Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise

by Jeff Thompson

Murder, Mystery and Money. How crude is that?

In a small town on the mid-Atlantic coast, Jake, a small-time smuggler happens into an alliance with an Englishman, Alistair James. Alistair and team of gifted scientists have developed a fusion device they hope can deliver a new ecological power source that the world has not seen. The device has immense possibilities and Alistair's team hold the secrets.
But an oil despot from a small middle eastern country has gotten wind of the development and has sent his henchman to destroy the device at any cost.  Alistair moves the device around in order to protect it. They end up trusting Jake to assist them. Ian, a retired detective is still coming to terms with his wife's unexplained murder, and time is running out as the despot's men close in.
The eclectic group must band together on an adventure that takes them from their little beach town and ultimately into the Caribbean.
How do you outsmart an enemy who has unlimited resources while developing and protecting their invention?
 
Time is ticking down fast and if something doesn't happen soon - the advancement of an alternative fuel source will be lost forever.

234 pages, Hardcover

Published December 1, 2022

Reviews

[Nohemibook · Rating 3 out of 5]

En esta historia el autor nos lleva a conocer Jake, un contrabandista que junto a un inglés llamado Alistar quieren lograr un avance importante en la ciencia junto a algunos científicos, pero pronto se ven detenidos por un petrolero que se verá afectado si logran sacar a la luz ese invento que podría cambiar muchas cosas.

En este libro el autor comienza con una trama interesante, la manera en que va desarrollando los eventos son bastante buenos el detalle es cuando en un punto el autor cambia un poco la forma de narrar y se siente mas lento ademas de cambiar de tercera persona a primera persona lo que confunde un poco.

En cuanto a los personajes si me parecieron bastante interesantes tanto su desarrollo como la forma en que los presenta y describe, están bastante definidos por lo que no hay tanto desarrollo pero por el tipo de historia no es tan necesario solo el conocerlos lo suficiente.

En general un libro entretenido que en su mayor parte es fácil y sencillo de leer, si bien tiene algunos detallitos se disfruta la trama en general.

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In this story the author takes us to meet Jake, a smuggler who, together with an Englishman named Alistar, wants to achieve an important advance in science with some scientists, but they are soon stopped by an oil tanker that will be affected if they manage to take out the light that invention that could change many things.

In this book the author begins with an interesting plot, the way in which the events develop are quite good, the detail is when at one point the author changes the way of narrating a little and it feels slower in addition to changing from third person to first person which is a bit confusing.

As for the characters, I found their development and the way in which they are presented and described quite interesting, they are quite defined so there is not much development but due to the type of story it is not so necessary just to know them enough.


In general, an entertaining book that for the most part is easy and simple to read, although it has some details, the plot is enjoyed in general.

[Rylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5

I was left with a lot of questions. Many things were over explained. While the things that needed more explanation were left. It's definitely a quick read & a shorter book. Ian is the main character, however, during the middle & end of the book he felt more like a side character.

[Roger Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inlet Intrigue – a review by Roger Browne

With great locale on the beaches and Islands of Florida and the Caribbean, this book opens with great promise. I get an early Travis McGee vibe from it, and I can’t wait for the action to unfold. The author (Jeff Thompson) takes his time introducing Ian and that is just fine by me. There are moments of lovely imagery. My enjoyment is spoiled somewhat by poor grammar, spelling errors, inconsistent tense within scenes and a self-publishing feel. Sill, I think, this could be great if it had professional editing. The author soon jars me out of my reverie however, as he can’t seem to decide whether this is a thriller, a travelogue, a history lesson or a science course. Far too many of the paragraphs lend nothing at all to the story, and only advance my growing boredom. I’m sad, but I keep reading. There is a nice little action sequence in chapter 24 with decent pacing and I’m getting interested again. The book soon meanders back into travelogue and it’s just filler, for the most part. A team of scientists and support crew are trying to complete testing on a small fusion power device while evading discovery by agents of an oil producing nation. The leader of this team, Alistair, is blessed with friends in high places who warn him when these foreign agents discover Alistair’s location. A new plan is hatched to move the device to the Caribbean. And then a sudden resolution signals an abrupt end to the story, as the threat is neutralized! Or, is it? Because we are moving the the Caribbean anyway… The latter 40% of the book moves at a brisker pace, with new antagonists inserted. I’m left wanting a good deal more story and less filler. I suspect that with good editing this two book series could easily become one book. Ian is neither an adroit detective, nor much of an action figure. All of the character build up in the early going seems wasted on the scant content we get from him later. Intrigue is a fair descriptive title, and it’s become more of an ensemble adventure, with a fairly thin story and some curiously handy plot resolvers. You likely won’t identify with the characters as they are just not very compelling. Still, Jeff shows some promise, and this is his first novel. I’m going to have to dig into the second part and see how it all ends.

[Scott, aka Elitelixir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Journey in 'Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise'"

Dive into suspense with characters that come alive off the page!

In the tapestry of thrillers where characters drive the story, "Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise" stands out with a vividly woven plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book is a masterclass in storytelling, where each page flips almost by itself, propelled by excitement and mystery.

We are introduced to a cast of characters who are as deep and complex as the intriguing story they inhabit. From the enigmatic Alistair James, who orchestrates a high-stakes project with the poise of a seasoned chess master, to the stoic Ian, whose loyalty and past are as mysterious as the waters they navigate. Jake, with his calm demeanor and commanding presence, assures us that there's more beneath the surface. Emma, Aiden, Ethan, and the formidable George, with their distinctive backgrounds, add layers of intrigue and suspense that enrich every chapter.

The settings are described with such detail that you can almost smell the salty breeze of the inlets and feel the tension in clandestine meetings. The narrative cleverly intertwines personal stakes with broader mysteries, making it impossible to put the book down. The dialogues are sharp, revealing character depths and plot twists skillfully without giving away the suspense that builds up to a climactic resolution.

"Inlet Intrigue" is not just a novel; it's an experience. It's a journey through the murky waters of trust, betrayal, and the unyielding quest for truth. Jeff has done an exceptional job crafting a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, making it a must-read for anyone who cherishes a good mystery thriller. One thing is certain: this book will leave readers longing for more, long after the last page is turned.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tense Thriller

There are some people trying to do good for the world, but others don't want that at all. In fact they want to sabotage the good guy's world changing project. The good guy's are a bunch of scientists, gathered from around the planet, elite scientists from prestigious universities. Each one of them is expert in his or her field. The diverse characters are brought together onto a high secret project. It's easy to imagine they are building a high power, mega bomb. But that is not so, to everyone's surprise.

Each one of them is trustworthy, vetted thoroughly by the leader, Alistair James, who has an excellent sixth sense about anyone even thinking of being disloyal. Into this group Ian gets mixed up quite accidentally, when all be wished for was a quite life in retirement. Meanwhile, an oil country sheikh gets wind of their plans, sends off his henchmen to thwart the whole anti-oil invention which would certainly bankrupt his business. Thus starts a cat and mouse chase, across the Atlantic and more. But Alistair, through his worldwide sources, is well aware of the enemies, prepared for the enemy to strike anytime. He apparently has unlimited funds to carry out the top secret, ground breaking revolutionary change in energy source. He wants to keep his team safe but bad things happen.

The adventures unroll for both sides. Some fellows are lucky, some are not. It turns out Alistair 's team get unexpected help to get them out of close shaves here and there. It's not clear how exactly Alistair gets his revolutionary machine to prototype built up; only that his technical team are up to it. Read on to find out. Good, comfortable length read. No complex tangles of characters, but decent mystery with intention on doing something good for the planet.

This is book 1 of detective Ian Marshall series, look forward to the next in the series.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Thompson's "Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise" is a captivating thriller that delves into the clash between power structures and new possibilities. Set in a small coastal town, the story follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a high-stakes adventure filled with suspense, mystery, and personal stakes.

The narrative is driven by a well-crafted plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Thompson introduces a cast of complex and vividly drawn characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations. From the enigmatic Alistair James to the stoic Ian, a retired detective haunted by his wife's murder, the characters come alive off the page and propel the story forward.

The settings are described with meticulous detail, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the salty breeze of the inlets and the tension of clandestine meetings. The story cleverly intertwines personal stakes with broader mysteries, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Thompson's exceptional storytelling skills are evident in the sharp dialogues and the skillful way he reveals character depths and plot twists without sacrificing the suspense that builds up to a climactic resolution. The author has crafted a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that will leave readers longing for more. The font is comfortable to read and unique compared to other books.

"Inlet Intrigue" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery thriller. It's an experience that takes readers on a journey through the murky waters of trust, betrayal, and the unyielding quest for truth. Jeff Thompson has delivered an exceptional novel that showcases his talent for crafting captivating stories with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot.

[Chris Maddix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ian Marshall has maintained a transitory lifestyle as a private investigator, a job which cost him his wife, who was murdered. Ian is hired by a woman named Sandra who suspects that her significant other, Jake, is experiencing some dalliances. Instead, Jake is operating as a smuggler, accepting and harboring goods from an international businessman named Alistair James. The smuggled product turns out to be an energy source, a mini fusion plant, about the size of a microwave. Oil minister Sheik Abdul Fadel, zealous about keeping the value of his product, does not want this fusion plant released, and hires Rennie to track it down. A chase takes place through the US, the Florida Keys, to an explosive ending.

So far, so good. The story is quite improbable, but it holds your interest, and some of the characters are attractive. The book could use some polish, however, in the form of some good editing. Generally written in third person, it occasionally slips to first - Ian becomes "I", then Ian again. It slides from present tense to past and back. It has some extraneous, though interesting, detail about drinks, music and locations, and includes summaries of the past in Colchester, Alex Bay, Turks & Caicos and Tortola, none of which really contribute to the story. The catamarans used to transport the device receive three pages of descriptions. Does the reader genuinely need to know all of the capabilities of the boats? Whatever. Inlet Intrigue is a fun, adventuresome story which just needs some tightening.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for adventure, come read Inlet Intrigue, the first in a new series of books starting PI Ian Marshall. Ian is a troubled man, soothing his soul in the warmth of the islands. He has few attachments, little physical baggage but a heavy bag of emotional memories. While contemplating whether it’s time to move on to another island hideaway, he becomes involved in a scheme to transport a newly-developed energy generator. The transport requires heavy security, as a number of oil-rich VIPs would love to get their hands on the machine and destroy it. It’s up to Ian and his hastily assembled team to make sure they don’t, no matter how much violence they’re willing to use to get the machine.
The story is good – interesting and filled with action. Unfortunately, the book contains some writing flaws that can be distracting to the reader. Sentence fragments disrupt the flow of the action in several spots, and the author occasionally goes into too much detail on the technical specifications of the equipment being used. In a few places, words are misused, which might just be a “me” problem as I tend to notice those things when I read. The author is to be encouraged to keep writing, though, as the bones of a good yarn are solid and he may be affected by his experience in writing children’s books in terms of style.
Overall, Inlet Intrigue is worth the read and future books in the series are to be anticipated by any reader who wants a good tale of derring-do and adventure.

[D.Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Inlet Intrigue* is a fictional story written by Jeff Thompson, and it is book one of three in a series. Set in a small coastal town, we find an under-the-radar smuggler, a scientist with the best intentions, and a retired, part-time private investigator who find themselves wrapped up in global ecological intrigue. The plot combines science with secrets in a high-stakes adventure that moves across the globe. The trio works together to protect a new fusion device that will change and improve the world's ecological future. Their adventures are intensified when a Middle Eastern oil despot finds out about the machine and is determined to obtain it, with completely different end goals in mind. This story will appeal to fans of eco-thrillers, inventive science, and adventure stories that are set against a global backdrop.

While the story and plot are engaging and show great promise, the writing style could benefit from further refinement. There are instances of run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and occasional misuse of punctuation that can disrupt the flow of the narrative. Additionally, some paragraphs are shorter than expected (some are only two sentences long), making the pacing feel uneven. The story also introduces so many characters that it becomes difficult to keep track of who is who. These issues may distract some readers, but the plot is still strong, and so is the author's creativity. With more polish and professional editing, the writing could match the quality of the story itself.

[Augustine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inlet Intrigue follows a diverse cast of characters embroiled in a high-stakes adventure. The story spans several locations, including a small mid-Atlantic coast town, Florida, and the Caribbean. Central to the plot is Alistair James and his team of scientists who have developed a groundbreaking fusion device. They must protect this invention from a ruthless oil despot determined to destroy it. Jake, a smuggler, and Ian, a retired detective haunted by his wife's mysterious death, join forces with Alistair to safeguard the device.

Despite its promising premise, Inlet Intrigue falls short in execution. The ornate font choice and lack of rigorous editing detract from the reading experience. The first-person narrative style, while immersive, often feels forced and disrupts the story's flow.

The book’s strengths lie in its vivid descriptions and historical insights, which effectively transport the reader to various settings. However, the extensive character descriptions and the blunt writing style diminish the story's overall mystique and suspense. The narrative’s potential is further undermined by the fragmented presentation and numerous characters, making it challenging to follow.

In conclusion, while Inlet Intrigue has intriguing elements and a promising plot, its stylistic and structural issues hinder its full potential.

[Kathleen Van Lierop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise after a busy period at work and it
was a tense thriller.

Inlet Intrigue: The Trouble with Paradise immerses readers in a
vividly crafted world where the serene beauty of nature masks deeper conflicts.

Thompson’s prose is both lyrical and engaging, painting a rich picture of the
landscape while effectively building tension.

The characters are well-developed, each grappling with their own struggles
and desires, which adds layers to the unfolding mystery. As alliances shift
and hidden motives come to light, the plot keeps readers on the edge of their
seats, blending suspense with poignant reflections on community and belonging.

The exploration of themes like environmental preservation and the impact
of tourism on local culture adds depth to the story, making it not just a
thriller but also a thoughtful commentary on modern life.

Overall, Inlet Intrigue is a captivating read that combines suspense with
insightful social commentary, making it a must-read for fans of both
mystery and literary fiction.

Without any doubt I give this tense thiller a 5 star rating. Looking forward to
read and review other books.

[Ayezu Tamarapreye Okoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK:-IN LET INTRIGUE -THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE BY JEFF THOMPSON

BOOK REVIEWER -OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE

A Crime and coastal prose fiction on leadership (lee-da-sh-pee/lee-da-ship) discussing through the characters of Ian ,Jake and Alistair amongst others topics such as being a lawyer and being a bar tender(bar-ten-da with da for father pronounced further as a past time); combining the job of a lawyer with that of bar a tender(ten-da/t-earn-da) by a lawyer;fighting drug trade and abuse;smuggling of illegal merchandise;piracy(pa-e-ray sea for "out-e-ray-sea);life in London(land on) and the Colchester(Call-cha-stir) move by Alistair (Al-lee-stir) James for Survival;the process of orgasm symbolistic in nuclear fusion and atom split;oil industry sustainability in developing countries as well as alternate(alter-nay-ate) forms(four-mus with mu for go in ijaw);flight(fee-lie-t);alternate source of power(pa-wa for out-come in ijaw or izon and yoruba language in Nigeria combined or Per-wa for "each- come/e-chi-come" as pronounced or "in accordance with come" or "income") and the search for same amongst others.

[Sofiya’s Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the story itself was interesting and unique, fast paced as it’s a fairly short book, it ended up being not my cup of tea. 🥺 I see the vision and the potential, and truly believe that with proper edits it could be a hit!

Perhaps there are some things I didn’t grasp, whether it be because of my age or that I don’t understand the world of technology in the slightest, (pressure cookers scare me) but the various errors really threw me off and made it hard to stay concentrated.

I love me a good mystery, but I found myself having to reread many parts, wondering how we got there in the story.

The best way I can describe it is feeling like an outline, with some parts really detailed and developed while others are left with the bones but no meat. Give me the meat!!

Would love to give it a second shot after some adjustments. ❤️

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began reading this, my first impression was that the writing had an eerie quality, and I formed pictures in my mind of the scene and setting that the author was trying to create.

For me, there was something about the way the author wrote, that made me feel more connected and involved in what was going on. I knew what was happening to the characters, as it was happening, rather than being told it had already happened. There were some short, simple sentences that gave the writing a blunt, to the point quality.

I was interested in these characters, even if I didn't really relate to any of them, and I found the book easy to finish in one sitting.

[Tina Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

While "Inlet Intrigue" boasts a captivating storyline and plot that promises a thrilling ride, its execution falters. A challenging reading experience hampers the debut novel. An ornate font might alienate some readers, and the text could benefit from a closer editorial eye. This stylistic misstep unfortunately detracts from the story's potential.

"Inlet Intrigue" had potential, and the storyline itself was intriguing. However, it wasn't quite a hit for me. While I didn't dislike it, it also didn't leave me eager to dive into the author's other works.

[Rene Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"INLET INTRIGUE: The Trouble with Paradise" by Jeff Thompson is a thrilling novel that immerses readers in the lush and mysterious world of a small coastal town. Thompson masterfully weaves together elements of suspense, romance, and intrigue, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

What sets "INLET INTRIGUE" apart is its ability to blend genres seamlessly. It's part mystery, part romance, and part character study, offering something for every reader. The pacing is expertly handled, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

[Thatiane Rezende · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐

When Ian investigates a possible affair, he gets to know an English man who has a prototype of nuclear energy but is getting chased by a sheik. They decide then to drive to Florida to somewhere safe.

It was a good read, but I guess it would be more interesting if the story had more action and better dialogue. Many chapters talked about the cities they went to, and it felt more like a road trip than an adventure story.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started off a little slow for me. I've read a lot of books that were much busier in the beginning. But after you read a little more into the book it becomes very busy. It had quite a few characters to try to keep up with and each one had a complete and totally unique personality. When you dealing with espionage, Laboratories and all kinds of scared of the art things it becomes extremely volatile situation. this is a very good book

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thrilling ride.
A small town there was a smuggler who befriends an English man. Opposite to them a scientific discovery which changes the world.
The book includes murder , mystery.

But I will be truthful.
It did not answer many questions.

I hope he gets it right in the next book.
Total jolly ride.

[Amber Stokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept you wanting to read more... he kept the story very descriptive and much detail throughout the whole book. There is drug use which could be a trigger to some. It was a very fast read for me but a good story and kept you wanting more

[Swati · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion ,it was pretty good , don't judge book pills cover,here it's the..You will love this detective. This is a action-packed book with full of adventure and you will enjoy it. I truly recommend this..


 

[Michelle McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inlet Intrigue was a great read. It was a little slow for me to get into at first, but I enjoyed it as a whole. I would definitely read this book again and recommend it to friends. I plan to look for more books from this author, also. I love his writing style.

[Matt Holsinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the beginning it was slow because it was hard to read on a phone and how it started out. But once I kept reading and reading it caught my eyes with mystery and other things. Also his writhing just wants you to keep going and know put it down. Can’t wait to read the other books he has made

[Jill]

I won’t put a rating as unfortunately it’s a DNF for me. I tried to read a couple of times however i tend to know when a book is just not for me and this is one of those sadly.

[Anniee Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This thriller had you anticipating the next move to the next. The detective you'll love. This was a good read.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has a good premise. We're talking piracy and white collar crimes, but somewhere along the line I lost interest. It may have been the introduction of too many characters, the uncertainty of who the main character was supposed to be, or the out in left field commentaries that gave lessons in social studies. I feel like some of the "voice" varied from first person to third person, and a good editor could have easily fixed all of these issues prior to publication, As stated, this is a first in what is intended to be a series, but not sure I'll follow through with it because I simply never got attached to any of the characters.

I do hope this one gets a rewrite of some kind, because it reads a bit like a script right now. Would make a good movie or tv series. Great ideas, just not enough follow through to make it a great book.

[T.M. Drechny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laced with history and local insight, Inlet Intrigue offers a great travel guide with the distinct flavor of the locations offered in the story peppered with the spirit of adventure. While investigating what appears to be a simple case of infidelity, Ian finds himself caught in a game of cat and mouse between a team developing a new source of energy and wealthy governments who want the project, and its creators, terminated.
While I felt the imagery and descriptions put the reader in the time and place in which the story takes place, I was not fond of the first person writing style. Extensive character descriptions also took away some of the mystique of the story. Overall, it was a quick ready, but not quite what I typically read.

[Jeff Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in The Ian Marshall Series