SHALLOW STOCK by D.R. Shores details the bitterness that gives way to nefarious activities when years of rivalry go unchecked. McGlynn-Lansing and Dayton Global Industries have been at loggerheads for generations, culminating in a climax in which McGlynn insists that Dayton stole data from her company and is illegally profiting off it. This results in a highly publicized trial with high stakes as they both vie for a weighty acquisition. Added to the tension is the determination of both parties to win the much-anticipated City Triathlon, which attracts thousands from across the country. Tensions soar as secrets unravel and both sides struggle to win each battle.
The story opens with a solid introduction of both sides, portraying McGlynn as a strong-willed, kindhearted woman balanced out with firmness and determination. In contrast, Julian Dayton, the director of Dayton Global Industries, is shown to be malicious—ready to go to any length (even if illegal) to outshine McGlynn. As the story unfolds, his motivations become evident.
Shores expertly wields backstory in the narration through reflections, flashbacks, and dialogue. These provide context and insight into the motivations behind various decisions (without being distracting or overwhelming) while fluidly moving the story forward. Expressive prose brings the characters to life, such as the mayor during his speech: “Delivering what was effectively a campaign speech without once mentioning the forthcoming election, Santoro danced back and forth across the dais like an overweight celebrity preacher.”
However, there are many characters to follow—a few being introduced without enough context to explain their importance to the story until much later. There are also some errors and interrupting discrepancies, such as Richard (who was earlier referred to as Julian’s father) being called Julian’s older brother.
Multiple storylines—such as the disappearance of a crucial member of McGlynn’s team, police interest in McGlynn, and power tussles within both companies—are harmonized, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.
D.R. Shores’s SHALLOW STOCK is stimulating and well-rounded literary fiction that examines the intricacies of the corporate world and the steep rivalry that often emerges from a desire to be the best.
~Gabriella Harrison for IndieReader