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Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery #1
A Long Shadow
Old sins cast long shadows�
When the bodies of a young, homeless girl and a girl who disappeared thirty years ago are found on the same day, residents in the historic city of York are aghast. It seems unlikely the two cases are related, and yet some of the same players knew both victims. As Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow and his eager new partner, Sergeant Jimmy Chang, dive into their investigation, they uncover a complicated web of pop stars, pub owners, shopkeepers and old school friends who each have something to hide.
John Shadow is a man of contradictions. A solitary figure who shuns company, but is a keen observer of all he meets. A lover of good food, but whose fridge is almost always empty. He prefers to work alone and is perpetually trying to dodge his partner, who’s full of energy, modern ideas and theories.
But as the two men gradually learn to work together to solve the case, it’s clear that the past is never as far away as you think.
When the bodies of a young, homeless girl and a girl who disappeared thirty years ago are found on the same day, residents in the historic city of York are aghast. It seems unlikely the two cases are related, and yet some of the same players knew both victims. As Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow and his eager new partner, Sergeant Jimmy Chang, dive into their investigation, they uncover a complicated web of pop stars, pub owners, shopkeepers and old school friends who each have something to hide.
John Shadow is a man of contradictions. A solitary figure who shuns company, but is a keen observer of all he meets. A lover of good food, but whose fridge is almost always empty. He prefers to work alone and is perpetually trying to dodge his partner, who’s full of energy, modern ideas and theories.
But as the two men gradually learn to work together to solve the case, it’s clear that the past is never as far away as you think.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2021
874 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 30, 2025
The first book in a series by a new to me author and I loved it! Lucky me - another series to read.
The book features DCI John Shadow, a man who likes to be alone and prefers his policing done the old fashioned way. His off sider is Sergeant Jimmy Chang who is a bit like an overexcited puppy, talks too much and is very into technology. Not exactly an ideal match and it is fun to watch them sorting out how to make the partnership work.
I loved both characters and really enjoyed their witty interactions and comments. I also liked the references to various places in York where I have been myself in the past. The mystery was interesting and I was pleased with myself when I spotted the murderer before Shadow did.
There are seven more books in this series plus the author has other published series. Heaven.
The book features DCI John Shadow, a man who likes to be alone and prefers his policing done the old fashioned way. His off sider is Sergeant Jimmy Chang who is a bit like an overexcited puppy, talks too much and is very into technology. Not exactly an ideal match and it is fun to watch them sorting out how to make the partnership work.
I loved both characters and really enjoyed their witty interactions and comments. I also liked the references to various places in York where I have been myself in the past. The mystery was interesting and I was pleased with myself when I spotted the murderer before Shadow did.
There are seven more books in this series plus the author has other published series. Heaven.
June 17, 2024
Chief Inspector John Shadow works in the town he grew up in, the City of York, he knows the area and people really well, stuck in his ways he plods along and gets the job done, when a young homeless woman turns up dead in a doorway closely followed by a years old skeleton and then two more homeless people the pressure is on to get answers are they linked?
Inspector Shadow and his new young sergeant, Jimmy Chan are on the case what they uncover will surprise a lot of people questioning people from all walks of life as York is such a busy tourist town there is always a lot going on, but will they get the answers they need before more bodies are found?
I loved this one Shadow is such a layback fellow and he loves the old ways pen and paper and Jimmy is into technology, Shadow likes his meals never cooks himself and is constantly being barraged with Jimmy’s ideas. They really are a good working pair and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. This is witty and fabulous and one I highly recommend.
Inspector Shadow and his new young sergeant, Jimmy Chan are on the case what they uncover will surprise a lot of people questioning people from all walks of life as York is such a busy tourist town there is always a lot going on, but will they get the answers they need before more bodies are found?
I loved this one Shadow is such a layback fellow and he loves the old ways pen and paper and Jimmy is into technology, Shadow likes his meals never cooks himself and is constantly being barraged with Jimmy’s ideas. They really are a good working pair and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. This is witty and fabulous and one I highly recommend.
August 20, 2023
4.5 * rounded up. Excellent start to a mystery series set in York. The characters are well-drawn, the dialogue is spot on, and the mystery is twisty and has depth. Chief Inspector Shadow reminds me a bit of Morse. H.L. Marsay is a new-to-me author and I am looking forward to reading many more of her books. Highly recommended for those who like a solid police procedural.
September 29, 2022
Dull
I felt like not a lot happened and the story was quite dull. I identified the murderer early on as they are the only person with a motive. The characters are quite flat and not especially likable.
I liked the crossword idea and including it with the answers at the end.
I felt like not a lot happened and the story was quite dull. I identified the murderer early on as they are the only person with a motive. The characters are quite flat and not especially likable.
I liked the crossword idea and including it with the answers at the end.
April 28, 2024
Slow build but the payoff is absolutely worth it! More than thirty years separate the deaths of two young woman but DCI John Shadow has a hunch they’re related. When two more bodies show up he and his incredibly perky Sergeant are mired in a confounding mystery. The puzzle pieces are there but they just have to keep shifting until they find the right fit.
Loved this story! DCI Shadow, and isn’t that the most awesome name for a police inspector, is a curmudgeon of the first order. He reminds me fondly of Sherlock Holmes. His Sergeant Jimmy is a more modern police officer and cheerful and resilient. The puzzle of this case was engaging and enigmatic. The book is a wonderful read, keeping you guessing throughout until the surprise solution is revealed. Definitely a must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this story! DCI Shadow, and isn’t that the most awesome name for a police inspector, is a curmudgeon of the first order. He reminds me fondly of Sherlock Holmes. His Sergeant Jimmy is a more modern police officer and cheerful and resilient. The puzzle of this case was engaging and enigmatic. The book is a wonderful read, keeping you guessing throughout until the surprise solution is revealed. Definitely a must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2021
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This was my first book by H.L. Marsay. I don’t read as many murder mysteries but I enjoy them when I read them. This book was excellent. It was well written and kept me guessing through the whole book as to who was the murderer. The story was quite exciting. There was both current murders as well as one just discovered from the past. The story takes place in York, England with the Detective Chief Inspector Shadow and his partner Sergeant Jimmy Chang. I enjoyed the interactions between the older, established and old school chief inspector and his young partner who was technologically savvy.
As the book opens, the body of a young homeless woman named Fay is discovered. Shadow would come up with ideas to investigate, assigning one task after the other to Jimmy. The deceased was found on the streets, clutching a bottle of vodka. It is discovered that the vodka is a very special brand and it contained poison which killed Fay. As the two partners go about the investigation, a skeleton is discovered during an archaeological dig. From testing, they find out it is the body of a young woman who died over 30 years ago.
There is a local couple that run a shelter for the homeless as well as a soup kitchen. Susie is a former pop star and Luke is her boyfriend. They were also the best friend and boyfriend of the girl whose body was found from over 30 years ago. Fay was known to stay at their shelter but was turned away the night she was murdered as she had been drinking and that was against the rules. As the book progresses, there are additional bodies found and Shadow and Jimmy are working hard to solve the crimes. They aren’t sure if the deaths are related. There are many suspects that keep you wondering who did it. I enjoyed the book a lot and look forward to the next one in the series. I highly recommend this book.
As the book opens, the body of a young homeless woman named Fay is discovered. Shadow would come up with ideas to investigate, assigning one task after the other to Jimmy. The deceased was found on the streets, clutching a bottle of vodka. It is discovered that the vodka is a very special brand and it contained poison which killed Fay. As the two partners go about the investigation, a skeleton is discovered during an archaeological dig. From testing, they find out it is the body of a young woman who died over 30 years ago.
There is a local couple that run a shelter for the homeless as well as a soup kitchen. Susie is a former pop star and Luke is her boyfriend. They were also the best friend and boyfriend of the girl whose body was found from over 30 years ago. Fay was known to stay at their shelter but was turned away the night she was murdered as she had been drinking and that was against the rules. As the book progresses, there are additional bodies found and Shadow and Jimmy are working hard to solve the crimes. They aren’t sure if the deaths are related. There are many suspects that keep you wondering who did it. I enjoyed the book a lot and look forward to the next one in the series. I highly recommend this book.
September 3, 2022
Fairly mundane and boring, but what lifted it out of the doldrums was the fact that the story is set in York, a beautiful and historic city. Additional highlights were the cryptic crossword clues at the start of each chapter which, if solved, provided the subject of that chapter. This definitely added some fun to the process of reading.
October 16, 2023
A reasonable police procedural set in York. Anyone familiar with York, as I am, might well find all the locations and places mentioned to be quite interesting.
Shadow is not a particularly likeable policeman but his sergeant, Jimmy Chang is more so.
Not bad but nothing special. However, it is her first one and they may well improve so I will try the next one in the series.
Shadow is not a particularly likeable policeman but his sergeant, Jimmy Chang is more so.
Not bad but nothing special. However, it is her first one and they may well improve so I will try the next one in the series.
January 22, 2022
Not a bad first book in a series. DS John Shadow is a middle aged rather nondescript man whose character is a bit nondescript too. He lives on a houseboat that contains nothing but the bare essentials and his cd collection. He doesn’t cook, likes eating out, bit of a wine connoisseur and gets annoyed by his young enthusiast sergeant Jimmy Chang. On the plus side he seems a kind man, he is growing to like his sergeant, a bit, and he notices little things that seem, at first, to be unimportant.
The investigation takes us all around the city of York which is also one of the main characters (I had to look up Snickelway which I’d call a vennel. I was interested to see it is quite a modern made-up word that York has adopted as its own).
Someone is poisoning the homeless street sleepers and then a thirty year old corpse is uncovered and Shadow feels that all these things are connected. He is not short of suspects and I did get an inkling of who it was before the end.
I’d give it 3.5 * as I wouldn’t turn down reading book two.
The investigation takes us all around the city of York which is also one of the main characters (I had to look up Snickelway which I’d call a vennel. I was interested to see it is quite a modern made-up word that York has adopted as its own).
Someone is poisoning the homeless street sleepers and then a thirty year old corpse is uncovered and Shadow feels that all these things are connected. He is not short of suspects and I did get an inkling of who it was before the end.
I’d give it 3.5 * as I wouldn’t turn down reading book two.
December 21, 2021
Gentle police procedural. A nice read but nothing spectacular.
Chief Inspector Shadow is a loner, an old-fashioned detective in the mould of Morse rather than the Sweeney, including a penchant for cryptic crosswords. He avoids technology as much as social contact, relying on intuition, experience and brains. His detective sergeant is young, enthusiastic and more technically adept. Together they investigate two separate crimes, 30 years apart, which appear to involve some of the same people.
The writing was smooth, with some nice humurous touches on occasion. Inner city York was brought to life well. I liked the MC and would have liked him to be tackling a meatier crime. As it was, the mystery wasn’t hard to crack, and from early on in the read.
A pleasant enough escape but its unlikely I’ll pick up the rest of the series.
Chief Inspector Shadow is a loner, an old-fashioned detective in the mould of Morse rather than the Sweeney, including a penchant for cryptic crosswords. He avoids technology as much as social contact, relying on intuition, experience and brains. His detective sergeant is young, enthusiastic and more technically adept. Together they investigate two separate crimes, 30 years apart, which appear to involve some of the same people.
The writing was smooth, with some nice humurous touches on occasion. Inner city York was brought to life well. I liked the MC and would have liked him to be tackling a meatier crime. As it was, the mystery wasn’t hard to crack, and from early on in the read.
A pleasant enough escape but its unlikely I’ll pick up the rest of the series.
April 22, 2021
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A Long Shadow by H. L. Marsay, book one in the Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery series.
I didn't know what to expect going into this book. I liked the storyline and the mystery of the book. It wasn't a top rated book for me but still good.
A Long Shadow by H. L. Marsay, book one in the Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery series.
I didn't know what to expect going into this book. I liked the storyline and the mystery of the book. It wasn't a top rated book for me but still good.
September 3, 2023
SHADOW IS A REALLY COOL NAME, CHIEF INSPECTOR SHADOW. IT WAS AMAZING HOW MUCH WALKING SHADOW AND JAMES DO AT 42% THEY HAD NOT BEEN IN A CAR YET. SHADOW HAD A VERY STRANGE AND SAD UPBRINGING WHICH HELPED MAKE HIM THE MAN HES IS TODAY HE HAD A GOOD CHANCE OF BEING EITHER GOOD OR BAD. I DID FIGURE OUT WHO THE KILLER WAS EARLY ON. ;D
June 18, 2022
It is the first in a series. I think the author wants to build a foundation for the culture, characters, and the caste system in England.
It took me until the middle of the book to get passed all the background and get into the story.
I will reserve judgement until the next one comes out.
It took me until the middle of the book to get passed all the background and get into the story.
I will reserve judgement until the next one comes out.
October 25, 2023
Chief Inspector Shadow is a stereotypical introvert who wants to be left alone and is irascible when in the company of others. His character may evolve over the series, but I doubt it. The mystery is fine, but pretty simple. There is no foul language or sex.
May 13, 2021
Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow and his new partner, Sergeant Jimmy Chang find that they have a murderer right in the heart of York in A Long Shadow (Chief Inspector Shadow Mystery #1) by H L Marsay. John Shadow is a man that first impressions did not flatter but as I kept reading I grew to like this somewhat as eccentric capable thinking Chief Inspector. I like his young energetic partner, Sergeant Jimmy Chang a lot. Both are needed for this case where the past comes barreling into the present with two murder victims in one day. One had just happened the night before but the other happened thirty-two years ago. Sadly before the week is over it gets worse.
From the beginning the need for the murder to be caught kept me reading. The clues fell together for me somewhat earlier than they did for Shadow. While the pacing was slow and steady, I kept reading to see if I was right. This was good because the book opens up about Shadow as he works the case. The little reveals of his backstory were fascinating.
This is a new author for me to read, maybe a new author for all since this is the only book I could find by Marsay for sale right now. The second book comes out in a few months which is wonderful. I look forward to getting to know Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow better.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From the beginning the need for the murder to be caught kept me reading. The clues fell together for me somewhat earlier than they did for Shadow. While the pacing was slow and steady, I kept reading to see if I was right. This was good because the book opens up about Shadow as he works the case. The little reveals of his backstory were fascinating.
This is a new author for me to read, maybe a new author for all since this is the only book I could find by Marsay for sale right now. The second book comes out in a few months which is wonderful. I look forward to getting to know Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow better.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 19, 2021
There is heaps to like in A Long Shadow. This is a traditional English contemporary crime thriller complete with a set-in-his-ways detective chief inspector and an overly eager detective sergeant to help him. I loved the setting in the mediaeval centre of York in northern England. It‘s clear that author H.L. Marsay knows the city well. I’ve visited a few times so some of the street names and locations were familiar. I did find the number of street names a bit confusing and would probably have found the story easier to read if there hadn’t been quite so many but that aside this was a cracking story. The tension increased as the murders piled up, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Overall the story resolved well though I struggled to see the connection between some of the murders. Still, this story is a page turner and I hope it is the beginning of a new series.
January 15, 2022
A new contemporary police procedural series set in York, a new pair of detectives to get to know. I enjoyed this first outing. The plot came together well towards the end, the characters were well drawn and the scenario believable. Detective Chief Inspector Shadow is a bit curmudgeonly, his offsider Jimmy Chang a "modern boy", technologically-savvy, and keen to make an impression. There are two pathologists who appear frequently and contrast well with each other.
I have been to York a few times and enjoyed walking around the city (virtually).
This was a relatively easy read, and really a novella in length, and I will be reading #2 in the series.
I have been to York a few times and enjoyed walking around the city (virtually).
This was a relatively easy read, and really a novella in length, and I will be reading #2 in the series.
May 13, 2021
This new author has penned a fantastic detective book that reminded me of the shows that keep me glued to my tv every night. The Long Shadow is a well-written book that had me scratching my head trying to figure out who did the murders. Yes, I said murders because there are more than one murders and so many suspects to look at too. Based in the UK this series is off to a roaring great start and I for one am looking forward to more books from this author in the future!
February 1, 2022
I enjoyed this and read it quickly. I particularly liked the way Shadow never seems to set foot in the police station, and the only way his poor sergeant Jimmy can keep track of him is by using a 'Find my Phone' app. The plot made sense, although
I haven't been to York for years - it made me want to go back.
I haven't been to York for years - it made me want to go back.
May 16, 2021
A stunning debut!
I really enjoyed this book and it didn’t feel like a debut. When I began reading, I was immediately transported to York, seeing it all through the eyes of John Shadow.DCI Shadow and Jimmy, his new sergeant are investigating the death of a young homeless girl when the body of another girl, who disappeared thirty years ago is found. They interview an interesting array of characters who knew both women, before eventually finding the killer. This was a fun, quick and comfortable read. I am looking forward to the next book. This has the makings of a classic English detective series!
I really enjoyed this book and it didn’t feel like a debut. When I began reading, I was immediately transported to York, seeing it all through the eyes of John Shadow.DCI Shadow and Jimmy, his new sergeant are investigating the death of a young homeless girl when the body of another girl, who disappeared thirty years ago is found. They interview an interesting array of characters who knew both women, before eventually finding the killer. This was a fun, quick and comfortable read. I am looking forward to the next book. This has the makings of a classic English detective series!
May 13, 2021
I liked Det.Shadow's character,he had some quirks like no one is to bother him while he eats,he also has his own way of investigating homicides but when the bodies start to pile up his department gives him a rookie to train and both will have to learn to adapt to each other. Looking forward to book 2 in this new series.
February 16, 2025
This was, as far as I can tell, an old fashioned English mystery/crime novel.
A whodunnit, with quite a few murders, a headstrong chief inspector, a younger & greener colleague and lots of suspects that all have something to hide for very good reasons.
It makes a lovely read, reminding me a bit of Midsommer Murders.
A whodunnit, with quite a few murders, a headstrong chief inspector, a younger & greener colleague and lots of suspects that all have something to hide for very good reasons.
It makes a lovely read, reminding me a bit of Midsommer Murders.
February 18, 2025
Just an ordinary detective story, nothing special ⚖️📖. The characters felt stereotypical, and the plot was predictable. Surprisingly, the book is tagged as *M/M Romance*, but there’s not a single mention of it 🤨. If you're looking for something thrilling or truly romantic, you might want to skip this one. 3/5 ⭐⭐�.
May 13, 2021
I enjoyed this story. This is book 1 in the chief Inspector Shadow series and it is a great introduction. The characters of Shadow and his partner, Jimmy Chan are real and likable. Set in the ancient city of York it's not a big deal when bones are dug up. But this set of bones is recent and Inspector Shadow connects them to 3 current murders of homeless people. The mystery is a good one and the clues are good enough to have you naming the suspect toward the end of the story. I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review and I can't wait for book 2.
April 21, 2021
An intriguing mystery that kept me guessing.
Set in the city of York, Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow and his new partner, Sergeant Jimmy Chang, work together to solve the murders of two women. There were lots of twists and turns in this story and just when I thought I might know who the killer was, I was quickly proven wrong. This is the first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.
Set in the city of York, Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow and his new partner, Sergeant Jimmy Chang, work together to solve the murders of two women. There were lots of twists and turns in this story and just when I thought I might know who the killer was, I was quickly proven wrong. This is the first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.
March 3, 2025
Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow and his eager new partner, Sergeant Jimmy Chang investigate a recent murder and a thirty year old murder that seem to be related
March 11, 2025
Great story, but painful narration (particularly the female characters). I enjoyed meeting DCI John Shadow and his new offsider though, so I'll continue the series in print from now on.
April 20, 2021
I have been looking forward to reading this book as it’s set in my home city, York, and I wasn’t disappointed. The writer captures the atmosphere perfectly, from the crowds of tourists in Shambles to the squirrels in Museum Gardens. DCI Shadow and Sergeant Chang are like chalk and cheese, but their relationship provides flashes of humour as they investigate the death of two young women separated by thirty years. The plot is full of twists and turns, and kept me guessing until the end. Looking forward to Book 2.
November 18, 2021
It’s good to discover a new series with a strong location and likeable detectives. The city of York is strongly evoked and plays its part in the mystery. Chief Inspector Shadow is perhaps a twitch too curmudgeonly and his sergeant too accommodatingly naive, but that will no doubt moderate over time. The plot was nicely controlled and paced.
The evocation of York will draw me into following this series.
The evocation of York will draw me into following this series.
November 23, 2022
The mystery itself is pretty cut and dried, but the setting is well done as are the included cryptic crossword clues, fun to solve if you're a puzzle fan particularly of cryptics. I may give this series another shot, but there seemed to be a sameness between Banks of the Peter Robinson series and Shadow of this one.
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