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Secrets #1
Death of Secrets
Death of Secrets is a thriller about a terrifying new technology that could end the right to privacy forever. Kathy Kelver is a young woman who becomes a witness to a murder. Michael Vincent is a Congressman with a crucial vote on government surveillance. The two of them will find themselves running for their lives, trying to decipher a mysterious computer file before its secret kills them. If they fail, it will mean the Death of Secrets.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2014
195 people are currently reading
1179 people want to read
About the author
Bowen Greenwood
32 books36 followersBowen Greenwood: Marksman, martial artist, motorcyclist. Once a resident of Washington D.C., once a political operative, once a reporter. He reviews other indie writers' books and posts updates about his own at www.bowengreenwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 27, 2014
We've all know of the NSA and claims of it's over reach into the lives of all of us. This book takes it one step further. Whether you believe the NSA has gone to far or haven't gone far enough this book will make you wonder just how far they could go or even how far they have gone and the limits that might be used to keep their own secrets. This political thriller because it deals with events and question still in the headlines today that effect the rights and privacy of us all and the author's skill to create a story with realistic characters makes this a book you won't want to put down until the end.
April 25, 2014
Fun reading!!!!
Fun reading!!!!
This is a fun book to read. It brings together characters from a range of backgrounds who must work to save the world's privacy. Good plot that is very believable in the day and age.
Fun reading!!!!
This is a fun book to read. It brings together characters from a range of backgrounds who must work to save the world's privacy. Good plot that is very believable in the day and age.
February 1, 2014
Well, I'm the author, so obviously I love it!
October 22, 2021
Kathy Kelver is passed a flash/thumb drive from a dying man, can she find out what data is on it and could it be the Death of Secrets?
I found this book an Okay 3 star thriller about internet privacy issues. It has a good contemporary feel considering how the internet and technology has developed in the last two decades. The plot was simple enough and is based on how much does the government or business know about the public.
The writing style is rather tabloid with lots of fast paced comic book action. The scenes are far-fetched and rather childish - grab, fight, escape and run, giving me a yawn. But I did like the discussions of news management and politics. The overview of developing technology and everything that happens in the background of our internet connected world was interesting. I did not find Death of Secrets a thrilling read but a pleasant reminder of current day data concerns, hence my 3 star rating.
There was one current trend mentioned that I do not follow which made me laugh…
Finally Kathy reached into the pocket of her jeans - which were starting to feel grungy on the second day of wear.
...Oh, those young people, forever washing clothes! How much time, energy and money do they waste with their obsession with clean clothes? Yes, it is always nice to put something clean on but two days for a pair of jeans?
I found this book an Okay 3 star thriller about internet privacy issues. It has a good contemporary feel considering how the internet and technology has developed in the last two decades. The plot was simple enough and is based on how much does the government or business know about the public.
The writing style is rather tabloid with lots of fast paced comic book action. The scenes are far-fetched and rather childish - grab, fight, escape and run, giving me a yawn. But I did like the discussions of news management and politics. The overview of developing technology and everything that happens in the background of our internet connected world was interesting. I did not find Death of Secrets a thrilling read but a pleasant reminder of current day data concerns, hence my 3 star rating.
There was one current trend mentioned that I do not follow which made me laugh…
Finally Kathy reached into the pocket of her jeans - which were starting to feel grungy on the second day of wear.
...Oh, those young people, forever washing clothes! How much time, energy and money do they waste with their obsession with clean clothes? Yes, it is always nice to put something clean on but two days for a pair of jeans?
October 19, 2016
The idea is not bad, the danger quite real.
The characters are nicely done, but they react too often in unbelievable ways.
A man is shot and gives a flash drive to Kathy, but Kathy doesn't tell the police about it.
Mike, a congressman, member of the committee that decides which software NSA will use, does not know that smart phones can be tracked.
Colleen, a wannabe hacker and computer nerd, uses freely a wireless laptop when on hiding.
The killers track them, know their hiding place, but instead of going there they abduct John and wait a whole day.
These are some of the things that make the story unbelievable.
The characters are nicely done, but they react too often in unbelievable ways.
A man is shot and gives a flash drive to Kathy, but Kathy doesn't tell the police about it.
Mike, a congressman, member of the committee that decides which software NSA will use, does not know that smart phones can be tracked.
Colleen, a wannabe hacker and computer nerd, uses freely a wireless laptop when on hiding.
The killers track them, know their hiding place, but instead of going there they abduct John and wait a whole day.
These are some of the things that make the story unbelievable.
March 7, 2016
Finished reading: February 8th 2016
“I'm not sure what's left of privacy right now, but whatever is left, I want to keep it for a while.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
July 4, 2014
Take the NSA scandal, add a bit of cloak and dagger and a healthy dose of conspiracy theories, then mix in some high-tech gadgets and you get Death of Secrets, the first novel by Bowen Greenwood. A fast-paced, plot-driven novel, Death of Secrets will appeal to those who like political thrillers. It is a bit edgy; not your typical Christian book. But I enjoyed it and would read another by this new author.
Kathy Kelvar is a performance arts student at Georgetown University. On her way home from a late night stint at her job as a cocktail waitress, she discovers a fatally injured man who gives her a puzzling message and a flash drive. Unfortunately the body disappears, and the police think she made up the encounter. But someone is taking the situation very seriously as she is tracked by killers determined to get back what they lost. Along the way Kathy picks up an admiring young Congressman, her tech-skilled roommate and Jon the bouncer from her club. They succeed in dodging bullets, escaping from life and death situations and getting to the bottom of the mysterious flash drive.
Death of Secrets is definitely plot-driven fiction. There is a great emphasis on the mysterious flash drive, evil corporate types, secretive computer hackers and the NSA. Characters are interesting, but not the main focus of this book. They are, though, very resourceful in getting out of dangerous situations. Their escapes tend to strain credibility — how does one run 10 miles after a severe beating resulting in several broken ribs? But once you put that disbelief aside, the story takes over. The reader is also kept guessing at just who can be trusted; it’s hard to tell the bad guys from the good. As stated this is not your normal Christian fiction — there is some profanity, the main character works in a bar, and characters drink alcohol. But the main character also is a professing Christian, and that faith keeps her on the straight and narrow morally and keeps her seeking God for protection in the many snares and traps the bad guys throw at her.
The plot revolves around a gadget that is able to read one’s thoughts, putting a new twist to the privacy debate. Is it fact or fiction or a possibility in the future? I don’t know, but it is something to make you think. So, if you like a political thriller with a good bit of conspiracy thrown in, check out Death of Secrets.
(Thanks to the author for an ebook for review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
Kathy Kelvar is a performance arts student at Georgetown University. On her way home from a late night stint at her job as a cocktail waitress, she discovers a fatally injured man who gives her a puzzling message and a flash drive. Unfortunately the body disappears, and the police think she made up the encounter. But someone is taking the situation very seriously as she is tracked by killers determined to get back what they lost. Along the way Kathy picks up an admiring young Congressman, her tech-skilled roommate and Jon the bouncer from her club. They succeed in dodging bullets, escaping from life and death situations and getting to the bottom of the mysterious flash drive.
Death of Secrets is definitely plot-driven fiction. There is a great emphasis on the mysterious flash drive, evil corporate types, secretive computer hackers and the NSA. Characters are interesting, but not the main focus of this book. They are, though, very resourceful in getting out of dangerous situations. Their escapes tend to strain credibility — how does one run 10 miles after a severe beating resulting in several broken ribs? But once you put that disbelief aside, the story takes over. The reader is also kept guessing at just who can be trusted; it’s hard to tell the bad guys from the good. As stated this is not your normal Christian fiction — there is some profanity, the main character works in a bar, and characters drink alcohol. But the main character also is a professing Christian, and that faith keeps her on the straight and narrow morally and keeps her seeking God for protection in the many snares and traps the bad guys throw at her.
The plot revolves around a gadget that is able to read one’s thoughts, putting a new twist to the privacy debate. Is it fact or fiction or a possibility in the future? I don’t know, but it is something to make you think. So, if you like a political thriller with a good bit of conspiracy thrown in, check out Death of Secrets.
(Thanks to the author for an ebook for review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
November 5, 2020
A young college girl comes upon an assault and murder while walking home one evening. When she goes to help the victim he hands her a thumb drive and says one word with his dying breath. The girl runs to find a phone to call 911 and when she returns there is no sign of the victim nor any trace that he had been there. Thus begins the tale of a chase and hunt for the thumb drive that contains an encrypted program that is being offered to the government and a bill is up for vote to provide funds. The program will allow unlimited surveillance of all electronic communication which is bad enough, but there is an undisclosed part that is even more dangerous which is why there are several different people/groups in the hunt making things deadly dangerous for the girl and her friends. A good read and thought provoking as well.
May 14, 2014
This is a timely novel. Electric Guidewire has a new piece of software/hardware for the NSA and they are intent on getting Congress to approve the purchase. A college student witnesses a murder and is given a flash drive by the dying man. Two seemingly unrelated events launch the reader headlong into a world of hackers and government and what is at stake if government goes unchecked.
I liked the action of this novel. It was fast-paced and gripping. I liked the characters; they were well written. The only complaint I had was the "relationship with God" parts that Kathy through in. They really didn't lend anything to the story and were moments when I, as a reader, thought "what?".
I would recommend this to others. And I'll be looking for other books in the series.
I liked the action of this novel. It was fast-paced and gripping. I liked the characters; they were well written. The only complaint I had was the "relationship with God" parts that Kathy through in. They really didn't lend anything to the story and were moments when I, as a reader, thought "what?".
I would recommend this to others. And I'll be looking for other books in the series.
May 16, 2014
Cared about the characters but...
Death of Secrets was entertaining, yet at times totally farfetched. Not due to political or technological plot points, but the ability of the characters to escape from the many perils they faced. That aside, I gave it 3 stars as I am getting a little tired of authors tossing in a religion plot out of left field. Sometimes it seems they have a checklist of things that they Laverne taught to throw into a good story and they check them off without serious development. That being said, I enjoyed the book and would read Greenwood again.
Death of Secrets was entertaining, yet at times totally farfetched. Not due to political or technological plot points, but the ability of the characters to escape from the many perils they faced. That aside, I gave it 3 stars as I am getting a little tired of authors tossing in a religion plot out of left field. Sometimes it seems they have a checklist of things that they Laverne taught to throw into a good story and they check them off without serious development. That being said, I enjoyed the book and would read Greenwood again.
January 2, 2016
Nothing better to do on a poor weather day than start a new book from bookbub.
Wow...what a read.
Another corrupt washington person...just not a government official this time, but a businessman hell bent on revenge for a perceived wrong doing from years earlier.
Throw in a couple of pretty co-eds, am ever helpful congressman, a stand up bouncer, and a wanted cyeber criminal, and you have a great read.
Wow...what a read.
Another corrupt washington person...just not a government official this time, but a businessman hell bent on revenge for a perceived wrong doing from years earlier.
Throw in a couple of pretty co-eds, am ever helpful congressman, a stand up bouncer, and a wanted cyeber criminal, and you have a great read.
February 17, 2014
I loved this book. It is fast paced. Full of unexpected twists and characters to fall in love with.
I specifically like the mix of politics and technology, these details do not weigh down the story.
Full disclosure I know the author and this is not the my typical book. But I honestly loved it and am looking forward to a sequel.
I specifically like the mix of politics and technology, these details do not weigh down the story.
Full disclosure I know the author and this is not the my typical book. But I honestly loved it and am looking forward to a sequel.
May 6, 2014
Good Suspense Book
Good Suspense Book
This is a great story which unfolds from a total mystery as new pertinent clues emerge. Once all the mystery is over then the finality unwraps as the good guys trap the evil ones into revealing their true nature.
Good Suspense Book
This is a great story which unfolds from a total mystery as new pertinent clues emerge. Once all the mystery is over then the finality unwraps as the good guys trap the evil ones into revealing their true nature.
November 15, 2014
Hope computer program like this newer written.
Gave away some maybe most of our privacy, with our electronic devices. But something like in this fictional story happening is so scary. It took long while figuring who was good or bad. Plot has many twists.
Gave away some maybe most of our privacy, with our electronic devices. But something like in this fictional story happening is so scary. It took long while figuring who was good or bad. Plot has many twists.
April 18, 2016
Not as good as I was led to believe. The writing was at times stilted and many times I lost interest in the story. I only finished reading it to fulfill my goal challenge for the year. While I appreciate the author's hard work to present an enjoyable novel, this one didn't do it for me.
May 4, 2014
Great read
Great read
Good plot, great suspense. Maybe a bit too much of side story, but still worth reading. especially if you like political thrillers.
Great read
Good plot, great suspense. Maybe a bit too much of side story, but still worth reading. especially if you like political thrillers.
March 2, 2020
Read my mind
This was a good story about the future of computers and the potential pitfalls of technology and politics. The editing could be better, but the story line was pretty good. There are some flaws in the characters and their actions in the story, example most people wouldn’t be capable of running 10 miles with two broken ribs. Like I said, editing.
This was a good story about the future of computers and the potential pitfalls of technology and politics. The editing could be better, but the story line was pretty good. There are some flaws in the characters and their actions in the story, example most people wouldn’t be capable of running 10 miles with two broken ribs. Like I said, editing.
July 2, 2017
Is This Our Future?
Big Brother is all the rage now. Have our elections been hacked, do we need to pay bitcoins to get our computer info back? How far can this go, how deep can a computer reach?
Big Brother is all the rage now. Have our elections been hacked, do we need to pay bitcoins to get our computer info back? How far can this go, how deep can a computer reach?
June 26, 2019
Downloaded this book as a criteria for my book club and really ended up enjoying the story behind it. I felt like this was movie playing in my head like some mission impossible at times. Hope to read more from this author in the future.
December 16, 2019
Good story but has a bit of a teen level to it.
The intrigue and mystery in the story was enough to keep me reading. I enjoyed it quite a bit but I felt like it was written for teens. I can't quite put my finger on exactly why but it did. Still worth the read though.
The intrigue and mystery in the story was enough to keep me reading. I enjoyed it quite a bit but I felt like it was written for teens. I can't quite put my finger on exactly why but it did. Still worth the read though.
May 1, 2020
Actually didn't get past chapter 2. When I have to keep figuring out which character I'm reading about because the author switches back and forth between first, last and nick name for most of them, I lose interest.
August 21, 2020
Fun premise, poor execution. The author really doesn't understand technology and it shows. The religion stuff was silly and (along with the incessant screaming and general uselessness) made Kathy pretty unlikable. A lot of the plot relied on the protagonists making the worst possible decisions.
August 4, 2017
Great book. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
April 10, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
Want to read
May 28, 2021Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2021/05...
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2021/05...
February 8, 2022
Enjoyable
I had no idea what to expect from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. There was enough suspense in there to keep me turning pages. Very nice read
I had no idea what to expect from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. There was enough suspense in there to keep me turning pages. Very nice read
June 13, 2023
It had some fun moments. At least the story line was more thrilling than the last two books I read that were supposed to be thrillers and didn’t come close.
March 8, 2017
Grab Hold!
This book starts out quickly and continues at that pace throughout the entire book. Not only fast paced but very captivating, easy to read and keeps you constantly involved. I loved that there was an element of religion in the storyline. LOVE this writer's style! Will definitely be reading more of you Mr. Greenwood!!
This book starts out quickly and continues at that pace throughout the entire book. Not only fast paced but very captivating, easy to read and keeps you constantly involved. I loved that there was an element of religion in the storyline. LOVE this writer's style! Will definitely be reading more of you Mr. Greenwood!!
June 23, 2016
If you’ve ever wondered (I know I have) what your congressman does when in Washington, this book may supply some insight.
Full-time Georgetown University student and part-time cocktail waitress, Kathy Kelver comes across a man that has been mortally shot while she was walking home from work. Approaching him to help, she is urgently offered a flash drive and the order, “give it to Jakarta” and then the man promptly dies. Kathy runs home and calls 911. When the police arrive, they find no blood and no body.
Congressman Michael Vincent is a regular at Neon, a cocktail bar that he frequents when congress is in session. Being a young bachelor, and Kathy being a young intelligent beauty, a mutual attraction grows. At a loss as to what she should do, she tells him about the incident and the flash drive. Soon it is open season on Kathy and Michael’s need to protect her sends them on a rollercoaster ride for the truth.
The man that was shot is Ivan Krupotnik, a computer programmer working for Electron Guidewire, a high-tech company that working for the government. The GigaStar Project will revolutionize the ability to glean and transfer information and read minds.
This is a high-octane tale of espionage, murder, and cyber-crime. The characters are well-developed and it is fast-paced and is sure to keep you on the edge of your favorite reading chair. Barring the occasional computer soliloquy, the story is plausible and sure to interest many readers. Today, cybercrime is a real and present danger. Stories concerning it are in a relatively new and upcoming genre; this is a prime example.
Full-time Georgetown University student and part-time cocktail waitress, Kathy Kelver comes across a man that has been mortally shot while she was walking home from work. Approaching him to help, she is urgently offered a flash drive and the order, “give it to Jakarta” and then the man promptly dies. Kathy runs home and calls 911. When the police arrive, they find no blood and no body.
Congressman Michael Vincent is a regular at Neon, a cocktail bar that he frequents when congress is in session. Being a young bachelor, and Kathy being a young intelligent beauty, a mutual attraction grows. At a loss as to what she should do, she tells him about the incident and the flash drive. Soon it is open season on Kathy and Michael’s need to protect her sends them on a rollercoaster ride for the truth.
The man that was shot is Ivan Krupotnik, a computer programmer working for Electron Guidewire, a high-tech company that working for the government. The GigaStar Project will revolutionize the ability to glean and transfer information and read minds.
This is a high-octane tale of espionage, murder, and cyber-crime. The characters are well-developed and it is fast-paced and is sure to keep you on the edge of your favorite reading chair. Barring the occasional computer soliloquy, the story is plausible and sure to interest many readers. Today, cybercrime is a real and present danger. Stories concerning it are in a relatively new and upcoming genre; this is a prime example.
March 26, 2014
Death of Secrets offers an intriguing view of the world in which we live. A world in which our activities are monitored at all times. A world in which good versus evil is not as clearly defined as we might prefer. The author successfully weaves together the circles of politics, education, law enforcement, gaming, and hacking, with the common thread of individual humanity. Overall, the story is well-developed and easily holds the reader's attention.
Oh, yes, I forgot to mention there are shoot-outs, fist-fights, car-chases, and a bit of Sun Tzu in this political-thriller, as well! (Can you tell I don't read a lot of "fiction"? Not sure how to write a proper review.) Have fun. It's a good read!
**I am blessed to know this author personally. As I read the book, I am certain I heard his voice in a couple of his characters. I am deeply grateful to this author for writing a book which touches on very difficult questions without the use of profanity, and which allows for belief in God. Kudos, Mr. Greenwood! Can't wait until your next endeavor.
Oh, yes, I forgot to mention there are shoot-outs, fist-fights, car-chases, and a bit of Sun Tzu in this political-thriller, as well! (Can you tell I don't read a lot of "fiction"? Not sure how to write a proper review.) Have fun. It's a good read!
**I am blessed to know this author personally. As I read the book, I am certain I heard his voice in a couple of his characters. I am deeply grateful to this author for writing a book which touches on very difficult questions without the use of profanity, and which allows for belief in God. Kudos, Mr. Greenwood! Can't wait until your next endeavor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews