I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A holiday dive turns into a history-changing mystery filled with danger in author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel.”
The Synopsis
What would you risk to uncover a secret buried for over 150 years?
From bestselling and multi–award-winning author David R. Leng comes the next pulse-pounding installment in the Echoes of Fortune series.
When historian Jack Sullivan, Smithsonian curator Emma Wilson, and fellow former Navy SEAL Steve Johnson set out for a Thanksgiving dive off Cozumel, they expected nothing more than warm waters and forgotten wrecks. Instead, they uncover a Confederate ghost ship that vanished in 1865—along with a secret powerful enough to change history.
But they’re not alone. Shadowy mercenaries and a black-hulled yacht stalk their every move, determined to silence them before the truth surfaces. From dazzling reefs to the back alleys of Veracruz, Jack and his team are forced into a deadly game where history isn’t past—it’s a weapon.
Some secrets don’t want to be found. And some will kill to stay buried.
Perfect for fans of Steve Berry, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, and James Rollins, Shadows Over Cozumel delivers nonstop action, historical intrigue, and a mystery that spans centuries.
The Review
For such a short novella, the author packs a lot of history and world-building into this narrative. The author expertly weaves mystery and intrigue into the modern-day adventure story, with a pacing that speaks to the story’s natural rhythm, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat and the tension on the page rising as these characters delve deeper into the mystery. The imagery in this story was so cinematic in its delivery, with details that brought the vibrant blues and greens of the ocean depths and the haunting shipwrecks to life effortlessly.
The dynamic between the three main characters and the engaging history were the main drives of this narrative. The exploration of Confederate soldiers’ weapons and gold has been the subject of numerous mysteries since the end of the Civil War. Yet, the ties into Mexico at the time and the idea of secret societies begun by these confederates, still being in play, added danger and suspense to the story. At the same time, the bond shared between Jack, Steve, and Emma not only showcases the bond that history can have on those seeking answers, but also highlights the hidden dangers of letting that sense of adventure become obsession.
The Verdict
Adrenaline-fueled, thrilling, and entertaining, author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel” is a must-read novella. The historical fiction series continues to expand and grow, not only with this fantastic cast of characters but also delivers a conspiracy and hidden history that would make for an excellent Netflix series, thanks to its dynamic and cinematic imagery, as well as the balance of action and character development. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
David is the Chief Risk Officer and Executive Partner of the Duncan Financial Group, a Faculty Member of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals, and author of the Amazon #1 International Best Business Books – The Laws of Insurance Attraction, Insured to Fail, and Turning Premiums Into Profits, as well as Stop Being Frustrated & Overcharged Year After Year (By Your Workers’ Compensation Program). David is a 30-year veteran of the Risk Management and Insurance industry. He is regarded as one of the brightest minds in the industry due to his unique Risk Profile Improvement Process, which identifies, controls, and reduces the risk factors inherent in any business that drive costs to an organization’s bottom line and hinder employee productivity. Since 2004, David has saved his clients well over sixty million dollars in premiums and overcharges.
With his passion for writing, David has written short stories for decades that family and friends have enjoyed. He has turned his focus to writing novels. Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold is a multi-award-winning thriller that weaves mystery, suspense, and historical intrigue across centuries. Winner of the 2024 PenCraft Book Award for Best Thriller, 2nd place in Action & Adventure at the 2024 Book Fest Awards, a Gold Book Award from Literary Titan, and a #1 Amazon New Release in Mystery/Thriller (September 2024), this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.
David was awarded the Advisor of the Year for 2008 by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals and is a frequent contributor to Dynamic Business, Environmental Health & Safety magazines, and has been published in several other periodicals and association newsletters.
David, who has 30 years experience specializing in Risk management and Workers’ Compensation, is an alumnus of Penn State where he received a Bachelor of Science in Insurance and Risk Management. His professional designations include Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Benefits & Wellness Advisor (CBWA), and he’s been designated a Master Certified WorkComp Advisor (MWCA) and Certified WorkComp Advisor (CWCA) by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.
David is also Co-Founder of Keystone CompControl, the nation’s largest single network of Workers’ Compensation specialists, and is one of only 14 nationwide Level-5 Advisors of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals. He has spoken nationally for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association as well as The Wood Products Manufacturing Association.
David is a frequent speaker for the Westmoreland HR Association, the National Workers’ Compensation Symposium, PA Society of Public Accountants, SMC Business Councils, as well as other organizations; and was added to the faculty of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals in 2012.
David spends his leisure time boating in the summer and skiing in the winter with his wife, Lynn, and their two children, Alizabeth and Luke. David and Lynn are active members of Emmaus and Autism Speaks, organizations that help support individuals with special needs, including their son Luke, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months. David’s hobbies include woodworking and ice hockey, as well as donating considerable time to his local high school by helping to design and build sets for their musical productions.
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