Excellent cat and mouse detective story. Erika was leading a raid on a drug house. Everything had been set up perfectly. But somehow several officers were shot dead, including her husband, and she was injured. She was blamed for the terrible outcome, but a friend got her transferred to London, where she was an outstanding detective. However, an arrest, which she was sure was a good one, was dismissed and Erika was put on leave.

The arrest was of a man that Erika was absolutely sure was the drug lord that she'd been after, but he had a different identity and it was completely clean. While on leave, Erika did as much research as she could and was able to get some help from friends. In the middle of trying to get the bad guy, she discovered that there were a lot of dirty deeds in high places.

This is a fantastic crime story. Loved it.

Robert Bryndza’s Chasing Shadows (the ninth Detective Erika Foster novel) is both a gripping police procedural and a deeply personal story of grief, obsession, and justice. A decade after a drug raid left her husband and colleagues dead, Erika comes face to face with Jerome Goodman—the man she knows pulled the trigger. But with a new name, airtight alibi, and powerful allies, Jerome slips through her fingers once again, leaving Erika’s credibility under attack and her career in jeopardy.

Forced onto leave, Erika refuses to stand down. Her off-the-books investigation leads her into a shadowy web of corruption, betrayal, and brutal violence, where no one—including those closest to her—can be trusted. Bryndza ratchets up the tension by revealing the villains early, making the thrill not in the “who” but in the “how” Erika will outmaneuver them.

Fast-paced, darkly atmospheric, and full of emotional depth, Chasing Shadows delivers on both suspense and character development. New readers can jump right in, while longtime fans will find the long-awaited resolution to one of Erika’s most haunting cases both satisfying and shocking.

If you enjoy police thrillers with relentless pacing, morally complex villains, and a heroine who refuses to back down, this book is a must-read.

Chasing Shadows by Robert Bryndza
Detective Erika Foster #9

Prologue packed a punch and set the stage for all that was to come. I’ve read four out of the nine books so far and each can be read without reading others although I sometimes wonder what I have missed by not reading the other books in this series.

What I liked:
* Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster: focused, fit, somewhat abrasive, impetuous at times, strong leader, tenacious, in a relationship with Igor, not easily pushed around, intriguing though perhaps not an easy person to be best friends with
* Learning more about Erika’s past, how her husband died, and why she moved when she did
* Igor and his son Tom who are now a big part of Erik’s life
* The intricately woven criminal plot that was fun to watch unwind as the police procedural threads were followed, red herrings were exposed, new clues occurred, and how it was all came together as a strong case to put some very evil people away
* The look into how people can be corrupted, who might do the corrupting, and how it can impact so many people in the present and future
* That though I find Erika abrasive and not easy to like, I can still admire her professionally and as a person
* Erika’s team – all of them – but especially Detective Inspector Moss – they worked together flawlessly and were up to the task they tackled
* The tie-in to the Christmas season
* The way the criminals were described, being able to see how cold and callous they were, being glad they were caught and then wishing that one would do something to undo the deal that prevented incarceration
* Knowing that there will be another book in the series

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the many crimes committed and how easy it was for the perpetrators to do what they did
* Knowing that this story, though fiction, is believable, could, and probably does happen all too often

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

This was a new author to me, but it's apparent that he's been writing for a long time. This is the 9th book in the series, but thankfully, it's written so that one does not need to read prior books to understand what's going on. Interestingly, this book refers to an event that occurred 10 years prior, when Erika's husband (along with the rest of her team) were gunned down by a man who ended up getting away. I have no idea where this story begins in the timeline, but Erika has since moved to a different precinct and is now Detective Chief Inspector in major crimes, thanks to her friend and former compatriot from her police academy days. It takes place mainly in London, but at times she travels to Manchester and Wales.

At the beginning she responds to a routine call of a dead body found in an apartment, and I won't reveal the details, but her detective work brings her face to face to her husband's killer, except he now goes by a different name. She arrests him (because why wouldn't she) but ends up being blocked by the man's lawyer and upper brass, who start to imply that maybe the stress is getting to her and causing her to imagine things. She's taken off the case, but naturally she decides to find out what is really going on. I really liked her team, and despite her being one of those who talk and act before they think, I liked how she trusted them to have her back. I also liked her partner, Igor, and his 18-year-old son and the relationship they had with her.

This was an unusual detective story in that we knew who the bad guys were from the beginning, and we even got some of their backstory and how they came to be part of a team, and yet, it was still an exciting story as Erika and her team chased after them. There were even a few moments when I was just waiting for her to be caught that had me on the edge of my seat.

I discovered after reading this that my library has some of the earlier books available, so I will be reading them, and thankful that I don't have to read them in a particular order. If you're a fan of police procedurals/detective novels, I would recommend you give this series a try.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Robert Bryndza’s ninth novel featuring Detective Erika Foster sees her looking back at a face she would rather forget, that of Jerome Goodman, the drug dealer who murdered her husband Mark and her colleges when a police operation went wrong 10 years ago. However, there is just one very big problem his passport and his solicitor claim he is another person entirely, one who has no criminal record or any criminal associations.
Erika’s conviction that she has found and arrested the killer of her husband is at odds with her superiors who demand she takes time off to deal with her ‘issues’ and unresolved PTSD relating to the case.
However, Erika is not going to leave it at that and she uses her enforced time off to investigate the man who claims to be ‘Kieron Bagshaw’. In doing this she makes a series of shocking discoveries which reignites police interest in the case and forces Erika to confront what really happened on that fateful day ten years ago.
Another fantastic read where we get to see a more personal side of Erika and I enjoyed the time taken to show the relationships she has forged in recent years both professionally and personally.
Thank you Robert Bryndza and Raven Street Publishing for providing a review copy of this brilliant story.

Chasing Shadows is book nine in the Erika Foster books and just as impressive. I received a copy from Raven Street Publishing via Netgalley.

The case starts with a haunting discovery of a body found in a flat, and it quickly turns into something much more personal for Erika. When she spots a man she believes is responsible for her husband’s death, the line between justice and revenge begins to blur.

It took a few chapters to fully hook me, but once it did, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The characters are already fully fleshed outit feels like you know them which makes the story all the more stronger. It is tense and utterly satisfying, and I'll definitely wait and read the next instalment!

4/5⭐️

This is my first Robert Bryndza book, and I finally got to meet Erika Foster. In this book I learned that Erika had lost her husband in a horrible arrest gone wrong. I felt all the emotions and grief Erika has had to deal with through the years. Has she finally caught the person who killed her husband? Maybe. There are lots of twists and turns.
Great and exciting storytelling. I plan of reading more Robert Bryndza books.

We're back with Detective Erika Foster and her team. A body, signs of drugs and a super sterile apartment start this case off with a bang.
Moving through several time lines we see back into Erika's past and the loss of her husband. What is the connection with that case and this one. Erika is put on forced leave until her next physical so she's off on her own gathering clues.
I really enjoyed her thought process and the teams putting all the pieces together.
This was a great thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Shadow on the Faces

Robert Bryndza’s "Chasing Shadows" is a slick, well-oiled thriller that delivers. As the ninth book in the Detective Erika Foster series, it also works perfectly as a standalone, even if you're new to the series, as I was.

Ten years after a disastrous drug raid, Commander Erika lives with the lingering guilt and haunting memories of the incident. The operation, which she led, resulted in the deaths of several officers, including her husband. Erika herself was wounded, and the suspects remain at large. Now, during a separate investigation, Erika unexpectedly encounters Jerome Goodman, one of the primary suspects she had been monitoring. Despite his having iron-clad proof of another identity, she is undeterred and arrests him. This leads to his release by the department and raises questions about Erika's judgment, ultimately forcing her to take stress leave.

The novel centers on her independent investigation, conducted outside departmental strictures. As she unearths new details, chasing shadows of the past, she starts to doubt her own culpability, suspecting the disastrous raid might not have been entirely her fault and that the suspects could be powerfully connected.

The novel maintains a brisk, almost relentless pace, despite its detailed police procedurals, as we rush to the conclusion. While Erika's unauthorized methods and access to cautioned colleagues raise some questions, her spunk and determination are ultimately admirable.

“Chasing Shadows” is an almost impossible-to-put-down book, a great way to kill a reading slump.

Thank you to Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #ChasingShadows #NetGalley

Calling all Erika Foster fans, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for, and it doesn’t disappoint. Robert Bryndza delivers a gripping, emotionally charged thriller packed with tension, heart, and Erika’s signature grit.

In Book 9, the long-buried truth behind the police raid that changed Erika’s life finally comes to light. While investigating a new murder, she confronts the man she believes is responsible for her husband’s death only to be told he’s already dead. But Erika refuses to back down. With her loyal team by her side, she’s determined to uncover the truth and fight for justice.

Smart, relentless, and fiercely loyal, Erika is a force to be reckoned with. This series is a must-read for fans of gritty, character-driven police procedurals.

Lots of action, police investigation, characters and suspense. Well rounded story with developed characters and plot. The pieces of the story are interwoven throughout the book, yet easy to follow and understand. Ending was fairly satisfying with most of the criminals getting what they deserved. Part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone book. Well written and enjoyable.

*5 Stars*

Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.

This was a great book - I've been curious to know the story of what happened in the past with the case Erika was involved in and her husband was killed during. This book really delves into that, and the friendships in the department. I really enjoyed this one, it was a real page turner and I enjoy reading stories in Erikas world. I look forward to more of this series in the future, definitely recommend.

Chasing Shadows is book 9 of the Detective Erika Foster series by Robert Bryndza.
In short, after a routine 999 call Erica is convinced that she has arrested the drug dealer who murdered her husband Mark, 10 years ago. But his passport and his solicitor say his name is Kieron Bagshaw. Erica risks all to prove that she is not wrong.
I’m a big fan of Robert Bryndza & have read most of his books, so it’s no surprise that ‘Chasing Shadows’ was another heart pounding, clever thriller, I couldn’t put it down until it’s heart stopping conclusion. It was good to catch up with Erika & establish what actually happened the day her husband got murdered…it nicely drew the line under that part of her journey. I thoroughly recommend this series, in fact anything by the talented Robert.
Big thanks to Robert Bryndza, Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

Another great book by Robert. He never fails to deliver a fast paced thriller. As always would recommend!

Not my favourite book of the series but still worth a read. Despite the gap between books I was still able to slide right back in to the characters lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ten years prior, Erica and Mark were husband and wife and they were detectives. Along with four other officers, they went on a drug raid where the four officers plus Mark were killed and Erica was injured. Erica knew that Jerome had been the person to do the killing and who had injured her, but try though she may, she had been unable to find him. He had a team that consisted of him, Frank, Hugh and Danielle. Jerome had changed his name to Kieron, but when Erica arrested him she knew he was Jerome. There had been a newspaper article that stated Jerome had been killed in an automobile accident 8 years prior, but Erica didn't believe that. Erica's boss, Melanie, was angry with her because she had arrested him. She sent Kieron on his way and put Erica on leave. So Erica decided to solve the crime on her own.

Marsh had been a beat cop with Erica. He rose up the ranks and became a commissioner. When he took office in London he took Erica with him. It turns out, he was working with Jerome and wanted to keep Erica close to him so he could keep an eye on her. One day, Erica was over at Marsh's apartment and she overheard him talking to Jerome on the phone. That's when she knew he was involved. She put a detail on him monitor his movements. She also kept in touch with Moss, a fellow detective who kept her abreast of what was going on.

At some point. Jerome killed Hugh with Danielle's help. That was at least 10 people he had murdered. And Danielle murdered a woman named Cheryl because Cheryl looked very much like her and she wanted to play it off as though she was the one that had been murdered. She had changed her name to Marie so it looked like Marie was the person that was murdered. Danielle had been in prison which is where she met Father Michael. As it turns out, he was involved with Jerome's business as well. There were also other police officers who had a hand in it.

After Marsh was arrested, everything changed. You couldn't really call this story a who done it because the who was revealed early on. But it was an excellent suspense drama. I thought the author did an excellent job with the narration of this saga. I believe the characters were pretty well developed and the storyline was very easy to follow. I give this book five stars.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
I’ve been waiting for this book since reading The Girl In The Ice, and the wait was well worth it. The 9th installment in the DCI Erika Foster series was packed with emotions, twists and mysteries. One thing I really loved about it is the way the novel explores Erika’s deepest wounds and traumas, I admire the way she fights for justice even with the lack of faith from some of her colleagues and superiors. Chasing Shadows is a well-written, fast-paced novel that I recommend to all crime/police procedural lovers.

This was an incredible, fast paced, well written read with all the facts laid before you. I read it as a stand alone before I knew it was a series, totally fine as a stand alone, but now I need more Det. Erika Foster!!! Run. Quick. Read!
10/10 Recommend!!!

Another fast-paced installment in the Erika Foster. Series! One of my favourite thriller series. Could not put this one down.

Chasing Shadows is book 9 in the Detective Erika Foster series by Robert Bryndza. It's the book we've all been waiting for as we finally find out more about the case that killed Erika's husband 10 years ago. When Erika is called to the scene of a dead body in which a ceiling collapsed there is no evidence to be gathered. The apartment has been wiped clean and still smells of bleach. The drug dogs indicate something is amiss and they find cocaine on the ceiling. Weird. The dogs also indicate drugs in a parcel locker in the lobby. As they track down the owner of the locker, Erika finds herself looking into the eyes of Jerome Goodman, the man who killed her husband Mark. Erika knows it's him immediately and places him under arrest. However, his name is now Kieron Bagshaw, his passport and lawyer say. He has no record and has never been arrested.

Erika's boss wants her to take leave and deal with her PTSD as she can't keep a man arrested for no reason. Some of Erika's colleagues think she's gone over the edge and that she's seeing her husband's killer in the eyes of strangers. Is Erika projecting what she wants to see in Kieron? As she's forced to turn in her badge and gun while on a forced 2 week leave, Erika decides to investigate on her own. Erika makes a lot of discoveries with the help of a couple of her friends on her team who believe her. Some of the discoveries she makes will force Erika to look at people she's trusted. Will Erika be able to prove that Kieron is really Jerome? Will she be able to prove that he killed her husband and 4 other police officers? Will her boss find out she's working behind the scenes? Will Erika be able to redeem herself and prove to people that she's not crazy? Chasing Shadows is one of the best books in the Erika Foster series and I rate it 5 stars with my highest recommendation. If you love a great thriller, get this book and enjoy! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for an advanced copy of Chasing Shadows in exchange for a fair review. #ChasingShadows