When Shadow Thompson's older brother, Daniel, returns after being away seven years, Shadow isn't sure how he feels about it. Daniel has a secret past, and after being charged with murder, Shadow's brother called their parents to come bail him out of jail. The family dynamics in this story are so skillfully crafted and the hook that holds the reader intrigued is the wait to find out the circumstances behind the murder charge. But also, while that's going on, you can't help wanting Shadow, the tale's first-person narrator and protagonist, to succeed at his high school. The nickname of Shadow, given to him by Daniel years before, so aptly fits. Shadow even dresses the part, always wearing black, and he is a quiet thoughtful teen. Even so, Shadow signs up for the Debating Team at the beginning of classes because he wants to make friends and fit in. And of course there's a girl, Robin, that he's interested in -- the repartee between Shadow and Robin while in the library at the end of the first chapter is especially entertaining. There are so many reasons this is an exceptional YA book that I'll say no more. I won't cheat other readers out of discovering those things for themselves. I highly recommend reading S. L. Rottman's book SHADOW OF A DOUBT, and I expect to find others written by her to read myself -- ASAP. ( )

Shadow’s older brother Daniel ran away from home at age 15 when Shadow was 9. After 7 years away, he calls the family from a Denver jail. The parents go to bail him out and bring him home. Dan’s presence back home generates tension: His mother flutters around him serving his every need in the hope that he won’t leave again. The father wants to be strict about his coming and going. And Shadow finds his own life hampered because everyone is catering to Dan’s needs and his upcoming trial for murder. A perspective on the impact of one family member’s troubles on the family dynamic. ( )

Reviewed by Mark Frye, author and reviewer for TeensReadToo.com

In SHADOW OF A DOUBT, author S. L. Rottman tackles several issues superbly, weaving the plot and subplots into a multi-layered novel teens will love. While the main issue is family reconciliation, other subjects include alienation, friendship, and the stigma of having a relative in the criminal justice system.

The main character, Shadow, has had to deal with the absence of his older brother for nearly half his life. But when Daniel returns, the entire family's life is turned upside down. Their mom and dad have many questions but tread softly, not wanting to alienate their returned prodigal son. Shadow resents the warm welcome and the "molly-coddling" Daniels receives from them, particularly in light of the murder charge hanging over his head.

As the parents try to allow Daniel to come and go as he pleases as he waits for his trial, Shadow feels overprotected and resents his lack of freedom. He has joined the Debate Team at school and gradually finds a sense of belonging. But the questions linger about Daniel's guilt or innocence and tension builds in the home as the trial draws near. In the end, Shadow must confront his parents, his brother, and his own suspicions and fears in order to grow as an individual. This proves to be extremely challenging, making SHADOW OF A DOUBT an engaging read.

The characters are well-rounded, the dialogue quite realistic, and the raw emotions of a family in turmoil ring true. Rottman has accurately portrayed a family's pain as they cope with loss and recovery, two roads exceedingly difficult for parents and their children.

Recommended. Five stars. ( )