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Veronica Shade #1

The Color of Murder

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Rookie Detective Veronica Shade experiences the world in a way no one else can.
Her rare condition, multi-modal synesthesia, lets her hear whispers of deceit, smell the scent of fear, and see the aura of hidden guilt. A secret she's kept hidden, her talent has catapulted her to being one of Oregon’s youngest and most promising detectives, at the cost of any semblance of a normal social life.

When a young woman is found hanging from the rafters of a local Sheriff’s home, it's quickly ruled a suicide. But Veronica’s senses scream murder.

As another apparent suicide surfaces in an adjacent county, Veronica is convinced they're not just connected, but the work of a sadistic killer just beginning his reign of terror.

In a race against time, Veronica must hunt down a merciless killer whose victims seem to eerily mirror fragments of her own forgotten past. As she delves deeper, it becomes clear that her unique gift might be a double-edged sword—one that could cost her a chance at a normal life and make her the killer’s next victim.

From the bestselling author of the Chase Adams series comes an unputdownable thriller perfect for fans of Dan Padavona, D.K. Hood, and AJ Rivers. Dive into the chilling world of Veronica Shade—once you start, you won’t be able to stop...or sleep.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2022

466 people are currently reading
462 people want to read

About the author

Patrick Logan

112 books463 followers
To download my FREE book, click here: www.ptlbooks.com/newsletter

True story: I used to cut up bodies. No, not for fun, you sickos–for work. After reaching the age of majority and fleeing the clutches of an overprotective mother, I went to university like a good boy.

More than a decade later and an alphabet soup of letters after my name, I found myself looking down the double-chamber of a microscope at an eyeball. Feeling ironically introspective, I decided that it was time for a change.

After seventy plus novels and more than a million copies sold, I’ve found my true calling, one that also includes a plethora of letters. Hopefully you see something in my catalog that you like, something to feast your eyes on.

I also have two spooky podcasts that are appropriate for ALL ages, so long as you like to be scared: P.T. Logan's Five Minutes of Terror and Camp Fear. Both are FREE and available on all podcast platforms. For MATURE audiences, I've created two fiction podcasts, Nightmare Residue and Bad Priest.

I'm on all socials! Just search for AuthorPatrickLogan.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
370 (52%)
4 stars
222 (31%)
3 stars
82 (11%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for SkyGrey.
241 reviews
October 30, 2022
I Love V!!

Patrick has created a new fantastic series with Detective Veronica Shade. She is independent, strong willed and braver than she knows. She has a quirky personality and I love it. Her father is her boss but don’t think that gets her extra favors in the department. I couldn’t wait to read this book but now I can’t wait for the next!! Keep on writing Pat!
163 reviews
August 23, 2023
Interesting

The first book of any series usually spends most it introducing characters and the like. It can be downright daunting if it isn't done right. Of course Mr. Logan did it right. What a story! Will be reading the next and the next and the.....
By the way, L.T. Vargas does write some pretty amazing books.
Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
Profile Image for Gayle Dixon.
33 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2022
Always enjoy books from this author and this was no exception. Little bit of mystery and suspense with some romance thrown in. Loved the little bit of paranormal, definitely made it interesting. Will be reading more of the series.
Profile Image for Rary  ⏾ ❤︎.
110 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2025
A first for me about a FMC that has a rare condition called Synesthesia. She can hear songs, see colours & smell gasoline when someone is lying.

I really enjoyed this ebook and happy I can continue reading her story as they’re on kindle unlimited.

I couldn’t believe with all those shocked twist endings I was likeヽ(°〇°)ノ all the way through haha.
1,603 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2024
interesting,but still a NO

I was really into the solving of the first murder set up early in the book and the female detectives special talents, but the ‘F’ bomb was dropped and I expect the language to get worse, so I stopped reading there.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,657 reviews39 followers
April 16, 2024
IT WAS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF STORYLINE AND VERONICA HAD AN INTERESTING ABILITY. NOT A BAD READ, MY PROBLEM WAS I JUST DIDN'T REALLY LIKE ANY OF THE CHARACTERS. I COULDN'T CONNECT WITH ANY OF THEM, I JUST DIDN'T LIKE'EM. ;<
Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,395 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2025
This begins the series about Veronica Shade, who is a Detective. Her father happens to be the Chief, but he doesn't do any favors for Veronica, she has to make it on her own. With her partner, Freddie, they are assigned a case in another town. The victim is found hanging from the rafters of a barn. But it is who the barn belongs it. The man that called it in, the Sheriff of this town.

They are ruling this one a suicide, but Veronica knows different. This is a murder. You see Veronica sees colors and that tell her things and one is if someone is telling the truth! The ruling comes to suicide, but something about this case haunts Veronica and she won't let go. But, will finding the truth be too much for her?
Profile Image for Daniela.
1,185 reviews
December 21, 2024
Start of a new series (for me anyway). It was an interesting read and as its the first book we're getting to know all the characters. Veronica has some abilities that really come in handy in her profession (Detective) but I can understand how it could be debilitating in a crowd, etc. Veronica is smart and spunky which I love. She doesn't take shit from anyone. Her father is her boss which makes for interesting dynamics. So far I'm liking all the characters - Freddie her partner - I like their relationship. There were 2 storylines, both intriguing which kept me interested. The outcome of both was a surprise. Moving on to the next on in series.
Profile Image for Cynthia A.
712 reviews
June 18, 2024
Veronica can always tell when someone is not telling the truth

The officers are called out to a probable suicide. Detective Shade sees colors, smells gasoline, and hears music as soon as she sees the woman. She is convinced it is murder, but nothing points to it being something other than suicide.
Two more apparent suicides keeps the detective looking for answers. The story keeps pulling you in page by page.
Profile Image for Constance Norgaard.
295 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
The Color of Murder (A Veronica Shade Thriller Book 1) by Patrick Logan

A start of an interesting series. A Detective with unusual talents seeks to find out who is murdering innocent women and a man. A homeless man that gets blamed for acts he denies, an agency at odds with each other. A possible romance during the very strange happenings. A female Detective that won't stop until she puts it all together. Who is to blame?
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,552 reviews9 followers
April 17, 2024
out on Oct 27, 2022. private investigator mysteries (kindle store & books). amateur sleuth mysteries. from the series "A Veronica Shade Thriller", 4 books so far. i gotta be sure if i have read anything from PL before, i am not sure??! will investigate that asap!! so curious. laters. i gotta read. love that book cover!! so eye catching.
158 reviews
November 17, 2022
The color of murder

A really good book. The mystery lasted until the end. Impossible to figure out even with a few hints. It is exciting with many twist and turns. Read it and enjoy!







Profile Image for karin whitehead.
1,086 reviews10 followers
January 9, 2023
The Color of murder

A well-developed story/plot that will invade your dreams. Great characters, fast paced with twists that throw you off. The ending you don't see coming. A very convincing story, with an ending you are in a shocked? A must read thriller.
Profile Image for Kylie.
1,625 reviews9 followers
June 12, 2023
Sometimes a first book in a planned series can be a bit full of setting up the main characters, so this book actually handled that brilliantly. There were some good twists and turns, and I liked the whole mystery as it unfolded. I definitely want to read the next one!
Profile Image for natalie.
52 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2024
Simply helping from start to end

A must read for anyone that loves a crime, police drama. Try working this out before the plot is revealed, i dare you!! I can not wait to start book 2
Profile Image for Krystina.
11 reviews
January 16, 2025
this book was a pretty good read my only qualms about it is the fact that once you start to hit about 70% of the book it starts to get a little confusing and the storyline started to mesh together, but it separated very nicely and ending unexpected.
491 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2023
Veronica

Read whole book in one setting. Last half on the book was superb. Definitely a thriller and can’t wait for next book in series
Profile Image for Laurie.
378 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2023
Oh Mr. Logan

Patrick Logan has given me another new character to love! Now I can’t wait for the next book in this series! Well played.
2 reviews
May 8, 2023
Brilliant

Brilliant, couldn't put it down. A real roller coaster of a read. Characters were very believable, Kept me guessing all the way.
Profile Image for jennifer garcia.
174 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2023
TCIM

I really wanted to like this book, it has good qualities but there so much inconsistency, and just dumb decisions on the heroine’s part that I had to give it 3 stars.
280 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2024
Some good twists and turns

First book in this series and it had something different to most cop/murder books.
I enjoyed the twists and turns and was pleasantly surprised by it.
3 reviews
April 15, 2024
This was my first book from this author and I loved it!! It was so well written and kept me guessing! I just had to download the remainder of this series!!
Profile Image for Gemma.
152 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2024
I think I'm going to be reading the series as I like characters you can get to know and have layers to them. I feel these are going to be the books to read!
Profile Image for Maria Elisa.
43 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
Not for me.

I just couldn’t connect with the characters. The first half seemed to go on forever and the ending felt rushed.
135 reviews
May 22, 2024
Interesting book and characters. The beginning of the second book sounds interesting, too.
Profile Image for blenda.
115 reviews
June 9, 2024
legalzinho até... gostei da veronica e do freddie mas não curti o rolo dela com o xerife não achei mei paia
883 reviews7 followers
October 8, 2024
Entertaining

This book was engaging. I loved the plot twits and turns. It blew my mind in the ending. It was well written.
Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2025
Thrilling Murder Mystery

A well written murder mystery. A lot of twists and turns. Fast paced which will keep you turning the pages. Fantastic characters. A great read.
Profile Image for Alaina Raraigh.
138 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2025
I was not a fan of this book. I usually devour thrillers but this one did not hold my attention. I truthfully just wanted it done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews