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A Slippery Shadow
Snatched from her private jet, crime-boss Fidelia Morales barely escapes with her life. Now she wants revenge. But her gang of criminals is thrown into chaos as dozens of key operatives suddenly disappear.
Howard Knight—Fidelia’s former lover and accomplice in her latest heist—walks free from the same plane only to flee in a desperate quest to escape The Organization. He too is hounded by menacing encounters.
Both become entangled with massive Multima Corporation led by Suzanne Simpson. Amid a global pandemic, this powerful CEO scrambles to fill crucial executive roles while dealing with bizarre threats and mysterious interferences on three continents. All seem connected and threaten her empire.
With breath-taking reach and bewildering influence, is it possible an unseen and elusive Shadow can pull strings to manipulate people, companies, criminal organizations and governments?
Howard Knight—Fidelia’s former lover and accomplice in her latest heist—walks free from the same plane only to flee in a desperate quest to escape The Organization. He too is hounded by menacing encounters.
Both become entangled with massive Multima Corporation led by Suzanne Simpson. Amid a global pandemic, this powerful CEO scrambles to fill crucial executive roles while dealing with bizarre threats and mysterious interferences on three continents. All seem connected and threaten her empire.
With breath-taking reach and bewildering influence, is it possible an unseen and elusive Shadow can pull strings to manipulate people, companies, criminal organizations and governments?
280 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2022
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Gary D. McGugan
9 books155 followersAbout the author
I’m a former business leader, speaker and consultant who has always loved to read and tell stories.
I aim to write suspenseful and entertaining novels. I have seven published titles in a compelling series called The Multima Saga. Each plot is different, but each spins tales of the goings-on at senior levels of the fictional Multima Corporation.
Organized crime is another thread in all my stories. How criminal interests influence, infiltrate, and control many businesses around the globe has always fascinated me. My nefarious creation—The Organization—worms its way into all my novels.
Over the past fifty years, I’ve visited more than 50 countries and 650 cities on four continents, and when I left the corporate world, I had over 10,000 “contacts" from five different industries. So, I have no shortage of characters, stories, or life experiences when I write.
Join me as we travel the globe, peeking into the intriguing worlds of The Organization and Multima Corporation. I always recommend you start with Three Weeks Less a Day!
I’m a former business leader, speaker and consultant who has always loved to read and tell stories.
I aim to write suspenseful and entertaining novels. I have seven published titles in a compelling series called The Multima Saga. Each plot is different, but each spins tales of the goings-on at senior levels of the fictional Multima Corporation.
Organized crime is another thread in all my stories. How criminal interests influence, infiltrate, and control many businesses around the globe has always fascinated me. My nefarious creation—The Organization—worms its way into all my novels.
Over the past fifty years, I’ve visited more than 50 countries and 650 cities on four continents, and when I left the corporate world, I had over 10,000 “contacts" from five different industries. So, I have no shortage of characters, stories, or life experiences when I write.
Join me as we travel the globe, peeking into the intriguing worlds of The Organization and Multima Corporation. I always recommend you start with Three Weeks Less a Day!
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 9, 2022
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (02/2022):
“A Slippery Shadow” is the latest international thriller by Gary D. McGugan. This story picks up where his previous novel, “A Web of Deceit” leaves off, and is a treacherous tale of mystery, mayhem and betrayal as a covert mastermind wreaks havoc across the globe at the highest levels of power. Nobody writes international intrigue like Gary D. McGugan, so I’m always beyond excited when I learn of an upcoming release.
In this story, Fidelia Morales, Crime Boss of The Organization, faces a fight for her life when she’s abducted from her private jet, but that’s not her only dilemma. Her control of The Organization is precarious, with the FBI rounding up all her minions, and a rogue country boss undermining her authority while she’s MIA. Suzanne Simpson, CEO of Multima Corporation, fights for the very soul of her empire as bombings, international politics, executive vacancies and public opinion ravage her Supermarkets and Financial Services divisions. Howard Knight, a man with ties to both The Organization and Multima Corporation, though on the same plane with Fidelia, simply walks away, the abductors not even feigning interest in him. Howard isn’t off the hook either, though, as he soon finds himself on the run. But who is he running from? The FBI or The Organization? Or someone else? The three adversaries find themselves entangled in another web of deceit; this time orchestrated by an entity known only as The Shadow.
I’ve read all of Gary D. McGugan’s novels and I honestly can’t get enough. If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you know it’s the characters that keep me glued to the pages. McGugan writes thoroughly convincing characters that break out of the confines of the 2-dimensional pages and come to life with staggering realism - charms, flaws, and all. The addition of this Shadow figure is a brilliant nemesis to add to the angst of the main characters. Mysteriously beyond reach, and always one step ahead, he (or she) is the key pain point for our high-powered leaders, creating a cloak-and-dagger-ish backdrop and an unexpected opponent for our three rivals.
Now, I can’t write about McGugan’s characters without mentioning the women he’s so deftly created, successfully fashioning high caliber characters of strength in Suzanne Simpson and Fidelia Morales. In “A Slippery Shadow” he peels back another layer for readers to discover as he allows their vulnerabilities to rise briefly to the surface—but only briefly, before they pull themselves together behind their confident exteriors, aptly demonstrating that no matter what life or love throws at them, these ladies will not be defeated!
Complementing the amazing characters in the story is a narrative rich with well-planned astonishing plot twists you will not see coming. I was scurrying to keep up as time and again, McGugan goes one way when you think he’s going to go another. After reading all his novels, I should be fully prepared for his signature twists, but he gets me every single time! The deep betrayal of more than one key player left me completely stunned in “A Slippery Shadow.” I can’t say more, other than these actions open up exciting possibilities for further entertainment in future stories.
No novel of intrigue by Gary D. McGugan would be complete without mention of the breathtaking views he incorporates as he takes readers all over the world, highlighting multiple locales such as Singapore, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Germany, Uruguay, France, Spain and the US and Canada. McGugan brings the world to his readers from the perspective of his own adventures as a world traveler. Keeping it real, with lockdowns, restricted travel and all the upheaval resulting from the global pandemic, McGugan’s crafty characters still find ways to exert their power and jet-set all over the world, immersing readers in blanketed layers of clandestine adventure.
The only thing left to say is that I highly recommend all of Gary D. McGugan’s books. Though all the stories stand nicely on their own, please do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. The road from the first novel, “Three Weeks Less a Day” to his latest release, “A Slippery Shadow” is an incredible journey. If you like stories involving world travel, corporate intrigue, organized crime, politics, and real-world issues with amazing characters, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more captivating set of stories.
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (02/2022):
“A Slippery Shadow,” by Gary D. McGugan, is a riveting revenge thriller. Fidelia Morales, is a crime boss taken forcefully from her private jet. After escaping this close call with death, she’s a lady with payback on her mind, but her Organization is now in a state of disruption as several of her prime operatives disappear without a trace. Fidelia’s ex-lover and recent cohort Howard Knight, leaves the same aircraft untouched, and makes a mad attempt to leave the Organization, but finds it isn’t so easy shaking off threats that follow him. Meanwhile Multima Corporation’s CEO, Suzanne Simpson, hurries to replace key roles as she handles strange threats and interruptions that span three continents. It appears to be a concerted effort to bring her glorious kingdom down. The scope of what’s going on seems almost incomprehensible, but all too real. Could the mysterious Shadow actually be the puppet master behind global governments, crime syndicates, corporations, and individuals?
McGugan brings his top-tier writing skills to this powerful crime drama full of conspiracy, mystery, and intrigue. He doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to bringing the reader immediately into the plot. The story opens on Fidelia’s jet, and the descriptions of the action taking place are crisp and clean, each word and phrase deliberately chosen to drive you through each scene. I like that the author has drawn strong characters that can handle such a bold plotline.
As you read, you feel that you are in good hands with McGugan and get the idea he really loves writing this kind of novel. The dialogue moves the novel along at an even, enjoyable pace, and you never feel bogged down or confused, just mystified in all the right places. McGugan’s efficient, sparse style feeds well into the tense scenes and conversations. At times, you wonder what’s really going on, but you’re never really confused. Instead, you are as caught up in the intrigue as the characters are.
I like that Fidelia and Howard are former lovers, so they have this dynamic to play off of. The conflicts seems realistic, the drama and emotion honestly earned. Though the plot is of a grand scale, this author handles it with aplomb, giving you the sense that this high-stakes drama could jump off the page and onto a movie screen. Though the author’s writing has a broad approach, he brings you up close and personal with the characters, by way of dialogue, point of view, thoughts, opinions, and choices.
He also acquaints the reader with setting and atmosphere with his wonderful use of descriptions, from buttered English muffins to carafes of steaming hot coffee. The supporting characters add spice and variety to the story, like Stan Tan. For a compelling dive into the world of criminal conspiracy and intrigue, you don’t want to miss “A Slippery Shadow”, by Gary D. McGugan.
“A Slippery Shadow” is the latest international thriller by Gary D. McGugan. This story picks up where his previous novel, “A Web of Deceit” leaves off, and is a treacherous tale of mystery, mayhem and betrayal as a covert mastermind wreaks havoc across the globe at the highest levels of power. Nobody writes international intrigue like Gary D. McGugan, so I’m always beyond excited when I learn of an upcoming release.
In this story, Fidelia Morales, Crime Boss of The Organization, faces a fight for her life when she’s abducted from her private jet, but that’s not her only dilemma. Her control of The Organization is precarious, with the FBI rounding up all her minions, and a rogue country boss undermining her authority while she’s MIA. Suzanne Simpson, CEO of Multima Corporation, fights for the very soul of her empire as bombings, international politics, executive vacancies and public opinion ravage her Supermarkets and Financial Services divisions. Howard Knight, a man with ties to both The Organization and Multima Corporation, though on the same plane with Fidelia, simply walks away, the abductors not even feigning interest in him. Howard isn’t off the hook either, though, as he soon finds himself on the run. But who is he running from? The FBI or The Organization? Or someone else? The three adversaries find themselves entangled in another web of deceit; this time orchestrated by an entity known only as The Shadow.
I’ve read all of Gary D. McGugan’s novels and I honestly can’t get enough. If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you know it’s the characters that keep me glued to the pages. McGugan writes thoroughly convincing characters that break out of the confines of the 2-dimensional pages and come to life with staggering realism - charms, flaws, and all. The addition of this Shadow figure is a brilliant nemesis to add to the angst of the main characters. Mysteriously beyond reach, and always one step ahead, he (or she) is the key pain point for our high-powered leaders, creating a cloak-and-dagger-ish backdrop and an unexpected opponent for our three rivals.
Now, I can’t write about McGugan’s characters without mentioning the women he’s so deftly created, successfully fashioning high caliber characters of strength in Suzanne Simpson and Fidelia Morales. In “A Slippery Shadow” he peels back another layer for readers to discover as he allows their vulnerabilities to rise briefly to the surface—but only briefly, before they pull themselves together behind their confident exteriors, aptly demonstrating that no matter what life or love throws at them, these ladies will not be defeated!
Complementing the amazing characters in the story is a narrative rich with well-planned astonishing plot twists you will not see coming. I was scurrying to keep up as time and again, McGugan goes one way when you think he’s going to go another. After reading all his novels, I should be fully prepared for his signature twists, but he gets me every single time! The deep betrayal of more than one key player left me completely stunned in “A Slippery Shadow.” I can’t say more, other than these actions open up exciting possibilities for further entertainment in future stories.
No novel of intrigue by Gary D. McGugan would be complete without mention of the breathtaking views he incorporates as he takes readers all over the world, highlighting multiple locales such as Singapore, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Germany, Uruguay, France, Spain and the US and Canada. McGugan brings the world to his readers from the perspective of his own adventures as a world traveler. Keeping it real, with lockdowns, restricted travel and all the upheaval resulting from the global pandemic, McGugan’s crafty characters still find ways to exert their power and jet-set all over the world, immersing readers in blanketed layers of clandestine adventure.
The only thing left to say is that I highly recommend all of Gary D. McGugan’s books. Though all the stories stand nicely on their own, please do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. The road from the first novel, “Three Weeks Less a Day” to his latest release, “A Slippery Shadow” is an incredible journey. If you like stories involving world travel, corporate intrigue, organized crime, politics, and real-world issues with amazing characters, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more captivating set of stories.
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (02/2022):
“A Slippery Shadow,” by Gary D. McGugan, is a riveting revenge thriller. Fidelia Morales, is a crime boss taken forcefully from her private jet. After escaping this close call with death, she’s a lady with payback on her mind, but her Organization is now in a state of disruption as several of her prime operatives disappear without a trace. Fidelia’s ex-lover and recent cohort Howard Knight, leaves the same aircraft untouched, and makes a mad attempt to leave the Organization, but finds it isn’t so easy shaking off threats that follow him. Meanwhile Multima Corporation’s CEO, Suzanne Simpson, hurries to replace key roles as she handles strange threats and interruptions that span three continents. It appears to be a concerted effort to bring her glorious kingdom down. The scope of what’s going on seems almost incomprehensible, but all too real. Could the mysterious Shadow actually be the puppet master behind global governments, crime syndicates, corporations, and individuals?
McGugan brings his top-tier writing skills to this powerful crime drama full of conspiracy, mystery, and intrigue. He doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to bringing the reader immediately into the plot. The story opens on Fidelia’s jet, and the descriptions of the action taking place are crisp and clean, each word and phrase deliberately chosen to drive you through each scene. I like that the author has drawn strong characters that can handle such a bold plotline.
As you read, you feel that you are in good hands with McGugan and get the idea he really loves writing this kind of novel. The dialogue moves the novel along at an even, enjoyable pace, and you never feel bogged down or confused, just mystified in all the right places. McGugan’s efficient, sparse style feeds well into the tense scenes and conversations. At times, you wonder what’s really going on, but you’re never really confused. Instead, you are as caught up in the intrigue as the characters are.
I like that Fidelia and Howard are former lovers, so they have this dynamic to play off of. The conflicts seems realistic, the drama and emotion honestly earned. Though the plot is of a grand scale, this author handles it with aplomb, giving you the sense that this high-stakes drama could jump off the page and onto a movie screen. Though the author’s writing has a broad approach, he brings you up close and personal with the characters, by way of dialogue, point of view, thoughts, opinions, and choices.
He also acquaints the reader with setting and atmosphere with his wonderful use of descriptions, from buttered English muffins to carafes of steaming hot coffee. The supporting characters add spice and variety to the story, like Stan Tan. For a compelling dive into the world of criminal conspiracy and intrigue, you don’t want to miss “A Slippery Shadow”, by Gary D. McGugan.
May 12, 2022
Gary D. McGugan's A Slippery Shadow takes off where his last novel, A Web of Deceit, ended.
Once again, he offers a multilayered tale spotlighting the three familiar leading characters that were part of his previous novels.
We have Fidelia Morales, "chief honcho" of the savage criminal entity, The Organization, her brilliant financial adviser and former lover, Howard Knight, and Suzanne Simpson, CEO of the extraordinarily successful multi-national company, Multima.
The kickoff finds Morales showing up in Singapore from Australia in her private jet with Knight and an IT expert loaned to her by the Singaporean crime boss, Stan Tan. As the narrative unravels, we will learn more about Tan, his deceitful antics, and how he plays an integral role in the thriller.
Morales is horrified when law enforcement authorities apprehend her in Singapore. She is informed that they will extradite her to Italy, where she is wanted. She will have to answer to serious criminal charges in Italy. How long she will be locked up, and will she be able to be released, emerges foremost in her mind? Popping up is the possibility that her confinement was organized by Tan, whom she was to meet up on her landing in Singapore, to consider prospective devious illicit antics. However, she speculates Tan may have double-crossed her.
Morales believes that the one individual, who is nearby and might help her, is Knight, provided she could reach him. The Singaporean authorities let go of Knight and the IT expert, but not before Knight is queried by three separate officers seeking information about Morales for about an hour.
Before Knights' adventure with Singaporean law authorities, Knight had illegally been in Cambodia. The Organization had kidnapped him from a guest house in Siem Reap and smuggled him into Singapore with stops in Thailand and Malaysia. Incidentally, he had entered the witness protection program with the FBI. He had handed over to them valuable intelligence involving The Organization contributing to the arrest of several of its members. He is continuously playing a dual game throughout the narrative, with his cooperation with Morales and the FBI.
The story now veers to Florida and Simpson. Multima's share price has collapsed. Unfortunately, this event occurred after the company lost a leader of a division who killed herself rather than having to deal with the incriminating fallout of her poor personal decisions.
Not merely is Simpson grappling with the fallout, but she further must contend with running a major corporation in the initial stages of a global pandemic. And to boost a little more tension, one of Multima's stores in Naples, Florida, has just been bombed. There will be other bombings, including Simpson's home.
To help her break out of the chaos, Simpson approaches James Fitzgerald, who will be soon retiring from Multima. For a hefty fee, he agrees to fill the vacant position left open by the executive who committed suicide.
McGugan introduces an obscure figure identified as The Shadow to add a bit extra chicanery to the narrative. He keeps his readers speculating how The Shadow figures into the calamities of Morales and Simpson. And if this isn't sufficient, he further throws in the kidnapping of Simpson's best friend's father and the demand of fifty million dollars for his release. There is also the possibility of the involvement of the Russian Mafia.
McGugan has generated a chilling novel set in a menacing world incorporating an array of complex criminal mysteries where readers will become enmeshed and taken hostage. He also displays an excellent sense of timing. When we assume we know exactly how matters will emerge, he skillfully blindsides us with shifts in the plot while implanting several disguised nefarious characters that wind up in unforeseen directions with unpredictable results. At times, the action becomes immensely contrived, but the worst thing I can say is that the narrative has nonetheless wholly mesmerized me with its thrilling breakneck speed.
Follow Here https://waa.ai/fVQQ To read Norm's Interview With Gary D. McGugan.
Once again, he offers a multilayered tale spotlighting the three familiar leading characters that were part of his previous novels.
We have Fidelia Morales, "chief honcho" of the savage criminal entity, The Organization, her brilliant financial adviser and former lover, Howard Knight, and Suzanne Simpson, CEO of the extraordinarily successful multi-national company, Multima.
The kickoff finds Morales showing up in Singapore from Australia in her private jet with Knight and an IT expert loaned to her by the Singaporean crime boss, Stan Tan. As the narrative unravels, we will learn more about Tan, his deceitful antics, and how he plays an integral role in the thriller.
Morales is horrified when law enforcement authorities apprehend her in Singapore. She is informed that they will extradite her to Italy, where she is wanted. She will have to answer to serious criminal charges in Italy. How long she will be locked up, and will she be able to be released, emerges foremost in her mind? Popping up is the possibility that her confinement was organized by Tan, whom she was to meet up on her landing in Singapore, to consider prospective devious illicit antics. However, she speculates Tan may have double-crossed her.
Morales believes that the one individual, who is nearby and might help her, is Knight, provided she could reach him. The Singaporean authorities let go of Knight and the IT expert, but not before Knight is queried by three separate officers seeking information about Morales for about an hour.
Before Knights' adventure with Singaporean law authorities, Knight had illegally been in Cambodia. The Organization had kidnapped him from a guest house in Siem Reap and smuggled him into Singapore with stops in Thailand and Malaysia. Incidentally, he had entered the witness protection program with the FBI. He had handed over to them valuable intelligence involving The Organization contributing to the arrest of several of its members. He is continuously playing a dual game throughout the narrative, with his cooperation with Morales and the FBI.
The story now veers to Florida and Simpson. Multima's share price has collapsed. Unfortunately, this event occurred after the company lost a leader of a division who killed herself rather than having to deal with the incriminating fallout of her poor personal decisions.
Not merely is Simpson grappling with the fallout, but she further must contend with running a major corporation in the initial stages of a global pandemic. And to boost a little more tension, one of Multima's stores in Naples, Florida, has just been bombed. There will be other bombings, including Simpson's home.
To help her break out of the chaos, Simpson approaches James Fitzgerald, who will be soon retiring from Multima. For a hefty fee, he agrees to fill the vacant position left open by the executive who committed suicide.
McGugan introduces an obscure figure identified as The Shadow to add a bit extra chicanery to the narrative. He keeps his readers speculating how The Shadow figures into the calamities of Morales and Simpson. And if this isn't sufficient, he further throws in the kidnapping of Simpson's best friend's father and the demand of fifty million dollars for his release. There is also the possibility of the involvement of the Russian Mafia.
McGugan has generated a chilling novel set in a menacing world incorporating an array of complex criminal mysteries where readers will become enmeshed and taken hostage. He also displays an excellent sense of timing. When we assume we know exactly how matters will emerge, he skillfully blindsides us with shifts in the plot while implanting several disguised nefarious characters that wind up in unforeseen directions with unpredictable results. At times, the action becomes immensely contrived, but the worst thing I can say is that the narrative has nonetheless wholly mesmerized me with its thrilling breakneck speed.
Follow Here https://waa.ai/fVQQ To read Norm's Interview With Gary D. McGugan.
March 12, 2022
I'm the author so you expect me to rate it with 5 stars! But I think if you give my story a read, you'll enjoy it. Here's what a few advance reviewers said:
"What an incredible story. Exciting, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, "A Slippery Shadow" by Gary D. McGugan is one of the best stories I have ever read." (Natalie Soine)
"I enjoyed everything about this novel, from the unique plot to the excellent storyline and character development." (Jennifer Ibiam)
"This rich, vibrant tale offers all a reader could possibly want, and more, from an edge-of-your-seat thriller!" (Amy Lignor)
"As you read, you feel that you are in good hands with McGugan and get the idea he really loves writing this kind of novel. The dialogue moves the novel along at an even, enjoyable pace, and you never feel bogged down or confused, just mystified in all the right places." (Tammy Ruggles)
"Filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue, A Slippery Shadow keeps you hooked throughout the pages with an entertaining plot and twists and turns you never see coming." (Pikasho Deka)
"Gary D. McGugan's "A Slippery Shadow" is a fast-paced, action-filled story that is sure to keep you glued to the pages until the very end!" (Rolanda Lyles)
"Any reader who likes suspense, fast-paced action, and intensity would love this novel." (Rabia Tanveer)
"What an incredible story. Exciting, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, "A Slippery Shadow" by Gary D. McGugan is one of the best stories I have ever read." (Natalie Soine)
"I enjoyed everything about this novel, from the unique plot to the excellent storyline and character development." (Jennifer Ibiam)
"This rich, vibrant tale offers all a reader could possibly want, and more, from an edge-of-your-seat thriller!" (Amy Lignor)
"As you read, you feel that you are in good hands with McGugan and get the idea he really loves writing this kind of novel. The dialogue moves the novel along at an even, enjoyable pace, and you never feel bogged down or confused, just mystified in all the right places." (Tammy Ruggles)
"Filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue, A Slippery Shadow keeps you hooked throughout the pages with an entertaining plot and twists and turns you never see coming." (Pikasho Deka)
"Gary D. McGugan's "A Slippery Shadow" is a fast-paced, action-filled story that is sure to keep you glued to the pages until the very end!" (Rolanda Lyles)
"Any reader who likes suspense, fast-paced action, and intensity would love this novel." (Rabia Tanveer)
January 16, 2023
A Slippery Shadow by Gary D. McGugan is an exciting novel. The author skillfully introduces the characters and the plot. The story is suspenseful and thrilling and it moves at a nice pace. The main characters are interesting and very well-developed. There were several unexpected twists that made the story complex and unpredictable.
Overall, a very well-written mystery thriller that deserves your time.
Overall, a very well-written mystery thriller that deserves your time.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews