Pretty Boy

Mirror of Shadows

From the neon-lit streets of Brighton to the hushed corridors of private clubs, Pretty Boy immerses readers in a world where appearances can kill. Declan Ross, a young con artist with a chameleon-like charm, has built his empire on half-truths and hidden agendas. Beneath his handsome façade lies a mind trained in manipulation, eager to exploit weakness. When he targets Veronica Dale, a reclusive heiress with her own secrets, the stage is set for a dangerous tango of wits, desire, and betrayal.

The Currency of Deceit

Shaw’s prose crackles with tension, balancing razor-sharp dialogue against quietly unsettling descriptions. We follow Declan through smoky backrooms where deals are sealed with a nod, and glittering charity galas where trust is the ultimate currency. Supporting characters—his loyal partner in crime, the relentless detective on his trail, and the enigmatic socialite drawn into the fray—each add layers of complexity. Loyalties shift like sand underfoot, and every small victory comes at a higher price. Moments of fleeting romance and explosive confrontations propel the narrative forward, ensuring no reader can rest easy.

Unraveling Identity

At its core, Pretty Boy interrogates the cost of deception—not only to the deceived, but also to the deceiver. Shaw delves into questions of identity: is Declan defined by the lies he tells, or the truths he withholds? The Brighton setting—its windswept piers and hidden alleys—mirrors the duality of glamour and grit. As tensions escalate toward a breathtaking climax, readers are forced to confront their own complicity in rooting for an antihero. Through shifting perspectives and unreliable narration, Pretty Boy keeps readers guessing until the final page. Will Declan find redemption, or will his carefully constructed world crumble?

Author’s Description

Roy Shaw is a British author whose thrillers explore moral ambiguity and human frailty. A former investigative reporter, he now weaves tales of high stakes and hidden motives. He resides in London.