Dive in today!
From bestselling and multi–award-winning author David R. Leng comes the next pulse-pounding installment in the Echoes of Fortune series.
“Leng’s writing is tight but vivid, the kind that keeps your pulse up and your coffee cold. His pacing is unrelenting—the story doesn’t just move, it races.” — Literary Titan ★★★★★
Shadows is rated 4.9 on Goodreads.
David’s debut, Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold, captivated readers and earned a 4.4-star rating on Goodreads. Now the adventure continues with a brand-new novella that plunges deeper into history’s deadliest secrets
“Leng’s world of sunken secrets moves fast, hits hard, and lands every shot.” — BestThrillers.com ★★★★★
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.
Goodread Reviews
“A pulse-pounding historical thriller that dives beneath the waves and into the heart of human courage. Leng blends history, suspense, and emotion with cinematic precision, crafting a ghost-ship mystery that feels both timeless and immediate. A must-read for fans of Clive Cussler, James Rollins, and anyone who loves intelligent adventure with heart.”
— Liora Dane ★★★★★
“Shadows Over Cozumel is a masterclass in pacing, atmosphere, and character. From the haunting discovery of a Confederate shipwreck to the race for survival across Mexico, Leng delivers a story as immersive as it is thrilling. Fast, smart, and emotionally resonant—a novella that feels like a full-length epic.”
— Andrew ★★★★★
“David R. Leng proves that the past is never truly buried. With vivid underwater scenes, authentic history, and tension that never lets up, Shadows Over Cozumel balances intellect and adrenaline with remarkable grace. It’s more than an adventure—it’s a reflection on truth, loyalty, and the price of uncovering what’s meant to stay hidden.”
— Emelia ★★★★★
Coming Summer 2026!
Register to receive notifications for the upcoming release!
After the bloodshed uncovering the legend of General Braddock’s lost gold, Jack Sullivan thought his days of unearthing dangerous secrets were behind him. But when asked to decipher a coded message hidden in a Civil War-era artifact, he unwittingly opens the door to something far bigger—and far deadlier—than he had ever imagined.
The message isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s a warning about the future.
The Knights of the Golden Circle, the shadowy organization that wanted to reshape America by fueling the Civil War and vanished into history, never truly disappeared. They’ve been waiting… watching… and now, they’re ready to rise again.
What begins as a simple historical analysis spirals into a fight for survival as Jack and his team are hunted by ruthless mercenaries, search for secret war chests, and uncover a conspiracy over a century in the making.
The KGC’s modern disciples will stop at nothing to see their vision realized—and Jack may be the only one who can stop them.
Because some secrets don’t just change history; they threaten the future.
Dive in today!
Can one man change his past with the discovery of a lifetime?
"A diverting tale of an exciting, harrowing quest for a centuries-old fortune." – Kirkus Reviews
Winner of the 2025 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 the #1 Amazon New Release in Mystery/Thriller (September 2024), Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold is a gripping historical thriller that takes readers on an exhilarating journey across centuries.
Jack Sullivan’s obsession with finding Braddock’s lost gold has cost him everything—even the love of his life. Now, luck has given him one last chance for redemption. Be transported between the heat of combat during the French & Indian War and the high-stakes hunt of today. As Major General Braddock faces his final battle, a fortune in payroll disappears—centuries later, Jack embarks on a daring quest to uncover it, facing cryptic clues, deadly traps, and ruthless enemies. While he follows the echoes of the past “Dan Brown-style,” he’ll risk everything to bring the past to life—and perhaps restore his own.
Described as “National Treasure meets Indiana Jones,” this action-packed thriller blends rich history with relentless suspense. Echoes of Fortune dives into high-stakes, edge-of-your-seats adventure where love, loyalty, and courage are tested to their limits.
Echoes of Fortune is a must-read for fans of riveting historical fiction and high-stakes thrillers that combine action with emotional depth.
Editorial praise for Echoes of Fortune:
- A taut historical thriller that blends a rich tapestry of American folklore with modern adventure and romance. Perfect for fans of Steve Berry and James Rollins. - BestThrillers.com ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- “An exciting blend of historical legend and modern-day adventure that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. A must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, thrillers, and adventure stories with emotional depth.” - Literary Titan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- “A thrilling race that promises both excitement and reflection. While the novel’s fast pace and layered mysteries captivate, the real charm lies in the exploration of heroism, sacrifice, and loyalty amidst the lure of untold riches.” – BooksShelf.com ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Join Jack Sullivan on a journey you’ll never forget. Get your copy of Echoes of Fortune today and dive into an unforgettable adventure through history, mystery, and the quest for redemption!
ECHOES OF FORTUNE: THE SEARCH FOR BRADDOCK'S LOST GOLD
Additional Glowing Editorial Reviews!
A captivating mix of history and action, seamlessly moving between timelines. The historical depth truly shines, and the themes of loyalty, a sense of duty, and the cost to people at the expense of ambition were profoundly felt.” – Anthony Avina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This novel offers an intriguing blend of historical war action and modern-day mystery. The story unfolds at a compelling pace, keeping the reader engaged throughout. Overall, it is a gripping and immersive page-turner. - Studio & ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This action-packed adventure is a showcase. David Leng is great, definitely one to watch.” – Matt McAvoy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.0 Stars - Amazon Readers
4.4 Stars - GoodReads.com
Reader REVIEWS
Loved the mix of history and adventure! - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed Echoes of Fortune! It has a great balance between historical fiction and modern-day action. The way the two stories moved seamlessly between 1750s with General Braddock and present-day treasure hunting built on each other and was incredibly captivating. I found myself rooting for Jack, Steve and Emma, and couldn’t wait to see what happens next. If you like a thriller with an unexpected ending with some historical background, you’ll really enjoy this book. Guessing what came next kept me hooked till the end. - Kevin S Ring
Where history’s lost treasures meet modern-day adventure. -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reading this historical masterpiece was an absolute thrill! The story's vivid depiction of Major General Braddock’s ill-fated expedition, the relentless pursuit of the lost gold, and the details of the French & Indian War drew me in from start to finish. The author masterfully weaves together historical events with a modern-day treasure hunt. I was on the edge of my seat as Jack Sullivan and his team navigated perilous terrain and faced relentless challenges. The suspense, the rich historical backdrop, and the clever plot twists make this book an unforgettable journey through time and adventure. - Susan M.
Like National Treasure, but better with history! - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you loved National Treasure like I did, you’ll totally get into Echoes of Fortune. It’s got the same “find the hidden historical treasure” vibe, but with way more history and depth. I felt like I was on the adventure with Jack Sullivan, discovering and digging through the past, while just hoping not to get shot at. The historical parts about General Braddock throughout the book were so well done, it made me feel like I was back in the 1750s. It’s like if Nicolas Cage was a history professor instead of solely a treasure hunter... this book is pretty awesome! - Allie