Libby's friend Bella Crenshaw has recently joined a new-age, self-help group founded by Kali Patel, who is the most sought after guru in the new enlightenment movement that is sweeping the country. Love & Mercy has hundreds of devoted members, including many in the Hollywood elite, and Kali Patel and her second-in-command, Uma Devi, have opened branches of the organization across the country, including in southern Arizona. Despite a few reservations, Libby finds Bella's enthusiasm catching, so she quickly accepts an invitation to attend a highly anticipated retreat weekend south of Tucson.
The property is an amazing oasis in the desert, a beautiful place with lush plants, water features, and a luxurious meeting facility. Retreat attendees stay in cute cabins, and Libby's black Lab, Shadow, is allowed to come along. They quickly settle into the quiet atmosphere, with healthful foods, juices, and meditation sessions that instill a wonderful sense of peace and stillness. Then things begin to go sideways.
Bella's newest friend in the group, a beautiful California girl named Jill, disappears. Another young woman dies suddenly, and Libby has a disturbing experience at a gathering and begins to notice things that don't seem in keeping with the 'love and peace' vibe she initially felt. It becomes apparent that millions of dollars are being funneled through the organization, and encounters with a couple of unsavory characters have Libby wondering-is this a legitimate religious group or some kind of cult?
What's behind the disappearances? And where are those windowless white vans going? Can Libby and Shadow figure it out before something terrible happens to Bella-or to themselves?
Praise for the Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries:
"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 for a lost girl in the mountains. 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! And Jennifer doesn't disappoint in her second book of the series....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 this 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
