When Shadows Burn
Some houses whisper. This one screams.
Coming October 14, 2025
A true crime podcaster, Timothy Michaels, returns to his small hometown of Raven’s Cross to confront a disturbing legend: the Scott House. This decrepit mansion, once a source of childhood nightmares, is now owned by strangers, its crumbling facade fueling whispers of suspicion throughout the community. When two teenage girls vanish, the town plunges into chaos, and its citizens quickly point fingers at the outsiders as more disappearances and subsequent deaths occur. Allying with familiar and new partners, Tim embarks on a relentless investigation that reveals a maze of secrets, a dark past steeped in supernatural mysteries, and the potent influence of fear and prejudice. When Shadows Burn is a captivating read for fans of thrillers and emotionally charged mysteries, delivering an unforgettable conclusion. Dive into this disturbing exploration of vigilante justice and redemption, where the line between humanity’s darkest fears and greatest strengths blurs.
About Me
I am a computational sociologist, which mostly means I overanalyze human behavior. I’ve spoken at places like the CDC, the NIH, and Harvard, typically on the topic of education, although most of the time someone hands me a microphone and hopes for the best. My work has appeared in The New York Times, WIRED, National Geographic, Forbes, USA Today, and other publications that I sometimes forget to mention until it’s too late.
When Shadows Burn is my first novel. My family and I live in a small town in Virginia, and I have an incredible wife and a transgender son who has a main character energy. My son and I have enough neurodivergence to turn comedic dysfunction into an art form. We also have a son who lives in Florida for some reason and is built like Chris Hemsworth.
You can find me here at toddbrownwrites.net or on social media under @toddbrownwrites unless I’m writing, in which case I’m likely hiding in my horror-themed office.