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Island Shadows: A Natalie Campbell Australian Crime Thriller

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A Heavy Metal Concert. An Island in the Harbour. The Lead Singer of One of the Bands is Murdered.Was the murderer the woman he had just made love to or a jealous paramour, or was the motive more obscure?It was an island prison in colonial days, then a shipbuilding facility, and now a venue for concerts and tourists, with some camping overnight and others wandering around the engineering workshops or the ruins of the prison.Death wasn't uncommon in its earlier, more violent days, but not in the present, and not at a concert, but Alan Greenworthy had died. Would others?Another gripping thriller based in the idyllic surroundings of Sydney Harbour.

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

79 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

About the author

Phillip Strang

197 books82 followers
Phillip Strang is a well-travelled writer who has spent considerable time in many remote and exotic parts of the World installing telecommunication networks.

A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.

He is married and lives in Australia.

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5 stars
82 (31%)
4 stars
86 (33%)
3 stars
58 (22%)
2 stars
23 (8%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Green.
526 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2023
Wow! This book is very hard to put down. What a twist in the end. The investigation had a very hard time nailing down who committed the murders, and the solution is very unexpected. I highly recommend this book and series.
670 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2023
It is so easy to fall in love with the idea of visiting an island, especially one situated in the tropics or sub tropics. One immediately think of being on white beaches, tanned bodies in alluring costumes, partying to the early morning and having a world of fun.
Cockatoo Island situated in Sydney harbour is such a place. Once a penal prison ( as is the case with Alcatraz or Riker's Island) lately Cockatoo Island has become a tourist attraction, including a heavy metal band performing there occasionally. That is how Allan Greenworthy, the singer for the band, ended up there a couple of times.
And got murdered.
For sergeant Natalie Campbell the murder investigation started off slowly, but the number of suspects kept on growing.
And what an odd sort they proved to be.
It is also not too surprising that author Phillip Strang managed to befuddle every thing you thought might have happened by introducing surprising new twists and turns every time you start feeling confident with figuring out the plot.
No, you do not stand much of a chance...as Natalie Campbell also discovers.
Excellent whodunit!
Enjoy
Profile Image for Frank.
586 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2023
In Island Shadows by Phillip Strang the lead singer in the heavy metal band The Maligned Maglers is killed during a concert on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbor. Sergeant Natalie Campbell and her partner, Inspector Gary Haddock, are called to investigate the crime. They encounter a bevy of interesting unusual characters none of whom appear to have witnessed that crime even though it occurred in the middle of the concert. There is a web of family histories, drugs, travel, and romantic involvements that must be untangled, made difficult by the hidden background and relationships of the characters with the singer. The story jumps around as Natalie and Haddock sort through changing stories and their personal problems. It all adds up to an evolving mystery with many red herrings leading to a satisfactory, unexpected ending. This is highly recommended for readers who enjoy thought provoking police procedurals and thrillers.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,881 reviews71 followers
November 6, 2023
Island Shadows - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Island Shadows is A Natalie Campbell Thriller by Australian Master of the Police-Procedural, Phillip Strang, in which three disparate women are all connected to a middle-aged rock star with very different sides to his personality on and offstage.
When he's found murdered after a hillside sex session with one of them, who becomes prime suspect in Sergeant Natalie's investigation - and can she trust her own colleague to admit if he's involved?
Secrets and lies aplenty widen the pool of suspicion into a lake of intrigue, espionage, the sex trade, drug-smuggling, murder...and much more.
Get your copy today and see if you worked out whodunit ahead of the big reveal at the end!
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews63 followers
July 31, 2024
In "Island Shadow," the final book of Phillip Strang's Sgt. Natalie Campbell series, readers are drawn into a gripping murder mystery set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour's serene beauty. The story unfolds with the murder of a rock band's lead singer during a concert on an island with a dark past, propelling Sgt. Campbell and Inspector Haddock into a complex web of secrets. Strang delivers a masterful blend of suspense and historical intrigue, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that not only resolves the intricate plot but also offers a deep reflection on justice and humanity. This book stands as a compelling finale to a beloved series, ensuring that Sgt. Natalie Campbell's legacy will endure in the minds of mystery fans.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
Profile Image for Susan.
7,279 reviews69 followers
November 4, 2023
After a concert on Cockatoo Island the body of lead singer Alan Greenworthy is discovered, stabbed in his heart. It is for Sergeant Natalie Campbell and Inspector Gary Haddock to unravel his life to determine his murderer. But who can they believe, and what secrets are being hidden.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery thriller with its interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable Australian series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
80 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2023
‘Island Shadows: An Australian Crime Thriller’ is a riveting story. The book keeps you in suspense till the end. The characters and scenes are well-described; you feel like you are there. The murder of Alan Greenworthy is very strange. You cannot fathom why he was killed. As you read the novel, you keep wanting to know more. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would highly recommend it.
247 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2023
When a murder takes place on an island that was a former prison, finding out the why and who becomes a twisted plot involving more and more suspects and reasons behind the murder.
By the time you find out who is was, and why you are totally confused.
A little long and hard to follow at times, but really a great plot with a lot of twists.
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,377 reviews14 followers
October 29, 2023
Oh what a twisted tale was weaved... I'm surprised anybody figured anything out!! The storyline was very well crafted and had me guessing until the end!! I love this author's books, I look forward to reading more!!
1,306 reviews16 followers
November 2, 2023
Abundant sex, whoring, drugs, red herrings, and so much more. A completely breath-taking novel sure to keep you reading well into the night. Natalie and Haddock make an interesting partnership and all the characters are amazing. Highly Recommended.
9 reviews
November 24, 2023
Engaging convoluted murder mystery, by a fantastic wordsmith. Have loved all three books in this
Series, my first encounter with Phillip’s story telling. Many Thanks for helping me through the nights!
56 reviews
October 31, 2024
tough going

It took me 10 chapters to get into this book and I was still confused at the end as it chopped and changed all the way through. Very difficult read with an abrupt ending
118 reviews
November 7, 2023
The excellent books keep coming from the master writer Phillip Strang. The book is a must read for the lovers of Phillips books.
228 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2024
Once again a great read full of complications and evolving information in well written prose. I love this series and look forward to the next installment.
7 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2024
unnecessarily complicated

Liked the first two. This one became a little to convoluted and complicated. Better luck next time. I’ll give it a go anyway
10 reviews
September 27, 2024
a good read

A bit of a twister. The end result was unexpected but I enjoyed the book. Looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews63 followers
July 31, 2024
ellow Murder Mystery readers here is the last release in the Sgt. Natalie Campbell series.
Phillip Strang's "Island Shadow" marks the thrilling conclusion to the Sgt. Natalie Campbell series a collection that has gripped readers with its intricate plots and compelling character development. In this final installment, readers are transported to the picturesque yet deceptive tranquility of Sydney Harbour, where a heavy metal concert on an island turns deadly. The narrative thrusts Sgt. Natalie Campbell and her partner, Inspector Gary Haddock, into a complex investigation following the murder of Alan Greenworthy, the lead singer of a rock band. The island's history as a colonial prison and shipbuilding facility adds layers of mystery to the setting, challenging the detectives to unravel a web of deceit among a cast of suspects with murky motives.

Strang masterfully weaves a tale of suspense that keeps readers guessing until the very end. His attention to detail paints a vivid picture of the island's transformation from a place of historical violence to a modern venue for entertainment—a transformation marred by a brutal crime. The story progresses with a pace that mirrors the urgency of the investigation, pulling readers deeper into the enigma surrounding Greenworthy's death. "Island Shadow" is not just a crime thriller; it's a testament to Strang's ability to craft a narrative that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. The resolution of the case is satisfying yet thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the nature of justice and the human condition. As the curtain falls on Sgt. Natalie Campbell's adventures, fans of the series will find this book a fitting and memorable finale. For those new to Strang's work, "Island Shadow" serves as a compelling invitation to explore the earlier books in the series.

• ASIN: B0CLK7YZBR
• Publication Date: 11/7/2023
• File Size: 3889 KB
• Print Length: 251 pages
• Genre: Hard-Boiled Mysteries - Hard-Boiled Mystery - Murder
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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