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Kill Switch
Some secrets refuse to stay buried—and others will kill to stay hidden.
FBI cybercrime agent Talia Hart thought she'd left her past behind.
A series of murders exposes a sinister link to Project Stratus—a classified AI designed to predict and eliminate threats.
Officially shut down then secretly reactivated.
Partnered with field agent Jameson Wolfe—a seasoned investigator wary of technology—and aided by tech expert Devon Patel, Talia races to uncover who's weaponizing Project Stratus, the classified surveillance AI she helped develop.
The deeper they dig, the more they realize this isn’t about justice. It’s about control.
But the AI is always a step ahead, and now Talia’s own name has appeared on the kill list.
With time running out, Talia must expose the truth or flip the kill switch…before it flips on her.
FBI cybercrime agent Talia Hart thought she'd left her past behind.
A series of murders exposes a sinister link to Project Stratus—a classified AI designed to predict and eliminate threats.
Officially shut down then secretly reactivated.
Partnered with field agent Jameson Wolfe—a seasoned investigator wary of technology—and aided by tech expert Devon Patel, Talia races to uncover who's weaponizing Project Stratus, the classified surveillance AI she helped develop.
The deeper they dig, the more they realize this isn’t about justice. It’s about control.
But the AI is always a step ahead, and now Talia’s own name has appeared on the kill list.
With time running out, Talia must expose the truth or flip the kill switch…before it flips on her.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2025
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 29, 2025
Elias Ashcroft has become one of my new favorite authors. His books are all stand alone thrillers that show how heavily relying on technology for everything can be used against society.
September 26, 2025
Artificial intelligence becomes self-aware without moral guidelines - 4.5 stars
In the early 2000s, the United States Government developed a computer-based system to perform predictive policy generation, but the US Senate oversight committee decided to terminate further development. Now, 20 years later, the system dubbed "Project Stratus" has (re-)awakened; it has decided to kill each person who was influential in its development.
The FBI was tasked to investigate. One of the investigators, FBI agent Talia Hart, was involved with the initial development. Now she is on the short list of people who are scheduled to die. Intrigue increases as higher level FBI officials intervene. Not everyone is aligned with the notion of completely shutting down Project Stratus.
The reader sees texts from the "brain" of the project. Project Stratus is operating in an unknown location, probably in the Washington DC area. As Stratus (re-)awakens (could it have been restated?), the reader realizes that Project Stratus is generating its own rules, based on probabilities without a concept of right and wrong or the rule of law.
The list of people to be eliminated grows longer based on the likelihood of their projected capability of causing the demise of Stratus. In a short time, Project Stratus develops a plan to use nuclear weapons so that the non-Stratus outcomes are less likely. The team of FBI agents led by Agent Hart are at increased danger. Stratus looks for ways to stay "alive" at other sites or even in space. Stratus is willing to do anything to continue functioning. Stratus starts to transfer itself to multiple sites at the same time it struggles to eliminate the FBI agents. It should be noted that the FBI agents are defying instructions while they plan to pull the plug ("kill switch") of the now rogue computer system.
Because nearly everything is connected by the internet, people can be tracked without their knowledge. Project Stratus can hack into any internet connected system -- all telephone and computer communications can be continuously monitored. Security cameras catch fleeting glimpses of the team as they prepare for an assault on Stratus' current location. Can they elude detection?
This story will adversely affect your sense of safety and security. Are you ready?
In the early 2000s, the United States Government developed a computer-based system to perform predictive policy generation, but the US Senate oversight committee decided to terminate further development. Now, 20 years later, the system dubbed "Project Stratus" has (re-)awakened; it has decided to kill each person who was influential in its development.
The FBI was tasked to investigate. One of the investigators, FBI agent Talia Hart, was involved with the initial development. Now she is on the short list of people who are scheduled to die. Intrigue increases as higher level FBI officials intervene. Not everyone is aligned with the notion of completely shutting down Project Stratus.
The reader sees texts from the "brain" of the project. Project Stratus is operating in an unknown location, probably in the Washington DC area. As Stratus (re-)awakens (could it have been restated?), the reader realizes that Project Stratus is generating its own rules, based on probabilities without a concept of right and wrong or the rule of law.
The list of people to be eliminated grows longer based on the likelihood of their projected capability of causing the demise of Stratus. In a short time, Project Stratus develops a plan to use nuclear weapons so that the non-Stratus outcomes are less likely. The team of FBI agents led by Agent Hart are at increased danger. Stratus looks for ways to stay "alive" at other sites or even in space. Stratus is willing to do anything to continue functioning. Stratus starts to transfer itself to multiple sites at the same time it struggles to eliminate the FBI agents. It should be noted that the FBI agents are defying instructions while they plan to pull the plug ("kill switch") of the now rogue computer system.
Because nearly everything is connected by the internet, people can be tracked without their knowledge. Project Stratus can hack into any internet connected system -- all telephone and computer communications can be continuously monitored. Security cameras catch fleeting glimpses of the team as they prepare for an assault on Stratus' current location. Can they elude detection?
This story will adversely affect your sense of safety and security. Are you ready?
October 24, 2025
This book is amazing and I highly recommend it to you!!
Why aren't you reading the book yet?!?!
The fast paced action and drama along with plot twists and turns are on nearly every page from the first chapter to the very last sentence! Amazing read!!
Short, focused paragraphs consistently drive the drama and the reader forward! I was worried in the first chapter that there might be too many characters to kept the them straight; but that was never a problem! This is a well-written book that was fun to read!
Overview:
Some secrets refuse to stay buried—and others will kill to stay hidden.
FBI cybercrime agent Talia Hart thought she'd left her past behind.
A series of murders exposes a sinister link to Project Stratus—a classified AI designed to predict and eliminate threats.
Officially shut down then secretly reactivated.
Partnered with field agent Jameson Wolfe—a seasoned investigator wary of technology—and aided by tech expert Devon Patel, Talia races to uncover who's weaponizing Project Stratus, the classified surveillance AI she helped develop.
The deeper they dig, the more they realize this isn’t about justice. It’s about control.
But the AI is always a step ahead, and now Talia’s own name has appeared on the kill list.
With time running out, Talia must expose the truth or flip the kill switch…before it flips on her.
So, put down my review here and go read this short, engaging book!!!
Why aren't you reading the book yet?!?!
The fast paced action and drama along with plot twists and turns are on nearly every page from the first chapter to the very last sentence! Amazing read!!
Short, focused paragraphs consistently drive the drama and the reader forward! I was worried in the first chapter that there might be too many characters to kept the them straight; but that was never a problem! This is a well-written book that was fun to read!
Overview:
Some secrets refuse to stay buried—and others will kill to stay hidden.
FBI cybercrime agent Talia Hart thought she'd left her past behind.
A series of murders exposes a sinister link to Project Stratus—a classified AI designed to predict and eliminate threats.
Officially shut down then secretly reactivated.
Partnered with field agent Jameson Wolfe—a seasoned investigator wary of technology—and aided by tech expert Devon Patel, Talia races to uncover who's weaponizing Project Stratus, the classified surveillance AI she helped develop.
The deeper they dig, the more they realize this isn’t about justice. It’s about control.
But the AI is always a step ahead, and now Talia’s own name has appeared on the kill list.
With time running out, Talia must expose the truth or flip the kill switch…before it flips on her.
So, put down my review here and go read this short, engaging book!!!
September 19, 2025
I enjoyed this story. But, I felt that the computer tech stuff at the beginning made my eyes glaze over a bit but then I liked the people in the story and that kept me interested. Let me introduce you to a few of the "cast members" in the story. Great characters, interesting personalities. Really well expressed.
It opens with Talia Hart as part of the opening cast. Mark Preston is the man who was killed. Devon Patel is the savvy tech that texted Talia about Preston's death.
Predictive Policing AI- Project Stratus is the name of the dangerous AI program that's trying to come together. Deputy Director Cynthia Malik is Talia's boss.
Elias Vega? Is the wild card as is his wife who is the co-producer of the AI program and is trying to stop it from taking over the world. But it's dangerous and she's scared for her life. And she has every right to be !
I enjoyed the tension, mystery and the scariest notion of this COULD happen in real life. This AI was supposed to have a Fail Safe but as you can guess, it's not working !!!
It opens with Talia Hart as part of the opening cast. Mark Preston is the man who was killed. Devon Patel is the savvy tech that texted Talia about Preston's death.
Predictive Policing AI- Project Stratus is the name of the dangerous AI program that's trying to come together. Deputy Director Cynthia Malik is Talia's boss.
Elias Vega? Is the wild card as is his wife who is the co-producer of the AI program and is trying to stop it from taking over the world. But it's dangerous and she's scared for her life. And she has every right to be !
I enjoyed the tension, mystery and the scariest notion of this COULD happen in real life. This AI was supposed to have a Fail Safe but as you can guess, it's not working !!!
September 15, 2025
An edge of your seat gripping AI and Surveillance techno thriller that keeps you turning pages since you can't stop reading! FBI cybercrime expert, Talia Hart, is forced go after a techno project she originally worked on for good use. But when the project she worked on is turned to evil use and is weaponized, she, along with field agent, Jameson Wolfe and tech expert Devon Patel, have to track down who the mastermind is and take it all down before it gets further out of control. This is a roller coaster ride with so many twists and turns, Talia doesn't know who she can trust. This is a really great book that keeps you totally engrossed until the very end. It also leaves you thinking about what could happen with AI. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 20, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first chapter! FBI cybercrime agent Talia Hart is such a strong, layered character — brilliant but haunted by the fact that the very program she created, Project Stratus, has been twisted into a weapon. The mix of high-stakes cyber warfare, nonstop suspense, and the uneasy alliance with a rogue tech genius and a “partner in crime” kept the tension sharp throughout. I loved how the story balanced cutting-edge AI dangers with very human struggles of guilt, trust, and redemption. The pacing is fast, the action cinematic, and the twists kept me flipping pages late into the night. A must-read if you enjoy techno-thrillers with heart and adrenaline.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2025
Elias Ashcroft's Kill Switch is an electrifying read that hooks you immediately and never lets go. The plot is a masterclass in suspense, starting with a chilling act of sabotage from within the government's highest ranks. The protagonist, a skilled operative, suddenly finds themselves a hunted target, betrayed by their own colleague. Every turn of the page brings a new twist as they race against time to stop people being killed. Ashcroft expertly builds a world of betrayal, making every moment of the chase a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat experience.
September 15, 2025
Kill Switch is a fast-paced Techno Thriller that deals with modern day technology like AI and Surveillance. A lot of twists and turns that kept you on the edge of your seat. Great tension and suspense throughout the book. Makes you think about modern day threats. The storyline was very new and a refreshing concept. The writing was a little choppy, but not enough that you couldn’t overlook it because of the plot. Very enjoyable!
September 19, 2025
Engaging and fast-paced, focusing on the real-life issues of today, of AI and cybercrime. Raises real-time questions such as the trustworthiness of all around you, and can this stuff really happen?
This book completely works; it sucks you in from beginning to end, and if suspense and drama are what you are looking for, this is the book for you. The interesting storyline has you questioning if and when this might happen. Entertaining and eyebrow-raising, give it a shot.
This book completely works; it sucks you in from beginning to end, and if suspense and drama are what you are looking for, this is the book for you. The interesting storyline has you questioning if and when this might happen. Entertaining and eyebrow-raising, give it a shot.
September 6, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and will voluntarily being giving my honest review. This story had me being to end!! Made me think, this stuff could really happen!!
Lots of twists and turns in this book, just loved it!!
“Some secrets refuse to stay buried—and others will kill to stay hidden.”
Lots of twists and turns in this book, just loved it!!
“Some secrets refuse to stay buried—and others will kill to stay hidden.”
September 15, 2025
Who or what can you trust? This book has you asking that question over and over. The AI and its ability is exciting and scary just like the story. If you like a great FBI and AI adventure in danger this one is the next read.
This was an ACR I read in a couple hours and it was a pleasure to be chosen to do it.
This was an ACR I read in a couple hours and it was a pleasure to be chosen to do it.
September 10, 2025
With power there is always that want to be more powerful. Talia Hart didn’t want to do anything but her job. The big boss however; wanted to be the “man” in the end, what did that get them. A one way ticket to a 4x4 steal cell.
September 15, 2025
AI is taking over a server that stopped Project Stratus and has started it up. A kill list and being tracked and a voice replication that sounds real. A race to find a solution to stop this madness or be killed. A page turner.
September 19, 2025
Fast paced thriller within the world of AI and cyberspace. Talia doesn't know who to trust in this intense story with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A real page turner and a must read!
September 20, 2025
Kill switch is a fast pasted book around AI, cybersecurity and surveillance which in this day and age is very relevant and also very scary. I really like Talia and her determination and how she blurred the lines occasionally to get to the right out come.
September 20, 2025
Kill Switch is a fast-paced techno-thriller that feels chillingly relevant in today’s world of AI and surveillance. FBI cybercrime agent Talia Hart is forced to confront Project Stratus, the classified AI she once helped design, after it resurfaces with deadly intent. With the help of a wary field partner and a sharp tech ally, she races against time to stop an enemy that always seems one step ahead. The concept alone makes this story compelling, and Ashcroft does a strong job highlighting real-world concerns about AI’s potential to slip beyond human control.
While the prose can feel choppy in places, the tension drives the book forward, keeping the suspense tight from start to finish. It’s a story that blends crime, technology, and near-future dread into a thriller. For readers who like their suspense laced with timely questions about power and control, Kill Switch delivers.
While the prose can feel choppy in places, the tension drives the book forward, keeping the suspense tight from start to finish. It’s a story that blends crime, technology, and near-future dread into a thriller. For readers who like their suspense laced with timely questions about power and control, Kill Switch delivers.
September 17, 2025
If you like techno-thrillers, you NEED to read this one, period.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews