Menu

Shadow Investigation

Category: Thriller
Author: Christopher Amato
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: May 11, 2023
Number of Pages: 280
ISBN-10: 1685131948
ISBN-13: 9781685131944

Ben and Carol Jansen are a loving couple taking their boat on a pleasure voyage to Sanibel Island. They encounter a boat in distress with a young couple on board. Ben is wary, but Carol is moved to aid the couple.  What they don't realize is that appearances can be deceiving. 

Sam Dahl is a DEA agent surveilling travelers moving through LAX airport. Sam’s role in the War on Drugs is to act on any suspicious activity and seize drug money being moved. Sam is instinctive and he can disarm many suspects with his persuasive inquiries. A recent seizure of illicit funds has Sam’s antenna up, but bureaucracy prevents further investigation from his end. His frustration is appreciable. Sam receives a call from his sister regarding the missing Jansens and he decides to travel to Florida to do some unauthorized digging. His journey just may bear fruit but in ways he never expected.

Shadow Investigation brings the reader back to 1987, during the fever pitch of the quixotic war on drugs. Sam Dahl represents a soldier attracted to the non-stop action of government derring-do, his work is incessant. The victories are short-lived, as the pipeline of drugs is never stopped for long. Sam’s resolute nature makes him a remarkable protagonist who will garner interest along with his fight against various criminals. Author Christopher Amato convincingly writes a thrilling detective novel that never cedes its grip on the reader. Amato doesn’t rely on the “Miami Vice” perspective of the drug war, relying on glitz and glamor to sell the narrative. Instead, he showcases how surveillance, wiretaps, and old-fashioned detective work can cut down drug cartels. The realism of the story infused with the drama makes for a truly readable tale. One of those books you race through. 

Reviewed By: Philip Zozzaro

|

Date: March 4, 2023

Featured

Weekly Top Picks

Hand-picked reviews our authors and readers are loving right now

Thriller, Suspense & Mystery

The Book Commentary

The Read Down

Essays, author interviews and publishing advice for curious readers and writers.

How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers
How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers
Writing and Publishing Advice

How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers

By The Book Commentary  · 

With over two million books published every year, how do readers decide what to buy—and how do authors break through the noise? The secret lies in trust. Discover how Editorial Book Reviews, ethically leveraged paid book reviews, and prestigious Author Award Contests work together to build instant credibility, boost sa...

Read the article →
Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving
Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving
Author Interviews Aug 10, 2026

Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving

By Sanjay Sabnani

Discover why your brain sabotages success and how to rewire your identity in this ActualizationOS interview on stillness, self-sabotage, and lasting change.

Read the article →
10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026
10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026
Writing and Publishing Advice Aug 6, 2026

10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026

High-quality book reviews for self-published authors are more accessible than ever. Below, we've ranked the 10 top editorial review sites for authors—platforms that combine credibility, reach, and genuine value—to help you choose the right partner for your boo...

Read the article →