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Hard Drive: A Family's Fight Against Three Countries
On June 24, 2012, Dr. Shane Truman Todd, a young American engineer, was found hanging in his Singapore apartment, just a week before his scheduled return to the United States. Although Shane had repeatedly expressed apprehension about his work with a Chinese company and fear his life was being threatened, authorities immediately ruled his death a suicide. His family initially didn’t know what to believe. However, upon arriving in Singapore, they realized the evidence suggested not suicide, but murder. Shane’s family later discovered that what they thought was a computer speaker was actually an external hard drive with thousands of files from Shane’s computer. The information in those files transformed this story from a tragic suicide to an international saga of mystery, deceit, and cover-up, involving three countries. “Hard A Families Fight against Three Countries” is the captivating story of Shane’s mysterious death and his family’s grueling battle to reveal the truth against powerful forces that have sought to conceal, destroy, or discredit evidence indicating homicide. This story, which is told from the unique perspective of Shane’s mother, Mary, recounts the family’s painful, arduous, and unwavering endeavor to reveal the truth about what happened to Shane Todd in Singapore
- GenresTrue Crime
196 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
8 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 5, 2014
A Shocking story, very well told-
I'll start out by stating two things about myself- I don't generally read very much Non-fiction, and I'm a mother of 3 daughters and 1 angel-a baby girl lost to SIDS 13 years ago when she was 10.5 weeks old. I say this because despite the fact that non-fiction books rarely catch my attention, this one really did. As other commenters have said, once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop reading until I was done. (And then I leant it to my husband this morning and he read the entire book in one sitting as well-so it's not an isolated incident!)
The bit about being a mother I mention because, the entire time I was reading this book I was simply astounded at the perseverance and strength of the woman writing this book. This book was written by Shane Todd's mother and his cousin, but is told from the point of view of his mother. As a mother, I simply cannot fathom this happening to me-and yet, as I read the book I tried to imagine how I would have felt if this had happened to my eldest child. As I said, I have had a child die- and the horror and depression afterwards was one of the worst times in my life. To have a child die is simply one of the most painful and unnatural events that can happen to a person- we're meant to raise them and have them live on, not for them to die before us.
If you enjoy reading true crime stories, government conspiracy stories, or even just enjoy a good mystery-this book will most likely hold you riveted as well. It's a horrible tale of a mother and father who are told by the Singapore police that their eldest son has killed himself by hanging- yet suddenly find the stories they are being told are inaccurate or downright impossible. A warning though, as the book goes on, you will likely find yourself becoming angry at the fact that our government would not investigate fully the death of an American Citizen- nor would they stand behind an his parents, also American citizens, who have found evidence that their eldest child was murdered-choosing instead to obfuscate and ignore the situation due to the involvement of a Chinese company that has a large number of lobbyist in Washington, D.C.
The family is obviously quite religious, and it is made clear in the book that this was a major source of strength for them. However, unlike many books written by someone who is deeply religious, this book never attempts to preach, nor is the fact that the family is religious ever overt. It's simply stated as a fact of who they are, and then the authors move on with the story. This greatly contributed to the clear and factual nature of the book as it kept it focused on the major issue- that a young man was murdered and none of the officials charged with seeking the truth or justice have done that.
This is an incredibly well written, shocking story of an American family who are simply trying to get to the truth of how their son (and brother, cousin, etc.) was killed. Unfortunately, other than a few reporters who appeared to greatly assist them, they've only met with resistance and outright lies in this quest. It's a story well worth reading, if only to carry on the memory of a man who died, it appears, because he would not betray his country's national interests; a man who appears to have been quite brilliant and could have made some important discoveries if he had been allowed to live his life to his fullest potential.
I'll start out by stating two things about myself- I don't generally read very much Non-fiction, and I'm a mother of 3 daughters and 1 angel-a baby girl lost to SIDS 13 years ago when she was 10.5 weeks old. I say this because despite the fact that non-fiction books rarely catch my attention, this one really did. As other commenters have said, once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop reading until I was done. (And then I leant it to my husband this morning and he read the entire book in one sitting as well-so it's not an isolated incident!)
The bit about being a mother I mention because, the entire time I was reading this book I was simply astounded at the perseverance and strength of the woman writing this book. This book was written by Shane Todd's mother and his cousin, but is told from the point of view of his mother. As a mother, I simply cannot fathom this happening to me-and yet, as I read the book I tried to imagine how I would have felt if this had happened to my eldest child. As I said, I have had a child die- and the horror and depression afterwards was one of the worst times in my life. To have a child die is simply one of the most painful and unnatural events that can happen to a person- we're meant to raise them and have them live on, not for them to die before us.
If you enjoy reading true crime stories, government conspiracy stories, or even just enjoy a good mystery-this book will most likely hold you riveted as well. It's a horrible tale of a mother and father who are told by the Singapore police that their eldest son has killed himself by hanging- yet suddenly find the stories they are being told are inaccurate or downright impossible. A warning though, as the book goes on, you will likely find yourself becoming angry at the fact that our government would not investigate fully the death of an American Citizen- nor would they stand behind an his parents, also American citizens, who have found evidence that their eldest child was murdered-choosing instead to obfuscate and ignore the situation due to the involvement of a Chinese company that has a large number of lobbyist in Washington, D.C.
The family is obviously quite religious, and it is made clear in the book that this was a major source of strength for them. However, unlike many books written by someone who is deeply religious, this book never attempts to preach, nor is the fact that the family is religious ever overt. It's simply stated as a fact of who they are, and then the authors move on with the story. This greatly contributed to the clear and factual nature of the book as it kept it focused on the major issue- that a young man was murdered and none of the officials charged with seeking the truth or justice have done that.
This is an incredibly well written, shocking story of an American family who are simply trying to get to the truth of how their son (and brother, cousin, etc.) was killed. Unfortunately, other than a few reporters who appeared to greatly assist them, they've only met with resistance and outright lies in this quest. It's a story well worth reading, if only to carry on the memory of a man who died, it appears, because he would not betray his country's national interests; a man who appears to have been quite brilliant and could have made some important discoveries if he had been allowed to live his life to his fullest potential.
September 4, 2014
This is the story of a fascinating real life situation, ending in suicide or murder. The family's view is compelling and I find myself siding with them. I am 95% convinced that Shane was murdered. I am curious, what do other readers believe?
December 11, 2018
This is such a tragic story. My heart aches for this family. The book is a quick read and very easy to follow. I believe this family, completely. I believe the family was open to accepting that their son commit suicide, even though it would have been completely unexpected. They only tried to seek the truth, but they were bullied, threatened and lied to. The logical conclusion is that he was murdered, otherwise, why the deception?
November 14, 2014
About the Book:
On June 24, 2012, Dr. Shane Truman Todd, a young American engineer, was found hanging in his Singapore apartment, just a week before his scheduled return to the United States. Although Shane had repeatedly expressed apprehension about his work with a Chinese company and fear his life was being threatened, authorities immediately ruled his death a suicide. His family initially didn t know what to believe.
However, upon arriving in Singapore, they realized the evidence suggested not suicide, but murder. Shane s family later discovered that what they thought was a computer speaker was actually an external hard drive with thousands of files from Shane s computer. The information in those files transformed this story from a tragic suicide to an international saga of mystery, deceit, and cover-up, involving three countries.
About the Author:
Christina Villegas is Dr. Shane Truman Todd’s cousin and one of his closest friends since childhood. Christina holds a Ph.D. in Politics from the Institute for Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas, where she was an Earhart Fellow. She currently teaches American Government at California State University, San Bernardino and is a freelance writer. She has been interviewed on radio shows throughout the country and her research on public policy has been cited by a variety of media outlets including CNN, CSPAN, The Atlantic, the New York Post, and the Huffington Post. Christina lives in Southern California with her husband Manuel.
Mary Todd has been married to Rick Todd for thirty-eight years. Together they are the proud parents of four sons, including Dr. Shane Truman Todd who was murdered in Singapore in June, 2012. Mary is an international speaker who earned her MA in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, where she served as an assistant campus pastor. Currently, Mary is the pastor of a Pomona First Baptist satellite church in Marion, Montana. Since the morning she heard of her son’s death, Mary has been a mother on a mission, intent on exposing evil and fighting for truth and justice. The Todd’s story has been featured in the Financial Times, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX News, several local and national new papers and radio shows, an Asia One documentary, and 48 Hours.
My Review:
Mary Todd received a call ob June 24, 2012 that changed her life, forever. Almost immediately after hearing this stunning news, she and her family boarded a plane to Singapore. Singapore, the place that should hold the answers to their son's death. After their son's funeral Mary and her husband start to comb through his belongings only to find a suspicious hard drive that had recently been deleted. What is even more strange is it was deleted after Shane's death. With Shane's death occurring a week before his return to the United States, Mary begins to question the truth behind it all and vows to get to the bottom of her son's death---no matter who she has to fight to get it.
After hearing about this story in the media, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book. I feel so bad for this family and all they have been through. I pray that they will see justice served and will finally get some peace through all of this.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.
On June 24, 2012, Dr. Shane Truman Todd, a young American engineer, was found hanging in his Singapore apartment, just a week before his scheduled return to the United States. Although Shane had repeatedly expressed apprehension about his work with a Chinese company and fear his life was being threatened, authorities immediately ruled his death a suicide. His family initially didn t know what to believe.
However, upon arriving in Singapore, they realized the evidence suggested not suicide, but murder. Shane s family later discovered that what they thought was a computer speaker was actually an external hard drive with thousands of files from Shane s computer. The information in those files transformed this story from a tragic suicide to an international saga of mystery, deceit, and cover-up, involving three countries.
About the Author:
Christina Villegas is Dr. Shane Truman Todd’s cousin and one of his closest friends since childhood. Christina holds a Ph.D. in Politics from the Institute for Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas, where she was an Earhart Fellow. She currently teaches American Government at California State University, San Bernardino and is a freelance writer. She has been interviewed on radio shows throughout the country and her research on public policy has been cited by a variety of media outlets including CNN, CSPAN, The Atlantic, the New York Post, and the Huffington Post. Christina lives in Southern California with her husband Manuel.
Mary Todd has been married to Rick Todd for thirty-eight years. Together they are the proud parents of four sons, including Dr. Shane Truman Todd who was murdered in Singapore in June, 2012. Mary is an international speaker who earned her MA in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, where she served as an assistant campus pastor. Currently, Mary is the pastor of a Pomona First Baptist satellite church in Marion, Montana. Since the morning she heard of her son’s death, Mary has been a mother on a mission, intent on exposing evil and fighting for truth and justice. The Todd’s story has been featured in the Financial Times, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX News, several local and national new papers and radio shows, an Asia One documentary, and 48 Hours.
My Review:
Mary Todd received a call ob June 24, 2012 that changed her life, forever. Almost immediately after hearing this stunning news, she and her family boarded a plane to Singapore. Singapore, the place that should hold the answers to their son's death. After their son's funeral Mary and her husband start to comb through his belongings only to find a suspicious hard drive that had recently been deleted. What is even more strange is it was deleted after Shane's death. With Shane's death occurring a week before his return to the United States, Mary begins to question the truth behind it all and vows to get to the bottom of her son's death---no matter who she has to fight to get it.
After hearing about this story in the media, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book. I feel so bad for this family and all they have been through. I pray that they will see justice served and will finally get some peace through all of this.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.
November 25, 2014
I received this book from Smith Publicity in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Hard Drive is a heart rending narration of a family’s fight to unveil the truth behind the death of a loved one. Shane Toddman, an American engineer was found dead in his Singapore apartment on June 24, 2012. The Singapore Police Force were quick to conclude that his death was undoubtedly a suicide resulting from days of depression and anxiety. When his family arrived in Singapore, they found it dubious that Shane, who until yesterday was more than a happy to be returning home and highly optimistic in nature would ever think of taking his own life. With that thought in mind, Mary and Rick Todd, his parents, begin the tiresome journey of seeking justice for their beloved son. But justice in a foreign country is as fragile as a frozen lake. Particularly with large influential forces teaming up to disguise the truth and their cruelty. When the police, judicial system and their own countrymen desert the fight, the entire family is distraught with the superficiality of mankind. In a battle that brings forth clear evidence suggesting another conclusion, the Todd family will strive their best to reveal to the world, the actual culprits.
I was so happy to receive this book. But at many points throughout, it was a rather tear inducing task to keep reading despite the anguish and pain clearly etched out in Mary Todd’s and Christina Villegas’ words. Unlike any murder mystery I’ve ever read, this book takes the trophy. Not only because it isn’t fictitious but the extreme efforts put in by friends and family of Shane Truman Todd is so evident in the notes, website links, newspaper article references that have been included. It is well written and gives us readers a thorough understanding of what the Todd family were made to feel in their quest for truth. It is impressing and inspiring to know that there are families who persist regardless of the power they are going against. Reading the authors’ description of Shane, it would have been rather astounding if the truth behind his death were not revealed to the world. Whether it has been legally concluded or not is a different story. To have millions of people know the truth and have them fight alongside the family, would have been an immense source of strength though the difficult feat. The novel covers in a matter of 17 chapters, all the evidence that was accumulated by the family (even though gathering evidence is the job of the police force). I am ashamed to think that there are still institutions and people being controlled by money and status; who willingly turn a blind eye to justice for their personal gain. The book cover is made of a soft velvety material. Also at the end of the book, the authors have put in few photos of Shane through his life, which was so saddening to see. To know of such a story in depth makes one realize how petty mankind has become. I salute the family for being so strong and persevering when many would not have. We all can gain a lot out of reading this book and I recommend it to each and everyone out there. Grab it, devour it and spread word. Pray for those who aren’t able to speak out in such loud volumes.
Hard Drive is a heart rending narration of a family’s fight to unveil the truth behind the death of a loved one. Shane Toddman, an American engineer was found dead in his Singapore apartment on June 24, 2012. The Singapore Police Force were quick to conclude that his death was undoubtedly a suicide resulting from days of depression and anxiety. When his family arrived in Singapore, they found it dubious that Shane, who until yesterday was more than a happy to be returning home and highly optimistic in nature would ever think of taking his own life. With that thought in mind, Mary and Rick Todd, his parents, begin the tiresome journey of seeking justice for their beloved son. But justice in a foreign country is as fragile as a frozen lake. Particularly with large influential forces teaming up to disguise the truth and their cruelty. When the police, judicial system and their own countrymen desert the fight, the entire family is distraught with the superficiality of mankind. In a battle that brings forth clear evidence suggesting another conclusion, the Todd family will strive their best to reveal to the world, the actual culprits.
I was so happy to receive this book. But at many points throughout, it was a rather tear inducing task to keep reading despite the anguish and pain clearly etched out in Mary Todd’s and Christina Villegas’ words. Unlike any murder mystery I’ve ever read, this book takes the trophy. Not only because it isn’t fictitious but the extreme efforts put in by friends and family of Shane Truman Todd is so evident in the notes, website links, newspaper article references that have been included. It is well written and gives us readers a thorough understanding of what the Todd family were made to feel in their quest for truth. It is impressing and inspiring to know that there are families who persist regardless of the power they are going against. Reading the authors’ description of Shane, it would have been rather astounding if the truth behind his death were not revealed to the world. Whether it has been legally concluded or not is a different story. To have millions of people know the truth and have them fight alongside the family, would have been an immense source of strength though the difficult feat. The novel covers in a matter of 17 chapters, all the evidence that was accumulated by the family (even though gathering evidence is the job of the police force). I am ashamed to think that there are still institutions and people being controlled by money and status; who willingly turn a blind eye to justice for their personal gain. The book cover is made of a soft velvety material. Also at the end of the book, the authors have put in few photos of Shane through his life, which was so saddening to see. To know of such a story in depth makes one realize how petty mankind has become. I salute the family for being so strong and persevering when many would not have. We all can gain a lot out of reading this book and I recommend it to each and everyone out there. Grab it, devour it and spread word. Pray for those who aren’t able to speak out in such loud volumes.
December 3, 2014
When Dr. Shane Todd died in Singapore just days before he was to board a plane to come home for good, his parents and siblings were devastated. The authorities ruled his death a suicide and did such minimal investigation that evidence was destroyed and people who had some insight into his last days and hours of life became mysteriously unavailable.
This book is the account of the family's search for answers as they became more and more convinced that their son was murdered. Shane, an electrical engineer, had worked in Singapore for only a couple of years before having doubts about the integrity of the company for whom he was working and the work that he was doing for it. He felt that it compromised the security of United States. Shane's work and his knowledge of the project were so vital that when he resigned, he told his parents that he felt threatened.
Mary Todd, Shane's mother, and her niece Christina Villegas have written the story of the family's investigation and how it ultimately reached into the highest level of political and corporate collusion between three nations: Singapore, China, and the United States.
The Todds and their family and friends wouldn't give up in their search for the truth of how and why Shane was killed, and the reader fears for them as they challenge what seems to be government coverup.
This is one scary book!
This book is the account of the family's search for answers as they became more and more convinced that their son was murdered. Shane, an electrical engineer, had worked in Singapore for only a couple of years before having doubts about the integrity of the company for whom he was working and the work that he was doing for it. He felt that it compromised the security of United States. Shane's work and his knowledge of the project were so vital that when he resigned, he told his parents that he felt threatened.
Mary Todd, Shane's mother, and her niece Christina Villegas have written the story of the family's investigation and how it ultimately reached into the highest level of political and corporate collusion between three nations: Singapore, China, and the United States.
The Todds and their family and friends wouldn't give up in their search for the truth of how and why Shane was killed, and the reader fears for them as they challenge what seems to be government coverup.
This is one scary book!
November 21, 2014
I received a copy directly from the publisher. I had heard about this case by watching 48 Hours covering the mysterious death of Dr. Shane Todd who was working abroad in Singapore. This book is written by his mother, Mary Todd and co-written by his cousins Christina Villegas. This is not easy material to read because it is a true story, I feel for his parents and all that they have endured. This book presents compelling evidence by showing Dr. Shane did not commit suicide as per the investigators who investigated his death in Singapore. There are too many inconsistencies that are validated by scientific data and the authors do a great job in proving them as false. The way evidence was handled and destroyed is sickening, I would think twice before seeking work in another country. I really hope that the truth will come out for this case and give his parents some kind of closure to let Dr. Shane Todd rest in peace.
October 8, 2014
REVIEW: HARD DRIVE by Mary Todd and Christina Villegas
A hard-hitting account of an unexpected, untimely, unnecessary death, that of Shane Truman Todd, Ph. D., an American electrical engineer working in Singapore. Days before his scheduled departure to.the States, where Shane had extensive extended family and a promising new career, his girlfriend Shirley found him in his apartment, apparently dead by hanging. At least, that is how the local police decided, despite evidence to the contrary. Shane' s parents, siblings, and other relatives persevered to obtain an accurate verdict.
A hard-hitting account of an unexpected, untimely, unnecessary death, that of Shane Truman Todd, Ph. D., an American electrical engineer working in Singapore. Days before his scheduled departure to.the States, where Shane had extensive extended family and a promising new career, his girlfriend Shirley found him in his apartment, apparently dead by hanging. At least, that is how the local police decided, despite evidence to the contrary. Shane' s parents, siblings, and other relatives persevered to obtain an accurate verdict.
November 20, 2014
I have to say that my heart goes out to Shane's mother!
What a tragic loss. Her courage to fight for the truth regarding his death is relentless. To have to fight to get the truth is shameful, yet that's what Mary Todd has done. She is tenacious in wanting the truth and I must say she is also a gifted writer. Hard Drive: A Family's Fight Against Three Countries is a must read. Its such a great story, you won't be disappointed.
What a tragic loss. Her courage to fight for the truth regarding his death is relentless. To have to fight to get the truth is shameful, yet that's what Mary Todd has done. She is tenacious in wanting the truth and I must say she is also a gifted writer. Hard Drive: A Family's Fight Against Three Countries is a must read. Its such a great story, you won't be disappointed.
December 1, 2014
What a sad story - absolutely chilling.
The family of Shane Todd, who died in mysterious circumstances in Singapore, outline their battle to prove that their son's death was not suicide, but murder. Despite convincing evidence, at every turn their efforts to prove this are blocked - it would seem that police departments and governments have something to hide and that international relations and commerce are more important to them than justice.
The family of Shane Todd, who died in mysterious circumstances in Singapore, outline their battle to prove that their son's death was not suicide, but murder. Despite convincing evidence, at every turn their efforts to prove this are blocked - it would seem that police departments and governments have something to hide and that international relations and commerce are more important to them than justice.
December 11, 2014
Immediately I was gripped by the tragic story of Dr. Shane Todd, an intelligent, handsome and Godly man working in Singapore with his entire life ahead of him. The story told by his mother, Mary Todd and his cousin, Christina Villegas is deeply engrossing and heart wrenching. The behavior of all three countries, including the US is deplorable and disturbing. Hard Drive is easy to recommend and hard to put down.
January 18, 2019
No doubt...
Shane Todd was murdered. China and its holdings are filthy, despicable places...literally and figuratively. I’m also not surprised that our powers involved here in the US happened to be Clinton, Obama, Mueller and their ilk. They’ve been in bed with every corrupt power that has ever existed. No surprises there. My only wish is that the Todd’s would’ve hired a professional investigative journalist. It would’ve also helped to explain the incident where Shane was writing something by hand and for what reason he might’ve done this. Even a dog and pony show would’ve helped. “If Jon had an apple and Lee had a special machine to cut that apple...” etc., something basic like this would’ve helped explain just the gist of why Shane felt his life was in danger. As it stands, I just have to trust it was important enough to cost Shane his life. I’m sorry for the Todd”s and, while unlikely, I hope the dam will break and they will be proven correct, conclusively. If not, may Singapore fester and rot, in that special way only the Communist Chinese deserve.
Shane Todd was murdered. China and its holdings are filthy, despicable places...literally and figuratively. I’m also not surprised that our powers involved here in the US happened to be Clinton, Obama, Mueller and their ilk. They’ve been in bed with every corrupt power that has ever existed. No surprises there. My only wish is that the Todd’s would’ve hired a professional investigative journalist. It would’ve also helped to explain the incident where Shane was writing something by hand and for what reason he might’ve done this. Even a dog and pony show would’ve helped. “If Jon had an apple and Lee had a special machine to cut that apple...” etc., something basic like this would’ve helped explain just the gist of why Shane felt his life was in danger. As it stands, I just have to trust it was important enough to cost Shane his life. I’m sorry for the Todd”s and, while unlikely, I hope the dam will break and they will be proven correct, conclusively. If not, may Singapore fester and rot, in that special way only the Communist Chinese deserve.
June 23, 2019
I haven't even read the book. But I have accessed the original reports of the coroner's inquiry. Having seen the evidences presented, I have marked this work as fiction. I believe the parents want to believe Shane Todd was murdered, and in doing so, it gives them some sort of peace of mind. The alternative to that would be to self-berate for not attending to the needs of their son, whatever it was, for they had missed it. It is speculation on my part, but I am open to being convinced otherwise. So I have purchased the book and will be reading it.
April 21, 2018
I became interested in this story after I saw the Todds on a talk show several years ago. The story they told was just heart-wrenching. It is the true story of the death of Dr. Shane Todd, and how the murder was a covert international cover-up by the Singapore officials, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Justice Department. It's going on my favorites list. I read it in one sitting... I couldn't put it down.
December 16, 2018
The story of the Todd family’s search for the truth about their brilliant, engaging, full of possibilities son’s death is heartbreaking. After reading this book one can only conclude that not only a foreign government, but our own as well, conducted a thorough, yet poorly executed cover-up. OUR government participating in this massive fraud is incredibly discouraging. This book is definitely worth the reader taking the time to read and be aware of.
February 22, 2022
This was a quick read and well-written. What a story!
May 1, 2016
A young American working in Singapore for a local high tech company, one doing business with China, was found hanging from the bathroom door by his girlfriend in June of 2012. Shane Todd was a PhD, specializing in cutting edge semi-conductors, specifically gallium nitride overlay on silicon, which is the future of communications and weapons guidance. Wuawei is a Chinese company associated with the Chinese government and military, and is doing business with IME, who employed Shane Todd. Veeco is an American company that manufactures state of the art machinery for overlaying gallium nitride. This sensitive piece of equipment can only be exported under a strict licensing agreement whereby the buyer promises not to use it for military purposes. IME sent Shane to receive training on the MOCVD machine because he was an American citizen, and Veeco, with a wink and a nod, can and did reveal formulas to him that IME could not obtain. The transaction was so shady that Shane had to copy the ‘recipes’ by hand. It dawned on him that what he was doing likely compromised American security, and he decided to leave IME. When he gave notice his boss urged him to stay with the company longer, to which he reluctantly agreed. During that time he secured a job in the United States, but he told his family that he feared his life was in danger. After the discovery of his body, the police ruled the death a suicide and closed the case. When his parents arrived in Singapore to claim the body, the investigating officer read to them a description of the crime scene that defied belief. Upon investigating, they realized that the official account was total nonsense; however, during their examination of Shane’s apartment, they discovered an external hard drive that subsequently shined a sinister light on a multinational conspiracy. No one who became familiar with this case disbelieved it was anything but murder, that is except the Singapore police, the coroner, the American Embassy, the FBI, the Department of Justice under Eric Holder and the State Department under Hillary Clinton and John Kerry.
Did I mention this is a true story? Mary Todd is the mother of Shane Todd, Christina Villegas is his cousin, together they have compiled a superbly written chronicle of the blatant cover-up of a heinous crime likely committed at the behest of one or more governments, and not only obfuscated by the authorities in Singapore, but with the complicity of the Obama administration. During her quest for justice, Mary Todd was told bluntly by a U.S. Congressman that, yes, there should be a Congressional investigation, but there would never be one, because “Wuawei has a lobbyist on every corner in Washington.” During the ordeal her computer was hacked, then Shane’s hard drive and transcripts of the coroner’s inquiry were stolen from her home. The Financial Times and 48 Hours, among other news outlets, have covered this story. Hard Drive reads like the very best spy thriller. What a pity it isn’t fiction. Every American needs to read this book, and to do so before they vote.
Post Script to this review: I just replied to a discussion on LinkedIn and was appalled to see an ad for Wuawei on the sidebar. Why must we insist on handing our country to belligerent foreigners?
Did I mention this is a true story? Mary Todd is the mother of Shane Todd, Christina Villegas is his cousin, together they have compiled a superbly written chronicle of the blatant cover-up of a heinous crime likely committed at the behest of one or more governments, and not only obfuscated by the authorities in Singapore, but with the complicity of the Obama administration. During her quest for justice, Mary Todd was told bluntly by a U.S. Congressman that, yes, there should be a Congressional investigation, but there would never be one, because “Wuawei has a lobbyist on every corner in Washington.” During the ordeal her computer was hacked, then Shane’s hard drive and transcripts of the coroner’s inquiry were stolen from her home. The Financial Times and 48 Hours, among other news outlets, have covered this story. Hard Drive reads like the very best spy thriller. What a pity it isn’t fiction. Every American needs to read this book, and to do so before they vote.
Post Script to this review: I just replied to a discussion on LinkedIn and was appalled to see an ad for Wuawei on the sidebar. Why must we insist on handing our country to belligerent foreigners?
January 22, 2015
Excellent story. Intriguing. I felt for the people in the story. Story was five stars. I never did understand WHY this man was targeted for murder. The explanations of the hard drive and technical information were too technical and never really explained. I would have preferred more on the WHY side and less of the specific technical details.
And, as stunningly sad as their story is, I wondered through the whole book about others who aren't as fortunate to have parents wealthy enough to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to find justice for their children. Where are their stories?
And, as stunningly sad as their story is, I wondered through the whole book about others who aren't as fortunate to have parents wealthy enough to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to find justice for their children. Where are their stories?
January 11, 2016
I was given a copy of this book for my frank and honest review. When I read the description, I thought this sounds interesting. Well let me tell you this is one of the best and saddest books I've read. It is a well written account of the Todd family's fight to find out the truth behind their son's Todd's death in Singapore. It is a true story, which is what makes it sad. But honestly, it is one of the best detective stories too. It keeps you riveted, wanting to know the truth all the way through.
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