Authors Lounge discussion

I'm looking for feedback on the covers of my first two novels. I'm writing my third novel in the series and getting close to the cover design stage. Are the covers eye catching? Should I keep with the shadow figure? http://www.british-bobby.com/books-by...

Michael, I feel like the cover is trying to do too much.

The "radical eliminations" font is effective. The graphic of the flag is effective. The black shadow figure is effective.

But then we come to the problem: the use of all three tends to confuse the viewer (at least, this viewer!) and the use of all three leads me to to a question: which of these three elements is the most important?

I would venture to say that clarity and simplicity are the hallmarks of most effective book cover art. This is from my own perspective and others may not agree, but that's my take, for what it is worth. I wish you much success.