He was the first American diplomat killed in Iran - and his death was no accident. In the aftermath of World War I, as the world's great powers race to control the newly discovered lifeblood of modern civilization-oil-a single act of espionage in Tehran threatens to reshape history.1924 Persia stands at the crossroads of empire. The United States has begun eyeing Iranian oil for the first time, challenging Britain's long-held dominance in the region. Tensions erupt when an American diplomat becomes the first U.S. casualty in Iran-a death that shocks Washington and exposes how far rival nations will go to control the future of oil.Determined to keep Britain's grip on the region intact, intelligence officer James Malcolm launches a covert operation meant to undermine American influence. But when a calculated act of sabotage spirals into an international incident, the man pulling the strings suddenly finds himself trapped in his own web.Inside the English Consulate, Rose Pearce tries to keep her head down and her heart steady. Her closest friend is Ali, a gentle fourteen-year-old gardener whose world revolves around roses, tea trays, and quiet routines-until the day he overhears a conversation he was never meant to hear. His attempt to do the right thing sets off a chain reaction that shatters their lives and exposes the brutal machinery of empire.As foreign powers maneuver for control of Persia's future, James, Rose, and Ali are swept into a deadly struggle fueled by ambition, fear, and the West's insatiable hunger for oil. Loyalties fracture. Truth becomes dangerous. And survival may demand a price none of them are prepared to pay.In the Shadow of the Kingmakers is a gripping historical thriller inspired by true events-including the little-known death of the first American diplomat killed in Iran. It is a vivid, heart-stopping portrait of the moment oil politics began to shape the modern world. Perfect for readers drawn to international intrigue, forgotten history, and the human cost of empire.