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Out of the Shadows
An explosion, a cover-up, and innocent people charged with murder and arson, Active-duty Air Force Staff Sergeant Martha Richards, teams up with friends, Jennifer and Robbie to clear her girlfriend, Tess, and bar owner, Jennifer Nichols.
In ICU fighting for her life, local law enforcement charges Tess and Jennifer with murder and Arson. With circumstantial evidence building, Marty begins an investigation of her own to discover who caused the explosion which also took the life of Annie Stockton, Jennifer’s friend.
She learns there were other lesbian bars burnt to the ground. Marty’s professional life is also put at risk.
Asking questions puts Marty’s life in danger. She finds herself fighting for her own life while trying to save Tess.
In ICU fighting for her life, local law enforcement charges Tess and Jennifer with murder and Arson. With circumstantial evidence building, Marty begins an investigation of her own to discover who caused the explosion which also took the life of Annie Stockton, Jennifer’s friend.
She learns there were other lesbian bars burnt to the ground. Marty’s professional life is also put at risk.
Asking questions puts Marty’s life in danger. She finds herself fighting for her own life while trying to save Tess.
201 pages, paperback
Published August 4, 2022
About the author
Vickie Adams
3 books4 followersI am a retired USAF officer. I've been writing since middle school. Several of my short stories found homes in anthologies. My first book was Heartland. My new book is Out of the Shadows.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 23, 2022
Exciting Mystery!
Marty’s girlfriend Tess is suspect with her employer Jennifer of murder and arson after an incident at the bar where Tess workd. Marty is determined to clear Tess’ name and uncover the truth but soon learns there is more to what happened then she first thought, and finds herself taking on an investigation as to what really happened. It’s not easy when she ends up in danger herself, and must fight now not only to save Tess but herself too.
A gripping search for the truth that lead to danger and a lot of drama. It was great how Marty’s strength drove her to find out the truth, but while Tess couldn’t help her from the ICU, it was great he had help from her friends. There were a lot of shady people and dealings that she found, and the fact that she was determined to keep going even when her own life came into question and events started making her look suspect too just proved how much she loved Tess.
I loved the element that a strong bond with friends and loved ones is all you need to motivate you and push you to do things that seem extreme. But if Marty wasn’t going to find out the truth then who was. She was so brave slipping into the private investigations and worlds of powerful people who were a bit ruthless and unpredictable. She wasn’t just strong because of who she was and her Air Force background, it was her heart and her loyalty.
A great story with a lot to be explored, surprises, and the sweetest of reasons for wanting the truth and justice.
Marty’s girlfriend Tess is suspect with her employer Jennifer of murder and arson after an incident at the bar where Tess workd. Marty is determined to clear Tess’ name and uncover the truth but soon learns there is more to what happened then she first thought, and finds herself taking on an investigation as to what really happened. It’s not easy when she ends up in danger herself, and must fight now not only to save Tess but herself too.
A gripping search for the truth that lead to danger and a lot of drama. It was great how Marty’s strength drove her to find out the truth, but while Tess couldn’t help her from the ICU, it was great he had help from her friends. There were a lot of shady people and dealings that she found, and the fact that she was determined to keep going even when her own life came into question and events started making her look suspect too just proved how much she loved Tess.
I loved the element that a strong bond with friends and loved ones is all you need to motivate you and push you to do things that seem extreme. But if Marty wasn’t going to find out the truth then who was. She was so brave slipping into the private investigations and worlds of powerful people who were a bit ruthless and unpredictable. She wasn’t just strong because of who she was and her Air Force background, it was her heart and her loyalty.
A great story with a lot to be explored, surprises, and the sweetest of reasons for wanting the truth and justice.
March 1, 2023
For me, Out of the Shadows is not only an action-packed story full of suspense and love, but also a window into a different time. It seems to be set in about 1983 and follows Marty as she navigates the fallout of an explosion at a gay bar that leaves her with a comatose girlfriend, a detective accusing her of murder, and uncertainty about her career in the Air Force.
As someone who was fortunate enough to come out in a more accepting time, I really value books like this that show the struggles of those before me. Even in a fictional context, it was really interesting to get a glimpse into what the military was like for gay women in that time period. With that and all the other serious topics that came up, I was happily surprised with how light the tone was. Adams even manages to tie in the classic 80’s lesbian mullet, because of course :)
“This book sounds awesome, why didn’t you give it 5 stars??” Fantastic question! This book is awesome, but there were a couple little things that I struggled with; the first being the sheer amount of characters to keep track of. There are some characters that we meet but never hear from again and some that do turn out to be important later, so it was tricky to distinguish which ones I needed to commit to memory. I also struggled a bit with the pacing. There were times when really big pieces of information were dropped, but it didn’t feel like there had been much build-up, which kind of threw off the flow of the story for me.
Still, those couple things didn’t stop me from tearing through this book and enjoying every second of it! I would absolutely recommend Out of the Shadows. I think it’s a super important perspective, and I definitely plan on reading more from Vickie Adams!
As someone who was fortunate enough to come out in a more accepting time, I really value books like this that show the struggles of those before me. Even in a fictional context, it was really interesting to get a glimpse into what the military was like for gay women in that time period. With that and all the other serious topics that came up, I was happily surprised with how light the tone was. Adams even manages to tie in the classic 80’s lesbian mullet, because of course :)
“This book sounds awesome, why didn’t you give it 5 stars??” Fantastic question! This book is awesome, but there were a couple little things that I struggled with; the first being the sheer amount of characters to keep track of. There are some characters that we meet but never hear from again and some that do turn out to be important later, so it was tricky to distinguish which ones I needed to commit to memory. I also struggled a bit with the pacing. There were times when really big pieces of information were dropped, but it didn’t feel like there had been much build-up, which kind of threw off the flow of the story for me.
Still, those couple things didn’t stop me from tearing through this book and enjoying every second of it! I would absolutely recommend Out of the Shadows. I think it’s a super important perspective, and I definitely plan on reading more from Vickie Adams!
March 7, 2023
A story so riveting it is hard to put down.
This story had me from the first chapter. The events that formed the foundation are what keeps you wondering as it unfolds. The experiences of these women at a time when being themselves ment someone could destroy their lives. I continue to marvel how people can expect everyone to fall into intolerance, non- acceptance and blatant bigotry. Marty sees the very ugly side of her life and to save Tess will take changes to her very being. It was looking at this and what she wants that helps solve the mystery. The author takes you thru a determination to solve the twists, turns and hidden agenda. A great story, entertaining read and characters flawed but strong. I loved it!
This story had me from the first chapter. The events that formed the foundation are what keeps you wondering as it unfolds. The experiences of these women at a time when being themselves ment someone could destroy their lives. I continue to marvel how people can expect everyone to fall into intolerance, non- acceptance and blatant bigotry. Marty sees the very ugly side of her life and to save Tess will take changes to her very being. It was looking at this and what she wants that helps solve the mystery. The author takes you thru a determination to solve the twists, turns and hidden agenda. A great story, entertaining read and characters flawed but strong. I loved it!
December 16, 2023
great story
I’m retired Air Force and enjoy stories that share the difficulties faced by Airmen because of who they love. The Queer community has always given 100% - in every war or police action - and paid the price when discovered. The book could have used a little more proofreading but the story is solid and enjoyable.
I’m retired Air Force and enjoy stories that share the difficulties faced by Airmen because of who they love. The Queer community has always given 100% - in every war or police action - and paid the price when discovered. The book could have used a little more proofreading but the story is solid and enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews