The story in one page
Reporter Scott Mason finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy involving computer-based extortion targeting the wealthy and powerful. Following a public assassination attempt on a software executive, Mason navigates a landscape of hackers, government spies, and shadowy corporate interests. As he tracks disparate digital clues, he uncovers an unexpected and dangerous revelation about the origins of the atomic bomb that defies standard historical records. The investigation forces him to reconcile his professional curiosity with the massive risks posed by those who wish to keep their operations in the dark.
Who's who
- Scott Mason
New York City Times reporter investigating high-tech political conspiracies.
- Pierre Troubleaux
Software company president shot during a privacy subcommittee hearing.
- Tyrone
Scott's associate and confidant who serves as a legal sounding board.
- Alex
International contact and source for intelligence regarding global computer blackmail.
What it's really about
- Privacy
- Digital exposure threatens individual and corporate secrets.
- Blackmail
- Data exploitation serves as a tool for geopolitical manipulation.
Why it's memorable
- A software mogul is shot on live television during a Senate hearing.
- Scott Mason grills a steak while casually revealing an alternative history of the atomic bomb.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Scott reveals to Tyrone that the atomic bomb was not developed by the United States as historically understood, but was provided by an external, hidden source.
For your book club
- Does the digital landscape simplify or complicate international espionage?
- How do the threats depicted in 1993 mirror current concerns regarding data security?