In the Shadow of the Past cover art

In the Shadow of the Past

Shadow Series, Book 1

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In the Shadow of the Past

By: J.E. Leak
Narrated by: Abby Craden
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Buy Now for $34.76

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About this listen

A Sultry Historical Noir Packed with Espionage, Desire, and Sizzling WLW Tension

New York City, 1943. From jazz clubs to back alleys, passion and peril collide in this slow-burn sapphic love story that simmers through every twist and turn.

Nightclub singer–turned–OSS spy Kathryn Hammond has a past she can’t outrun and a mission she can’t afford to fail. But when fearless reporter Jenny Ryan becomes her assignment, sparks fly and everything starts to unravel.

Jenny is fire and fury seeking justice for her father’s murder. Kathryn is ice and regret behind a voice like sex and sin. Neither planned on the slow burn between them. Neither is ready for what it will cost them.

In a world where a lingering glance can be dangerous and a kiss can be fatal, their forbidden desire threatens Kathryn’s mission and places Jenny in the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy. When love becomes a liability, which woman will pay the price?

In the Shadow of the Past is a sapphic noir awash in Old Hollywood cinematic glamour that will delight fans of femme fatales, wartime subterfuge, and love that cuts like a knife.

This is the first book in the lush, sapphic historical fiction Shadow Series. Buy it now and lose yourself in Abby Craden’s unforgettable narration of Kathryn and Jenny’s epic love story, where the greatest threat might not be the enemy but the longing in their own hearts.

Buckle up … it’s going to be a deliciously bumpy ride!

©2021 J.E. Leak (P)2025 J.E. Leak
Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Espionage
All stars
Most relevant
Couldn't put it down, I could listen to Abby all day and the character development in this book was great.

great characters and narrator.

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So I may be a closet spy wannabe but this is the best lesbian romance I have listened to this year. Rich and complex story arc and amazing chemistry.

Chemistry of war

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This is my first from this author. Certainly won’t be my last, Beside I have to find out what’s install for Kat and Jenny.

Loved it

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Not your usual angst to love story. So much lie and wonderfully written and performed. Highly recommended.

Loved this!

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I liked the plot for the most part but having both FMC characters attracted to each other but having ulterior motives for virtually the whole book without any resolution was a little tiresome. Because this is the first book in the series I imagine somewhere in Book 4 there might be a HEA. This is specifically not good for me. I don’t think I can handle all the negative and controlling situations for 3 more books in order to see some sunshine at the end.
The set up spy situation for Kat with Forester is sickening and to think this has happened and is probably still a reality for young people supposedly doing their duty for their respective countries is also sickening.

Enjoyable but Both FMCs deceiving each other

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