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Signs of Life #6
Secrets in Shadows
A Spellbinding Story of Greed, Corruption, Hope, and Undying Friendship
Portland Police Detective Wayne Deetz and son, Brandon, a rookie officer, are investigating a vicious drug ring that may have ties to notorious gangster Sidney Grimaldi. With each startling piece of evidence the Deetz boys uncover, Grimaldi’s noose rachets tighter and someone else turns up dead.
Meanwhile, the life of Police Sergeant Dolby Tidwell is unraveling before his eyes. His adult son is a walking timebomb. His longtime wife appears to be seeking a relationship outside the marriage. His best friend was shot and killed amidst shady circumstances in a mysterious cold case. And Tidwell is turning to the bottle to make it all go away.
When Deetz is sidelined and bad boy cop Harold Rickert is forced to partner with Brandon, matters plummet to unthinkable depths.
With breakneck pacing and extraordinary twists and turns, Secrets in Shadows is an unforgettable tale of greed, corruption, hope, and undying friendship.
Portland Police Detective Wayne Deetz and son, Brandon, a rookie officer, are investigating a vicious drug ring that may have ties to notorious gangster Sidney Grimaldi. With each startling piece of evidence the Deetz boys uncover, Grimaldi’s noose rachets tighter and someone else turns up dead.
Meanwhile, the life of Police Sergeant Dolby Tidwell is unraveling before his eyes. His adult son is a walking timebomb. His longtime wife appears to be seeking a relationship outside the marriage. His best friend was shot and killed amidst shady circumstances in a mysterious cold case. And Tidwell is turning to the bottle to make it all go away.
When Deetz is sidelined and bad boy cop Harold Rickert is forced to partner with Brandon, matters plummet to unthinkable depths.
With breakneck pacing and extraordinary twists and turns, Secrets in Shadows is an unforgettable tale of greed, corruption, hope, and undying friendship.
216 pages, Hardcover
Published January 10, 2024
156 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Creston Mapes
37 books487 followersCreston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad’s early American furniture store - The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.
He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.
Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.
Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.
Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.
Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact
For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
STAND ALONE THRILLERS
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody
SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?
THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone
ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt
He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.
Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.
Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.
Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.
Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact
For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
STAND ALONE THRILLERS
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody
SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?
THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone
ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 24, 2023
Wow!! This series!!! I’m totally hooked on this author!! I love these characters so much and I hope he continues with another book because we have to see Deetz safely retire. And even though she’s not always a main character throughout a book, I just love Leena so much!! How can you not love her??!!! She is so funny and lovable!! I’ll be watching out for a continuation!! Please!! 🙏🏻
July 19, 2023
I was so excited to get another book in this series as main character Portland Detective Wayne Deetz tries to hold on for just a few more months until retirement and his police pension. From alcoholism to dirty cops to self inflicted pain and regret, this is a wild ride you will love! Mapes books are consistently suspenseful, well researched, and well written, with fresh, realistic characters, and a distinctly clean, Christian message full of hope. This book ticks all those boxes and more. Reading one of his books is always a matter of trying to find a balance between needing to finish it in a day, desperate to find out what happens, and wanting to savor it and pace it out because I do not want it to end. I always hold my breath waiting for his next book and it is worth it every time. Secrets in Shadows can be read as a stand alone novel, but why would you do that? Read the entire series, then read his other books for time well spent. I look forward to more from Creston Mapes, especially as we need to get Deetz safely retired. The poor guy deserves a break. Maybe a Brandon Deetz or Nick Tidwell spin off novel? Whatever it is, it promises to be another winner!
July 28, 2023
Another Excellent Book
These characters are so genuine dealing with real life issues. It's easy to get emotionally attached to the characters. Creston Mapes is a master at story telling. I can't wait for his next release.
These characters are so genuine dealing with real life issues. It's easy to get emotionally attached to the characters. Creston Mapes is a master at story telling. I can't wait for his next release.
July 24, 2023
Mapes hits the bullseye with "Secrets in Shadows." This hard-hitting Christian thriller reveals the gut-wrenching truth of closet drinking, the ease of police cover-ups, and the parental angst of watching a grown child face overwhelming challenges. The "Signs of Life" series has kept me on the edge of my seat.
July 6, 2023
Clean Suspense
Just wish I could give it 6-10* great story filled with faith ,strong characters and edge of your seat situations . Creston Mapes series is one you don't want to miss.
Just wish I could give it 6-10* great story filled with faith ,strong characters and edge of your seat situations . Creston Mapes series is one you don't want to miss.
July 3, 2023
Fasten Seatbelts!
The Portland police department has a corrupt cop and an alcoholic sergeant leading the department. What could go wrong? Brandon Deetz is assigned to ride with Rickerts, the dirty cop, and he quickly learns the level of corruption he is dealing with. There is strife on every side, and Creston Mapes brings it all together masterfully. I sincerely hope there is at least one more installment so we can get that retirement safely handled for the Deetz family.
The Portland police department has a corrupt cop and an alcoholic sergeant leading the department. What could go wrong? Brandon Deetz is assigned to ride with Rickerts, the dirty cop, and he quickly learns the level of corruption he is dealing with. There is strife on every side, and Creston Mapes brings it all together masterfully. I sincerely hope there is at least one more installment so we can get that retirement safely handled for the Deetz family.
July 3, 2023
Good read.
Fantastic book. Creston Makes is an outstanding writer. This is from the series of Dietz. A Portland police officer getting ready for retirement his police office son and his sergeant. Don't miss it.
Fantastic book. Creston Makes is an outstanding writer. This is from the series of Dietz. A Portland police officer getting ready for retirement his police office son and his sergeant. Don't miss it.
July 2, 2023
A Very Compelling Book!!
I love this Author’s books and especially the characters in this series. The storyline was very creative and interesting. The ending was very touching and also left room for more books!!
I love this Author’s books and especially the characters in this series. The storyline was very creative and interesting. The ending was very touching and also left room for more books!!
July 2, 2023
Hiding in the Shadows
Creston has done it again with a riveting, edge of your seat thriller! You won't want to put this story down because of the intrigue it deals out. If you like reading good books with great story lines, then begin with book one, Signs of Life!
Creston has done it again with a riveting, edge of your seat thriller! You won't want to put this story down because of the intrigue it deals out. If you like reading good books with great story lines, then begin with book one, Signs of Life!
February 4, 2024
A family in shambles & a bad cop.
Tidwell has a drinking problem. At the beginning he only drinks after work. His wife is about to leave him. Tidwell is married to his job & alcohol. His son is in his 20s and they had to kick him out of the house. He's an EMT, but he's doing drugs. Tidwell finds out his wife is texting & face timing another man. Tidwell goes to an AA meeting but insists he's not as bad as everyone else there. After all he doesn't day drink. Brandon's dating a girl that sends off stalker vibes. Rickert is the prejudice cop who loves to beat up on people. No one likes him. If they do they haven't driven with him. Brandon rides with Rickert because Deetz is still recuperating from a gun shot wound. While harassing two black kids Rickert & Brandon hear one boy say he knows what happened at the theater. Brandon knows because his dad told him. Brandon tells his dad. Brandon & Clarence decide to go look for these boys. The boys tell him where the gun is. Brandon calls his dad. Brandon & Clarence wait at the place the gun is. However, Tidwell is so drunk he agrees to a blackmail in order to keep someone out of jail.
Tidwell has a drinking problem. At the beginning he only drinks after work. His wife is about to leave him. Tidwell is married to his job & alcohol. His son is in his 20s and they had to kick him out of the house. He's an EMT, but he's doing drugs. Tidwell finds out his wife is texting & face timing another man. Tidwell goes to an AA meeting but insists he's not as bad as everyone else there. After all he doesn't day drink. Brandon's dating a girl that sends off stalker vibes. Rickert is the prejudice cop who loves to beat up on people. No one likes him. If they do they haven't driven with him. Brandon rides with Rickert because Deetz is still recuperating from a gun shot wound. While harassing two black kids Rickert & Brandon hear one boy say he knows what happened at the theater. Brandon knows because his dad told him. Brandon tells his dad. Brandon & Clarence decide to go look for these boys. The boys tell him where the gun is. Brandon calls his dad. Brandon & Clarence wait at the place the gun is. However, Tidwell is so drunk he agrees to a blackmail in order to keep someone out of jail.
February 10, 2024
Excellent, stand-alone story that is #6 in this series by Creston Mapes
These are excellent stories that are exciting and involve intriguing mysteries! Mapes includes inspiring characters who face contemporary problems and faith-challenging obstacles. Wayne Deetz is nearing retirement, and proudly training his son on Portland Police Bureau. Faith is extremely important to Deetz and others see his steady assurance and calm demeanor. I really enjoyed this book and all 6 in the series!
These are excellent stories that are exciting and involve intriguing mysteries! Mapes includes inspiring characters who face contemporary problems and faith-challenging obstacles. Wayne Deetz is nearing retirement, and proudly training his son on Portland Police Bureau. Faith is extremely important to Deetz and others see his steady assurance and calm demeanor. I really enjoyed this book and all 6 in the series!
February 9, 2025
Great clean story and unfortunately reflective of the Wokeness in Oregon and other cities.
Only negative I see is that two men apparently get clean of drugs and booze at the very end very quickly. I thought that may happen but figured the Lord would have been given full credit for the Miracle.
Mapes is a great writer, I'm anxious to read more of his books. Loves the Lord and no profanity.....
4 1/2 stars *****
Only negative I see is that two men apparently get clean of drugs and booze at the very end very quickly. I thought that may happen but figured the Lord would have been given full credit for the Miracle.
Mapes is a great writer, I'm anxious to read more of his books. Loves the Lord and no profanity.....
4 1/2 stars *****
October 13, 2023
THE EXCELLENT PERFECT STORM!!!!
This read was just as good as the Nobody book, maybe even better!! I LOVE the artist that You are as well as Your Ministry. I SO Appreciate YOUR GENEROSITY with your books and the fact that You have them available on KINDLE UNLIMITED!!
YOU ROCK, AND MAY JESUS RICHLY BLESS YOU!
🙏😇🤗
This read was just as good as the Nobody book, maybe even better!! I LOVE the artist that You are as well as Your Ministry. I SO Appreciate YOUR GENEROSITY with your books and the fact that You have them available on KINDLE UNLIMITED!!
YOU ROCK, AND MAY JESUS RICHLY BLESS YOU!
🙏😇🤗
August 2, 2023
Everyone has Secrets
Creston Mapes out did himself. Very realistic, we never want to believe our children are into drugs, or that cops kill other cops. Mapes shows readers how Jesus can take darkness into His light .you will not be disappointed
Creston Mapes out did himself. Very realistic, we never want to believe our children are into drugs, or that cops kill other cops. Mapes shows readers how Jesus can take darkness into His light .you will not be disappointed
October 7, 2023
Love Loved it!!
I couldn't wait for it to come out! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!!! I don't usually read this big of a book series. 3 is usually how I do. But Creston had me after the 2nd book until the 6th!!
I couldn't wait for it to come out! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!!! I don't usually read this big of a book series. 3 is usually how I do. But Creston had me after the 2nd book until the 6th!!
December 18, 2023
Another page-turner from an amazing suspense author. I need more stories about the Deetz family, hope this is not the end of the Signs of Life series. I will hope for more in this series, as I read more Creston Mapes books. I highly recommend every book by this author!
October 19, 2024
great read
Fast paced, believable and realistic. A pleasure to read fiction that is clean, not filled with profanity, and shows that folks with faith do work along side others in this world who don’t think the same.
Fast paced, believable and realistic. A pleasure to read fiction that is clean, not filled with profanity, and shows that folks with faith do work along side others in this world who don’t think the same.
June 30, 2023
Secrets in Shadow
EXCELLENT, as always! I love any book by Creston Mapes.I have read them all. He keeps you guessing from beginning to end. ❤️
EXCELLENT, as always! I love any book by Creston Mapes.I have read them all. He keeps you guessing from beginning to end. ❤️
July 23, 2023
Enthralling!
Full of drama, excitement and “what will happen next?” Page after page, character after character, relationship upon relationship. Go for it!
Full of drama, excitement and “what will happen next?” Page after page, character after character, relationship upon relationship. Go for it!
September 12, 2023
Creston Mapes outdid himself with this thriller! Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat!!!
I highly all his books!!!!!!!
I highly all his books!!!!!!!
September 22, 2023
Good storytelling and plot. Didn’t enjoy characters as much as previous books.
December 19, 2023
Wonderful to read Christian fiction!
April 12, 2024
Great series! Happy to see he is working on #7. I recommend~
July 19, 2024
Loved! Can't believe this is the last in the series??? Maybe you've got one more in you to take us through Deetz' retirement????
August 8, 2024
good read
Not the best in the series but still a good read I enjoyed the focus on Brandon for a change of pace.
Not the best in the series but still a good read I enjoyed the focus on Brandon for a change of pace.
September 2, 2024
Just waiting on the next chapter! 🩷
December 1, 2024
So good
May 25, 2025
As always enjoyed this book in the signs of life series. Lena as a character is growing and provides wonderful snatches of humour .
Training of Deetz junior continues, good to flesh his character out further although I found the actions of his girlfriend Kristen to be sketchy and a little unrealistic, but felt she's one to be developed in future books perhaps.
I was a little disappointed as the ending felt rushed, but then the end of all Creston's books comes too early.! Hard not to put spoilers in, but it would have been very interesting to have sat in on the first counselling session for the boss and his wife, that so much ground of hurt and pain seems to vanish in such a short time , but then the grace of God is spectacular.! Loved the story , the characters the twists and turns , read this after the other books I'd be interested to hear if you think the ending was more of a summary than a denouement . Please keep writing ....
Training of Deetz junior continues, good to flesh his character out further although I found the actions of his girlfriend Kristen to be sketchy and a little unrealistic, but felt she's one to be developed in future books perhaps.
I was a little disappointed as the ending felt rushed, but then the end of all Creston's books comes too early.! Hard not to put spoilers in, but it would have been very interesting to have sat in on the first counselling session for the boss and his wife, that so much ground of hurt and pain seems to vanish in such a short time , but then the grace of God is spectacular.! Loved the story , the characters the twists and turns , read this after the other books I'd be interested to hear if you think the ending was more of a summary than a denouement . Please keep writing ....
August 2, 2025
Excellent as always!
I just finished this wonderful riveting book by Creston Mapes while recovering from breast cancer surgery this week. His writing provided exactly the encouragement and distraction I needed during this time. Thank you, Creston,for another excellent read! God bless you and your family.
I just finished this wonderful riveting book by Creston Mapes while recovering from breast cancer surgery this week. His writing provided exactly the encouragement and distraction I needed during this time. Thank you, Creston,for another excellent read! God bless you and your family.
July 9, 2023
interesting
But not as good as all the others I read from this author. The ending and epilogue seemed too quickand seemed to be missing some details. Still it was a clean mystery.
But not as good as all the others I read from this author. The ending and epilogue seemed too quickand seemed to be missing some details. Still it was a clean mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews