Truth of the Shadows

By: Slade Templeton

Narrated by: Adrian Landers

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

A darkness is in all of us....

Cottage Grove Oregon is a sleepy little town, but in the surrounding forests, an ancient nightmare is growing stronger. Dr. Joseph Hoffman, head psychiatrist at Cottage Grove Hospital, wants to believe he has all the answers to his patients' problems, but there is a darkness within him that always lurks beneath the thin veneer of his competence.

That veneer is about to crack....

In his Victorian home at the edge of the forest, his troubled memories hide in untouched rooms under a thick blanket of dust. He thinks he has them under his control, but as he delves into his patients' twisted stories, the shadows of their insanity begin to follow him home. In order to see what is happening to him, Joseph must turn everything he knows about his past, and his reality, upside down.

As he gets closer to discovering the source of the malevolence that surrounds him, he feels his sanity slipping away. Joseph must uncover the truth before it consumes him. Something terrible is taking over, and he may be the only one who can figure out why.

©2020 Slade Templeton (P)2023 Slade Templeton

Surreal, Immersive

Dr. Joseph Hoffman serving as the head psychiatrist of Cottage Grove Hospital has a problem. Although he helps his patients with their mental issues, there is no one to help him. His problem has a beginning that stems from experiences and memories he has stored and locked away. Hidden from him and others, until they aren’t. He is confronted and must figure things out himself as there is no one, no one alive that can help him.

Slade Templeton, the author accurately captures and communicates the out-of-control feeling one has when mental illness rears its ugly head. Recognizing that the mind and heart are not enemies but rather they should blend, allowing one to see life through both, is accurate and comforting. He relays the issues of those suffering and dealing with others who have mental illness graphically. The dialogue is well done and flows smoothly. The character development is well done.
The narrator, Adrian Landers does a great job of projecting emotions vividly through the use of unique voices and utilizes sound effects very well. He speaks clearly, passionately, and with energy. In combination with the story, Landers’ unique talents, and the music/sound effects bring the listener deep into the story.

At first, I had a hard time listening to this audiobook but only because I do not like sound effects i.e. music, and other things that mask or get in the way of the narration. However, the music itself is such that it encourages the listener to focus on it so that when the voices begin, one questions whether it is coming from the audiobook or one’s mind. It was a weird feeling! Further, the voices communicated fear, anger, and confusion so well that it elicited an unexpected response from me! Nicely done! This is one of those stories that demonstrate the effects of mental illness in a clear manner that is both engaging and immersive.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Immersive and hauntingly relatable

The score and FX help bring this to life and make it a captivating hard to stop experience. This story about so many people makes itself relatable to each and everyone. Hoping for more from this great team.

Amazing Experience

The book was written in a way that was fully knowledgeable of the setting and an awareness of mental health. The paranormal aspect of the story was suspenseful and unpredictable. The narrator was awesome with all the different voices, expressions and with vitality. The background soundscape brought the whole adventure into a fully immersive experience within the mind’s eye. 5 out of 5 for all aspects, I would highly recommend it!

Absolutely amazing story

I am left with no words. This is an amazing story and production. Truth definitely lies in soul of this story. Masterful writing and story telling. Thanks for this amazing work.