Shadow in the Dark - Book Review

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Shadow in the Dark, Harwood Mysteries Book 1, by Antony Kolenc, promises to be an exciting new series of books about 12th century life in England. This inaugural mystery begins at Hardonbury Manor, ruined by bandits; thus, forcing those still alive to traverse to the nearest manor to seek work and shelter. Amid the destruction of Hardonbury Manor, we meet a young man, fleeing from one of the bandits. Yet, he was not lucky enough to escape. As a result, the bludgeoned young man wakes up from a long slumber with a massive head injury. Upon awakening, he cannot remember his name, his parents, or where he was from, let alone where he is now. He looks around and sees men in long robes caring for him, only to find out that they are Benedictine Monks! He is at the neighboring Harwood Abbey.

Brother Andrew, the young man’s caretaker, decides to give the young man a name, at least until his memory returns. He needs to be called something, so Brother Andrew chooses the name, Alexander, after Alexander the Great. He calls him Xan as a nickname. Together, Brother Andrew and Xan, along with Xan’s new friend Lucy, work to solve the mystery of why Xan was hurt and where his parents might be. This sends them and everyone else, living at the Abbey, onto a dangerous path. Will Xan get his memory back? Where are his parents? Are they still alive? What dangers might come to those living at the Abbey? All adventurous-minded souls, who enjoy reading mysteries, will want to traverse with Brother Andrew, Lucy and Xan to solve this mystery.

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