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The Shadow Priest
"This is a great beach read." –USA TODAY Network
"[The main characters'] personalities come through loud and clear in dialogue. I love these guys and they're funny." --Sue Grafton, author of "Y is for Yesterday."
In the remote Four Corners region of Colorado, Special Agent Nathaniel Arkin, a disgraced former intelligence officer, investigates the killing of a bigoted, vitriolic preacher who was about to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In processing the murder scene, Arkin thinks he recognizes the modus operandi of a shadowy group he pursued and was on the verge of exposing years earlier, just before his abrupt fall from grace and exile from Washington, D.C. Rumored to be run by a self-righteous, lapsed Jesuit priest, it was a group Arkin long suspected of orchestrating an international assassination campaign targeting charismatic, fledgling fanatics—future Hitlers and bin Ladens—just as they emerged from obscurity, before they were capable of instigating mass murder. Reluctant, but aching for redemption, Arkin resumes the chase, setting in motion a chain of events that could lead to his salvation—or his doom. Along the way, he confronts a question that has troubled him for many What creates murderous fundamentalists and fanatics like Hitler and bin Laden in the first place?
"[The main characters'] personalities come through loud and clear in dialogue. I love these guys and they're funny." --Sue Grafton, author of "Y is for Yesterday."
In the remote Four Corners region of Colorado, Special Agent Nathaniel Arkin, a disgraced former intelligence officer, investigates the killing of a bigoted, vitriolic preacher who was about to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In processing the murder scene, Arkin thinks he recognizes the modus operandi of a shadowy group he pursued and was on the verge of exposing years earlier, just before his abrupt fall from grace and exile from Washington, D.C. Rumored to be run by a self-righteous, lapsed Jesuit priest, it was a group Arkin long suspected of orchestrating an international assassination campaign targeting charismatic, fledgling fanatics—future Hitlers and bin Ladens—just as they emerged from obscurity, before they were capable of instigating mass murder. Reluctant, but aching for redemption, Arkin resumes the chase, setting in motion a chain of events that could lead to his salvation—or his doom. Along the way, he confronts a question that has troubled him for many What creates murderous fundamentalists and fanatics like Hitler and bin Laden in the first place?
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First published November 26, 2015
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About the author
D.C. Alexander
7 books125 followersD.C. Alexander is a former federal agent. His debut novel, The Legend of Devil's Creek, was a #1 best seller. His second novel, The Shadow Priest, was described as "a great beach read" by the USA TODAY Network. Friday Harbor is his sixth novel. He is a native of the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
October 21, 2017
I won this novel in a goodreads drawing.
Fairly good first novel about an agent on the chase of the usual white supremacist. Tries to explore the question of what makes a fundamentalist, but has no real answers. Maybe that's the real answer after all.
Fairly good first novel about an agent on the chase of the usual white supremacist. Tries to explore the question of what makes a fundamentalist, but has no real answers. Maybe that's the real answer after all.
June 20, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engrossing story until the last page of the text when I found out that the story didn't end. There is a Book 2 that apparently has the final ending at its end. I really don't like it when authors do this type of writing, just to keep selling a second book so you can have an ending to your story. I would have given the author a high rating because he kept me coming back time and again to finish the great story, only to left hanging, which in my mind is not the right way to be writing books.
July 28, 2018
Better than average thriller. Combines procedural as well as conspiracy by rogue government operatives. Unfortunately this is the first of a series so there is no suspense as to the outcome. The reader knows the story will continue.
All in all, a good read that those who like the conspiracy thriller will enjoy.
All in all, a good read that those who like the conspiracy thriller will enjoy.
Want to read
March 16, 2020DigitalBookSpot
March 18, 2018
This book has “movie” written all over it, and I can’t wait to see it if one is ever made.
After a bit of a too-long, drawn-out start, I really got into the story line and couldn’t wait to see how it turned out. The plot is complex enough to be interesting, but not so much that it requires constant review and backtracking to figure out what’s going on.
I particularly enjoyed the dialogue among the three main characters; it really added a lot to my enjoyment of the story. I also kind of fell in love with the main character....he is that well written, and I can be sappy that way.
There were some writing and grammatical miscues scattered throughout - not enough to be a serious problem, but enough to notice. Also, I was disappointed to arrive at the end and learn that this is the first book of a series. I am SO tired of books in series; I probably would not have read this one had I known it was a “first-of;” I do admit that would have been my loss in this case.
Finally, a disclaimer: I won the Kindle version of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. My review and comments were not influenced in any way by that gift - a gift I greatly appreciate.
After a bit of a too-long, drawn-out start, I really got into the story line and couldn’t wait to see how it turned out. The plot is complex enough to be interesting, but not so much that it requires constant review and backtracking to figure out what’s going on.
I particularly enjoyed the dialogue among the three main characters; it really added a lot to my enjoyment of the story. I also kind of fell in love with the main character....he is that well written, and I can be sappy that way.
There were some writing and grammatical miscues scattered throughout - not enough to be a serious problem, but enough to notice. Also, I was disappointed to arrive at the end and learn that this is the first book of a series. I am SO tired of books in series; I probably would not have read this one had I known it was a “first-of;” I do admit that would have been my loss in this case.
Finally, a disclaimer: I won the Kindle version of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. My review and comments were not influenced in any way by that gift - a gift I greatly appreciate.
January 12, 2017
I read this too quickly
I should have taken my time but couldn't wait to see where he takes you next. I hope the sequel is out or will be out soon.
I should have taken my time but couldn't wait to see where he takes you next. I hope the sequel is out or will be out soon.
February 20, 2020
Thriller, Vigilante
“Awareness and fear of death = destructive yearning for false feelings of immortality provided by myriad sources—power, control, victory, an enduring legacy, fame, a place in one of the afterlives promised by the world's religions = evil!”
Nate Arkin was once on the rise within DCI, Counter Intelligence. Making a name for himself by running some big Ops, he was taken under the wing of the director himself, and became like a son to him. Then it was all taken away because of “Politics and a failure of character" within DCI and he was the scape goat. He was banished to Four Corners, Colorado and transferred to a bureau of the DOD no one has heard of.
6 years later, Arkin is called to the scene of a murder of a fundamentalist reverend who ran a hate camp of sorts. Killed with a .50 BMG sniper rifle with armor piercing ammo, clearly this was an assassination and not just a murder.
"There were some things about the crime scene that reminded me of the Priest."
Things about the crime scene start to nag at Arkin, pulling him in the direction of long ago and the case that was ripped from him right when he felt he was getting close. A case that he had put behind him. Working together with an intradepartmental team, he provides the Intelligence officer assigned the case guidance and direction on where he should look or turn to next.
"We're from different agencies," Arkin said. "I work for one you've never heard of. A bureau within the Department of Defense tasked with tracking and prosecuting illegal distribution, possession, and use of military-grade weapons. Agent Morrison here is a jack-booted thug with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. And Pratt, in the back, well he's the underutilized and poorly positioned regional representative of an outfit called the Directorate for Counter Intelligence—DCI, for short—a post-9/11 inter-agency counter-terrorism task force that has more or less become permanent.”
As the team start digging, they bring to light more and more evidence they gets them closer to the Priest. However, the closer they get the more dangerous it becomes and Arkin must ask himself if there is a mole on the inside watching their every move.
“He stood on a high wraparound porch on the north side of a cheaply constructed clapboard house, a few miles east-northeast of the small town of Cortez, Colorado, his back to the wide, wooden front stairwell as he examined the fragment—glazed, blood-speckled, and pale gray, no bigger than a dime—with a flat magnifying glass taken from the breast pocket of his dark wool suit. He wondered what it might have held only ninety minutes earlier when it was still part of an intact and functioning mind. Perhaps the cherished memory of a first kiss, or a wedding day, or the birth of a child. Perhaps some component of the victim's personality—part of the essence of who he was. Maybe it compelled the heart to beat or the lungs to draw breath.”
I love a good thriller that starts Chapter 2 off with a gruesome murder! You are captivated from the start with this one. In his Acknowledgments, D.C. thanks Sue Grafton for helping with his writing skills and you can tell. She is great mystery/thriller writer and this book was very well written, someone was certainly paying attention. The plot is well thought out and full of the little details that new authors tend to miss. This did not read like a second novel but rather one written from a pro. I will definitely be putting Book 2 on my TBR list.
"Well, you'll have to save South America for the sequel, 007.”
“Awareness and fear of death = destructive yearning for false feelings of immortality provided by myriad sources—power, control, victory, an enduring legacy, fame, a place in one of the afterlives promised by the world's religions = evil!”
Nate Arkin was once on the rise within DCI, Counter Intelligence. Making a name for himself by running some big Ops, he was taken under the wing of the director himself, and became like a son to him. Then it was all taken away because of “Politics and a failure of character" within DCI and he was the scape goat. He was banished to Four Corners, Colorado and transferred to a bureau of the DOD no one has heard of.
6 years later, Arkin is called to the scene of a murder of a fundamentalist reverend who ran a hate camp of sorts. Killed with a .50 BMG sniper rifle with armor piercing ammo, clearly this was an assassination and not just a murder.
"There were some things about the crime scene that reminded me of the Priest."
Things about the crime scene start to nag at Arkin, pulling him in the direction of long ago and the case that was ripped from him right when he felt he was getting close. A case that he had put behind him. Working together with an intradepartmental team, he provides the Intelligence officer assigned the case guidance and direction on where he should look or turn to next.
"We're from different agencies," Arkin said. "I work for one you've never heard of. A bureau within the Department of Defense tasked with tracking and prosecuting illegal distribution, possession, and use of military-grade weapons. Agent Morrison here is a jack-booted thug with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. And Pratt, in the back, well he's the underutilized and poorly positioned regional representative of an outfit called the Directorate for Counter Intelligence—DCI, for short—a post-9/11 inter-agency counter-terrorism task force that has more or less become permanent.”
As the team start digging, they bring to light more and more evidence they gets them closer to the Priest. However, the closer they get the more dangerous it becomes and Arkin must ask himself if there is a mole on the inside watching their every move.
“He stood on a high wraparound porch on the north side of a cheaply constructed clapboard house, a few miles east-northeast of the small town of Cortez, Colorado, his back to the wide, wooden front stairwell as he examined the fragment—glazed, blood-speckled, and pale gray, no bigger than a dime—with a flat magnifying glass taken from the breast pocket of his dark wool suit. He wondered what it might have held only ninety minutes earlier when it was still part of an intact and functioning mind. Perhaps the cherished memory of a first kiss, or a wedding day, or the birth of a child. Perhaps some component of the victim's personality—part of the essence of who he was. Maybe it compelled the heart to beat or the lungs to draw breath.”
I love a good thriller that starts Chapter 2 off with a gruesome murder! You are captivated from the start with this one. In his Acknowledgments, D.C. thanks Sue Grafton for helping with his writing skills and you can tell. She is great mystery/thriller writer and this book was very well written, someone was certainly paying attention. The plot is well thought out and full of the little details that new authors tend to miss. This did not read like a second novel but rather one written from a pro. I will definitely be putting Book 2 on my TBR list.
"Well, you'll have to save South America for the sequel, 007.”
August 27, 2018
This was a most excellent read. And as I mentioned before the dialogue is really sparky. I really enjoyed the relationship between the main characters. The repartee between them comes across as real. The sort of banter that happens between people who work together and depend on each other. Its something we British do as a matter of course but of course these guys are American secret service/law enforcement so it was great to see this side of it.
The story, for me was a real page turner and I burnt through it right to the end. And this is only part 1, the story continues in part 2 (another separate book). Now I've read some complaints about this. These complaints come from readers who have, by their own admission, downloaded the book for FREE off Amazon. They gave it 5 stars (one of the reasons I downloaded it for FREE - go get it now you might still get it for FREE) but now gripe that they have to spend £3 (less than a Starbucks coffee BTW) to get the second half of the story. They forget that the author (which I am too) still has bills to pay. The FREE book was the culmination of many hours work at the computer face and yet they still complain. The author will not receive much of that £3 they will probably receive one sixth of that if they are lucky - and the reader will have had the pleasure of two books to while away the many hours of their frugal and complaining lives.
Give the author, D. C. Alexander, a break guys - let him earn a little bit for all the work he has put in to entertain you.
I am currently 36% through Part 2 of The Shadow Priest and for my money its still a stocking good story. Recommended.
The story, for me was a real page turner and I burnt through it right to the end. And this is only part 1, the story continues in part 2 (another separate book). Now I've read some complaints about this. These complaints come from readers who have, by their own admission, downloaded the book for FREE off Amazon. They gave it 5 stars (one of the reasons I downloaded it for FREE - go get it now you might still get it for FREE) but now gripe that they have to spend £3 (less than a Starbucks coffee BTW) to get the second half of the story. They forget that the author (which I am too) still has bills to pay. The FREE book was the culmination of many hours work at the computer face and yet they still complain. The author will not receive much of that £3 they will probably receive one sixth of that if they are lucky - and the reader will have had the pleasure of two books to while away the many hours of their frugal and complaining lives.
Give the author, D. C. Alexander, a break guys - let him earn a little bit for all the work he has put in to entertain you.
I am currently 36% through Part 2 of The Shadow Priest and for my money its still a stocking good story. Recommended.
June 25, 2025
D.C. Alexander delivers a sharp and suspenseful thriller with The Shadow Priest, blending crime, mystery, and psychological tension into a story that keeps you flipping pages late into the night.
The novel centers around a young ex-FBI agent drawn back into a dark and deeply personal case that blurs the line between justice and vengeance. With a clever mix of procedural detail and emotional complexity, Alexander crafts a plot that feels both believable and gripping. The pacing is tight, and the stakes escalate steadily as the protagonist uncovers a chilling web of secrets.
What really makes The Shadow Priest stand out is how it balances action with introspection. The internal conflict of the main character—fueled by trauma, guilt, and determination—adds depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward thriller.
What I liked:
Fast-paced and tightly plotted
Realistic and emotionally grounded protagonist
Twists that aren't over-the-top but still satisfying
Clean writing that doesn't rely on fluff
Room for improvement:
Some secondary characters feel a bit underdeveloped
Occasional jumps in logic that require a bit of suspension of disbelief
If you enjoy thrillers in the vein of John Grisham or Michael Connelly, The Shadow Priest will likely hit the spot. It's smart, dark, and just twisted enough to be memorable.
The novel centers around a young ex-FBI agent drawn back into a dark and deeply personal case that blurs the line between justice and vengeance. With a clever mix of procedural detail and emotional complexity, Alexander crafts a plot that feels both believable and gripping. The pacing is tight, and the stakes escalate steadily as the protagonist uncovers a chilling web of secrets.
What really makes The Shadow Priest stand out is how it balances action with introspection. The internal conflict of the main character—fueled by trauma, guilt, and determination—adds depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward thriller.
What I liked:
Fast-paced and tightly plotted
Realistic and emotionally grounded protagonist
Twists that aren't over-the-top but still satisfying
Clean writing that doesn't rely on fluff
Room for improvement:
Some secondary characters feel a bit underdeveloped
Occasional jumps in logic that require a bit of suspension of disbelief
If you enjoy thrillers in the vein of John Grisham or Michael Connelly, The Shadow Priest will likely hit the spot. It's smart, dark, and just twisted enough to be memorable.
October 11, 2017
I recieved this book in a Goodreads Giveway.
I struggled to get into the book, the beginning was too wordy and I didn't feel like it was really going anywhere. Looking back I see that some of it had realavance, but some could easily been left out. It felt like it was a long time, I think about midway through the book, till I felt the "hook" in the book. Mater of fact it took me several days to try and even read the book. It was easy to set down for a while until I got to the hook point.
I was sad to read that the father figure turned out to be a villian and struggled with the fact the book is left with some really big cliff hangers at the end. I am not sure why the wife has to have a terminally ill position in the book and really I felt it didn't really fit in the story. If anything it made Nate/Arkin seem like a jerk by putting his dying wife second to his career and breaking an earlier promise/agreement. Maybe the 2nd book "The Legand of Devil's Creek" will explain/explore it more.
There was action and adventure in the book and the mystery was well written. There were a few parts that you could predict, but overall it was a good read after you got about half way through the book.
I struggled to get into the book, the beginning was too wordy and I didn't feel like it was really going anywhere. Looking back I see that some of it had realavance, but some could easily been left out. It felt like it was a long time, I think about midway through the book, till I felt the "hook" in the book. Mater of fact it took me several days to try and even read the book. It was easy to set down for a while until I got to the hook point.
I was sad to read that the father figure turned out to be a villian and struggled with the fact the book is left with some really big cliff hangers at the end. I am not sure why the wife has to have a terminally ill position in the book and really I felt it didn't really fit in the story. If anything it made Nate/Arkin seem like a jerk by putting his dying wife second to his career and breaking an earlier promise/agreement. Maybe the 2nd book "The Legand of Devil's Creek" will explain/explore it more.
There was action and adventure in the book and the mystery was well written. There were a few parts that you could predict, but overall it was a good read after you got about half way through the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 17, 2017A good story about crime, terrorism, backstabbing, all of the things which make up the American way. I'm not being sarcastic, it's the way things are. Luckily most of us are never involved, but we get to read about them.
For the most part, I enjoyed the boys high school comments and jokes about each other. However, I almost quit reading the book because of it. It got a little tiring, but eventually the story evolves and you have trouble putting the book down.
I can understand how most counties, including ours, have the need to assasinate individuals, but there are so many books about this topic, or maybe it's the majority of what I read. And so many of them are our own citizens. And I wonder how bad the politics are within the alphabet agencies controlling our "great" country, but I digress. But that's what's in the book. Throw in a dying spouse for the hero, some up to date technology, a few dreams (nightmares), train rides, kayaking, sailing, and a ride in garbage truck to keeps things from slowing down. Did I mention the bullet wounds and bulletproof vests, four corners, rivers and moutains?
And don't forget the sequel.
For the most part, I enjoyed the boys high school comments and jokes about each other. However, I almost quit reading the book because of it. It got a little tiring, but eventually the story evolves and you have trouble putting the book down.
I can understand how most counties, including ours, have the need to assasinate individuals, but there are so many books about this topic, or maybe it's the majority of what I read. And so many of them are our own citizens. And I wonder how bad the politics are within the alphabet agencies controlling our "great" country, but I digress. But that's what's in the book. Throw in a dying spouse for the hero, some up to date technology, a few dreams (nightmares), train rides, kayaking, sailing, and a ride in garbage truck to keeps things from slowing down. Did I mention the bullet wounds and bulletproof vests, four corners, rivers and moutains?
And don't forget the sequel.
December 19, 2023
In the remote Four Corners region of Colorado, Special Agent Nathaniel Arkin, a disgraced former intelligence officer, investigates the killing of a bigoted, vitriolic preacher who was about to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In processing the murder scene, Arkin thinks he recognizes the modus operandi of a shadowy group he pursued and was on the verge of exposing years earlier, just before his abrupt fall from grace and exile from Washington, D.C. Rumored to be run by a self-righteous, lapsed Jesuit priest, it was a group Arkin long suspected of orchestrating an international assassination campaign targeting charismatic, fledgling fanatics—future Hitlers and bin Ladens—just as they emerged from obscurity, before they were capable of instigating mass murder. Reluctant, but aching for redemption, Arkin resumes the chase, setting in motion a chain of events that could lead to his salvation—or his doom. Along the way, he confronts a question that has troubled him for many years: What creates murderous fundamentalists and fanatics like Hitler and bin Laden in the first place?
September 28, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this fine book. It has many things going for it. The descriptions are spot on and are like visiting the areas. The characters are well-described and are real people with both good and bad elements. The story itself is full of suspense and keeps the readier guessing. Most importantly, it delves into the psychological underpinnings of the demagogue and what drives them. The plot arc revolves around the moral dilemma associated with taking actions that are morally wrong to prevent much greater evil from occurring. The theme of betrayal plays a major role as Arkin struggles for redemption after being shipped off to a thankless post in the four corners area of Colorado. The assassination of a Pentecostal preacher by a sniper with a large caliber weapon drags Arkin back into the same case that was his downfall. He has to hide his investigation by working through the local agents. The book is hard to put down with surprises and suspense all the way through. It is a fun read that is intellectually stimulating.
October 17, 2017
It took me awhile to get into this book. In fact, I even put it down for awhile. However when I did pick it up again, I discovered a well written story that delved into the post 9/11 world of espionage and fundamentalist. The author uses his experience as former federal agent to weave a tale filled with all the bells and whistles of modern law enforcement.
The main character, Nathaniel Arkin, had a distant but demanding father. After law school, Arkin finally ended up in federal law enforcement where he found his real calling. However once he began investigating a lapsed priest turned terrorist, Arkin’s career became sabotaged and he eventually ended up at a posting in Durango, CO, a sleepy outpost with little activity. That changed when a charismatic preacher is killed with a large caliber gun used mostly by federal law enforcement.
The story continues with many twists and turns and finally ends in a cliffhanger. At the end of the book we are informed that a sequel will be published later in 2017.
The main character, Nathaniel Arkin, had a distant but demanding father. After law school, Arkin finally ended up in federal law enforcement where he found his real calling. However once he began investigating a lapsed priest turned terrorist, Arkin’s career became sabotaged and he eventually ended up at a posting in Durango, CO, a sleepy outpost with little activity. That changed when a charismatic preacher is killed with a large caliber gun used mostly by federal law enforcement.
The story continues with many twists and turns and finally ends in a cliffhanger. At the end of the book we are informed that a sequel will be published later in 2017.
August 12, 2017
4 stars
This book is very well written and plotted. It has a way with language, and it just flows. I found interesting the theories put forth about the causes of fundamentalism and its role in society today. Especially liked was the pondering on what made serial killers like Hitler and Bin Laden do what they did.
I found Arkin to be a totally believable character with all the flaws and foibles that came with him. I appreciated Mr. Alexander’s descriptions of the surroundings of both the opening scene and the later scenes. I grew up in the Seattle area and have travelled all over the Pacific Northwest, so I very much liked the journey home.
I realize that this is part of a series, although I did not know it when I picked this book out. But I’m still glad I read it, because it was thought-provoking and action filled.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dero for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read and enjoy.
This book is very well written and plotted. It has a way with language, and it just flows. I found interesting the theories put forth about the causes of fundamentalism and its role in society today. Especially liked was the pondering on what made serial killers like Hitler and Bin Laden do what they did.
I found Arkin to be a totally believable character with all the flaws and foibles that came with him. I appreciated Mr. Alexander’s descriptions of the surroundings of both the opening scene and the later scenes. I grew up in the Seattle area and have travelled all over the Pacific Northwest, so I very much liked the journey home.
I realize that this is part of a series, although I did not know it when I picked this book out. But I’m still glad I read it, because it was thought-provoking and action filled.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dero for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read and enjoy.
October 4, 2017
Before I read The Shadow Priest, I read some of the negative reviews, complaining that the ending was set up for a sequel to follow it, and that there were *so* many loose ends. For me, that wasn't an issue. So, on to the review itself.
Nate Arkin, and the other members of a multi-agency legal taskforce get embroiled in Nate's old nemesis aka "The Priest". This is like a cross between a James Patterson & Lee Child book. With more depth of character than Jack Reacher, but more military action than Alex Cross. For me, the only downside with this book, was at times, in an indescribable way, the prose lost the "polish" of "big publisher" books. However, there are plenty of plot twists and turns, plenty of action and the pace keeps going through the book. Is this an intellectually challenging book? No, but it's not meant to be - it's a well written, and enjoyable thriller, and I'll gladly read the follow up novel.
Nate Arkin, and the other members of a multi-agency legal taskforce get embroiled in Nate's old nemesis aka "The Priest". This is like a cross between a James Patterson & Lee Child book. With more depth of character than Jack Reacher, but more military action than Alex Cross. For me, the only downside with this book, was at times, in an indescribable way, the prose lost the "polish" of "big publisher" books. However, there are plenty of plot twists and turns, plenty of action and the pace keeps going through the book. Is this an intellectually challenging book? No, but it's not meant to be - it's a well written, and enjoyable thriller, and I'll gladly read the follow up novel.
October 18, 2017
Feeling to continue reading when you can hardly stay awake. That's one of my personal signs that a book has me hooked.
When I began this title, I wasn't sure. It had been a while since I read a thriller style book. But, within a short while, the book had its hooks into me. Like a young child, I was huddled under covers in the middle of the night to read the final chapters.
You'll find plenty of intrigue and action, but also a dash of humor sprinkled throughout. And, I could see this being an awesome movie (either for the big screen or TV) as the plot is fairly sound and the story is entertaining.
Now I am itching to get my hands on the sequel to see what happens to Arkin as well as his sick wife and best friend.
Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC via Netgalley to review. All opinions are my own.
When I began this title, I wasn't sure. It had been a while since I read a thriller style book. But, within a short while, the book had its hooks into me. Like a young child, I was huddled under covers in the middle of the night to read the final chapters.
You'll find plenty of intrigue and action, but also a dash of humor sprinkled throughout. And, I could see this being an awesome movie (either for the big screen or TV) as the plot is fairly sound and the story is entertaining.
Now I am itching to get my hands on the sequel to see what happens to Arkin as well as his sick wife and best friend.
Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC via Netgalley to review. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2018
This novel had everything for the making of a full-length complete book. It had the right substance,dialovu,mystery,thrills, action,quick thinking, character relationship, and in depth foresight that would've made it a banger! Then comes the friggin cliffhanger and there's a gd sequel wtf? It made no sense at all with four more chapters of critical thinking the story would've been a complete success! Why break it off to a sequel it was the most disturbing feeling knowing when I download this a couple yrs ago to read list I didn't think I'd have to continue this story that's ridiculous. I still gave this first of the books five stars because it was that good, but I'd avoided this story altogether if knowing the author would've broken it down unnecessarily to a series or a sequel. I hate series and sequels ughh!
August 31, 2021
Wow!! Grabs your attention from the beginning to the end. Lots of surprises in this roller coaster read. What is really scary about this book is it could be so true. When you see how 'they' are compromising and setting up a very able, well respected agent and have no compunction about committimg murders and destroying families you can just imagine how easy it would be to do this to the average citizen. This is the story of a good guy who is just doing his job and the right thing when all hell breaks loose. A death that he and his fellow agents from other agencies investigate remind him of a case from his past. When they start to follow the clues, road blocks are thrown up every step of the way. To add to the insanity Nate's wife is going through cancer treatments and it doesn't look good. A Great read!! Just going to start the sequel now.
May 27, 2022
This novel had everything for the making of a full-length complete book. It had the right substance,dialovu,mystery,thrills, action,quick thinking, character relationship, and in depth foresight that would've made it a banger! Then comes the friggin cliffhanger and there's a gd sequel wtf? It made no sense at all with four more chapters of critical thinking the story would've been a complete success! Why break it off to a sequel it was the most disturbing feeling knowing when I download this a couple yrs ago to read list I didn't think I'd have to continue this story that's ridiculous. I still gave this first of the books five stars because it was that good, but I'd avoided this story altogether if knowing the author would've broken it down unnecessarily to a series or a sequel. I hate series and sequels ughh!
June 17, 2025
Every now and then, I read a "stinker" and this is one of them for me. Although the story line started off promising, it quickly spiraled down for me. Too many acronyms, too much bullet analysis, too convenient successful shoplifting episodes, incredible medical "miracles" (like not getting infections from hopping in a garbage truck while wounded), etc. Well, suffice it to say, the book didn't work for me. The "last straw" for me was not finishing the original story. If you wanted to find out the conclusion, the author was forcing you to buy Book 2 — not a brand-new adventure, just the ending of this story. That, to me, is disingenuous to the reader and sloppy writing. Why not just add a hundred pages or so to this book and finish the story? Well, I'll not be buying Book 2 because I don't care enough about the characters or the plot to waste any more of my time.
December 5, 2017
I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. This is a well written thriller with excellent character development and a great plot. Full of suspense and action with twists and turns. Who is assassinating charismatic fanatics as they are just beginning their reign of terror? Who is friend and who is foe? I like Nate and Morrison.
This book is well worth the read and I look forward to reading the sequel.
This book is well worth the read and I look forward to reading the sequel.
August 27, 2018
Oddly enough, I really like this book. Oddly because I avoid books about federal agents and terrorist groups and vampires and serials. OK, no vampires here, but the dialogue is worth the read, and the incipient reflections on death, religion, and fear spice the broth some. If you like trade craft stuff, this is for you. It's a bit heavy handed for me though. I'll probably skip book two though, since I don't want to be suckered into a book three, ad infinitum. But a fun read. Oh, and any title with "priest" in it is a magnet for me. Go figure.
July 21, 2019
Smartly written, well done thriller.
A cast of fantastic characters and suspenseful storyline had me riveted. It ends on a cliffhanger, but the way it ended was a good stopping point and works well to transition into book two.
Arkin and Morrison’s banter was one of my favorite things, and their interrogation in the beginning had me laughing out loud. In fact, there was quite a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor scattered throughout, offering appreciated moments of levity.
Great read, and I look forward to continuing Arkin’s quest for justice and clearing his name.
A cast of fantastic characters and suspenseful storyline had me riveted. It ends on a cliffhanger, but the way it ended was a good stopping point and works well to transition into book two.
Arkin and Morrison’s banter was one of my favorite things, and their interrogation in the beginning had me laughing out loud. In fact, there was quite a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor scattered throughout, offering appreciated moments of levity.
Great read, and I look forward to continuing Arkin’s quest for justice and clearing his name.
July 1, 2022
The Shadow Priest is simply a great story. The protagonist is a Federal agent who was once a rising star in his agency but then was mysteriously disgraced. The man is obsessed with the one case he could not solve. To top it all off, his beloved wife is dying of cancer.
The details of all this come out a little at a time, like often happens in real life. He is basically a decent man but on the other hand he is not superman. I found that the hero’s very human struggles appealed to me.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a complex thriller.
The details of all this come out a little at a time, like often happens in real life. He is basically a decent man but on the other hand he is not superman. I found that the hero’s very human struggles appealed to me.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a complex thriller.
September 8, 2023
Repartee Plus
I was so enjoying the first quarter of this novel. The characters were being fleshed out and the interactive dialogue was great. It seemed like a relatively simple plot and storyline to follow while enjoying those characters. As we moved along into this plot, it got more and more convoluted and difficult to follow. Trying to digest the intrigue of so many acronym agencies is confusing and starts to become more and more unbelievable. Surprisingly, during the final 20 to 30 pages, the comaraderie returned and the scope of the story narrowed.
I was so enjoying the first quarter of this novel. The characters were being fleshed out and the interactive dialogue was great. It seemed like a relatively simple plot and storyline to follow while enjoying those characters. As we moved along into this plot, it got more and more convoluted and difficult to follow. Trying to digest the intrigue of so many acronym agencies is confusing and starts to become more and more unbelievable. Surprisingly, during the final 20 to 30 pages, the comaraderie returned and the scope of the story narrowed.
May 17, 2017
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I thought it lagged a bit when Arkin went on the run, but the action picked up again. I was disappointed to realize that there was a sequel to the book -- I hate when I get involved in and am enjoying a story, only to find out I'll have to wait for the sequel to learn more. Other than that, a pretty good story. My rating is based on the lag in part 2 and the fact that I had no indication there was a sequel until I reached the end of the book. UGH!
July 31, 2018
Darn good read
You, or at least I, gotta love a book set in Colorado. This is one heck of a good thriller. The characters sometimes kid about being lost in a James Bond novel but no... This is more like Ludlum. In Bond the only suspense was how 007 was going to do it. Shadow has more ambiguity about just who are the good guys. There is also some well-discussed philosophy lurking about. Thank you Mr. Alexander.
You, or at least I, gotta love a book set in Colorado. This is one heck of a good thriller. The characters sometimes kid about being lost in a James Bond novel but no... This is more like Ludlum. In Bond the only suspense was how 007 was going to do it. Shadow has more ambiguity about just who are the good guys. There is also some well-discussed philosophy lurking about. Thank you Mr. Alexander.
August 4, 2018
This was a rather well-written thriller, with our protagonist on the hunt for the assassins of extremists/fundamentalists who may or may not become the next Hitler or bin Laden. When he gets too clear to the truth, he gets framed and becomes a fugitive. The storyline is nothing original, but the attention to detail the author brings to the story kept me intrigued. The characters are multi-dimensional and nicely fleshed out. All in all, this was a fairly good read.
August 9, 2018
Book for Night Owls
It's 1:00 a.m. and I just finished reading this book. It was definitely full of suspense, a real "stay up late to finish" kind of book. The action was fast and almost believable (maybe I should have left out the almost). A gentle suggestion: do a little grammar review on "I and me." Also there is no "alright." The correct way is "all right" as in all is right. All in all, this was a great story.
It's 1:00 a.m. and I just finished reading this book. It was definitely full of suspense, a real "stay up late to finish" kind of book. The action was fast and almost believable (maybe I should have left out the almost). A gentle suggestion: do a little grammar review on "I and me." Also there is no "alright." The correct way is "all right" as in all is right. All in all, this was a great story.
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