Read the beginning of the book!
What happens when the ghosts of your past refuse to let go? In Broken Shadows, Patrick J. Hughes crafts a riveting military thriller with the emotional depth of a character drama. Former intelligence sailor Dolan Keane thought he had left the battlefield behind, but when a terrorist plot threatens his son’s life, he’s pulled into a web of betrayal and intrigue. As Dolan battles the forces of corruption and terror, he must also confront the PTSD and guilt that have haunted him since his team’s fateful mission.
Set against the backdrop of a covert war in the Middle East, Broken Shadows blends pulse-pounding action with poignant moments of reflection. Dolan’s journey—from a man broken by his failures to a father and leader rediscovering his strength—resonates deeply, offering readers a story that’s as moving as it is thrilling. Fans of The Terminal List will be captivated by this tale of redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of family.
Broken Shadows is out now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!
Reviews from my readers
Patrick J. Hughes delivers a gripping, emotionally charged thriller in Broken Shadows, a novel that masterfully balances action, psychological depth, and razor-sharp tension. The story follows Dolan Keane, a man drowning in guilt and paranoia, as he’s pulled back into a world he thought he had escaped. Hughes expertly layers his protagonist’s personal struggles with a wider conspiracy, making for a story that is as much about survival as it is about reckoning with the past.
One of the my favorite moments comes when Keane realizes he’s being watched. However, it isn’t by the people he expects. What starts as a quiet suspicion turns into a tense cat-and-mouse sequence through the backstreets of Onancock, where Hughes dials up the paranoia, making every shadow feel like a threat. It’s a moment that perfectly encapsulates what makes Broken Shadows so compelling. Hughes doesn’t just write action, he makes you feel it, weaving tension into every detail.
The novel builds to a powerful, satisfying conclusion that lingers long after the final page. Having been a beta reader for this book, I can say firsthand that Hughes has sharpened an already strong draft into something even better. If you’re looking for a thriller with weight, grit, and authenticity, Broken Shadows is a must-read.
James d, Beta Reader Review
The first thing you notice about Dolan Keane is how he differs from, say, a Fleming or Tidyman hero by being the father of adult sons. The second is that he has a ride-or-die in Jess. Things seem to veer momentarily into an almost Things Fall Apart/”Bridge over the River Kwai scenario” when youngest son, Kevin, is unbeknownst to himself working with and for a terrorist. Then you think the whole thing’s gonna go “Taken” when a rescue plot unfolds. If I told you the name of the other two movies the ending brings to mind, I spoil the whole thing so read it yourself!
Rich B, Author of “Vampire Odyssey: or The Blue Blood of the Elizabethan Upper Crust“
Very good story. Kept me on the edge… I really liked the characters. This is the first time I have read this author and I really am impressed!
Cathy, Amazon Customer
Broken Shadows is a tense, emotionally layered thriller that follows Dolan Keane, a veteran grappling with trauma and regret, as he’s drawn back into a dangerous world to rescue his son from a terrorist group. What sets this apart is PJ’s focus on character—Dolan isn’t a super-soldier, he’s a father and partner trying to stay afloat, which makes the story hit harder.
The pacing is sharp, especially in the back half, and the relationship between Dolan and Jess adds a real emotional anchor. One of my favorite sections was the creeping paranoia in Onancock, where PJ builds suspense in the shadows instead of just through gunfire.
What really stuck with me, though, was the ending. It hits hard the first time, but it’s only on a second read that you notice how many clues were dropped throughout the book. PJ plays a long game, subtly threading hints you don’t realize are important until it all clicks.
A few slower moments in the middle, but overall, this is a smart, gripping read. Perfect for fans of thrillers with emotional weight and a twist you won’t fully appreciate until you go back and look again.
Kim T, Amazon Customer & Beta Reader