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Ericka Blackwood Files #1
The Hacker
First in a thrilling series from cybercrime expert Daniel Scanlan. FBI Special Agent Ericka Blackwood chases a deadly online predator—and nothing is as it seems.
He's online. He's anonymous. He's deadly.
When a video surfaces on the dark web showing a murder no one else could have witnessed, FBI Special Agent Ericka Blackwood must race to catch the killer. But the case is even darker than Ericka thought. Hidden behind an avatar named Dantalion, a criminal mastermind is feeding his sadistic appetites by directing the crimes of others—and he may have been orchestrating his schemes for years.
As Ericka's investigation homes in on her target, the tables are suddenly turned. Dantalion knows that she is obsessed with tracking down the men who destroyed her sister's life and has information that will enable her to find them. To exact her long-awaited revenge, Ericka will have to risk her career, her life and the fate of Dantalion's future victims. But does vengeance come at too high a price?
He's online. He's anonymous. He's deadly.
When a video surfaces on the dark web showing a murder no one else could have witnessed, FBI Special Agent Ericka Blackwood must race to catch the killer. But the case is even darker than Ericka thought. Hidden behind an avatar named Dantalion, a criminal mastermind is feeding his sadistic appetites by directing the crimes of others—and he may have been orchestrating his schemes for years.
As Ericka's investigation homes in on her target, the tables are suddenly turned. Dantalion knows that she is obsessed with tracking down the men who destroyed her sister's life and has information that will enable her to find them. To exact her long-awaited revenge, Ericka will have to risk her career, her life and the fate of Dantalion's future victims. But does vengeance come at too high a price?
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First published September 1, 2022
42 people are currently reading
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About the author
Daniel Scanlan
3 books39 followersDaniel Scanlan is the author of the tech-thriller, The Hacker. In his legal career, he spent nearly thirty years as a prosecutor, fifteen of those specializing in cybercrime and digital evidence. This provided him with a wealth of background knowledge and anecdotes from which to build his novel. The Hacker is available in bookstores everywhere and at all on-line retailers. The sequel will be published in September of 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 20, 2022
This book is an unapologetic techno thriller and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I loved it - even if I didn’t understand all the geek speak!
First Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ericka Blackwood of the FBI’s Dark Web Intelligence Unit (DIU) hunts the worst of the worst on the dark web. She is currently on desk duty after an incident but her partner Tim O’Connell gets to do the leg work. Ericka has come across a video that should not exist. She was there on the night, two years ago, when they were literally minutes too late to save a young being r@ped and tortured from dying. But they did manage to stop any footage from getting out. And now this - it is definitely the same girl, same night but there are subtle differences. Ericka concludes there must have been another person or camera present. How did they miss that?
And so starts the hunt for the man calling himself Dantalion. He is a hacker with skills she has not seen before. He is always several steps ahead of them. He has many failsafe scripts that wipe everything off his equipment if anyone gets too close and he does not fit the usual mold of bad guy. He is not in it for the money, he has no set victim type, he is not a se*ual sadist. It seems he is motivated only by seeing the fear in his victims and he has a literal army of ‘helpers’ to buy stuff and set things up for him.
This guy is going to be very tricky to catch. Ericka, the FBI’s best of the best will need to get into his head to have any hope of catching him. Meanwhile Dantalion is getting into her head. He knows all about her and what motivates her, why she joined the FBI from the more lucrative private sector. Ericka wants to, needs to, catch the three men who destroyed her sister 12 years ago while she was holidaying in Mexico. She was gang r@ped and beaten and left for dead. Eventually, her mind broken, she finished the job and killed herself.
So, this was pretty much all action and technical exploits. I could not put this book down, it was very compelling reading. The author’s note at the end of the book tells us that all the tech stuff is either already possible or very close to it. A sobering thought indeed. It sounds like there is to be a sequel which I will be very keen to read. Many thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
First Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ericka Blackwood of the FBI’s Dark Web Intelligence Unit (DIU) hunts the worst of the worst on the dark web. She is currently on desk duty after an incident but her partner Tim O’Connell gets to do the leg work. Ericka has come across a video that should not exist. She was there on the night, two years ago, when they were literally minutes too late to save a young being r@ped and tortured from dying. But they did manage to stop any footage from getting out. And now this - it is definitely the same girl, same night but there are subtle differences. Ericka concludes there must have been another person or camera present. How did they miss that?
And so starts the hunt for the man calling himself Dantalion. He is a hacker with skills she has not seen before. He is always several steps ahead of them. He has many failsafe scripts that wipe everything off his equipment if anyone gets too close and he does not fit the usual mold of bad guy. He is not in it for the money, he has no set victim type, he is not a se*ual sadist. It seems he is motivated only by seeing the fear in his victims and he has a literal army of ‘helpers’ to buy stuff and set things up for him.
This guy is going to be very tricky to catch. Ericka, the FBI’s best of the best will need to get into his head to have any hope of catching him. Meanwhile Dantalion is getting into her head. He knows all about her and what motivates her, why she joined the FBI from the more lucrative private sector. Ericka wants to, needs to, catch the three men who destroyed her sister 12 years ago while she was holidaying in Mexico. She was gang r@ped and beaten and left for dead. Eventually, her mind broken, she finished the job and killed herself.
So, this was pretty much all action and technical exploits. I could not put this book down, it was very compelling reading. The author’s note at the end of the book tells us that all the tech stuff is either already possible or very close to it. A sobering thought indeed. It sounds like there is to be a sequel which I will be very keen to read. Many thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
November 2, 2022
FBI agent Ericka and her partners search for criminal activity in the dark web and are now on the hunt for Dantalion, a sinister bad guy who uses people with secrets to do his dastardly deeds. In addition to Dantalion, she has her own personal demon to face.
It was easy to be engaged with THE HACKER from its beginning to the exciting end due to the clever writing style, and descriptive prose. The goings-on in the dark web were an eye opener for me so this book checked off my requirement to continually read something where I will learn something new.
This is a dazzling debut novel by Daniel Scanlan which would appeal to those interested in high-tech wizardry in the dark (and not so dark) world and to those who enjoy a page turning, good guys vs bad guys, action packed novel with brilliant dialogue that will keep you engaged till the very end.
My review is based on advance digital ARC (advance reading copy).
It was easy to be engaged with THE HACKER from its beginning to the exciting end due to the clever writing style, and descriptive prose. The goings-on in the dark web were an eye opener for me so this book checked off my requirement to continually read something where I will learn something new.
This is a dazzling debut novel by Daniel Scanlan which would appeal to those interested in high-tech wizardry in the dark (and not so dark) world and to those who enjoy a page turning, good guys vs bad guys, action packed novel with brilliant dialogue that will keep you engaged till the very end.
My review is based on advance digital ARC (advance reading copy).
November 20, 2022
A pacy, addictive thriller set within the dark Web, a scary and deeply disturbing place which the author brings to life with horrifying reality.
The characters are all intriguing, both criminal and investigators plus the central villain is an intelligent personality of pure evil.
What can be done remotely from behind a veil will genuinely unsettle you - its definitely worth reading the authors note at the end, to see what is fact and what is fiction. You may be surprised.
An excellent book. Looking forward to more.
The characters are all intriguing, both criminal and investigators plus the central villain is an intelligent personality of pure evil.
What can be done remotely from behind a veil will genuinely unsettle you - its definitely worth reading the authors note at the end, to see what is fact and what is fiction. You may be surprised.
An excellent book. Looking forward to more.
January 24, 2023
Oh, I enjoyed this.
I don’t usually read thrillers. Some are too dark for me, others don’t feel very believable. Other times, I’ve not felt very… thrilled.
This really had me on the edge of my seat. There are twists and turns galore. An added bonus is that the author is an expert in the field. As per Daniel Scanlan’s bio, he’s worked as a lawyer specialising in cyber crime, internet security, digital evidence and money laundering – and as such I was able to believe the capabilities of both the antagonist, a dark web predator called Dantalion, and the FBI specialist, Erika, who tries to catch him.
The game of cat and mouse is very much on with these two, both the best at what they do. Added to this, Erika, has her own demons which Dantalion uses to his advantage, thus giving this book elements of a psychological drama too.
There are violent aspects to the novel, as Dantalion seeks out to record violent acts to give to his followers, however, these acts vary depending on the wishes of his audience. Previous works I’ve read (or tried to read) seem to dwell only on sexual assault, and while that is also a theme of this book, it’s not overwhelming and is not included in every crime – which was a welcomed change.
Fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Red Dragon/Silence of the Lambs will enjoy this book, but I’d also recommend it to people like me who aren’t ardent thriller fans. The world is very engaging and the technology is explained in such a way that anyone can understand what is going on.
I’m very excited to read the sequel when it comes out. While this book has a conclusion, one big thread has been left open – and I can’t wait to discover what Erika does next.
I don’t usually read thrillers. Some are too dark for me, others don’t feel very believable. Other times, I’ve not felt very… thrilled.
This really had me on the edge of my seat. There are twists and turns galore. An added bonus is that the author is an expert in the field. As per Daniel Scanlan’s bio, he’s worked as a lawyer specialising in cyber crime, internet security, digital evidence and money laundering – and as such I was able to believe the capabilities of both the antagonist, a dark web predator called Dantalion, and the FBI specialist, Erika, who tries to catch him.
The game of cat and mouse is very much on with these two, both the best at what they do. Added to this, Erika, has her own demons which Dantalion uses to his advantage, thus giving this book elements of a psychological drama too.
There are violent aspects to the novel, as Dantalion seeks out to record violent acts to give to his followers, however, these acts vary depending on the wishes of his audience. Previous works I’ve read (or tried to read) seem to dwell only on sexual assault, and while that is also a theme of this book, it’s not overwhelming and is not included in every crime – which was a welcomed change.
Fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Red Dragon/Silence of the Lambs will enjoy this book, but I’d also recommend it to people like me who aren’t ardent thriller fans. The world is very engaging and the technology is explained in such a way that anyone can understand what is going on.
I’m very excited to read the sequel when it comes out. While this book has a conclusion, one big thread has been left open – and I can’t wait to discover what Erika does next.
June 10, 2022
THE HACKER is a thoroughly disturbing lightning paced thriller, packed with action and intrigue. Dark and twisted and horribly captivating. Scanlan delivers a frighteningly believable world where the line between digital and physical blurs most in the shadows.
June 28, 2023
Such a great series and plot. Ericka is such a great main character, insanely smart and a technology genius with a tragic backstory and a mind for vengeance after the traumatic experience that lead to her sisters death. Dantalion is a great villain, mysterious and brilliant at outsmarting the systems he then used to cause mayhem, earning himself loyal followers who are willing to do anything for him, from pedophiles to murderers and everything inbetween.
September 11, 2022
A tech thriller that grabs you by the throat and does not let go until the very last page. Special Agent Ericka Blackwood is good at what she does and is chasing a predator deep in the dark web who is a master hacker. He sets up and stages murders for others to commit, living out their sick fantasies. This is one hell of a ride and not for the faint hearted. A game of cat and mouse like no other. So cancel everything and tuck into this fantastic five star read. You better strap yourself in because you are in for one terrifying ride. I loved this book but I think I need to lie down I am exaughted.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 30, 2022
A hugely enjoyable and also slightly alarming thriller about cybercrime and what it could do. Tense, action packed and with a fascinating global game of cat and mouse I was very much sucked into the story. Will be very interested in the sequel!
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
September 2, 2022
The Hacker by Daniel Scanlan.
He's online. He's anonymous. He's deadly.
When a video surfaces on the Dark Web showing a murder no one else could have witnessed, FBI Special Agent Ericka Blackwood starts tracking down the killer.
A very good read. Dark and twisted. Loved it. 5*.
He's online. He's anonymous. He's deadly.
When a video surfaces on the Dark Web showing a murder no one else could have witnessed, FBI Special Agent Ericka Blackwood starts tracking down the killer.
A very good read. Dark and twisted. Loved it. 5*.
September 23, 2023
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Er.........THAT ENDING!!!!! What the actual f......was that! I'm not as mad about the ending now that I know that there is a sequel to the book (The Exploit - out now), but at the time of reading it I had absolutely no idea and several expletives came tumbling out of my mouth (much to the shock of my daughter). If I wrote here that the loose ends were tied up prettily with a pink bow doused in copious amounts of glitter, I would be lying because what happened was the complete opposite. NO ENDS WERE TIED UP! For those who have already read 'The Hacker, you'll know what I am talking about. For those who wish to read it (and I suggest you do), I highly recommend getting the sequel ready and waiting. I didn't do that, in fact, I'm still yet to purchase it but lets not split hairs.
Anyway, this book.....I have no idea how I am going to review it without giving away every single detail of what happens, but I am going to try my best! I don't intend on spoiling the book for anyone else at all, so if you have to read between the lines and add in your own words, then yeah!
I think, going by the title, the storyline of 'The Hacker' is a bit self explanatory. Cyber crime. Dark web. It sounds so simple doesn't it? It's not...it's really not. People say that fact is stranger than fiction, and that is certainly the case here. A lot of the situations mentioned with technology seemed unbelievably farfetched. I mean, how could someone connect to a VR headset and control everything from a distance away? How could someone take over a huge piece of machinery, control it and move it, all without being right there? It doesn't sound possible does it?
There was a lot of hard hitting moments throughout this book, with crimes being committed that were just absolutely disgraceful and made me wonder how on earth could someone not have a conscience to do what they did as simply and nonchalantly as cleaning their teeth? Don't get me wrong, I know these things happen in the world, and much worse - I'm not that naïve. But still.
Despite all of the gut wrenching moments, 'The Hacker' had me liking it one minute, despising it the next, to then becoming its prisoner and loving it. I was confused at times due to all of the technical jargon and what not, however I was absolutely hooked and gripped by each turn of events. Who was behind it all? What were they trying to achieve? Would Ericka and her team get to the bottom of it before more damage is done?
I spent most of my time reading the book with many unanswered questions floating around my brain and, in all honesty, I finished the book with just as many, if not more questions floating around my brain. That being said and, even though I made such a song and dance about the ending, I've got to give 10/10 to Daniel Scanlan for putting his readers right where he wants them; at the edges of their seats wanting more. When I finished reading I needed my next fix like a drug dealer needs theirs. I don't know what spell I was put under, however the thrills of the storyline were just insanely good, so clever, intricate, chilling. Everything you would want from a thriller and then some.
I said above how I despised the book at one point, and I just want to clarify what I mean by that. At times I struggled to follow what was going on as Ericka and her team always had their sights set on someone but, just as quickly as they had focused on that person, they had yet another person in their eyeline, and another, and another. I was a bit overwhelmed which in turn made me a bit frustrated.
Like I said though, I ended up loving 'The Hacker' and the way in which the storyline chilled me to the bone and left me wanting more. That ending, thought whilst rather annoying if you didn't know that there was a sequel, was actually spot on and had the desired effect. I haven't stopped speaking about the book since I finished it last night, and I don't intend on stopping anytime soon! I do, however, need to read the sequel pronto!
Do I recommend 'The Hacker'? Yes, yes, and again, yes.
A frustratingly brilliant, cleverly written, stomach churning, blood pressure raising, thrilling novel that, if you're anything like me, will leave you on the edge of your seat with your head in your hands thinking 'what the fu....'.
Er.........THAT ENDING!!!!! What the actual f......was that! I'm not as mad about the ending now that I know that there is a sequel to the book (The Exploit - out now), but at the time of reading it I had absolutely no idea and several expletives came tumbling out of my mouth (much to the shock of my daughter). If I wrote here that the loose ends were tied up prettily with a pink bow doused in copious amounts of glitter, I would be lying because what happened was the complete opposite. NO ENDS WERE TIED UP! For those who have already read 'The Hacker, you'll know what I am talking about. For those who wish to read it (and I suggest you do), I highly recommend getting the sequel ready and waiting. I didn't do that, in fact, I'm still yet to purchase it but lets not split hairs.
Anyway, this book.....I have no idea how I am going to review it without giving away every single detail of what happens, but I am going to try my best! I don't intend on spoiling the book for anyone else at all, so if you have to read between the lines and add in your own words, then yeah!
I think, going by the title, the storyline of 'The Hacker' is a bit self explanatory. Cyber crime. Dark web. It sounds so simple doesn't it? It's not...it's really not. People say that fact is stranger than fiction, and that is certainly the case here. A lot of the situations mentioned with technology seemed unbelievably farfetched. I mean, how could someone connect to a VR headset and control everything from a distance away? How could someone take over a huge piece of machinery, control it and move it, all without being right there? It doesn't sound possible does it?
There was a lot of hard hitting moments throughout this book, with crimes being committed that were just absolutely disgraceful and made me wonder how on earth could someone not have a conscience to do what they did as simply and nonchalantly as cleaning their teeth? Don't get me wrong, I know these things happen in the world, and much worse - I'm not that naïve. But still.
Despite all of the gut wrenching moments, 'The Hacker' had me liking it one minute, despising it the next, to then becoming its prisoner and loving it. I was confused at times due to all of the technical jargon and what not, however I was absolutely hooked and gripped by each turn of events. Who was behind it all? What were they trying to achieve? Would Ericka and her team get to the bottom of it before more damage is done?
I spent most of my time reading the book with many unanswered questions floating around my brain and, in all honesty, I finished the book with just as many, if not more questions floating around my brain. That being said and, even though I made such a song and dance about the ending, I've got to give 10/10 to Daniel Scanlan for putting his readers right where he wants them; at the edges of their seats wanting more. When I finished reading I needed my next fix like a drug dealer needs theirs. I don't know what spell I was put under, however the thrills of the storyline were just insanely good, so clever, intricate, chilling. Everything you would want from a thriller and then some.
I said above how I despised the book at one point, and I just want to clarify what I mean by that. At times I struggled to follow what was going on as Ericka and her team always had their sights set on someone but, just as quickly as they had focused on that person, they had yet another person in their eyeline, and another, and another. I was a bit overwhelmed which in turn made me a bit frustrated.
Like I said though, I ended up loving 'The Hacker' and the way in which the storyline chilled me to the bone and left me wanting more. That ending, thought whilst rather annoying if you didn't know that there was a sequel, was actually spot on and had the desired effect. I haven't stopped speaking about the book since I finished it last night, and I don't intend on stopping anytime soon! I do, however, need to read the sequel pronto!
Do I recommend 'The Hacker'? Yes, yes, and again, yes.
A frustratingly brilliant, cleverly written, stomach churning, blood pressure raising, thrilling novel that, if you're anything like me, will leave you on the edge of your seat with your head in your hands thinking 'what the fu....'.
February 7, 2023
#TheHacker – Daniel Scanlan
#HeadOfZeus (2022)
‘The role I have chosen is to help those confined by the moral restraints of a world not theirs, one in which they exist, but was not made for, first to visualize what they need for fulfilment, then to create that world.’ (114)
So says the overlord of the dark web, known only by the name of his virtual avatar: Dantalion. He is a subliminal predator, finding and grooming his minions and then partaking visually in real-time to satisfy his sadistic appetites once the victim had been selected and isolated. Firewalls are penetrated as if they were cobwebs, no corner of the world too remote for his artificial tentacles. Hacking by AI has never been deployed on such a scale – and with such horrific consequences. The name of his avatar is indicative of the chilling horror associated with Aleister Crowley’s description of the real Dantalion, the 71st spirit, a dark duke, governing 36 legions of spirits; according to legend summonsed as far back as the time of King Solomon; all-knowing and able to intercept and alter man’s darkest dreams.
Ericka Blackwood is the brightest star of the FBI’s Dark-Web Intelligence Unit. Her hunt for Dantalion is very personal, but his codes are more advanced than those available to intelligence agencies, and, unlike the majority of those that she hunts, he has found a home in the Dark Web, with no need to surface. Her cyber-attacks are met with counter attacks, her diagnostic tools no match for his. Then he sets his sight on her – and the hunter becomes the hunted.
This debut novel can be classified as a cyber or techno-thriller. The author’s knowledge in the field is impressive: He has been practicing criminal law for 32 years, dealing extensively with digital evidence and cybercrimes. Although this is his first work of fiction, he is also the acclaimed author of the textbook ‘Digital evidence in Criminal Law’. Terrifying as it may be the novel is not science fiction. In the author’s own words: ‘The virtual reality and enhanced reality technology depicted are real… Now it’s all down to processing speed and network capacity before the metaverse becomes a reality.’ (370) The character of Dantalion is not based on a real person, but ‘Dantalion is what happens when someone highly intelligent and sociopathic moves online. He is what happens when a ruthless predator quickly adapts to a new and unrestrained environment, each success driving him to dare more. I don’t know if he exists, but I think he could.’ (369)
The author’s experience is also evident when he describes the effects of trauma on victims of crime: ‘A child’s face with the gaze of someone who has seen too much, too soon, without maturity’s mental discipline to help him cope.’ (56); ‘…no-one has looked at me the same since.’ (66), and ‘If you describe some things, you relive them, and they dominate you. Even if you’re only talking to yourself.’ (71)
Although the nature of the novel necessitates scenes of violence, the author succeeds in employing subtle indications of the true horror inflicted by means of innuendo, rather than employing graphic descriptions, resulting in an intelligent and sophisticated end product. The novel is part one of a duology; the second, titled ‘The exploit’, due for release later this year. Those who enjoy the thrillers of Donato Carrisi and Chris Carter will also enjoy Daniel Scanlan.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Uitdieperdsebek
#HeadOfZeus (2022)
‘The role I have chosen is to help those confined by the moral restraints of a world not theirs, one in which they exist, but was not made for, first to visualize what they need for fulfilment, then to create that world.’ (114)
So says the overlord of the dark web, known only by the name of his virtual avatar: Dantalion. He is a subliminal predator, finding and grooming his minions and then partaking visually in real-time to satisfy his sadistic appetites once the victim had been selected and isolated. Firewalls are penetrated as if they were cobwebs, no corner of the world too remote for his artificial tentacles. Hacking by AI has never been deployed on such a scale – and with such horrific consequences. The name of his avatar is indicative of the chilling horror associated with Aleister Crowley’s description of the real Dantalion, the 71st spirit, a dark duke, governing 36 legions of spirits; according to legend summonsed as far back as the time of King Solomon; all-knowing and able to intercept and alter man’s darkest dreams.
Ericka Blackwood is the brightest star of the FBI’s Dark-Web Intelligence Unit. Her hunt for Dantalion is very personal, but his codes are more advanced than those available to intelligence agencies, and, unlike the majority of those that she hunts, he has found a home in the Dark Web, with no need to surface. Her cyber-attacks are met with counter attacks, her diagnostic tools no match for his. Then he sets his sight on her – and the hunter becomes the hunted.
This debut novel can be classified as a cyber or techno-thriller. The author’s knowledge in the field is impressive: He has been practicing criminal law for 32 years, dealing extensively with digital evidence and cybercrimes. Although this is his first work of fiction, he is also the acclaimed author of the textbook ‘Digital evidence in Criminal Law’. Terrifying as it may be the novel is not science fiction. In the author’s own words: ‘The virtual reality and enhanced reality technology depicted are real… Now it’s all down to processing speed and network capacity before the metaverse becomes a reality.’ (370) The character of Dantalion is not based on a real person, but ‘Dantalion is what happens when someone highly intelligent and sociopathic moves online. He is what happens when a ruthless predator quickly adapts to a new and unrestrained environment, each success driving him to dare more. I don’t know if he exists, but I think he could.’ (369)
The author’s experience is also evident when he describes the effects of trauma on victims of crime: ‘A child’s face with the gaze of someone who has seen too much, too soon, without maturity’s mental discipline to help him cope.’ (56); ‘…no-one has looked at me the same since.’ (66), and ‘If you describe some things, you relive them, and they dominate you. Even if you’re only talking to yourself.’ (71)
Although the nature of the novel necessitates scenes of violence, the author succeeds in employing subtle indications of the true horror inflicted by means of innuendo, rather than employing graphic descriptions, resulting in an intelligent and sophisticated end product. The novel is part one of a duology; the second, titled ‘The exploit’, due for release later this year. Those who enjoy the thrillers of Donato Carrisi and Chris Carter will also enjoy Daniel Scanlan.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Uitdieperdsebek
September 7, 2022
Difficult, compelling and dark; these are some of the words that pop-up in my mind when I think about “Hacker”. But be advised, this is not an easy read, it’s a tumultuous trip to the dark side of humanity, one that I wish that it would not exist but that sadly is there, hurting and damaging everyone that touches.
I have to say that I was really intrigued with the plot of this book, I am used to reading books from the detective perspective, but in this case, she works with computers, searching in the dark to find clues to catch the “bad people”. But don’t expect FBI Special Agent Ericka Blackwood to be boring; she is brave but has so much anger inside that is putting her job and life in danger. But Ericka has a motive for her dark feeling, she has seen so many abuse and rape victims that she can’t stop hunting for more. But this will not be an easy case, these hackers seem to have a wide web around her and around the world; a lot of money and people that follow orders without asking questions… This will be a war that Ericka can’t lose and she knows she is the only one that can find the “hacker”; but will she be able to share her deep and hidden emotions to accept her anger? You’ll have to read this book if you want to know all the answers!
Are you ready to search for the “Hacker”?
I have to say that I was really intrigued with the plot of this book, I am used to reading books from the detective perspective, but in this case, she works with computers, searching in the dark to find clues to catch the “bad people”. But don’t expect FBI Special Agent Ericka Blackwood to be boring; she is brave but has so much anger inside that is putting her job and life in danger. But Ericka has a motive for her dark feeling, she has seen so many abuse and rape victims that she can’t stop hunting for more. But this will not be an easy case, these hackers seem to have a wide web around her and around the world; a lot of money and people that follow orders without asking questions… This will be a war that Ericka can’t lose and she knows she is the only one that can find the “hacker”; but will she be able to share her deep and hidden emotions to accept her anger? You’ll have to read this book if you want to know all the answers!
Are you ready to search for the “Hacker”?
September 19, 2022
This book is a real page turner that I polished off in a couple of days.
The author clearly has a deep knowledge of cybercrime and the the practices of hunting down its perpetrators, which he crafts into a compelling and character-driven story. The writing does an excellent job of keeping the technical content accessible without straying into technobabble. If you want a gripping read, I certainly recommend this book.
Be warned that the book touches on some disturbing topics, as one would expect from a book on cybercrime in the dark web.
The author clearly has a deep knowledge of cybercrime and the the practices of hunting down its perpetrators, which he crafts into a compelling and character-driven story. The writing does an excellent job of keeping the technical content accessible without straying into technobabble. If you want a gripping read, I certainly recommend this book.
Be warned that the book touches on some disturbing topics, as one would expect from a book on cybercrime in the dark web.
October 19, 2022
This book was great! I was on the edge of my seat many times, waiting to see what would happen next. The good guys were good though realistically flawed, and the bad guys were very, very bad. Some of the computer-speak was over my head, but that only added to the thrill and wonder of knowing that there are people out there capable of doing this stuff every day, on both sides of the law! I just found out that this will be the first book in a series. Looking forward to the next one for sure. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 7, 2022
I read this via NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this one! The book was fast paced from the start, and I liked the main protagonist. I enjoyed the descriptive way the story was told and how the author gave an insight into the job that our main character does.
I loved the techy aspect of the book and thought all the VR plotlines were well thought out. I like how our MC was penned to connect with the villain, I think it worked really well.
I can see elements of this occurring in the tech world and really appreciated the plot of this book!
I really enjoyed this one! The book was fast paced from the start, and I liked the main protagonist. I enjoyed the descriptive way the story was told and how the author gave an insight into the job that our main character does.
I loved the techy aspect of the book and thought all the VR plotlines were well thought out. I like how our MC was penned to connect with the villain, I think it worked really well.
I can see elements of this occurring in the tech world and really appreciated the plot of this book!
September 12, 2022
This is not my normal type of read, but when I saw the author’s bio, I thought I’d give it a try, since he has the technical and legal chops to write an authentic novel on both fronts. Some of the tech seemed unbelievable, but the note from the author at the end makes it clear it is all possible, or on the verge of being possible. It’s kind of scary that this is what real cybercrime could be… So if you like techno-thrillers, this is your book.
November 13, 2022
An excellent story describing the dangers of being connected electronically in the present and near-future world. Cellphones are a well-known danger but tablets, cars, aeroplanes, etc. can all be taken over remotely and we already know how our appliances are transmitting data on our likes and lives to data collectors. A very well-written book with a believeable plot and characters. Highly entertaining.
Read
August 26, 2022Thriller is the perfect description for this fantastic debut novel by Daniel Scanlan. Fast-paced, dark, complex-it was a stay up till midnight read for sure! And yes, lots of technology but never overwhelming- just really makes you wonder about the people who know THIS much about this stuff. Loved this book!!
September 9, 2022
Tight, tense, gripping stuff. If you're anything like a luddite, you'll find yourself casting suspicious looks at your phone and laptop after reading this. An excellent novel full of surprises and nerves.
September 10, 2022
Expertly crafted and electric, this crime thriller goes to some dark, high-tech places. With a relentless and razor-sharp FBI agent heading up the hunt for a sociopathic serial killer who's as narcissistic as he is cunning, it's riveting to the last chapter.
August 31, 2022
Review to follow.
October 1, 2022
gripping-could not put it down
The Hacker has a great plot complemented with compelling writing. I couldn’t wait to pick it back up when forced to put it down.
The Hacker has a great plot complemented with compelling writing. I couldn’t wait to pick it back up when forced to put it down.
April 8, 2024
I really got this book because of the title; it sounded really good. What I didn't expect to get was a fantastic story where we have a bada.. FBI agent who is going to try to bring the person down. I did not understand some of the tech talk because I am not fluent in it, but it did not take away from the story for me.
Ericka is considered the best at finding those on the Dark Web doing the unthinkable. When Dantalion comes into play, Ericka has to learn to get out of her head and help put a stop to him. Ericka's pass comes into play and I can see how easy it is for someone to not get over what she experienced. It is scary to know that now we live in a world with this sorta technology at anyone's fingertips.
I liked the characters and how Ericka did not back down even when she knew her bosses would not be happy with what she was doing. She isn't just sitting down and letting someone else do the work; that is what we need in the world.
Favorite quotes: "If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will float by."
" Intelligent people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already know all the answers. "
Ericka is considered the best at finding those on the Dark Web doing the unthinkable. When Dantalion comes into play, Ericka has to learn to get out of her head and help put a stop to him. Ericka's pass comes into play and I can see how easy it is for someone to not get over what she experienced. It is scary to know that now we live in a world with this sorta technology at anyone's fingertips.
I liked the characters and how Ericka did not back down even when she knew her bosses would not be happy with what she was doing. She isn't just sitting down and letting someone else do the work; that is what we need in the world.
Favorite quotes: "If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will float by."
" Intelligent people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already know all the answers. "
January 4, 2023
A fast paced darkly disturbing thriller that I devoured. The author creates a tech police procedural thriller that grabs you from the first page to the last. I can't wait to read more from this author.
April 28, 2023
Such an exciting and interesting book
October 9, 2023
intriguing read
Fascinating details and possibilities that are also terrifying. Really enjoyed the style of writing. Looking forward very much to the sequel!
Fascinating details and possibilities that are also terrifying. Really enjoyed the style of writing. Looking forward very much to the sequel!
February 29, 2024
4.2🌟
Really enjoyed this one, definitely going to read the next one in the series.
Good plot, makes for an interesting read.
Really enjoyed this one, definitely going to read the next one in the series.
Good plot, makes for an interesting read.
September 5, 2022
FBI Special Agent Erica Blackwood is an expert in cyber crime and tracking down the criminals who operate in the sinister underbelly of the Dark Web. It is a job that comes with a price, and the sins she has uncovered have taken their toll on her mental state. When a video surfaces showing footage of one of the crimes that affected her the most, the torture and murder of a young girl, Erica is dragged back to the case that got her confined to desk duties. She cannot rest until she discovers who is behind the release of this footage.
As Erica immerses herself in her task, she discovers the existence of a hacker who calls himself Dantalion. This person has incredible skills, which he is using to direct the depraved to commit crimes for his own sadistic pleasure. As she gradually gets closer to finding out the identity of this evil mastermind, she finds herself becoming the target of his twisted games. Dantalion offers Erica the chance to find out information about the one thing that consumes her - the identity and location of the men responsible for her own sisters death. Will Erica risk her career for the chance of the vengeance she longs for?
The Hacker is a complex crime story about the horrors that lie deep within the pitch black morass of the Dark Web, and what they mean for us in the real world. If you thought you had an idea of the kinds of acts users of the Dark Web indulge in, then this book will make you think again, because Scanlan takes you into the horrifying heart of nightmare country by speculating about what might happen if there was a highly talented and profoundly damaged criminal mastermind, who knew exactly how to target people's weaknesses to direct operations from a virtual throne.
The story is dark and disturbing, and almost entirely within the realms of possibility, which makes it absolutely chilling. Perhaps the most discomfiting thing is how Scanlan makes you think about the difficulties involved in discovering the identities of wrongdoers in the virtual world, when they act in ways they would never do in real life. The characters are for the most part broken by the things that have shaped them, on both sides of the law, and the ghosts that haunt Erica make her a really interesting protagonist as it is easy to see how she might be tempted to wander from the moral path for her own ends: the will-she-won't-she element is deliciously compelling, as you are never quite sure whether she will choose between her job and her need for revenge.
Scanlan's background as a lawyer in cybercrime and digital evidence gathering comes through well in this novel as he takes you through all the processes and advanced technology required to go under the surface into the murky virtual world of criminal behaviour. It is completely fascinating, and builds up a detailed picture of how difficult it is to navigate the Dark Web, although at times this does slow down the pace of the story a little. Having said that, there are some exciting 'field work' episodes and real world moments of danger to get your heart racing. Scanlan certainly does know how to write a darned good action scene, so I would have liked to see him have more fun with this side of things, putting you 'in' the drama a bit more rather than looking on.
The plot twists and turns nicely, and the threads come together at the end in a cleverly conceived way that offers a glimpse of an exciting sequel, so I am very pleased to read in the Author's Note that Scanlan will indeed be revisiting this story. This is a highly enjoyable and impressive debut, that tells of a writer at the beginning of a shining career. I look forward to reading book two very much!
As Erica immerses herself in her task, she discovers the existence of a hacker who calls himself Dantalion. This person has incredible skills, which he is using to direct the depraved to commit crimes for his own sadistic pleasure. As she gradually gets closer to finding out the identity of this evil mastermind, she finds herself becoming the target of his twisted games. Dantalion offers Erica the chance to find out information about the one thing that consumes her - the identity and location of the men responsible for her own sisters death. Will Erica risk her career for the chance of the vengeance she longs for?
The Hacker is a complex crime story about the horrors that lie deep within the pitch black morass of the Dark Web, and what they mean for us in the real world. If you thought you had an idea of the kinds of acts users of the Dark Web indulge in, then this book will make you think again, because Scanlan takes you into the horrifying heart of nightmare country by speculating about what might happen if there was a highly talented and profoundly damaged criminal mastermind, who knew exactly how to target people's weaknesses to direct operations from a virtual throne.
The story is dark and disturbing, and almost entirely within the realms of possibility, which makes it absolutely chilling. Perhaps the most discomfiting thing is how Scanlan makes you think about the difficulties involved in discovering the identities of wrongdoers in the virtual world, when they act in ways they would never do in real life. The characters are for the most part broken by the things that have shaped them, on both sides of the law, and the ghosts that haunt Erica make her a really interesting protagonist as it is easy to see how she might be tempted to wander from the moral path for her own ends: the will-she-won't-she element is deliciously compelling, as you are never quite sure whether she will choose between her job and her need for revenge.
Scanlan's background as a lawyer in cybercrime and digital evidence gathering comes through well in this novel as he takes you through all the processes and advanced technology required to go under the surface into the murky virtual world of criminal behaviour. It is completely fascinating, and builds up a detailed picture of how difficult it is to navigate the Dark Web, although at times this does slow down the pace of the story a little. Having said that, there are some exciting 'field work' episodes and real world moments of danger to get your heart racing. Scanlan certainly does know how to write a darned good action scene, so I would have liked to see him have more fun with this side of things, putting you 'in' the drama a bit more rather than looking on.
The plot twists and turns nicely, and the threads come together at the end in a cleverly conceived way that offers a glimpse of an exciting sequel, so I am very pleased to read in the Author's Note that Scanlan will indeed be revisiting this story. This is a highly enjoyable and impressive debut, that tells of a writer at the beginning of a shining career. I look forward to reading book two very much!
September 25, 2023
Ok techno thriller. Might read a sequel.
August 27, 2022
The Hacker is fully engaging from the opening scenes as it explores the edges of today’s technologies used in both furthering and uncovering murderous ventures. Systems barely outside today’s every day experience are being abused by amoral genius and also used in a law enforcement mission to link the events and halt the carnage being meted out. It is fascinating to witness the thoughts and interactions of the primary characters and their philosophical viewpoints as they discover each other’s driving motivations and work to undermine one another. The exciting events right up to the end are riveting and bring questions of how close we may be to encountering such frightening realities in our own lives.
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