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Shadow Chasers: An Enthralling British Crime Thriller
Everyone’s watching. Someone’s killing.
A reality TV show. A two million pound prize. A contestant who'll kill to win.
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville thought he'd seen it all - until he's called to investigate 'Shadow Chasers', a ratings juggernaut where contestants chase historical mysteries for the ultimate reward.
Luke sends two of the Ethics Team undercover as contestants. While they struggle with cryptic clues, dramatic eliminations and the horrors of communal living, whispers of cheating escalate to murder and Luke realises someone isn't playing by the rules.
They're eliminating the competition. Literally.
With cameras capturing every move, Luke races to identify a killer who's playing to win and eliminating anyone who stands in their way. He and his team must separate performance from reality before the final challenge crowns a murderer as champion.
The whole country is watching. And so is the killer.
Shadow Chasers is the eleventh book in the series of crime thrillers featuring ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team. It’s perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Jack Gatland, Alex Smith, TG Reid and JM Dalgliesh.
—————
What people are saying about the Luke Sackville Crime Thriller
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m really enjoying this series and it gets better with each book. The characters are terrific. Well paced and some laugh out loud moments."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So glad I came across SJ Richards, he's definitely rising up there as one of my favourite authors."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very well written, fast plot and extremely likeable characters. I would 100% recommend this series and author to any fan of the crime fiction genre."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves crime novels. I’m loving this series."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a brilliant crime suspense series and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'm absolutely loving this series - the writing is brilliant - the characters a joy and the storylines full of suspense and intrigue."
A reality TV show. A two million pound prize. A contestant who'll kill to win.
Ex-DCI Luke Sackville thought he'd seen it all - until he's called to investigate 'Shadow Chasers', a ratings juggernaut where contestants chase historical mysteries for the ultimate reward.
Luke sends two of the Ethics Team undercover as contestants. While they struggle with cryptic clues, dramatic eliminations and the horrors of communal living, whispers of cheating escalate to murder and Luke realises someone isn't playing by the rules.
They're eliminating the competition. Literally.
With cameras capturing every move, Luke races to identify a killer who's playing to win and eliminating anyone who stands in their way. He and his team must separate performance from reality before the final challenge crowns a murderer as champion.
The whole country is watching. And so is the killer.
Shadow Chasers is the eleventh book in the series of crime thrillers featuring ex-DCI Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team. It’s perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, Jack Gatland, Alex Smith, TG Reid and JM Dalgliesh.
—————
What people are saying about the Luke Sackville Crime Thriller
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m really enjoying this series and it gets better with each book. The characters are terrific. Well paced and some laugh out loud moments."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So glad I came across SJ Richards, he's definitely rising up there as one of my favourite authors."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very well written, fast plot and extremely likeable characters. I would 100% recommend this series and author to any fan of the crime fiction genre."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves crime novels. I’m loving this series."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a brilliant crime suspense series and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment."
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'm absolutely loving this series - the writing is brilliant - the characters a joy and the storylines full of suspense and intrigue."
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
58 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 8, 2026
The 11th book in the Luke Sackville series, in which Luke’s team investigate cheating in a TV show. Utterly believable, the story was a compelling, but it is also great to see the progression of the lives of Luke’s team.
April 7, 2026
Sixteen years ago in Bath, a hitman was lured in a honeytrap and murdered. His killer was never caught and the case went cold, although rumours were that a notorious London gang boss was involved. Now that case is to feature in the London stage finale of the hit tv reality show Shadow Chasers where pairs of would-be sleuths battle it out at various locations all over the world for a £2m prize. Filchers’ Ethics team of ex-DCI Luke Sackville along with Sam, Josh, Maj and Helen are called in by an old showbiz friend to look into allegations of cheating among the contestants and three of them are sent to Cape Town undercover to investigate. Meanwhile Luke assists the Met under a new remit from Filchers and learns of fresh evidence in the murder which could finally solve the case. On the set, all sorts of skullduggery is taking place, with a possible poisoning, romantic liaisons and some very unsavoury characters amongst the crew and contestants. What starts with an investigation into cheating ends in suspected murder. Luke thinks his team are on a safe case this time but he couldn’t be further from the truth.
This is another smashing adventure for the Ethics team of very special and loveable characters, with a complex twisty plot involving some people who are deadly serious about winning the prize and others who will go to any lengths to keep their secrets buried. It was great to see small but important return appearances from DI Pete Gilmore and the formidable PI Misty Mitchell. Once again Edward Filcher is on hilarious form but this time it is the gem of a character Glen who really steals the show. With many of the team having good news to share, I am looking forward to the next story, Sharp Practice, out later this year.
This is another smashing adventure for the Ethics team of very special and loveable characters, with a complex twisty plot involving some people who are deadly serious about winning the prize and others who will go to any lengths to keep their secrets buried. It was great to see small but important return appearances from DI Pete Gilmore and the formidable PI Misty Mitchell. Once again Edward Filcher is on hilarious form but this time it is the gem of a character Glen who really steals the show. With many of the team having good news to share, I am looking forward to the next story, Sharp Practice, out later this year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can’t believe this is book 11 in the Luke Sackville Crime Thriller series. As with the others, this can be read as a standalone but I would strongly advise that you start at the beginning as then you can see why the various characters make such a great team.
The story starts in the past with an unsolved murder which puts the rest of the book into context once we reach present day. Luke & his team have been asked to investigate the possibility of cheating on an extremely popular game show, Shadow Chasers. The basic premise is that a cold case is re-visited & pairs of contestants have to try & solve it; the worst solution put forward is eliminated. The show is so popular that filming has now gone global & three of the Ethics Team go undercover in South Africa; one as production staff & two as contestants. It soon becomes obvious that cheating is the least of the crew’s worries & that they may have chosen the wrong case to highlight.
As with all these books, some characters are more to the fore than others & this time Helen & Maj are on the periphery. However, they still have important roles to play & Glen also has his moment in the spotlight. His turn of phrase, as ever, is a delight, even making Josh appear to be the adult in charge. Plenty of updates of a personal nature & I can’t wait to see where we go in book 12. A fabulous read.
The story starts in the past with an unsolved murder which puts the rest of the book into context once we reach present day. Luke & his team have been asked to investigate the possibility of cheating on an extremely popular game show, Shadow Chasers. The basic premise is that a cold case is re-visited & pairs of contestants have to try & solve it; the worst solution put forward is eliminated. The show is so popular that filming has now gone global & three of the Ethics Team go undercover in South Africa; one as production staff & two as contestants. It soon becomes obvious that cheating is the least of the crew’s worries & that they may have chosen the wrong case to highlight.
As with all these books, some characters are more to the fore than others & this time Helen & Maj are on the periphery. However, they still have important roles to play & Glen also has his moment in the spotlight. His turn of phrase, as ever, is a delight, even making Josh appear to be the adult in charge. Plenty of updates of a personal nature & I can’t wait to see where we go in book 12. A fabulous read.
April 9, 2026
Book 11 of the Luke Sackville series and whilst can easily be read as a standalone I recommend you read the others as there is so much to learn about this fabulous team. This time they are investigating Shadow Chasers, a reality television show, where teams of two people try to solve genuine cold cases.
Briefly, it is series 3 of the show and with £2m on offer to the winners there is a lot to play for and Luke is asked to check on an allegation of cheating. The teams are investigating an unsolved murder that took place in Bath some 16 years previously. With Sam, Josh and Glen working undercover on the set the action moves from Bath to Cape Town and back to London and as the heat rises between the teams, matters take a serious and dangerous turn.
As always this is a well plotted and brilliantly executed story with a lot of reliance on the complex plot and the fantastic interactions between the team members. An entertaining read with good news for both Josh and Luke on its way. Sorry not telling you! I think this is probably my favourite book in the series so far. A very enjoyable read.
Briefly, it is series 3 of the show and with £2m on offer to the winners there is a lot to play for and Luke is asked to check on an allegation of cheating. The teams are investigating an unsolved murder that took place in Bath some 16 years previously. With Sam, Josh and Glen working undercover on the set the action moves from Bath to Cape Town and back to London and as the heat rises between the teams, matters take a serious and dangerous turn.
As always this is a well plotted and brilliantly executed story with a lot of reliance on the complex plot and the fantastic interactions between the team members. An entertaining read with good news for both Josh and Luke on its way. Sorry not telling you! I think this is probably my favourite book in the series so far. A very enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can't believe we're at the eleventh book in the series already. This is another brilliant read and this time, the team are focusing on a situation in a reality TV show where contestants look at cold cases to try to win a staggering amount of money. Sam is sent undercover in an accounting role in the background, but the best part of this is the duo of Glen and Josh sent in as late contestants. What a combination! We're used to Josh and Glen to a lesser extent with their mannerisms and way with words but Glen really comes to the fore here and I loved every minute.
I loved how they manage to suss people out even why playing the game, although sometimes not completely deliberately. The level of competitiveness and determination to win at any cost was staggering and I liked how at the same time, someone is trying to silence a witness to the cold case crime. Both threads were equally riveting. I loved the ending, it was both funny and sweet at the same time and I can't wait for the next book.
I loved how they manage to suss people out even why playing the game, although sometimes not completely deliberately. The level of competitiveness and determination to win at any cost was staggering and I liked how at the same time, someone is trying to silence a witness to the cold case crime. Both threads were equally riveting. I loved the ending, it was both funny and sweet at the same time and I can't wait for the next book.
April 7, 2026
Steve Richards has done it again and produced what I think is my new favourite in the series, and possibly even the best full stop.
Past and present collide as a true crime reality show rakes up a cold case murder which may not be as cold as they thought...
I'll not spoil any further details, just to say that Luke's Ethics Team are globetrotting again, this time going undercover on the aforementioned reality show to investigate allegations of cheating.
This book is rather more focused on the team than more recent books, which makes for a tighter plot, although all the fan favourites make cameo appearances, and we do meet some new characters as Luke expands his network.
You're kept guessing to the very end as regards both of the main story strands but, if you're the sort that likes to try and work things out yourself, the clues are all there to do so.
As I said, this is now my favourite in the series, if not the best.
Roll on book 12...
Past and present collide as a true crime reality show rakes up a cold case murder which may not be as cold as they thought...
I'll not spoil any further details, just to say that Luke's Ethics Team are globetrotting again, this time going undercover on the aforementioned reality show to investigate allegations of cheating.
This book is rather more focused on the team than more recent books, which makes for a tighter plot, although all the fan favourites make cameo appearances, and we do meet some new characters as Luke expands his network.
You're kept guessing to the very end as regards both of the main story strands but, if you're the sort that likes to try and work things out yourself, the clues are all there to do so.
As I said, this is now my favourite in the series, if not the best.
Roll on book 12...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shadow Chasers is book 11 in the delightful Luke Sackville series. This time they are asked to investigate a TV reality show called Shadow Chasers. Were a team of couples look into cold cases that have never been solved and try and solve the cases. Some of the contestants have been accused of cheating. Sam goes undercover as an accountant on the show and Glen and Josh are sent to go undercover as contestants.
This is another fantastic read from Steve Richards, slightly different than his previous novel but it still had me hooked from the very first page. I love the characters in these stories and their banter between them. Especially Josh. After some happy news from his girlfriend, he seemed a bit more grown up then in previous books, but still a funny, nevertheless. I think that this is the best book yet. I can’t wait for more. 5 stars from me.
This is another fantastic read from Steve Richards, slightly different than his previous novel but it still had me hooked from the very first page. I love the characters in these stories and their banter between them. Especially Josh. After some happy news from his girlfriend, he seemed a bit more grown up then in previous books, but still a funny, nevertheless. I think that this is the best book yet. I can’t wait for more. 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have just finished reading Shadow Chasers and what an absolute belter! From the first few pages Gerry Tickner had me sneering with disgust, I was absolutely hooked and questioning how this guy was going to impact the Ethics Team and those characters I absolutely love. Again it was like a family get together!
The pace was fantastic, the plot and twists kept me guessing (and suspecting every one). I say this after every book in the series, but they just keep getting better. I'm loving the character development throughout the series and the uncle/nephew pairing was magic!
Shadow Chasers is book 11 in the Luke Sackville series, while it is excellent as a standalone, I highly recommend going back and starting the series from the beginning. many thanks to Steve Richards for my advanced copy.
The pace was fantastic, the plot and twists kept me guessing (and suspecting every one). I say this after every book in the series, but they just keep getting better. I'm loving the character development throughout the series and the uncle/nephew pairing was magic!
Shadow Chasers is book 11 in the Luke Sackville series, while it is excellent as a standalone, I highly recommend going back and starting the series from the beginning. many thanks to Steve Richards for my advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shadow Chasers by S J Richards is book 11 in the Luke Sackville series. What a great idea to base a story on. Luke and his team are called in to investigate the possibility of contestants on a reality TV show cheating. The show deals with cold cases, and the contestants try to solve the one selected. This means various members of the team need to go undercover on the show. There is always humour in these books, particularly when Edward Filcher is involved, but there is also Glen Baxter and Josh Ogden. The story flows well and at a great pace. I really like the characters and over the course of the series, we know them well. The Ethics Team are like family and I love the way they are there for each other. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am an ARC reader for this writer and just finished this latest book and this series only gets better and better!
This particular book is set around a reality show which if it’s ever made in real life would be brilliant.
These books are written from a different perspective to the usual crime thriller books.
However the team do get drawn into some interesting cases and this is one of the best so far in my opinion.
The characters just grow in each book so much. You invest in each of them and love their quirks.
This is such a page turner and you just want to get through all the twists and turns to find out ‘who’!
Loving the inclusion of Glen in the team for this challenge, and he is growing on me so much !
And a big happy ‘Awh’ too !
No spoilers!
This particular book is set around a reality show which if it’s ever made in real life would be brilliant.
These books are written from a different perspective to the usual crime thriller books.
However the team do get drawn into some interesting cases and this is one of the best so far in my opinion.
The characters just grow in each book so much. You invest in each of them and love their quirks.
This is such a page turner and you just want to get through all the twists and turns to find out ‘who’!
Loving the inclusion of Glen in the team for this challenge, and he is growing on me so much !
And a big happy ‘Awh’ too !
No spoilers!
March 26, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. The team have a slight change of direction here with three of them being undercover on a cold case reality show, to find out just what is going on - a simple case of cheating to win, or something more sinister. There’s less about Filchers and Bath and the team in general, but that is more than made up for by an enthralling story. Nice to see a positive side to Glen too. With the news at the end, it’ll be interesting to see how that’s all incorporated in the next books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In this story, Josh and Glen take centre stage and if Josh is funny then Glen is 10 times more without meaning to be and written in such a positive way with all of his incorrect words. The author is very skilled at this and it makes for a good story. This time the book is based in South Africa for a time before moving back to London and there is plenty going on throughout to keep you page turning. Plus a great ending to be eager for the next chapter (book) in this series.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the eleventh book in the ex-DCI Luke Sackville series. The team are asked to investigate suspected cheating in the Shadow Chasers reality TV programme. Sam is sent undercover in the finance department and Josh and Glen as contestants. As to be expected there are many laugh aloud moments as Josh and Glen try to discover who is cheating, both characters come into their own in this book. Such a great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yet another thrilling, intense, keep you guessing chapter in the lives of Luke, Sam, Josh, Helen and Maj. I loved it and look forward to many more books in this series. They really spread their wings in this one, everyone doing their part, even Glen who I have to admit was a scary choice to go undercover. I definitely recommend readers start this series with book one and keep on reading. Enjoy!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very on trend book covering reality tv. Not really my thing normally but I admit I was drawn into the concept behind this novel.
Written with lots of background knowledge of the police, it made the crime aspect very interesting.
The one thing you always get reading this series of novels, is the warmth , humour and friendship between the group.
Definitely makes me wait eagerly to see what the next novel will bring.
Written with lots of background knowledge of the police, it made the crime aspect very interesting.
The one thing you always get reading this series of novels, is the warmth , humour and friendship between the group.
Definitely makes me wait eagerly to see what the next novel will bring.
April 10, 2026
Its only a game though... isn't it?
Loved reading this one ... and imagining Josh and Glen as a pair in a reality show! The plot was amazing, the miss-words from Glen hilarious 😂, all made the book such an enjoyable read... truly love this series that mixes 'the job" along with the personal lives of the characters that brings a well rounded book.. can't give any less than the 5🌟 it readily deserves 👌
Loved reading this one ... and imagining Josh and Glen as a pair in a reality show! The plot was amazing, the miss-words from Glen hilarious 😂, all made the book such an enjoyable read... truly love this series that mixes 'the job" along with the personal lives of the characters that brings a well rounded book.. can't give any less than the 5🌟 it readily deserves 👌
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG. I love Steve Richards books. Read this one today because I couldn't put it down. There's lots of excitement and clues going on as usual. Josh is his hilarious self and Glen's "Wordsworthing" continues. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A book I could not put down. A reality tv show possible cheating and a couple of surprises, Luke has a lot more on this time. This was my favourite book so far, I have loved them all but this one really had me at the first page. I love how all the ethics team have come together. The author really gets you thinking and gives you a few laughs on the way. Fabulous.
April 9, 2026
As usual from this author a great read.
I've enjoyed all of the Luke Sackville series. I can't wait for the next. Hurry please I'm desperate to find out what develops with the very likable characters.
I've enjoyed all of the Luke Sackville series. I can't wait for the next. Hurry please I'm desperate to find out what develops with the very likable characters.
Read
April 4, 2026Book 11 in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone, but I'd encourage you to read this series from the start.
Shadow Chasers is a game show that makes couples compete against each other from police cold cases.
Each couple that received the lowest score gets eliminated from the next round.
But there is treachery underfoot and one couple will stop at nothing to win the 2 million pound prize.
Some of the ethics team going undercover, will they find the culprits or become one of the victims?
So many twists in this book that I didn't see coming.
Also loved the banter and feeling like they are family.
Love the premise of the book, based on a reality TV show, which I have to admit I have only ever watched one episode of Big Brother back in 2000.and haven't watched any reality TV since then, definitely not my bag!
But the way the author has written the story had me completely hooked.
Please take time to read the author notes and the end of the book.
Shadow Chasers is a game show that makes couples compete against each other from police cold cases.
Each couple that received the lowest score gets eliminated from the next round.
But there is treachery underfoot and one couple will stop at nothing to win the 2 million pound prize.
Some of the ethics team going undercover, will they find the culprits or become one of the victims?
So many twists in this book that I didn't see coming.
Also loved the banter and feeling like they are family.
Love the premise of the book, based on a reality TV show, which I have to admit I have only ever watched one episode of Big Brother back in 2000.and haven't watched any reality TV since then, definitely not my bag!
But the way the author has written the story had me completely hooked.
Please take time to read the author notes and the end of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great read.
April 1, 2026
Excellent!! This series just gets better and better and they were good to start with. Thanks Steve for keeping me on edge of my seat once again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 11 in this brilliant series, and the writing just keeps getting better and better! Set behind the scenes of a reality TV show, the plot takes the reader on a convoluted journey of twists and turns to a surprising climax.
Congratulations, Steve Richards, on another fantastic addition to the Luke Sackville series. If I could give it more stars, I would.
Congratulations, Steve Richards, on another fantastic addition to the Luke Sackville series. If I could give it more stars, I would.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews