"Chasing Shadows" by Miles Johnson is a riveting journey through a labyrinth of mystery and intrigue. Johnson masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, where every shadow hides secrets. With deep characters and a plot that thickens with every page, this book is a must-read for fans of thrilling narratives.

What is it about illegal activities that draw people in? Wanting to understand the how and why of drug trafficking, along with how it impacts so many different aspects of the world we live in? Well, Chasing Shadows provided that glimpse in a way that left me unable to put the book down - it reads almost like a thriller rather than a non-fiction! If you have any interest in this area, or even just enjoyed reading McMafia, then I feel you would find something great here.

Thank you NetGalley and for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book. It was expected to be a thriller that was very difficult to put down and was based on a true story. To my dismay, it read more like a first draft, with the plot feeling detached, so it didn’t really flow. Additionally, it was quite hard to follow. Coming from someone that loves True Crime, I had a good understanding of the concepts, but it just felt boring. Nevertheless, it was very informative and structured in a way that made it very much similar to a NonFiction novel.

Chasing Shadows is a compulsive, high-stakes true crime thriller about the dark depths of global capitalism written by Miles Johnson, an award-winning investigative reporter at the Financial Times; he specialises in covering organised crime and financial corruption across the world. He takes us on a deep and engrossing voyage into the heart of South American cartels, Italian organised crime, Middle Eastern money launderers and more. The addictive story speeds along following the connected lives of three men: relentless Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Jack Kelly, ambitious Mafia capo Salvatore Pititto and shadowy master terrorist Mustafa Badreddine. Chasing Shadows will see the fates of these three men become fatally intertwined through a series of events that ends in the largest-ever cocaine seizure in Colombian history, a targeted assassination in Damascus and a sprawling international sting operation. We live in an age where a new breed of world leaders act like crime bosses, and crime bosses act like c.e.os of multinational companies. It's when these lines begin to blur uncontrollably that all hell breaks loose.

This is a book that plunges the reader into places that are normally hidden from the general public to reveal dark secrets about the way the world around us really works. Full of excitement, twists, turns and tension so palpable you often find your heart in your mouth, this is the best type of thriller - full throttle, non-stop action, top drawer, unrelenting. That it's based on true events is just the cherry on top of a rather tasty, calorie-laden cake. Johnson even finds time to add a little dry humour to often dangerous and emotional situations. Overall, set in 2015, in the context of the Syrian civil war, the European refugee crisis and an established global order that appears to be breaking apart, these are tumultuous social and political times. Chasing Shadows is a character-driven nonfiction crime thriller about modern-day international drugs trafficking, terrorism and geopolitical intrigue that connects the world in shocking and unexpected ways. The book illuminates themes of betrayal, institutional disillusionment and intergenerational violence inside the vehicle of a high-stakes international crime and DEA procedural thriller. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

In "Chasing Shadows" by Miles Johnson, readers are taken on a gripping journey through the underbelly of international drugs trafficking, terrorism, and geopolitical intrigue. This compulsive true crime thriller introduces us to the world of DEA agent Jack Kelly, whose relentless pursuit of justice becomes the driving force behind an electrifying investigation.

From the very first page, Johnson captivates readers with his masterful storytelling and ability to weave a complex web of suspense and intrigue. The author's meticulous attention to detail shines through, as he paints a vivid picture of the dangerous and shadowy world that Kelly navigates. Every chapter is filled with pulse-pounding action and unexpected twists, ensuring that readers will be unable to put the book down.

Johnson's exploration of the interconnected nature of modern-day crime is both enlightening and thought-provoking. Through his intricate plotting, the author reveals the intricate threads that link drugs trafficking, terrorism, and geopolitical maneuvering. This multi-dimensional approach adds an extra layer of complexity to the book, elevating it beyond a typical true crime.

Johnson's prose is concise and engaging, keeping the pacing of the novel at a relentless pace. His ability to effortlessly switch between action-packed description and moments of introspection is commendable. The writing style is accessible, making "Chasing Shadows" an enjoyable read for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.

Overall, "Chasing Shadows" is a true page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This book is a testament to the author's prowess and his ability to create a riveting narrative that delves into the darker corners of our world.

I highly recommend "Chasing Shadows" to anyone looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read.