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Strangers in Crime

By: Shana Frost
Publisher: Loch Fuar Publications
Publication Date: April 8, 2025
ISBN: 978-1-7384994-2-7
Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater
Review Date: March 17, 2025

What drives someone to take justice into their own hands when the system fails those who need protection? This is the central question in Shana Frost's gripping romantic thriller, Strangers in Crime.

The story follows Cheryl Spiers, a police detective in Glasgow, chasing down a suspect late at night. Later at a local pub, she encounters the charismatic owner Anthony intervening in a domestic dispute, and their instant attraction leads to a passionate night together. But the next morning, Cheryl discovers Anthony's connection to the notorious Ricci crime family and his vigilante operation helping abuse victims escape. This puts Cheryl’s career and principles in conflict with her growing feelings for him. Despite her initial anger at Anthony's deception, Cheryl finds herself drawn into the plight of Faith who is trying to escape her abusive husband, a close associate of the Ricci family. Cheryl witnesses firsthand how Anthony's underground network of resourceful women work to provide new identities and safe passage for abused women like Faith. As Cheryl and Anthony devise a plan to help Faith escape, with the network giving her a new identity while Anthony creates a distraction, they soon realize they've underestimated the ruthlessness of both Darryl and the Ricci family. Cheryl must make a choice between her duty as a police officer and her growing conviction that Anthony's methods, while illegal, might be necessary.

Strangers in Crime is a romantic, thrilling novella that weaves together themes of justice, morality, and the grey areas between right and wrong. The chemistry between Cheryl and Anthony sizzles from their first meeting, but it's their intellectual and moral sparring that truly drives their relationship as they navigate their conflicting approaches to justice. The author's handling of the Glasgow setting is equally impressive, bringing the city to life through vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue that ground the story in its Scottish context. However, the intimate scenes between Cheryl and Anthony, while fitting for their immediate attraction, would benefit from more sensual details and emotional depth to make them truly engaging and immersive.

Where the novella particularly shines though is in its nuanced exploration of domestic violence and the challenges victims face in seeking help through official channels. Through Faith's story and Anthony's tragic backstory about his female friend, Frost illuminates why some turn to underground networks for protection when the system fails them.

Quill says: Strangers in Crime is a romantic thriller that explores justice, morality and redemption while delivering heart-pounding action and steamy romance.

For more information on Strangers in Crime, please visit the author's website at: shanafrost.com