In the quiet paradise of St. Anne, retired detective Paul Phillips is drawn into a gripping mystery when a fellow islander goes missing. As he delves into the case, Paul uncovers secrets that powerful people will kill to keep hidden. With his determination to seek the truth, Paul finds himself in the crosshairs of dangerous enemies who want the case closed permanently. As he navigates through false leads and tight-lipped locals, Paul relies on his experience and keen observation to separate facts from fiction. His pursuit leads to wider corruption on the island, and with lives at stake, Paul throws away his retired life for one last stand against the evil that plagues the island. It will take all his cunning and courage to prevent more blood from being spilled and serve the justice this quiet paradise so desperately needs. "Shadows in the Jungle" is a gripping mystery/crime thriller that weaves together intrigue, danger, and the pursuit of justice in a small tropical community.
Chapter 1: A Quiet Life Disturbed
Paul took a deep breath of the salty sea air, savoring the fleeting peace of the new day. Paul Phillips is a retired detective who has seen it all. His years on the force have left him with a cynical outlook on life, but also a deep-seated sense of justice and duty.
Before he found the peace and comfort on St. Anne, Paul spent his days in a bustling U.S. city, working as a detective with a large metropolitan police force. To this day, he refuses to name the city. The concrete jungle was a far cry from the serene shores he now calls home. But even amid the chaos, his sense of justice never wavered. Now, the island's calm exterior hides a storm of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Paul found little satisfaction in avoiding what stirred his soul. As he straightened books on the old and crooked bookcase, a well-worn volume fell open to faded notes scribbled during his early cases. His success had come from honing his gifts, not suppressing them. Retirement was meant to provide leisure, yet an unquiet mind found no peace.
"Shadows in the Jungle" is a gripping and engaging mystery novel that delivers on its promise of intrigue, suspense, and atmospheric world-building. Its compelling plot, well-developed characters, and vivid setting – make it a highly entertaining read for fans of the genre. The novel shares similarities with other popular mystery/thriller novels set in exotic locales, such as works by James Rollins, Steve Berry, or Clive Cussler. However, "Shadows in the Jungle" distinguishes itself through its rich character development, atmospheric setting, and exploration of themes surrounding greed and corruption. (Tribune Publishing)
Amazon Reviews
Kent Flowers - Five Stars! A Thrilling Page Turner
Shadows in the Jungle delivers non-stop suspense from start to finish! Paul Phillips is a compelling character, and watching him unravel the mystery behind the missing islander was captivating. The lush, tropical setting of St. Anne contrasts perfectly with the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface. I couldn’t put it down—this is a must-read for mystery lovers!
Ollie Fobbs - Five Stars - A Masterclass in Mystery
Once again, Paul Phillips proves he's still the sharp detective he once was, even in retirement. Shadows in the Jungle combines suspense, danger, and intrigue in a beautifully written mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. The setting, characters, and escalating danger make this a perfect blend of classic and modern detective fiction. Highly recommend!