Book Review: Chasing the Shadows Nikki and Michael Book 3 by Keri Arthur

Chasing the Shadows is the third book in the Nikki and Michael series by Keri Arthur. Micheal is finally coming home to Nikki after months away working, only to discover that Nikki is already investigating the next case he has been assigned to.  The wife Jake's friend is missing, and Jake intends to find her regardless of  the cost. The authorities believe the kidnappings to be the work of a sick mind, but Nikki knows that the truth is something much worse, particularly after she forms an unexpected psychic link to the killer. But as always, she is more than willing to put herself risk in order to save another. As they chase through the sewers and tunnels of San Francisco and the body count begins to rise, Michael badgers her to stay off the case, but Nikki has no intention of complying. She wants him to realize that she’s either a full partner in his life or she’s out. But nothing prepares her for the price she has to pay for her stubbornness—the life of someone she loves.

In Chasing the Shadows, Nikki and Michael are still struggling to find a balance between Nikki's need to be out there fighting and Micheal's need to keep her safe. Along with an intriguing mystery of why women are going being killed in gruesome ways after the ransom is paid, there are several moments of danger for everyone and the exploration of the ever changing psychic gifts of Nikki and Micheal. I think what makes this the best book of the series so far is that Nikki and Micheal actually spend time discussing their relationship and what they each need to continue moving forward. I liked the parallels that are given here with Jake and his wife Mary trying to find their own balance after Jake has recovered from a brush with death. The realistic aspect of even long married couples having to adapt, grow with each other, and compromise in order to maintain a happy relationship is something that is often ignored in books that have romance anywhere in the description.

I would recommend Chasing the Shadows to readers that have read the previous books in the Nikki and Micheal series. This is the best book thus far in the series and shows some of the growth towards the quality that fan expect from Arthur.