, a socialite and spiritualist, is brutally murdered. The local authorities do not have a single suspect. After receiving an anonymous letter, Jarek Videni, a young intuitive from New York City, travels to the American Midwest to help solve the case. However, Jarek learns quickly that there is no single suspect in the case because everyone in the house is a suspect… even the spirits.
This unsolved case is surrounded with mystery, horror, and a dark presence that fills the family’s home and calls out to Jarek. This presence is watching… waiting… and listening.
Jarek must use his gifts to read the cards, reach beyond the veil, uncover the many secrets that haunt the O’Connell mansion, and find the killer before they strike again. But will he be able to solve this case before it’s too late?
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The paranormal plot establishes itself fairly quickly and will readily engage ghost story fans. The work, however, struggles to maintain itself due to uneven pacing and a passive voice that may make it difficult for readers to retain their interest.
Prose: Though the prose delivers some effective and evocative imagery, much of the word flow is thwarted by a repetitive delivery that decreases the piece's momentum.
Originality: While Chasing Shadows pays homage to works from the past and doesn't deliver strikingly new material, the story offers an intriguing historical mystery with nicely executed supernatural elements.
Character Development/Execution: The characters are clear and show a degree of depth, but their lives are somewhat more explained than experienced, and it results in a rather sedate view of the players, stripping them of fully emotive values.
Date Submitted: July 15, 2022
(Willmar MN-) Willmar native Zack Thelen-Liebl has written a book called Chasing Shadows: Genesis. It's a paranormal thriller set in St. Paul in 1924...
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...Thelen-Liebl ran for mayor of Willmar 8 years ago, and now lives in Stillwater and works full time for The Minnesota National Guard. He says he's always loved books and during the COVID-19 pandemic with people staying at home, he took the opportunity to write...
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...Thelen-Liebl goes under the pen name of Zachariah Jones, and you can get a copy of Chasing Shadows: Genesis by pre-ordering through local bookstores, Bookshop.com, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.
