The Shadow Game

Harry Dunkley #3

by Steve Lewis, Chris Uhlmann

Scandal, vengeance, redemption in the third book in the series that inspired Foxtel's Secret City, which has earned the reputation as Australia's House of Cards

Beloved yet dishevelled newshound Harry Dunkley has fallen about as low as it's possible to get, disgraced and dispirited at having failed to reveal the existence of the Alliance, a cabal of mandarins pulling the strings of power in Canberra.

But new purpose is in the air.

As the Coalition government teeters disastrously, Dunkley receives aid from an unlikely group of adversaries. Revived and emboldened, he looks afresh at his abiding enemies: resurrected Labor powerhouse Catriona Bailey and the hitherto untouchable Defence Secretary, Sir Jack Webster. Webster, a respected statesman and member of the sinister Alliance, has so far played Dunkley at every turn. Yet there is a chink in Webster - an innate arrogance - that just might bring him down. If Dunkley can line up luck, hubris and intuition, there could be a way to personal redemption and revenge for the death of analyst Kimberley Gordon, whose murder in The Marmalade Files cast a long shadow over friends and enemies alike.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Politics, Mystery, Australia

434 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2016

About the author

Steve Lewis has been reporting politics in Canberra since 1992 and has survived the near collapse of the Fairfax media group, three Prime Ministers, Mark Latham and a career switch from The Financial Review to the News Ltd tabloids.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shadow Game is the last book in the Henry Dunkley series about the shenanigans of politics in Canberra. In the Shadow Game Henry Dunkley has reached rock bottom and facing jail time until an old enemy of his came to his rescue and gave him reason to reinvent himself. The readers of Shadow Game will enjoy the twist and turns in the story and the conclusion to this book.

Out of all three books in the Henry Dunkley series, The Shadow Game was the best. I enjoy the portrayal of the characters by Steve Lewis and how each character intertwine with each other. Readers of The Shadow Game will learn about the cut-throat world of politics and journalism. Also, readers will learn that you can help anyone who has reach rock bottom by giving them friendship and support to get back on their feet.

I recommend this book

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the end of book 2, I was very curious to know what will happen in the finale of this series so I borrowed this last & 3rd book immediately. To be honest, I'm not keen on political thriller but I needed to know the ending. So, I was a little disappointed with the beginning, at what Harry Dunkley is reduced to. However, as he picked himself up, things were looking up... I did find the middle part a bit boring (all that political backstabbing in office and in back office too drove me nuts plus a whole lot of this reads a bit like conspiracy theories which get me frustrated too). I skimmed past most of this just to have a vague idea what's going on so I understand the big showdown at the end. And, yes, it is worth it.

[David Maywald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow Game is the concluding volume of Steve Lewis and Chris Uhlmann’s Secret City trilogy, following The Marmalade Files and The Mandarin Code. All three are set in Canberra, the centre of Australian government and politics. The series has a signature blend of political intrigue, media machinations, and espionage. The Shadow Game elevates this to the highest stakes yet: the escalating strategic rivalry between China and the United States, with Australia caught in the middle. The book captures both the global dimensions of superpower rivalry and the intimate workings of Canberra’s corridors of power, showing how fragile democracies can be when they are tested by secrecy, betrayal, and pressure from authoritarian states...

The trilogy as a whole is remarkable for how it grounds global geopolitics in a uniquely Australian setting. Whereas many political thrillers lean heavily on Washington, London, or Moscow, Lewis and Uhlmann’s decision to centre Canberra underscores Australia’s pivotal (though often underestimated) role in Indo-Pacific geopolitics. In The Shadow Game, the clash between China and America isn't presented in abstract policy debates, but as a lived reality shaping the decisions of politicians, bureaucrats, and intelligence officers. This novel illustrates the dilemmas of sovereignty, loyalty, and vulnerability in a mid-sized power navigating an increasingly hostile world.

One of the more subtle achievements across the three books is the depiction of masculinity. The male protagonists (including journalists, spies, and politicians) struggle with themes of duty, loyalty, honour, and betrayal... Their masculinity isn't celebrated in a simplistic or heroic style. Instead, it is tested, compromised, and reframed within the murky world of secrets and moral ambiguity. Characters like Harry Dunkley embody the tension between masculine traits of courage and stoicism with the disillusionment that comes from operating within a cynical political landscape. Female characters are often depicted as equally shrewd and capable, but the trilogy recognises the persistence of male-coded power structures in politics and security. Masculinity here is not dismissed or demonised - it is interrogated, sometimes tarnished, yet ultimately portrayed as adaptable to shifting realities.

As the final instalment, The Shadow Game ties together the narrative threads with heightened urgency, leaving readers with the sense that Australia’s fate isn't only tied to great-power conflict but also to the integrity of its own institutions (which have been severely mangled by vested interests). Lewis and Uhlmann succeed in blending pacey storytelling with thoughtful reflection on democracy, sovereignty, and the price of compromise. The trilogy as a whole can be seen as a landmark in Australian political fiction: it captures the Canberra psyche, highlights the precarious balance between press freedom and national security, and situates Australia within the frontline of 21st-century geopolitics.

Overall, The Shadow Game is a fitting conclusion to the series. It is tightly written, thematically resonant, and geopolitically prescient. As a trilogy, Secret City offers not only gripping entertainment but also a sober meditation on power, responsibility, and the contested meanings of masculinity in turbulent times... Highly recommended. Have a read for yourself.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘…there are no rules in a fight. There is only the survivor and the defeated.’

Welcome to Canberra! Journalist Harry Dunkley tried, and failed, to reveal the existence of the cabal of mandarins (referred to as the Alliance) who exert power in Canberra. He is dispirited and disgraced, not sure what the future holds, and he could be facing time in gaol. Can things get any worse for Harry?

But politics is an uncertain game, and Harry’s fortunes rise as the Coalition government hits turbulence. Former Prime Minister Martin Toohey becomes an unlikely ally, as do some of Harry’s former adversaries.

Together, Harry and Martin Toohey are determined to bring down the Alliance. Australia’s sometimes challenging and fragile relationships with China and the USA provide tension in the background. And the tension is ratcheted up a level by the relative inexperience of Australia’s current Prime Minister Elizabeth Scott. In the background, Sir Jack Webster (of Defence) seems untouchable, but Harry just might be able to find a way.

This is the third of a trilogy, best read in order (‘The Marmalade Files’ and ‘The Mandarin Code’ are the first two) to appreciate the character development. While some elements are farfetched (I hope), other elements will seem depressingly familiar to those familiar with Australia’s federal political machinations.

A fitting end to the trilogy.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the Harry Dunkley Trilogy, political thrillers set in Canberra. The authors are two accomplished political journalists, who know their product well, so the story has significant insight into the world of the national capital and the political machine. If you like these things, then this novel (as with the first two) will thrill you, but even if not, you will find them a fast paced and enjoyable read, with great characters and drama. It's good to have a political thriller set in Australia, as opposed to the multitude that have Washington and the United States as their theme.
This novel brings many contemporary themes into the story, with real political situations mixed with characters whom you'd swear are based on real people.
Highly recommended, especially for those with an interest in Australian politics. I hope the authors have a few more stories of Canberra in them!

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concluding novel in the Marmalade Files trilogy of books featuring the political reporter Harry Dunkley. The first two novels are the source material for Secret City, the Australian TV series currently streaming on Netflix. The series substantially changes the narrative flow of the novels, as well as the gender of the protagonist, but is nonetheless excellent. The novels, however, are orders of magnitude better. The snarky, satirical depictions of the politics and politicians working Down Under are frequently laugh-out-loud funny, and I found the descriptions of the workings of the Aussie federal system both interesting and intriquing. If you are in the mood for some entertaining political thrills, check these out.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an Australian, I loved reading a political thriller set in Australia. Of most interest to those who follow local politics closely, as many clever aspects would be overlooked or missed by international readers.

The cliched and over the top language about the weather on the first page put me right off, but the story powered on and I didn't really notice after that. I hadn't read the first two stories in this trilogy, but that didn't matter either.

The development and outcome of the South Sea confrontation was depressingly realistic - especially reading this a couple of years after publication.

[Sarah King-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting end to an amazing trilogy. Lewis and Uhlmann weave the delicate nature of politics and warfare and the nature of the public service into one. Dunkley is what many seem down and out but in reality he's only just getting started with the help from the most unlikely of people Dunkley thought possibly.

The ending was good and Lewis and Uhlmann tidied up the end of the book very nicely.

[Andrew Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a ripper of a read. Well laid out and logical. It took me a long time to finish due to the complexities of life.
But I was left a bit confused over the side-story about the international incidents taking place in the South China Sea. I'm not sure what, if any, bearing these events actually have on the story.
The ending felt a bit 'rushed' but nonetheless it's good to finally have an Australian political drama on the scene.

[Pip Snort · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dramatic finale. This was the least convincing of the three parts of this trilogy. However, it was still a fairly fun romp through global politics and retained the hallmarks of careful observation as well as a healthy dose of satire.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, and the previous two, are terrifyingly close to what is actually happening out there. Given the authors' history, I fear they are all based on reality, with just enough fabrication to evade any accusations of breaching secrecy/privacy etc.

[Rosalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in this fanciful series is equally thrilling as the first two. A delightful light read but with serious possibilities when the truth could be stranger than fiction.

[Jade Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic way to finish this trilogy. I loved all three of these books, this one especially. I couldn’t put it down. It has everything I love - politics, humour and intrigue.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great conclusion to the Secret City Trilogy

[Alice Bloomfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️✨

At the end of book two I was curious and in picking up book three that fizzled very quickly. It’s fine, but it feels like a very flat note to leave this series on.

[Steve Goulding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointed - the authors got lazy, I guess that's a easy trap to fall into, but in this case it was huge mistake, and had a major impact on the flow and credibility of the story.
Having Dunkley face the same climax point in each book, where a trusted ally in grave danger contacts him to urgently impart important and sensitive information, only to have Dunkley respond, in this book, "I've an errand to do, I'll see you in an hour" when in the previous two books, this dismissal of an urgent request gets the ally killed, and the important information lost... REALLY ? REALLY? I mean an experienced politicial journalist, a cynic, but not able to spot a pattern, even when he has been advised of it, especially in thsi book, when he knows the protagonist is hunting them. Sorry but you blew it BIG TIME. This is just LAZY writing, were you that impatience to get to the big finale ?

I read the books back to back, and I largely enjoyed the first two books, even though I bristled the second time you did this, but to encounter it again in the third, especially when it is so obvious, that it kills the suspension of disbelief the story had going, is unforgivable, and as a result reduces the overall recommendation to 2 1/2 stars.

Very disappointed

[Annette Chidzey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fitting final novel to the trilogy- similarly fast paced and compelling. The narrative moves quickly, is woven skilfully and makes you want to keep reading. Though the final few pages are a little too glib, the read is very satisfying and rounds out the characters motives and actions credibly.
The pursuit of the American Chinese power struggle with Australia's precarious and challenging placement in the middle is very realistic as is the powerful political battle over island control in the South China Sea.
Having become very attached to many of the characters, I find myself hankering for more exploits involving the flawed Harry Dunkley.
I wonder if Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis can be persuaded to write beyond this trilogy. Here's hoping!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great ending to the trilogy. Love the local character

[Mike Taverner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reading! Seems far-fetched but .... maybe not! If only the good ghuys come out on top as they did here

[Emma Schmid · Rating 3 out of 5]

i loved the first two in this series, but this one lost me in the middle. it felt like a bit of a hard slog. BUT, just as i was thinking of abandoning it, the story came alive again and engrossed me for the last third of the book.