The Desert Thief (Jade Riley Mysteries Book 5)

A Gripping Mystery of Secrets, Power, and Survival in the Desert

When journalist Jade Riley relocates to the Middle East for her husband’s job, she expects a fresh start—not a murder investigation that could cost him his life. But when a miner is found dead at the copper mine where Brett works, and a leaked letter points to him as a suspect, Jade is forced into a dangerous search for the truth.

What begins with a desperate break-in quickly unravels into something far more complex. Beneath the surface lies a tangled web of corporate rivalry, hidden affairs, and royal influence. As tensions rise and the stakes grow deadly, Jade must navigate a world where loyalty is fragile and power comes at a price.

Set against a vividly drawn backdrop, The Desert Thief delivers sharp twists, high tension, and a compelling look at how far someone will go to protect the people they love. Perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries with rich settings and layered intrigue, this fifth installment in the Jade Riley Mysteries series stands strong on its own while rewarding longtime fans.

Start reading The Desert Thief today and uncover the truth before it’s too late.

Excerpt from the book

Of all the careers she might have chosen, Jade never set out to become a thief. And the Middle East was not the place to get caught as a criminal.

She parked her dark blue Audi in the slip lane around the corner from her husband Brett’s office in Minc Tower. The business district buildings loomed over her, facades lit in fluorescent purples, reds and greens.

‘Here we go.’ She steeled herself and stepped onto the pavement.

Although the sun had sunk below the horizon, it remained a sweltering thirty-five degrees. A faint sea breeze swept dust into her eyes, and she caught a whiff of her own sweat on the hot night air. She double-checked her phone was on silent, pulled back her shoulders and strode across the concrete forecourt, her footsteps echoing between the giant towers.

She glimpsed herself in the mirrored glass. For this, her inaugural break in, she’d taken as much care with her outfit as for a first date. All black: fitted pants, a loose top and ballet flats. Casual, nondescript, forgettable. No perfume, so she didn’t leave a trail of Chanel. On reflection, she tucked her distinctive art deco jade necklace, a present from her mother, under her top.

She took Brett’s security pass out of her handbag, and with it, a surge of guilt. He’d gone straight to a company function after work, so she hadn’t seen him since breakfast, but he’d called in the morning to tell her he’d misplaced his pass. She hated lying to him – she’d taken it from his bag the night before – but if Brett knew her destination or her intent, he’d talk her out of it. Besides, he needed plausible deniability.

When she waved the pilfered pass in front of a sensor pad, the doors pulled apart, and she entered the lobby. The contemporary red and white furniture caught her eye as she crossed the vast black marble floor. She passed the solitary guard behind a sleek charcoal reception desk, hoping he wouldn’t notice her shaky hands.

It’s all about confidence, she coached herself as she approached a row of waist-high security gates. Act as if you own the place. The thought carried her forward as she reviewed what to say if someone caught her entering the office: Brett had left his pass at home and asked her to bring it in for him. She’d pretend to have lost track of time and forgotten he had a dinner meeting after work.

She flashed the pass at another sensor, and the gate flipped open.

Further along, she reached the elevators and pressed the up arrow.

The doors parted to reveal a bearded man in a white thobe. She averted her eyes, for once appreciative of this social norm, as it reduced the risk he’d recognise her from a Minc social event. If he clocked her lies and accused her of trespassing, she could end up in jail. Then what? Brett, alone, disgraced. Who’d look after the kids? She pictured Natalie and Ned in their matching kangaroo pyjamas – far too young at nine and seven to lose their mother. The temptation to run home to them hit hard. If she left now, before she went any further, nobody would ever know what she’d planned.