What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Tudor Manx #3
Shadow Soul
A Welsh police inspector investigates the dubious death of an RAF commander in his island community in this thrilling mystery by the author of Doll Face.
When RAF drone pilot, Bobbie Matthews, suffers a devastating trauma, it sets in motion a series of events that sets the whole Island of Anglesey on edge . . .
After an RAF Base Commander is found dead on a popular tourist beach, DI Manx is assigned to the case and soon discovers the investigation is more complex and sinister than he imagined.
Meanwhile, paranoid and wracked with guilt that her actions might have led to the death of her own husband, Bobbie sets out to uncover the truth. But at what cost?
And is there a link between Bobbie's past and the body on the beach?
Pushed to his limit, Manx is about to find out . . .
Shadow Soul can be read as part of the international bestselling DI Tudor Manx series or as a thrilling stand-alone.
When RAF drone pilot, Bobbie Matthews, suffers a devastating trauma, it sets in motion a series of events that sets the whole Island of Anglesey on edge . . .
After an RAF Base Commander is found dead on a popular tourist beach, DI Manx is assigned to the case and soon discovers the investigation is more complex and sinister than he imagined.
Meanwhile, paranoid and wracked with guilt that her actions might have led to the death of her own husband, Bobbie sets out to uncover the truth. But at what cost?
And is there a link between Bobbie's past and the body on the beach?
Pushed to his limit, Manx is about to find out . . .
Shadow Soul can be read as part of the international bestselling DI Tudor Manx series or as a thrilling stand-alone.
428 pages, ebook
First published August 18, 2020
195 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 18, 2020
Bobbie Matthews is a Royal Air Force drone pilot. While on duty she receives information that there are unfriendlies in the area. One convoy is clearly seen, the one following not so clear because of the weather. She's hesitant to fire .. but her supervisor orders her to fire. She does follow orders. Unfortunately the second convoy was not only a friendly, but was lead by her own husband.
BOOK BLURB: Paranoid and wracked with guilt that her actions might have led to the death of her own husband, Bobbie sets out to uncover the truth. But at what cost?
Meanwhile, DI Manx, is called in to investigate when a body is discovered on a popular tourist beach.
And is there a link between Bobbie’s past and the body on the beach?
The intricate plot is well written, and swirls around the deftly drawn characters. The suspense/mystery is nicely paced amid any number of suspects.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
BOOK BLURB: Paranoid and wracked with guilt that her actions might have led to the death of her own husband, Bobbie sets out to uncover the truth. But at what cost?
Meanwhile, DI Manx, is called in to investigate when a body is discovered on a popular tourist beach.
And is there a link between Bobbie’s past and the body on the beach?
The intricate plot is well written, and swirls around the deftly drawn characters. The suspense/mystery is nicely paced amid any number of suspects.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 9, 2023
Shadow Soul (DI Tudor Manx Crime Thrillers Book 3)
What a book, so full of twists and turns and different stories it was sometimes so mixed up it seemed impossible to explain. I know I couldn’t put it down, reading in bed until sleep took over. This is the way a book should grip you!! Thank you Dylan H. Jones for you skill with writing.
What a book, so full of twists and turns and different stories it was sometimes so mixed up it seemed impossible to explain. I know I couldn’t put it down, reading in bed until sleep took over. This is the way a book should grip you!! Thank you Dylan H. Jones for you skill with writing.
November 18, 2020
A good read and easy to get into although the whole conspiracy thing got a bit far fetched at times. Looking forward to more in the series and seeing where the storyline about his sister goes
September 16, 2023
enjoyable read
Lots of characters and twists and the nut still worth the time it takes to read. Several very twists. I enjoyed the story and could not think of a better ending.
Lots of characters and twists and the nut still worth the time it takes to read. Several very twists. I enjoyed the story and could not think of a better ending.
September 10, 2023
Shadow soul.
I am an avid reader of various genres but this book had made me quite emotional. The quest of a widow to find out the truth about the awful death of her husband that was the spark of a path to revenge for this former army officer. I loved it so much, I didn't want the book to end. I honestly recommend this to you and I will absolutely be looking out for some other gems by Dylan H Jones.
I am an avid reader of various genres but this book had made me quite emotional. The quest of a widow to find out the truth about the awful death of her husband that was the spark of a path to revenge for this former army officer. I loved it so much, I didn't want the book to end. I honestly recommend this to you and I will absolutely be looking out for some other gems by Dylan H Jones.
September 6, 2023
At 92yrs I find too many charactors can sometimes confuse but soon overcame this and quite enjoyed to the unexpected end. Da iawn Dylan
August 29, 2023
A Good Read
Flight Lieutenant Bobby Matthews is recently widowed and she is out for revenge. She takes on the RAF and in her quest for the truth more people must die. I enjoyed the book although I did get a bit confused at times, maybe I should have read the books in the right order. It was a good read though and I will read more by the author.
Flight Lieutenant Bobby Matthews is recently widowed and she is out for revenge. She takes on the RAF and in her quest for the truth more people must die. I enjoyed the book although I did get a bit confused at times, maybe I should have read the books in the right order. It was a good read though and I will read more by the author.
August 18, 2020
This is the third book set on the Welsh isle of Anglesey featuring DI Tudor Manx and the first one I have had the pleasure of reading. The story begins with a horrifying description of an armed drone strike on a convoy of IS insurgents travelling near Mosul in Syria. A second explosion shortly after killed six RAF officers and the official line was that it was an enemy attack. The drone was controlled and fired from the RAF’s Waddington base in Lincolnshire by Flight Lieutenant Bobbie Matthews. One of the RAF officers killed was her husband Danvir. After experiencing such a tragic loss, Bobbie is moved back home to RAF Valley on Anglesey. Undergoing counselling, a year later she is relieved of her combat status by her old commander who has also been moved to the island, and whilst still blaming herself for Danvir’s death, she is convinced there has been some sort of cover up of what actually took place on that fateful day. She vows to find the truth at any cost. DI Manx has also recently moved back to the place of his birth after his forced relocation from the Met Police in London ten months ago. Now working out of Llangeni Station, he has an odd case on his hands. Around a hundred starlings lie dead on the ground with no sign of what killed them. Rumours abound – could it be sonic booms, jet fuel or maybe sinister experiments conducted by the local RAF base? Manx contemplates on how his caseload has changed. He is not missing his old high profile cases for long however, as soon the body of the RAF Base Commander is found on Benllech beach. The team of detectives, including PC Kevin Priddle, PC Delyth Morris, DS Malcolm Nadar and Manx, led by DCI Ellis Canton, begin to investigate whether it was an accident, suicide or something worse. DCS Vera Troup wants a quick result and the beach re-opened. Then we meet Melvin Powell, ex boxer and once “The Great Welsh Hope” until a traffic accident put his career to an end. He now runs a painting and decorating business, and with his nephew Ronnie in tow is keen to reform Meibion Glyndŵr, a Welsh nationalist movement violently opposed to the loss of Welsh culture and language. They were formed in response to the housing crisis precipitated by large numbers of houses being bought by wealthy English people for use as holiday homes, pushing up house prices beyond the means of many locals. They were responsible for setting fire to English-owned holiday homes in Wales from 1979 to the mid-1990s and much worse besides. The police are already investigating several recent attacks on holiday rentals, including one belonging to Logan Collins, who has hopes of becoming the area’s next MP despite being English. It looks like Melvin has big plans in mind and nothing to lose. The very distinct threads of this story become joined together by a coincidental connection that triggers a deadly journey for everyone concerned, particularly those who feel they have nothing to live for. It is a highly complex plot, bursting with conspiracy theories, closed ranks and official secrets, and while not a quick read it is certainly a very enjoyable and fulfilling one. Was it an accident, an enemy attack or something else, I promise you will find out the truth about the events that led to Danvir’s death but you have to stick with the book till almost the very end. This story works well as a standalone, not needing to be read in order, but it left me curious as to what I’d missed out on and I shall definitely be going back and catching up with books one and two to fill in the background on Manx. Highly recommended. 4.5*
February 13, 2021
I know that this is the third installment but give us more Tudor Manx! Shadow Soul is action-packed from beginning to end. The journey the characters, both good and bad, go through in Shadow Soul will have you going through all of the emotions. Jones delivers excellent descriptions with just the right amount to let the reader’s imagination run in tandem with the story. Realistic and relatable characters come to life on the pages with Jones’s talent of creating excellent dialogue.
Following RAF drone pilot Bobbie Matthews, recently widowed under suspicious circumstances, Shadow Soul intermingles military suspense with murder mystery in a beautifully blended way. I was hooked just from the prologue, which comes in with a literal bang of action and perfectly sets the tone of the story with the need to know what’s coming next. Bobbie’s mission to expose the real story of how her husband died ensues in a deadly sequence of events with Detective Inspector Tudor Manx caught in the middle. As he follows the clues, they all lead back to Bobbie Matthews and the RAF, but what is the connection? With everything from kidnapping to murder to conspiracy theories to covert military drone strikes, Shadow Soul kept me on the edge of my seat.
Being an American, I’m not familiar with the geography and culture of the UK, but Jones’s writing technique left no room for confusion. I was exceptionally pleased with the way he provides just enough information to make these aspects of his book clear without the specificity of sounding like an encyclopedia. I am very impressed with the talent that lies in Jones’s writing because it flows in a seemingly effortless way and has an uncanny naturalness. I have already added the first two Tudor Manx books, Anglesey Blue and Doll Face, to my reading list and should a fourth installment be in the books, no pun intended, I can’t wait to jump on it.
Shadow Soul will have any fan of mystery and suspense flipping the pages so fast, they will wonder where the time went. This book will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions but in a fantastically satisfying way. I felt sympathy and compassion for Bobbie Matthews throughout everything that happens to her as well as everything she does. The characters Jones has created for Shadow Soul are complex and have so many different layers, making the story that much more realistic and lovable. Read this book!!!
Following RAF drone pilot Bobbie Matthews, recently widowed under suspicious circumstances, Shadow Soul intermingles military suspense with murder mystery in a beautifully blended way. I was hooked just from the prologue, which comes in with a literal bang of action and perfectly sets the tone of the story with the need to know what’s coming next. Bobbie’s mission to expose the real story of how her husband died ensues in a deadly sequence of events with Detective Inspector Tudor Manx caught in the middle. As he follows the clues, they all lead back to Bobbie Matthews and the RAF, but what is the connection? With everything from kidnapping to murder to conspiracy theories to covert military drone strikes, Shadow Soul kept me on the edge of my seat.
Being an American, I’m not familiar with the geography and culture of the UK, but Jones’s writing technique left no room for confusion. I was exceptionally pleased with the way he provides just enough information to make these aspects of his book clear without the specificity of sounding like an encyclopedia. I am very impressed with the talent that lies in Jones’s writing because it flows in a seemingly effortless way and has an uncanny naturalness. I have already added the first two Tudor Manx books, Anglesey Blue and Doll Face, to my reading list and should a fourth installment be in the books, no pun intended, I can’t wait to jump on it.
Shadow Soul will have any fan of mystery and suspense flipping the pages so fast, they will wonder where the time went. This book will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions but in a fantastically satisfying way. I felt sympathy and compassion for Bobbie Matthews throughout everything that happens to her as well as everything she does. The characters Jones has created for Shadow Soul are complex and have so many different layers, making the story that much more realistic and lovable. Read this book!!!
February 26, 2024
This was a SOLID book. There are quite a few characters to track, but they were introduced at a good pace and with enough description that I wasn't confused by who was who. The book starts by throwing you right into action, and then the consequential fallout and twists seemed incredibly well timed. It incorporates bits of local murder, military, political patriotism and just a sprinkling of romantic relationships. As with most crime books, there wasn't just one twist, and they were just enough to keep the plot moving in an interesting way without being too complex.
ALTHOUGH
The final twist - tbh I'd forgotten about that little nugget with everything else that went on, but OOOH I did like it.
Very interested in reading more from Dylan H Jones.
ALTHOUGH
The final twist - tbh I'd forgotten about that little nugget with everything else that went on, but OOOH I did like it.
Very interested in reading more from Dylan H Jones.
June 26, 2022
Wow! A sobering read involving PTSD, nationalism, collateral damage, lies, and conspiracy theory all fighting center stage in the 3rd installment of Dylan H. Jones’s Tudor Manx series Shadow Soul. In his latest book, Mr. Jones brings to light the topic of the military use of drones in the 21st-century war on terror. Do drone strikes cause more problems than they solve? Jones shows the effects of how the lives of those involved in such drone strikes begin to unravel. One is left to ponder the ethical, psychological, and political impact of 21st-century warfare.
September 6, 2022
Between 3.5/4* as i felt it dragged a bit, but that may be because i was reading in small bits of time.
Manx continues on, thougha small personal development occurs and a snippet on Miriam.
The main stories of blue on blue and nationalist terrorism are interesting but these were the ones i felt dragged a bit at times.
The slow spiral of Bobbi into utter maniac is poignant. The old guard Welsh nationalists broight back memories of local groups in the 70/80’s.
And then a bit of a twist at the end
Manx continues on, thougha small personal development occurs and a snippet on Miriam.
The main stories of blue on blue and nationalist terrorism are interesting but these were the ones i felt dragged a bit at times.
The slow spiral of Bobbi into utter maniac is poignant. The old guard Welsh nationalists broight back memories of local groups in the 70/80’s.
And then a bit of a twist at the end
August 23, 2023
Lots of twists and turns
The world of RAF drone pilots, loss, nationalistic terrorism and good old-fashioned murder all feature in this tale set in Wales. DI Tudor Manx has to battle through officialdom and secrecy to try to solve a murder, whilst being drawn into other crimes that will ultimately be resolved with a bang.
A diverse and complicated plot that cranks up the tension to a dramatic climax. Couldn’t put it down towards the end as it got very exciting. Good characters and interesting plots/backstories.
The world of RAF drone pilots, loss, nationalistic terrorism and good old-fashioned murder all feature in this tale set in Wales. DI Tudor Manx has to battle through officialdom and secrecy to try to solve a murder, whilst being drawn into other crimes that will ultimately be resolved with a bang.
A diverse and complicated plot that cranks up the tension to a dramatic climax. Couldn’t put it down towards the end as it got very exciting. Good characters and interesting plots/backstories.
December 22, 2023
Bobbie Matthews is a female drone operator in the RAF and when a strike of a convoy in Afghanistan goes horribly wrong, affecting her personally and directly, she sets off to find answers at the base on Anglesey. On the island her quest becomes entangled in a Welsh political intrigue requiring DI Tudor Manx to find an abducted politician while keeping the local population safe at the annual agricultural show. Very well written and fast-paced, I hope the author will continue with the series as there are still fortunately some questions to answer. Highly recommend this series.
May 7, 2024
Chilling and unputdownable
In this, the third Tudor Manx book, Dylan H. Jones has hit his stride and run a marathon.
Compelling characters (good, flawed, driven, misguided, bad and tragic) race through a plot that never slows or drags.
International politics and high-level military manoeuvring interweave with the best efforts of the Welsh Constabulary, revealing secrets I'd not guessed at. This is not your average police procedural.
All the more chilling for being so human, it's a ripper of a story.
More DI Tudor Manx please, Mr Jones!
In this, the third Tudor Manx book, Dylan H. Jones has hit his stride and run a marathon.
Compelling characters (good, flawed, driven, misguided, bad and tragic) race through a plot that never slows or drags.
International politics and high-level military manoeuvring interweave with the best efforts of the Welsh Constabulary, revealing secrets I'd not guessed at. This is not your average police procedural.
All the more chilling for being so human, it's a ripper of a story.
More DI Tudor Manx please, Mr Jones!
October 14, 2024
5* An excellent mystery
A dark tale of murder, deception, conspiracy theories and revenge, all adding up to a tense page turner.
The latest case for Detective Inspector Tudor Manx involves the murder of a high ranking RAF officer. The investigation is hampered as most of those involved are not talking having signed the Official Secrets Act. With multiple points of view and constant twists in the storyline, Shadow Soul kept me turning the pages until late in the night.
Highly recommended for lovers of murder mysteries and police procedures.
A dark tale of murder, deception, conspiracy theories and revenge, all adding up to a tense page turner.
The latest case for Detective Inspector Tudor Manx involves the murder of a high ranking RAF officer. The investigation is hampered as most of those involved are not talking having signed the Official Secrets Act. With multiple points of view and constant twists in the storyline, Shadow Soul kept me turning the pages until late in the night.
Highly recommended for lovers of murder mysteries and police procedures.
August 19, 2020
This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more from her. I enjoyed this suspense book. I found it to be engaging and a page turner. This is a well written story that has characters that brought the story to life. I had no issues connecting with them. The twists and turns kept me turning pages waiting to see what would happen next. It is full of action and suspense, I had a hard time putting it down. This was a great afternoon read and I highly recommend it.
May 16, 2021
Another great Anglesea mystery.
Like the previous two Manx books, I found this a great plot to get stuck into. This time, the RAF are involved in covering up a mistake by hiding the truth of an operation that went badly wrong, and leaving one of their officers traumatised and plotting revenge. Of course, Manx and co through trial and error get their man. Manx at the end discovering something from his past that has him wondering....
Like the previous two Manx books, I found this a great plot to get stuck into. This time, the RAF are involved in covering up a mistake by hiding the truth of an operation that went badly wrong, and leaving one of their officers traumatised and plotting revenge. Of course, Manx and co through trial and error get their man. Manx at the end discovering something from his past that has him wondering....
July 27, 2023
A good story, well written
The third in the series of Dylan H Jones's Anglesey stories featuring DI Tudor Manx. This time Man's has to deal with a terror attack, interference over the deadly results of a drone attack and from a Royal Protection officer all whilst trying to investigate the finding of a dead body on a beach.Along the way he encounters family issues, aspiring politicians and his own demons.
The third in the series of Dylan H Jones's Anglesey stories featuring DI Tudor Manx. This time Man's has to deal with a terror attack, interference over the deadly results of a drone attack and from a Royal Protection officer all whilst trying to investigate the finding of a dead body on a beach.Along the way he encounters family issues, aspiring politicians and his own demons.
August 4, 2023
Great series
Loved the DI Manx series. The books kept me intrigued all the way through and wondering if somehow he would solve the mystery of his missing sister. The plots were very believable and the interactions of the characters were strong and at times comedic. DI Tudor Manx was a strong and thoughtful leader to his team of investigative police officers. Looking forward to more from this author and in particular the continuation of this series.
Loved the DI Manx series. The books kept me intrigued all the way through and wondering if somehow he would solve the mystery of his missing sister. The plots were very believable and the interactions of the characters were strong and at times comedic. DI Tudor Manx was a strong and thoughtful leader to his team of investigative police officers. Looking forward to more from this author and in particular the continuation of this series.
August 21, 2020
This is the first book I have read featuring this detective and I will definitely be reading the others now. Very different from other detective novels I have read, it had a good story and relatable characters. I will be recommending this book to my friends.
June 12, 2021
An excellent read, and I'm generally not a big follower of the genre. Jones renders the scene so nicely - aspects of the British military, Wales, a policeman's life - that the novel becomes naturally engrossing. Jones is a keen observer and lucid writer. I highly recommend this novel.
March 10, 2024
A very good read.
Well written book with Tudor Manx getting involved in a case where houses belonging to English owners were being burned down. A tangled case with many twists and red herrings were complicating his investigation. Very intriguing story and rounded characters.
Well written book with Tudor Manx getting involved in a case where houses belonging to English owners were being burned down. A tangled case with many twists and red herrings were complicating his investigation. Very intriguing story and rounded characters.
August 12, 2024
terrorists, home and afar
A complicated mix of terrorism, cover-ups and revenge. A local police force needs to untangle a web of deceit and prevent an act of terrorism. Will they succeed?
A complicated mix of terrorism, cover-ups and revenge. A local police force needs to untangle a web of deceit and prevent an act of terrorism. Will they succeed?
January 8, 2026
Shadow Soul
There's plenty of twists in this story and I had to feel sorry for the police as they had very little to go with and wasn't getting much help. In the end I felt sorry for Bobbie. A well told story.
There's plenty of twists in this story and I had to feel sorry for the police as they had very little to go with and wasn't getting much help. In the end I felt sorry for Bobbie. A well told story.
August 1, 2023
Mystereeee
Keeps one in suspense right to the end. Can not wait for the next thriller. In the last I had a Jensen now have a mitzi, just checked my time pattern!
Keeps one in suspense right to the end. Can not wait for the next thriller. In the last I had a Jensen now have a mitzi, just checked my time pattern!
August 3, 2023
Very exciting like the other two.
May 1, 2024
A fantastic book, please let there be a fourth installment 🙏
January 9, 2025
Good read and interesting characters and plot .
January 1, 2026
James Flynt found dead on a beach.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews