Official Review: Russia's Biggest Hack by James E. Doucette

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
Post Reply
User avatar
joshfee77
Posts: 1019
Joined: 03 Apr 2018, 02:11
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 251
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-joshfee77.html
Latest Review: In Time Forever by Stefan Raicu

Official Review: Russia's Biggest Hack by James E. Doucette

Post by joshfee77 »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Russia's Biggest Hack" by James E. Doucette.]
Book Cover
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Russia's Biggest Hack by James E. Doucette is a fictional political thriller based on real events. In the early morning of Tuesday, July 6, 1999, Gordon Fuqua, president of Global Communications, dies in a light plane crash when his pilot, Nate, collapses against the stick, forcing the plane into a steep dive into a field near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Meanwhile, Ilya Babin, Russian cultural attaché to the United Nations, is blackmailing Alfred Simms, Global's chairman of the board. Babin has video footage of Simms and a beautiful Russian interpreter, Alena, together in his hotel room during an earlier stay in Moscow, footage which might end his marriage. The Russians want exclusive access to Global Communications' codes for US power grids and telecommunications.

Global Communications is in the process of expanding outside of the United States. Over the previous two years, they developed a communications system in Belgium and won a contract from the Mexican government to provide services to Mexico City. The board of directors puts John Ward in charge temporarily until they can appoint a new president. Many directors believe John should be offered the job permanently. Then another member of the company dies, this time in a hit-and-run accident...

Doucette's writing was neat and concise, indicating a high standard of editing. I did find more than ten errors, but most were minor, usually missing punctuation. The story seemed complicated at the beginning, with several employees of Global Communication referenced, but the straightforward writing style made this a little easier. The diabolical machinations of Russian intelligence operatives and government officials were intriguing. The dialogue was simple and realistic, and the scenes adhered to the "show, don't tell" rule, with plenty of dialogue to break up the descriptive passages.

Russia's Biggest Hack was only a short novella, but I enjoyed the straightforward construction of the story. Doucette's descriptive brevity advanced the plot quickly. For example:
"The smell of seasoned turkey filled the house as they entered after attending Mass at Saint John's Church. The priest's homily spoke of Paul's instruction to the church of Corinth—true love is unconditional.
'Smells great. When do we eat?' asked John."
After setting the scene with a brief outline of preceding events, Doucette launched straight into the dinner scene. I found the short chapters and concise approach to description added pace and kept me reading.

The only real negative for me - aside from taking time to acclimatise to the cast of characters - was the minor errors in the text. Due to these errors, I rate Russia's Biggest Hack 3 out of 4 stars. The story was entertaining and the writing slick. I would recommend it to those with an interest in political intrigue and espionage. It contained no graphic violence or sex to deter those who don't appreciate such scenes.

******
Russia's Biggest Hack
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like joshfee77's review? Post a comment saying so!
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11682
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

The errors don't sound overly distracting. However, for some reason this just isn't appealing to me. I'm not sure why. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, but I think I'm going to pass. Thanks, though.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
joshfee77
Posts: 1019
Joined: 03 Apr 2018, 02:11
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 251
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-joshfee77.html
Latest Review: In Time Forever by Stefan Raicu

Post by joshfee77 »

kandscreeley wrote: 10 Sep 2018, 11:30 The errors don't sound overly distracting. However, for some reason this just isn't appealing to me. I'm not sure why. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, but I think I'm going to pass. Thanks, though.
Political intrigue isn't everyone's cup of tea, but this one wasn't bad. Interesting perspective on Russia conspiring to interfere in US affairs. Thanks for your comments!
User avatar
Debjani Ghosh
Posts: 670
Joined: 18 May 2018, 05:51
Favorite Book: The Lord Of The Rings
Currently Reading: The Evacuees
Bookshelf Size: 86
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-debjani-ghosh.html
Latest Review: Days of the Giants by RJ Petrella

Post by Debjani Ghosh »

I am confused by the premise of this book. So many characters and events in such a short novella - must be difficult to keep track of. I will pass this one. Thanks for the review!
User avatar
joshfee77
Posts: 1019
Joined: 03 Apr 2018, 02:11
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 251
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-joshfee77.html
Latest Review: In Time Forever by Stefan Raicu

Post by joshfee77 »

Debjani Ghosh wrote: 13 Sep 2018, 03:52 I am confused by the premise of this book. So many characters and events in such a short novella - must be difficult to keep track of. I will pass this one. Thanks for the review!
It was a little confusing, especially at the beginning. Once I had them all straight in my head, it became much easier! Thanks for commenting.
User avatar
Aan Granados
Posts: 1651
Joined: 02 Jul 2016, 10:46
Currently Reading: Massacre Rocks
Bookshelf Size: 873
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-aan-granados.html
Latest Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

Post by Aan Granados »

I like political espionage, I'm just surprised that it's a short novella. Well, as long as it doesn't seem rushed then it must be alright. Thanks for your review!
FariDa Arif
Posts: 69
Joined: 06 Mar 2019, 07:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 49
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-farida-arif.html
Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD

Post by FariDa Arif »

Though it is a political fiction,meaning less attractive and less interesting but review shows it is interesting, short novella full of events.Doucette has managed his full grip on the story.
User avatar
gali
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 53652
Joined: 22 Oct 2013, 07:12
Favorite Author: Agatha Christie
Currently Reading: The Suite Life
Bookshelf Size: 2287
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gali.html
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
Publishing Contest Votes: 0
fav_author_id: 2484

Post by gali »

A Political Thriller revolving around a Russian conspiracy to destroy USA sounds too close for comfort. That it is based on real events is even more scary. Hopefully, those minor errors were fixed. Not for me, but I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for the review!
A retired Admin/Mod

Pronouns: She/Her

"In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you." (Mortimer J. Adler)
User avatar
DEEPA PUJARI
Posts: 1327
Joined: 28 Jan 2020, 10:52
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 60
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-deepa-pujari.html
Latest Review: Seemore the Seagull by Ralph Tufo
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by DEEPA PUJARI »

This book sounds like a thrilling political mystery story. Good review. Congratulations BOTD!
User avatar
Amy+++
Posts: 1138
Joined: 12 Apr 2018, 17:49
Favorite Book: The Mister
Currently Reading: Last Chance Cafe
Bookshelf Size: 219
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amy.html
Latest Review: The Chauvinist's Guide to Modern Romance by Morris Rollins
Reading Device: B01CRGNO4S

Post by Amy+++ »

I'm not into polical tillers so I am going to pass on this one.
User avatar
Ferdinand_Otieno
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 3369
Joined: 03 Jun 2017, 12:54
Favorite Author: Victor Rose
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 1749
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ferdinand-otieno.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker
fav_author_id: 78026

Post by Ferdinand_Otieno »

This is a fictional political thriller based on real events and highlighting espionage, global politics, and Russia. The book is temporarily free on Amazon Kindle and has a well-deserved OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.
User avatar
Amy+++
Posts: 1138
Joined: 12 Apr 2018, 17:49
Favorite Book: The Mister
Currently Reading: Last Chance Cafe
Bookshelf Size: 219
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amy.html
Latest Review: The Chauvinist's Guide to Modern Romance by Morris Rollins
Reading Device: B01CRGNO4S

Post by Amy+++ »

I'm not into polical thillers so I am going to pass on this one. Great review though.
User avatar
Amy+++
Posts: 1138
Joined: 12 Apr 2018, 17:49
Favorite Book: The Mister
Currently Reading: Last Chance Cafe
Bookshelf Size: 219
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amy.html
Latest Review: The Chauvinist's Guide to Modern Romance by Morris Rollins
Reading Device: B01CRGNO4S

Post by Amy+++ »

I'm not into polical thillers so I am going to pass on this one. Great review though.
User avatar
María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 5187
Joined: 27 Apr 2018, 16:22
Favorite Author: Kristin Hannah
Favorite Book: The Nightingale
Currently Reading: The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci
Bookshelf Size: 2386
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mar-a-andrea-fern-ndez-sep-lveda.html
Latest Review: You Say Goodbye by Keith Steinbaum
fav_author_id: 5604

Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

Political espionage is not a topic I enjoy, but I applaud the author's ability to encompass so much in a brief novella.
Thank you for a thorough review!
User avatar
Patagonia
Posts: 5
Joined: 22 Jul 2020, 10:06
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 8
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-patagonia.html
Latest Review: There's a Rooster in My Bathroom! by Trish Ostroski

Post by Patagonia »

I thought his description of the book as being "straight forward writing style" and " The book was entertaining and slick" were new positive adjectives I would like to use in my reviews
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”