Ashleigh Gray, a former rising star detective in the Sydney police force, experiences a devastating downfall that costs her everything she holds dear. Determined to escape her past and start anew, she moves to Sergis, Connecticut, where she hopes to rebuild her life without the weight of her mistakes. Police Chief Chad Townsend, anticipating a tanned, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Australian when he visits the newest resident who has applied for a gun license, is surprised to meet Ash instead. She defies his expectations with her pale complexion, long red hair, and captivating emerald green eyes. Their paths intertwine when a severe storm uncovers a car crashed into a tree, mysteriously devoid of a driver. The stolen vehicle, wiped clean of fingerprints and DNA, leaves no trace of the missing person. Frustrated by the lack of evidence, Ash offers a fresh perspective on the case, providing Chad with alternative avenues to explore. As they delve deeper into the mysterious disappearance, Ash and Chad form an unlikely alliance, determined to find the truth. In this gripping tale of redemption, resilience, and unexpected alliances, Ash and Chad navigate the treacherous waters of their personal demons while seeking justice for the missing driver. Together, they uncover a web of secrets, deceit, and hidden agendas that will challenge their abilities, test their trust, and ultimately redefine their lives.

A brutal murder rocks the quiet town of Sergis. The victim—vulnerable and harmless—was beaten to death in his own home, leaving the community shaken and Detective Chad Townsend searching for answers. But the deeper Chad and Ash Gray dig, the more resistance they face. The town doesn’t want this case solved. For Chad, this isn’t just another investigation—it’s personal. The victim was under his protection, and the weight of that failure is impossible to ignore. As the case unfolds, buried secrets come to light, revealing a decade-old web of torment, cover-ups, and a truth some are willing to do anything to keep hidden. With the town closing ranks and old loyalties surfacing, Chad and Ash are forced to question who they can really trust. At the same time, their fledgling relationship is tested, not only by the pressures of the case but by shadows from both their pasts. A gripping mystery filled with deception, loyalty, and betrayal, Murdered in Shadows will keep you turning the pages long into the night.