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The Fourth Amendment: A Novel
This is an updated cover edition of B00QJK68NI.
When Kris Storm, the new manager of an elite cybersecurity team at Illuminate, a global internet powerhouse, receives an order to sift through web traffic to further the presidential ambitions of the mayor of New York, she stomps out the door in protest. But her staunch belief in the protection of an individual's right to privacy is tested when her boss abruptly shuts down the project a few weeks later. By then, a disturbing trail of terrorist activity, albeit circumstantial, has emerged: Brighton Beach, Russian jingoism, freedom fighters, liquid explosives, jihad, Boston Marathon. Now, Kris must decide whether to dig deeper, or stay constitutionally safe on the sidelines. Her hesitancy, however, costs valuable time. When Kris and her partner, street savvy FBI agent Jim Bright, finally identify the bombers and their target, Yankee Stadium, they must race to the Bronx. Will they arrive in time to prevent the carnage? Who is really behind the plot? Angry and now brimming with patriotic fervor, Kris plunges undercover as a hacker among the bright lights and party beaches of the Adriatic Sea to smoke out a global gang of cybercriminals.
From Edward Snowden’s revelations about our own government’s surveillance activities to the financial data breaches perpetrated by Russian hackers to the European Union’s sanctions against Google, cybersecurity arouses passionate controversy worldwide. The Fourth Amendment combines a multidimensional view of the issues with a compelling cast of characters to create a rollicking, contemporary thriller.
When Kris Storm, the new manager of an elite cybersecurity team at Illuminate, a global internet powerhouse, receives an order to sift through web traffic to further the presidential ambitions of the mayor of New York, she stomps out the door in protest. But her staunch belief in the protection of an individual's right to privacy is tested when her boss abruptly shuts down the project a few weeks later. By then, a disturbing trail of terrorist activity, albeit circumstantial, has emerged: Brighton Beach, Russian jingoism, freedom fighters, liquid explosives, jihad, Boston Marathon. Now, Kris must decide whether to dig deeper, or stay constitutionally safe on the sidelines. Her hesitancy, however, costs valuable time. When Kris and her partner, street savvy FBI agent Jim Bright, finally identify the bombers and their target, Yankee Stadium, they must race to the Bronx. Will they arrive in time to prevent the carnage? Who is really behind the plot? Angry and now brimming with patriotic fervor, Kris plunges undercover as a hacker among the bright lights and party beaches of the Adriatic Sea to smoke out a global gang of cybercriminals.
From Edward Snowden’s revelations about our own government’s surveillance activities to the financial data breaches perpetrated by Russian hackers to the European Union’s sanctions against Google, cybersecurity arouses passionate controversy worldwide. The Fourth Amendment combines a multidimensional view of the issues with a compelling cast of characters to create a rollicking, contemporary thriller.
- GenresMystery
Unknown Binding
First published December 3, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 28, 2017
I was very disappointed with this book. People recommended this novel to me as the counter-argument to the Edward Snowden revelations. They told me that this story would make the case for why it is OK to break the 4th Amendment to the Constitution in order to make the country safer. In my mind, Mr. Smith did make the argument and the story is a mixed bag of convoluted Russian terrorism and cyber hacking for purposes that I did not understand. Mr Smith seems to argue that since breaking the 4th Amendment might save even one life, that is justification enough. He obviously does not understand what the 4th Amendment is about; that freedom and privacy are more important in the long run than personal safety.
May 26, 2015
I found the writing well done, keeping the reader interested. That said, the story didn't move much early on. Not dull by any means though. I put it down to the author's first published work. But based on how it finished,I know his work will get even better.
It's a story of identity theft and credit card scams with a dose of terrorism thrown in
Kris Storm is the heroine of the tale and works as a computer expert tracing the various frauds the company she works for is hired to stop.
A Decent book and I'll surely check out his next.
It's a story of identity theft and credit card scams with a dose of terrorism thrown in
Kris Storm is the heroine of the tale and works as a computer expert tracing the various frauds the company she works for is hired to stop.
A Decent book and I'll surely check out his next.
March 8, 2015
S. M. Smith in his new book, “The Fourth Amendment” published by Camelot Publishing gives us an adventure with Kris Storm.
From the back cover: When Kris Storm, the new manager of an elite cybersecurity team at Illuminate, a global internet powerhouse, receives an order to sift through web traffic to further the presidential ambitions of the mayor of New York, she stomps out the door in protest. But her staunch belief in the protection of an individual’s right to privacy is tested when her boss abruptly shuts down the project a few weeks later. By then, a disturbing trail of terrorist activity, albeit circumstantial, has emerged: Brighton Beach, Russian jingoism, freedom fighters, liquid explosives, jihad, Boston Marathon. Now, Kris must decide whether to dig deeper, or stay constitutionally safe on the sidelines. Her hesitancy, however, costs valuable time. When Kris and her partner, street savvy FBI agent Jim Bright, finally identify the bombers and their target, Yankee Stadium, they must race to the Bronx. Will they arrive in time to prevent the carnage? Who is really behind the plot? Angry and now brimming with patriotic fervor, Kris plunges undercover as a hacker among the bright lights and party beaches of the Adriatic Sea to smoke out a global gang of cybercriminals.
From Edward Snowden’s revelations about our own government’s surveillance activities to the financial data breaches perpetrated by Russian hackers to the European Union’s sanctions against Google, cybersecurity arouses passionate controversy worldwide. The Fourth Amendment combines a multidimensional view of the issues with a compelling cast of characters to create a rollicking, contemporary thriller.
Cyberspace espionage and terrorist activities are not activities that I am familiar with but then neither is blowing up Yankee Stadium. Having said that let me assure you that this is a flip-as-fast-as-you-can page turner. It starts out almost benign then the danger just builds and builds and builds. Kris and Jim are in a race around New York to stop the terrorist and the loss and life. “The Fourth Amendment” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Mr. Smith has provided us with a marvelous character in Kris Storm and I look forward to reading about more of her adventures.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: When Kris Storm, the new manager of an elite cybersecurity team at Illuminate, a global internet powerhouse, receives an order to sift through web traffic to further the presidential ambitions of the mayor of New York, she stomps out the door in protest. But her staunch belief in the protection of an individual’s right to privacy is tested when her boss abruptly shuts down the project a few weeks later. By then, a disturbing trail of terrorist activity, albeit circumstantial, has emerged: Brighton Beach, Russian jingoism, freedom fighters, liquid explosives, jihad, Boston Marathon. Now, Kris must decide whether to dig deeper, or stay constitutionally safe on the sidelines. Her hesitancy, however, costs valuable time. When Kris and her partner, street savvy FBI agent Jim Bright, finally identify the bombers and their target, Yankee Stadium, they must race to the Bronx. Will they arrive in time to prevent the carnage? Who is really behind the plot? Angry and now brimming with patriotic fervor, Kris plunges undercover as a hacker among the bright lights and party beaches of the Adriatic Sea to smoke out a global gang of cybercriminals.
From Edward Snowden’s revelations about our own government’s surveillance activities to the financial data breaches perpetrated by Russian hackers to the European Union’s sanctions against Google, cybersecurity arouses passionate controversy worldwide. The Fourth Amendment combines a multidimensional view of the issues with a compelling cast of characters to create a rollicking, contemporary thriller.
Cyberspace espionage and terrorist activities are not activities that I am familiar with but then neither is blowing up Yankee Stadium. Having said that let me assure you that this is a flip-as-fast-as-you-can page turner. It starts out almost benign then the danger just builds and builds and builds. Kris and Jim are in a race around New York to stop the terrorist and the loss and life. “The Fourth Amendment” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Mr. Smith has provided us with a marvelous character in Kris Storm and I look forward to reading about more of her adventures.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 20, 2015
In his debut novel, The Fourth Amendment, author S.M. Smith weaves a riveting thriller about cyberspace espionage and terrorist activities that will keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seats.
Written in the third person narrative, the reader follows Illuminate's elite cyber security manager Kris Storm and FBI agent Jim Bright as they investigate potential terrorist activities within the Russian community in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn. From New York to Croatia, Kim and Jim race against the clock to stop the terrorists' plan to blow up Yankees Stadium.
Author S.M. Smith weaves an intense and suspenseful thriller about cybercriminals, Russian mob and Freedom Fighters, and a gray area in the Fourth Amendment, that will keep the reader intrigued and guessing what will happen next. This is an action packed and fast paced story that has enough drama and surprising twists and turns that easily transports the reader into the heart of Kris and Jim's investigation. This is also a compelling story that engages the reader to ponder about cyber technology, public information, cyber security, and the gray area surrounding the protection of privacy rights and the issue of the changing intent of The Fourth Amendment in this ever changing world.
The story has a realistic cast of characters; engaging dialogue and dramatic interactions; an intriguing and suspenseful plot; and a richly vivid description of New York and Croatia settings - especially the sights and sounds of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx (and my beloved Yankees Stadium). Kudos Mr. Smith on a wonderful debut, I look forward to reading more of your novels in the future!
The Fourth Amendment is a complex, multi-layered, and riveting thriller that takes the reader on one hell of an exhilarating roller coaster ride. So if you're ready to hit the cyberspace trail with Kris and Jim, buckle up and get ready to hold your breath!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Written in the third person narrative, the reader follows Illuminate's elite cyber security manager Kris Storm and FBI agent Jim Bright as they investigate potential terrorist activities within the Russian community in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn. From New York to Croatia, Kim and Jim race against the clock to stop the terrorists' plan to blow up Yankees Stadium.
Author S.M. Smith weaves an intense and suspenseful thriller about cybercriminals, Russian mob and Freedom Fighters, and a gray area in the Fourth Amendment, that will keep the reader intrigued and guessing what will happen next. This is an action packed and fast paced story that has enough drama and surprising twists and turns that easily transports the reader into the heart of Kris and Jim's investigation. This is also a compelling story that engages the reader to ponder about cyber technology, public information, cyber security, and the gray area surrounding the protection of privacy rights and the issue of the changing intent of The Fourth Amendment in this ever changing world.
The story has a realistic cast of characters; engaging dialogue and dramatic interactions; an intriguing and suspenseful plot; and a richly vivid description of New York and Croatia settings - especially the sights and sounds of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx (and my beloved Yankees Stadium). Kudos Mr. Smith on a wonderful debut, I look forward to reading more of your novels in the future!
The Fourth Amendment is a complex, multi-layered, and riveting thriller that takes the reader on one hell of an exhilarating roller coaster ride. So if you're ready to hit the cyberspace trail with Kris and Jim, buckle up and get ready to hold your breath!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
January 16, 2016
This book was chock full of potential but fell apart at the end.
In a scenario ripped from the headlines, there is a company; Illuminate, that is monetizing the internet. There are terrorists who want to do harm and an FBI that is hampered by the constitution from just rounding everyone up.
In the beginning of the story Kris and her coworkers are traveling back from Vermont when they have a blow out on a NY city highway. When they pull over to change the tire the cops come and arrest them. One of the cops asks did they call 911 - seriously anyone who lives in a Big city, do you call 911 when you get a flat tire?? LOLZ. They are rescued from their predicament by their boss who is close friends with the Mayor.
Meanwhile in Brighton Beach Russian mobsters are planning a terror attack. Prior to this Kris is a big defender of the fourth amendment "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. " She worries that the government and private business may be trampling over people's liberty. Post attack she becomes a proponent for trampling those rights to save lives.
And in this story the FBI needs Kris to work with them. Which is when the book gets absurd. And frankly stupid.
There's lots of gratuitous sex for no good reason either.
In a scenario ripped from the headlines, there is a company; Illuminate, that is monetizing the internet. There are terrorists who want to do harm and an FBI that is hampered by the constitution from just rounding everyone up.
In the beginning of the story Kris and her coworkers are traveling back from Vermont when they have a blow out on a NY city highway. When they pull over to change the tire the cops come and arrest them. One of the cops asks did they call 911 - seriously anyone who lives in a Big city, do you call 911 when you get a flat tire?? LOLZ. They are rescued from their predicament by their boss who is close friends with the Mayor.
Meanwhile in Brighton Beach Russian mobsters are planning a terror attack. Prior to this Kris is a big defender of the fourth amendment "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. " She worries that the government and private business may be trampling over people's liberty. Post attack she becomes a proponent for trampling those rights to save lives.
And in this story the FBI needs Kris to work with them. Which is when the book gets absurd. And frankly stupid.
There's lots of gratuitous sex for no good reason either.
March 27, 2015
S.M. Smith’s debut novel starts off at a rapid pace quickly making arguments for both sides of the fourth amendment rights. This amendment “prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.” In this story, the Russian mob has selected a target … Yankees Stadium. They’ve done their trial run and are most certain they will not be stopped by security. The novel is written in third person following Kris Storm of Illuminate’s cyber security division. She initially wants to follow procedures and not violate anyone’s fourth amendment rights. She works closely with Jim Bright, FBI. Chapters alternate to allow the reader to see within the activity of the mob, especially Anatoly Turken and Vladimir Unchkin.
This novel will have you second guessing your fourth amendment rights. You may say “I’m not a criminal; my privacy rights should not be violated.” But, there are those out there who wish to destroy us. If we bend a bit on our fourth amendment rights, would we be safer? Did our forefathers even ever anticipate terrorism to the degree it is known today? The novel takes place in New York – sections of Brighton Beach; Brooklyn; and the Bronx. I do have an issue with how fast the characters fall into bed for a night of sex. Otherwise, it’s very fast-paced and well done. I rated The Fourth Amendment at 3.5 out of 5.
This novel will have you second guessing your fourth amendment rights. You may say “I’m not a criminal; my privacy rights should not be violated.” But, there are those out there who wish to destroy us. If we bend a bit on our fourth amendment rights, would we be safer? Did our forefathers even ever anticipate terrorism to the degree it is known today? The novel takes place in New York – sections of Brighton Beach; Brooklyn; and the Bronx. I do have an issue with how fast the characters fall into bed for a night of sex. Otherwise, it’s very fast-paced and well done. I rated The Fourth Amendment at 3.5 out of 5.
March 9, 2015
Smith weaves a great tale that makes you question how much of your public information is really private. How much of our private information is really private? It makes you wonder about how the founding fathers would have worded the 4th amendment looking through the prism of the internet. How much privacy are we willing to give up in order to ensure our common safety? The main character Kris vacillated between total privacy and limited privacy based on what happens in the book. We sometimes forget how very different the world is compared to 50 years ago. Illegal search and seizure used to only exist in the realm of physical being. Now we have intellectual property out there. Is that protected? Should it be? This is a fast paced book with good characters. It is one in a series and I have not read the others in this series. That being said it stood well on its own.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews