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The Salzburg Executioner
"A timely and relevant psychological thriller that will have readers questioning everything they see in their search and social media feeds."
The Salzburg Executioner is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the dark intersections of technology, ethics, and human isolation. Follow James Wohlmuth, a brilliant technologist haunted by the tragic suicide of his wife, Sara. As James uncovers the sinister side of algorithmic manipulation within the company he co-founded, he spirals into psychosis, questioning the very essence of his inventions and their impact on society.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Salzburg, Austria, James's journey takes him to the historical home of Franz Joseph Wohlmuth, a renowned executioner whose meticulous records helped end public executions and torture. Paralleling his own descent, James becomes obsessed with exposing the unethical use of AI and social media algorithms that drive societal isolation and mental health crises.
The Salzburg Executioner masterfully explores themes of technological ethics, the profound loneliness of the digital age, and the psychological turmoil of a man grappling with guilt and the quest for redemption. This novel is a must-read for fans of techno-thrillers, psychological fiction, and stories that challenge the moral implications of modern advancements.
The Salzburg Executioner is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the dark intersections of technology, ethics, and human isolation. Follow James Wohlmuth, a brilliant technologist haunted by the tragic suicide of his wife, Sara. As James uncovers the sinister side of algorithmic manipulation within the company he co-founded, he spirals into psychosis, questioning the very essence of his inventions and their impact on society.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Salzburg, Austria, James's journey takes him to the historical home of Franz Joseph Wohlmuth, a renowned executioner whose meticulous records helped end public executions and torture. Paralleling his own descent, James becomes obsessed with exposing the unethical use of AI and social media algorithms that drive societal isolation and mental health crises.
The Salzburg Executioner masterfully explores themes of technological ethics, the profound loneliness of the digital age, and the psychological turmoil of a man grappling with guilt and the quest for redemption. This novel is a must-read for fans of techno-thrillers, psychological fiction, and stories that challenge the moral implications of modern advancements.
335 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2024
7 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Fatzinger
1 book1 followerL.A. Fatzinger is an American novelist based in Salzburg, Austria.
Raised in Littleton, Colorado, Fatzinger spent much of his youth immersed in books and newspapers. Before embarking on his literary career, he had a successful background in the technology industry, working as an investor, entrepreneur, and CEO.
His debut novel, “The Salzburg Executioner,” is a literary psychological thriller, published by CopertinaPezzi in December 2024. The book has garnered attention for its critical exploration of manipulative algorithms and “engineered-addiction,” drawing from Fatzinger’s two decades of experience as an entrepreneur in the fields of social media, big data, and artificial intelligence.
Fatzinger’s literary style has been described as lyrical and introspective. He blends vivid imagery with an emotional undercurrent, inviting the reader into a deeply personal and reflective space. His writing often captures the interplay between the external world and the internal, creating a sense of place that is both physical and psychological.
“When writing, I try to examine not only what is seen or felt, but also what is left unsaid; what lies just around the corner of the human condition,” Fatzinger says.
As it relates to the transition from entrepreneur to storytelling, he adds, “I’m drawn to fiction when thinking about complex issues, and I think many people are headed in a similar direction. Fiction allows me to examine a topic through the lens of humanity, rather than manipulated statistics or questionably-sourced “facts.” The deluge of data has caused a collective, and I think detrimental, glazing over of our attention. Great stories pass through the murk; they endure.”
In addition to his novel, Fatzinger is an essayist, observer, and technology skeptic. His work often draws from his unique perspective as an American living in Austria, blending his technology expertise with his passion for storytelling, design, and the old-world. Fatzinger’s literary journey showcases a unique shift from the world of business and technology to the realm of fiction, where he attempts to craft narratives that reflect a reader’s desire to better understand contemporary themes and societal challenges.
L.A. has been featured in Inc. Magazine, Forbes, PR Week, Seattle Business Journal, Denver Business Journal, The Seattle Times, and other publications.
Raised in Littleton, Colorado, Fatzinger spent much of his youth immersed in books and newspapers. Before embarking on his literary career, he had a successful background in the technology industry, working as an investor, entrepreneur, and CEO.
His debut novel, “The Salzburg Executioner,” is a literary psychological thriller, published by CopertinaPezzi in December 2024. The book has garnered attention for its critical exploration of manipulative algorithms and “engineered-addiction,” drawing from Fatzinger’s two decades of experience as an entrepreneur in the fields of social media, big data, and artificial intelligence.
Fatzinger’s literary style has been described as lyrical and introspective. He blends vivid imagery with an emotional undercurrent, inviting the reader into a deeply personal and reflective space. His writing often captures the interplay between the external world and the internal, creating a sense of place that is both physical and psychological.
“When writing, I try to examine not only what is seen or felt, but also what is left unsaid; what lies just around the corner of the human condition,” Fatzinger says.
As it relates to the transition from entrepreneur to storytelling, he adds, “I’m drawn to fiction when thinking about complex issues, and I think many people are headed in a similar direction. Fiction allows me to examine a topic through the lens of humanity, rather than manipulated statistics or questionably-sourced “facts.” The deluge of data has caused a collective, and I think detrimental, glazing over of our attention. Great stories pass through the murk; they endure.”
In addition to his novel, Fatzinger is an essayist, observer, and technology skeptic. His work often draws from his unique perspective as an American living in Austria, blending his technology expertise with his passion for storytelling, design, and the old-world. Fatzinger’s literary journey showcases a unique shift from the world of business and technology to the realm of fiction, where he attempts to craft narratives that reflect a reader’s desire to better understand contemporary themes and societal challenges.
L.A. has been featured in Inc. Magazine, Forbes, PR Week, Seattle Business Journal, Denver Business Journal, The Seattle Times, and other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 31, 2024
Full disclosure: I know the author. Fuller disclosure: I'm proud to know the author after reading this book. Leigh is a former tech company executive, and he poses important questions about the impact of technology and social media. These are familiar questions, but this book poses them in a unique way. This is a thought-provoking story, told with pacing and detail. It's a modern novel about lessons of history applied to the future.
December 19, 2024
Riveting
Growing up in the digital game, the depth of details about what may be possible combined with the historical nuances associated between generations of people made the hairs on my neck stand up. A great first novel L.A.
Growing up in the digital game, the depth of details about what may be possible combined with the historical nuances associated between generations of people made the hairs on my neck stand up. A great first novel L.A.
July 7, 2025
EXCELLENT!! An intriguing tale woven together beautifully. Taking historical events combined with modern digital algorithms, LA Fatzinger has created a tale to influence and impact everyone.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews