Book Review: Shadow Dance

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Shadow Dance     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Susan Andersen
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Romance
Avon, Sep 2002, $6.99, 384 pp.

Experienced with ending the careers of serial killers, Seattle detective Tristan MacLaughlin is sent to Reno to head the task force trying to stop the Show Girl Slayer who has killed three local chorus line dancers. Tristan finds himself not wanting the job because he detests hoofers believing they are high-class hookers.

Dancing has been Amanda Rose Charles’ life, however currently she is afraid of the killer who murdered a close friend. When Amanda meets Tristan, they immediately share a mutual dislike for one another. He thinks she is a whore and she believes he is a terse egotist. As they become acquainted, they begin to realize their stereotyping is way off base. Tristan sees refined elegance and Amanda observes a caring soul. Soon the couple falls in love, but the show stopping Show Girl Slayer still stalks the ballrooms.

Albeit a serial killer thriller, the lead couple’s distinct and opposite personalities turn SHADOW DANCE into a strong police procedural romance. The investigation is fun to follow, but the relationship between the cop and the dancer lightens yet also intensifies the mood, which leads to the chase to stop the killer seemingly real. Readers will adore the intrepid yet reticent Tristan and cherish the lively Amanda. Though a reprint of Susan Anderson’s debut novel, the tale remains a strong blending of mystery and romance that fans of both genres will appreciate.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner