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When Anna Came Home
When Anna Came Home dives straight into the shadows of power, wealth, and betrayal with a gripping opening, and refuses to let up. The story follows Anna Cahill, a young woman who, expecting to surprise her family with good news, walks into a nightmare—her entire family gunned down, and her world flipped inside out. What follows is a fast-paced unraveling of secrets, lies, and a tangled web of criminal conspiracy that stretches from family dinner tables to international arms deals. It’s part domestic thriller, part espionage drama, and entirely absorbing.
The writing was clean and fast-moving, but also rich with emotional detail. Condon doesn’t waste time. From the first page, she plants you right in the action. The opening chapter feels like a scene from a slick thriller, with men in black, secret cash exchanges, and ominous hangars. But then, we’re immediately pulled into Anna’s raw, personal hell. The hotel suite scene where she gives her statement is haunting, and her breakdown after realizing her family is gone hit me hard. It was real and messy and completely believable.
But what really got me was the subtle emotional manipulation going on in her family before everything fell apart. Chapter 3 paints a picture of Anna’s picture-perfect life with all the cracks starting to show. Her mother, Meredith, is this elegant, controlling force, and the scene where she comments on Anna’s weight while smiling lovingly was so sharp and real it made me wince. The way Oliver, Anna’s brother, confesses the truth about their parents’ criminal activity over Chinese takeout was the perfect mix of “I love you” and “you’re my only way out.” It’s all so layered—family, guilt, loyalty. Even when Anna’s getting her makeup done there’s this undercurrent of dread that never quite lets up. I kept waiting for someone to pull the rug out from under her again.
This book had me flipping pages late into the night. There’s action, emotional weight, and a steady drip of reveals that kept me guessing. If you’re into shows like Scandal or books by Lisa Jewell, you’ll probably eat this up. That said, there are definitely some heavy themes—abuse, manipulation, corruption—so it’s not exactly light reading. But it is worth it.
I’d recommend When Anna Came Home to fans of twisty thrillers and emotionally complex stories. It’s for readers who like their heroines smart, their villains slippery, and their plots loaded with secrets just waiting to explode. Shannon Condon doesn’t pull punches, and I was all in from page one.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0DVLW8VHG
The Brotherhood
The Brotherhood is a fast-paced thriller that follows Maggie as she navigates the treacherous waters of crime, betrayal, and survival. The book dives into a world filled with secret organizations, espionage, and deeply personal battles. Maggie is not only dealing with external enemies but also an abusive husband, Mateo, whose involvement in shady business dealings complicates her life further. The book is a gripping combination of high-stakes action and emotional turmoil as Maggie fights to uncover secrets while keeping her loved ones safe.
Now, I’ll be honest, the writing is intense and unrelenting. It felt like the action never let up, and Maggie’s constant fight for survival had me hooked. Shannon Condon doesn’t shy away from throwing Maggie into one life-threatening situation after another, which is both exciting and exhausting in equal measure. For example, the scene where Maggie and Shep must infiltrate a facility by rappelling down through glass (what a visual!) was one of those moments where I held my breath. But sometimes, I wanted more breathing room to sit with Maggie’s emotions, especially after heavy moments like when she contemplates leaving Mateo due to his escalating abuse.
That brings me to Maggie’s character. She’s incredibly tough, almost to the point where I wished there was more vulnerability shown. Sure, she has moments of reflection, especially when she’s dealing with the aftermath of violence from Mateo, but her emotional resilience is superhuman. In one scene, after surviving an intense fight, she’s immediately back to plotting her next move without much of a pause. Maggie’s a warrior but I would’ve loved to see a bit more of her softer side.
There’s just so much happening! Secret missions, betrayals, abusive relationships, and high-stakes takedowns all blend together, which makes it feel like you’re on a nonstop rollercoaster. I love action, but I found myself wishing for more moments where Maggie’s personal growth took center stage, especially when she confronts Mateo’s manipulative behavior. There’s a poignant scene where Maggie confronts Mateo about his abuse, but it felt like we moved on to the next explosive event quickly.
The Brotherhood is a solid read for anyone who enjoys adrenaline-pumping action and intense drama. If you’re into thrillers where the protagonist is thrown into one perilous situation after another then this book is definitely for you. Maggie’s journey is compelling and I’d recommend this to fans of crime thrillers who crave a wild ride.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B089QMCKGS
Finding Magdalena
Finding Magdalena, by Shannon Condon, embarks on a gripping journey with Magdalena “Maggie” Curran, a teenager whose life is upended after a tragic car accident claims her parents. Set against the prestigious backdrop of Easton Academy, where Maggie is a scholarship student, this coming-of-age story navigates themes of grief, survival, and the enduring power of love. Maggie’s struggle to adapt to her new reality as an orphan is palpable and her deepening friendship with the charming and protective Graham brings warmth to her otherwise lonely world. As Maggie ventures beyond her comfort zone and meets new people, unsettling secrets begin to surface, threatening both her safety and peace of mind.
Condon delivers a fast-paced and emotionally charged young adult read that blends grief, romance, suspense, and tension. The story hooks readers with its portrayal of raw emotion, complex friendships, and Maggie’s journey of self-discovery. The narrative deftly weaves together the past and present, testing the strength of its characters in ways that keep readers on edge. From the outset, Finding Magdalena sets a promising tone, drawing readers into Maggie’s shattered world after the sudden death of her parents. The writing builds an emotional foundation, hinting at the deep exploration of loss and suspense that lies ahead. The elite boarding school setting adds to the intrigue, and the initial hints of mystery beneath Maggie’s grief suggest an intense, thrilling ride. Maggie’s relationship with Graham is heartfelt and one of the book’s more compelling aspects. Her nightmares and anxieties are rendered realistically, and the simple, accessible writing makes the book a fast and engaging read.
I do feel the themes of grief and self-discovery seem to take a back seat halfway through the plot as the focus shifts heavily toward romance. Though the romantic elements are well-executed, the transition seems abrupt, as though two different stories—one of loss and one of high school love—are competing for attention. I would love to have seen a slightly more nuanced balance between these two elements. The thriller aspects remain intriguing as there are moments of genuine suspense and emotional resonance that shine through, particularly in Maggie’s relationships with Graham and Sarah, and how an unexpected friendship helps her break out of her shell. These elements keep the reader engaged and invested in Maggie’s plight.
Finding Magdalena offers moments of emotional depth, tension, and heart and is a compelling read for those who enjoy fast-paced young adult fiction with a mix of romance and suspense. I recommend Shannon Condon’s thriller to any reader seeking a new author and a cast of relatable characters to explore.
Pages: 372 | ASIN : B089QLLCN7
Need for Revenge
Subterfuge finds Maggie and her team hunting a Russian crime boss who took a contract out on her two years ago. What were some sources that informed this novels development?
Maggie is given the unique opportunity to assassinate the very person who ordered her death two years ago. Valdev Belevich, the Russian crime boss, has never seen Maggie, which gives her an advantage. Still, because of the nature of casinos, the criminal element they attract, and facial recognition software, she must change her physical appearance as much as possible. The team is acutely aware the longer this mission takes, the longer Maggie is in danger of being recognized. Shep’s government contact told him the mission is not an option, it is a demand and they don’t want to know details. For Maggie, this is a personal job. Not only was she Belevich’s target two years ago, a hit he believes was successful, but he is the last link to the murder of a loved one. She is seeking revenge. It isn’t long upon the team’s arrival that Maggie finds the mission is more intricate than originally thought. It turns into a life changing event for her and Shep.
Maggie continues to be an intriguing character. What were some new angles you wanted to explore about her character in this book?
At 26, Maggie is now an adult and the mother of two children. Prior to this mission, she had re-enrolled at a university to finish her music degree. Her life is going in a positive direction until the assassination orders come down from Shep’s government contact and she must rejoin the team to go undercover. I wanted readers to see more of Maggie’s fragile side in this book. She has been through tremendous trauma in the previous books which were never fully resolved. As a black ops assassin, Maggie could always get through a mission with emotions in check. Because of the personal nature of this assignment and her driving need for revenge, it takes a toll on her emotionally. I wanted readers to see what happens when Maggie’s two worlds collide and how she copes with it.
The team go undercover at a casino resort in Northern Spain. Why did you choose this location for your novel?
By locating the casino near Oviedo, in Northern Spain, it adds an extra level of stress and melancholy for Maggie. Her mother’s birthplace, Malaga, in Southern Spain, is where Maggie found her extended family and where she lived for over a year and a half. Because she and her team brought down the Brotherhood, she had to cut all contact with her mother’s family. It also creates another level of danger for her being back in Spain, a country that is no longer welcoming to her. From a logistic standpoint, it made sense geographically for Belevich’s drug route to pass through the Oviedo area on its way to the Bay of Biscay. This ties him to the largest criminal family in Spain, the head of which resides in Oviedo.
What can readers expect in book five in the Magdalena series?
Without giving away the ending to Subterfuge, Maggie encounters a man more evil and more dangerous than any previous foe. He is relentless and it will not be easy for her or Shep to escape him. Book five will find Maggie pitted against him. What he wants from her and what she discovers will be at the center of the plot.
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This, however, comes with repercussions
Spider’s Web follows Maggie as she reenters the field and finds that enemies from her past have caught up with her. What was the inspiration for the setup to this exciting novel?
Three years ago, in The Brotherhood, Maggie went undercover enabling her team to bring down an international clandestine organization. When the criminal syndicate imploded, some of the world’s most dangerous men lost everything. This put a permanent target on Maggie’s back. She was severely injured trying to capture the head of the Brotherhood. After three years in hiding, Maggie has developed a false sense of security and is ready to get back into action. She has an overwhelming need to prove herself. It becomes unbearable for her to be in the safety of the team’s basement office, running logistics, while the rest of her team is out on missions and in harm’s way without her. Particularly, when the team contains Maggie’s husband and adopted father, Shep. She soon learns her enemies have a long memory and have been searching for her while she’s been off the grid.
Maggie is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind her character development?
In the first book of the series, Finding Magdalena, Maggie is fifteen when both her parents die in a car accident, making her an orphan. Maggie begins to suffer anxiety and panic attacks which continue into adulthood. With the loss of her family, she must find a way to cope and move on. She has no control over her life, so she seeks to control the only thing she can-herself. Maggie pushes herself to excel at everything she does. If she can keep her life orderly and stay busy, she can lock her problems away in little rooms in her mind. As she gets older, her best friend Graham’s stepfather, Shep, offers her a position on his black ops team. With her precision and drive to succeed, Maggie is soon fully ensconced as a trained assassin. She can separate her professional life from her growing family life. This, however, comes with repercussions. Maggie at times struggles with her anxiety, religion, her young family and what her parents would think of her career choice. In professional mode, she is on point but when she returns home, her actions haunt her.
I enjoyed all the twists and turns in this novel. Was this planned before writing or did it develop while writing?
The answer is both! I begin with an outline in my head of all the key moments in the book. Once I begin writing, some ideas seem superfluous or obvious and new ideas come to mind. I find the characters themselves also drive the story. With this being the third book in the Magdalena series, the characters are well developed and intertwined. It seemed natural, after years of unanswered questions that Maggie, left to her own devices, would start to fit the pieces of her life’s puzzle together, creating new twists and turns.
This is the third book in the Magdalena Series. What can readers expect in book four?
Subterfuge (Magdalena #4) again finds Maggie and her team undercover. This time Maggie is hunting a Russian crime boss who previously had a contract on her life. Along with a mission that has enough twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of his seat, this is a pivotal point in Maggie’s character development. She is now twenty-six and her missions are taking a deeper toll on her psyche. The black ops world and her enemies have a firm grip on her but the price she is paying is rising.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Subterfuge
![Subterfuge (The Magdalena Series Book 4) by [Shannon Condon]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/3184ORKVheL.jpg)
Subterfuge, by Shannon Condon, the fourth book in her action thriller series, is a story about deceit and betrayal. It is the story about Magdalena, a member of a black ops unit, who together with her team, is on an assignment to assassinate a Russian crime lord. However, soon they realize they are working for the enemy, and it is not a government contract as they were led to believe.
The narration is straightforward yet sufficiently descriptive to create vivid imagery. The author takes you on a visual journey with the characters and whatever they are doing. Also, I felt that there was a good balance between narration and dialogue between the characters. So, you get to see what they are saying and the emotions they are expressing while saying it.
The story is engaging and fast paced, with each chapter ending in some kind of suspense that will nudge you to read the next. A good author knows when, and how, to end a chapter.
What I liked most about the book is just when you think everything is going well, the author surprises you with an unexpected twist to the plot. At first, everything goes according to plan, almost too perfect. But this is a story about deception, so nothing is really as it seems.
Another thing I liked about this book is that you need not have read the other three that precede it in the series to understand it. The author provides flashbacks to help you understand the series arc in summary and gives a bit of background to each character. The interpersonal relationships between the characters also make the book much more enjoyable.
Subterfuge is a fast-paced story with twists that are rarely, if ever, expected. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Pages: 164 | ASIN: B08D3VB9HS
Spider’s Web
![Spider's Web (Magdalena Series Book 3) by [Shannon Condon]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519pqsGLl6L.jpg)
The third book in Shannon Condon’s popular Magdalena series, Spider’s Web follows the titular character Maggie and her team of special ops, as they take on new missions from the safety of the Grid. Three years have passed since Maggie’s near fatal injury, but the memories and the scars still haunt her. Unfulfilled and depressed at home, Maggie is determined to reenter the field, whatever the cost. But she’s unsure of who to trust, and equally as unsure of the real world she’s kept herself away from. Before she even has time to plan her next move, Maggie finds herself kidnapped by an unknown foe while on holiday. With old enemies lurking at every turn, will she ever be able to escape the deadly web of her own making?
With plenty of twists, turns, and double crosses that will keep any reader guessing, Spider’s Web is a fast paced novel, part spy thriller, part crime fiction, and part character-driven drama. There’s enough action and adventure to keep mystery enthusiasts happy, and enough turmoil to keep contemporary fiction readers turning the pages. As much about Maggie as it is her kidnapping and the odyssey that follows, the Magdalena series’ third chapter proves Condon’s ability to entertain and enthrall, drawing us into the characters and the world she’s created.
Peripherally, Spider’s Web is a spy thriller, but Maggie is the core of the story. We learn more about her past, her family, and how all the pieces come together for her. Described as female James Bond, Maggie is an intriguing and complex character, whose hardened interior hides a soft, vulnerable core. Whether her anxieties and her panic attacks humanize her or isolate her, depends very much on the reader. For those that like their characters well rounded, if not flawed, Maggie will be a welcome relief from stock action heroes. But those uninterested in bouts of melancholic wallowing, may find that the heavy dialogue bogs down the storytelling at times. Less of a flaw than a marmite situation, Maggie makes or breaks the work, depending on which side of the fence you sit on.
Spider’s Web contains an involving story and some fine writing that is a satisfying read.
Pages: 406 | ASIN: B089QKY87S
LITERARY TITAN 