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Synthetic Identity
In a world built on lies, the only identity that matters is the one you're willing to die for.
Danny Tyler walked away from his family's criminal empire four years ago. He built a clean life, put distance between himself and the schemes that made the Tylers one of South Florida's most connected families. He was done.
Then his brother Randy called.
The job was synthetic identity fraud. Not petty cons or stolen credit cards. A sophisticated operation that exploits the cracks in America's financial infrastructure to manufacture people who exist only on paper and move money that vanishes like smoke. Danny had the technical skills to build the system. More importantly, he had the instincts to keep his family from getting caught.
But the Tylers weren't the only ones watching.
The CIA had been tracking Danny's work for months. They didn't want to shut him down. They wanted to weaponize him. Their offer was simple: cooperate or watch your family go to prison.
They sent Laura Donovan to control him. Smart, relentless, and hiding secrets of her own, Laura was supposed to keep Danny on a leash. Instead, she became his partner, his co-conspirator, and the one person in his life more dangerous than he is. Together they're running operations from Miami to Vienna, building something that neither the Agency nor the Tylers ever anticipated.
But the walls are closing in. A Russian enforcer named Dmitri Kovalenko wants the Tyler family destroyed. FBI Agent Marcus Webb is assembling a case that could bring them all down. And Danny's CIA handler is beginning to realize that his most valuable asset has become his biggest threat.
Danny Tyler built fake people for a living. Now he has to decide which version of himself survives.
Synthetic Identity is the first book in The Tyler Network Series.
For fans of Breaking Bad, Ozark, and Catch Me If You Can.
Danny Tyler walked away from his family's criminal empire four years ago. He built a clean life, put distance between himself and the schemes that made the Tylers one of South Florida's most connected families. He was done.
Then his brother Randy called.
The job was synthetic identity fraud. Not petty cons or stolen credit cards. A sophisticated operation that exploits the cracks in America's financial infrastructure to manufacture people who exist only on paper and move money that vanishes like smoke. Danny had the technical skills to build the system. More importantly, he had the instincts to keep his family from getting caught.
But the Tylers weren't the only ones watching.
The CIA had been tracking Danny's work for months. They didn't want to shut him down. They wanted to weaponize him. Their offer was simple: cooperate or watch your family go to prison.
They sent Laura Donovan to control him. Smart, relentless, and hiding secrets of her own, Laura was supposed to keep Danny on a leash. Instead, she became his partner, his co-conspirator, and the one person in his life more dangerous than he is. Together they're running operations from Miami to Vienna, building something that neither the Agency nor the Tylers ever anticipated.
But the walls are closing in. A Russian enforcer named Dmitri Kovalenko wants the Tyler family destroyed. FBI Agent Marcus Webb is assembling a case that could bring them all down. And Danny's CIA handler is beginning to realize that his most valuable asset has become his biggest threat.
Danny Tyler built fake people for a living. Now he has to decide which version of himself survives.
Synthetic Identity is the first book in The Tyler Network Series.
For fans of Breaking Bad, Ozark, and Catch Me If You Can.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2026
About the author
Scott Tisch
2 books8 followersScott Tisch writes crime thrillers about people who live in the spaces between legal and illegal, loyalty and betrayal.
Before turning to fiction, Scott spent three years researching synthetic identity fraud, one of the fastest-growing financial crimes in America. That work took him through FBI case files, federal court documents, and interviews with investigators, prosecutors, and a few people who'd prefer to remain anonymous. The goal was simple: get it right.
But the real education started earlier. Growing up between South Florida and New York, Scott was surrounded by people who operated in gray areas—people who taught him that the line between right and wrong isn't always where you'd expect to find it. Two decades in a career built on understanding how people present themselves to the world only sharpened that perspective.
When he's not writing, Scott can be found experimenting in the kitchen, exploring new places, or sweating through a VR workout. He's currently at work expanding the Tyler Family Network.
Synthetic Identity, his debut novel, was published on May 22, 2026.
Synthetic Trust, book #2 in the Tyler Network series, is scheduled for October, 2026.
Copyright 2026 Scott Tisch
Before turning to fiction, Scott spent three years researching synthetic identity fraud, one of the fastest-growing financial crimes in America. That work took him through FBI case files, federal court documents, and interviews with investigators, prosecutors, and a few people who'd prefer to remain anonymous. The goal was simple: get it right.
But the real education started earlier. Growing up between South Florida and New York, Scott was surrounded by people who operated in gray areas—people who taught him that the line between right and wrong isn't always where you'd expect to find it. Two decades in a career built on understanding how people present themselves to the world only sharpened that perspective.
When he's not writing, Scott can be found experimenting in the kitchen, exploring new places, or sweating through a VR workout. He's currently at work expanding the Tyler Family Network.
Synthetic Identity, his debut novel, was published on May 22, 2026.
Synthetic Trust, book #2 in the Tyler Network series, is scheduled for October, 2026.
Copyright 2026 Scott Tisch
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 26, 2026
Synthetic Identity was an engaging read from start to finish! The pacing was excellent and kept my attention the entire time. Every chapter ended in a way that made me want to keep reading just one more. I especially enjoyed how relatable the main characters felt, which made the story even more immersive and easy to connect with.
For the past several years, I’ve been drawn to read mostly non-fiction books, but Synthetic Identity completely pulled me in. I’d honestly recommend it to just about anyone looking for something thrilling, thought-provoking, and relevant. Highly recommend!
For the past several years, I’ve been drawn to read mostly non-fiction books, but Synthetic Identity completely pulled me in. I’d honestly recommend it to just about anyone looking for something thrilling, thought-provoking, and relevant. Highly recommend!
July 6, 2026
Synthetic Identity by Scott Tisch is a sophisticated, fast-paced techno-crime thriller that masterfully blends cybercrime, espionage, family loyalty, and psychological suspense into a gripping narrative. Built around the fascinating world of synthetic identity fraud, the novel delivers an intelligent, high-stakes story that is as thought-provoking as it is relentlessly entertaining.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its original and highly relevant premise. Rather than relying on familiar crime thriller conventions, Tisch explores the sophisticated world of synthetic identity fraud a rapidly evolving form of financial crime that feels both authentic and alarmingly plausible. By building the story around this modern criminal landscape, the novel immediately distinguishes itself while providing readers with a compelling glimpse into the vulnerabilities of today's digital world.
At the center of the story is Danny Tyler, an exceptionally well-developed protagonist whose personal conflict gives the novel its emotional depth. Having left behind his family's criminal empire in search of a legitimate life, Danny is pulled back into a dangerous world where every decision carries life-altering consequences. His struggle between loyalty to his family, his own moral compass, and the mounting pressure from powerful government agencies creates a layered and emotionally engaging character arc that drives the narrative with remarkable effectiveness.
Another standout aspect of Synthetic Identity is its intricate plotting. Scott Tisch skillfully weaves together organized crime, intelligence operations, financial fraud, and international espionage into a seamless narrative that constantly evolves. Every revelation introduces new complications, every alliance carries hidden motives, and every decision raises the stakes. The result is a story that continually surprises readers while maintaining impressive narrative cohesion.
The dynamic between Danny Tyler and Laura Donovan is another highlight of the novel. Their evolving relationship introduces emotional complexity without slowing the momentum of the thriller. Built on conflicting loyalties, mutual respect, and growing trust, their partnership adds significant depth to the story while reinforcing its central themes of identity, deception, and survival.
The pacing is exceptional throughout. From Miami to Vienna, the narrative moves with confidence, balancing moments of strategic planning, investigative tension, action, and emotional reflection. The steady escalation of danger keeps readers fully invested as multiple forces including the CIA, the FBI, criminal organizations, and international adversaries close in from every direction.
Beyond its suspenseful plot, Synthetic Identity explores meaningful themes surrounding identity, family, trust, loyalty, morality, and personal reinvention. Danny's journey raises compelling questions about whether people can truly escape their past and how far they are willing to go to protect those they love. These themes elevate the novel beyond a conventional crime thriller and provide lasting emotional resonance.
Scott Tisch's writing is polished, cinematic, and highly engaging. His ability to explain complex technological and financial concepts without sacrificing readability demonstrates impressive storytelling skill. The dialogue feels authentic, the action is expertly choreographed, and the tension steadily builds toward a satisfying and impactful conclusion.
Ultimately, Synthetic Identity succeeds because it combines cutting-edge criminal intrigue with emotionally compelling storytelling. It is a novel that delivers intelligence, suspense, and character depth in equal measure, making it both entertaining and memorable.
Scott Tisch has crafted an outstanding debut for The Tyler Network Series. Synthetic Identity is a sharp, modern thriller that showcases exceptional storytelling, compelling characters, and an innovative premise. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, espionage, techno-thrillers, and character-driven suspense. Highly recommended.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its original and highly relevant premise. Rather than relying on familiar crime thriller conventions, Tisch explores the sophisticated world of synthetic identity fraud a rapidly evolving form of financial crime that feels both authentic and alarmingly plausible. By building the story around this modern criminal landscape, the novel immediately distinguishes itself while providing readers with a compelling glimpse into the vulnerabilities of today's digital world.
At the center of the story is Danny Tyler, an exceptionally well-developed protagonist whose personal conflict gives the novel its emotional depth. Having left behind his family's criminal empire in search of a legitimate life, Danny is pulled back into a dangerous world where every decision carries life-altering consequences. His struggle between loyalty to his family, his own moral compass, and the mounting pressure from powerful government agencies creates a layered and emotionally engaging character arc that drives the narrative with remarkable effectiveness.
Another standout aspect of Synthetic Identity is its intricate plotting. Scott Tisch skillfully weaves together organized crime, intelligence operations, financial fraud, and international espionage into a seamless narrative that constantly evolves. Every revelation introduces new complications, every alliance carries hidden motives, and every decision raises the stakes. The result is a story that continually surprises readers while maintaining impressive narrative cohesion.
The dynamic between Danny Tyler and Laura Donovan is another highlight of the novel. Their evolving relationship introduces emotional complexity without slowing the momentum of the thriller. Built on conflicting loyalties, mutual respect, and growing trust, their partnership adds significant depth to the story while reinforcing its central themes of identity, deception, and survival.
The pacing is exceptional throughout. From Miami to Vienna, the narrative moves with confidence, balancing moments of strategic planning, investigative tension, action, and emotional reflection. The steady escalation of danger keeps readers fully invested as multiple forces including the CIA, the FBI, criminal organizations, and international adversaries close in from every direction.
Beyond its suspenseful plot, Synthetic Identity explores meaningful themes surrounding identity, family, trust, loyalty, morality, and personal reinvention. Danny's journey raises compelling questions about whether people can truly escape their past and how far they are willing to go to protect those they love. These themes elevate the novel beyond a conventional crime thriller and provide lasting emotional resonance.
Scott Tisch's writing is polished, cinematic, and highly engaging. His ability to explain complex technological and financial concepts without sacrificing readability demonstrates impressive storytelling skill. The dialogue feels authentic, the action is expertly choreographed, and the tension steadily builds toward a satisfying and impactful conclusion.
Ultimately, Synthetic Identity succeeds because it combines cutting-edge criminal intrigue with emotionally compelling storytelling. It is a novel that delivers intelligence, suspense, and character depth in equal measure, making it both entertaining and memorable.
Scott Tisch has crafted an outstanding debut for The Tyler Network Series. Synthetic Identity is a sharp, modern thriller that showcases exceptional storytelling, compelling characters, and an innovative premise. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, espionage, techno-thrillers, and character-driven suspense. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy
📢Through BookSirens I received an Advance Reader ebook Copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
📌In other platforms I gave this book 4.5 ⭐. Since that's not possible here, I chose 4, because I have a small remark.
When I requested to read the ARC for this book, I never imagined two things.
The first is, that I would finish the book before its official release date (next week). And the second thing is, that the description of 'who may like this book' was actually spot on.
So.... If you like Ozark or Breaking Bad.... This is a book to read!
And now on to the book.
Danny Tyler, one of the MMC's in the book comes from a criminal family. As a young child he already did odd jobs for his father, as did his 3 brothers. You could say they were a 'Tyler & Sons Inc'.
When years go by, Danny decides to leave the family business and live a normal life.
With sketching this, I don't reveal anything that's not already in the short description of the book.
As a character I find Danny quite linea ke. He has something bad in him, but also a substantial amount of good.
While the plot unfolds, Danny sees himself placed for choices to which he can't completely oversee the ramifications. And once he's made one, new steps with new consequences will follow.
In my opinion this thought process for Danny's character is a bit cut short/left out. At least in the first part of the book. Later it gets better, but maybe that's also because the circumstances in which the decisions are made, have changed significantly.Anyway I really missed that for the first decision.
I liked how the differences between the brothers were portrayed. Especially between Randy and Danny. Maybe it's accidental, but the choice of names (Danny, the more thoughtful, collected & 'soft' character versus Randy the brawly, more impulsive 'hard' brother).
The book ends at the top of a cliff.
Giving a peek into what could be ahead and what I would like to read as well😀
The end also confirmed my suspicion about the whole series of events described in this story.
I really look forward to a new book in this series!
📌In other platforms I gave this book 4.5 ⭐. Since that's not possible here, I chose 4, because I have a small remark.
When I requested to read the ARC for this book, I never imagined two things.
The first is, that I would finish the book before its official release date (next week). And the second thing is, that the description of 'who may like this book' was actually spot on.
So.... If you like Ozark or Breaking Bad.... This is a book to read!
And now on to the book.
Danny Tyler, one of the MMC's in the book comes from a criminal family. As a young child he already did odd jobs for his father, as did his 3 brothers. You could say they were a 'Tyler & Sons Inc'.
When years go by, Danny decides to leave the family business and live a normal life.
With sketching this, I don't reveal anything that's not already in the short description of the book.
As a character I find Danny quite linea ke. He has something bad in him, but also a substantial amount of good.
While the plot unfolds, Danny sees himself placed for choices to which he can't completely oversee the ramifications. And once he's made one, new steps with new consequences will follow.
In my opinion this thought process for Danny's character is a bit cut short/left out. At least in the first part of the book. Later it gets better, but maybe that's also because the circumstances in which the decisions are made, have changed significantly.Anyway I really missed that for the first decision.
I liked how the differences between the brothers were portrayed. Especially between Randy and Danny. Maybe it's accidental, but the choice of names (Danny, the more thoughtful, collected & 'soft' character versus Randy the brawly, more impulsive 'hard' brother).
The book ends at the top of a cliff.
Giving a peek into what could be ahead and what I would like to read as well😀
The end also confirmed my suspicion about the whole series of events described in this story.
I really look forward to a new book in this series!
June 13, 2026
Synthetic Identity by Scott Tisch was released on May 28, 2026. It is the author's debut novel and the first installment in the Tyler Network Series.
The novel centers on synthetic identity fraud, a type of financial crime that combines real and fabricated personal information to create new identities. The author notes that the Federal Reserve has identified it as the fastest-growing financial crime in the United States.
Tisch spent three years researching the topic using:
* FBI case files
* Federal court documents
* Interviews with fraud investigators
* Cybersecurity experts
The author indicates this research provides the technical realism behind the story.
The novel follows Danny Tyler, who attempts to leave his family's criminal activities behind and build a legitimate life. After struggling to succeed, he returns to Florida and becomes entangled in larger criminal schemes involving sophisticated fraud operations. The book aims to make a complex, rapidly growing form of financial fraud accessible to a general audience by combining extensive real-world research with a noir crime-fiction narrative. Rather than focusing solely on criminal profits, it explores how synthetic identities are created and maintained over years, highlighting vulnerabilities in financial and identity-verification systems.
Beyond financial crime, the book examines:
* The psychology of fraudsters
* Long-term criminal planning and deception
* Moral ambiguity
* The personal costs of criminal lifestyles
Early reviewers have compared the novel to:
* Breaking Bad
* Catch Me If You Can
* Crime fiction by Don Winslow, Dennis Lehane, and Michael Connelly
A second book in the Tyler Network Series is already planned for late summer 2026.
You're going to want to read this one, the next, and any others that follow...
The novel centers on synthetic identity fraud, a type of financial crime that combines real and fabricated personal information to create new identities. The author notes that the Federal Reserve has identified it as the fastest-growing financial crime in the United States.
Tisch spent three years researching the topic using:
* FBI case files
* Federal court documents
* Interviews with fraud investigators
* Cybersecurity experts
The author indicates this research provides the technical realism behind the story.
The novel follows Danny Tyler, who attempts to leave his family's criminal activities behind and build a legitimate life. After struggling to succeed, he returns to Florida and becomes entangled in larger criminal schemes involving sophisticated fraud operations. The book aims to make a complex, rapidly growing form of financial fraud accessible to a general audience by combining extensive real-world research with a noir crime-fiction narrative. Rather than focusing solely on criminal profits, it explores how synthetic identities are created and maintained over years, highlighting vulnerabilities in financial and identity-verification systems.
Beyond financial crime, the book examines:
* The psychology of fraudsters
* Long-term criminal planning and deception
* Moral ambiguity
* The personal costs of criminal lifestyles
Early reviewers have compared the novel to:
* Breaking Bad
* Catch Me If You Can
* Crime fiction by Don Winslow, Dennis Lehane, and Michael Connelly
A second book in the Tyler Network Series is already planned for late summer 2026.
You're going to want to read this one, the next, and any others that follow...
Review of advance copy
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. It was hard to classify this book. It starts as a crime family of brothers burdened by a selfish, greedy, addicted father who ruled them completely. Kindly, wise Uncle Tony watched everything. But a raid by the FBI changed everything. Danny Tyler, the youngest and most technologically clever is offered an alternative. What he and his girlfriend build is completely against anything the father would understand. This book is clever, tense and gives insight to the kind of cyber crime most of us can't imagine - but also something more. In the brother's world things are going well. But the end of the book clearly sets up for Book 2. I will be looking for it when it's available.
June 26, 2026
Synthetic Identity is a gripping and intelligent thriller that masterfully combines financial crime, espionage, and organized crime into an addictive, high-stakes narrative.
Scott Tisch crafts a fast-moving story filled with compelling characters, sophisticated cybercrime, international intrigue, and constant suspense. Danny Tyler's struggle between family loyalty, personal survival, and government manipulation creates an emotionally engaging journey that keeps readers invested from beginning to end.
Overall, it's an engaging read for fans of crime thrillers, espionage fiction, financial suspense, cybercrime novels, organized crime stories, political thrillers, conspiracy fiction, international action, morally complex protagonists, and fast-paced, intelligent suspense.
Scott Tisch crafts a fast-moving story filled with compelling characters, sophisticated cybercrime, international intrigue, and constant suspense. Danny Tyler's struggle between family loyalty, personal survival, and government manipulation creates an emotionally engaging journey that keeps readers invested from beginning to end.
Overall, it's an engaging read for fans of crime thrillers, espionage fiction, financial suspense, cybercrime novels, organized crime stories, political thrillers, conspiracy fiction, international action, morally complex protagonists, and fast-paced, intelligent suspense.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Crime family stories are one of my favorite storylines, and this one absolutely delivered. Danny Tayler is a great main character because he’s constantly torn between trying to live a normal life and falling back into the instincts of a professional criminal.
There were so many twists and turns that I was never totally sure who was really in control. More than once I caught myself wondering if the smartest man in the room was actually just a pawn in a much bigger game.
This was one of those books that was hard to put down. I kept telling myself “one more chapter” and ended up flying through it. Definitely did not disappoint, and I can’t wait for the next book.
There were so many twists and turns that I was never totally sure who was really in control. More than once I caught myself wondering if the smartest man in the room was actually just a pawn in a much bigger game.
This was one of those books that was hard to put down. I kept telling myself “one more chapter” and ended up flying through it. Definitely did not disappoint, and I can’t wait for the next book.
May 31, 2026
This is the first book that I've read by Tisch, but will not be the last. I was drawn to the Synthetic Identity book because my interest in technology and cybersecurity. While it was not at all what I expected initially, I enjoyed the story and I look forward to the next book in the series. It was interesting to see how all of the pieces came together and how plausible the crime going on behind the scenes is.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2026
ARC Review—BookSirens
Star Rating: 3.75⭐️
Pub Date: May 22, 2026
Genre: Crime/Suspense
Book one of The Tyler Network
I enjoyed this read since I just love spy stuff. This reminded me of my favorite spy TV series, Burn Notice. I will say though, nothing “thriller” happened but this is all organized crime and we follow Danny Tyler who is a good tech guy who makes what is called “Synthetic Identities” pretty much fake people and the CIA approaches him and he becomes a CIA asset to take down some bad people. Along this journey he falls in love with his CIA handler Laura. Lots of spy stuff and conspiracy so it was a good read.
Star Rating: 3.75⭐️
Pub Date: May 22, 2026
Genre: Crime/Suspense
Book one of The Tyler Network
I enjoyed this read since I just love spy stuff. This reminded me of my favorite spy TV series, Burn Notice. I will say though, nothing “thriller” happened but this is all organized crime and we follow Danny Tyler who is a good tech guy who makes what is called “Synthetic Identities” pretty much fake people and the CIA approaches him and he becomes a CIA asset to take down some bad people. Along this journey he falls in love with his CIA handler Laura. Lots of spy stuff and conspiracy so it was a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good thriller. The main character and his brother have had such a complex life leading up to the way they approach every decision. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. If you enjoy shows such as "Snowfall", "The Night Manager", or "The Terminal List", you have to read this. If these are your type of TV series you will definitely find something to relate to in "Synthetic Identity".
Review of advance copy received from Author
Outstanding work by a first time novelist! The story telling pace and excitement kept building with every chapter. The characters were multi-facetted and well developed. Every character introduced was wonderfully weaved and connected throughout leaving the reader excitedly hoping that the journey continues!
June 14, 2026
What a great read! I am normally more in the sci fi camp but this was a real page turner. Rarely do I finish a book in a week but could not put this one down. Characters are so well developed and plot line moves along with lots of creativity every step of the way. If this is going to be a series, sign me up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enjoyed this book. Great descriptive language, enjoyed the characters and the suspense of the story. Looking forward to reading more books in the series.
May 29, 2026
Engaging cyber thriller!
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced introduction into the world of synthetic identities. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced introduction into the world of synthetic identities. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews