Declan Shaw is back, and M.E. Proctor has delivered another outstanding addition to a series that deserves far more attention! When Amanda Spencer disappears without explanation, Declan takes on a missing person case that becomes increasingly complicated as he uncovers the secrets surrounding her life. His compassion for Amanda's family, particularly Beatrice, and his determination to understand what happened reveal a detective who sees far more than another case to solve. Meanwhile, Sam Chandler enters the picture, bringing an entirely different set of complications and some undeniable chemistry. As the two investigations become dangerously intertwined, Declan must rely on his instincts, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to protect the people depending on him.
M.E. Proctor has an extraordinary ability to write a protagonist who commands attention without needing to dominate every room with violence or bravado. Declan Shaw has all the sharp wit, irresistible Texas swagger, and investigative instincts that make him such a memorable character, but his greatest strength may be his humanity. He listens. He considers the consequences. He treats people with dignity, even when their circumstances are complicated, and violence is never his first solution. The dialogue is razor sharp, the banter is exceptional, and the chemistry between Declan and Sam - well no spoilers here. Yet beneath the humor and unmistakable noir atmosphere is a thoughtful exploration of loyalty, grief, trauma, and the emotional cost of protecting others. Proctor tackles difficult subjects, including suicide, abuse, addiction, and mental health, with sensitivity and purpose, allowing these realities to deepen the characters without overwhelming the narrative. The pacing is beautifully controlled, with two compelling storylines converging naturally into an investigation that becomes increasingly personal.
This time Proctor does something remarkable. She pulls back the curtain on Declan's past, revealing the trauma that helped shape the man readers have come to know. This is a version of Declan that feels unexpectedly vulnerable, stripping away any illusion of invincibility and replacing it with something infinitely more compelling. His evolution across this series is exceptional, and understanding his history makes his compassion, restraint, and fierce loyalty all the more meaningful. Proctor doesn't simply give readers another mystery to solve. She gives them a character worth investing in, a man whose imperfections make him impossible not to champion. The Way You Say My Name is intelligent, emotionally resonant, wonderfully atmospheric crime fiction with the grit of traditional noir and the heart of a deeply character driven story. Three books into this series, Declan Shaw has become the kind of fictional detective readers will follow anywhere. M.E. Proctor has created something special, and the only disappointment is having to wait for another installment.
Follow Teresa on Twitter or Instagram or contact her via the site.
Purchase The Way You Say My Name
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)
Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
