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Land of Careful Shadows  By  cover art

Land of Careful Shadows

By: Suzanne Chazin
Narrated by: Armando Durán
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Publisher's summary

Land of Careful Shadows by award-winning author Suzanne Chazin is a powerful mystery full of passion and secrets that deals with a clash of cultures and familial relationships, and it's full of drama, mystery, and raw emotions.

When the dead body of a Latino woman is found in a reservoir about 50 miles north of Manhattan, with a photo of a baby in her purse nearby, the police try to determine who the child is and if it is still alive. Along with the photo, they also find a disturbing note in the purse: "Go back to your country. You don't belong here."

Homicide detective Jimmy Vega is Latino too, so he knows how hard it can be for an outsider to fit into a close-knit town like Lake Holly. Vega is a highly respected officer of the law, and he is challenged and intrigued by Adele Figueroa, a passionate defender of immigrants' rights. Vega must rethink everything he believes in order to uncover the truths about his town, his family, and himself.

Land of Careful Shadows is a tour de force of literary suspense and an intimate journey into the human heart.

©2014 Suzanne Chazin (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Land of Careful Shadows

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Stereotypes & no content

I’m about 1/4 of the way through, and I don’t think I can finish. Let’s just recap:
White guys= Bigots
Cops= Bigots
Men= Misogynists
Latinas= Victims
White Lady= Heroine
Hispanic Cop= Hero
And most of that was before the story really began. All we need now is a prejudiced old man and we’ve got it all! Wait, will there be a kid who comes of age in there somewhere?
I wish it wasn’t even on my library list!

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22 people found this helpful

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Great Mystery... Significant Content

Any additional comments?

The Audible.com version of Land of Careful Shadows by Suzanne Chazin was a good listen on many levels. First, it was an engaging mystery. Anyone who enjoys mysteries would enjoy this book. Although there were quite a few red herrings, the progression of the mystery was logical and realistic. I’m sure anyone reading the mystery would enjoy it as much as enjoyed the audio version.

More importantly, the cultural content underlying the mystery was significant. Through the mystery, the reader gets a glimpse into the lives and culture of Latino immigrants, both documented and undocumented, in the United States. The struggles of these immigrants as they try to navigate life in rural America is as important as they mystery. The story’s setting is in rural New York State, but it actually could have been anywhere. The development of the characters and the conflicts they confront are graphic and real. Although it’s not pleasant, it’s a story that needs to be heard. I’m glad that Suzanne Chazin has joined others in the telling of that story. The narration by Armando Durán was great and added a lot to the content of the book. Definitely a good listen… and I’m sure it would be an equally good read. I'm looking forward to future Jimmy Vega mysteries!

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19 people found this helpful

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Shadows that are Worth Seeing

This detective fiction, told from the POV of the Hispanic detective and several other Hispanics that are a part of the story, will entertain you and tug at you at the same time. Never preachy but way more to the story. Very glad I read it particularly at this time with the current immigration political wars. The author reached out to me after my review of The Book of Unknown Americans and I'm glad she did. Read it for surface level enjoyment or read it for much much more.

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11 people found this helpful

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Only read a few chapters

If you hate white people you will love this book. I, on the other hand, tired of wading through all of the racism to get to the story. I get it. Some white people suck but I don't. The author kept talking about us like we were all ignorant devils. If I wanted to be chastised and shamed for the way I was born I 'd go to church.

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10 people found this helpful

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Excellent Insights into the Immigrant Experience

Besides being a suspenseful detective mystery, Chazin's novel--with Durán's outstanding narration--was a true eye-opener on the Immigrant experience in the U.S.

I feel like the "American Dream" is over. Every aspect of our existence is about wealth and social standing...or lack thereof. Years ago I sponsored my ex-husband's green card. I was shocked to learn how much money it took to bring a talented chef to this country (when I had been happier in his island home). If I hadn't worked for a major high-tech corporation with residual stock options I wouldn't have had enough money to buy his way into the U.S. after working and teaching for three years overseas.

People who talk about the legal route to residency should take a look at the requirements! Then consider all the wealthy households in San Diego and other major cities that would fall apart without their overworked and underpaid staff of illegal labor. Not to mention the entire agricultural industry.

I found this novel moving, realistic, and revealing, as well as heart-breaking.

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8 people found this helpful

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This book touched me. Looking forward to more.

I read and listen to a lot of books but do not often write reviews, usually only if I really like or dislike it. This is on the top end. I found myself caring about the characters, cried a little, enjoyed the story itself and the narration. The cultural insight was moving. I hope to listen to more about Jimmy Vega!

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8 people found this helpful

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An enjoyable listen.

I enjoyed the book and really liked the timbre of the narrator's voice. The story was enjoyable even if, in places, it was a bit predictable. I'd really like to read/listen to at least ONE modern detective novel where the investigator ISN'T divorced!
A good listen overall.

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7 people found this helpful

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Unseen people

I couldn’t wait to finish this book, so many surprises. Emotional read. Narrator promoted a visual reflection of story to this enthralling listen.

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5 people found this helpful

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Lives in Shadows

This book exposed me to life of people i dont think about at an individual level...made me sad and exposed me to things i did not know...a good.read

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Opens with a ton of negativity about police!!

I wanted to enjoy this book. I love great suspense novels & true crime stories. The narrator does a great job. It starts with an alluring first chapter, but too many of the author’s opinions are forced in the beginning of the story. I have tons of people who are friends/family in law enforcement. This book starts with a ton of insinuations that most police offers are racist, & that many are jaded or insensitive. Much like a doctor or a nurse, police become conditioned in order to do their jobs. You would not want an officer caring for you or a loved one to fall all over the place, being emotional in a crisis. I personally need to feel a little more positive that police officers are there to serve & protect. I just don’t buy it that all officers assume a Latino (or African American) is guilty before assessing the situation.

I may come back to this but definitely not right now.

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2 people found this helpful