A Fatal Exception

by Scott Finlay

In a bleak future where daily smog warnings are routine and the politicians are dirtier than the environment, the people of Chicago turn to private investigators like Seven Sinclair when they want a case solved right. Seven isn't like most detectives since he's an android. He's not like most androids either. He's quirky and brazen and he's not chained down by the government-imposed privacy regulations.

Sergeant Antonio Rizzo is a good cop in a corrupt town, and he's getting too old for the job. He despises technology, and the robot is like the personification of his object of hatred.

When Seven's investigation into a simple hack leads to murder and all evidence points to him, he's forced to catch the true killer while he tries to stay out of Rizzo's crosshairs.

Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2019

About the author

Scott Finlay, born in 1989 in the United States, is a professional software developer with an expertise in computer security. For many years he was active in the hacker scene and there known and respected as a skilled white hat hacker. In his daily life he designs complex systems, investigates disruptions, and sometimes tries unusual solutions by thinking outside the box. He draws on his architectural skills while designing his stories and his debugging skills are in many ways similar to those of a detective. Through his technical expertise, particularly regarding software and hacking topics he is able to write accurately.

In 2012 Scott moved to Germany for love and started a family there. As an American living in Europe, he has a somewhat unique view on the world and its politics, and draws inspiration from many of the issues he sees in the world to build dystopian settings and make social commentary.

Reviews

[Amilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure whether to consider this a comedy, since the tone is pretty serious, but it's full of witty, colorful sarcasm and amazing one-liners. I love Seven Sinclair and immediately connected with him. Who would have thought a robot could be so relatable and yet still be believable as a machine. I also liked Rizzo, and I really enjoyed how the two play off each other. I can't wait for the return of the Sinclair Detective Agency.

[Susan Finlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Humorous in places, but contains a well-thought out mystery that would make Agatha Christie proud. The story is set in the future and has a modern feel with lots of technology, including robots; and yet, it is reminiscent of the detective stories of the past. The characters are the loveable robot detective, Seven Sinclair, and his nemesis, Sergeant Rizzo.

[Mary Enck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical detective mystery. I believe what makes this so exceptional is the main character is an android and we are able to see even the most ordinary events through the eyes of this one called Seven. He is a superpower kind of hero who has an entertaining command of humor. There are some one-liners in the story that stopped me to allow for some hearty laughter. I asked myself, "Did I read that right?" and then I would read it again and howl with mirth. These little gems are peppered throughout the story and just really make it light up with subtle fun. I love this style of writing and I have to think that the author must be one fun guy to be around if these quips fly off his tongue throughout his conversations.

The storyline is tidy with how it is put together. I had cause to speculate at every turn on whodunnit. At best, it makes you think whilst reading it and then gives you a reason to laugh and move on wondering just what will happen next. The action is there and it moves fast, keeping you on your toes with trying to solve the mystery as suddenly you are hit WHAM with another event that further muddies the puddles in the path of progress toward a conclusion. And, what a finale it is. It may not be the one you suspected all along and maybe it will. You must read to the end to find out.

I loved this novel and look forward to more adventures, mysteries to solve for Seven, the android detective. He captured my admiration and I like him a lot. I am not surprised that Scott Finlay is such a talent. There is another who is in his family who is a great writer, one of my favorites. Well done, Susan. Scott is a fine writer and I can see he will become appreciated more and more as time goes on. He must have a world of skill with electronics and knowledge of that science shines through in his writing. I was able to understand most of it and he does indeed speak the technical language in English.

Eagerly waiting for more.

[Cas Meadowfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder mystery

Loved the two characters: Seven has a dry sense of humour despite being an A. I. . He's a good match to go head to head with Rizzo a good cop (heading towards retirement) . It's well plotted with clues hidden in plain sight. The plot is 'murder she wrote style' when I had hoped for a crime story like ' 'In Death' (JD Robb) hence the ending isn't as satisfying for me as it might as been.