A.C. Adams is the nom de plume of co-authors Anthony Leigh Adams and Christina Adams, who have written and developed projects for many studios, including ABC, CBS, NBC and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Chasing Shadows, their debut novel released by Acorn Publishing, is inspired by the true story of Christina’s family.
CHASING SHADOWS
When renowned professor Dr. Aidan Ryan vanishes without explanation, he leaves behind a haunting message revealing he has a new life and can never return. His devastated daughter Sofia embarks on a global search to uncover the truth behind her father’s disappearance. What she finds is more shocking than she could have imagined—a web of family secrets and lies that challenges everything she thought she knew.
After clues send her to Italy, Sofia reconnects with her estranged mother Ella who reveals a hidden past of trauma and deceit. When they discover Aidan’s ties to The Brotherhood, an elusive, powerful society that operates in the shadows of world affairs, Sofia and Ella become ensnared in a deadly conspiracy. Trapped in ancient catacombs beneath the Roman countryside, they must confront their mysterious captors and fight for their lives. But as they edge closer to escape, one question remains: Will Aidan choose his family or The Brotherhood?
“Secrets and lies collide in this sinisterly effective thriller… The narrative is founded upon a conceit that built the brands of artists like Dashiell Hammett and Alfred Hitchcock, that could easily go awry in less adept hands. Happily, that’s an outcome that Adams’ novel deftly avoids by virtue of its no-nonsense pacing and tight plotting—a particularly impressive feat… Getting the details right, as the author has done, goes a long way toward ensuring an enthralling read. This hair-raising roller-coaster thrill ride may leave readers questioning their own personal narratives.” —Kirkus Reviews
“When a young woman’s father walks out of her life with no explanation and instructions not to search for him, she embarks on a quest for answers… And so, the search begins, taking Sofia, who previously feared traveling alone, on an excursion that leads to foreign countries—and her puzzling past. Thorough and complex, the story involves several subplots – extramarital affairs, war, family discord –tying to the main puzzle that ultimately explains Aidan’s disappearance… The novel’s precise details —foreign cultures, the inner workings of a secret society, 20th century history—lend it authenticity, color and interest. The plot unfolds cinematically… This is an engaging read, likely to draw in anyone looking for a page-turning, global-hopping adventure.”— BlueInk Review
“Mystery fans will relish the murmurs of an ancient society—The Brotherhood—driving the story, interjecting religious zealotry, conspiracy, and political intrigue into Sofia’s dangerous journey… Resolution does eventually come for both Sofia and Ella, and the authors gift readers a late-in- the-game curveball that satisfies… [A] twisty, secret society mystery exploring powerful familial bonds.” —BookLife Reviews
“A.C. Adams has created an intriguing world filled with twists, turns, and unexpected discoveries. Once you pick up this fast-paced read, you won't want to put it down.” —Marci Bolden, best-selling author of the A Life Without Water series
“Based, incredibly, on the author’s lifelong quest to unriddle the mystery of her father’s double life, Chasing Shadows is a twisty hybrid of girl-power thriller, coming-of-age story, and Gothic melodrama. Jump-cutting from Mussolini’s Italy to the bloodiest years of Ireland’s Troubles to cloak-and-dagger exploits in Vatican City, A.C. Adams weaves secret societies, diabolical clerics, an atheist soprano with a weakness for absinthe, and an intrepid heroine, into a tangled web of conspiratorial intrigue.” —Mark Dery, cultural critic and essayist
“Christina and Anthony Leigh Adams are a gifted and skilled writing team who have crafted a seamless, fast-paced thriller. Inspired by true events surrounding Christina's father, the two traveled extensively, digging into an ever-deepening mystery. Their research in Dublin and Rome adds a rich texture and authenticity to Sofia’s courageous journey to uncover the enigma of her missing father. The unexpected twists and turns keep you turning the pages, chasing surprises right up to the end.” —Kathi Diamant, author Kafka’s Last Love: The Mystery of Dora Diamant
“Chasing Shadows is a compelling, page-turning story of parental abandonment, disturbing family secrets, and resilience.”—Gina Simmons Schneider, Ph.D., author of Frazzlebrain
