Federico Iwan
In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlotte's past and present collide in a riveting tale of justice, betrayal, and redemption. As a formidable United States Attorney in Washington, D.C., Charlotte is relentless in her pursuit of justice for victims, driven by the haunting memory of an unsolved kidnapping and death years ago. When a new case unravels connections to her past, Charlotte is thrust into a perilous web of deceit that spans decades, unveiling a dark underworld of trafficking and corruption.
Bound by loyalty and history, Charlotte revives complex relationships from her childhood navigating a labyrinth of secrets, facing enemies both known and hidden. As the stakes rise, Charlotte discovers that the key to unraveling the mystery lies within the heart of her own family and community.
In a race against time, Charlotte must confront the shadows of her past to save the innocent and bring justice to those who have suffered. The Shearings is a gripping thriller that explores the depths of human resilience and the enduring power of love and truth in the face of darkness. Will Charlotte's courage be enough to overcome the demons of her past, or will the echoes of justice remain forever out of reach?
The Story Behind The Shearings
Federico Iwan is an Argentinian and American lawyer, now naturalized and residing in the United States. With Welsh ancestry, he was raised in a Welsh colony in Patagonia, Argentina, where the Welsh language, culture, and traditions significantly influenced his upbringing and continue to thrive today. Influenced by his family history, Federico wrote this fictional novel. A thriller that combines some of the true history, culture, and values that shaped him into who he is today, with the type of history, legal thrillers, crime, and mystery books he has always enjoyed reading. He invites you to dive into his story and hopes you enjoy the journey.
From the author: "The inspiration for 'The Shearings' is deeply rooted in my family history as a descendant of Welsh settlers who bravely ventured to Patagonia, Argentina, in the 1800s. My ancestors faced immense challenges in their quest for a new home, navigating the rugged landscape while establishing a life of agriculture, and cattle and sheep ranching. Their survival was made possible through the invaluable assistance of the Tehuelches, the local Indigenous people, whose knowledge of the land proved essential. This narrative reflects not only the struggles and triumphs of my forebears in the province of Chubut, where they founded the "16th of October Colony" at the foot of the Andes, but also the parallels I observed with Welsh settlers in the United States and their relationships with Native Americans, particularly the Monacans. Infused with themes of resilience, cultural exchange, and the complexities of human relationships, "The Shearings" weaves a fictional tale that juxtaposes historical truths with a gripping storyline featuring modern-day crimes. It is a tribute to my heritage and a reflection of the values that have shaped my identity, inviting readers to explore the intricate tapestry of history and fiction."
Book Reviews
"I applaud this book for the imagery the author used. I felt like I was with Charlotte while on her quest for justice for her sister and the other innocent victims. There were so many twists and turns I didn’t expect. The focus on family and strength was heartwarming and captivating. Hoping for more novels to come after this one!" -- Rikki (Goodreads Review)
5-Star Review: A Gripping Tale of Justice and Redemption
"The Shearings is an absolute masterpiece—a thrilling blend of mystery, emotional depth, and relentless pursuit of justice. From the opening pages, the story captivates with its evocative setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains and its intricately woven plot that masterfully ties past and present together.
Charlotte is a compelling protagonist whose strength and vulnerability make her journey both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The author skillfully peels back layers of her character, revealing a woman haunted by tragedy yet fiercely determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost. The case that links to her childhood unfolds with breathtaking tension, drawing readers into a dangerous web of betrayal and corruption that feels both timely and timeless.
The story’s rich exploration of family, loyalty, and community adds emotional weight to the suspenseful narrative. The twists and revelations kept me guessing until the very end, and the themes of resilience and redemption lingered long after I turned the final page.
The Shearings is more than just a thriller; it’s a poignant exploration of how the past shapes us and how courage can illuminate even the darkest paths. This is a must-read for fans of suspense and anyone who loves a story that stays with you. Five stars aren’t enough for this remarkable book!" -- Cara Soyars (Goodreads Review)
Highly Recommend - A must read!
​
"'The Shearings' is a thrilling, fast-paced story of justice, betrayal, and redemption. Charlotte, an attorney, is haunted by an unsolved kidnapping from her past. When a new case ties back to her childhood, she’s forced to confront deep family secrets and a web of corruption that could destroy everything she holds dear.
What truly sets this book apart is its exceptional character development. Charlotte feels so real—her strength, vulnerability, and emotional depth make her someone you can’t help but root for. The complex relationships and layered characters will make you feel like you truly know them, and you’ll find yourself emotionally invested in their journeys. With relentless tension, sharp twists, and a gripping mystery, “The Shearings” is a must-read for fans of thrillers with rich, believable characters." -- ktvt15 (Amazon Review)
Immediately Hooked
​
"Truly a captivating thriller with twists and turns you don't see coming, a true page turner that kept me guessing until the end! The characters are well thought out with rich backstories that pull you in and create a deeply engaging read.
10/10 will recommend!" -- Stephanie Baker (Amazon Review)
"I may be a little partial because I graduated from law school with the author, but I must say it’s a true page-turner! I’m notorious for meandering through books, but I made it through this one in the blink of an eye!" -- Seth Barefoot (Goodreads Review)
"Oh my gosh I'm sorry it's late but I just finished The Shearings and it is fantastic! The characters, the depth, the emotion!!! You are brilliant my friend! If I picked up this book without knowing you, I honestly would have thought you had written a dozen other novels. It's very rare I read a thriller that I can't figure out the ending of quickly and I truly was surprised multiple times while reading. I love that you write with so many sensory details that I felt like I was in the book, a movie in my mind while I was reading. I am so excited for other people to read this and like it as much as I did and I can't wait to have you sign my copy!" -- Personal Friend Review