4-STAR REVIEW: SHOOTING AT SHADOWS by Forest McMullin

About The Book

The Ethan McGuire: Book 1
Publication Date: June 3, 2025

A photograph can tell the truth. It can also get you killed.

Ethan McGuire’s relentless pursuit of explosive stories has cost him his family, his integrity, and now–possibly–his life. While documenting the rise of white supremacist movements in Western New York, Ethan encounters a world of neo-Nazis, heavily armed survivalists, rogue FBI agents, and violent criminals, all with something to hide. But when a crew of ruthless bank robbers starts hunting him for photos he doesn’t even know he has, the stakes turn deadly.

As his enemies close in and his family becomes a target, Ethan must expose the truth–before it buries him. Shooting at Shadows is a relentless thriller and chilling cautionary tale, inspired by the author’s real-life experiences as a photojournalist. It exposes the darkness lurking beneath the surface of American extremism–and the cost of bringing it to light.

Excerpt

The Review

Photojournalist Ethan McGuire knows his latest subject matter is volatile, but that doesn’t stop him from embedding in a local chapter of the Aryan Peoples Church.

Author Forest McMullin delivers a crime thriller built upon a dual storyline in Shooting at Shadows. It’s an apt title given Ethan’s research into the various white supremacy groups, which are typically publicity-shy.

Ethan becomes a target after he inadvertently captures images tied to a criminal enterprise. He must find the truth before he is silenced. Full of action, the story highlights a shadowy world packed with racial hate.

One of Ethan’s observations stands out as particularly meaningful: “I haven’t figured out whether these are monsters wearing effective disguises or there’s a bit of a monster inside all of us.” This is supported by what he sees on visits to the compound. The activities gave the impression of a church or family gathering—but only on the surface.

The hate that comes from the white supremacy groups isn’t fictional, which serves as a cautionary tale. Although the primary focus of the story is Ethan’s efforts to dodge the criminals, there is a deeper takeaway for readers.

Shooting at Shadows delivers an inquisitive main character who doesn’t shy away from challenging topics. Buy Links

About The Author

Forest McMullin is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Earlier in his career, he was a photojournalist who specialized in photographing fringe social groups. Today he writes both long and short form fiction, Shooting at Shadows is his first novel.