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The NightShade Forensic Files #4
Echo and Ember
FBI agents Donovan and Eleri left their last case with a sense of unease.
Unable to close the investigation, they’ve been thrown into their next assignment far too fast. A string of strange arson-based murders are just part of the trouble. Not only is former agent Wade de Gottardi on their team for this one, so are two other NightShade agents: Dana Brantley and Christina Pines. The problem is, Eleri is no longer the senior agent, Dana is.
Maybe their boss no longer trusts them, or maybe it’s simply because four people have already died. Either way, Donovan and Eleri are no longer in control of the case as they hunt a serial killer who’s getting bolder with each success.
While Eleri and Donovan are just getting their special skills in hand, Dana and Christina are more at ease with theirs. While Dana’s talents prove useful, Christina’s are frightening . . . and suspicious.
As old cases rear their ugly heads, Eleri and Donovan get drawn into the mysteries of their fellow NightShade agents. Will their new team implode from distrust before they crack the case?
Their unique talents may not be enough to save them from a seemingly unstoppable killer.
Unable to close the investigation, they’ve been thrown into their next assignment far too fast. A string of strange arson-based murders are just part of the trouble. Not only is former agent Wade de Gottardi on their team for this one, so are two other NightShade agents: Dana Brantley and Christina Pines. The problem is, Eleri is no longer the senior agent, Dana is.
Maybe their boss no longer trusts them, or maybe it’s simply because four people have already died. Either way, Donovan and Eleri are no longer in control of the case as they hunt a serial killer who’s getting bolder with each success.
While Eleri and Donovan are just getting their special skills in hand, Dana and Christina are more at ease with theirs. While Dana’s talents prove useful, Christina’s are frightening . . . and suspicious.
As old cases rear their ugly heads, Eleri and Donovan get drawn into the mysteries of their fellow NightShade agents. Will their new team implode from distrust before they crack the case?
Their unique talents may not be enough to save them from a seemingly unstoppable killer.
398 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2017
About the author
A.J. Scudiere
74 books346 followersI've been chasing the high of finishing another book since I could read. At age 8, that passion turned to finishing writing my own books.
The good news is, I have gotten a lot better at it since then.
With almost 20 books out and over 20 Best Suspense and Best Fiction of the Year awards and several Audie nominations, I am now working on a new series while continuing the last one!
A scientist at heart, I'm a firm believer in getting the story right. Most days you can find me at my keyboard if I'm not traveling or blowing things up (for "research purposes.")
Join my Renegades newsletter here:
https://www.readajs.com/
Follow me on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/ReadAJS/
Or Follow me on BookBub here:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-j-s...
The good news is, I have gotten a lot better at it since then.
With almost 20 books out and over 20 Best Suspense and Best Fiction of the Year awards and several Audie nominations, I am now working on a new series while continuing the last one!
A scientist at heart, I'm a firm believer in getting the story right. Most days you can find me at my keyboard if I'm not traveling or blowing things up (for "research purposes.")
Join my Renegades newsletter here:
https://www.readajs.com/
Follow me on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/ReadAJS/
Or Follow me on BookBub here:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-j-s...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 7, 2022
Eleri and Donovan are just mastering their special skills and how to blend them as a team when they are thrown into a serial killer case with two other Nightshade agents. Dana and Christina are more at ease with their unique abilities. Dana’s talents prove useful and blend more in with Eleri and Donovan but Christina’s skills are proving frightening . . . and suspicious. Former agent Wade de Gottardi has been placed on their team for this case and Eleri is no longer the senior agent, Dana is. Everything is confusing and the various team members are finding it hard to trust each other. They are investigating a string of strange arson-based murders, but they wonder if their case will implode due to lack of trust and the continuous questioning of the various Nightshade skills. As you read, it will be up to you to put the pieces together! This is a unbelievable read! It pulled me in from beginning and held me to the end. This novel has strong, well-developed characters and an ingenious story line that keeps you turning the pages. A.J. Scudiere is a gifted and talented author, as you will discover as she leads you down a series of twists and turns and just as you think, you know what is going to happen next you find the story has taken one more turn. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I received this novel from Griffyn Ink and this is my true and honest review.
June 14, 2024
SiFi FBI
Read it but not my cup of tea. Perhaps I am a bit too old for mind control, witchcraft and werewolves
Read it but not my cup of tea. Perhaps I am a bit too old for mind control, witchcraft and werewolves
October 24, 2017
I found Echo and Ember to be an amazing read. Scudiere has quickly become one of my favorite authors and her latest installment in the NightShade Forensic Files certainly delivered the goods. There were plenty of twists, and even though I figured out some of them before the reveal that did not detract from the story one bit.
The new characters in the series were quite intriguing, though one of their abilities seemed eerily similar to Eleri’s. I guess this made the character expendable, seeing as she dies towards the end of the story. I cannot quite say I like or trust the ability of the other new agent. Just like torture, how do you prove a confession is true or if it is just what the agent wants to hear. I suppose it can be useful in deescalating a situation in order to protect lives. It’s just that they specifically mention interrogation as a use for the power. I suppose that is just my personal opinion.
I enjoyed how Scudiere answered the one major question I had from her last story. It felt wrong that the character was heading off into the sunset so to speak, while having such dangerous information at their highly inquisitive fingertips. To show that the character stayed true to form and continued researching the information and then to bring them into their own little investigative unit seemed right to me.
I only had one minor complaint with this story. Eleri at one point mentions that the last words one of the victims heard was “I’m sorry”. This was done to show that the victim was not the main target. However, if the killers were sociopaths I do not think they would be able to show sympathy. I find it highly unlikely that they would even express remorse.
I would highly recommend Echo and Ember to all fans of Scudiere as well as all fans of investigative thrillers. They will definitely enjoy the story.
The new characters in the series were quite intriguing, though one of their abilities seemed eerily similar to Eleri’s. I guess this made the character expendable, seeing as she dies towards the end of the story. I cannot quite say I like or trust the ability of the other new agent. Just like torture, how do you prove a confession is true or if it is just what the agent wants to hear. I suppose it can be useful in deescalating a situation in order to protect lives. It’s just that they specifically mention interrogation as a use for the power. I suppose that is just my personal opinion.
I enjoyed how Scudiere answered the one major question I had from her last story. It felt wrong that the character was heading off into the sunset so to speak, while having such dangerous information at their highly inquisitive fingertips. To show that the character stayed true to form and continued researching the information and then to bring them into their own little investigative unit seemed right to me.
I only had one minor complaint with this story. Eleri at one point mentions that the last words one of the victims heard was “I’m sorry”. This was done to show that the victim was not the main target. However, if the killers were sociopaths I do not think they would be able to show sympathy. I find it highly unlikely that they would even express remorse.
I would highly recommend Echo and Ember to all fans of Scudiere as well as all fans of investigative thrillers. They will definitely enjoy the story.
October 24, 2017
Donovan and Eleri are still reeling from their last case, which remains unsolved to their satisfaction, but there's no rest for these elite agents of a very special, secretive, covert branch of the FBI. Their latest case is just as grueling, and they won't be facing it alone. Two new agents join the team, and these strangers with even stranger "skills" may prove more frightening than their mysterious arsonist creating inexplicable fires. Thank goodness friend and former Nightshade agent Wade is on their side - but is Christina, the most frightening fellow Nightshade agent our team has encountered to date? Because if you can't trust that your thoughts, senses, and experiences are truly yours and not manufactured by a powerful brand of mind control, what can you trust?
The overarching plot more than satisfies, but I was most pleased to learn more about Eleri's mysterious gifts and her past. I also very much enjoyed meeting some other Nightshade agents and watching them work in this engaging fictional universe.
Fast paced, action packed, and full of plot twists that'll have you on the edge of your seat, this is a must for fans of thrillers, suspense, and paranormal!
The overarching plot more than satisfies, but I was most pleased to learn more about Eleri's mysterious gifts and her past. I also very much enjoyed meeting some other Nightshade agents and watching them work in this engaging fictional universe.
Fast paced, action packed, and full of plot twists that'll have you on the edge of your seat, this is a must for fans of thrillers, suspense, and paranormal!
April 14, 2023
Magnetic!
What another magnetic story in Echo and Ember by A.J. Scudiere. This is the fourth book of The NightShade Forensic Files. I have enjoyed every single book in this series so far. Every book I read, feels like another five star! I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. FBI Agents Donovan and Eleri are pushed to drop their last case, and given a new case, however, they feel the last case isn't quite over. I love that these stories aren't just typical FBI cases. They are paranormal and very unique. Donovan and Eleri have their own skills that they bring to their cases, and they are still trying to catch this serial killer. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. Echo and Ember is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book and give my honest and unbiased review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review. I hope to read more books by this author.
What another magnetic story in Echo and Ember by A.J. Scudiere. This is the fourth book of The NightShade Forensic Files. I have enjoyed every single book in this series so far. Every book I read, feels like another five star! I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. FBI Agents Donovan and Eleri are pushed to drop their last case, and given a new case, however, they feel the last case isn't quite over. I love that these stories aren't just typical FBI cases. They are paranormal and very unique. Donovan and Eleri have their own skills that they bring to their cases, and they are still trying to catch this serial killer. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. Echo and Ember is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book and give my honest and unbiased review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review. I hope to read more books by this author.
September 7, 2017
This is the fourth book in the NightShade files. This one is 5 stars, something I do not give out very often.
When a book I am reading causes me to slow down and read slowly and really think about the story I know I have hit on a great book. I read the book and then reread it.
I loved the strong bond between Donovan and Eleri . I liked seeing Wade again, though his personality is not as strong as in the other books. The new agents were interesting, their abilities very different, they were not in the background but there was not much told about them. I hope to see Christina in another book and she finds another partner to bond with –she seems to need it. There may have been too many agents but they were needed to find the serial killer. I only figured out mystery right before the characters did, I did not read any red herrings.
I love the detour to meet and see Grandmere and finding out more about Eleri.
I really loved this book and the series is outstanding
When a book I am reading causes me to slow down and read slowly and really think about the story I know I have hit on a great book. I read the book and then reread it.
I loved the strong bond between Donovan and Eleri . I liked seeing Wade again, though his personality is not as strong as in the other books. The new agents were interesting, their abilities very different, they were not in the background but there was not much told about them. I hope to see Christina in another book and she finds another partner to bond with –she seems to need it. There may have been too many agents but they were needed to find the serial killer. I only figured out mystery right before the characters did, I did not read any red herrings.
I love the detour to meet and see Grandmere and finding out more about Eleri.
I really loved this book and the series is outstanding
June 18, 2018
Truly different from anything you've ever read....
This series is truly different from anything you've ever read before. So many different types of paranormal types; witches, werewolves, mind control pfecognition; to name a few. A division of the FBI that is off the books, created to deal with paranormal crimes and criminals. A former ME and a scientist of physics, who become wolves at will. A 10 year agent who has visions and dreams that reveal the future and an ability to touch items and see what their past is. A Marine get with a prosthetic leg and hand that is as deadly a warrior as she always was. Plus many other characters that will amaze you. The writing is outstanding, the plot flows easily fro m one viewpoint to another, more twists and turns than a sidewinder's trail in the desert. Read it order of printing to understand it. Highly, highly recommended.
This series is truly different from anything you've ever read before. So many different types of paranormal types; witches, werewolves, mind control pfecognition; to name a few. A division of the FBI that is off the books, created to deal with paranormal crimes and criminals. A former ME and a scientist of physics, who become wolves at will. A 10 year agent who has visions and dreams that reveal the future and an ability to touch items and see what their past is. A Marine get with a prosthetic leg and hand that is as deadly a warrior as she always was. Plus many other characters that will amaze you. The writing is outstanding, the plot flows easily fro m one viewpoint to another, more twists and turns than a sidewinder's trail in the desert. Read it order of printing to understand it. Highly, highly recommended.
November 10, 2020
Addicted to these books
I think its been a long, long time that I followed an author's books one right after another but these Nightshade books have me totally hooked! The characters are so well developed over the series and can't wait to see further revelations of Eleri and Donovan. I love Walter Reed. She was such a great addition to the team in the last book. My favorite thing is that it takes a long time to see where the story is going. I never see it coming and the way everything weaves in and out is a true mystery/crime story. Thank you AJ for giving me stories I can get lost in
I think its been a long, long time that I followed an author's books one right after another but these Nightshade books have me totally hooked! The characters are so well developed over the series and can't wait to see further revelations of Eleri and Donovan. I love Walter Reed. She was such a great addition to the team in the last book. My favorite thing is that it takes a long time to see where the story is going. I never see it coming and the way everything weaves in and out is a true mystery/crime story. Thank you AJ for giving me stories I can get lost in
January 29, 2022
So I thought the Atlas Defect was the best in the series so far, and then along came "Echo and Ember". With more twists than serpentine road - this book will give you whiplash!
I stayed till 2 am last night (unheard of for me) finishing this book.
Soooo good!!!!!!!
Currently recommending this series to all my friends who are into similar types of stuff and consider starting a fan club!
Can't wait to get on the next book in the series!
P.S. Go GJ!!!! Although she is annoying at times, I can't help rooting for her!
I stayed till 2 am last night (unheard of for me) finishing this book.
Soooo good!!!!!!!
Currently recommending this series to all my friends who are into similar types of stuff and consider starting a fan club!
Can't wait to get on the next book in the series!
P.S. Go GJ!!!! Although she is annoying at times, I can't help rooting for her!
August 14, 2024
Matches
My first book in this series so it took me some time to piece together characters and tie them into murder investigations. Author provides enough information so that you do not have to read previous books of the series to enjoy this one. Nice to read each individual detective had a unique quality/contribution to solving seemingly unsolvable murder scenes. Definitely team effort to solve. Ending twist was probably figured out by readers but you enjoy how the detective team overcame it using their combined powers.
My first book in this series so it took me some time to piece together characters and tie them into murder investigations. Author provides enough information so that you do not have to read previous books of the series to enjoy this one. Nice to read each individual detective had a unique quality/contribution to solving seemingly unsolvable murder scenes. Definitely team effort to solve. Ending twist was probably figured out by readers but you enjoy how the detective team overcame it using their combined powers.
October 7, 2018
Satisfying Sequel to Nightshade #3
Page turner!
Agents Eleri and Donovan are joined by three other Nightshade agents to discover who is committing murder with what - - a high-tech flame thrower?
I would highly advise reading Nightshade 1-3 before reading this. Without their background I imagine readers would be bewildered.
PG -13
No sex
Strong language including frequent f-bombs
Freaky!
If you liked the previous books, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
Page turner!
Agents Eleri and Donovan are joined by three other Nightshade agents to discover who is committing murder with what - - a high-tech flame thrower?
I would highly advise reading Nightshade 1-3 before reading this. Without their background I imagine readers would be bewildered.
PG -13
No sex
Strong language including frequent f-bombs
Freaky!
If you liked the previous books, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
August 6, 2021
Whoee! I'm losing nearly as much sleep as the agents reading these books. They keep getting better. Things really heat up in this one, literally. Eleri and Donovan are pulled in to a larger team charged with investigating mysterious deaths by fire. What they eventually have to deal with is truly terrifying. There are links to their previous case and some loose ends get tidied up. I was a bit disappointed that there's no Walter Reed but the new characters are good. Great ending.
May 25, 2018
A mystery with para normal twist
Love this series. Great character development. The main characters have para normal abilities but also are trying to maintain a personal life outside of their careers. Elari and Donovan are partners who work well together and are fascinating to read about.
Love this series. Great character development. The main characters have para normal abilities but also are trying to maintain a personal life outside of their careers. Elari and Donovan are partners who work well together and are fascinating to read about.
June 14, 2019
Excellent Read!
I really enjoy reading these stories in this series! There's a lot of mystery and suspense in these books that they keep me in the edge of my seat! I can't wait to start the next book! I know everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I will definitely recommend this book/series to everyone!
I really enjoy reading these stories in this series! There's a lot of mystery and suspense in these books that they keep me in the edge of my seat! I can't wait to start the next book! I know everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I will definitely recommend this book/series to everyone!
August 25, 2020
Closure
I liked that we finally got closure on Atlas. This story was all over the place with a serial killer killing and burning bodies. More unharnessed super powers are exposed. Eleri learns about her family history and waits to see what her special powers may become. This story was kind of frantic but it was still good.
I liked that we finally got closure on Atlas. This story was all over the place with a serial killer killing and burning bodies. More unharnessed super powers are exposed. Eleri learns about her family history and waits to see what her special powers may become. This story was kind of frantic but it was still good.
November 25, 2021
Best book so far
This was a highlight in the serie so far, great action and storyline keeping you pn the edge while our heroes not only tried to track down a killer/killers with special abilities but becomes targets them self, mybe even their own skills wont be enough this time.....or will they? Great book, best so far, defently will keep on reading them
This was a highlight in the serie so far, great action and storyline keeping you pn the edge while our heroes not only tried to track down a killer/killers with special abilities but becomes targets them self, mybe even their own skills wont be enough this time.....or will they? Great book, best so far, defently will keep on reading them
October 27, 2017
Wow
I couldn't put this book down, I read it in one sitting. The characters, Elerie and Donovan and the others are fantastic. The plot is unbelievable. What more could I want. A brilliant read.
I couldn't put this book down, I read it in one sitting. The characters, Elerie and Donovan and the others are fantastic. The plot is unbelievable. What more could I want. A brilliant read.
April 16, 2018
Greatly enjoying this. Series.
A.J. Always delivers a surprise in each book, And keeps me looking forward to the next one. Not bloody, not sex stuff, just good story telling, fantasies changed just enough. You gotta read this, some cussing mind you. No prudes allowed...
A.J. Always delivers a surprise in each book, And keeps me looking forward to the next one. Not bloody, not sex stuff, just good story telling, fantasies changed just enough. You gotta read this, some cussing mind you. No prudes allowed...
August 15, 2018
Another win
Just finished book 4 and the good run continues. The story maintains the suspense and remains true to the characters. This book connects to book 3 and completes that story. It answers the questions that were left unanswered and more. Can't wait to read the next book.
Just finished book 4 and the good run continues. The story maintains the suspense and remains true to the characters. This book connects to book 3 and completes that story. It answers the questions that were left unanswered and more. Can't wait to read the next book.
October 23, 2018
Atlas defect was better than I thought. This one even better.
I was disappointed in the previous book because it didn’t have an ending. I have to reconsider that, because this one has that ending, and it’s a doozy. Great pace, good interaction, good read.
I was disappointed in the previous book because it didn’t have an ending. I have to reconsider that, because this one has that ending, and it’s a doozy. Great pace, good interaction, good read.
May 11, 2019
Suspense
Enjoyed reading this book ' It kept me interested and easy to follow characters was hard to put down need to continue to read next book to get more answers to missing characters
Enjoyed
Enjoyed reading this book ' It kept me interested and easy to follow characters was hard to put down need to continue to read next book to get more answers to missing characters
Enjoyed
October 21, 2019
A.J has written yet another amazing novel. I love the new characters she has added while always keeping the old characters. I can not wait to see the next installment and see what happens with Donovan and Walter!!! Great plot twists and always excitement.
March 21, 2020
What do you do when the bogey man is invisible AND can start mysterious fires? Never go to sleep again is one option, call in Nightshade another. It's an all hands-on deck case and is that going to be enough? Enjoy the read!
May 23, 2021
Great series, each case is packed with twists and turns. Leaving a case that is unsettling then to begin another. Good characters as well as the new. Good narration added to the story.. given audio for my voluntary review. Well done and enjoyed
July 20, 2021
FABULOUS! Forensics, team work and no petty drama. This book has made me hunt down the rest of the series and put on my 'to read' list. How this author has escaped me all these years is true mystery.
June 13, 2022
Forensic and paranormal suspense.
I can't stop reading this series! The characters are brilliantly written. The ongoing plot, with dramatic new twists, is imaginative and clever. Highly recommend this author and the series.
I can't stop reading this series! The characters are brilliantly written. The ongoing plot, with dramatic new twists, is imaginative and clever. Highly recommend this author and the series.
April 16, 2018
Love this series
This whole series combines my favorite things crime fantasy and science I love it!!! This is my favorite bc it really changed what can exist
This whole series combines my favorite things crime fantasy and science I love it!!! This is my favorite bc it really changed what can exist
September 23, 2018
This is a great read, the best book in the series so far. While all four books are very good I really do find book 4 to be very exciting and a real attention holder. I highly recommend this series.
January 20, 2019
really do like this series
August 21, 2019
Loved! Read in just a few sittings! Recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews