NYC police detective Darlene O'Hara investigates the vicious slaying of an NYU student, Francesca Pena, who seems to be a popular girl from an underprivileged background, who has flourished; however, O'Hara's dogged determination uncovers a seedy story, inclduing the murderer. ( )

Hm, not too bad for a first book. The plot did not really flow smoothly, the surprise twist-while surprising failed to really work because the players did not have clear and believable motives. He either should have quit at the first revelation or further explored the second realization. Also character development was ok, but lacked true attachment that makes you really care about what happens to the characters. ( )

Nineteen year old Francesca Pena is an NYU sophomore on a track and cross-country scholarship. A talented and motivated student, she has risen from a socially disadvataged background. On Thanksgiving Eve she disappears after meeting some friends for drinks at a bar near Rivington, New York. Her disappearance is reported two days later by a former boyfriend who has been staying with her. A week after her disappearance her violated body is found in a toilet by the East River and the former boyfriend becomes the primary suspect.

The story that Detective Darlene O'Hara from New York's 7th Precinct and her partner Serge Krekorian eventually unearth clearly demonstrates that no-one knew who Francesca Pena really was. The revelation owes much to Darlene's persistence and determination, and her inner ability to sense when she is not being told the truth. There are things that Darlene learns about Pena that just don't add up, timelines that just don't work out. The case becomes high-profile one, with plenty of red herrings, and mis-judgements. Darlene is eventually suspended, and she and Serge complete their investigation under threat of severe disciplinary measures. The chance sighting of a distinctive tattoo eventually sends Darlene hurtling along the path that results in the arrest of Francesca's murderer.

I changed my mind about SHADOWS STILL REMAIN many times. It is noir, revealing a criminal underbelly in New York's city life that we always suspected was there, but hoped wasn't. I really don't think I enjoyed reading it, but on the other hand it was cleverly written. I wanted to know the final outcome, but wanted it to be over. I really like the character of Darlene O'Hara, and hope that I have the chance to meet her again. It is a novel that will mean much more to New York readers than it did to me. ( )

This is a very gritty thriller. The surprise ending is great. I highly recommend this book. ( )