Book Reviews

Book Blurb

When wildlife and landscape photographer Daniel Hopson gets a reading from clairvoyant Rowan Foster at a local craft fair, he quickly realizes it's a con. But he sees the charm behind the chancer's façade, and so rather than expose him, he starts to date him—only to discover that some of Rowan's other cons are far more serious.

The so-called psychic owes ten thousand pounds to two men after deceitfully claiming to be able to find the body of their murdered mother. Daniel must help Rowan recover the genuine gift he possessed in childhood and contact the spirits before the men catch up to them—and the key to doing so might be Daniel’s telepathic connection with his dog Sasha.

 

Book Review

“Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera." ~ Yousuf Karsh

Daniel Hopson of 'Shuttered' by Emma Jane isn't a complicated fellow. He lives with his dog, Sasha, in a small home. In an attempt to drum up some business for his photography studio, Daniel sets up a booth at a local fair. A young man also attending draws Daniel's attention. While observing him, Daniel comes to the conclusion that he is a con artist, bent on deception and thievery in any manner possible. Daniel meets him and learns that his name is Rowan Foster. Rowan is cunning, but Daniel sees something beyond his shady side and is intrigued. Rowan claims to be a medium, someone who can communicate with the dead. He soon confides in Daniel, telling him about two very rough characters who are chasing him, wanting their money back from a scam he pulled on them. Rowan, having spent the money, is desperately trying to make enough to pay them back before they hurt him or worse. Rowan tries to keep Daniel out of it, but he is determined to help.

Daniel is desperately trying to keep his grandfather from finding out he's gay. This effort severely limits his social life. Daniel is a wildlife photographer and is lonely and broke most of the time. Daniel does what he can to keep his business running, all the while hoping for his big break. His dog, Sasha, is his best friend. Daniel is able to communicate with Sasha telepathically. He and Sasha have discussions all the time ranging from hilarious to poignant and a little of everything else in between. For me, having an animal in the story is always a good thing, but having one that can literally talk with the main character is a great twist which is sure to make the story a winner. Daniel is a kind-hearted young man who, even though struggling financially himself, tries to help Rowan. Rowan has little hope of getting the £10,000 he received from the clients he attempted to deceive. After one particularly nasty encounter with the bad guys Daniel has had enough. Torn between his loving feelings toward Rowan and the damage the confrontation has caused, Daniel decides that being with Rowan is too much of a risk and breaks things off.

When Rowan was a child, he had the ability to communicate with spirits through channeling. The dearly departed would inhabit his body to give messages to their loved ones on this side of the veil. As he got older, he lost the ability to do so. But he is so wrapped up in the business at that point, that he doesn't quit. Rowan knows all the tricks of the trade and how easy it is to fool people, so he just keeps doing so. Most of the time the deception works, but he pushes too far with dangerous clients whom he tried to convince that he knows where their murdered mother is buried. Rowan is falling in love with Daniel, but is so used to running that he can't settle down with him like he wants to. When he tries to run, Daniel puts his life on hold to track Rowan down. It's then when Rowan begins to sense things, acknowledging a gift which has been missing for a long time. When Rowan tells Daniel and Sasha confirms it, they embark on a mission hoping to set things right.

This is a delightfully quirky mystery story besides being a romance. The characters are well wrought eccentric, and marvelously damaged. Sasha is the real hero in the story, adding such a special twist. If you enjoy reading off-beat, entertaining romance which also includes a murder mystery, a talking dog, spirits, and mediums, then you will probably like this story. Thanks, Emma, for the great read.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 184 pages/56477 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	24-December-2014
Price	$5.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/shuttered-by-emma-jane-970-b