Color of the Prism 10042019
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Color of the Prism

Release Date: 10/04/2019

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about Color of the Prism

In the harsh desert terrain along the Arizona-Mexico border, Detective Tony Castaneda faces his most dangerous assignment yet: infiltrating a powerful drug trafficking organization suspected in a high-profile murder case. As he delves deeper undercover, the line between justice and vengeance begins to blur like a desert mirage.

Navigating a treacherous world where loyalty is currency and trust is scarce, Tony finds himself entangled with two women who could either be his salvation or his downfall. But in this deadly game of cat and mouse, every step closer to the truth puts both his mission and his personal life at risk.

A gripping thriller about corruption, betrayal, and the devastating cost of crossing moral lines, Color of the Prism plunges readers into the dark underbelly of the drug trade while exploring the psychological toll of living a double life. Perfect for fans of Don Winslow and Joseph Wambaugh.

Editorial Review ★★★★★

A Masterfully Crafted Crime Thriller

Thomas J. Nichols delivers a gripping and intricately plotted crime thriller in “Color of the Prism.” This taut narrative weaves together multiple storylines centered around an undercover investigation into a powerful drug trafficking organization along the U.S.-Mexico border. At its heart is Detective Tony Castaneda, who must navigate dangerous waters as he infiltrates the criminal empire of the ruthless Reynaldo Guzman.

Nichols demonstrates exceptional skill in character development, particularly in crafting morally complex figures like Sara Hurtado and Mary Elizabeth, whose shifting loyalties and motivations keep readers guessing until the very end. The author’s attention to procedural detail feels authentic without bogging down the story’s momentum.

What truly sets this novel apart is its unflinching examination of corruption’s ripple effects – how it poisons not just criminal enterprises but legitimate institutions and personal relationships. The parallel degradation of Tony’s marriage as he goes deeper undercover provides a poignant counterpoint to the larger investigation.

The writing is lean and muscular, with vivid action sequences balanced by thoughtful exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. Nichols crafts an atmosphere of mounting tension that builds to a devastating climax, followed by a masterfully orchestrated epilogue that brings the story full circle.

“Color of the Prism” is a sophisticated crime novel that transcends genre conventions while delivering all the thrills readers expect. This is intelligent, ambitious storytelling that will satisfy fans of Michael Connelly and Don Winslow. A remarkable achievement that announces Nichols as a major talent in crime fiction.

About This Author

Thomas J. Nichols brings a rare blend of law enforcement expertise and storytelling prowess to his literary works. His journey as a writer began with bedtime stories for his children in the 1970s, spinning tales beneath the starlit Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona. While serving as Chief of Police for both Tucson and Lubbock Police Departments, Nichols honed his writing skills crafting policies, procedures, and groundbreaking research on Community Oriented Policing. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, Nichols channeled his deep understanding of criminal justice and national security into crafting compelling fiction. His debut novel, "Color of the Prism," achieved remarkable success and was optioned for a motion picture. His biblical novel, "The Third Dawn," continues to captivate readers, particularly during the Easter and Christmas seasons. Nichols is perhaps best known for his Christie Cole Trilogy—"Voices in the Fog," "Arrows of Allah," and "The Spy Among Us"—which draws heavily from his law enforcement background to create gripping narratives of international intrigue. "Arrows of Allah," with its startlingly accurate portrayal of al-Qaeda operations, garnered attention across the Middle East, Russia, and China. His standalone thriller "Sweet Emily" showcases his expertise in criminal investigation through a chilling exploration of serial killer cases. A master of fact-based fiction, Nichols weaves real-world events and law enforcement expertise into page-turning narratives that blur the line between reality and fiction. His Border War series, including "Color of the Prism" and "We Were Young Once...," tackles the complex issues of drug and human trafficking along the U.S. border, demonstrating his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through the lens of compelling storytelling. Nichols resides in Lubbock, Texas, where he continues to craft meticulously researched thrillers that draw from his decades of experience in law enforcement and his natural gift for storytelling.

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