Books
Coming December 15 in all major formats
​
Eastern Shadows
"A gripping, atmospheric mystery that plunges readers deep into Thailand’s underworld, where a vanished woman, a haunted journalist, and a powerful tycoon’s secrets collide in a razor-sharp exploration of identity, corruption, and the ghostly weight of the past."
– NewInBooks.com
​A young woman vanishes while exploring her roots in Thailand.
​
She left on her own. She posts on social media. “I’m safe,” she claims.
​
But her mother doesn't buy it. Neither do her friends.
​
What really happened to her? And where is she now?
​
Enter Shane Morris, a struggling journalist who once called Thailand home. He speaks the language. He knows the culture. But he’s still just an outsider, sent to unravel an intricate web of rumors and lies.
​
Navigating a land of corrupt officials, seedy motels, and ancient temples, Shane is pulled into the heart of Thailand’s shadowy underbelly. With each step toward the truth, he draws the attention of Kittisak Wanchai, a real-estate tycoon with criminal ties and a secret: he’s the missing woman’s father.
From the neon-soaked streets of Bangkok to the sacred shrines of the north, Shane is forced to confront the darkest parts of himself, and his past, to put the pieces together.
​
Surrounded on all sides by corruption and deceit, Shane’s world will be stripped bare and he’ll be left with a devastating choice: loyalty to the living, or devotion to the dead.
​
Eastern Shadows is a gritty, haunting reflection on the duality of human nature, and the lengths one is willing to go to hide their darkest secrets, all while peeling back the layers lurking beneath the Land of Smiles.
Praise for Eastern Shadows
Book Reviews
“A dark, atmospheric thriller steeped in mystery, moral tension, and haunting beauty.”
-★★★★★ BookView Review
​
“This narrative is more than a story; it’s a profound exploration of human resilience and the quest for identity.”
-★★★★★ Yarde Book Reviews
​
“Readers who appreciate morally complex mysteries with an international backdrop will find Eastern Shadows irresistible.”
-★★★★★ Los Angeles Book Review
​
“A roller coaster of corruption, loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle to survive.”
-★★★★★ Readers’ Favorite
​
“Masterfully blends gritty noir with cultural immersion.”
-The Global Book Review
​
“This atmospheric mystery doesn’t skimp on action and well-timed twists. Unpredictable storytelling coupled with solid characterization make Eastern Shadows a satisfying, sharply executed thriller.”
-Independent Book Review
​
“A suspenseful and culturally rich story.”
“A great pick for book clubs ... the settings and flawed characters bring about topics for discussion.”
-LitPick
​
“Eastern Shadows is a riveting, atmospheric thriller that immerses readers in the intrigue and danger of Thailand’s hidden underworld. With vivid prose and masterful pacing, Peter Nordgren crafts a story that is full of suspense, cultural depth, and haunting secrets. Its unforgettable characters and richly detailed setting create a powerful sense of place that lingers long after the final page. This gripping novel is both an edge-of-your-seat mystery and an evocative exploration of identity, corruption, and redemption.”
-Scott Olsen, Manhattan Book Review
“The setting is so well drawn it almost feels alive, and that gave the whole book a steady, atmospheric weight.”
-Lynn, Simple Book Reviews
“Thoughtful, restrained, and quietly gripping. Perfect for readers who want their thrillers with depth and a strong sense of place.”
-Mel, Simple Book Reviews​
Other Authors
“An interesting voice. A great sense of place. A deepening mystery.”
-Colin Campbell, author of the Jim Grant novels
“A riveting search through Bangkok’s back alleys and the heart of rural Thailand, Eastern Shadows is more than a top-notch mystery—it surrounds you in the sounds, scents, and heat of a place where nothing is as it seems.”
-Thomas B. Cavanagh, award-winning author of Head Games and Diamond Cut
​
“Author Nordgren’s knowledge of the language, culture, and landscape of Thailand shine through the pages in this gritty novel laced with realism. Eastern Shadows is a gripping missing person story in a locale that is both exotic and sordid, with a mix of honorable and despicable characters. The no-holds barred violence and vivid descriptions create an atmospheric read, the setting as dark as the plot and characters. If you love international noir, you’ll want to get your hands on this book.”
-Ivanka Fear, author of Blue Water Mysteries and Jake and Mallory Thrillers
​
“An engaging thriller written with an authentic voice that will make you feel like you're right there in Thailand with the characters. Will keep you gripped through the twists right up to the very end.”
-Paul Heatley, author of the bestselling Tom Rollins series
​
“A fast-moving, exciting read, with vivid, memorable characters, fascinating locations and all the style and grittiness of a classic neo-noir thriller. Nordgren's cinematic narrative drew me in on page one—I didn't want to stop reading!”
-Nevada McPherson, author of the Eucalyptus Lane novels
​
“An intriguing, suspenseful page turner of a debut thriller. Peter Nordgren’s descriptions of Thailand makes you believe you are there.”
-Kimberley Shead, author of the DS Albie Edwards series
​
“Nordgren takes us on a taut, tense, and exotic tour of Thailand’s beauty and, more importantly, its dark side. With an eye to the classic noir private eye, but with a journalist’s lens on characters that keep you guessing, his excellent storytelling propels us to a shocking and chilling climax.”
-Phillip Thompson, best-selling author of Not Dead Enough
​
“Journalist Shane Morris promises to be a great addition to the pantheon of hard to forget protagonists and when it comes to the exploration of Thailand's dark side, Eastern Shadows delivers the goods. The novel sings a gritty tone in chapter one that doesn't let up, exactly how readers like it.”
-Patrick Whitehurst, crime fiction short story writer and author of Murder and Mayhem in Tucson, The Barker Mysteries and more
​
“Set against Thailand’s shadowed edges, Eastern Shadows pairs crisp, visceral prose with a mystery that tightens by the page. It isn’t just a page-turner; it’s the kind of novel you fall into and forget everything else.”
-Stephen Winter, author of Murder Inferno