System Lockout

System Lockout is a crime thriller based around ransomware attacks on the core IT systems of large corporations providing critical national infrastructure. This is the nightmare that has already become reality for some large companies. The backdrop for the action is a Big 4 management consultancy grappling with cyber attacks on their clients. As a former partner in a Big 4 consultancy, I felt the setting was described realistically and brought to life. This is not surprising, as the author has spent all of his career in IT, with a large part of it in a Big 4 consultancy, and this experience shows as he sets the scene and introduces the main characters in a world he clearly knows well. The author avoids the traditional action hero cliché by telling much of the story through the eyes of a new recruit who has joined the consultancy as his first job after University. I really empathized with the hapless graduate trainee as he reacts to the developing situation with concern, then bewilderment, fear and finally outright horror. The reader is led on a tense journey, wondering what will happen next with each twist of the plot. The detailed scene setting and character introductions at the start of the book are reminiscent of Ian Flemming’s style, but brought bang up to date with the IT consultancy, cyber crime and cryptocurrency replacing the old world of espionage. Although a lot of the action takes place in the UK, there are also trips to multiple foreign locations which add further mystery to the plot . The tension grows ever higher as the story leads to a climax and a showdown with the cyber criminals. This is a gripping thriller with an intriguing approach on a topic which is currently headline news. It would make a cracking TV mini-series. I found it a very enjoyable read.

I was looking for a thriller with twists and what a book. Without giving too much away the author knows his stuff and so frightening how close to reality. Kept me hooked from the opening pages. If you want cyber threats, intrigue, corporate world excess. romance and a thrilling ride this book is for you. I hope the author brings out a sequel. Great read phew.