Shadows & Deceit: Betrayed, Uncertain, Relentless by Kevin M. Scott is a high-octane espionage thriller set in Las Vegas. A gripping debut about betrayal, survival, and justice in a world where every secret can kill.
A High-Stakes Thriller Where Trust Is the Deadliest Weapon
In Shadows & Deceit: Betrayed, Uncertain, Relentless, debut author Kevin M. Scott delivers an electrifying fusion of espionage, conspiracy, and human drama that grips from the first page and refuses to let go. Set under the neon blaze of Las Vegas, this taut thriller unfolds in a world where every ally might be an enemy, and every secret has a body count.
When a covert rooftop operation collapses, black-ops commander Chuck Barnes finds himself spiraling into a labyrinth of deceit—where honey traps, designer poisons, and merciless assassins converge around one chilling truth: the existence of BlackRose, a classified file with the power to dismantle governments. But with a ruthless phantom enforcer known as El Cucuy closing in and the city’s elite orchestrating chaos from the shadows, Barnes must protect a whistleblower, save his fractured family, and confront the ghosts that refuse to die.
Fast-paced, cinematic, and unflinchingly tense, Shadows & Deceit is a pulse-pounding exploration of loyalty, vengeance, and the moral gray zones that define modern warfare.
Plot, Pace & Power
Kevin M. Scott’s storytelling is built for adrenaline. Each chapter unspools like a cinematic sequence—sharp dialogue, crisp action, and psychological intensity woven together with a soldier’s precision. The action leaps from Vegas rooftops to Mojave deserts, from sterile intelligence offices to back-alley encounters thick with menace.
But what truly elevates the book is the humanity behind the gunfire. Beneath the tactical brilliance of Chuck Barnes lies a man scarred by duty, regret, and impossible choices. Scott’s background as a U.S. Air Force veteran breathes authenticity into every operation, every briefing, every heartbeat in the crossfire.
The narrative’s rhythm is relentless, yet moments of stillness reveal Barnes’ inner turmoil—his desperate fight to protect what remains of his family and faith in a world consumed by shadows.
Themes That Strike Deep
| Theme | Reflection |
|---|---|
| Betrayal & Trust | Every allegiance is temporary, every truth conditional. |
| Moral Ambiguity | Justice and deception blur into the same gray smoke. |
| Survival & Sacrifice | To live is to lose—and to keep fighting despite the losses. |
| Family & Redemption | Even in chaos, loyalty to one’s own blood becomes the truest battle. |
Scott masterfully balances geopolitical intrigue with emotional depth, reminding readers that espionage isn’t only about codes and kills—it’s about conscience.
About the Author
Kevin M. Scott is a Phoenix-based author and creative visionary whose experience in the U.S. Air Force lends credibility and grit to his fiction. His debut novel, Shadows & Deceit, marks the beginning of a high-octane thriller series blending realism, suspense, and psychological insight.
Beyond writing, Scott is a multidisciplinary creator, husband, and father of three. His family—including Kingston, their ever-energetic Goldendoodle—grounds his work with warmth and perspective, infusing even his darkest stories with heart.
He is currently developing the next installment in the Shadows saga and a forthcoming collection of short stories, further showcasing his range as a storyteller.
Book Details
| Title | Shadows & Deceit: Betrayed, Uncertain, Relentless |
|---|---|
| Author | Kevin M. Scott |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 231 pages |
| Publication Date | October 20, 2025 |
| Amazon Link | https://amzn.in/d/cuR1idB |
Final Verdict
Shadows & Deceit is a masterclass in modern espionage fiction—relentless in pace, rich in atmosphere, and unflinchingly human at its core. It’s the kind of debut that doesn’t just promise a series—it demands one.
Readers who love Jason Bourne’s intensity, Tom Clancy’s precision, and Lee Child’s moral complexity will find themselves completely immersed. Beneath the gunfire and grit lies a haunting question: In a world built on secrets, can truth ever survive?
The answer, as Scott reminds us, lies somewhere between betrayal and redemption—deep in the shadows where heroes are forged.
