Reviews
“When a Vietnam vet turned lawyer embarks with his clients on a high-stakes quest for justice, he encounters explosive conflict, a dash of romance, and the moral complexities of revenge. The result is an exhilarating thriller that blends the intrigue of a Caribbean treasure hunt with electrifying action and historical insight.”
— Dan Mayland, author of The Colonel’s Mistake
“In parts treasure hunt, high seas adventure, legal drama, and armed conflict, Shadow Islands launches an exciting ride from the political intrigue of the Iran-Contra affair. CWP Jones delivers his thoroughly engaging tale with intelligent prose, dry wit, and exotic flights of imagination. A debut novel not to be missed!”
— V.S. Kemanis, author of Power Blind
“With stops in Belize, Miami and obscure parts of the Caribbean, a lawyer’s pursuit of justice and revenge leads to the Shadow Islands. Along the way, we’re treated to a compelling plot and captivating characters, leavened with humanity and humor.”
— Bill Sonn, author of Something Like Treason
”Shadow Islands will engage thriller and suspense readers with a powerful story that opens with the specter of an escape from a remote Caribbean island which served as a clandestine base for remote operations… CWP Jones crafts the vivid story of a Vietnam vet/lawyer who becomes embroiled in an ultimate quest for justice that reflects his own uncertain moral and ethical quandaries about the war and its aftermath… Thriller fans will find the plot immersive from the start with its oblique mention of bodies, high-level probes, and hiding. These elements would have created interesting reading in and of themselves — but what really makes Shadow Islands sizzle with action and intrigue are the conundrums which arise to test not only problem-solving abilities, but motivations for seeking either the truth or revenge… Filled with a you-are-here immediacy and exciting clashes, Shadow Islands is a powerful read not easily forgotten.”
— Midwest Book Review
"LOVED IT! - CWP Jones' Shadow Islands follows Mick Morkan, a lawyer embroiled in a high-stakes case that involves ex-CIA agents and reeks of corruption at the highest levels... Shadow Islands builds up slowly. This helps the reader familiarize themselves with the story world, and interact with the characters, especially while the characters are still in their comfort zone... What makes this book an interesting read is the story world and the characters. Since it's about lawyers and law, Jones invigorates the plot with the elaborate language of the legal profession. Yes, guns are fired, and pirates show up, but the lawyers still behave themselves, agreeing to negotiate their way out when they run out of options... Fans of legal dramas will enjoy this read, as will those who appreciate military fiction."
— Reedsy, Discovery, Kennedy Odindo
Amazon Reader Reviews
★★★★★ Highly recommended!
“If you are interested in a well-plotted adventure story w/some gravitas thrown in, this novel is for you. No spoilers here. The novel is essentially a geopolitical tale as told from the pov of an attorney up to his ears in the intrigue. Enough said. Shades of Grahame Greene here; think The Quiet American. The plot is satisfyingly complex; the pace is fast moving; and the theme touches on the ambiguities faced when making moral choices along w/ a meditation on the uncertain consequences of individual agency. Well done!”
— John Buckley
★★★★★ A delightful romp!
“Mr. Jones deftly combines political intrigue--bringing us back to the inglorious days of the Iran Contra affair-- Robinson Crusoe-like treasure hunting, CIA scoundrels, tough as nails women, and even a sweet love story. His characters ring true and the repartee, particularly between attorney Morkan and his legal colleague, is witty. In sum, the tale that Mr. Jones weaves is totally engrossing. Kudos to Mr. Jones. I hope there is a sequel in the works! ”
— Kenneth W. Sold
★★★★★ A historical thriller that works
“One of the attributes of a worthwhile read is the feeling that the author enjoyed writing the book as much as he hopes the reader will be engaged in the journey of discovering the story. Shadow Islands is such a book. It combines well set forth political/espionage driven history told through compelling characters that sustain a story of intriguing mysteries.
Mixing an ocean going adventure and legal thriller against a backdrop of controversies that remind us of questionable post second World War government shenanigans make for a compelling read.
The characters are well set forth and drive the narrative. CWP Jones has earned my admiration for his storytelling.”
— Avid Amazon reader