The Morpheus Decision: A Pia Sabel Mystery

Sabel Security #10

by Seeley James

Who killed Chloe England? When a friend from her days in international soccer, now a British constable, is murdered, Pia Sabel uncovers an assassination ring catering to the ultra-rich – putting her dead center in their crosshairs.

For most of her life, Pia Sabel worked through the pain of losing her parents, threw herself into her work, and lived with insomnia. Now her doctor warns growing paranoia will soon threaten her mental health. She escapes to rural England to mourn the loss of her friend. On arrival, she is attacked by a mob, dismissed by officials, and ridiculed by high society for inquiring about an English Lord and a British institute. The more people tell her not to ask questions, the more she questions their motives.

Unconquered and unafraid, she investigates the murder and exposes a well-connected web of billionaire suspects. Along the way, she touches a nerve, bringing down an avalanche of killers on top of her. Unable to trust anyone, from the handsome Scot she wants to know better to Britain’s titled class, she must unravel the clues before more victims land in the morgue. Peeling back the layers of deceit, lies and cover-ups, Pia finally discovers the truth about who killed Chloe England. A revelation sure to endanger everyone she loves.



★★★★★ Praise for Seeley James’ Sabel Security series Makes me think of a modern Agatha Christie with an ass-kicking heroine with a thriller ending instead of a fussy Belgian in a drawing room – Melissa K.

A rock-solid, tension-filled ride that is completely entertaining all the way through. -- Ruthie ruthiejones.com

Long before David Baldacci came up with Atlee Pine, we had Pia Sabel, who proves once again to be the best — David Gormer

Plenty of edge of the seat suspense, a splash of well-timed humor, and adventures that leave you wanting more — Susan Gainoutdinov

You can feel them facing evil, staring it in the face and saying, "Bring it on!" — Ann Graham

I loved the character of Pia Sabel – there’s a girl Charlie Fox would team up with any day! — Zoe Sharp, author of the Charlie Fox novels

An excellent fast-moving action thriller — Eric Crown, Founder of F500 company, Insight Enterprises

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2021

About the author

On a rainy day when I was ten, I was transported to eighteenth century England where I met Captain Billy Bones, heard the tapping of Blind Pew’s cane, and witnessed the treachery of Long John Silver. When I closed the cover of Treasure Island, I thought to myself: When I make stuff up, I get in trouble. I need to become a writer.

Which was the career I planned on pursuing. Planned on …

At 17, I was homeless, wandering from one minimum wage job to another. At 19, I found purpose in life when I adopted a 3-year-old girl and raised her (she’s 51 now and lives across town). Children need a lot of things that cost money, so I shelved the writing idea and pursued a career in technology, selling products and services to Fortune 500 company executives.

Along the way, I met and married the love of my life. We added two children (now grown and living in LA and NYC) and carved out a life. When I’d made all the gold I could eat, I returned my focus to the career I’d always wanted: writing adventures filled with thrills and mysteries.

My beloved wife passed unexpectedly in early 2024. Now, I spend my time talking to my imaginary friends and hiking a small mountain in my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. I hope you enjoy the Sabel Security Series, and the characters of Jacob Stearne and Pia Sabel. As of this writing, there are sixteen novels completed and two more in my head. I plan to keep writing them until my mortal ink dries up.

To buy books from my writer-direct site, visit seeleyjames . com

Contact Seeley James:
Email: Seeley@seeleyjames.com
Facebook: SeeleyJamesAuth
Twitter: @SeeleyJamesAuth

Seeley is a proud member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Reviews

[Melissa Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morpheus is destined to be the mystery of the year! Exciting, fascinating, romantic, visceral, all that stuff.

Having read this whole series, I've got to say I was excited to see Pia Sabel alone as the main character. There are so many heroines cropping up ever since Wonder Woman did so well at the box office, but none of them have Pia's combination of confidence, intelligence, strength, vulnerability, and sass. This book kept me up all night, made me cry at one point, laugh at several others, and wonder who-done-it all the way through.

If you like classic mysteries with an tough, independent woman in the lead, you'll love this one.

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written story, full of action from start to finish. I had no idea who the villain was til the end. Looking forward to reading more of Pia.

[Mike Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read in the Sabel universe. It will grab your attention and keep you reading all the way to the end.

[Karen Stubbington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pia Sabel is back and in her usual hard kicking style needs to figure out who killed an old frenemy, CST Chloe England. Before she died she left Pia a message about the Morpheus Institute that killed people in their dreams.
Have you ever dreamt of killing a rival...is it possible someone has figured out a way for you to kill someone while dreaming? Pia needs to find out before someone kills her! If you like mystery, intrigue and hard hitting action then you need to read this latest book by author, Seeley James. If you enjoy this book as much as I did, you are sure to want to read more about Pia Sabel and Sabel Securities!

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pia and Benton are explosive in this suspenseful book. Seeley James did an awesome job with capturing my imagination. I enjoyed the fast pace drama and action. The action scenes description and details was terrific. I actually visualized the fight scenes. The dialogue was understandable. I didn’t get lost in the plot of the story. The book for me was very entertaining and realistic. Pisa’s character is dynamic in this book. She’s a hard nose woman who knows her stuff. I really enjoyed reading this book. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Richard JF Gallick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an AR I found the book interesting and well worth the read. For a fan of Seeley James this is a must read.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic action thriller with an excellent storyline and a great cast of characters. Pia and her Sabel Security are trying to solve another murder mystery. Contains plenty of non-stop action, lots of suspense, and some humor. An entertaining read that was quite a page turner. Highly recommended story and series. Will definitely be looking forward to the next adventure with the Sabel Security staff.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This one is all Pia. Great mystery with lots of action. We get to meet folks from Pia’s football days and really get to know Tania. Pia does a lot of growing as she faces some of her issues and may have found a love interest. Great addition to the Sabel Security storyline!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Pia is one of a kind. Intelligent, strong and great on the job. Once I start reading, there’s no way to stop until I find out what happens. Don’t miss out.

[Andrea Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

I really liked this book. This is the first book Ive read by this author, but I regularly read his emails as I find him quite humorous.

I struggled a little with the regional vernacular, for instance who knew “friendly” in terms of sports is an exhibition match? Well, I didn’t. But I’m not much of a sports person. I’m never sure when I write these reviews if people want a plot synopsis, a character analysis, and just for me to say “ yeah, it was aight”

[Rebecca Reddell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assassination, single-minded investigation, and way too many murderous revelations give us a mystery to remember.

The Morpheus Decision is the tenth book in Seeley James's A Pia Sabel Mystery: Sabel Security series. It gives readers an international mystery that will appeal to anyone looking for a detective crime novel. Despite being the tenth book in the series, I didn't find myself too lost, but I'd promote starting with the first novel as far as clearer background and character knowledge.

To begin, the start of this book hurls the reader into instant action and curiosity. We're introduced to a woman as she's being murdered, and I have to say, it amps up the anxiety while providing an intense hook. You're drawn into the last moments of Chloe England's life and her last phone call.

Pia is brought into the murder investigation by DI Jeff Benton when she learns she's the last person Chloe called. Now, Pia wants to figure out who and why Chloe England, once hardcore athlete turned English constable, was killed. Could it have something to do with the dream center at the Morpheus Institute? (This is where I start to see a short-lived parallel to the movie Inception.)

Seeley James gives readers a solid character who is dealing with stress, her past, her present, and the security company her father left her. This leads her seek control in her life in other ways and gain the assistance of a professional mental health expert. Something which I commend the character on and the author for including. I liked Pia's character for the most part and saw her as a leader with determination and perseverance, but as much as I admired her personality, something prevented me from really connecting with her.

Perhaps it's because I'm coming into this party with the tenth book, but I felt a bit afloat on all of the subplot deviations, characters, plot dynamics, and complex weaving of scenes. There's so much information being thrown about and so many characters to remember that it felt difficult keeping up with it all. Also, there were a few characters who kind of bugged me, and they didn't grow on me over time either: Liam Pickford being one example. I'm not entirely sure why, except that I didn't really trust him, and even at the end, I wasn't keen on him or the "conclusion" of his part in the story.

This would be a worthy read for anyone who appreciates a complicated, suspenseful, and in-depth plot. One of my favorite parts was in the back where the author shares "Truth in Fiction." He's definitely done his homework on what he writes, and I'd say he's thorough and thoughtful. Basically, I liked the concept, appreciated the effort, commend the author for his hard work, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys international crimes and amateur sleuths. This is why I'm giving it a 3/5 rating as "worth a read."

Thanks to the author and Reedsy Discovery for sharing an ARC copy for me to read and review.

You can find more book review on my blog: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review – The Morpheus Decision: A Pia Sabel Mystery

by Seeley James

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉In The Morpheus Decision, Seeley James plunges readers into a riveting world of power, privilege, and peril, where truth comes at a deadly price.

👉Pia Sabel, former international soccer star turned investigator, arrives in rural England to mourn the brutal murder of her friend and former teammate, Chloe England—a British constable. What should have been a quiet escape spirals into a storm of danger. From the moment she sets foot on English soil, Pia is met with hostility: attacked by a mob, dismissed by local authorities, and ridiculed by the upper class for daring to probe into an English lord and a suspicious institute. The message is clear—stop asking questions. But Pia’s determination only burns brighter.

👉Her investigation uncovers an elite assassination network catering to the ultra-wealthy, a web so tightly woven that each step forward threatens her life. Every clue peels back another layer of deceit, revealing corruption and alliances hidden beneath polished exteriors. Trust is a luxury Pia can’t afford—not with her enemies watching, and not even with the charming Scot who stirs something in her heart. As the bodies pile up, she races to unmask Chloe’s killer before more lives are lost, knowing the truth could destroy everything she holds dear.

👉James crafts a plot that is equal parts sharp mystery and emotional journey. The pacing is relentless, the prose crisp yet vivid, and the suspense laced with genuine human depth. Pia Sabel stands out as a fierce, intelligent, and deeply relatable heroine—flawed yet unyielding in her pursuit of justice.

👉For readers who love sophisticated mysteries brimming with danger, intrigue, and a strong female lead, The Morpheus Decision delivers an unforgettable ride. A masterful blend of tension, heart, and high-stakes action—highly recommended.

#review

[Fritzi Redgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Morpheus Decision, a Pia Sabel mystery by Seeley James

This is the first Seeley James book I have read and I am hooked! I certainly plan to backtrack and read more of the Pia Sabel series and then impatiently wait for the next one.

I am confident that you will feel the same way.

In this book Pia Sabel, a young woman who inherited a sizable company from her adoptive father, Alan Sabel, has been drawn into finding the murderer of her former soccer rival and friend, Chloe. Along with her trusted employees, she sets out, not just to find the murderer but to discover the motive for such a brutal murder.

Pia is able to renew her friendships with other former soccer players, and involves them in her hunt for the killer. The characters are well defined and I felt as though I knew them before long.

To say that this is the edge-of-your-seat mystery, would not do it justice; it is so much more than that. I was into the story from the first paragraph. Seeley James has an enormous talent when it comes to putting the reader at the scene. I could see the characters, smell the rain, feel the indignation when something unjust is shown or verbalized.

The only thing that I can say in summation is that if you like a book that engages you from the beginning, has plenty of mystery, some thrills and a bit of romance, this book is for you.

Fritzi Redgrave

[Pierrebleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a much better read than the Jacob Stearne books with his ever present god, Mercury. It was a joy to read it without that interfering busy body Mercury.

Pia was back in action in this book searching for the killer of one her old time football opponents Chloe England who had left her a rather long voicemail at the time she was murdered.

Pia goes to England with Tania and a few new face employees and gets embroiled in a very complex crime set up involving large sums of money and plenty of murders.

At long last Pia also meets a new man in her life, Liam from Glasgow. Will they stay together though as the story unfolds and his possible involvement met surfaces. Will Liam be able to cope with such a headstrong woman who lives life on the very edge of danger?

Pia flits between Oxford and London in her efforts to resolve the crime and meets conflict with the UK police whilst working with them, staying in a lovely London hotel and rather dismal place in Oxford.

A good read.

[Karen Kearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS

Pia is back and badder than bad. Now, Seeley, let’s not force Pia back into the bored (oops, I mean board room), she deserves to be out and about, and kicking gluteus minimus!!!!She is really adept at getting into situations in which Fecal excrement makes severe contact with oscillating wind machines. 😉

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are new to the Sabel Security stories, I highly recommend you read them in order, starting with the first book, knowing that you have many hours of wonderful stories ahead.
If you have read any of the series, why are you reading my review instead of the book?
Once again Seeley gives us a great ride. Non-stop action, intrigue and a plot to keep you reading when you should be sleeping.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes this was great

An the adventure goes on, love the inter play with the all the characters. Poor Pia how much abuse can one body take ,along with her body guard . very intriguing story this time around. Really enjoyed the read.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read! Pia and Tania make a great partnership in this mystery novel with loads and twists and, of course, action!
It’s a book very difficult to put down, as most books of the series are.

[kenseeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

I will recommend this book all my reading friends
Can't wait for next book
Pia wins again!
Plz wins again

[Frani Zumwalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love your books. Pia is awesome and so is Tania.

[Janie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! You’ll need a scorecard to keep everything straight. Plan on losing some sleep because you won’t be able to put this book down!