Hidden in the Shadows by A.D. Vancise
What's It About?
Evie is unwittingly thrown into a world of evil where those closest to her are the ones to be the most feared and danger lurks around every corner.Hidden in the Shadows (Atmosphere Press) by A.D. Vancise is a haunting novel about a woman’s return to a small town filled with dark secrets. The novel’s masterful storytelling and skillful use of suspense and terror create a chilling reading experience.
A Suspenseful Small-Town Tale
The story follows Evie, a woman who returns to a small Arkansas town, seeking a new beginning after the devastating loss of her grandfather. However, she soon discovers that the town harbors dark secrets when she stumbles upon a series of eerie artifacts. A chain of terrifying events causes things to spiral out of control. As she tries to uncover the truth about the town, Evie realizes that the horror runs deeper than she could have ever imagined.
Dark and disturbing, touching on difficult subjects that include child trafficking and abuse, trauma, PTSD, mental health issues, and the challenges young children face in the foster care system. Hidden in the Shadows has a well-crafted plot, where each twist and turn fills the narrative with compelling suspense.
The story is told from Evie’s perspective, allowing readers to experience the horrors of the town through her eyes. Vancise’s writing is descriptive and atmospheric, immersing readers in the eerie setting of the small town of Woodsville, Arkansas. The use of terrifying imagery and careful pacing creates a sense of dread and unease that builds with every chapter.
Creative And Chilling
The characters in Hidden in the Shadows are well-drawn, with each adding to the suspense of the narrative. Evie is a determined protagonist who refuses to be a victim of the town’s dark forces. She is a flawed but relatable character, and readers will find themselves rooting for her throughout the story. Charlie Baker, however, is an enigmatic figure who keeps his cards close to his chest. His motives are unclear, and readers will be wary of him, questioning his actions throughout the story.
What sets this exciting book apart from other horror novels is the creative and chilling way in which the town’s dark secrets are revealed. From the cult-like rituals to the grotesque creatures that lurk in the shadows, the horrors in this book will stay with you long after you finish reading. The climax of the story is particularly well-done, with a satisfying resolution that ties up all the loose ends.
Perfect for Fans of Horror
Overall, Hidden in the Shadows is a novel that fans of the horror and mystery genres should not miss. Furthermore, it will appeal to anyone who doesn’t shy away from vivid imagery and descriptions of dark, twisted and horrifying moments. If you’re looking for a spine-tingling read that will leave you wondering who to trust, what dangers are lurking beneath the surface and when the next twist will come, then Hidden in the Shadows is the book for you.
About A.D. Vancise:
A.D Vancise is a visual artist but always saw herself as a writer. At a very young age, she imagined writing a book. It was a dream she’d kept hidden from everyone until her brother passed, then her dad, then her mom all in the span of three years. Her first book, Cry of an Osprey, was born out of that grief but her passion lay in mystery and in a photo that haunted her for years and kept that creativity flowing.
She is currently writing the first of four sequels to Hidden in The Shadows and looks forward to spending more time with Evie. She is also working on another novel, Memoirs from a Killer.