Review by Cinnamom -- Russia's Biggest Hack
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Cinnamom
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Review by Cinnamom -- Russia's Biggest Hack
[Following is a volunteer review of "Russia's Biggest Hack" by James E. Doucette.]
3 out of 4 stars
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The world of espionage and international intrigue stirs our imaginations. We wonder what it is like to live in a danger zone of unknown shadows. James E. Doucette tantalizes our thoughts with just that idea in Russia’s Biggest Hack. In his story, Russia wants to create a deal with a major communications business. On the surface, the deal appears fine, but as the plot progresses, questions arise as to Russia’s true intentions. Hints of devastation and betrayal suggest that there may be danger if the deal goes through.
The story, set in the late nineties, opens with an introduction to the top executive of a major communications business in America. Shortly after we meet him, the executive is dead. A hint of suspicion suggests foul play, but the reader receives no further understanding for awhile. Not too far into the story, another high-level officer in the company dies suspiciously with little mention.
As the story develops, the author introduces us to various other characters in a random, almost haphazard fashion. What appears to be key figures in the plot appear and disappear with no apparent explanation.
It is not until about the middle of the book that the plot begins to come together and show coherence. The characters that appeared randomly start to interconnect and exchange their serious concerns over Russia’s intentions in the deal. They work together to investigate the strange occurrences of random deaths involving key figures in the company and begin to understand the nature of the beast that threatens. Will they uncover the truth before more employees mysteriously die?
Overall, I most liked the integrity of the main character, John Wood. The author portrays him as a hard-working man of honor who gives his best to all those around him. John’s love and respect for his wife are touching. She is his anchor in the storms he confronts. Also, John is a veteran, as is his father. The author gently touches on the realities of the PTSD that both men battle since their time of service.
However, I disliked the incoherence of the plot for a large part of the book. The author introduced characters in a confused manner that left me wondering what their purpose was in the story. At times, I had to look back and read about the character again to see how he fit in with the overall storyline. I also disliked the random unessential details he threw in at times. For example, on page 136, a character named Carpenter is in an important meeting with government officials to discuss the dangers Russia is posing to the security of the nation through the proposed deal. During the meeting, the character announces he is going to stand up because his legs are falling asleep. I waited to see the significance of that, but there was none. Then one of the government characters stood to join him. Insignificant details created some confusion and distracted from the story. A little more time spent in developing the characters, transitioning between scenes, and dropping unnecessary details would go a long way to making this book an even better read.
All things considered; I give his book 3 out of 4 stars. It is well-edited and clean grammatically, some mild profanity but otherwise an enjoyable story despite the confusing elements. Those who love mystery and intrigue will especially enjoy the book although I think it is suitable for anyone to read.
******
Russia's Biggest Hack
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
3 out of 4 stars
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The world of espionage and international intrigue stirs our imaginations. We wonder what it is like to live in a danger zone of unknown shadows. James E. Doucette tantalizes our thoughts with just that idea in Russia’s Biggest Hack. In his story, Russia wants to create a deal with a major communications business. On the surface, the deal appears fine, but as the plot progresses, questions arise as to Russia’s true intentions. Hints of devastation and betrayal suggest that there may be danger if the deal goes through.
The story, set in the late nineties, opens with an introduction to the top executive of a major communications business in America. Shortly after we meet him, the executive is dead. A hint of suspicion suggests foul play, but the reader receives no further understanding for awhile. Not too far into the story, another high-level officer in the company dies suspiciously with little mention.
As the story develops, the author introduces us to various other characters in a random, almost haphazard fashion. What appears to be key figures in the plot appear and disappear with no apparent explanation.
It is not until about the middle of the book that the plot begins to come together and show coherence. The characters that appeared randomly start to interconnect and exchange their serious concerns over Russia’s intentions in the deal. They work together to investigate the strange occurrences of random deaths involving key figures in the company and begin to understand the nature of the beast that threatens. Will they uncover the truth before more employees mysteriously die?
Overall, I most liked the integrity of the main character, John Wood. The author portrays him as a hard-working man of honor who gives his best to all those around him. John’s love and respect for his wife are touching. She is his anchor in the storms he confronts. Also, John is a veteran, as is his father. The author gently touches on the realities of the PTSD that both men battle since their time of service.
However, I disliked the incoherence of the plot for a large part of the book. The author introduced characters in a confused manner that left me wondering what their purpose was in the story. At times, I had to look back and read about the character again to see how he fit in with the overall storyline. I also disliked the random unessential details he threw in at times. For example, on page 136, a character named Carpenter is in an important meeting with government officials to discuss the dangers Russia is posing to the security of the nation through the proposed deal. During the meeting, the character announces he is going to stand up because his legs are falling asleep. I waited to see the significance of that, but there was none. Then one of the government characters stood to join him. Insignificant details created some confusion and distracted from the story. A little more time spent in developing the characters, transitioning between scenes, and dropping unnecessary details would go a long way to making this book an even better read.
All things considered; I give his book 3 out of 4 stars. It is well-edited and clean grammatically, some mild profanity but otherwise an enjoyable story despite the confusing elements. Those who love mystery and intrigue will especially enjoy the book although I think it is suitable for anyone to read.
******
Russia's Biggest Hack
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings
