A story that will seize your attention and spike your anxiety.
FBI Special Agent Cavanaugh does not take the wanton deaths of several thousand Americans lightly. So when multiple incidents result in a horrific number of fatalities, he’ll have to rely on his keen intuition to identify the real perpetrator. The first sign of trouble is a supposed glitch in the Statewide Intelligent Transportation System that wreaks havoc on California highways, causing several thousand simultaneous traffic accidents. Within a few months, another deadly traffic catastrophe lands Dr. Jake Bendel in the crosshairs of the FBI’s investigation of what appears to be nothing short of domestic terrorism. What the FBI doesn’t know is that Jake is nothing if not a patriotic man who loves his country almost as much as he loves his family. Losing his beloved wife in one of the attacks and then being accused of these heinous acts, however, is almost more than he can endure. A highly intelligent civil engineer, Jake spent years working on a way to improve highway safety and increase efficiency for drivers. He and his team, the Super Six, reshaped American roadways, saving millions of dollars and countless lives in the process. Now, the other five members of his team have been murdered, and the FBI has pinned Jake as the main suspect. Cavanaugh knows better, so he takes matters into his own hands. Working outside FBI jurisdiction, Cavanaugh and Dr. Bendel will have to act quickly to stave off more attacks, clear Jake’s name, and save what family Jake has left.
With epic vehicle collisions, hair-raising helicopter chases and dangerous showdowns, Civil Terror: Gridlock is a novel that is constantly in motion. With so much action, it’s difficult to get to know Jake on a personal level, especially with all the blows he endures in a short time. Jake stumbles between stifling grief over the loss of his wife and indignation over the senseless crimes committed through misuse of his life’s work. But his sorrow and frustration serve to motivate his desperate heart, spurring him on to find the monster behind the attacks. Ubiquitous players and plot points, including a resourceful zealot, repeated agency leaks and a pernicious mole, contribute to a suspenseful story with a familiar feel, despite the futuristic innovation. As with any emerging technology or development, there are always nagging doubts about safety and security, particularly when humans relinquish control to automated programs. Bennecke takes full advantage of these reasonable fears and twists them into a deadly nightmare, making for a story that will seize your attention and spike your anxiety. Take a deep breath and buckle in for a non-stop ride in J. Luke Bennecke’s ultra-fast-paced thriller, Civil Terror: Gridlock.
