Photograph
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 6
- 7 min read
By: Brian Freeman
Narrator: January LaVoy
ISBN: 9781665109765
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Publication Date: 10/07/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
From New York Times bestselling author Brian Freeman, Photograph is an emotional cold case mystery of hidden identities and startling twists—perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Mary Kubica, and Freida McFadden.
Shannon Wells is a private investigator who helps women with nowhere else to go. Last year, a woman named Faith Selby came to Shannon with a strange request: Find out who I really am.
Shannon soon discovered that Faith was hiding a whole other life, but was unable to penetrate the web of mystery the woman had built around her past. Now Faith is dead. The only clue to who she was and why she was murdered is an old photograph of a little girl in the rain outside a Midwestern motel.
The hunt for answers takes Shannon from the hot beaches of Florida to a remote small town in Michigan as she peels away layer after layer of a shocking cold case that has rippled violently into the present. With each secret she uncovers, the danger around her grows—and forces Shannon to confront the demons hiding in her own past.
My Review
Acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Brian Freeman, one of my favorites, returns with an enthralling new protagonist, PI Shannon Wells—fingers crossed for a series! In this captivating crime thriller, PHOTOGRAPH, Wells embarks on a relentless quest for truth that transports her from the sun-soaked landscapes of Florida to the stark realities of Michigan.
As she delves deep into a chilling cold case, Shannon navigates a labyrinth of concealed identities, unsolved murders, and dark cover-ups, all intricately linked to a current triple homicide. Along the way, she finds herself grappling not only with external dangers but also confronting the haunting echoes of her own past trauma. The stakes are high, and the journey promises to be as tumultuous as it is riveting.
About...
Shannon Wells, Private Investigator
Nestled in the sun-drenched landscapes of coastal Daytona Beach, Florida, Shannon Wells is a seasoned private investigator with a profound mission: to help women navigate the troubled waters of their lives. Beneath her tough exterior lies a past marred by trauma—a haunting memory of a horrific assault and rape that scarred her soul. The man responsible for her suffering was never brought to justice; instead, he was released, only to go on to commit more heinous acts, including the rape and murder of another innocent victim. Shadowed by this experience, Shannon is plagued by relentless nightmares that she believes are symptoms of PTSD. Yet, her therapist suggests that these vivid dreams may hold a deeper, more unsettling significance.
The Investigation
One fateful afternoon, Shannon receives an unexpected visit from Kate Selby, a woman searching for answers about her mother, Faith Selby. A year prior, Faith had sought Shannon's expertise to uncover her true identity. But why? Was it merely a precautionary measure to ensure there were no hidden records in case someone came looking for her? What was she hiding from? It soon becomes clear that Faith’s mysterious past, which she had fought so hard to conceal, has come back to threaten her. A dark shadow looms, with someone determined to keep their secrets buried.
An Old Photo Connection
As their conversation unfolds, Kate reveals the tragic news that her mother has been brutally murdered. This devastating revelation sends a chill down Shannon's spine, and all she has to cling to is a cryptic photograph—an old image from 25 years ago. The haunting picture captures a small girl standing alone in the rain at a Midwestern motel, a grim backdrop for a chilling murder that once transpired. This photograph may hold the key to unlocking the truth behind Faith Selby's hidden past and the darkness that now surrounds her daughter.
Decades-Old Mystery:
Decades ago, a haunting photograph captured by Faith found its way into the pages of a glossy coffee table book. The image, forever frozen in time, features a young girl standing in front of a dimly lit vending machine at a desolate motel—a site that became infamous for a gruesome murder that transpired that very night.
Connections to Past and Present:
As the investigation into this long-cold case unfolds, it unveils a thread that binds the past to the chaotic present. What begins as a search for the truth takes a chilling turn with ties to a recent triple homicide involving a respected prosecutor and his family. This revelation uncovers a sinister present-day threat, suggesting that someone is desperate to keep dark secrets buried beneath layers of time.
Shannon's Personal Demons
As Shannon delves deeper into Faith's troubled past, she is compelled to confront her own haunting demons, unearthing a violent scar that has long overshadowed her existence. The journey becomes not just about solving a mystery but about wrestling with the shadows of her own history and the fears that have shaped her identity.
Get ready for a wild, thrill ride mystery filled with suspense and unexpected twists!
My thoughts...
PHOTOGRAPH is an intricately woven tapestry of suspense, skillfully guiding Shannon through a whirlwind of twists and revelations. Beginning in Florida, her journey takes a curious turn during a surreal visit to Cocoa Beach, where she encounters Maro, a mysterious psychic. This enigmatic figure seems to penetrate Shannon's carefully fortified defenses, unlocking a floodgate of visions that lead her to a quaint yet unsettling town in Minnesota—an unsuspecting backdrop for a long-buried crime.
As the narrative unfolds, the pieces of this intricate puzzle begin to snap into place, revealing unexpected twists and turns that expose dark secrets hidden beneath the surface. The stakes rise with each revelation, and the narrative’s tension escalates, propelling readers into a gripping exploration of danger and deceit.
Freeman’s masterful storytelling immerses readers from the very first page, introducing us to the compelling and flawed private investigator, Shannon Wells, hailing from a bar/office in Daytona Beach. Though initially intended as a standalone novel, I find myself yearning for it to spark a new series; Shannon’s talent for digging into unresolved investigations hints at a wealth of stories waiting to be told.
I particularly appreciated the nuanced relationship she shares with her father, a dedicated doctor in Jacksonville, and her collaboration with Kate. Their interactions add a rich layer to the story, expertly intertwining past and present in a way that feels both authentic and heartwarming.
Florida...
As someone who has called the East Coast of Florida home for the past 23 years (from north to south), I hold a deep affection for narratives set in this vibrant state. The author, who shares my area as well, captures the essence of the area beautifully, drawing readers into the familiar sights and sounds of Florida.
Shannon Wells evokes memories of Willow Rose's (a favorite Cocoa Beach author) riveting and flawed Detective Billie Ann Wilder series, navigating similar Florida thrilling terrains in locales I know so well. Wells is also reminiscent of Lisa Gardner's Frankie Elkin and Flora Dane (DD Warren series)—all favorites.
PHOTOGRAPH is a mesmerizing, emotionally charged character-driven thriller that expertly weaves together the intricate threads of crime, mystery, and psychological complexity. It gracefully peels back the layers of memory and identity, revealing the shocking secrets that lie hidden beneath the surface. This captivating narrative is a superb must-read, guaranteed to keep you engrossed and turning pages deep into the night, as each twist and turn pulls you further into its enthralling depths.
If you haven't yet ventured into the world created by this author, consider this book a fantastic entry point, but don't forget to explore his backlist—you can thank me later!
Recs...
PHOTOGRAPH is a gripping tale crafted for devoted fans of the author and anyone who appreciates intricately woven crime thrillers that balance intense suspense with deeply emotional resonance. This novel will particularly appeal to enthusiasts of renowned authors such as Mary Kubica, Lisa Jewell, Lisa Gardner, Michael Robotham, Tami Hoag, and John Hart, inviting readers into a world where every twist and turn reveals not just a thrilling plot but also profound human experiences.
Thank you...
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for graciously providing me with a digital advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest opinions. I am eagerly anticipating the experience of listening to the audiobook, narrated by the incredibly talented January LaVoy; I have no doubt it will be nothing short of spectacular.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Oct 7, 2025
Praise
“Riveting, heartwarming, and profound, Photograph needs a warning label: Will cause insomnia, obsessive thoughts, and heart palpitations as you race to unravel this web of multilayered mysteries. Along with top-tier suspense, it’s a tale of family—blood and found—and how far we’ll go to protect our loved ones and reclaim our power. All the stars.”
--Elka Ray, author of A Friend Indeed
“If a picture is worth a thousand words, a photograph is worth a thousand twists in Brian Freeman’s latest blockbuster, Photograph. The novel explores family secrets, the despair of losing a mother, and the lies we tell for those we love. Photograph proves once again why Freeman is one of the best thriller writers working today.”
--Alex Finlay, bestselling author of Parents Weekend
“There are moody scenes involving darkness, wind-driven rain, and lonely roads that bring to mind the opening chapters of a Stephen King novel. And those roads twist a lot as Freeman unloads one surprise after another…An enjoyable read. May there be more Shannon Wells tales to come.”
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Photograph is everything I crave in a mystery: a protagonist as layered and complicated as the case she’s chasing, questions that linger long after the last page, and a story that probes what it means to be alive—and to remember. I couldn’t put it down.”
--Lauren Myracle, New York Times bestselling author of Plays Well with Others
“[Freeman] pulls out all the stops here, delivering a suspenseful, surprising, and extremely satisfying thriller. A note about Shannon Wells: She’s a very well-drawn character, with strong series potential. More, please.”
--Booklist (starred review)
“With its unique plot, emotionally charged characters, and the right amount of suspense, Photograph kept me turning the pages.”
--Capes & Tights
“In this immersive standalone from Freeman, Florida PI Shannon Wells grapples with haunting visions while trying to make sense of a particularly confounding job…Freeman’s plotting is intoxicatingly knotty…Well-developed characters and the author’s sharp attention to detail make this work.”
--Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Brian Freeman is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including the Jonathan Stride series and many popular standalones. His books have been sold in forty-six countries and translated into twenty-three languages. His thriller Spilled Blood was named Best Hardcover Novel in the International Thriller Writers Awards, and his novel The Deep, Deep Snow was a finalist for the Edgar Award. Brian is widely acclaimed for his vivid “you are there” settings and for his complex, engaging characters and twist-filled plots. He lives in Florida with his wife, Marcia. For more information, visit BFreemanBooks.com.
