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Shadow Play
In this timely and terrifying thriller, a woman with a side gig offering relationship advice on Twitch learns just how dangerous online anonymity can be . . .
Chicago physical therapist Krista Evans finds that her clients rely on her life and love advice just as much as on her hands-on work, so why not share it on the live-streaming platform Twitch? Her friend Hailey Swanson, an inveterate gamer, is willing to help Krista build her presence and cohost a biweekly show. A Word from the Wise is born . . .
Taking real-time questions from chat participants proves more popular than Krista thought possible, and their follower count—and income—grow. But not all attention is wanted, as she soon discovers. An account with the username Chase547 becomes enraged when Krista and Hailey suggest he stop pursuing a woman who constantly rebuffs him. He amps up his efforts, even when he’s piled on by other followers, throwing their chats into chaos.
Unnerved by Chase547’s obsession, Krista turns to law enforcement, but the little information she’s able to give the Chicago PD isn’t enough to start an investigation.
Soon, Krista notices things missing at home and feels as if she’s being watched. And when Chase547 begins to leave clues in real life proving what he’s capable of, she begins to fear for her safety. Chase547 has more than one way to make his presence known—and this time it won’t be from behind a screen . . .
Chicago physical therapist Krista Evans finds that her clients rely on her life and love advice just as much as on her hands-on work, so why not share it on the live-streaming platform Twitch? Her friend Hailey Swanson, an inveterate gamer, is willing to help Krista build her presence and cohost a biweekly show. A Word from the Wise is born . . .
Taking real-time questions from chat participants proves more popular than Krista thought possible, and their follower count—and income—grow. But not all attention is wanted, as she soon discovers. An account with the username Chase547 becomes enraged when Krista and Hailey suggest he stop pursuing a woman who constantly rebuffs him. He amps up his efforts, even when he’s piled on by other followers, throwing their chats into chaos.
Unnerved by Chase547’s obsession, Krista turns to law enforcement, but the little information she’s able to give the Chicago PD isn’t enough to start an investigation.
Soon, Krista notices things missing at home and feels as if she’s being watched. And when Chase547 begins to leave clues in real life proving what he’s capable of, she begins to fear for her safety. Chase547 has more than one way to make his presence known—and this time it won’t be from behind a screen . . .
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 26, 2025
38 people are currently reading
4398 people want to read
About the author
Sara Driscoll
18 books858 followersSara Driscoll is the pen name of Jen J. Danna, coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and author of the FBI K-9s and the NYPD Negotiators. After over thirty years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books, including the FBI K-9s, at www.saradriscollauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 21, 2025
This was anxiety inducing in the best way! The very real threat of having an unknown person cause disruption and chaos in a streaming channel, while you are LIVE, is STRESSFUL. To then have that feeling and menace seep over into life offline, is horrifying.
The content of the broadcast was fun and I was reminded of the 'Dear Abby' advice column I used to read in the newspaper. I definitely felt as if I was on the Twitch streaming channel but with the benefit of knowing what's happening behind the scenes. I loved the way some of the chats were included visually in the book. As the danger increases with boasts of violence, it's clear they have more than a troll on their hands.
For me, there are a tad too many mundane details about Krista's everyday life, but she's for sure a heroine I can get behind. Is she perfect, no, but many of her thought processes and decisions are grounded in absolute reality, and that's what made this so suspenseful! The police are quickly involved, and when things escalate even FURTHER...I was curious how it would all end. Despite being somewhat predictable it's the reactions and behaviors of the people involved that really shine through!
SHADOW PLAY is a tense and deadly game of cat and mouse mixed with unhinged stalker vibes and police procedural aspects. One of the things I love about Sara Driscoll's writing is that amongst the danger and life altering traumatic events, there is also love and strength. If you enjoy a suspense thriller with a slow burn of simmering unease and a lingering feeling of positivity, don't miss this!
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Thank you Jen J. Danna and Kensington Books for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
The content of the broadcast was fun and I was reminded of the 'Dear Abby' advice column I used to read in the newspaper. I definitely felt as if I was on the Twitch streaming channel but with the benefit of knowing what's happening behind the scenes. I loved the way some of the chats were included visually in the book. As the danger increases with boasts of violence, it's clear they have more than a troll on their hands.
For me, there are a tad too many mundane details about Krista's everyday life, but she's for sure a heroine I can get behind. Is she perfect, no, but many of her thought processes and decisions are grounded in absolute reality, and that's what made this so suspenseful! The police are quickly involved, and when things escalate even FURTHER...I was curious how it would all end. Despite being somewhat predictable it's the reactions and behaviors of the people involved that really shine through!
SHADOW PLAY is a tense and deadly game of cat and mouse mixed with unhinged stalker vibes and police procedural aspects. One of the things I love about Sara Driscoll's writing is that amongst the danger and life altering traumatic events, there is also love and strength. If you enjoy a suspense thriller with a slow burn of simmering unease and a lingering feeling of positivity, don't miss this!
____
Thank you Jen J. Danna and Kensington Books for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
August 28, 2025
Shadow Play by Sara Driscoll is a psychological thriller about a physical therapist and her friend who start a live-streaming program on Twitch to offer relationship advice.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Kensington Publishing, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
WOW. Looks like I'll be searching for more books by this author!
The book was told from Krista's perspective, and I don't think anyone else was needed.
I was hooked from the start, and as suspense continued to build, I was along for that harrowing ride. The plot was really good. I don't normally listen to live-streaming podcasts, but I learned a lot, and not all of it good. I see trolls on Facebook, but this is a whole new level. Rather scary!
The book also looked at identity theft, and it made me more aware that two-factor authentication and strong passwords should be more of a priority in my own life!
I loved the characters. Krista, who was still grieving the loss of her partner, was a strong woman who was trying to do the right thing in all aspects of her life. We didn't learn about Hailey's struggles until near the end, but the reader knew something was going on with her. I loved Zach, who was an amazing brother to Krista.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Talk about an edge-of-your-seat thriller!
Anyway, until next time....
For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 17, 2025
This is another well-crafted book by Jen J Danna (a.k.a. Sara Driscoll). She dives into the world of social media and online gaming, using her deep research skills to build a believable story. Her ability to build suspense is also masterful. All of us worry to some degree about having accounts hacked or identity theft, but she brings those issues to life as her killer stalks physiotherapist and personal advice program host Krista.
My stomach clenched as I read about the killer repeatedly getting past security protocols to post violent comments on Krista’s chat, but realizing the guy was actually getting into her apartment was terrifying. The tension continues to mount until Krista finds herself in a fight for her life. Don’t miss this exciting new thriller by Sara Driscoll.
My stomach clenched as I read about the killer repeatedly getting past security protocols to post violent comments on Krista’s chat, but realizing the guy was actually getting into her apartment was terrifying. The tension continues to mount until Krista finds herself in a fight for her life. Don’t miss this exciting new thriller by Sara Driscoll.
March 17, 2025
As usual Jen hit it out of the park! This is a very relevant plotline.
This author knows how to ratchet up the suspense, at one point I actually had goosebumps! It is very obvious that the author did a lot of research to get this story just right. I finished it in one go.
This author knows how to ratchet up the suspense, at one point I actually had goosebumps! It is very obvious that the author did a lot of research to get this story just right. I finished it in one go.
August 20, 2025
4.5 stars
This is a fantastic standalone thriller from Sara Driscoll! The main character, Krista Evans, is a physical therapist in Chicago and her patients appreciate her instructions for their rehabilitation as well as her life advice. She and her best friend, Hailey Swanson, decide to do a live, casual advice chat on a gaming platform where Hailey already has a presence. Everything goes well in the beginning and they're able to build a supportive community for their subscribers. However, when someone who didn't like their advice starts trolling their channel, upsetting the encouraging atmosphere, and threatening violence. Krista doesn't know if this user's online comments are all talk or if he is a real-life danger.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the insider's look at physical therapy and the behind-the-scenes information about making a live streaming show. Then adding in the tension of the "troll" disrupting the show and possibly being a danger to other people and to the main characters made it an intense, exciting read.There is a slow build-up at the beginning of the book and by the time I got near the end, I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. I was shocked when the truth about the troll/stalker came out. I definitely recommend this suspenseful thriller which had interesting characters and showed the benefits and the possible horrors of online communities.
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from Kensington Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is a fantastic standalone thriller from Sara Driscoll! The main character, Krista Evans, is a physical therapist in Chicago and her patients appreciate her instructions for their rehabilitation as well as her life advice. She and her best friend, Hailey Swanson, decide to do a live, casual advice chat on a gaming platform where Hailey already has a presence. Everything goes well in the beginning and they're able to build a supportive community for their subscribers. However, when someone who didn't like their advice starts trolling their channel, upsetting the encouraging atmosphere, and threatening violence. Krista doesn't know if this user's online comments are all talk or if he is a real-life danger.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the insider's look at physical therapy and the behind-the-scenes information about making a live streaming show. Then adding in the tension of the "troll" disrupting the show and possibly being a danger to other people and to the main characters made it an intense, exciting read.There is a slow build-up at the beginning of the book and by the time I got near the end, I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. I was shocked when the truth about the troll/stalker came out. I definitely recommend this suspenseful thriller which had interesting characters and showed the benefits and the possible horrors of online communities.
I received an advance copy of this ebook for review consideration from Kensington Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
July 13, 2025
In our increasingly digital world, we are inundated with platforms that create online communities where people can form connections. These online connections can be very positive, but they also can have a dark side, leaving users vulnerable to bullying, stalking and obsession. Sara Driscoll has written a timely, suspenseful standalone novel that highlights how those online obsessions can take a dangerous turn when they cross over into the real world. The tension gradually builds as the online taunting increases and then rockets toward the final confrontation! This book is so well written and believable it may just have you thinking twice about how much you want to put yourself out there online.
August 26, 2025
Shadow Play, Sara Driscoll's August, 2025 standalone release, is an edge of your seat thriller even before the danger is confirmed. When Krista Evan's college roommate suggests that they coordinate on a livestreaming advice platform, the physical therapist never imagines that her enjoyment in giving personal advice to her patients would lead to terror entering her world. She finds the highly successful show a blast and feels like the group makes a difference in each other's lives until one person resents the advice that Krista and Hailey offer. Although game blogger Hailey assures Krista that they can easily manage one troublemaker if they have to, the tech wizard is hesitant to act, and when she is finally forced to, things don't work the way she and the monitors expect.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read and review and ARC of Shadow Play. I have been an avid fan of Sara Driscoll since I first discovered her FBI K-9 series a couple of years ago and have read everyone book she has written since then, so naturally I was excited for the chance for an early read of Shadow Play, and it did not disappoint even my high expectations.
#NetGalley #Kensington #SaraDriscoll # Shadow Play
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read and review and ARC of Shadow Play. I have been an avid fan of Sara Driscoll since I first discovered her FBI K-9 series a couple of years ago and have read everyone book she has written since then, so naturally I was excited for the chance for an early read of Shadow Play, and it did not disappoint even my high expectations.
#NetGalley #Kensington #SaraDriscoll # Shadow Play
March 23, 2025
Krista is a Physical therapist and her positive antics seem to help bring her patients back to health faster. With her best friend Haley they gather a top notch crew to do twitch pod casts, The viewership grows fast and is very popular. Unfortunately, there are trolls that pop up anywhere and everywhere. Their broadcast seems to have attracted an unusual level of troll. One that they cannot block and seems to be like a bad check, he keeps bouncing back onto their site. She gets into even darker concerns when her stalked shows her how serious he is. He shows how easily he can get into her home. She is faced with life or death with his person. Not that I do live stream anything, but, I am making my adult granddaughter read this book as a 'this could happen to anyone'. Sara(a.k.a. Jenna)has done some deep research to show 'this can happen to any one' reality. This is a heart racing realistic page turner. A definite home run!
May 20, 2025
Shadow play.
simply phenomenal standalone story.
chicago therapist Krista with best friend from college, run a twitch channel giving good advice. everything is awesome on the channel until one day, everything changes.
Soon lives are affected. But much more than that. this book was so good. I don't want to give any spoilers away. You've got to pick up this story and read it. It's coming out soon.
This author's work is simply amazing.
But shadow play, will have you on the edge of your seat for sure.
Best friends running a chat show, trying to help others. and some spoilers like to show up, they ruin everything. Check out this book it's good.
The perfect story.
I love how the author came up with this story. You must read the acknowledgments in the back of the book, so good.
simply phenomenal standalone story.
chicago therapist Krista with best friend from college, run a twitch channel giving good advice. everything is awesome on the channel until one day, everything changes.
Soon lives are affected. But much more than that. this book was so good. I don't want to give any spoilers away. You've got to pick up this story and read it. It's coming out soon.
This author's work is simply amazing.
But shadow play, will have you on the edge of your seat for sure.
Best friends running a chat show, trying to help others. and some spoilers like to show up, they ruin everything. Check out this book it's good.
The perfect story.
I love how the author came up with this story. You must read the acknowledgments in the back of the book, so good.
August 26, 2025
Krista Evans is a Chicago physical therapist that gives great advice. Her friend Hailey is a gamer and has created a live streaming advice podcast on Twitch. A place where people can ask questions, get advice from Krista.
A edge of your seat thriller that pulled me in and didn’t let go until the very end.
I am not familiar with being a gamer or live streaming. Jen has done a a lot of research given the amount of information. Found the story relatable and scary if this can truly happen to anyone.
Thank you NetGalley, Sara Driscoll and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this suspenseful and chilling story.
A edge of your seat thriller that pulled me in and didn’t let go until the very end.
I am not familiar with being a gamer or live streaming. Jen has done a a lot of research given the amount of information. Found the story relatable and scary if this can truly happen to anyone.
Thank you NetGalley, Sara Driscoll and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this suspenseful and chilling story.
August 26, 2025
Krista, a physical therapist in Chicago, and her gamer best friend, lead a streaming advice show twice a week on Twitch. I'm not a gamer or a streamer, but found the story relatable anyway. A stalker shows up in their stream, and their lives will never be the same. Technology can be useful, and at the same time, terrifying. This suspenseful book will reel you in and keep you enthralled until the end.
August 28, 2025
Shadow Play by Sara Driscoll is a slow burn thriller that you can't put down. Krista Evans is a physical therapist who loves who work. She enjoys helping patients get their strength and mobility back. Her patients are always telling her she gives great advice and should have a column or something. Krista's best friend Hailey is a gamer who streams the games she's playing on Twitch. Hailey tells Krista she'd be happy to help her with an advice stream on Twitch. She thinks it could be really popular and fun for the 2 of them. They decide to name the show A Word to the Wise.
The show is done in real time and questions that people write in are discussed by Krista and Hailey. The other listeners also write their advice to the person. The show takes off and they have more people streaming it than Hailey has ever had on her gaming show. It's been a good way for Hailey and Krista to re-connect and be together twice a week. All is going well until one of the people who writes in, Chase547, doesn't like the advice he's given. Chase547 wants to connect with a woman at work that isn't in to him. He wants to buy her a gift and give it to her to show how much he likes her. Hailey and Krista give him the advice to stop the pursuit if she's not interested. The other followers believe the same and the response is overwhelming for Krista's advice.
Chase547 seems like he's possibly dangerous to the woman, but they have no idea who he really is or who the woman is. They don't even know if he's in Chicago like Krista and Hailey as the show streams all over. He's made enough threatening comments that Krista decides to call the police and tell them what is going on. The police take down the information, but it's not enough to really pursue. When Chase547 shows everyone how dangerous he really is, is it too late? Are Krista and Hailey in danger? Are their families? When things start going missing in Krista's house, she thinks she's losing it. Is she or is someone messing with her? Who is Chase547? Does Krista know this person? This book will grab you and not let go. I thoroughly enjoyed Shadow Play and rate it 4 stars with a high recommendation. The book is out on August 26 and if you love a good thriller, this is the book for you! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy of Shadow Play in exchange for a fair review. #ShadowPlay
The show is done in real time and questions that people write in are discussed by Krista and Hailey. The other listeners also write their advice to the person. The show takes off and they have more people streaming it than Hailey has ever had on her gaming show. It's been a good way for Hailey and Krista to re-connect and be together twice a week. All is going well until one of the people who writes in, Chase547, doesn't like the advice he's given. Chase547 wants to connect with a woman at work that isn't in to him. He wants to buy her a gift and give it to her to show how much he likes her. Hailey and Krista give him the advice to stop the pursuit if she's not interested. The other followers believe the same and the response is overwhelming for Krista's advice.
Chase547 seems like he's possibly dangerous to the woman, but they have no idea who he really is or who the woman is. They don't even know if he's in Chicago like Krista and Hailey as the show streams all over. He's made enough threatening comments that Krista decides to call the police and tell them what is going on. The police take down the information, but it's not enough to really pursue. When Chase547 shows everyone how dangerous he really is, is it too late? Are Krista and Hailey in danger? Are their families? When things start going missing in Krista's house, she thinks she's losing it. Is she or is someone messing with her? Who is Chase547? Does Krista know this person? This book will grab you and not let go. I thoroughly enjoyed Shadow Play and rate it 4 stars with a high recommendation. The book is out on August 26 and if you love a good thriller, this is the book for you! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy of Shadow Play in exchange for a fair review. #ShadowPlay
August 26, 2025
I couldn’t put Shadow Play down. From the very first chapter, the tension had me hooked. Sara Driscoll does an amazing job creating a suspenseful, high-stakes story that kept me guessing the entire way through. It’s one of those thrillers that pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the very end. If you’re into gripping, edge-of-your-seat reads, this one’s definitely worth it.
August 26, 2025
Sara Driscoll does a great job of using topics current in today’s world and bringing us into the chaos and danger. Shadow Play does just that with the topic of on-line streaming, obsession, and the dangerous turn it takes. This psychological thriller is very creepy, suspenseful, and hard to put down.
August 20, 2025
Another cautionary tale about the dangers of the online community!
Krista Evan is a physical therapist by day. In the evenings she is offering life advice to the gaming community on Twitch as a side hustle. But when she gives the wrong advice to one account user he, or she, gets mad. This user is angry enough to hunt Krista down and endanger her safety.
The author showed a lot of knowledge and provided detailed information about physical therapy and the gaming community. Those details kind of bogged me down and took me out of the story. But this was an interesting take on stalking and internet safety.
Thank you Netgalley, Kensington Publishing, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on August 26, 2025
Krista Evan is a physical therapist by day. In the evenings she is offering life advice to the gaming community on Twitch as a side hustle. But when she gives the wrong advice to one account user he, or she, gets mad. This user is angry enough to hunt Krista down and endanger her safety.
The author showed a lot of knowledge and provided detailed information about physical therapy and the gaming community. Those details kind of bogged me down and took me out of the story. But this was an interesting take on stalking and internet safety.
Thank you Netgalley, Kensington Publishing, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on August 26, 2025
August 29, 2025
Shadow Play was such an exciting thriller. I really enjoyed it!
One of the most fascinating parts for me was seeing how a Twitch stream works. I don’t spend much time in that world, so it was fun and eye-opening to get a peek into streaming culture. The book felt modern and relatable, especially with the way it portrayed trolling and online harassment. It definitely made me think about how real those threats can be.
The suspense built beautifully, and while I kept trying to piece together the ending, I didn’t guess it which made it even more satisfying. Fast-paced, engaging, and a little too real at times, this was a great read that kept me hooked start to finish. Thanks to tlcbooktours and Kensington for the arc! I highly recommend this one.
One of the most fascinating parts for me was seeing how a Twitch stream works. I don’t spend much time in that world, so it was fun and eye-opening to get a peek into streaming culture. The book felt modern and relatable, especially with the way it portrayed trolling and online harassment. It definitely made me think about how real those threats can be.
The suspense built beautifully, and while I kept trying to piece together the ending, I didn’t guess it which made it even more satisfying. Fast-paced, engaging, and a little too real at times, this was a great read that kept me hooked start to finish. Thanks to tlcbooktours and Kensington for the arc! I highly recommend this one.
August 15, 2025
Shadow Play tells the story of two women who offer relationship advice on Twitch and discover the dangers of online anonymity. It's a timely book that scared the pants off of me!
Taking real-time questions from chat participants on Twitch proved more popular than physical therapist Krista and gamer Hailey thought possible. They are amazed to see their follower count, and their incomes, grow. But then a pesky internet troll becomes enraged when Krista and Hailey suggest he stop pursuing a woman who constantly rebuffs him. From there, the suspense builds and builds.
The plot and the characters of Shadow Play are both current and totally believable, and the pace is fast. In my opinion, it may have been a wee bit more drawn out than it needed to be, hence the four stars instead of five. But still, this is Ms. Driscoll's first stand-alone and I still feel she completely nails it! I'm eager to see what else she has up her sleeve.😀 (FYI: The author's series about the FBI’s elite K-9 unit is one I highly recommend, as well.)
HUGE thanks to #Kensington, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Shadow Play has an expected publication date of August 26, 2005.
#Sara Driscoll #Crime #InternetStreaming, #Mystery #Suspense
Taking real-time questions from chat participants on Twitch proved more popular than physical therapist Krista and gamer Hailey thought possible. They are amazed to see their follower count, and their incomes, grow. But then a pesky internet troll becomes enraged when Krista and Hailey suggest he stop pursuing a woman who constantly rebuffs him. From there, the suspense builds and builds.
The plot and the characters of Shadow Play are both current and totally believable, and the pace is fast. In my opinion, it may have been a wee bit more drawn out than it needed to be, hence the four stars instead of five. But still, this is Ms. Driscoll's first stand-alone and I still feel she completely nails it! I'm eager to see what else she has up her sleeve.😀 (FYI: The author's series about the FBI’s elite K-9 unit is one I highly recommend, as well.)
HUGE thanks to #Kensington, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Shadow Play has an expected publication date of August 26, 2005.
#Sara Driscoll #Crime #InternetStreaming, #Mystery #Suspense
August 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the advance reading of Shadow Play by Sara Driscoll.
Krista is a physical therapist that always gave great advice. Her friend and gamer Hailey created an advice podcast on Twitch. People liked to ask for general advice about parents, children, marriage, jobs, until one day a poster because a bit too stalker ish making Krista uncomfortable with doing the podcast anymore.
It was an entertaining read with a lot of details.
Krista is a physical therapist that always gave great advice. Her friend and gamer Hailey created an advice podcast on Twitch. People liked to ask for general advice about parents, children, marriage, jobs, until one day a poster because a bit too stalker ish making Krista uncomfortable with doing the podcast anymore.
It was an entertaining read with a lot of details.
April 11, 2025
I love this author’s K-9 series, but I’m often Leary when they do a standalone book. In this case, the book is a great addition to this author’s work. Krista and Hailey have started a sight on Twitch to give advice about the problems in life. Things are going well until someone asks about how to get the attention of a woman they are interested in. Social media can be a good thing but it can also be used for evil.
August 28, 2025
This was one of the best books I've ever read. it had me on the edge of my seat and unable to put it down! Krista & Hailey come to life, and you feel like you are there with them. If you have ever chatted online this will hit hard. What seemed to be a chance encounter turned into someone so much more. This book kept me guessing until the very end, I never saw it coming! If you like Stalker type stories, this one takes crazy to a whole new level!
April 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It had me on the edge of my seat. To me, it was such an intense, suspenseful story and I could not put it down. Shadow Play is so well written and easy to read. Everything just flows together so nicely. I definitely recommend checking this one out, you will not be disappointed.
May 13, 2025
I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. WOW! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as well as up all night. It is both terrifying and so well written. You really begin to wonder who you can really trust. The people you meet on the other end of the computer screen or in a chat may not always be who you believe them to be. One may even be a killer.
August 23, 2025
Shadow Play by Sara Driscoll. Thanks to @kensingtonbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Krista Evans is a physical therapist who gives great advice so she starts an advice streaming channel on Twitch. It goes well until a user, Chase547, begins a harassment campaign on their channel.
I loved how this was such a modern thriller as most of the suspense takes place streaming on Twitch. I’ve never used Twitch but the author did a great job of explaining it for those middle aged ludites like myself. It was suspenseful and easy to read. It became especially exciting when the action was taken off screen and into real life.
“A man was free to walk the streets of her city, the man responsible for cutting that life short. Nameless, faceless, free to find a new target. Hopelessness, helplessness, rose in a wave.”
Shadow Play comes out 8/26.
Krista Evans is a physical therapist who gives great advice so she starts an advice streaming channel on Twitch. It goes well until a user, Chase547, begins a harassment campaign on their channel.
I loved how this was such a modern thriller as most of the suspense takes place streaming on Twitch. I’ve never used Twitch but the author did a great job of explaining it for those middle aged ludites like myself. It was suspenseful and easy to read. It became especially exciting when the action was taken off screen and into real life.
“A man was free to walk the streets of her city, the man responsible for cutting that life short. Nameless, faceless, free to find a new target. Hopelessness, helplessness, rose in a wave.”
Shadow Play comes out 8/26.
August 27, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC of this title.
I was hooked from the beginning. I loved that this had the twitch/podcast feel. These types of books are so interesting to me. The plot was very interesting and the twists were very good. I didn't see the ending coming until it was right in front of me. Krista was a very likable character and her backstory made me very empathetic to her. I think this one would make a fantastic audio book as well with the right narrator.
If you enjoyed books like Listen for the Lie, you will eat this one up!
I was hooked from the beginning. I loved that this had the twitch/podcast feel. These types of books are so interesting to me. The plot was very interesting and the twists were very good. I didn't see the ending coming until it was right in front of me. Krista was a very likable character and her backstory made me very empathetic to her. I think this one would make a fantastic audio book as well with the right narrator.
If you enjoyed books like Listen for the Lie, you will eat this one up!
August 30, 2025
Super fast paced thriller and I loved the concept.
Krista is a PT therapist during the day but at night she is streaming Twitch giving advice until one night someone says something that haunts her.
I loved how easily I was able to get pulled into the thriller and could not put it down until the end. I can tell you now I did not guess or see that twist coming.
I liked the mix media aspect and how it really brought the story to life.
Genre: Thriller
APK: Physical
Pages: 288
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone
Krista is a PT therapist during the day but at night she is streaming Twitch giving advice until one night someone says something that haunts her.
I loved how easily I was able to get pulled into the thriller and could not put it down until the end. I can tell you now I did not guess or see that twist coming.
I liked the mix media aspect and how it really brought the story to life.
Genre: Thriller
APK: Physical
Pages: 288
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone
August 26, 2025
Sara Driscoll (aka Jen Danna) has written another great book. I suggest you read all her books.
In this stand alone, a therapist rom Chicago and a friend that is a gamer, ha a streaming advice show on Twitch. They do the show twice a week, when a stalker starts following and changes things, not in a good way.
The show looks at the downside of social media when everyone looks at how useful it is in today's society.
It's definitely worth reading!
In this stand alone, a therapist rom Chicago and a friend that is a gamer, ha a streaming advice show on Twitch. They do the show twice a week, when a stalker starts following and changes things, not in a good way.
The show looks at the downside of social media when everyone looks at how useful it is in today's society.
It's definitely worth reading!
June 22, 2025
Reading an ARC I won from the author in a Facebook contest. I'm already a fan of Sara Driscoll and have read and enjoyed every book she's published, so I was expecting a a good read. I was not disappointed! 4.5 stars
First, I knew zip about Twitch prior to this book and am pretty much a tech dinosaur, despite a family rife with geeks and gamers. Sara/Jen provided just enough tech detail to make the streaming channel realistic for me, without being overwhelming. As for online anonymity, that's an oxymoron. Ditto on details for the depiction of Krista as a physical therapist. I'd be very happy to have Krista's services, if needed. As for the stalking aspect, I've read enough thrillers to know that the coffee filters were a dead giveaway.
Well written, tautly plotted, and relatable characters are characteristics of Sara/Jen's stories. This was no exception. Recommended for thriller readers.
I really liked her earlier standalone, Echoes of Memory, as well. Truthfully, I cheerfully recommend all her series, as well: FBI K-9s (where I started), Abbott and Lowell (co-written with Ann Vanderlaan {RIP}), NYPD Negotiators (my personal favorite). As long as Sara/Jen writes them, I'll read them.
First, I knew zip about Twitch prior to this book and am pretty much a tech dinosaur, despite a family rife with geeks and gamers. Sara/Jen provided just enough tech detail to make the streaming channel realistic for me, without being overwhelming. As for online anonymity, that's an oxymoron. Ditto on details for the depiction of Krista as a physical therapist. I'd be very happy to have Krista's services, if needed. As for the stalking aspect, I've read enough thrillers to know that the coffee filters were a dead giveaway.
Well written, tautly plotted, and relatable characters are characteristics of Sara/Jen's stories. This was no exception. Recommended for thriller readers.
I really liked her earlier standalone, Echoes of Memory, as well. Truthfully, I cheerfully recommend all her series, as well: FBI K-9s (where I started), Abbott and Lowell (co-written with Ann Vanderlaan {RIP}), NYPD Negotiators (my personal favorite). As long as Sara/Jen writes them, I'll read them.
August 11, 2025
I flew through this edge of your seat thriller in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen!! I was totally shocked by the ending.😱I could totally relate to Krista, although she was flawed (aren’t we all?) A few times she had me yelling at the pages questioning her choices! Sara writes about a subject that is relevant to today’s social media culture in an atmospheric way that will have you racing to the end to learn Krista’s fate!
I’m so grateful to have won this (an actual signed copy) ARC and I’m so glad that I had the chance to read it! Kudos to you Ms. Driscoll!
I’m so grateful to have won this (an actual signed copy) ARC and I’m so glad that I had the chance to read it! Kudos to you Ms. Driscoll!
July 12, 2025
This could be turned into a mini-series!
Enthralling from the 1st chapter.
Suspense, chills, & 20/20 hindsight, one never knows when an internet troll will strike!
Great storyline, awesome characters, and a faltered trust makes for a thrilling read!
I won my ARC copy from the Author.
Thank you so much!
Enthralling from the 1st chapter.
Suspense, chills, & 20/20 hindsight, one never knows when an internet troll will strike!
Great storyline, awesome characters, and a faltered trust makes for a thrilling read!
I won my ARC copy from the Author.
Thank you so much!
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