Former tech CEO and expert in big data algorithms and social media, L.A. Fatzinger, makes his fiction debut with *The Salzburg Executioner*, a timely and provocative psychological thriller that unravels the hidden dangers of algorithm-driven apps and the unseen forces shaping our lives.

Blending modern ethical dilemmas with historical intrigue, *The Salzburg Executioner*follows James Wohlmuth, a technologist haunted by the death of his wife, Sara, whose suicide was triggered by the very algorithms he helped design. Sent to Salzburg, Austria on a forced sabbatical, James stumbles upon the story of an 18th-century executioner whose meticulous diary exposed the injustices of his era, and was a catalyst for ending public executions and torture.

As James crafts his own modern-day “Executioner’s Diary,” exposing the devastating impact of algorithmic manipulation, he spirals into a dangerous obsession that threatens to blur the line between seeking justice and causing harm. Set against the haunting beauty of Salzburg and weaving together past and present, *The Salzburg Executioner* serves as both cautionary tale and call to action, challenging readers to confront the ethical consequences of technological advancement.

“I came across the haunting story of the historical Salzburg Executioner after moving to Austria almost two years ago,” said Fatzinger. “The parallels between the opaque system of justice in 18th-century Salzburg and the grip algorithms have on modern society is unnerving. I quickly realized *The Salzburg Executioner* is a story that needs to be told. This novel explores the human cost of unchecked technological progress and asks: Who takes the blame for the lives these apps and services destroy?”

Timely and hauntingly relevant, *The Salzburg Executioner* appeals to fans of literary fiction and psychological thrillers alike, offering a chilling reflection on the societal and mental health crises fueled by social media and cyberbullying.