What do you think?
Rate this book
Slowpocalypse #2
Threat Multiplication
—A Perfect Storm
MYSTERIOUS power outages, disrupted communications, and a rash of illness among the guards are only the beginning. Soon FURC Security Chief Anthony Nelson and his small, mostly inexperienced staff are overwhelmed by the hacking of the local network, the contamination of the food supply, and a seemingly impossible murder.
Rookie David Belue is trying to solve one of those mysteries when he comes under investigation himself, because he’s one of the few who had the means and a motive to murder. Which makes Officer Lisa Courdray’s job much more difficult—now she has to prove her own partner innocent while also uncovering a hidden saboteur within the community.
Lt. Katherine Miles can’t help—she’s far from the FURC on a secret mission and unable to contact them with a warning. If she can make it back at all, she’ll be bringing even more trouble along with her.
MYSTERIOUS power outages, disrupted communications, and a rash of illness among the guards are only the beginning. Soon FURC Security Chief Anthony Nelson and his small, mostly inexperienced staff are overwhelmed by the hacking of the local network, the contamination of the food supply, and a seemingly impossible murder.
Rookie David Belue is trying to solve one of those mysteries when he comes under investigation himself, because he’s one of the few who had the means and a motive to murder. Which makes Officer Lisa Courdray’s job much more difficult—now she has to prove her own partner innocent while also uncovering a hidden saboteur within the community.
Lt. Katherine Miles can’t help—she’s far from the FURC on a secret mission and unable to contact them with a warning. If she can make it back at all, she’ll be bringing even more trouble along with her.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2014
29 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
James Litherland
21 books128 followersI’m a graduate of the University of South Florida, and I now reside as a Virtual Hermit in the wilds of West Tennessee. I've lived various places and done a number of jobs – been an office worker and done hard manual labor, worked (briefly) in the retail and service sectors, and been an instructor. But through all that, I've always been a writer.
I’ve been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. I cut my teeth on Nancy Drew and devoured all the pulpy adventure stories I could get my hands on before moving to genre greats like Agatha Christie and Isaac Asimov. Then in junior high I became a writer. I started studying the craft of writing – reading books and magazine articles, joining a writers’ group, and taking creative writing classes – and I wrote short stories, eventually a novel, and even some poetry. After thirty years of practice I thought I’d learned a little something, and that’s when I wrote and published my debut novel, Certain Hypothetical. And I learn a bit more with every book I write.
I’m a Christian who tries to walk the walk (and not talk much.)
I’ve been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. I cut my teeth on Nancy Drew and devoured all the pulpy adventure stories I could get my hands on before moving to genre greats like Agatha Christie and Isaac Asimov. Then in junior high I became a writer. I started studying the craft of writing – reading books and magazine articles, joining a writers’ group, and taking creative writing classes – and I wrote short stories, eventually a novel, and even some poetry. After thirty years of practice I thought I’d learned a little something, and that’s when I wrote and published my debut novel, Certain Hypothetical. And I learn a bit more with every book I write.
I’m a Christian who tries to walk the walk (and not talk much.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 8, 2015
Litherland picks up right where he left off in the previous novel in the series and continues on his imaginative journey. Not only does Litherland create an intriguing premise and well thought out plot here, he continues to build the world in which his characters live. With each chapter it becomes more and more vivid.
I enjoyed the fact that there were simultaneously different stories going on inside and outside of the compound throughout the novel. Litherland ties them together while also highlighting the differences between the situations.
The characters that Litherland developed in the 1st novel of the series continue to grow and morph throughout this novel, while also remaining the same people they we originally met. The continuous character development really allowed me to feel as if I knew the characters better at the end of the novel than I did at the beginning.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the fact that there were simultaneously different stories going on inside and outside of the compound throughout the novel. Litherland ties them together while also highlighting the differences between the situations.
The characters that Litherland developed in the 1st novel of the series continue to grow and morph throughout this novel, while also remaining the same people they we originally met. The continuous character development really allowed me to feel as if I knew the characters better at the end of the novel than I did at the beginning.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2015
I received this book directly from the author. This was a nice surprise and I thank him for it and also the other books he has sent me.
I enjoyed Slowpocalypse 1 as a book and as a good read. This continues the story of that compound in Florida and the inhabitants of it. It is split into threads based on certain characters and lets the reader explore the world it is set in a bit more.
I really do enjoy how James Litherland writes characters, stories and how he sets the scenes. There is a lot in his writing and in this book there is action, mystery, suspense and detective stories as well as many other genres. I feel there is a subtle social commentary running through this series that the America of today would be well advised to listen to and heed the warning it contains.
I will be reading book 3 of the series from the moment I finish this review but so far I would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys a good read. I have given both books 4 stars so far but if book three is as good as the first two I will give it 5 stars and that will be my mark for the series. I am just slightly hesitant to give 5 stars to a part of a trilogy in case the ending does not justify the set up in the earlier books.
I enjoyed Slowpocalypse 1 as a book and as a good read. This continues the story of that compound in Florida and the inhabitants of it. It is split into threads based on certain characters and lets the reader explore the world it is set in a bit more.
I really do enjoy how James Litherland writes characters, stories and how he sets the scenes. There is a lot in his writing and in this book there is action, mystery, suspense and detective stories as well as many other genres. I feel there is a subtle social commentary running through this series that the America of today would be well advised to listen to and heed the warning it contains.
I will be reading book 3 of the series from the moment I finish this review but so far I would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys a good read. I have given both books 4 stars so far but if book three is as good as the first two I will give it 5 stars and that will be my mark for the series. I am just slightly hesitant to give 5 stars to a part of a trilogy in case the ending does not justify the set up in the earlier books.
May 28, 2014
This is book two from Litherland's Slowpocalypse series. Kat and David are both back. Litherland basically alternates which character we follow each chapter. Kat is out of the FURC attempting to save Ken Cameron's wife and three daughters. She will face many obstacles in bringing them back to the safety of the FURC. David is working inside the compound trying to find out who poisoned the food in the cafeteria and than who killed one of the cafeteria workers.
It was an enjoyable read but it was difficult at times to remember who various characters were. Some would arise during this story but had previously appeared briefly in the first book with no explanation from the author as to who they were.
I really enjoyed Kat's adventure more than David's. David's issues all appeared to get resolved in a rush at the end without a complete wrap up. Minor characters become major to the story which is frustrating.
It was an enjoyable read but it was difficult at times to remember who various characters were. Some would arise during this story but had previously appeared briefly in the first book with no explanation from the author as to who they were.
I really enjoyed Kat's adventure more than David's. David's issues all appeared to get resolved in a rush at the end without a complete wrap up. Minor characters become major to the story which is frustrating.
April 7, 2020
Threat Multiplication picks up right where Critical Contingencies left off, so I would recommend reading this series in order.
There is a bit of grounding information before the story begins properly, which is really useful for setting the scene as to what the FURC is going on (pun, sorry!).
Then straight into the action, with Kat out of the compound on a mission to collect Chief Cameron’s wife and daughters, for delivery to safety in the FURC. Meanwhile Tony and David are still trying to track down moles, saboteurs and spies from within, as security forces start to mysteriously fall ill and systems begin to glitch and fail.
This book is an action/espionage thriller that focuses on the characters and their futuristic lockdown setting (which feels less sci-fi and more prescient in current times!). For those reading in order, the core characters are becoming more familiar and developing from when they were initially introduced. Newcomers may find themselves a little adrift in places, as these are quite sparse, fast-paced stories without a lot of background detail to slow them down.
As tensions build within the FURC compound, and outside its walls, I will be interested to see where James Litherland takes his characters next within their surveilled slow-cooker. My sneak peek ahead to Book 5 (Political Homicide) tells me that keeping people cooped up, even for their own safety, can be murder…!
Anthony frowned for a moment in the dark, but before he had a chance to do anything, the lights came back on. He grinned and shook his head at himself. They’d been expecting this. Someone had to cut off the power someday—he was only surprised that it had taken this long—and now that day had arrived.
The FURCSnet had automatically switched the compound over to the internal power supply. Now everything was alright, except for all the people annoyed by blinking lights as various systems rebooted. Though the transition had been smooth enough people shouldn’t be too upset.
Still, he ought to get out and see for himself that everyone was behaving. Miles hadn’t considered it prudent to broadcast these back-up plans to everybody—and Anthony had no choice but to agree. Despite the confident assurances he’d given the director, he and his officers had failed to uncover any more moles.
Perhaps there were none to be found. But just because they’d found no evidence was not proof of their absence. And Anthony had his suspicions. So assuming Governor Roberts still had people on the inside, it would be better if only a few people in positions of responsibility knew what was coming.
– James Litherland, Threat Multiplication
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
There is a bit of grounding information before the story begins properly, which is really useful for setting the scene as to what the FURC is going on (pun, sorry!).
Then straight into the action, with Kat out of the compound on a mission to collect Chief Cameron’s wife and daughters, for delivery to safety in the FURC. Meanwhile Tony and David are still trying to track down moles, saboteurs and spies from within, as security forces start to mysteriously fall ill and systems begin to glitch and fail.
This book is an action/espionage thriller that focuses on the characters and their futuristic lockdown setting (which feels less sci-fi and more prescient in current times!). For those reading in order, the core characters are becoming more familiar and developing from when they were initially introduced. Newcomers may find themselves a little adrift in places, as these are quite sparse, fast-paced stories without a lot of background detail to slow them down.
As tensions build within the FURC compound, and outside its walls, I will be interested to see where James Litherland takes his characters next within their surveilled slow-cooker. My sneak peek ahead to Book 5 (Political Homicide) tells me that keeping people cooped up, even for their own safety, can be murder…!
Anthony frowned for a moment in the dark, but before he had a chance to do anything, the lights came back on. He grinned and shook his head at himself. They’d been expecting this. Someone had to cut off the power someday—he was only surprised that it had taken this long—and now that day had arrived.
The FURCSnet had automatically switched the compound over to the internal power supply. Now everything was alright, except for all the people annoyed by blinking lights as various systems rebooted. Though the transition had been smooth enough people shouldn’t be too upset.
Still, he ought to get out and see for himself that everyone was behaving. Miles hadn’t considered it prudent to broadcast these back-up plans to everybody—and Anthony had no choice but to agree. Despite the confident assurances he’d given the director, he and his officers had failed to uncover any more moles.
Perhaps there were none to be found. But just because they’d found no evidence was not proof of their absence. And Anthony had his suspicions. So assuming Governor Roberts still had people on the inside, it would be better if only a few people in positions of responsibility knew what was coming.
– James Litherland, Threat Multiplication
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
December 2, 2017
Litherland does it again. Although this is the second installment of the Slowpocalypse series, Litherland does a great job of reminding the continuing reader of past events while also giving just enough detail so the new reader is able to understand the background and not be confused.
The events happening inside and outside the compound are realistic and expected given the new setting society finds itself in. The multiple storylines occurring in the book are a great way to help the reader get a feel for the gravity of the situation the world is in at this time. I appreciate the going back and forth of the storylines as it allows all storylines to be continued without long lags between information.
I certainly hope Kat and Tony realize what all readers new and old clearly see their relationship should be. While there are times Kat seems too good to be true, I still really like her character and continue to root for her.
I am very glad that Ken Chambers’ family was introduced and developed more in this book. As with any family, there are those members that are just so urggggh and others that you instantly like. Without causing a spoiler, I will say I am glad Kat finally acts on some of the attitudes of the ladies. I also hope that the new possible romance introduced continue and flourishes.
Other characters continue to grow while others fall by the sideline, but one character I still cannot find a way to like is Lisa. She wants everything her way and she is the only one that is allowed to be the way she is. She is cocky and annoying.
I am giving this honest review after receiving an ARC copy of the book.
The events happening inside and outside the compound are realistic and expected given the new setting society finds itself in. The multiple storylines occurring in the book are a great way to help the reader get a feel for the gravity of the situation the world is in at this time. I appreciate the going back and forth of the storylines as it allows all storylines to be continued without long lags between information.
I certainly hope Kat and Tony realize what all readers new and old clearly see their relationship should be. While there are times Kat seems too good to be true, I still really like her character and continue to root for her.
I am very glad that Ken Chambers’ family was introduced and developed more in this book. As with any family, there are those members that are just so urggggh and others that you instantly like. Without causing a spoiler, I will say I am glad Kat finally acts on some of the attitudes of the ladies. I also hope that the new possible romance introduced continue and flourishes.
Other characters continue to grow while others fall by the sideline, but one character I still cannot find a way to like is Lisa. She wants everything her way and she is the only one that is allowed to be the way she is. She is cocky and annoying.
I am giving this honest review after receiving an ARC copy of the book.
March 21, 2017
Slowpocalypse (books 0.5 - 3)
An interesting series that's easy to read and has plenty of suspense to keep you turning the pages.
Durable Impressions is a short introduction to a new and exciting world and to Kat, one of the main characters.
Although Certain Hypothetical (book 1) starts off slowly, it soon picks up and sets the pace for the series.
Each book has an intriguing plot that's well thought out and is a good mix of action, mystery and suspense.
The two main characters are dimensional and they grow and evolve through the series.
The large supporting cast are occasionally hard to keep track of, but the 'returning characters' list at the in the later books reminds you, who's who
Each book wraps up the story lines satisfyingly, leaving the way open for further instalments, but without any great cliffhangers.
Having read books 0.5 to 3, I'm now looking forward to reading book 4, Peripheral Encounters.
I received a copy of Threat Multiplication from the author, James Litherland - Thank you!
An interesting series that's easy to read and has plenty of suspense to keep you turning the pages.
Durable Impressions is a short introduction to a new and exciting world and to Kat, one of the main characters.
Although Certain Hypothetical (book 1) starts off slowly, it soon picks up and sets the pace for the series.
Each book has an intriguing plot that's well thought out and is a good mix of action, mystery and suspense.
The two main characters are dimensional and they grow and evolve through the series.
The large supporting cast are occasionally hard to keep track of, but the 'returning characters' list at the in the later books reminds you, who's who
Each book wraps up the story lines satisfyingly, leaving the way open for further instalments, but without any great cliffhangers.
Having read books 0.5 to 3, I'm now looking forward to reading book 4, Peripheral Encounters.
I received a copy of Threat Multiplication from the author, James Litherland - Thank you!
December 1, 2017
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of this book. Having not read the first in the series, I was a little confused in some places, but the book was action packed and kept my attention. The characters and plot was very well rounded. I really liked this book.
January 19, 2017
Fantastic addition to the Slowpocalypse series!
I love the brief character introductions at the beginning of the book. Sometimes I'll forget a last name or connection and have to check back and this makes it really fast and easy. The character rundown also will help very much if you haven't read the first book.
This is the second book in the Slowpocalypse series and it's great, full of mystery and action packed, very exciting. It got more and more difficult to put down each time I was able to sit still and read for awhile. When I made it to the last hundred pages or so I couldn't put it down, I had to finish it.
Kat and Mactierney are outside the FURC working on a dangerous secret mission traveling to Chief Cameron's wife and daughters. They're trying to get back inside with them while dealing with the mess that is now the outside world, traitors, Aryans, and the wife herself. I love Fiona and her daughters, they're so interesting and are a great addition to the story. I look forward to seeing more of them.
Meanwhile David and Anthony are inside dealing with saboteurs who have poisoned part of the food supply, are causing numerous blackouts, and murdered someone. All the stories come together in an exciting climax that will keep you reading and leave you wanting more. I'm going right into book three because I have to see what happens next!
I received this book free from the author but I'm not obligated to write a positive review, just an honest one.
I love the brief character introductions at the beginning of the book. Sometimes I'll forget a last name or connection and have to check back and this makes it really fast and easy. The character rundown also will help very much if you haven't read the first book.
This is the second book in the Slowpocalypse series and it's great, full of mystery and action packed, very exciting. It got more and more difficult to put down each time I was able to sit still and read for awhile. When I made it to the last hundred pages or so I couldn't put it down, I had to finish it.
Kat and Mactierney are outside the FURC working on a dangerous secret mission traveling to Chief Cameron's wife and daughters. They're trying to get back inside with them while dealing with the mess that is now the outside world, traitors, Aryans, and the wife herself. I love Fiona and her daughters, they're so interesting and are a great addition to the story. I look forward to seeing more of them.
Meanwhile David and Anthony are inside dealing with saboteurs who have poisoned part of the food supply, are causing numerous blackouts, and murdered someone. All the stories come together in an exciting climax that will keep you reading and leave you wanting more. I'm going right into book three because I have to see what happens next!
I received this book free from the author but I'm not obligated to write a positive review, just an honest one.
January 17, 2015
Threat Multiplication by Litherland is a fast-paced story on two fronts. The majority of the characters are holed up in a fortified camp with Aryans and the Governor and the Sheriff on the outside. Hidden away are the chief's wife and daughters. One of the main protagonists, Kat, has the task of getting them to the compound. To add to the conflict are a husband and wife who pretend they are fleeing the Aryans. Both of these people, in their own way, wreak havoc on the rescue expedition and one is left breathless to see if the good guys make it back. The story is easy to follow, except for the characters at the end as I had forgotten who they are but assume they're the goodies. I found I wanted more of Kat and had to wait till it was her turn. The characters are well-rounded and the imagery is good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2015
I received an electronic copy of this book by the author for an honest review. Threat Multiplication has picked up right where Certain Hypothetical left off. A good portion of this book is devoted to Kat, as she embarks on a secret mission outside the fence to retrieve Chief Cameron's wife and daughters. While Kat is handling her mission in the strong, resilient, and intelligent manner with which readers of book 1 would expect, the compound is facing problems of their own. When murder and mayhem threaten the lives of everyone inside, those charged with protecting them all have to scramble to bring order. The plot was well paced and had enough twists to keep it interesting. I really liked the introduction of Chief Cameron's wife and daughters as strong, capable women with good heads on their shoulders. This was a quick but worthwhile read.
June 11, 2016
I received this book as part of Goodreads giveaways. This is part 2 of the slowpocalypse series, and there are two stories that alternate. The main plot revolves around a set of mysterious circumstances, computer hacking, poisoning, and a murder. The other plot involves a security officer who goes outside the compound to find a family and bring them into FURC. The book flows well and is engaging while moving at a good pace. The characters are sometimes hard to follow, and I wish the plot/characters were a little more developed, but overall a good read...good escapism in a dystopian setting, that while violent at times (there's an element of realism) not over the top as so many other books in the genre.
August 25, 2014
I won this book in the goodreads giveaway.
I haven't read the first book in the series, however, I didn't feel lost when picking up this book. The story is easy to follow and catch on too. The characters and the plot was interesting. I however, couldn't help but feel like there were to many characters to keep track off. Some of the characters are barely mentioned and then just seem to be completely forgotten about until important parts of the story happen. The writing style also bothered me a little, it seemed a bit choppy and not seem to flow well. All in all though, it was a fun read and story that all ages can enjoy.
I haven't read the first book in the series, however, I didn't feel lost when picking up this book. The story is easy to follow and catch on too. The characters and the plot was interesting. I however, couldn't help but feel like there were to many characters to keep track off. Some of the characters are barely mentioned and then just seem to be completely forgotten about until important parts of the story happen. The writing style also bothered me a little, it seemed a bit choppy and not seem to flow well. All in all though, it was a fun read and story that all ages can enjoy.
August 23, 2015
Wow! I liked this.
A fair bit of the novel is Kat out beyond the barrier on an important mission, while there is still unknowns creeping within the heavily shuttered compound. Who to really trust, or not trust? Plenty of action, intrigue, and suspense, with the last few chapters being real page-turners!
A fair bit of the novel is Kat out beyond the barrier on an important mission, while there is still unknowns creeping within the heavily shuttered compound. Who to really trust, or not trust? Plenty of action, intrigue, and suspense, with the last few chapters being real page-turners!
April 13, 2016
Second in the series: Great continuation of characters and plot from the first book! No low or boring stretches; so refreshing. You will have a hard time putting this down! I was very fortunate to have won this book from the give-a-way section. I now have a new author to follow and look forward to the third book of this series "Compromised Inside".
October 9, 2016
I won this book through Goodreads Giveaway. I really enjoyed this. Very exciting & fresh. Just as exciting as the 1st book. I can't wait for what is next by this author.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews