Silent Shadows

Business is booming at Dharma Inspired, Libby Madsen's serene little spa in sunny Mesa, Arizona. But as the summer heat rises, Libby and her black Lab, Shadow, are ready for a cool mountain escape—and maybe a chance to dream up new ways to grow her business. When her fiancé, Greg, suggests they come to his cabin in the pine-scented hills of Heber, she happily packs her bags, convinced she can sneak in a little wedding planning and perhaps charm a few new clients along the way.

No sooner have Libby and Shadow settled in than they're swept into the friendly bustle of small-town life, signing up to help with the annual firefighters' charity fundraiser. With her energetic 13-year-old twin nieces, Apple and Annie, joining her for a week of mountain fun, it promises to be the perfect mix of relaxation and good deeds.

Then the trouble starts.

When several valuable items meant for the silent auction go missing—and a mysterious stranger turns up dead—Libby finds herself under a very unflattering spotlight. After all, she was the last one to have the key to the storage building. To make matters worse, no one seems to know who the victim really is… or why he might have been in the area at all.

Out of her element but determined as ever, Libby follows a twisting trail of secrets through a community where everyone knows everyone—or at least pretends to. Can she clear her name, protect her visiting nieces, and untangle the surprising ties between the locals before the real culprit disappears into the pines?

Cozy sleuthing, small-town charm, and a dash of romance make this mountain-getaway mystery one you won't want to miss!

Praise for the Libby Madsen cozy mystery series:

2022 Finalist -  American Fiction Awards - Mystery/Suspense and Cozy Mystery (Shadows in the Forest)

2024 Winner  -  International Impact Awards - Best Fiction - Cozy Mystery (Shadows in Alaska)

"A fun read from first page to last … an impressively original and deftly crafted read"—Midwest Book Review

"Readers know what a sucker I am for dogs, and the Libby Madsen mysteries are some of the best. I love, love, love Shadow and Libby and the adventures they get themselves into. Jennifer J. Morgan is destined to be one of the brightest new stars in the cozy mystery scene!" – Connie Shelton, USA Today bestselling author

"I'm hooked on this series. Completely adore Libby and Shadow (her companion black Lab pup—so adorable!). Without giving any spoilers at all, I couldn't put the book down once amateur sleuth, Libby Madsen, was on the search. The suspense amid so many suspects, I never did figure out how it would all turn out. Overall, it's a clean read—appropriate for all ages." – lovereadingmysteries, 5 star online review

"This cozy mystery series has become one of my favorites! Libby Madsen, along with Shadow her dog … Alexis, her best friend/business partner, and her family … and the gorgeous forest ranger, Greg! I love the friend group! I find myself turning pages just wanting to know what happens next. Hope the next title comes soon…" – 5 stars on Barnes & Noble

"After meeting Libby and Shadow, Greg, Alexis and JJ, and the other great characters in this series, I couldn't wait to get right into [the] second book. Excellent action, just as in the first one—a great overall whodunit!" – avidmysteryfan, 5 stars online review

"Shadows in the Forest will leave satisfied mystery buffs looking eagerly toward the next Libby Madsen story." – The Midwest Book Review