Book Review – Wired

Wired: Fun, Fast Paced, Innovative

Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Douglas E Richards
Format: Kindle

Brilliant scientist Kira Miller discovers a breakthrough that will change humanity forever – the ability to substantially increase human intelligence.  Unfortunately, it comes with horrifying side effects – psychotic megalomaniac tendencies.  After her secret is stolen, she finds herself framed and on the run from a government that believes she is terrorist enemy number one.

Or is she really being framed?

Has her enhanced intelligence allowed her to create a scenario so complex that “normal” humans can’t appreciate whatever master plan she has created.  David Desh, former special forces, is contracted to find Miller at all costs and he must answer this very question. The wrong answer has dire consequences not only for himself but for all of humanity.

Douglas E Richards “Wired” is simply a fun book to read.  Are their items one could argue with on the science – sure – but for the most part Richards keeps everything consistent throughout.  There were wonderful plot twists and turns and each time I was certain I knew who the good guys were, something else would happen that would shake my confidence.  This, along with a Dan Brownesque pace, kept the kindle pages moving.

I also appreciated the “limits” Richards put on the technology which was a brilliant move.  Without them, this high concept novel could have degenerated quickly.  I don’t know how Richards could write a sequel (perhaps a prequel would be easier), but I’d pick it up in a heartbeat.

Book Review – Flash Harry

Flash Harry – Murder, Money, and Mystery in Asia’s Seedy Human Trafficking Underground

Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Carole Sutton
Format: Kindle, Paperback

After the brutal and shocking murder of her mother, Liz Tremaine decides to find her long lost father, inform him of her death, and close some wounds that have been open for years. Having nowhere else to start but her father’s last known address in Bangkok, Liz travels from her quiet life and home in Autralia to bustling Thailand where she learns about her father’s secret life. Soon Liz finds she is in for much more than a reunion but a fight for her life finding herself in the middle of an illegal human trafficking business and adult video cartel. Will Liz find the answers to her father’s disappearance and her mother’s death or will she suffer their same fate?

Carole Sutton’s, “Flash Harry” is her best novel yet. Expertly plotted and fiendishly clever with a pace that keeps the pages turning well into the night, Sutton’s narrative pops off the page. Her descriptions of Bangkok’s red light district are the stuff movies are made of. Infused with just the right amount of twists and turns, you’ll keep guessing well to the end what will be the fate of Liz, her friends, and what remains of her family.

I’ve enjoyed Sutton’s work since her Debut novel – Ferryman. She hooked me with her creativity in this first book portraying her antagonist through his psychotic actions – such as the parading of his conquests for all to see without anyone even realizing it was happening. Since then she has retained this creativity, but added even more depth to her plots and her turn of phrase is spot on. “Flash Harry” is a great read. Race to pick up your copy.

Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.