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Jack Widow #19
The Shadow Club
Annapolis. The U.S. Naval Academy. The beginning of his career. The end of her life.
Go back to when Jack Widow was twenty-two, in his last week at the Academy.
A dying woman asks Widow to help solve the cold-case murder of her sister using the help of a secretive club of the world’s best investigators. Only this club holds a dark secret.
The secret club appears to be for justice on the surface. But at what price?
Go back to when Jack Widow was twenty-two, in his last week at the Academy.
A dying woman asks Widow to help solve the cold-case murder of her sister using the help of a secretive club of the world’s best investigators. Only this club holds a dark secret.
The secret club appears to be for justice on the surface. But at what price?
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2023
484 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Scott Blade
50 books312 followersUSA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLER - Scott Blade is a Nomadvelist, a drifter and author. He writes the bestselling Jack Widow book series, two of which reached the Top 100 list on Amazon, knocking Harry Potter & Jack Reacher off the top spots, which angered one of the big publishers. Scott wears that fact as a badge of honor.
Scott Blade isn't a traditional novelist who spends his time stuck behind a computer desk in some dreary office. He truly walks the walk. He drifts around like the nomad he writes about, touring the world, writing mysteries and searching for the perfect coffee.
Scott Blade isn't a traditional novelist who spends his time stuck behind a computer desk in some dreary office. He truly walks the walk. He drifts around like the nomad he writes about, touring the world, writing mysteries and searching for the perfect coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 27, 2023
I have been following Scott Blade since he started writing about Cameron Reacher, sadly he had to stop that. The Shadow Club is the latest book in what came instead. Jack Widow is an ex NCIS agent turned wanderer and in this book we go all the way back to his early days in the Navy. The story deals with how to punish murderers in an alternative way. It is as always well written and even though it takes it slow in the beginning it soon speeds up. For those out there that has missed this great series there is now a possibility to get a free short story on his webpage. Go get it. I really recommend his work.
December 28, 2023
It's different from the others in the series. Bit of a prequel to what Jack Widow becomes later in life. The earlier ones had Jack Reacher echoes, this one doesn't, not as much. Good one-time read though.
December 18, 2023
Different but very good.
Unusually for a Widow story, this has a slow build up because of it being a flashback to a very young Widow and is not as gripping as normal. However, once the real meat of the story kicks in, it is as good as ever and the action then is gripping and satisfying.
Unusually for a Widow story, this has a slow build up because of it being a flashback to a very young Widow and is not as gripping as normal. However, once the real meat of the story kicks in, it is as good as ever and the action then is gripping and satisfying.
February 19, 2024
Ever so disappointing. A 2.5 but rounded to 3 since I like all the other Widow books.
This one travels back to Widow's time at Anapolis and his "affair" with an older instructor who specializes in forensics. He finds out she is dying and agrees to take her place at a meeting of a shadow club that takes on cold cases (her sisters murder, 20 yrs ago). She sends him with a bunch of documents and the old detective from the case (now an FBI agent) to represent her.
Her case is "chosen" but what does that really mean? Widow's deductive skills are shown here in their infancy as he seems to figure it out the killer in less than a week, but not before more bodies fall, he & Howie (FBI agent) are mugged and a trip from Maryland to Philadelphia and Bar Harbor Maine.
The Shadow club is not what it seems and it's obvious what they do early on. It rambles and seems disjointed in places. Looking forward to the next Widow being more like the others in the series.
This one travels back to Widow's time at Anapolis and his "affair" with an older instructor who specializes in forensics. He finds out she is dying and agrees to take her place at a meeting of a shadow club that takes on cold cases (her sisters murder, 20 yrs ago). She sends him with a bunch of documents and the old detective from the case (now an FBI agent) to represent her.
Her case is "chosen" but what does that really mean? Widow's deductive skills are shown here in their infancy as he seems to figure it out the killer in less than a week, but not before more bodies fall, he & Howie (FBI agent) are mugged and a trip from Maryland to Philadelphia and Bar Harbor Maine.
The Shadow club is not what it seems and it's obvious what they do early on. It rambles and seems disjointed in places. Looking forward to the next Widow being more like the others in the series.
January 18, 2026
Brilliant narration from Alan Philip Ormond
We meet a young Widow and can see the man he before and the an insight why and how .
We have a club that believes that they are dealing out justice. Yes some times you see justice is blind and needs a push. But also that self justice is can be even blinder,
Widow is just on the first steps to his Navy career and in love. When asked to delivery documents for a society that looks into old crimes are story picks up and builds. Widow has one thing that was always in him truth and justice. Oh he does get his hand let’s say dirty but he never crosses the line of judgment.
A secret society, the truth that shocks many and the meeting of his further. I did love reading and listening to this book, it explains how Widow stops his heart falling. Action, drama, distrust, and a broken heart that turns a young shipman into a warrior.
We meet a young Widow and can see the man he before and the an insight why and how .
We have a club that believes that they are dealing out justice. Yes some times you see justice is blind and needs a push. But also that self justice is can be even blinder,
Widow is just on the first steps to his Navy career and in love. When asked to delivery documents for a society that looks into old crimes are story picks up and builds. Widow has one thing that was always in him truth and justice. Oh he does get his hand let’s say dirty but he never crosses the line of judgment.
A secret society, the truth that shocks many and the meeting of his further. I did love reading and listening to this book, it explains how Widow stops his heart falling. Action, drama, distrust, and a broken heart that turns a young shipman into a warrior.
September 20, 2024
Best of the bunch
The author plagerizes Lee Childs Jack Reacher so flagrantly that I'm surprised he's still able to publish anything. I like Widow because I like Jack Reacher. It's like more adventures.
So why did I give this book 4 stars? Because this is the least plagerized of them all. This takes u to the beginning of Widows' career. It was well written and emotional. I have to add that I'm actually on board with the judge and his scales of justice group. Too many bad guys are released due to technical legalities.
They screwed up at the end by purposely taking out good guys to cover their secret.
But now we know how Widow got into the NCIS.
The author plagerizes Lee Childs Jack Reacher so flagrantly that I'm surprised he's still able to publish anything. I like Widow because I like Jack Reacher. It's like more adventures.
So why did I give this book 4 stars? Because this is the least plagerized of them all. This takes u to the beginning of Widows' career. It was well written and emotional. I have to add that I'm actually on board with the judge and his scales of justice group. Too many bad guys are released due to technical legalities.
They screwed up at the end by purposely taking out good guys to cover their secret.
But now we know how Widow got into the NCIS.
January 25, 2024
Stunning stunning stunning
I can't remember when I started reading this series, I think it was last week, so I've read all 19 and loved every word every paragraph every full stop.
People who don't read books are missing out on life, when there are writers like Scott Blade whom I would have never found If not for kindle.
Incest that I think now I'm up to date with the Widow series, so I will have to look for more from this author. Who in my humble opinion is a wordsmith of the highest order. And I thank him for giving me such a thrilling ride.😀
I can't remember when I started reading this series, I think it was last week, so I've read all 19 and loved every word every paragraph every full stop.
People who don't read books are missing out on life, when there are writers like Scott Blade whom I would have never found If not for kindle.
Incest that I think now I'm up to date with the Widow series, so I will have to look for more from this author. Who in my humble opinion is a wordsmith of the highest order. And I thank him for giving me such a thrilling ride.😀
December 18, 2023
There is a group called The Seven headed by a judge and consisting of elite men. For a price, they will have eliminated murderers and rapists who escape the legal system. They call it justice. Jack Widow has completed all his studies for the Naval Academy. Just the ceremony, before he ships out. That will be delayed as he gets involved with solving a cold case murder. The 22 year old Jack Widow has a lot to learn, but he is a very fast learner. Excellent story!
January 2, 2024
Good storyline but……
Story was interesting and somewhat enjoyable. What ruined it for me was the many moments of juvenile writing; 3,4, 5 word sentences one on top of another and needless saying the same thing in different ways. Writers need to take their time to reread their manuscripts to improve their sentence structures and wordsmithing. Two more stars IF this book flowed better
Story was interesting and somewhat enjoyable. What ruined it for me was the many moments of juvenile writing; 3,4, 5 word sentences one on top of another and needless saying the same thing in different ways. Writers need to take their time to reread their manuscripts to improve their sentence structures and wordsmithing. Two more stars IF this book flowed better
February 21, 2024
Five Stars
I have read all of the Jack Widow books in order. This one adds a different perspective to the character. In so many ways it is really sad, but then again it is the catalyst for the person who will become the man we know and respect. A great read and very well put together. A big thank you to the author Scott Blade, and from me another well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I have read all of the Jack Widow books in order. This one adds a different perspective to the character. In so many ways it is really sad, but then again it is the catalyst for the person who will become the man we know and respect. A great read and very well put together. A big thank you to the author Scott Blade, and from me another well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
August 7, 2024
DIFFERENT
I knew this would enlighten we who have read 18 books beforehand to the early Winter. It was a bit slow to me, but I soon realized things were speeding up quickly. And behold, another great story that I should have expected from Mr. Blade all along. In my early thoughts maybe 3 stars, then 4, but of course it finished a blazing 5 !! So now I anxiously await Jack Widow Book 20.
You won’t want to miss any of these exciting books!
I knew this would enlighten we who have read 18 books beforehand to the early Winter. It was a bit slow to me, but I soon realized things were speeding up quickly. And behold, another great story that I should have expected from Mr. Blade all along. In my early thoughts maybe 3 stars, then 4, but of course it finished a blazing 5 !! So now I anxiously await Jack Widow Book 20.
You won’t want to miss any of these exciting books!
December 17, 2023
Disappointed
I hardly recognized Widow at first, then considered I must be reading the first first book in the series. Why going back? Makes no sense. I was very disappointed by the rambling. Apparently the author didn’t think the ending was important. It seemed completely unplanned Again, disappointment
I hardly recognized Widow at first, then considered I must be reading the first first book in the series. Why going back? Makes no sense. I was very disappointed by the rambling. Apparently the author didn’t think the ending was important. It seemed completely unplanned Again, disappointment
December 19, 2023
Good but…
The story is good. BUT why do writers want to use the present tense. I guess it’s fashionable but I find it irritating. Some authors who used it I never finished the book and never read them again. The Widow series is good enough that I will persevere but hopefully the next book will go back to the old way of storytelling.
The story is good. BUT why do writers want to use the present tense. I guess it’s fashionable but I find it irritating. Some authors who used it I never finished the book and never read them again. The Widow series is good enough that I will persevere but hopefully the next book will go back to the old way of storytelling.
Read
December 28, 2023Disappointing! Scott Blade's first 3 books were much better written. They were captivating. Shadow Club is not, & is boring in most pages. The premise of a secret organization is good, but it goes off the rails by wanting the reader to believe a 22 year old Midshipman solves the mysteries. Very wordy, as if the author needed to fill pages. I would not recommend this new book.
January 6, 2024
Worth the wait!
At first, when I found out the book was going back to the beginning, I was a little apprehensive that I would like the novel. However, it was superb! I enjoyed every minute of this book! I hope the series continues! This has been my favorite series. I have read over the years. Well done.
At first, when I found out the book was going back to the beginning, I was a little apprehensive that I would like the novel. However, it was superb! I enjoyed every minute of this book! I hope the series continues! This has been my favorite series. I have read over the years. Well done.
January 7, 2024
A really good read
These Jack Widow books are up there with the Jack Reacher books. They keep you reading right up to the very last word. This book takes you to the start of Widows career and it is pretty good. I hope there will be more books. I'd give these books ten stars if I could.
These Jack Widow books are up there with the Jack Reacher books. They keep you reading right up to the very last word. This book takes you to the start of Widows career and it is pretty good. I hope there will be more books. I'd give these books ten stars if I could.
February 9, 2024
19 for 19
OK, I can come up for air
Just finished Book 19, after binging all the previous 18 in a row. This may be one of the best yet, in particular, it being Widow’s backstory; and what a backstory it is.
Speaking of backstories, finally read Scott’s. His contact, way back when, with Lee Child’s crew, explains so, so much. Now I have to wait for Book 20.
OK, I can come up for air
Just finished Book 19, after binging all the previous 18 in a row. This may be one of the best yet, in particular, it being Widow’s backstory; and what a backstory it is.
Speaking of backstories, finally read Scott’s. His contact, way back when, with Lee Child’s crew, explains so, so much. Now I have to wait for Book 20.
June 20, 2024
It’s a good story that wines around and takes quite a few turns, excellent writing by Blade. My interest and intrigue is kept wanting. I wasn’t to impressed with Blade downplaying the SWAT guys, not to flattering. Why even “Widow” looked behind him, yet not SWAT? You canebayflyer@gmail.com do better Blade. Still a 5.
March 17, 2025
Another great
I'm hoping all that happens in these books is.purely fiction. If not ill be hesitant to leave my house. This story starts back at the beginning which helps to put the beginning of Widows life in perspective. Unbelievable what happens with him, but its truly a great story.
I'm hoping all that happens in these books is.purely fiction. If not ill be hesitant to leave my house. This story starts back at the beginning which helps to put the beginning of Widows life in perspective. Unbelievable what happens with him, but its truly a great story.
December 19, 2023
Womderful and fast read
I enjoyed learning about a young Widow. The reason he is who he is. Full of action it mever let me down. I tried to slow my reading because I didn’t want to finish it but alas I couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed learning about a young Widow. The reason he is who he is. Full of action it mever let me down. I tried to slow my reading because I didn’t want to finish it but alas I couldn’t put it down.
December 29, 2023
Interesting Story
This was a good story that provides a lot of background on the beginning of the Shadow career. I liked reading about the early days of his career. It just sometimes gets a bit too much into the weeds describing his surroundings.
I look forward to the next book.
This was a good story that provides a lot of background on the beginning of the Shadow career. I liked reading about the early days of his career. It just sometimes gets a bit too much into the weeds describing his surroundings.
I look forward to the next book.
January 2, 2024
Prologue to a worthy life?
What put Widow on his path to help the unhelpable? What was he like before the Navy trained him? Has he found the right woman to share his future with? This is the story that leads to the Widow we all love to read about.
What put Widow on his path to help the unhelpable? What was he like before the Navy trained him? Has he found the right woman to share his future with? This is the story that leads to the Widow we all love to read about.
January 5, 2024
Another Amazing Read
Once again Jack Widow keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lots of twists and turns and a story line you can't guess. Love all the great characters. Highly recommend this series!!
Once again Jack Widow keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lots of twists and turns and a story line you can't guess. Love all the great characters. Highly recommend this series!!
May 8, 2024
the shadow club book 19
Jack widow books are so much like Jac reacher books. The authors must be friends not to sue and counter sue each other.
Think of Jack Widow as Reacher with different time line.
Jack widow books are so much like Jac reacher books. The authors must be friends not to sue and counter sue each other.
Think of Jack Widow as Reacher with different time line.
January 27, 2025
Another masterpiece!
Once again another well crafted storyline that is filled with surprises right to the very end. Widow continues to maintain his high moral standing and keen wit. We need more like him in real life.
Once again another well crafted storyline that is filled with surprises right to the very end. Widow continues to maintain his high moral standing and keen wit. We need more like him in real life.
April 27, 2025
Disappointed
The is third person present tense and this doesn't work for a thriller. Have read 18 other of the Widow books but won't be reading any more.if he writes in present tense .
The is third person present tense and this doesn't work for a thriller. Have read 18 other of the Widow books but won't be reading any more.if he writes in present tense .
December 17, 2023
widow’s first love ends in tragedy
Very interesting prequel to the story of Widow - the drifter.
Quite a complicated past the idealistic Widow who always believed in what is right.
Very interesting prequel to the story of Widow - the drifter.
Quite a complicated past the idealistic Widow who always believed in what is right.
December 17, 2023
the origin story
Oh Jack…..how Widow fell in love, his quest in the fulfillment of a mission for his love, and the cataclysmic fallout from same.
Oh Jack…..how Widow fell in love, his quest in the fulfillment of a mission for his love, and the cataclysmic fallout from same.
December 20, 2023
Another good Jack Widow book
Lots of twists and turns. A look back to a young Jack Widow. I enjoyed reading it. I have read all of the other 18 books.
Lots of twists and turns. A look back to a young Jack Widow. I enjoyed reading it. I have read all of the other 18 books.
December 20, 2023
What a prequel. Fantastic brings a lot of understanding to WIDOW. Already got the next one ordered. Annoy wait for Widow career to start and joining NCIS. Keep them coming, pleaseeeeeeee
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews