Bryce Mystery Chronicles A Dollin Bryce Series
Shadows of The Past Book 1
A Novel by Dollin Bryce
Author's Note:
Hi there. My name is Dollin Bryce. I'm 18 years old as of writing this and will be turning 19 in June of 2025. I'm a Christian and have been walking with Christ for about six years now. That journey has shaped a lot of who I am, and naturally, it shows up in my writing. So yes—this book does include religious themes, not just for the sake of storytelling, but because faith is a huge part of my life, and I want that to be reflected here.
This is the second novel project I've ever taken seriously. I actually started writing Shadows of the Past back in 2024, but I paused it. The quality wasn't where I wanted it to be, and I didn't feel ready to tell the story the way it deserved to be told. So, I made the decision to start over—new approach, better focus, and more experience under my belt. The original version had 15 chapters, but this time, I'm aiming for at least 20.
I'm not an expert. I'm still learning. But I believe everyone has to start somewhere, and for me, this book is a mix of creativity, personal truth, and healing. If you've made it this far and you decide to keep reading, thank you. Really—thank you. I'd also love to hear your feedback, whether it's encouragement, criticism, reviews, or just your thoughts. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. I try to read every comment, listen to them and hope to keep growing with each story I write.
What inspired this book? A few things, actually. I've always been drawn to mystery games and dark anthologies, like the Dark Pictures Anthology series and the show The Tracker. There's something about peeling back layers, uncovering secrets, and digging into emotions that I find both powerful and healing. But more than that, this story is personal. It's fictional, yes—but it's rooted in real pain, real questions, and real hope. I am not doing this as a serious profession but as a hobby.
Some of the events in this book are drawn directly from my life. For example, my brother Malek and I experienced the trauma of going through three abusive moms in the span of ten years. I also had a stepmom who left without saying goodbye. That hurt—more than I can express. So, while the mystery storyline is fictional, the emotional backbone of this book is real. It's a window into what it's like to carry wounds from childhood, to wrestle with trust, and to fight for something better.
That said, many of the intense or abusive scenes in the book are dramatized or imagined. Not everything here happened exactly the way it's written, and some parts are completely made up. But the heart of it is true. My brother Malek helped me write this, and while our real names are used for the main characters, please know that all other characters are fictional. We're open about using our names because we're already public on social media, and because we wanted this story to be honest.
Book Summary:
Shadows of the Past: Book 1 is a gripping and emotionally layered debut that follows the lives of two brothers—17-year-old junior Dollin Bryce and his 15-year-old sophomore brother Malek Daugherty—as they navigate the shadows of their past while facing the fractured realities of their present. Set in the rural yet turbulent town of Paso Robles, California, this novel is a powerful mix of mystery, drama, and introspection.
Dollin is quiet, cautious, and deeply rooted in his Christian faith. His guarded demeanor is a reflection of years of emotional abuse at the hands of a volatile mother. His Bible serves as his compass and his lifeline. While Dollin tries to maintain some sense of normalcy and stability, he finds himself drawn into a dark and dangerous investigation when several former classmates from nearby Shandon mysteriously go missing.
But this investigation is anything but simple. Dollin's personal struggles complicate his search for answers—his feelings for Ella Donovan, a talented dancer already in a relationship, leave him feeling conflicted and unworthy. He's shy, socially awkward, and struggles with insecurity, especially because of his acne and past mistakes. Still, he pushes forward, not just for Ella, but to protect his brother and anyone else who might be in danger. As the secrets around him deepen, Dollin becomes a reluctant hero—one driven by justice, faith, and a haunting fear that history might repeat itself.
Meanwhile, Malek is the opposite of his brother in many ways. Outgoing, athletic, and popular on the football team, Malek is the kind of guy who seems to have it all figured out. But beneath his confident exterior lies a storm of confusion and tension. He doesn't fully understand the danger Dollin is getting involved in, or the weight of their shared past. But as the truth starts to unravel—and a mysterious figure known only as "P.A." begins to emerge—Malek is forced to confront everything he's tried to avoid.
As both brothers wrestle with identity, loyalty, and trust, they find themselves pulled into a web of truth, betrayal, and redemption. The choices they make will determine not only their own futures, but the safety of everyone around them.
Themes and Style:
Shadows of the Past blends personal truth with suspenseful storytelling. Themes of family, identity, faith, trauma, guilt, and healing are woven throughout. Readers can expect raw emotional depth, vivid prose, and an undercurrent of mystery that builds with each chapter. This is a coming-of-age story wrapped in a psychological thriller, with scenes that may challenge, inspire, or even unsettle.
This novel is also meant to give a voice to those who feel silenced, especially young people who have suffered in ways others don't see. If you've experienced abuse, abandonment, or emotional trauma—this story is for you. You're not alone, and you're not broken. Healing takes time, but it's possible.
Disclaimer:
While Shadows of the Past features real locations, all characters—except for Dollin Bryce and Malek Daugherty—are entirely fictional. Both real-life individuals gave full permission to use their names and helped shape the story, plot, and emotional arcs of the book. The mystery elements are completely fictional and not based on real events.
Content Warning:
This book includes mature and potentially distressing themes such as violence, religious elements, emotional and psychological abuse, depression, and death. Some scenes may be triggering for sensitive readers. Discretion is advised.