Buzzworm

by Theo Cage

A TECHNOLOGY THRILLER PULLED RIGHT FROM TODAYS HEADLINES

A vicious computer virus infecting the CIA is not only attacking and destroying US security systems - it has now learned how to kill people as well. Panicked, the Feds break an eccentric virus-expert out of prison to team up with CIA insider and hacker, Mary Ellen Duke, to hunt down and destroy the 'trojan worm’ called Buzzworm. They know if the virus spreads, critical networks all across the globe are threatened: financial systems will crash, military technology will be useless, and power grids and hospitals will fail.

The Washington Homicide detective assigned to the deaths within the agency, bull-headed luddite Gregory Hyde, traces the killer to an armed compound in the wilds of Virginia. But not before Buzzworm threatens his family, fellow officers on the Washington police force, and even goes to war with Homeland Security.

Based on insider information gleaned from interviewing technology and virus experts working within the CIA and Mossad, Theo Cage brings this fast-paced roller-coaster ride to a thrilling climax.

“I think you’re a great writer and your ability to have a character driven thriller is very impressive. You really have something great here…”

Peter Washkowitz, Inkwell Management, reviewing Buzzworm

Genres: Amazon, Thriller

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2014

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

That innocuous looking piece of technology sitting in all our homes is about to become public enemy number one. The computer ( as we know ) can have devastating results for those of us who use it innocently, when caught out by hackers, but Buzzworm takes this to another level altogether.

Not just the CIA, nor even just the United States itself, but likely the entire Globe is about to be brought to its knees, but is Buzzworm a computer virus or a serial killer? Well you'll have to find out for yourself in this gripping, fast paced, roller coaster of a ride, that had me wishing I could read at twice my usual speed! This is one chilling scenario, that will have you looking twice at that innocent looking piece of technology sitting there in your home. An exciting read!

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* The internet, a place many travel clicking here, clicking there never giving too much thought about the consequences of a hacker lurking below the surface. This particular hacker Buzzworm, is on the hunt; giving much grief to innocent employees just doing their job. For weeks the staff have been subjected to videos showing themselves involved in disturbing and deplorable acts. Without doubt the hacker has successfully introduced into the highly confidential, mother of all computers, a very, very bad trojan worm into the mainframe belonging to the CIA, allowing him access to every single thing. Even with their highly skilled computer experts they cannot find even a whiff of Buzzworm and they are getting desperate as they have now lost control of their unique, and presumed to be an impenetrable system. Author Theo Cage, presents an alarming, terrifying tale and I enjoyed every minute of this fast-paced, turbo charged novel! Recommended.

[Sophie David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always interested in hi-tech modern thrillers and Buzzworm fitted the bill perfectly! From the word go though we were introduced to such a throughly vile character that I couldn't help be glad when we found out of his death. I found myself thinking of the implications of what would happen to the world if something like this really did take place but it made for a riveting book! Some of it was a little graphic but I believe it was ultimately justified in its context. I found myself rooting for MED and Roger as they tried to sort out the hell that was becoming their day to day lives. I must admit I didn't see the revelation coming when we found out who Buzzworm really was, I thought it would be someone completely different because I thought that was the road we were being led down but I love it when books surprise me! Don't worry though, I won't spoil it for anyone else! You'll have to read it to find out and I highly recommend you do as I definitely want to read more of this author's work if its half as good as Buzzworm!

[Elizabeth Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! This book is fast paced from beginning to end. CIA intrigue and high tech computer viruses abound in this very suspenseful thriller. All of the agencies are involved, from Washington vice, Homeland Security, CIA, even the FBI. Even as a reader, I had no idea who to trust until the end of the book. This story spins a complicated web of treachery, deceit, and absolute mayhem that has global consequences. Smooth prose and a compelling plot make Buzzworm a must-read. You won't want to put it down!

[Ashley Fontainne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wicked game started, an evil plan in motion.

Computers and technology. Rulers of this world we live in, created to make life easier for all us poor schmucks trudging through life by a handful of geniuses. Click this, send that, easy pay and immediate access to a vast array of knowledge at the tip of our fingers.

But what happens when the creators unleash a virtual monster? When a person bent on revenge decides to step out of the virtual gaming world and play games with the lives of real people?

That is what happens in this intense thriller. This isn't just some run of the mill virus, intended to glean bank information or steal identities. The Buzzworm virus is now trolling around inside the super computer at CIA headquarters. It has killed one.

And that is just the beginning.

Now the entire planet is in danger. One rogue Washington police detective, a hacker and a few CIA agents are immersed inside a trap they never thought possible, and escape seems impossible. Will they be able to find the source of the virus and stop it before it's too late? The answer will surprise you and leave you wondering if it's time to get the pen and paper back out and throw your computer away.

An intense thriller that kept me turning the pages!

[Max Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t pretend to understand the world of computers and intelligence agencies, but it turned out I did not need this knowledge to enjoy Buzzworm as Theo Cage explains as he goes without interrupting the flow of the story. I was quickly swept up into this tale of a diabolical plot to throw the civilised world into confusion by the manipulation of a CIA super-computer. I was introduced to hackers and programmers, spooks and detectives, terrorism and revenge, and how they affect real people. I have to admit that I look at my own computer in a different way now, and wonder how easy it would be for someone to hack into it.
There are several main characters in Buzzworm, but they are all well-crafted and interlock beautifully to present a smooth and realistic story, albeit one with so many twists, turns and surprises it had me guessing to the end.
I’m glad Theo Cage has written other books as I will be very interested in reading them. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Buzzworm to anyone who enjoys a fast paced thriller.

[Tamara aka SoMysteriousLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book I wanted as soon as I saw the cover, then especially after reading the synopsis. Yes, I do judge a book...

High tech terrorism on the home front with many plot twists, lots of action, and good/bad characters that kept me totally intrigued. Good fun all the way till the end. Was almost sorry to see it end but glad it did as I needed to breathe again! One of my favorite lines: "Maybe he got a tweet from the devil. Come on down for a cold one. Don't be late." You'll need to read the book to see why that comment was made! The various characters with all their flaws and fears made for some very good dialogue, and some good moments of 'OH NO', and I highly recommend this to anyone who's into the "who's watching who" stories!

I did have some trouble with some of the grammatical errors, which is why it got a 4 Star rating. BUT, I still think the author had a fun idea and my own OCD issues aside, really did enjoy it!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book. I’m not into computers and certainly didn’t think a computer virus would make an interesting villain. But it was a rainy afternoon so I gave it a try.


The CIA hacker in the novel, Mary Ellen Duke, was my favorite character. She’s smart, feisty, and carries a very cool gun. I wish there was more of her and I hope Cage has plans for her in the future. The Washington Homicide cop, Greg Hyde, was also a lot of fun.


There’s a lot of computer talk in this book, some which left me behind. But the action never really stops, so it doesn’t hurt the momentum. The last half really races to the finish.

[Richard A Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

More action than your typical mystery.
This tale has a lot of moving pieces: multiple main characters, spooks, hackers, terrorism, serial killers and detectives, but never gets lost. It’s also rare to find such well-fleshed out and realistic characters in an adventure tale.
There were some parts where the suspense seemed to break down. Sacrificed on the altar of non-stop action. Still, doesn’t detract from the fun.
If you’re looking for a real ride and not just a story, then you’ll enjoy this.

[Bill Thibadeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first experience reading this author. I very quickly realized this book was a cut above the ordinary. Actually quite a it above the majority of books. The writing is gripping, the characters amazingly interesting, and the storyline is quite mesmerizing. There is some tech stuff but nit enough to scare off technophobes. Highly enjoyable - I am now on a quest to read more by this author.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buzzworm is the story of high tech terrorism . Plenty of plot twists, with lots of action. Makes you think twice about your computer for those of us who innocently use it we take the chance of being hacked. But is Buzzworm a computer virus ? Or a serial killer you'll just have to read the bookto find out!

[Jai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery/thriller. Nicely developed characters and tight plot. Hard to put this one down and I look forward to the next book by Theo Cage.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book!

great attention-grabber and keeper. definitely kept me reading all the way to the end, and the plot twists were perfect

[Antonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is technology thriller and I can't remember when I have last time read suchlike page‐turner.

This is my assessments of this book Buzzworm by Theo Cage according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and Strenuous action - exciting and short - 4 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. Not difficult to read (as for non English native speaker] - 4 stars.
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 5 stars
5. Shalow story - has a deeper meaning - 3 stars.
6. The story is mass and Unfinished - The story is clear, understandable and well rounded - 4 stars
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 4 stars

Total 4.14 stars

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though I wanted to, I really did not enjoy the book. There were multiple spelling and grammar errors, sometimes ones that I had to re-read the sentence several times in order to figure out what was meant. The overall plot was very good, the characters were mostly well written - except for BW at the end. I did not like the way the scenes jumped a bit from character to character and in time, because it wasn't written clearly enough to tell from the start that it was another person or a different time. Usually after a little bit into the new chapter would I figure out who the perspective was from and if it was written "now" or "a little ahead of time" or "a little in the past." Some parts of the book were very detailed, while other times it felt like the author ran out of steam writing that portion and just scribbled something in to fill it out, and never fleshed out the scene on re-write. Also, it may have just been my copy or my technology not working right (e-book, Kindle app for Android) but at least once a chapter there would be a line of text missing from the top of a page and I had to guess what that line said.

[Stella Temenu · Rating 5 out of 5]

That innocuous looking piece of technology sitting in all our homes is about to become public enemy number one. The computer, as we know, can have devastating results for those of us who use it innocently, when caught out by hackers, but Buzzworm takes this to a whole new level. Not just the CIA, nor just the United States itself, but likely the entire Globe is about to be brought to its knees in this gripping, fast paced roller coaster of a ride, that had me wishing I could read at twice my usual speed! Is Buzzworm a computer virus or a serial killer? Well you'll have to find out for yourself! This is one chilling scenario that will have you looking twice at that innocuous looking piece of technology sitting there in your home. Would definitely read Theo Cage again.

[Jae Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buzzworm was an excellent, fast-paced read. Loads of action and intrigue with some amazing twists in the plot. I loved the characters Med, Roger and Hyde since they were very well developed and you were rooting for them all the way. Some of the characters, like Scammel, were really not nice people but you have to have some bad guys in a story like this. I won't give away who Buzzworm turns out to be, but I definitely was not expecting it. Received a free copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads, and it was a real pleasure to read. Thanks to them and Theo Cage for a really great book.

[Steven Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the author's other book, Satan's Road and found it to be what I'd expect from a first time novelist. This book was miles better! The characters were entertaining and had depth, the true main character was more visible and engaged, and the story was well developed and presented. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'll be reading the next one soon.

[Sweetpea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.vVery entertaining thriller, loved the writing style.