Tag: Thriller

Cyber Intrigue and Historical Drama: George Mehok’s Debut Novel ‘Going Dark’

‘Going Dark’ is George Mehok’s new novel. Photo: Amazon

Technothrillers merge high-stakes suspense with cutting-edge technology, creating narratives that captivate readers with their intricate plots and believable scenarios. These stories often revolve around themes like cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, or advanced weaponry, reflecting contemporary fears and ethical dilemmas. Authors meticulously research scientific concepts, ensuring authenticity while weaving in thrilling action and unexpected twists. The genre explores the impact of technology on society, often showcasing characters who navigate complex moral landscapes. With their blend of realism and adrenaline, technothrillers not only entertain but also provoke thought about our rapidly evolving technological landscape and its potential consequences. It’s a gripping exploration of innovation and intrigue.

There’s a new book coming out in November that mixes technothrillers, historical fiction, and terrorism storylines: “Going Dark” by George Mehok. This debut thriller spotlights the dangers of the internet and how the past shapes our future. It is recommended for fans of Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and Stephen Hunter.

George Mehok is an author, technologist, and entrepreneur with a distinguished career in designing software and leading high-performing teams in the financial services, telecommunications, and aerospace industries. An avid storyteller, George weaves his real-world knowledge into gripping narratives, crafting thrilling plots that captivate readers. “Going Dark,” the first in Mehok’s Liberty Unit series, combines his extensive technology background with historical intrigue, presenting a captivating blend of modern-day suspense and revolutionary-era secrets. The release date is November 12, and it is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)

“Going Dark” – When a sinister cyber-terrorist scheme poised to plunge America into unparalleled digital darkness surfaces, Paul Knox, a seasoned cyber forensics expert, finds himself thrust into a clandestine conflict spanning generations.

As Knox examines the intricate and dangerous web of cyber intrigue, he confronts both the mission’s high stakes and his personal demons, including the unwitting involvement of his estranged daughter, Emma. Emma becomes a central figure in a game of digital manipulation, where each move carries the potential to reshape history—and change America forever.

Intertwined with this contemporary narrative is the historical origin story of the Liberty Unit. In 1781, amidst the throes of the American Revolution, John “Jack” Jouett embarks on a perilous journey to deliver crucial encoded messages that hold the power to sway the course of the war and safeguard the life of a future American president.

In an era dominated by the internet and malevolent hackers, insidious threats lurk unseen, while the keys to triumph often lie in the past. Effortlessly blending dual timelines, “Going Dark” is a propulsive deep dive into the clandestine world of hacking and terrorism, underscoring the fragility of a society reliant on technology.

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Things Will Be Different: Twisted Sci-Fi Thriller Hits UK Cinemas

Things Will Be Different will be available in UK & Irish cinemas on October 4, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

London, UK: Lightbulb Film Distribution is thrilled to share the news that their dark and twisted sci-fi horror, Things Will Be Different, will be in UK & Irish cinemas starting October 4, 2024. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

From the minds that brought you Loki and the distributor who released Hundreds of Beavers into the UK, comes a bold, new, time-travel thriller, starring Adam David Thompson, Riley Dandy, Justin Benson, and Sarah Bolger.

Things Will Be Different – After evading police following a robbery, two estranged siblings lay low at an abandoned farmhouse. But when a mysterious force emerges, it makes the pair question everything about themselves – and each other.

Synopsis:
When estranged siblings Joseph (Adam David Thompson) and Sidney (Riley Dandy) rendezvous at a local diner after a close-call robbery, they hightail it to an abandoned farmhouse that transports them to a different time in order to escape the law. Their getaway is derailed when an unknown and cryptic metaphysical force emerges and blocks them from returning home. Trapped on the puzzling plot of land, their captor makes it clear that no one can leave until their deadly demands are met. What results from their entrapment not only bends the forces of spacetime–forcing the two to question everything they know about their own reality–but pushes their familial bonds to the breaking point. (Rotten Tomatoes, 2024)

Michael Felker’s debut feature Things Will Be Different is a twisty science-fiction thriller. The film was produced by Rustic Films, the team behind Something In The Dirt (2022) and The Endless (2017).

Following its World Premiere at SXSW in March and the UK Premiere at FrightFest, Things Will Be Different will be in UK & Irish Cinemas starting October 4, and on Blu-ray & Digital starting November 18.

Cast: Adam David Thompson, Riley Dandy, Chloe Skoczen, Justin Benson and Sarah Bolger.
Run Time: 102 Mins
Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Things Will Be Different still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Modern Espionage and Intrigue: ‘The Collaborators’ by Michael Idov

‘The Collaborators’ by Michael Idov will be released November 19, 2024. Photo: Amazon

Spy thrillers immerse readers in a world of espionage, intrigue, and high-stakes adventure. These gripping tales often feature skilled agents navigating a web of deception, betrayal, and covert operations. Classic elements include clandestine meetings, sophisticated technology, and unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Authors like John le Carré and Robert Ludlum masterfully explore the psychological complexities of their characters, blending action with moral dilemmas. From Cold War conspiracies to modern cyber threats, spy thrillers captivate audiences by revealing the shadowy underbelly of international relations and the personal sacrifices made for the greater good. There’s a new espionage/political thriller by Michael Idov that will be released in November, “The Collaborators,” that is sure to become a classic.

Michael Idov is a novelist, director, and screenwriter. A Latvian-born American raised in Riga under Soviet occupation, he moved to New York after graduating from the University of Michigan. Michael’s writing career began at New York magazine, where his features won three National Magazine Awards, and he has also been the editor-in-chief of GQ Russia. He is also the author of “Ground Up” and “Dressed Up for a Riot.” Michael has worked on numerous film and TV projects, including Londongrad, Deutschland 83, Leto, and The Humorist. His new book “The Collaborators” is an electrifying, cutting-edge spy thriller featuring a brilliant young intelligence officer and a troubled heiress who stumble into a global conspiracy that pits Russia against the CIA. It will be released on November 19 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Simon & Schuster, 2024)

“The Collaborators” – Combining realistic thrills with sophisticated spycraft and witty dialogue, it delivers a gut-punch answer to the biggest geopolitical question of our time: How, exactly, did post-Soviet Russia turn down the wrong path?

Crisscrossing the globe on the way to this shocking revelation are disaffected millennial CIA officer Ari Falk, thrown into a moral and professional crisis by the death of his best asset, and brash, troubled LA heiress Maya Chou, spiraling after the disappearance of her Russian American billionaire father. The duo’s adventures take us to both classic and surprising locales—from Berlin and Tangier to Latvia, Belarus, and an abandoned technopark outside Moscow.

Dynamic, fast-paced, and filled with captivating details that provide a window into a secretive world, “The Collaborators” is a first-rate thriller that pays homage to both meanings of “intelligence.”

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Trapped in Suspense: How Raf Lindia’s ‘Girl in a Glass Box’ Redefines Psychological Thrillers

‘Girl in a Glass Box’ is a suspenseful psychological thriller by Raf Lindia. Photo: Amazon

Raf Lindia is a multi award winner for best screenplay based on his novel “Girl in a Glass Box.” A screenplay writer and movie producer, Raf Lindia first novels featuring the engaging Detective Francesco Marchese, have been highly acclaimed in his home country and home language. Raf has lived in New York since 2014 where he continues to pursue his passion as a writer and his dream of sharing his novels with a wider audience. “Girl in a Glass Box” is his third novel translated in English after “A One Way Ticket” (2022) and “Shakespeare: Conspiracy of Silence” (2021). (Amazon, 2024)

“Girl in a Glass Box” – Emily Barton’s life is different from the other children of Mystic, Connecticut. Traumatized by the abandonment of her father at only six years old, she spends her childhood between therapy and home-schooling. With a very protective mother, many years pass before Emily is ready for a normal life. When she falls in love with her high school classmate, Robert Smith, she is forced to discover the harsh difference between love and possession.

Review:

The story centers around Emily and takes place in Connecticut. It begins with an adult Emily meeting up with her fiancée Peter Avellino, an officer with the Groton Police. Together they visit the grave of Robert Smith and then visit Valerie’s mother in prison where she has been for the last seven years. Afterwards, they head out to Emily’s childhood home to retrieve her original social security card, which she needs for her new job. Being there brings back memories she wishes she could erase. The narrative then goes back to her childhood years, starting when she was excited about turning six and starting the first grade. Her excitement turns to heartbreak when Valerie tells her that her father Albert has left them and is never coming back. This event will forever change Emily’s life as she is thrown into a dark and destructive world of psychological abuse.

“Girl in a Glass Box” is a riveting psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As Emily struggles to piece together the fragments of her memory and uncover the truth about what really happened all those years ago, it unravels a web of secrets and lies that reveals deeper layers of intrigue. She doesn’t understand what is happening to her and is understandably trusting her mother to do the right thing, but she will live to regret it. The ending is definitely a surprise and hints of a continuing story.

The writing is sharp and haunting, immersing readers in Emily’s confusing world filled with frustration and growing desperation: “The reality struck her, crushing her heart past the point of tears. Her father was no longer part of their lives.” While the narrative is non-linear, it’s a short and easy read. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter escalating the tension and adding new twists to the plot. Emily’s character is deeply developed and she is portrayed with depth and complexity, making her plight all the more compelling. More background on Valerie would have helped readers understand the reasoning behind her disturbing behavior. The story explores the themes of family, identity, and survival. Lindia masterfully balances suspense with psychological insight, making this novel not just a gripping read but a thought-provoking one.

Overall, “Girl in a Glass Box” is a dark psychological thriller and a standout in the genre that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Lindia’s next work. Hopefully by shining the light on destructive and complex familial relationships and psychological abuse/manipulation, it will promote dialogue on these social issues that often go unnoticed. It is recommended for fans of suspense, thrillers, and thought provoking family drama fiction.

“She put me inside a glass box that I couldn’t perceive and from which she didn’t intend to let me out. I was in a prison I couldn’t see.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Subservience: The Latest Sci-Fi Thriller Sensation

Megan Fox stars as a domestic AI in the new sci-fi thriller Subservience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Science fiction thrillers featuring Artificial Intelligence explore the complex interplay between humanity and technology. These stories often explore the ethical dilemmas and existential threats posed by AI, portraying scenarios where advanced machines either aid or challenge human endeavors. Characters might confront conscious robots with their own agendas, struggle with the consequences of AI surpassing human control, or navigate dystopian futures shaped by intelligent systems. Through suspenseful plots and speculative technologies, these stories reflect our anxieties about the future, highlighting themes of autonomy, identity, and the potential consequences of our technological ambitions. They provoke thought about how AI might redefine our world.

So if you’re a fan of sci-fi movies about AI gone awry, check out this new one that will be available on digital this month. It stars Megan Fox as a domestic AI that gains awareness and turns deadly. 

London, UK: Vertigo Releasing has announced that their sci-fi thriller, Subservience, will be released on digital formats on September 13, 2024. (Strike Media, 2024)

Digital Release dates: EST September 13, TVOD September 20
Distributed By: Vertigo Releasing

Subservience: A struggling father, played by Michele Morrone (The Next 365 Days) buys a domestic AI (Megan Fox – Transformers) to help run the household. But the situation soon turns deadly when the lifelike robot develops an obsessive attachment to her new owner. Driven by a twisted sense of loyalty, she becomes determined to eliminate what she perceives as the true threat to his happiness: his family.

Director: S.K. Dale (Till Death) from a screenplay by Will Honley and April Maguire
Cast: Megan Fox, Michele Morrone, Madeline Zima
Run Time: 1h 35m
Rated R for sexual content/nudity, language, and some violence and brief drug material.

Megan Fox in Subservience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Intrigue and Justice: ‘Righteous Assassin’ is a Suspenseful Thriller

‘Righteous Assassin’ by Kevin G. Chapman. Photo: Amazon

Kevin G. Chapman is a writer and corporate labor and employment lawyer who works for a major US media company. He frequently speaks at Continuing Legal Education seminars, has taught legal writing to law students, and is the past chairperson of the Labor & Employment division of the global Association of Corporate Counsel. He is the author of the award-winning Mike Stoneman thriller series and other novels, short stories, and screenplays. His book “Righteous Assassin,” a Mike Stoneman thriller, is a thrilling page-turner with twists you’ll never see coming. (Amazon, 2024)

“Righteous Assassin” – The story begins with four unsolved murders in four months, each on the last Saturday of the month. A mob boss is eaten alive by tigers at the Bronx Zoo, a sweatshop owner is mutilated and left to bleed out, a pharmaceutical baron is tortured and frozen to death, and a fashion designer is poisoned in her Upper East Side apartment.

NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson must stop the elusive killer before he completes his decathlon of death. Each murder adds a piece to the killer’s puzzle, but even unravelling the clues and finding the killer’s pattern may not be enough to catch him.

The task force includes an FBI profiler, and Mike gets an assist from Medical Examiner Michelle McNeill, who seems to be on his mind a lot lately. She’s an asset to the investigation, but is this any time to be starting a romance? Each month is a race against the calendar. Only one thing is certain – on the last Saturday of the month, there will be blood.

This crime thriller is a pulse-pounding novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Detective Mike Stoneman finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning serial killer who’s targeting the city’s elite. The killer’s meticulously planned murders, each with a disturbing biblical twist, add a chilling layer of complexity to the case.

Chapman’s writing is sharp and engaging, drawing readers deep into the gritty world of crime investigation. The plot is intricate and filled with unexpected turns, making it difficult to predict the killer’s next move. While the character development could be deeper, Stoneman emerges as a compelling protagonist, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice.

The narrative is tight and immersive, skillfully weaving together suspense and character-driven drama. Narrating the killer’s intentions in the first person makes his actions seem more disturbing “I shall now sleep the untroubled sleep of the righteous.” The pacing is relentless, ensuring readers are on edge with each twist and turn. Sam is a deeply flawed protagonist, struggling with internal demons as much as external threats, which makes his journey both compelling and relatable. Even though the murder scenes are gruesome, they are not overly graphic.

Overall, “Righteous Assassin” is a gripping dive into the world of vigilante justice and moral ambiguity. The author’s portrayal of moral dilemmas and the consequences of vigilantism is thought-provoking, making this more than just a thriller. It challenges readers to reflect on justice, ethics, and the cost of taking the law into one’s own hands. A fast paced, thrilling, and intense read, it is reminiscent of the movie Se7en and is recommended for fans of crime thrillers that revolve around serial killers similar to Thomas Harris’ “Silence of the Lambs.”

“I am confident that the description of the mystery man will yield no accurate details, since I carefully crafted a backstory to go along with my false identity. I have nothing to fear.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Discussion: I am new to this author and can’t wait to read more of his Mike Stoneman novels. Have you read any of them? Which one would you recommend? Are you a fan of the author? Have you read “Righteous Assassin”? If so, what are your thoughts?

Exploring Solitude: A Deep Dive into ‘The Alone Time’

‘The Alone Time’ is Elle Marr’s latest psychological thriller. Photo: Amazon

“The Alone Time” – When Fiona and Violet Seng were just children, their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness during a family vacation. It claimed the lives of their parents and for twelve weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued. (Amazon, 2024)

Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona uses their experience to create controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare—until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events.

Now a strange woman claims to know the truth surrounding the crash and Fiona and Violet must work together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves before any other secrets emerge from the woods. Seeking the truth, Fiona and Violet go back to the scene of the crash to face the painful truth once and for all.

Review:
Elle Marr’s “The Alone Time” explores the psychological complexities of isolation and fear, crafting a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. The narration switches between the points of view of Fiona, Henry, Janet, and Violet to give readers deep insight into the character’s mindset; though the non-linear narrative gets confusing at times. At best, it reminds us of how unreliable our childhood memories tend to be. 

Marr’s skillful prose weaves a chilling atmosphere, drawing readers into Fiona and Violet’s increasingly fragile mental state as they confront both external threats and their own inner demons. The narrative is rich with suspense, as layers of mystery unfold with each page turned, leaving a trail of unanswered questions that compel the reader to keep reading. The language is rich and descriptive: “Branches extend toward us as if welcoming us into their lush grave..”

The character development is nuanced and makes the characters relatable, particularly Violet’s journey from vulnerability to strength as she fights to reclaim her sense of security. With themes of survival, family, and resilience, the author paints a vivid portrait of women pushed to their limits and beyond. The numerous plot-twists make this a first rate thriller.

Overall, “The Alone Time” is a masterful thriller that combines atmospheric tension with profound emotional depth, making it a compelling read for fans of psychological suspense. Marr proves herself a formidable storyteller with this gripping tale of fear and redemption in the wilderness. It is recommended for readers who enjoy suspense thrillers with complex characters.

“After a certain level of trauma is reached, the only choice we have is to either feel the pain in all its depth and depravity or choose numbness-ice to assuage the heat.”

*The author received a copy of this book through Amazon First Reads. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Last Night on Earth: A Cinematic Journey Through Apocalyptic Realism

Last Night on Earth is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

End of the world thrillers grip the imagination with cataclysmic scenarios, weaving existential dread into narratives where humanity confronts its darkest fears. Whether through alien invasions, viral outbreaks, or environmental collapse, these stories explore the fragility of civilization and the resilience of the human spirit. They feature ethical dilemmas, survival instincts, and the desperate quest for hope amidst chaos. By pushing characters to their limits, they offer a chilling yet captivating glimpse into what might await at the edge of existence.

If you’re looking for a good one to stream this weekend, consider Last Night on Earth. It is available now On Digital and On Demand via Uncork’d Entertainment. It stars Leven Rambin, Jake McLaughlin, Sohvi Rodriguez, Shane West, and genre legend Dee Wallace. (Gold Star PR, 2024)

Where to watch:
Google Play Movies & TV
Fandango at Home
Apple TV
YouTube

Last Night on Earth – Written and directed by Marcos Efron, it promises to captivate audiences with its intense portrayal of love and survival amidst a world on the brink of apocalypse.

Synopsis: After learning of the impending destruction of Earth by a planet-killing asteroid, Holly and Ryan plan to spend their final days living in harmony with nature in the tranquil mountains of Tennessee. But as society breaks down around them, religious zealots try to recruit them, and newcomers Gene and Gabby aim to flame out in a final crime spree that spoils Ryan and Holly’s peaceful plans.

Book to series adaptation: ‘Dark Matter’ by Blake Crouch

The television adaptation of ‘Dark Matter’ will premiere on Apple TV + on May 8, 2024. Photo: Amazon

Speculative fiction is such an imaginative genre, which is why it’s one of my favorites. Blake Crouch’s “Dark Matter” resolves around the concept of the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of quantum mechanics – that every quantum event spawns a branching universe, creating an infinite number of parallel realities. I’ve always found the concept intriguing, and luckily this book has been adapted into a television series.

Blake Crouch is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter. His novels include the New York Times bestseller “Dark Matter,” and the internationally bestselling Wayward Pines trilogy, which was adapted into a television series for FOX. Crouch also created the TNT show Good Behavior, based on his Letty Dobesh novellas. “Dark Matter” is a speculative thriller about an ordinary man who awakens in a world inexplicably different from the reality he thought he knew. It has been adapted into a television series for Apple TV + and will premiere the first two episodes on May 8 for a total of nine episodes. (Amazon, 2024)

Book synopsis:
From bestselling author Blake Crouch, “Dark Matter” is a mind-bending thriller about choices, paths not taken, and how far we’ll go to claim the lives we dream of.

“Are you happy with your life?” Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the kidnapper knocks him unconscious. Before he awakens to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits. Before a man he’s never met smiles down at him and says, “Welcome back, my friend.”

In this world he’s woken up to, Jason’s life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college professor but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable. Something impossible. Is it this life or the other that’s the dream? And even if the home he remembers is real, how will Jason make it back to the family he loves?

Series synopsis:
Jason Dessen is abducted into an alternate version of his life. To get back to his true family, he embarks on a harrowing journey to save them from the most terrifying foe imaginable: the alternate version of himself. It stars Joel Edgerton as Jason Dessen, Jennifer Connelly as Daniela Dessen, and Alice Braga as Amanda.

Photo: Apple TV

Book to series adaptation: ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ by Amor Towles

The series adaptation of ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ will be available on Showtime/Paramount +. Photo: Amazon

Amor Towles is an American novelist who graduated from Yale College and received an M.A. from Stanford University. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers “Rules of Civility,” “A Gentleman in Moscow,” and “The Lincoln Highway,” as well as the short story collection “Table for Two.” His books have collectively sold more than six million copies and have been translated into more than thirty languages. His 2016 novel “A Gentleman in Moscow” was adapted into an 8 episode series and will be available on Showtime/Paramount + starting on March 31, 2024. It stars Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov. (Amazon, 2024)

“A Gentleman in Moscow” is a beautifully transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel.

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.