In the Shadows of the Game

A Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brian Crime Mystery, Book 12

By: Owen Parr

Narrated by: Randy McCarten

"When the cheers of victory turn into the screams of innocence, Joey Mancuso, a relentless investigator, steps onto the darkened playing field where sports, crime, and justice collide."

"In the Shadows of the Game" follows the gripping tale of Randy Goldstein, a talented student athlete accused of a brutal murder that shakes the foundations of a prestigious university in Miami, Florida.

As the investigation unfolds, Joey Mancuso and his team discover a sinister underbelly: a crime syndicate exploiting female student athletes for explicit videos and orchestrating a clandestine network involving illegal young females forced into prostitution. Caught in the web of deception, Randy's defense attorney seeks Mancuso's help to uncover the truth. As the stakes rise, the investigators navigate a dangerous landscape where the pursuit of justice leads to a string of mysterious murders designed to conceal the illicit activities of the syndicate.

Racing against time, Mancuso must untangle the threads connecting the murders, the accused athlete, and the criminal organization that thrives in the shadows of the seemingly idyllic campus. With each revelation, Mancuso and his team expose the twisted motives behind the crimes, shedding light on a world where the pursuit of athletic excellence becomes a breeding ground for exploitation.

As the trial unfolds, the protagonists must confront not only the legal challenges but also the moral dilemma of confronting a crime syndicate powerful enough to manipulate the very fabric of the university.

"In the Shadows of the Game" explores the darkest corners of ambition, crime, and power, where the playing field is no longer limited to the sports arena. Will justice prevail, or will the shadows continue to cast their ominous presence over the lives of the innocent?

If you love novels by John Grisham, James Patterson, and Harlan Coben, In the Shadows of the Game by Owen Parr, will be a new wonderful discovery.

©2024 Owen Parr (P)2024 Owen Parr

Gripping

Absolutely edge of your seat from beginning to end. I felt like I was spellbound listening to this story and I couldn't stop. This was a brilliant work of art
via characters and storyline. Action and drama fueled the story and the dramatic music all added greatly to my wonderful experience. I didn't see it all coming, and that's the way I like it. The big twists and the explanations of how each case came out were compelling. I was blindsided at the end, and just like Mancuso I wanted my pound of flesh too. Impactful. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest opinion. The narrator did a phenomenal job bringing the characters and story to life. Randy is a perfect fit for this crime series and never fails to bring his A game. Kudos. I highly recommend this series. My only complaint was hearing Michelle Marie too frequently. It pulled me out of the moment.

Gamesmanship

'In the Shadows of the Game’ is the twelfth installment in Owen Parr's, Joey Mancuso, Father O’Brian Crime Mystery series. The story immerses Joey Mancuso and his team in a complex, dark criminal plot involving a syndicate targeting young female athletes. The contemporary theme is alarmingly realistic. This book is a captivating mystery, even for those unfamiliar with the series.

The character development in the story is remarkable, as it showcases complex, multi-dimensional characters that evolve throughout the narrative. Each character faces challenges that reveal more profound layers of their personalities, driving the plot's action and drama. Joey Mancuso and his team are distinctive, likable characters who would be fun to meet at dinner parties. The dialogue and interactions are realistically fast-paced. Randy Goldstein, the talented tennis-playing student, is accused of a horrendous murder, which Joey and his team work to resolve. The main characters' growth is highlighted perfectly through the story twists and their reactions to various situations. Overall, the character arcs contribute significantly to the compelling nature of the series.

Randy McCarten masterfully narrates ‘In the Shadows of the Game,’ enhancing the dramatic aspects of the mystery. He effectively brings these characters to life, enhancing the emotional impact of their journeys. The pace and intonations capture the gritty determination and emotional depth of the characters, with distinctive voices, while navigating a unique storyline filled with unexpected twists and gripping tension. This is a solid performance that audiobook fans will appreciate.

Owen Parr’s ‘In the Shadow of the Games’ stands out for its fresh perspective in classic whodunit mystery style. The story invites fans and newcomers to Joey Mancuso to tie together the intertwining themes of greed, ambition, and crime during the heart-pounding journey to the unanticipated ending. Highly recommended for action-packed crime mystery fans and those who want a new series—Don’t miss this gripping novel.

The thrill and suspense!

Wow! What a twist, and at the end. Will there be a sequel? Loved the story and narration. This should be made into a movie.

Randy’s Deception

I throughly enjoyed the deception and under lying plots. Was caught completely off guard. I am always kept guessing as to who did it. Love the finish looking forward to the next book. What a cliffhanger. Wonder how Marcie will take it

great story!!

I loved it great mystery. Characters were incredible made me want to listen all the time...my only thing was I cringed a bit when a magazine for a pistol was called a clip....very common misunderstanding an most people would not even notice...but you would be laughed off the range for such a mistake..clips go in automatic weapons..that being said I truly loved your audio book and thank you for all the time an effort you put into my entertainment much appreciated I assure you.

Gripping

I absolutely loved this murder mystery book. I try to figure out who the murderer is ahead of time, but I was stumped with this book. The author had me guessing till the very end. The book was entertaining and action-packed. The narrator, Randy McCarten, was phenomenal in his delivery of bringing these characters to life. I can't wait to listen to the next book by this author and narrator.

Another great story from Owen Parr

Strong and credible characters keep the story bowling along. Randy McCarton is such a talented narrator and certainly knows how to hold an audiences attention.

Riveting

With all the twists and turns, it held my attention to the very end! I must listen to story

crime

Interesting story, keeping you wondering who did it.
Excellent narration
i received a free copy for an honest review

Unraveling Dark Secrets

In the Shadows of the Game by Owen Parr is the twelfth exhilarating ride in the Joey Mancuso, Father O’Brian Crime Mystery series, and boy, does it deliver! This time, Joey Mancuso and his team are drawn into a sinister web of crime that hits close to home, exposing a vile syndicate exploiting young female athletes. The stakes are higher than ever, and the tension is palpable from start to finish.

Randy McCarten, who has consistently brought Mancuso to life, shines yet again in this audiobook. His narration is nothing short of captivating, embodying the gritty determination and complex emotions of the characters. McCarten’s ability to weave through the intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, makes this a gripping listen. As the investigation unfolds, the sense of urgency and danger is ever-present, pulling me deeper into the narrative.

What I love most about this installment is its unique blend of familiar elements and fresh twists. While it deviates slightly from previous books, with a more personal touch to the crime, it still retains that classic “whodunit” intrigue and the puzzle of connecting seemingly disparate events. The ending, as always with Parr’s books, delivers a satisfying and dramatic resolution, tying together the complex threads of the plot in a masterful way. I finished this book in just a few days, eager to see how justice would prevail.

In the Shadows of the Game is a thrilling addition to the series, offering both fans and new readers a compelling story that explores the dark corners of ambition and crime. It’s a heart-pounding journey that keeps you guessing until the very end, and I can’t wait to see where Joey Mancuso’s next adventure will lead.

And that ending?? I did not see it coming!