Set in the sleepy town of Foxglove Corners, this delightful mystery will draw you in and keep you turning the pages. Ms. Bodoin’s writing is clever and intriguing. The characters are well-developed and keep the flow down-to-earth while adding a touch of mystery to an everyday existence in a small town.

The mystery revolves around a missing girl and a collie named Winter. Jennet finds Winter along with numerous clues that add interest to the book. The two go on many walks and encounter different aspects of the mystery. What does a green scarf have to do with another girl’s murder? Why all the threats concerning the dog Winter? Could a housekeeper be responsible for the murders and also for the threats? Who is John Hawke really? Why does he want to buy Winter, a dog she just found?

Crane, Jennet’s beau, works for the police department and adds legal insights into her escapades. He also visits her and brings her things. He is an odd fellow, again adding more mystery into the story though he is not a major player in all of the story. Jill Lodge, a journalist, and Jennet become friends and together they learn about who John Hawke is and what he does: Will Ross, a wealthy man, who seems neglectful of his child, Cindy. She must be rescued by Winter because no one is watching her as she plays near a pond. The descriptions are so realistic that your emotions get a workout.

A Shortcut Through the Shadows should not be passed over as it will capture and keep the attention of the reader. This read is worth every minute. The book was very clean with no cursing or graphic scenes though romance abounded in it. I think that the plot dragged on a little with too much of background information about Winter. It was not the best book I’ve ever read but neither was it the worst. The book is a find for mystery readers and an adventure for the rest of us. I found this book much more of an adventure rather than a mystery, but as I’ve stated above many curious things are found within this tome.

Reviewed By Julie Thomas-Zucker
© March 2005