Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “The Girlfriend Experience” as Want to Read:
The Girlfriend Experience
by
When you're on the run from Chinese assassins, it helps to know who your friends are.
Matt Bugatti has cracked the Internet's most secure code. Now the NSA and Chinese spies will stop at nothing to learn his secret. Unaware of the danger he faces, Matt meets glamorous Gina, a woman with a secret of her own. Life is good - until the conflict comes to a head and Matt find ...more
Matt Bugatti has cracked the Internet's most secure code. Now the NSA and Chinese spies will stop at nothing to learn his secret. Unaware of the danger he faces, Matt meets glamorous Gina, a woman with a secret of her own. Life is good - until the conflict comes to a head and Matt find ...more
Paperback, 264 pages
Published
October 5th 2013
by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
(first published December 21st 2012)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
The Girlfriend Experience,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about The Girlfriend Experience
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of The Girlfriend Experience
4.5*stars.
I won a copy of The Girlfriend Experience through a Goodreads giveaway; something of a rarity in itself as I rarely win anything!
A good start then!
My personal reading taste tends to veer in the direction of the horror genre, and if it hadn't of been for the very attractive cover, which in turn enticed me to read the blurb, then I'd likely never have entered the competition which allowed me the pleasure of reading this book.
So well done to whoever designed the cover, I love it!
The Girlf ...more
I won a copy of The Girlfriend Experience through a Goodreads giveaway; something of a rarity in itself as I rarely win anything!
A good start then!
My personal reading taste tends to veer in the direction of the horror genre, and if it hadn't of been for the very attractive cover, which in turn enticed me to read the blurb, then I'd likely never have entered the competition which allowed me the pleasure of reading this book.
So well done to whoever designed the cover, I love it!
The Girlf ...more
I stumbled upon this book unexpectedly and then couldn't put it down. It has compelling characters, fast-paced action, and an intricate web of intrigue that leads the reader on an exciting, twisty path all the way to the end.
I am not normally a thriller gal, but this one hooked me. I plan to dig into more books by this author soon. ...more
I am not normally a thriller gal, but this one hooked me. I plan to dig into more books by this author soon. ...more
I think if this book had been written fifteen years ago it may have given some food for thought but today to the internet or technically inclined reader it is going to be difficult to find any real interest and certainly no cause for alarm. The plot itself is just nonsense, and the pseudo science especially baffling. Why subject the reader to all that mumbo jumbo, the author has already told them the guy's a genius, so why does he keep droning on about it for the first half of the book? It came
...more
Without giving too much away, I have to say this tech thriller is one of the best books I've read this year. Once you're mid way through you can't put it down. Having a husband in this field also gave me greater insight into Matt's character and the team's quest to bring their product to market. As the stress builds in the process so to does the desperation to meet outlandish goals. It's obvious this realistic setting has applied factual knowledge behind it. As for the China connection, it's a c
...more
This book is *not* a romance, or even primarily about a girlfriend, despite its title. (There must be several dozen books with the exact same title that are romances or at least are primarily about girlfriends; this is very different.) This book is a techno-thriller, of an abstract sort: no cool gadgets, just some cool math (which changes everything).
As soon as a story plot involves computer hacking, I usually cringe. This one, however, isn't bad. The author obviously actually understands some o ...more
As soon as a story plot involves computer hacking, I usually cringe. This one, however, isn't bad. The author obviously actually understands some o ...more
Lots of fun!
There were so many turns where this could have been a great story, sadly the author played a little too safe and fell short of greatness. The resulting tale is however, a fun and entertaining diversion, well worth reading. At this point I have read two stories by this author, and while he gives credit in the second book for it's being far more polished this one remains my favorite. It is fresh and earnest in presentation with only a few rabbit trails that should have been either fol ...more
There were so many turns where this could have been a great story, sadly the author played a little too safe and fell short of greatness. The resulting tale is however, a fun and entertaining diversion, well worth reading. At this point I have read two stories by this author, and while he gives credit in the second book for it's being far more polished this one remains my favorite. It is fresh and earnest in presentation with only a few rabbit trails that should have been either fol ...more
I received “The Girlfriend Experience” free from Goodreads First Reads. Imagine one country had the ability to crack and decipher any encryption code used to secure everything in the world. Now imagine, only one person was ingenious to create this program. Global acceptance and participation of the internet in every aspect of life opened the door for domination by any who control the power to unlock every security key used by computers, programs, corporations, governments…the list is endless. Th
...more
"The Girlfriend Experience" by Charles O'Donnell which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is an edgy, espionage thriller set in the high-tech world of Connectrix Corporation where an advanced encryption code is being developed for Project Cygnus. As the story opens Matt Burgatti is formulating a top secret code that can decipher encrypted messages in record time and will be sold to the NSA as part of the Cygnus system. What Matt doesn't expect is that his work will be targeted by Chinese spies and t
...more
Wow, didn't see notice I had won this one, but received in the mail yesterday. So, looks like I won on 11/6/13 and received 11/13/13 (love fast delivery). I hope to start soon, I have 9 others plus my current read in front. 11/14/13
Started and finished around 12/25/13
Matt Bugatti is a genius. He has created a computer program that can crack an encrypted code fast, and now the Chinese and American agents are after his program. Then, Gina enters Matt's life. Life is good until Matt discovers Gina' ...more
Started and finished around 12/25/13
Matt Bugatti is a genius. He has created a computer program that can crack an encrypted code fast, and now the Chinese and American agents are after his program. Then, Gina enters Matt's life. Life is good until Matt discovers Gina' ...more
Firstly thanks to Goodreads for a copy of this book
The Girlfriend Experience is a highly enjoyable techno thriller, it took me a while to get into the book but once there soon had me hooked in. I found the characters well rounded with a fast paced storyline easily flitting between the USA and china without losing the pace or losing the plot. I wouldn't say that I could fully understand all the technical detail of the plot however, this did not deter from my enjoyment of what is an extremely well ...more
The Girlfriend Experience is a highly enjoyable techno thriller, it took me a while to get into the book but once there soon had me hooked in. I found the characters well rounded with a fast paced storyline easily flitting between the USA and china without losing the pace or losing the plot. I wouldn't say that I could fully understand all the technical detail of the plot however, this did not deter from my enjoyment of what is an extremely well ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Oct 14, 2013
Diane
added it
I typically do not read Esponage/tech types of books, but this one was recommended to me so I gave it a try. I LOVED Matt Bugatti and his adventure through the twists and turns of this story. I have to agree with some of the others, once I figured out who was who in the 1st half of the book, I read the last half of the book into the wee hours of the am because I could not put it down. I just had to find out what was going to happen to Matt, Gina and the team. Very Impressed by the 1st book by th
...more
Thanks to Goodreads I received a copy of The Girlfriend Experience by Charles O'Donnell. This is a smart, fast-paced techno-crime thriller that smacks of reality based on today's current events. The protagonist is a brainy, geeky near-recluse who becomes hooked up with a woman who most men would only dream of. In the end, he must rely on his own wits and a couple of friends with whom he can literally entrust his life as he becomes a hunted man. Explore international politics, corporate boardroom
...more
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
A good technological thriller. Although I didn't really feel a connection to ALL of the characters in this book, I certainly connected with Matt (the main character). And really, isn't that all that matters? I would love to see more books by this author featuring Matt Bugatti.
Well worth a read! ...more
A good technological thriller. Although I didn't really feel a connection to ALL of the characters in this book, I certainly connected with Matt (the main character). And really, isn't that all that matters? I would love to see more books by this author featuring Matt Bugatti.
Well worth a read! ...more
Thanks for Goodreads, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. This book is about a quite interesting high-tech story. I really like the way that different plotlines are connected. When I started to read the first chapter, I could not wait to know about the rest of the whole book. Reading this book seems like watching an espionage movie in the mind.
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
I enjoyed this book - it was very well written with an exciting twist at the end. Although I struggled a bit with all the technical computer jargon, this didn't distract me from the overall plot and I now know a lot more about the computer industry than I did before! ...more
I enjoyed this book - it was very well written with an exciting twist at the end. Although I struggled a bit with all the technical computer jargon, this didn't distract me from the overall plot and I now know a lot more about the computer industry than I did before! ...more
It's always fun to check out a book from a first time author... and "The Girlfriend Experience" was well worth the read! A great mix of geeky tech story with a mix of espionage and intrigue. Highly recommend and look forward to more stories from Charles "Gus" O'Donnell.
...more
I loved The Girlfriend Experience and pretty much read it without stopping in one weekend. It's been a while since I've taken the time to do that. First of all, the subject matter - industrial espionage, cracking encryption keys, the NSA striving to gather more and more information on all Americans, and China trying to steal any breakthrough ideas - couldn't be more timely. The plot is carefully crafted and all the different lines are brought together beautifully, through the actions of a number
...more
The Girlfriend Experience is a great read that pulls together multiple plot lines and winds them up into a fast moving, exciting conclusion. In much the same vain as David Baldacci, W. E. B. Griffin or Nelson DeMille, the author takes us through multiple twists and turns as the hero establishes himself as a likable "every man" who can handle himself in a tricky spot.
The story is quick, entertaining and the characters likable in their own, ordinary ways. I really enjoyed the fact that the charact ...more
The story is quick, entertaining and the characters likable in their own, ordinary ways. I really enjoyed the fact that the charact ...more
I can't say that some parts of this book weren't over my head, but that aspect added to the plot for me on so many levels! Matt's story is complex, and not entirely his story alone. With each layer that O'Donnell added, I felt slightly more bewildered and slightly more compassionate towards Matt and the huge mess he found himself in.
I particularly enjoyed that this wasn't a straight up thriller. While it was incredibly thrilling, Matt's own personal growth took on a plot of its own throughout t ...more
I particularly enjoyed that this wasn't a straight up thriller. While it was incredibly thrilling, Matt's own personal growth took on a plot of its own throughout t ...more
I won this book through Goodreads after reading the blurb and liking it a lot. I thought this was going to be an interesting book but never expected it to be as big a masterpiece as it is. I love the characters and their depth within the book. It leads up to a climax at the end but is mainly low key throughout the book. This allows it to be packed with information that is surprisingly its not thrust out at you like most books so it stays interesting throughout. Corruption runs rampant through th
...more
Without giving too much away, I have to say this tech thriller is one of the best books I've read this year. Once you're mid way through you can't put it down. Having a husband in this field also gave me greater insight into Matt's character and the team's quest to bring their product to market. As the stress builds in the process so to does the desperation to meet outlandish goals. It's obvious this realistic setting has applied factual knowledge behind it. As for the China connection, it's a c
...more
Sorry, do not understand the hype posted about this book - this is a strange book. I could only make it past the first few chapters, because of stereotype characters, you know he has a scene where they are all drinking beer and grappa then after four hours we have a drunk driver, as well as a very strange project manager that relates to a critical line, on a project that cannot possibly be projected, it is just crazy. Of course the mc being Italian has to have an overbearing mother and just to c
...more
It was suggested by a friend that I take the time to read The Girlfriend Experience. I usually wouldn't take the time to read a non-fiction book but the content was very interesting and compatible with my real life work experiences. I really enjoyed the story line. The second half of the book really put all the pieces into place. I can see where this story could easily be adapted into a movie. I am hoping to see more writings from the author. I say Great Job!
...more
...more
Great read! Once you get started on this book, it's very hard to put down. Especially the last half of the book. I stayed up late one night to finish it, because there was no way I could stop reading. Excellent character development and I especially love the main character, Matt. I highly recommend this book.
...more
Was not sure what to expect as I heard no one died early on in the novel :). I thought it might be a little slow going but found myself doing what I typically do when I have a great read. Slipping away from conversations at the beach, spending a little extra time in the car, staying up late... all so I could read the next chapter. Exceptional work for a first book!
Fast Paced and Well Crafted
Great characters, interesting concept, and doesn't skimp on the technical details - all together a really fun, hard driving triller in the mold of Dan Brown or Lee Child. ...more
Great characters, interesting concept, and doesn't skimp on the technical details - all together a really fun, hard driving triller in the mold of Dan Brown or Lee Child. ...more
I enjoyed this book but I found the characters a little confusing; I think some of the character's actions could have been expanded to make things clearer.
...more
Gripping! Page turner! Hope Matt Bugatti continues as a series,since he is such a tenacious and likeable detective.
Good story, good plot. An enjoyable read, but I would have liked some of the characters given a bit more life.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers also enjoyed
Charles O’Donnell writes thrillers with high-tech themes in international and futuristic settings. He recently retired from a career of thirty-five years in engineering and manufacturing to write full-time, using his experience leading international teams to create compelling settings in faraway lands.
His latest books, Shredded and Shade are the product of his fascination with the progress of tech ...more
His latest books, Shredded and Shade are the product of his fascination with the progress of tech ...more
Related Articles
Kazuo Ishiguro insists he’s an optimist about technology.
“I'm not one of these people who thinks it's going to come and destroy us,” he...
296 likes · 27 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
