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The Woman Who Stopped Traffic
Be careful who your friends are. It’s the dawn of social media; Facebook is unknown and World of Warcraft is the world's biggest online game. An unhinged Hungarian-American Internet magnate is trying to take over it all, using soon-to-IPO web sensation Clamor.us. But nefarious content is coming to light on the Clamor social networking site, pointing to sex trafficking.
Enter Natalie Chevalier, glamorous ex-Head of Security at a large Seattle software company ... with a father she never knew, a disastrous track record with men and a scandal that forced her from her old job.
Part digital thriller, part dark fairy tale, The Woman Who Stopped Traffic will keep you on the edge of your seat – while revealing deeper truths of our times.
Enter Natalie Chevalier, glamorous ex-Head of Security at a large Seattle software company ... with a father she never knew, a disastrous track record with men and a scandal that forced her from her old job.
Part digital thriller, part dark fairy tale, The Woman Who Stopped Traffic will keep you on the edge of your seat – while revealing deeper truths of our times.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2013
14 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Pembrey
13 books43 followersDaniel Pembrey grew up in Nottinghamshire, England — beside Sherwood Forest. He studied history at Edinburgh University and spent over a decade working in America and more recently Luxembourg, coming to rest in Amsterdam and London — dividing his time now between these two great maritime cities. He is the author of the Henk van der Pol detective series and several short thriller stories, and he contributes articles to publications including The Financial Times and The (London) Times. In order to write The Harbour Master, he spent several months living in the docklands area of East Amsterdam, counting De Druif bar as his local.
To receive occasional email updates and offers of free exclusive content, please sign up at www.danielpembrey.com. Daniel is also on Twitter, @DPemb.
To receive occasional email updates and offers of free exclusive content, please sign up at www.danielpembrey.com. Daniel is also on Twitter, @DPemb.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 5, 2013
In the age of computers, fanatic gamers, fanatic social networkers, where an IPO of a web based corporation brings incredibly high dollars to the table, the plot behind The Woman Who Stopped Traffic by talented author Daniel Pembrey is sure to resonate with more than just mystery lovers! Could a gaming platform be used to traffic sex slaves to the highest bidder? Could an upstart social network become another portal to the sleaze of child sexual abuse? We’ve all heard of accounts being hacked, the lack of security on social networking and gaming sites, but we all call the people we”meet” online our “friends.” Never mind that we have never actually met them, talked to them or even know their real name, we assume what we see is either completely fake (which is fine) or completely true, but is it really safe?
Follow Natalie Chevalier, a security expert as she accidentally uncovers a heinous plot to thwart the successful IPO of Clamor Us, the social networking site that is taking the world by storm, but has had some serious and mysterious security breaches from unknown sources. What she uncovers is murder, and a twisted plot to gain power, and money at any cost and Clamor Us is only part of the picture. A new gaming site is more than a fantasy escape filled with adventure, as it, too becomes part of the sex trafficking of young girls that has gone global. Is anyone safe? How dark are the movers and shakers behind the money? In the world of technology, are the stakes high enough to kill for? Natalie finds that those behind the scenes are not always what they seem, all she has to do is live to tell about it, but will something or someone from her past be her undoing?
Daniel Pembrey has done a remarkable job of sharing the basics of the potential valuation of a Wall Street IPO, the risks, the investors, and the manipulations of stock values. Call it a tutorial within a story! Even his journey into the gaming world is an accurate look at the draw for millions, yet it can be confusing to those who are unfamiliar, I would say, picture a multi-level maze, with you, the superhero/heroine in the middle, and the only way out is to gain allies, and battle your way through. Add the intrigue of murder, the FBI involvement and danger from unsuspected quarters and this becomes a twisted and convoluted ride to the finish! Mr Pembrey has created a realistic cast of characters that run the gamut from corporate big shots, eccentric mazillionaires, to the aging “new age” activists, as well as the strong, yet vulnerable heroine. Oh!...Let’s not forget the ever quirky computer geeks and you have one twisted ride from start to game over! As I finished this book, I was left knowing how much of this is possible, sadly probable and obviously near impossible to stop. A fascinating and thought-provoking read that is gripping, entertaining and even a little educational!
I received a review copy from Daniel Cooper in exchange for my honest review.
Original Publication Date: July 15, 2013
Publisher: Daniel Cooper
ISBN: 9781490983356
Genre: Adult Mystery/Corporate Espionage/Murder
Number of Pages: 253
Connect with the Author: Facebook
Available from: Amazon
Follow Natalie Chevalier, a security expert as she accidentally uncovers a heinous plot to thwart the successful IPO of Clamor Us, the social networking site that is taking the world by storm, but has had some serious and mysterious security breaches from unknown sources. What she uncovers is murder, and a twisted plot to gain power, and money at any cost and Clamor Us is only part of the picture. A new gaming site is more than a fantasy escape filled with adventure, as it, too becomes part of the sex trafficking of young girls that has gone global. Is anyone safe? How dark are the movers and shakers behind the money? In the world of technology, are the stakes high enough to kill for? Natalie finds that those behind the scenes are not always what they seem, all she has to do is live to tell about it, but will something or someone from her past be her undoing?
Daniel Pembrey has done a remarkable job of sharing the basics of the potential valuation of a Wall Street IPO, the risks, the investors, and the manipulations of stock values. Call it a tutorial within a story! Even his journey into the gaming world is an accurate look at the draw for millions, yet it can be confusing to those who are unfamiliar, I would say, picture a multi-level maze, with you, the superhero/heroine in the middle, and the only way out is to gain allies, and battle your way through. Add the intrigue of murder, the FBI involvement and danger from unsuspected quarters and this becomes a twisted and convoluted ride to the finish! Mr Pembrey has created a realistic cast of characters that run the gamut from corporate big shots, eccentric mazillionaires, to the aging “new age” activists, as well as the strong, yet vulnerable heroine. Oh!...Let’s not forget the ever quirky computer geeks and you have one twisted ride from start to game over! As I finished this book, I was left knowing how much of this is possible, sadly probable and obviously near impossible to stop. A fascinating and thought-provoking read that is gripping, entertaining and even a little educational!
I received a review copy from Daniel Cooper in exchange for my honest review.
Original Publication Date: July 15, 2013
Publisher: Daniel Cooper
ISBN: 9781490983356
Genre: Adult Mystery/Corporate Espionage/Murder
Number of Pages: 253
Connect with the Author: Facebook
Available from: Amazon
December 21, 2015
Honestly. This is not a bad read. But...
It is a slow book in part with too much detail giving to the tech and not near enough to the main protagonists.
The tech part is still totally relatable to the average reader and for that the author won some points.
The murder mystery prart left me puzzled at times. Huge jumps in logic is expected from the reader.
On the positive side I never felt as if I wanted to leave the book and write a dnf. This is possibly simply not my cuppa.
I received this copy from Netgalley for review.
It is a slow book in part with too much detail giving to the tech and not near enough to the main protagonists.
The tech part is still totally relatable to the average reader and for that the author won some points.
The murder mystery prart left me puzzled at times. Huge jumps in logic is expected from the reader.
On the positive side I never felt as if I wanted to leave the book and write a dnf. This is possibly simply not my cuppa.
I received this copy from Netgalley for review.
June 26, 2014
Imagine, if you will, a brand new social media site which allows you to keep up with friends and family, create groups, publicize your own life and which have over three hundred fifty million active users. Of course, we all have one specific site in mind, but this one is meant to be different. How different it is we are not told in Daniel Pembrey's new work, but different enough that there is a lot of interest in the forthcoming IPO, with many high-ranking investors prepared to put money into its development, into making it a commercial success and, above all, in reaping all the financial benefits for themselves.
Now imagine the first open presentation of this site before a crowd of eager investors. The podium has all the company names there, the audience all the money. There is an air of expectation, of eagerness. And then, during the presentation, something goes wrong. Not the much-vaunted Blue Screen Of Death one major software company experienced, something far more sinister. A clicked on link, displayed for all to see, takes the viewers to an online shop for under-aged girls complete with a list price. Child-trafficking online, under-aged women on sale to anyone who can come up with the asking price. Somewhere there is a group of people who have taken over part of the site and are using it for illegal purposes, for the sale of humans, predominantly for sex.
Then idea Pembrey places before us is not so far from the truth. The Internet is used to sell under-aged sex as much as it is used to sell other forms of sex services. How companies deal with this, though, is another matter entirely and one which Pembrey, despite an exceptional idea and some very good writing, doesn't quite manage to work through.
He takes us into the inner workings of the company, to the people who, shocked by what has happened before both investors and the press, have much more than their good names to protect. He introduces us to a proven security professional whose task it becomes to discover exactly how these links could have been inserted, where they come from, and how to stop the trade in young girls.
The idea, as I say, is good and up-to-date. Social media sites are still the thing on the Internet, still being created, expanded, enhanced. The security problems are ones which many will have come across, even if only at the level of normal - legal - pornography. How the people react, however, is a different matter. In this work the security adviser doesn't immediately stop the trafficking, doesn't go into the system and block the links. As far as the reader is concerned, the links, the trafficking, remains online, available for anyone who happens to hit the right group. This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise to those who have some knowledge of the Internet, especially when this highly qualified security adviser has to have the word 'mod' explained to her by an intern. And it is also not clear why the problem has to be solved, both by this security adviser and several agents from the FBI, by playing an online video game, rather than a quick and effective block and removal action.
That said, The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is a gripping tale which keeps the reader interested. There are few stumbling points - the constant switching between Schweitzer and Schweitz, often several times within a paragraph, which should have been picked up in the editing process - and the reader is not left wanting for description and characterization. Recommended for those with an interest both in the world of social networking and security, but without any technical knowledge of either, and for those who enjoy a fast-moving tale with modern themes.
Now imagine the first open presentation of this site before a crowd of eager investors. The podium has all the company names there, the audience all the money. There is an air of expectation, of eagerness. And then, during the presentation, something goes wrong. Not the much-vaunted Blue Screen Of Death one major software company experienced, something far more sinister. A clicked on link, displayed for all to see, takes the viewers to an online shop for under-aged girls complete with a list price. Child-trafficking online, under-aged women on sale to anyone who can come up with the asking price. Somewhere there is a group of people who have taken over part of the site and are using it for illegal purposes, for the sale of humans, predominantly for sex.
Then idea Pembrey places before us is not so far from the truth. The Internet is used to sell under-aged sex as much as it is used to sell other forms of sex services. How companies deal with this, though, is another matter entirely and one which Pembrey, despite an exceptional idea and some very good writing, doesn't quite manage to work through.
He takes us into the inner workings of the company, to the people who, shocked by what has happened before both investors and the press, have much more than their good names to protect. He introduces us to a proven security professional whose task it becomes to discover exactly how these links could have been inserted, where they come from, and how to stop the trade in young girls.
The idea, as I say, is good and up-to-date. Social media sites are still the thing on the Internet, still being created, expanded, enhanced. The security problems are ones which many will have come across, even if only at the level of normal - legal - pornography. How the people react, however, is a different matter. In this work the security adviser doesn't immediately stop the trafficking, doesn't go into the system and block the links. As far as the reader is concerned, the links, the trafficking, remains online, available for anyone who happens to hit the right group. This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise to those who have some knowledge of the Internet, especially when this highly qualified security adviser has to have the word 'mod' explained to her by an intern. And it is also not clear why the problem has to be solved, both by this security adviser and several agents from the FBI, by playing an online video game, rather than a quick and effective block and removal action.
That said, The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is a gripping tale which keeps the reader interested. There are few stumbling points - the constant switching between Schweitzer and Schweitz, often several times within a paragraph, which should have been picked up in the editing process - and the reader is not left wanting for description and characterization. Recommended for those with an interest both in the world of social networking and security, but without any technical knowledge of either, and for those who enjoy a fast-moving tale with modern themes.
January 24, 2016
A social site is about to have a share launch and investors are shocked to see that its pages include ads for sex trafficking of underage girls. The owners, just as shocked, hire a security consultant Natalie Chevalier. Then the firm's own head of security is found dead, and Natalie gets his job, whether she wants it or not. She finds a Russian link to all the ad pages and their visitors but the site is based in San Francisco, the girls are from Asia. What can she do to stop this vile traffic? And is she next in line for danger?
With many references to popular net sites, search engines, dotcom buyouts and multi-user online gaming, the book is part techno-thriller, part SF, including a homage to cyberpunk classic Neuromancer. The maths of running a profile site firm is explained, when the only way to recoup money is advertising. The cast ranges from weed-stoned millionaires to grandiose developers, from cyber-addicted interns to internet fantasy avatars. While the lead character is female almost all the other characters are male, probably a true reflection of the world presented.
This is an intellectual thriller rather than an action one, with the action near to the end. Characterisation and the online world firms are the main focus, and I found it interesting and very readable.
With many references to popular net sites, search engines, dotcom buyouts and multi-user online gaming, the book is part techno-thriller, part SF, including a homage to cyberpunk classic Neuromancer. The maths of running a profile site firm is explained, when the only way to recoup money is advertising. The cast ranges from weed-stoned millionaires to grandiose developers, from cyber-addicted interns to internet fantasy avatars. While the lead character is female almost all the other characters are male, probably a true reflection of the world presented.
This is an intellectual thriller rather than an action one, with the action near to the end. Characterisation and the online world firms are the main focus, and I found it interesting and very readable.
March 14, 2016
*Book source ~ NetGalley
From Goodreads:
It’s the dawn of social media; Facebook is unknown and World of Warcraft is the world's biggest online game. An unhinged Hungarian-American Internet magnate is trying to take over it all, using soon-to-IPO web sensation Clamor.us. But nefarious content is coming to light on the Clamor social networking site, pointing to sex trafficking.
Enter Natalie Chevalier, glamorous ex-Head of Security at a large Seattle software company... with a father she never knew, a disastrous track record with men and a scandal that forced her from her old job.
I had to DNF at 8% due to excessive use of technobabble and mind-numbing stock and financial-type run on. I swear my eyes actually glazed over. 8% in and I had not a single clue about the story and zero feel for the characters. I feared the rest of the book would be just as bad so I jumped ship. The book is fiction, not non-fiction. Being factually correct is one thing, explaining everything in minute detail is another. An editor should really have culled all that.
From Goodreads:
It’s the dawn of social media; Facebook is unknown and World of Warcraft is the world's biggest online game. An unhinged Hungarian-American Internet magnate is trying to take over it all, using soon-to-IPO web sensation Clamor.us. But nefarious content is coming to light on the Clamor social networking site, pointing to sex trafficking.
Enter Natalie Chevalier, glamorous ex-Head of Security at a large Seattle software company... with a father she never knew, a disastrous track record with men and a scandal that forced her from her old job.
I had to DNF at 8% due to excessive use of technobabble and mind-numbing stock and financial-type run on. I swear my eyes actually glazed over. 8% in and I had not a single clue about the story and zero feel for the characters. I feared the rest of the book would be just as bad so I jumped ship. The book is fiction, not non-fiction. Being factually correct is one thing, explaining everything in minute detail is another. An editor should really have culled all that.
May 9, 2017
Natalie Chevalier is an IT professional.
Strange things are afoot, which leads her to uncover conspiracy, chicanery, murder and human trafficking.
This book wants to be The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
It's not.
Pembry is a bit of a gadget fan - he makes a point to note the highly specific branding of every piece of technology (electronic, automotive, etc.) that appears in the book.
It almost read as if he was paid for product placement. It took me right out of the story each time I noticed it.
He also has a weird habit of mentioning almost EVERY character's alma mater.
I understand that authors can create elaborate backstories for their characters and want to make sure they've "shown the work" but it reads like a lazy way to give them an illusion of depth.
Part of the plot features a MMORPG - the whole thread seems to be lifted out of 90's made for TV schlock-thiller with a VR-based plot.
I got about 80% through and realized I didn't care about this at all.
Strange things are afoot, which leads her to uncover conspiracy, chicanery, murder and human trafficking.
This book wants to be The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
It's not.
Pembry is a bit of a gadget fan - he makes a point to note the highly specific branding of every piece of technology (electronic, automotive, etc.) that appears in the book.
It almost read as if he was paid for product placement. It took me right out of the story each time I noticed it.
He also has a weird habit of mentioning almost EVERY character's alma mater.
I understand that authors can create elaborate backstories for their characters and want to make sure they've "shown the work" but it reads like a lazy way to give them an illusion of depth.
Part of the plot features a MMORPG - the whole thread seems to be lifted out of 90's made for TV schlock-thiller with a VR-based plot.
I got about 80% through and realized I didn't care about this at all.
November 26, 2014
I was fortune enough to meet and spend some time with author Daniel Pembrey while in line to get our books signed by Michael Connelly at this year's Bouchercon. Pembrey is a delightful fellow and listened to the suggestion of my fellow fan, Susan, an me that he not use one of his publicity photos because he is so much better looking than the photo. He then gave both of us a copy of "The Woman," and I promised to read the book and let him know what I thought.
"The Woman" is a real pager turner, despite the fact that much of it has to do with the details of computer software creation/corruption and an IPO gone terribly wrong. The main character, a software company security expert turned yoga instructor, is approachable, and the writing is excellent in most respects. There are some jarring disconnects in the writing and the end was not quite believable, but it was generally a joy to read.
So, good job, Daniel!
"The Woman" is a real pager turner, despite the fact that much of it has to do with the details of computer software creation/corruption and an IPO gone terribly wrong. The main character, a software company security expert turned yoga instructor, is approachable, and the writing is excellent in most respects. There are some jarring disconnects in the writing and the end was not quite believable, but it was generally a joy to read.
So, good job, Daniel!
October 20, 2013
This ebook was given in exchange for an honest review by Net Gallery
Not my favourite book, and not essentially a favourite read. That being said i did find the book to be interesting in the way that it features sex trafficking of young girls as a main basis for the book but not passing it off as one. It also features several deaths, all at the hands of a member of the organisation 'Clamor'. And also an online rpg similar to World of Warcraft which serves as a way of trafficking and 'buying' the young girls.
This book suits the genre Mystery to a tee as it kept to gripped to find out the murderer and how the story would end.
I would recommend to anything to anyone who is into serious mystery and will certainly try and find a hard copy somewhere.
Not my favourite book, and not essentially a favourite read. That being said i did find the book to be interesting in the way that it features sex trafficking of young girls as a main basis for the book but not passing it off as one. It also features several deaths, all at the hands of a member of the organisation 'Clamor'. And also an online rpg similar to World of Warcraft which serves as a way of trafficking and 'buying' the young girls.
This book suits the genre Mystery to a tee as it kept to gripped to find out the murderer and how the story would end.
I would recommend to anything to anyone who is into serious mystery and will certainly try and find a hard copy somewhere.
March 8, 2014
I was really looking forward to reading this book after having read the reviews on amazon but was left disappointed.
It was a slow start and I did not finish the book. The concept of the story was great but there were too many characters all crammed into the first 5 chapters which after a while I got confused or even forgot who a specific character was.
It takes me around 3-4 days to finish a book. This book was taking a long time and was just dragging on so I decided to stop reading it.
It was a slow start and I did not finish the book. The concept of the story was great but there were too many characters all crammed into the first 5 chapters which after a while I got confused or even forgot who a specific character was.
It takes me around 3-4 days to finish a book. This book was taking a long time and was just dragging on so I decided to stop reading it.
March 15, 2014
I really wanted to like this book because it had all the aspects of a techno-thriller that usually attract me - cyberpunk and philosophical references, technology, and social issues - but no. There was way too much complicated detail about venture capitalism and stock options. And the story tried to combine too many different elements (the stock market, human trafficking, massive online multi-player gaming)which resulted in a confusing and outlandish story.
March 10, 2014
I received this book free from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this book, but however, it did not happen for me. I tried several times to get into and just could not do so.
I really wanted to like this book, but however, it did not happen for me. I tried several times to get into and just could not do so.
November 1, 2014
Very good read. Was hard to put down at times. I have given this to a co-worker so I can't give away to many details but I am going to re-read this once I get it back!
November 15, 2021
I finally got around to reading this after I added it to my "Want to Read" list back in 2014 after seeing this brief review on BoingBoing (https://boingboing.net/2014/02/20/the...).
The first thing that I'll say is that Daniel Pembrey needed a good editor. There were so many grammatical issues and typos scattered throughout the book that kept taking me out of it as I was trying to read (I guess I'm that type of reader).
There were also a number of narrative points throughout the story that didn't quite make sense to me. Some of it had to do with the way that the gameplay was portrayed (I mean, she was playing on a laptop, not with an immersive haptic rig), the unrealistic connection that the FBI and police had with Natalie so quickly into meeting her, etc... I can (and love to) read sci-fi and suspend disbelief with portals, alternate realities, etc.., but when it's a book trying to ground itself in reality, these unrealistic interpersonal connections, again, took me away from the book.
I also found it odd Pembrey kept trying to shy away from just saying that Natalie used to work at Microsoft. Between locations and products that her company mae, he did everything short of naming it. He also kept throwing in so many references to the company, it just seemed odd. Her mentor was Ray Ott (Ray Ozzie reference?), one of her best friends was named Melinda, and the lead detective was named Bill. I'm not sure what his fixation was with the company in relation this book.
The epilogue was just SO UTTERLY unrealistic.
Overall, I guess I sort-of enjoyed reading the book (and I wanted to finish it). I also think this was a worthy first (?) attempt at a book by a new author. It just had so many issues with it.
The first thing that I'll say is that Daniel Pembrey needed a good editor. There were so many grammatical issues and typos scattered throughout the book that kept taking me out of it as I was trying to read (I guess I'm that type of reader).
There were also a number of narrative points throughout the story that didn't quite make sense to me. Some of it had to do with the way that the gameplay was portrayed (I mean, she was playing on a laptop, not with an immersive haptic rig), the unrealistic connection that the FBI and police had with Natalie so quickly into meeting her, etc... I can (and love to) read sci-fi and suspend disbelief with portals, alternate realities, etc.., but when it's a book trying to ground itself in reality, these unrealistic interpersonal connections, again, took me away from the book.
I also found it odd Pembrey kept trying to shy away from just saying that Natalie used to work at Microsoft. Between locations and products that her company mae, he did everything short of naming it. He also kept throwing in so many references to the company, it just seemed odd. Her mentor was Ray Ott (Ray Ozzie reference?), one of her best friends was named Melinda, and the lead detective was named Bill. I'm not sure what his fixation was with the company in relation this book.
The epilogue was just SO UTTERLY unrealistic.
Overall, I guess I sort-of enjoyed reading the book (and I wanted to finish it). I also think this was a worthy first (?) attempt at a book by a new author. It just had so many issues with it.
July 27, 2023
Not sure how much you need to know already about IPOs and computer games to enjoy this book. And your capacity to care about the money and office politics of IPOs makes a difference too.
Interesting premise. But I didn't care by the ending. And the epilogue was a huge leap that I wasn't willing to buy into.
Interesting premise. But I didn't care by the ending. And the epilogue was a huge leap that I wasn't willing to buy into.
October 31, 2013
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic by Daniel Pembrey
Rating **** 4/5
A novel featuring Social Media and Internet Gaming and how it’s sinister side is used for the sex trafficking of young girls and ultimately their sale online. Lo and behold anyone who stands in the way of these people and their profits.
Daniel Pembrey uses his knowledge and research to give different dimensions to his novel from the slightly flawed characters of Natalie Chevalier, a Head of Security who had to take time out for spiritual retreat and Dwayne Wisnold, Founder-CEO of Clamor.us to the Stock Market Launch (IPO – Initial Public Offering) and the race to find the those involved in the murders of Clamor’s staff before the number increases.
Natalie Chevalier is invited to join Clamor in order to protect the IPO after a link to sex trafficking was exposed during a presentation. Natalie has a bit of a chequered past, with the sudden disappearance of her Father some years ago and disastrous love affair which abruptly ended in her departure from her previous employment. As her character develops you can see that underneath the professional, knowledgeable, qualified Head of Security is a vulnerable young lady who is seeking to overcome her insecurities.
There are many people involved in Clamor and I had to refer to who was who and what positions they held. However, as the novel evolved it began to fall into place. As a “non-gamer” I did not find the sequence of game role playing particularly gripping but as soon as the Enchantress met up with Brastias I could understand why "gamers" get involved and how income is generated.
The meeting between Natalie and Paul Towse, owner of 5% of Clamor and the subsequent game of Chess, is quite sinister. You could feel the vibes as he goes into a major rant and he certainly appears to have very controlling tendencies. Not someone I would like to meet but, there again, there were quite a few unsavory characters.
I did really enjoy the part of the novel dealing with the Stock exchange and the start-ups. Pembrey has a definite skill in writing this enthralling section of his novel. I was on tenterhooks as the price fluctuated and individuals whose emotions started to transform from elation to panic.
The pursuance of those involved in the murders, with the stalking of Natalie was well plotted as was the introduction of the FBI. I did suspect a number of the characters and was surprised with eventual outcome.
As The Woman Who Stopped Traffic came together to reach its conclusion and all the sections fell into place, I felt I had been entertained, had gained knowledge about role game playing and the floating of a company in the stock exchange. What really struck me and left me pondering was the thoughts of using the Internet this way is actually possible and happening. Daniel Pembrey has succeeded with this novel and I’m sure we’ll see more of Natalie Chevalier and the secrets surrounding her missing Father.
Best Quote – KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review – thanks.
Rating **** 4/5
A novel featuring Social Media and Internet Gaming and how it’s sinister side is used for the sex trafficking of young girls and ultimately their sale online. Lo and behold anyone who stands in the way of these people and their profits.
Daniel Pembrey uses his knowledge and research to give different dimensions to his novel from the slightly flawed characters of Natalie Chevalier, a Head of Security who had to take time out for spiritual retreat and Dwayne Wisnold, Founder-CEO of Clamor.us to the Stock Market Launch (IPO – Initial Public Offering) and the race to find the those involved in the murders of Clamor’s staff before the number increases.
Natalie Chevalier is invited to join Clamor in order to protect the IPO after a link to sex trafficking was exposed during a presentation. Natalie has a bit of a chequered past, with the sudden disappearance of her Father some years ago and disastrous love affair which abruptly ended in her departure from her previous employment. As her character develops you can see that underneath the professional, knowledgeable, qualified Head of Security is a vulnerable young lady who is seeking to overcome her insecurities.
There are many people involved in Clamor and I had to refer to who was who and what positions they held. However, as the novel evolved it began to fall into place. As a “non-gamer” I did not find the sequence of game role playing particularly gripping but as soon as the Enchantress met up with Brastias I could understand why "gamers" get involved and how income is generated.
The meeting between Natalie and Paul Towse, owner of 5% of Clamor and the subsequent game of Chess, is quite sinister. You could feel the vibes as he goes into a major rant and he certainly appears to have very controlling tendencies. Not someone I would like to meet but, there again, there were quite a few unsavory characters.
I did really enjoy the part of the novel dealing with the Stock exchange and the start-ups. Pembrey has a definite skill in writing this enthralling section of his novel. I was on tenterhooks as the price fluctuated and individuals whose emotions started to transform from elation to panic.
The pursuance of those involved in the murders, with the stalking of Natalie was well plotted as was the introduction of the FBI. I did suspect a number of the characters and was surprised with eventual outcome.
As The Woman Who Stopped Traffic came together to reach its conclusion and all the sections fell into place, I felt I had been entertained, had gained knowledge about role game playing and the floating of a company in the stock exchange. What really struck me and left me pondering was the thoughts of using the Internet this way is actually possible and happening. Daniel Pembrey has succeeded with this novel and I’m sure we’ll see more of Natalie Chevalier and the secrets surrounding her missing Father.
Best Quote – KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review – thanks.
January 7, 2014
Natalie Chevalier is enjoying the spectacle at the presentation for prospective investors in the IPO of tech sensation Clamor.us (a fictional Facebook ), when a singularly unscheduled video interrupts the presentation and threatens to torpedo the IPO and the financial fortunes of the people involved. The beautiful Natalie, former head of security for a Seattle tech firm, had been invited to the presentation as the guest of her friend Tom Nguen, a former colleague who is now an executive at Clamor. When Clamor’s presentation is invaded, however, she is hired as a consultant to find the source of the intrusion and stop it. The ante is upped when a suspicious death occurs, with more to follow before the puzzle is solved.
One of the best ways to take the thrills out of a thriller is to reveal too much of the plot in a review, so I will stop my summary there. Suffice it to say that the story line is full of the necessary surprises and plot twists to keep the reader entertained until the very end, but it also offers more. The Clamor IPO brings together the often-not-too-compatible worlds of high tech and high finance. Pembrey shows both those worlds through the online gamers and investment bankers who people the book. I say “people” the book because the characters are unusually well-drawn. Their interactions were believable, and I was interested in them. Pembrey also has interesting observations on both cultures in the book . In the gaming world, for example, he observes that “anonymity tends to amplify inner tendencies” and lets people use ”the anonymity of the medium to do or say things that they would never do or say in ‘real life’”. In the corporate world the advice is “never underestimate the power of being likeable.” The action takes place in both settings. In one section Natalie the Enchantress may be riding her steed Phariance across the foothills and engaging in swordplay, while in another investment banker Ben might be meeting with his bosses to devise the best strategy to woo high-rolling investors to the IPO.
In spirit, I would be tempted to describe The Woman Who Stopped Traffic as “Walter Jon Williams (This is Not a Game) meets Michael Lewis (The Big Short, Liar’s Poker)”, but that might imply that the book is derivative, which would do Daniel Pembrey a disservice, because Pembrey has his own talented voice. He has created a satisfying thriller that is unusually complex in its subject matter and its character development. Indeed, there seems to be an unusual amount of attention put into every element of the book, such as the title and the opening sentence . It was not until I had finished the book and looked once more at the opening page that I realized the full significance of that opening. If you are looking for a thriller that is a bit more than a page-turner, The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is worth your attention.
October 17, 2013
There is no doubt that Daniel Pembrey the author of The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is well informed about the beginning of the internet mania and the computer craze as well as the workings of Wall Street insofar as Start-Ups and IPO's go. He writes easily and authoritatively about these subjects, which is not always easy to do when communicating this information in a story plot. Since this story begins with taking the subject of this novel, Clamor.US, public to investors, it's important that the reader understands what is happening as well as knowing some basics about what social networks do with online patrons' information, and how they convince investors to put money into their businesses. Pembrey is very adept at setting up the reader with short, to the point passages on how these various entities work together as well as against each other to reach the goal of expanding business opportunities for owners and investors alike.
In the case of Chaos.US, which is modeled somewhat after Facebook, it has come to the attention of the chief characters in the book that they have a breach of security within their ranks, so a woman is brought in to supervise getting to the bottom of the problem before the Initial Public Offering date to prevent any holdups in taking the company public. Although Natalie Chevalier, the security expert, has some glitches in her past employment record she is highly qualified to do the job expected of her. Until the murders start. That detail brings with it more suspicion, distrust among employees and investors, and an overall sense that this business may never reach the stock exchange floor. I found this to be an intriguing subject and was interested from the start since I like reading about Wall Street and the way in which these start-ups get the money they need to become businesses like Amazon and the like. I haven't found many novels that deal with these subjects in such easy to understand terms.
The one problem I did have with this novel was keeping straight who was doing what to whom. I didn't develop an understanding of all the characters. Perhaps more character development would have helped; however, when it came down to understanding the end when all the loose ends were tied together, I was satisfied with the result.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the workings of both Wall Street and start-up businesses dealing in privacy issues. The extra bonus is there's a good mystery involved as well.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
In the case of Chaos.US, which is modeled somewhat after Facebook, it has come to the attention of the chief characters in the book that they have a breach of security within their ranks, so a woman is brought in to supervise getting to the bottom of the problem before the Initial Public Offering date to prevent any holdups in taking the company public. Although Natalie Chevalier, the security expert, has some glitches in her past employment record she is highly qualified to do the job expected of her. Until the murders start. That detail brings with it more suspicion, distrust among employees and investors, and an overall sense that this business may never reach the stock exchange floor. I found this to be an intriguing subject and was interested from the start since I like reading about Wall Street and the way in which these start-ups get the money they need to become businesses like Amazon and the like. I haven't found many novels that deal with these subjects in such easy to understand terms.
The one problem I did have with this novel was keeping straight who was doing what to whom. I didn't develop an understanding of all the characters. Perhaps more character development would have helped; however, when it came down to understanding the end when all the loose ends were tied together, I was satisfied with the result.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the workings of both Wall Street and start-up businesses dealing in privacy issues. The extra bonus is there's a good mystery involved as well.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
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January 27, 2015Title: The Woman Who Stopped Traffic
Author: Daniel Pembray
Rating: 3/5
This is the story of Natalie Chevalier as she becomes Head of Security for the company Clamor.us, a Facebook-like website with a dark connection to sex trafficking. It fits the mystery and thriller genre quite well and does have echoes of Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, as many reviewers before me have pointed out. This story involves crimes and murders ready to be solved behind many well-researched technical aspects.
I really felt a separation in the story, like in Larsson’s novel: action vs technical. There was Natalie’s point of view broken up by what felt like a dozen of chapters about a group of men sitting together to discuss the website’s funding, marketing, shares, etc.
Natalie’s part of the story was great – I actually shivered when she entered the modification of the gaming world and, spoiler alert, saw how it connected back to Clamor. Any time the novel switched to her point of view, it would be a page turner. I enjoyed Natalie’s character very much. She felt believable as a corporate woman running away from a shocking love disaster to become a yoga instructor in the Bahamas, only to return to dip her toes in that realm once more. Some of the corporate characters, though, felt almost faceless and I kept getting mixed up between them. But then again, they were always discussing Clamor and finances, so it’s hard to see them other than figures getting overwhelmed in managing the website.
I think Pembray had a very specific audience in mind, and unfortunately, it wasn’t my cup of tea. I could tolerate “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”‘s lengthy pages on politics, but marketing and finances simply bore me to tears. I admit that I did flip past a lot of pages when the topic came up. Thankfully, I love video games, computers and social media site, so the book does deserve its three stars. If you despise marketing like I do, however, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you flip past those pages, it’s a good book. Also, it is a heavy read when compared to what I usually enjoy - don’t pick this up for light reading!
I would like to thank Daniel Pembray, as well as Netgalley, for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Daniel Pembray
Rating: 3/5
This is the story of Natalie Chevalier as she becomes Head of Security for the company Clamor.us, a Facebook-like website with a dark connection to sex trafficking. It fits the mystery and thriller genre quite well and does have echoes of Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, as many reviewers before me have pointed out. This story involves crimes and murders ready to be solved behind many well-researched technical aspects.
I really felt a separation in the story, like in Larsson’s novel: action vs technical. There was Natalie’s point of view broken up by what felt like a dozen of chapters about a group of men sitting together to discuss the website’s funding, marketing, shares, etc.
Natalie’s part of the story was great – I actually shivered when she entered the modification of the gaming world and, spoiler alert, saw how it connected back to Clamor. Any time the novel switched to her point of view, it would be a page turner. I enjoyed Natalie’s character very much. She felt believable as a corporate woman running away from a shocking love disaster to become a yoga instructor in the Bahamas, only to return to dip her toes in that realm once more. Some of the corporate characters, though, felt almost faceless and I kept getting mixed up between them. But then again, they were always discussing Clamor and finances, so it’s hard to see them other than figures getting overwhelmed in managing the website.
I think Pembray had a very specific audience in mind, and unfortunately, it wasn’t my cup of tea. I could tolerate “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”‘s lengthy pages on politics, but marketing and finances simply bore me to tears. I admit that I did flip past a lot of pages when the topic came up. Thankfully, I love video games, computers and social media site, so the book does deserve its three stars. If you despise marketing like I do, however, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you flip past those pages, it’s a good book. Also, it is a heavy read when compared to what I usually enjoy - don’t pick this up for light reading!
I would like to thank Daniel Pembray, as well as Netgalley, for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2014
Set in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, The Woman Who Stopped Traffic by Daniel Pembrey centers around social media company, Clamor, as the founders prepare for an IPO. At a pre-IPO presentation, a profile of a underage girl who is the victim of sex trafficking is accidentally projected to potential investors and press. The company hires Natalie Chevalier, security systems expert, to figure out what is going on. As people are murdered and fighting at the company increases, Natalie must race to figure out who is behind it all.
Reminding me a lot of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, the book’s fast pace and set up made it an enjoyable read. I liked that Pembrey did not dumb down the technical or financial facets of the mystery too much. It was refreshing to read something that did not treat me like a Luddite. I find that too much explanation about technical or financial terms can slow the reading pace and excitement of the story. However, for those who are not very tech savvy, the generalities of what is happening will not be hard to follow so don’t let that deter you.
I do have some qualms though. I wish that more details were given about Natalie’s past and how they relate to her actions in the book. She does some things that feel very out of character and her reasons for them are things from her past, but no evidence is given to make these actions seem like a pattern or part of her life. Like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Pembrey inserts very specific details that did not feel organic to the story. For example, he describes the brand names of Natalie’s clothes a lot for a thriller. Part of this may be because he’s trying to make it clear that this book is set in the early 2000’s. However some details felt nonessential to the plot or setting. I also found that Natalie was written with a tinge of male gaze. Natalie is a very strong woman, but some of her thoughts on herself and her body were out of context and out of character.
Even with the above issues, I am still glad that I read The Woman Who Stopped Traffic. Full of twists and turns, it kept me up at night to get to its bittersweet conclusion.
Reviewed by Patti
www.calamusworks.com
Reminding me a lot of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, the book’s fast pace and set up made it an enjoyable read. I liked that Pembrey did not dumb down the technical or financial facets of the mystery too much. It was refreshing to read something that did not treat me like a Luddite. I find that too much explanation about technical or financial terms can slow the reading pace and excitement of the story. However, for those who are not very tech savvy, the generalities of what is happening will not be hard to follow so don’t let that deter you.
I do have some qualms though. I wish that more details were given about Natalie’s past and how they relate to her actions in the book. She does some things that feel very out of character and her reasons for them are things from her past, but no evidence is given to make these actions seem like a pattern or part of her life. Like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Pembrey inserts very specific details that did not feel organic to the story. For example, he describes the brand names of Natalie’s clothes a lot for a thriller. Part of this may be because he’s trying to make it clear that this book is set in the early 2000’s. However some details felt nonessential to the plot or setting. I also found that Natalie was written with a tinge of male gaze. Natalie is a very strong woman, but some of her thoughts on herself and her body were out of context and out of character.
Even with the above issues, I am still glad that I read The Woman Who Stopped Traffic. Full of twists and turns, it kept me up at night to get to its bittersweet conclusion.
Reviewed by Patti
www.calamusworks.com
March 9, 2014
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The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is a clever, contemporary, fast-paced thriller with a realistic edge. This first chapter is pivotal to the events that unfold. Read it carefully to fully appreciate what follows.
After a work place affair led to a scandal Natalie Chevalier ditched her role as a corporate technology security expert in favour of the good life in the Bahamas meditating and teaching yoga.
Clamor.us a hugely popular social media site is about to float on the stock exchange. Natalie Chevalier accepts an invitation from Tom Nguyen geek scientist and former colleague and attends a presentation for potential investors. A serious security breach occurs during the presentation. Tom needs her help. Natalie agrees but will keen observational skills be enough to find the culprit?
The story is fast paced and complex moving through the world of high finance and technology in great detail. The characters in each of these worlds are well written and easy to visualise. A fantasy on line role playing game proves integral to the story and increases the suspense and impact of the plot. The detail of this story is amazing although I found the description of financial trading too detailed at times but I 'm sure it will appeal to some.
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is an inspired title. I found it an interesting and absorbing read. Natalie and Ben seem to have unfinished business. I can see them having further adventures together.
I received a copy of this book from the author via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Daniel Pembrey
November 28, 2015
After being attacked by ads depicting underage women for sale, Clamor.us calls in Natalee to help the security team help the problem, so they can get more investors for their upcoming change to an IPO. But when the head of security is killed things turn for the worse, as Natalee and her coworkers try and figure out the puzzle with the help of the FBI between the sudden death and the sex trafficking adverts.
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is centered on Natalee an alluring orphan, who recently moves in from the Bahamas to work for a small business Clamor.us as a head of security. At first The Woman Who Stopped Traffic starts off fast corporate thriller and builds up speed all the way to the climax.
Natalee is a strong complex character built with a shady background at a Seattle based business and all of the emotion she puts into the case, which she wants to eagerly solve. Using her keen security skills, Natalie is able to track down the problem to a new up and coming MMORPG, all of her friends dive into the online game and begin playing to unlock the puzzle of the sex traffic, which comes with a nice ending.
The puzzle will keep you guessing till the end. There are numerous amounts of characters who you think will be the villain, but Pembrey effortless keeps you on you on the hills of your toes with his cunning turns and introductions of characters.
The American West Coast setting is set up beautifully giving the illusion of real life with details making the entire scenes come to life. Pembrey also knows his way in and out of a business making the experience at Clamor.us both memorable and realistic bringing a larger depth to the throughout the novel.
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is an alluring corporate thriller set around a strong characters and a stronger plot. I recommend this novel to anybody looking for a fast paced novel with twist till the end.
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is centered on Natalee an alluring orphan, who recently moves in from the Bahamas to work for a small business Clamor.us as a head of security. At first The Woman Who Stopped Traffic starts off fast corporate thriller and builds up speed all the way to the climax.
Natalee is a strong complex character built with a shady background at a Seattle based business and all of the emotion she puts into the case, which she wants to eagerly solve. Using her keen security skills, Natalie is able to track down the problem to a new up and coming MMORPG, all of her friends dive into the online game and begin playing to unlock the puzzle of the sex traffic, which comes with a nice ending.
The puzzle will keep you guessing till the end. There are numerous amounts of characters who you think will be the villain, but Pembrey effortless keeps you on you on the hills of your toes with his cunning turns and introductions of characters.
The American West Coast setting is set up beautifully giving the illusion of real life with details making the entire scenes come to life. Pembrey also knows his way in and out of a business making the experience at Clamor.us both memorable and realistic bringing a larger depth to the throughout the novel.
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is an alluring corporate thriller set around a strong characters and a stronger plot. I recommend this novel to anybody looking for a fast paced novel with twist till the end.
July 15, 2014
THE WOMAN WHO STOPPED TRAFFIC by Daniel Pembrey is not everything I had hoped for. This story, set in the past where World Of Warcraft is the biggest online game and dating sites are just emerging, concerns the period around the largest social networking site, Clamor.us, is about to do an IPO, potentially reaping billions of dollars along the way.
But beneath the façade of the site there is a sex-trafficking scheme that uses Clamor.us as a cover. Enter, reluctantly, IT Security savant Natalie Chevalier, drawn back into the world of computers by an old friend involved in the up-coming IPO. Soon there is murder, deception and lots of computer talk. But I wasn’t really compelled by Natalie’s character, a shame in that she is the only character that seems to have any depth. The others could be mere icons of a person, avatars if you will.
This book might appeal more to those who work within the computer industry, giving that reader a grand tour of the familiar with an exciting story painting the scenery. But I’m not that guy and I felt the story was slow moving with not enough interesting things to pull me onto the next page. I took about ten times my normal reading time on this outing, reading many other books in the gaps, and that alone tells me this just could not hold my interest.
I hope THE WOMAN WHO… can find its audience, as it is not a terrible book, merely not interesting to me.
I won the book through Goodreads.
But beneath the façade of the site there is a sex-trafficking scheme that uses Clamor.us as a cover. Enter, reluctantly, IT Security savant Natalie Chevalier, drawn back into the world of computers by an old friend involved in the up-coming IPO. Soon there is murder, deception and lots of computer talk. But I wasn’t really compelled by Natalie’s character, a shame in that she is the only character that seems to have any depth. The others could be mere icons of a person, avatars if you will.
This book might appeal more to those who work within the computer industry, giving that reader a grand tour of the familiar with an exciting story painting the scenery. But I’m not that guy and I felt the story was slow moving with not enough interesting things to pull me onto the next page. I took about ten times my normal reading time on this outing, reading many other books in the gaps, and that alone tells me this just could not hold my interest.
I hope THE WOMAN WHO… can find its audience, as it is not a terrible book, merely not interesting to me.
I won the book through Goodreads.
October 4, 2013
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic
By Daniel Pembrey
A glimpse into the techno-corporate world rife with espionage, murder and mayhem!
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic has multiple layers that create a dramatic storyline of suspense. When security consultant Natalie Chevalier is contracted to look into disturbing groups of a social media site, her life is put in danger. More mayhem ensues as she goes further down the rabbit hole of the investigation.
When the reader thinks they have the malefactor figured out, Pembrey turns on his heels and resolves the mystery with an unexpected villain. Silicon Valley lives up to its reputation as the setting of this internet company thrill ride adding authenticity to an already information packed book.
For further madness and mayhem, the characters of the story must enter an online role-playing game in order to solve the puzzle surrounding the disturbing groups. More adventure ensues as Natalie teams up with the F.B.I to take down the sex trafficking ring that has set up shop on the Clamor.us social media site.
The story is a great introduction to the character of Natalie Chevalier, as I suspect she will be continuing in more adventures with the F.B.I. The story ends, not with her riding off into the sunset, but definitely bringing closure to a cause worth fighting for.
By Daniel Pembrey
A glimpse into the techno-corporate world rife with espionage, murder and mayhem!
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic has multiple layers that create a dramatic storyline of suspense. When security consultant Natalie Chevalier is contracted to look into disturbing groups of a social media site, her life is put in danger. More mayhem ensues as she goes further down the rabbit hole of the investigation.
When the reader thinks they have the malefactor figured out, Pembrey turns on his heels and resolves the mystery with an unexpected villain. Silicon Valley lives up to its reputation as the setting of this internet company thrill ride adding authenticity to an already information packed book.
For further madness and mayhem, the characters of the story must enter an online role-playing game in order to solve the puzzle surrounding the disturbing groups. More adventure ensues as Natalie teams up with the F.B.I to take down the sex trafficking ring that has set up shop on the Clamor.us social media site.
The story is a great introduction to the character of Natalie Chevalier, as I suspect she will be continuing in more adventures with the F.B.I. The story ends, not with her riding off into the sunset, but definitely bringing closure to a cause worth fighting for.
August 27, 2016
This techno-thriller combines the technical prowace of an early Neal Stephenson and the thematic skill of Stieg Larsson.
This thriller, set in Silicon Valley, California goes through the dealings, politics, financial dealings and ultimately, murder and a bit of mayhem, which will keep you reading right up to the last page, and hopefully, beyond.
The books is technical enough to stimulate the minds of the techie and the financial enthusiast without loosing the casual reader in an overbearing amount of industry jargon, while crafting a tale that moves quick enough for the thriller and mystery seeker to get a damn good read.
This story takes several sharp turns, at each of which, the reader must be paying attention or you will be left behind. It is not a complex book that will loose readers, just a through book that will keep the light switch on in your head if you let it.
The title of the book says it all, which to fully understand those five words on the cover, the reader will actually have to go out and get the book themselves.
Pembrey has a great piece of writing here and if this book is any indication of the future of his writing career, it is off to a fantastic start! Will be looking for his other books and hopefully, another book that follows in the footsteps of "The Woman Who Stopped Traffic".
Great read!!
This thriller, set in Silicon Valley, California goes through the dealings, politics, financial dealings and ultimately, murder and a bit of mayhem, which will keep you reading right up to the last page, and hopefully, beyond.
The books is technical enough to stimulate the minds of the techie and the financial enthusiast without loosing the casual reader in an overbearing amount of industry jargon, while crafting a tale that moves quick enough for the thriller and mystery seeker to get a damn good read.
This story takes several sharp turns, at each of which, the reader must be paying attention or you will be left behind. It is not a complex book that will loose readers, just a through book that will keep the light switch on in your head if you let it.
The title of the book says it all, which to fully understand those five words on the cover, the reader will actually have to go out and get the book themselves.
Pembrey has a great piece of writing here and if this book is any indication of the future of his writing career, it is off to a fantastic start! Will be looking for his other books and hopefully, another book that follows in the footsteps of "The Woman Who Stopped Traffic".
Great read!!
November 17, 2015
The plot has it all: social media, WoW-style game, hacking, IPOs, murder, human trafficking... and that's perhaps rather more than the plot can handle comfortably. Any one or 2- or even 3- of these could fit together to make a very tight, exciting plot... but here, they distract from each other.
I could see a solid plot involving social media, human trafficking, and an IPO. I could see one involving the online game, murder, and human trafficking. Or pretty much any combo of the above. But- when they are all thrown into the same jar, one does not get a smoothie as much as a mish-mash; as soon as the plot seems to be going in any one direction toward resolution... it changes course!
The description of the antics behind an IPO were entertaining, and well-enough explained that I pretty much understood them. Some of the other technical parts, though, made utterly no sense to me, and seemed to be vital to the plotline(s).
The characters were reasonably well-drawn, though the book brings in aspects of their lives that have no relevance to the plot, like the banker's daughter who is going to shoot a porn film. I was curious as to how that would tie in and it just- did not.
It was an exciting and pretty engaging book; I just wish that after I finished it, it had made more sense.
I received this ebook in exchange for writing an honest review.
I could see a solid plot involving social media, human trafficking, and an IPO. I could see one involving the online game, murder, and human trafficking. Or pretty much any combo of the above. But- when they are all thrown into the same jar, one does not get a smoothie as much as a mish-mash; as soon as the plot seems to be going in any one direction toward resolution... it changes course!
The description of the antics behind an IPO were entertaining, and well-enough explained that I pretty much understood them. Some of the other technical parts, though, made utterly no sense to me, and seemed to be vital to the plotline(s).
The characters were reasonably well-drawn, though the book brings in aspects of their lives that have no relevance to the plot, like the banker's daughter who is going to shoot a porn film. I was curious as to how that would tie in and it just- did not.
It was an exciting and pretty engaging book; I just wish that after I finished it, it had made more sense.
I received this ebook in exchange for writing an honest review.
March 5, 2014
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic follows IT security consultant Natalie Chevalier as she follows the leads to of murder and corporate interference in a soon to go public, on-line, social networking firm.
With an unexpected view of the human trafficking public displayed at a corporate launch, Natalie is trust into the dark world of human trafficking and corporate politics.
This is typical murder mystery set in the 21st century, with a politically correct heroine that can outwit in the final pages the the essential bad guy.
While I may be coming jaded with the influx of b-grade novels that are not offering anything new, I found the book slow to develop.
That being said, there will no doubt be a flock of people who will buy it for the title, or the IT angle, not to mention those fans of Daniel Pembrey. One can almost see the inevitable sequel with the key characters that will lead to a series.
Overall I found myself disappointed Daniel Pembrey latest book “The Woman who Stopped Traffic”. It was longer than necessary, and the only character with any substance was Natalie.
With an unexpected view of the human trafficking public displayed at a corporate launch, Natalie is trust into the dark world of human trafficking and corporate politics.
This is typical murder mystery set in the 21st century, with a politically correct heroine that can outwit in the final pages the the essential bad guy.
While I may be coming jaded with the influx of b-grade novels that are not offering anything new, I found the book slow to develop.
That being said, there will no doubt be a flock of people who will buy it for the title, or the IT angle, not to mention those fans of Daniel Pembrey. One can almost see the inevitable sequel with the key characters that will lead to a series.
Overall I found myself disappointed Daniel Pembrey latest book “The Woman who Stopped Traffic”. It was longer than necessary, and the only character with any substance was Natalie.
April 12, 2015
Not what I was expecting from the title; yet having read the first chapter and being a compulsive book finisher I continued and was glad that I did. The traffic mentioned in the title was not the type of traffic that this was expecting.
This book took ages to get going with vast majority of the book concentrating on the world of computers, namely internet sites, search engines, multi-user online gaming, IPOs, and investment banking to name but a few. There was loads of technical information, and maths (never my favourite subject) that did pass this reader by.
In amongst a world of men the lead character is female (the woman of the title). There is far more to the cyber world than this cyber investigator was lead to believe. It is part techno thriller and part intellectual thriller with the last few chapters concentrating on the action part.
The revelation of the bad guy was unexpected as was the ending. An interesting read but a tad too long and not really this reader’s cup of tea.
Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
This book took ages to get going with vast majority of the book concentrating on the world of computers, namely internet sites, search engines, multi-user online gaming, IPOs, and investment banking to name but a few. There was loads of technical information, and maths (never my favourite subject) that did pass this reader by.
In amongst a world of men the lead character is female (the woman of the title). There is far more to the cyber world than this cyber investigator was lead to believe. It is part techno thriller and part intellectual thriller with the last few chapters concentrating on the action part.
The revelation of the bad guy was unexpected as was the ending. An interesting read but a tad too long and not really this reader’s cup of tea.
Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
December 13, 2013
This thriller is a beautifully-written book that tells the story of a real woman with all her good and bad shown. Every character is interesting, and they constitute a menagerie of many different types. From the aging hippies to the senior techie with Asperger's,to the financial manager with misgivings, Pembrey is spot-on with the details and the personalities. I have visited most all the sites where action takes place, and I was captivated by the accuracy of the descriptions and the ambiance. Pembrey does a great job of planting clues, which flash by quickly and grow to real importance later in the story. Unlike many thrillers, the story depends less on foreboding, but provides one surprise after another that are all the more impacting because they are unexpected. The book is set in the modern age, and will require a fair degree of intelligence to fully appreciate. It is one of the few books I have finished and immediately wanted to reread. I highly recommend it.
December 16, 2013
A thrilling read! A social media company is about to go public when it is discovered they are connected to sex trafficking through an online role playing game, similar to World of Warcraft. Natalie joins as a consultant and attempts to find the people behind the scenes.
I totally enjoyed this book, even more than Mr. Pembrey's first book! It came very close to 5 stars, in my book! It was very hard to put down and the action was fast and furious. I did find one part to be very slightly confusing. But, it is entirely accessible to anyone. You do not need to know all the ins and outs of IPO's, computer hacking or gaming to be able to enjoy or understand the story. A wonderful job creating a techno-thriller! I can't wait for more from this author! Highly recommended!
I totally enjoyed this book, even more than Mr. Pembrey's first book! It came very close to 5 stars, in my book! It was very hard to put down and the action was fast and furious. I did find one part to be very slightly confusing. But, it is entirely accessible to anyone. You do not need to know all the ins and outs of IPO's, computer hacking or gaming to be able to enjoy or understand the story. A wonderful job creating a techno-thriller! I can't wait for more from this author! Highly recommended!
January 22, 2014
The Woman Who Stopped Traffic is a suspense novel set in the world of big money and social media. Daniel Pembrey writes as if he understands both arenas. There is the hint of a story within a story when the main character, Natalie, engages in a mega-player game. For the reader who understands the process of entering an IPO into the stock market, there is a very exciting sequence of events and clues. For gaming enthusiasts, the leaking of fantasy into reality is fun. And for people concerned about human trafficking…then there is that too. I loved the vigor of the storytelling and the constant action.
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