Treacherous Hack

by Kevin G. Chapman

From the award-winning Mike Stoneman Thriller series comes Book #7 — a gripping crime thriller set in the heart of a frozen New York City.

When electronics store owner Lou Palazzo is gunned down at a snowy Manhattan intersection, NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson catch a case that’s anything but ordinary. Back at Lou’s shop, two Chinese nationals linked to a powerful Shanghai cybercrime ring are dead. The only clue? A missing laptop computer, possibly containing something Lou was willing to die to protect.

Meanwhile, NYU student Ryan Gelb is panicking. His hacked laptop held the stolen university data — data he quietly gave to his Uncle Lou. Now Lou is dead, and whoever killed him is coming for the file. . . and for Ryan.
Caught between international cybercriminals, New York mobsters, and the police, Ryan is desperate to recover the file and avoid being expelled — or worse, executed.

As Mike and Jason untangle a web of secrets, lies, and digital deception, they're met with stonewalling from all NYU won’t talk, witnesses are hiding the truth, and even their closest allies are keeping dangerous secrets.
With the body count rising and a deadly showdown looming, the race is on to solve the mystery, recover the missing file, and avoid turning Lower Manhattan into a bloodbath.

Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, John Sandford, and David Baldacci, this high-stakes police procedural mixes hard-boiled action, cybercrime intrigue, and unforgettable characters in a page-turning thriller you won’t be able to put down.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

About the author

In 2026, I will be publishing my 11th novel, The Building, a stand-alone thriller not part of my Mike Stoneman series.

My 2023 stand-alone novel, The Other Murder, won the GRAND PRIZE CLUE award as the best suspense/thriller of 2023 (Chanticleer International Book Awards)! The Other Murder is about a high-profile murder and the media frenzy it creates, and the other murder that nobody cares about. When two journalists team up to investigate the two murders, nothing is as it seems, and the most dangerous thing . . . is the truth.

Be sure to also check out another stand-alone novel titled Dead Winner, where the quest for a $60 million dollar winning lottery ticket turns deadly. Dead Winner was named the BEST POLICE PROCEDURAL OF THE YEAR and Blue Ribbon winner of the CLUE Award.

Also new is a short story titled The Car, the Dog & the Girl, which is available FREE from Kevin's website and from Amazon and other ebook retailers.

And, of course, look for my 7-book Mike Stoneman series has garnered wonderful reviews and critical acclaim, including:

Book #4 -- Fatal Infraction, was the WINNER of the CLUE Award as best police procedural of 2021 and is a Semi-Finalist for the 2022 Kindle Book Award

Book #3, Lethal Voyage, was the WINNER of the 2021 Kindle Book Award (best mystery/thriller) and a Finalist for the CLUE and the 2021 RONE Award (InD'Tale magazine),

Kevin lives in Central New Jersey with his photographer wife. When not in times of global pandemic, they love to travel (on cruise ships, especially) and Kevin loves playing tournament poker and cheering on his beloved New York Mets.

Reviews

[Karina Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treacherous Hack is a smart, fast-paced thriller that brilliantly bridges old-school detective work with modern cybercrime tension. Kevin G. Chapman continues to deliver gritty, character-driven mysteries, and this 7th installment stands out for weaving technology into a believable, high-stakes police procedural without losing the human heartbeat that makes this series work. My first read of this author and Im so intrigued I’d def check the whole series!

At its core, this book is about investigators out of their comfort zone - a trope I love when done well. Unlike classic locked-room puzzles or purely psychological thrillers, Treacherous Hack blends the familiar rhythm of a gritty NYPD investigation with the unpredictable world of digital secrets and hacker culture. The result feels like a meeting point between Michael Connelly’s Lincoln Lawyer vibes and the cat-and-mouse tension of something like Mr. Robot — though far more grounded and character-focused.

Chapman’s writing reminded me of two things you often talk about:
• The gritty procedural realism you get in C.J. Tudor’s work — where every clue feels earned and every misstep matters.
• The tight pacing and twist energy you enjoy in Riley Sager and John Marrs novels — not just shock for shock’s sake, but twists that deepen character stakes.

Tropes:
✔️ Reluctant tech-savvy detective — old instincts meet new threats.
✔️ The MacGuffin with consequences — a missing device that doesn’t just drive the plot but also forces characters to evolve.
✔️ Race against time — tension built not just on danger but on narrowing windows and ticking clocks.
✔️ Moral ambiguity — people aren’t just “good” or “bad”; they make choices you understand even when you don’t agree.

My only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that the cybercrime angle, while compelling, sometimes leans into exposition to get everyone up to speed — which slows the otherwise brisk pace. But if you’re someone who loves The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for its computer sleuthing or gets hooked on shows like CSI: Cyber, this will feel like a fresh bridge between technology and traditional crime solving.

If you’re craving a thriller that feels modern without losing the satisfying puzzle of a classic mystery, Treacherous Hack delivers with strong characters, clever plotting, and a final act that rewards your attention.

[JustJeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a bit different plot for Mike Stoneman and his partner, Jason Dickson. You learn early in the story who the murderer is, but you are left guessing what was hacked and why? And which group of mobsters will be successful in retrieving the much sought after data? And then of course is Jason’s wife, looking for her big break in headline news versus her usual fluff pieces, chasing the murder story as well. This is a great story that keeps the reader on his or her toes with multi-plot lines woven throughout, a variety of mobster groups all wanting the same data, but it appears all computer illiterate. I enjoyed the story as it kept me engaged throughout the entire book. Definitely, worth the read. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.

[Coffee Book Couch by Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this one expecting a solid police procedural with a modern cybercrime twist, and what I got was a fast, layered thriller that keeps widening the circle of danger without losing control of its core mystery. Book #7 in the Mike Stoneman Thriller series drops you into a frozen New York City that feels more than atmospheric window dressing: the cold and grit amplify everything—urgency, paranoia, the sense that the city itself is tightening around the characters. The story opens with a crime that’s instantly cinematic and sharply focused: Lou Palazzo, an electronics store owner, is killed at a snowy Manhattan intersection. It’s the kind of starting point that feels straightforward at first glance—an obvious “who would want this guy dead?” question—until the scene begins to echo outward.

When NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson step in, the case refuses to behave like a simple murder investigation. The discovery back at Lou’s shop—two Chinese nationals dead, connected to a Shanghai cybercrime ring—takes the book from street-level homicide to something global, organized, and potentially far more dangerous. What I liked is that the escalation doesn’t feel like the author tossing in “bigger bad guys” for spectacle. It’s anchored in a practical, believable motive: the missing laptop. That single object becomes the heartbeat of the plot. Everyone’s behavior—every lie, every frantic decision, every act of intimidation—makes sense once you understand what a laptop can represent in the wrong context: leverage, exposure, money, revenge, survival.

One of the smartest choices in this story is the parallel perspective through Ryan Gelb, an NYU student who’s panicking for a reason that will make your stomach drop if you’ve ever made a risky choice and then watched it spiral. Ryan’s hacked laptop held stolen university data—data he passed to his uncle, Lou. Now Lou is dead, and the people who want that file aren’t sending stern emails or threatening legal action. They’re willing to kill. Ryan’s storyline adds a constant thrum of dread because it’s driven by the kind of fear that feels personal and immediate. He’s not a seasoned criminal. He’s not someone with a plan. He’s a kid who’s in too deep, and the book uses him to show how quickly “digital trouble” turns physical.

That blend—classic homicide investigation plus cybercrime consequences plus a civilian caught in the blast radius—is where the book finds its energy. It’s not just cops chasing bad guys. It’s cops trying to solve a murder while every stakeholder is actively sabotaging the truth. The blurb mentions stonewalling, and that’s exactly what gives the investigation its texture. NYU won’t talk, witnesses aren’t reliable, and even allies are keeping secrets. This is where the procedural side shines: Stoneman and Dickson aren’t solving the case because the plot hands them convenient clues. They’re pushing through closed doors, partial truths, and the kind of institutional silence that can be as dangerous as a gun when the stakes are life and death.

The pacing is another big strength. The story moves quickly, but it doesn’t feel rushed. There’s a difference between “fast” and “thin,” and this book aims for speed while still making the steps of the investigation feel earned. The plot is structured so the pressure keeps increasing: first the murder, then the additional bodies, then the missing laptop, then the realization that multiple groups are hunting the same thing for different reasons. The book builds tension by stacking motivations. The cybercrime ring wants the file. The mob presence introduces another layer of threat, more local but no less lethal. The university’s silence suggests reputational panic or deeper involvement. Ryan just wants to survive and not have his entire future destroyed. And the detectives—who are doing their job in the middle of a city that can swallow you whole—are trying to keep the violence from spreading. Each of those goals clashes with the others, and that’s what keeps chapters snapping shut behind you.

There’s also something satisfying about the “hard-boiled action meets modern intrigue” mix. A lot of thrillers try to include cybercrime and end up either overwhelming the reader with jargon or treating the tech angle like a magic trick. This one keeps it readable by focusing on outcomes rather than explanations. You don’t need a degree in computer science to understand why the file matters. The danger is clear because the consequences are clear. The technology is the spark, but the story is fueled by human choices: who protects whom, who lies first, who panics, who goes on the offensive, who thinks they can outplay everyone else.

Stoneman and Dickson work well as anchors in a plot that could have become chaotic. Their dynamic feels like a partnership that has seen enough to recognize when a case is turning into something bigger. They’re not portrayed as invincible, and that matters. A procedural works best when the detectives feel like they’re pushing against real friction—time, politics, fear, limited information—and here the friction comes from every direction. The book makes a point of showing that the “truth” isn’t just hidden; it’s actively guarded.

The setting deserves its own mention because “a frozen New York City” is not just a mood. It’s used to intensify scenes and sharpen the story’s tone. Snow and cold can make a city feel quieter and more isolated even when it’s crowded. It changes how people move, how they see each other, what they notice. It adds urgency to everything: you can’t linger outside, you can’t wait comfortably, you can’t afford to be slow. That environmental pressure matches the investigative pressure, and it gives the book a consistent, gritty feel.

As the body count rises, the story leans into the kind of escalating stakes thriller readers come for, but it doesn’t lose its procedural spine. The looming showdown is set up as a natural endpoint of all the competing forces closing in—like multiple storms colliding over Lower Manhattan. The blurb uses the word “bloodbath,” and while I won’t spoil how the final stretch plays out, I will say the narrative does a good job of making the ending feel inevitable. Not predictable in a boring way—more like: once you understand the stakes and the players, you can feel that something has to give. And when it does, it fits the trajectory the book has been building.

Who is this for? If you like Michael Connelly-style casework with a steady investigative throughline, you’ll appreciate the procedural beats and the grounded detective work. If you like John Sandford’s intensity and the sense that violence can flare quickly when people are desperate, this has that edge. If you like Baldacci’s bigger, wider conspiratorial feel, you’ll enjoy the way the plot connects local crime to broader threats. The “page-turner” claim isn’t empty here—it’s written to keep you moving, and it succeeds because it gives you multiple reasons to continue: what happened, who’s lying, what’s on the laptop, and how far the danger is going to spread.

What stood out to me most is how the book makes a modern threat feel tangible. The missing laptop isn’t just a clue. It’s a weapon, a bargaining chip, a trigger for violence, and a symbol of how fragile safety can be when information becomes currency. The story uses that idea without preaching about it. It simply shows it through consequences, and that’s often more effective than any lecture.

If you’re looking for a thriller that blends old-school detective grit with cybercrime tension, that keeps its plot threads tight, and that uses its winter NYC setting to sharpen the mood, this is a strong, satisfying read—tense, fast, and built for anyone who likes a case that starts simple and turns into a full-scale hunt.

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treacherous Hack: A Mike Stoneman Mystery by Kevin G. Chapman is a gripping story that begins with a code, a killing and a lie that sets off a storm no one can contain.

Lou Palazzo, a whiz at computer hacks since his years as a foot soldier in the Gallata crime organization, is first shown arguing on the phone with Cannon, a current Gallata lieutenant to whom Lou offered to sell a heavily encrypted data file which was hacked by the Chinese Mob. Lou thinks the file could be a gold mine and that its content could be worth much more than the hundred-thousand-dollar fee he had charged. Fast forward to the time the file is open, and Cannon arrives accompanied by two armed men. Lou, however, knows better than to just hand him the file. His plan goes south when the meeting turns chaotic, setting the stage for the murder investigation that drives the plot.

As detectives investigate, the case starts to shift from a simple homicide to a tangled web of mob corruption and cyber-crime. This connection is revealed through how the file initially came into Lou's hands. His nephew Ryan and his friend Will, both students in a cybersecurity course, developed an idea, a class project to show their professor how a hacker on the dark web might try to infiltrate a computer system. All goes as planned, much to their fascination, until they find a hidden file inside the user account created by a Trojan Horse program from the hackers. Unbeknownst to both Ryan and Will, the file is not a harmless digital leftover, but a vault with the potential to trigger a chain of life-threatening events that can follow them if they dare to look into what the file contained.

This story, unlike traditional police procedurals that focus majorly on street-level crime, emerges as unique because of its utilization of modern digital warfare. One cannot resist its careful balance of old-school detective feel and modern cyber intrigue. Each chapter is electrifying and so is every one of its characters, from the steadfast and hawk-eyed detectives to the desperate mobsters. Right from the opening scene, where no clear motive is revealed and where more questions than answers hang in the air, the story hooks the reader, not with sudden twists but with a sense of methodical revelation that comes in slowly. It feels like a cat and mouse game setup that intensifies with every new page, with scenes that end with either a question raised or a threat unresolved.

Treacherous Hack: A Mike Stoneman Mystery by Kevin G. Chapman has a simple setup for readers to follow easily, as well as multiple perspectives through which detectives, journalists, hackers and mobsters allow the reader to see every side of the crime. This is a unique idea that also make the story larger, sharper and more emotionally charged.

Quill says: Of all the thrilling mysteries you've read, this story will grab you the hardest and refuse to let go. Chapman writes with the clarity of a journalist as well as the insight of a story teller, to give his audience a read whose climax feels urgent, not to find out who does what, but to see how all the pieces finally lock in place. Readers who enjoy layered storytelling and cinematic tales should not miss this book!

[Bethany Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to read a lot of thrillers and crime novels, but what put me off was how unrealistic they were, especially when it came to the technological side of things. It's the same reason I drifted away from police dramas like NCIS or Criminal Minds. Sure you've managed to hack the suspect's computer and pin down his location within thirty seconds of learning his name. Suuurrreee.

Treacherous Hack, luckily, doesn't play into those stereotypes. The story here is a unique blend of mob crime and cybercrime, so not only do you have the detectives coming up against wall after wall of well-protected suspects and people who know how to eliminate evidence, but you can also factor in the invisible and likely unguessable object providing the motive. The story's finale (no spoilers!) is one that, while realistic and probably the best outcome anyone could've hoped for, leaves a bitter taste in the back of your throat, knowing that justice has not been doled out quite in equal doses.

I've read a few of Chapman's thrillers before (see my reviews for Dead Winner and The Other Murder), and one thing he does well is research. The pacing is excellent for a thriller, a little slower than some others, but in a way that allows this wonderful tension to build between the characters. One of his strengths is presenting the story from all angles; not only do we see Jason and Mike's investigation, but we get Rachel's reporting, Ryan's own investigation, and view the case from the perspective of the criminals as well, which gives the text this great dramatic irony. The one downside to the prose itself for me was its dry tone, a little more focused on the action rather than creating the surrounding environment like in his previous books.

I've mentioned the characters briefly, but I have to emphasise that they are the absolute highlight of this story. The tension between Jason and Rachel, deviating from their usual routines under professional scrutiny and having that internal conflict over prioritising their relationship or their job was masterfully done. I loved the chapters following Ryan and Will, particularly when Star was involved; Ryan's dishonesty and his own personal motivations felt like a refreshing twist on a classic trope, especially with Star and Mike so close to one another.

I have to admit though, I am as bad as the mobsters—I wanted to know what was on the dingus just as much as they did!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The story is told on several fronts, giving you a full and detailed picture as the investigation unfolds. This works well as it keeps the story entertaining and moving at a fast pace. Of course Mike and Jason as lead detectives are investigating the murders but Jason's wife is also looking for her big break and is reporting on the incident, you also have several parties from the collage students to Chinese hackers to New York mobsters looking for the device. This might sound confusing and complicated but it's not, instead you get a well written thriller with heart that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I liked the characters and with this being book 7 in the series the characters are well established and I like joining them on there investigations, even the home life drama keeps it entertaining. I liked the round up at the end of the book, which tells you what happened to the characters (that you had gotten to know so well) after everything was said and done, a nice way to finish. I can't wait for the next book.

When electronics store owner Lou Palazzo receives a memory stick from his nephew things turn deadly and he ends up dead but not before he is able to hide the programme and leave a clue. His nephew knows he is in trouble with his college but he has no idea the New York mob and a Chinese syndicate is tracking his every move as he tries to find what his uncle left for him. At the same time
Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are assigned the investigate into the murder and ran sacking of the shop. This proves problematic when Jason's wife is asked to cover the story and she needs a bit scoop. Can Mike and Jason figure out what is going on before the college boys find themselves in trouble they can't get out of.
I like that the author is also the narrator. He already knows the characters and this translates into him bringing the characters to life like no body else can. He also gives them very different voices.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Dragonfly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, sugar, Treacherous Hack had me squinting at my screen like, Now who in the world would do that? And why? It starts off cold as a freezer in January — snowy Manhattan, a man shot down in the street — and before you can even settle in, you’ve got two more bodies connected to a cybercrime mess that stretches all the way to Shanghai. Mercy.

Kevin G. Chapman doesn’t make you feel dumb about the tech side. Yes, there’s hacked data and a missing laptop, but it’s still a proper detective story at its core: questions, pressure, people lying through their teeth, and that nagging feeling that the truth is being tucked away on purpose. And NYU, Lord… they’re acting so tight-lipped you’d think the whole school was holding its breath.

Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are the kind of detectives I enjoy spending time with — capable, stubborn in the right way, and not written like they can magically fix everything with one clever speech. They work the case the hard way, and it shows. Then you’ve got Ryan, the panicking college kid, and I’ll tell you, my heart went out to him. He’s made a bad choice, and now he’s stuck between criminals, mob types, and the police — and that is not a place any young man wants to be unless he’s got a death wish.

This book keeps tightening the screws. Every time you think, Okay, we’re getting somewhere, somebody throws another secret on the pile, a witness plays games, or an “ally” starts acting funny. And the danger feels close, not distant — like it could spill over into any scene at any moment. By the end, it’s moving fast and hitting hard, and you can see that showdown coming like storm clouds over the city.

I finished it thinking: that was a mess of trouble from start to finish — and I loved every bit of it. Five stars.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin G. Chapman writes another chilling, can't put down Stoneman Thriller

In Treacherous Hack, the reader is once again, brought into the life of Mike Stoneman, who is a methodical investigator who relies on his experiences and sharp instincts to solve complex cases. He is accompanied by his partner loyal partner, Jason, and his beautiful wife, Michelle, the county coroner. Enter, Lou, who is involved in hacking and cybercrimes while trying to avoid the dangers from his past. From the cover, which is amazing, to the end, this book is unputdownable. It's a five plus masterpiece with intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, that are not just about Lou's cybercrimes, but organized crime, and personal drama, which brings in the layers and plot developments that Chapman is so good at bringing to life. This isn't just a thriller, but it brings in the tests of loyalty and secrets, and what some will go through to protect someone they love, or the lengths others will do to break that bond, or worse. Treacherous Hack is part of the Mike Stoneman Thriller series, and this is volume seven. I am a big fan of Kevin G. Chapman and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. A reader can get lost in the story. What an unforgettable read, and not only am I a fan of the author, but Stoneman, and his integrity that is never lost. Treacherous Hack is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treacherous Hack is the seventh book in the Mike Stoneman series about a middle-aged homicide detective in New York City and his younger partner. While these are definitely crime fiction stories, they vary from book to book in terms of focus - while the previous ones have been murder mysteries, this one is more of a gangster story where the murder is merely the introduction. You don’t need to read these in order, this works perfectly well as a standalone, although the evolving character relationships are part of the fun of the series.

On a freezing winter night, a pawnbroker is found dead outside his shop, and the police soon discover two further bodies inside - Chinese nationals known to be part of an organised crime group. The killer was clearly searching for something - but did they find it, and how do the killings connect to a data breach at a prestigious university? Jason’s news reporter wife Rachel is thrilled to be given the murder as her first assignment, but soon discovers that using insider info from him will get her into trouble at home.

I first read an early draft of this as one of the author’s beta-reading time. Being a cyber-ignoramus, I struggled with all the talk of computer games, hacking and cybercrime. I enjoyed the final version a lot more, particularly seeing some of my suggestions being implemented. The drama here is in the character interactions and the suspense in whether and how they can locate the missing file before the nefarious gangsters. I still got frustrated with some of them - Rachel in particular behaves appallingly, I felt quite sorry for Jason, but it made for an interesting dilemma. There are some unlikely coincidences in terms of connections between the characters with links to the case, but this probably won’t bother most readers. A well plotted & paced thriller for both existing fans of the series and newcomers.
Thanks to Kevin for the ARC. Treacherous Hack is available now.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read several of the books in the Mike Stoneman Thriller series of which this is the latest, and I’ve liked all of them I’ve read. Of course while they have the same main characters, Mike Stoneman and his partner Jason Dickson, they have unique aspects in each. In this one we not only get the story of Mike and Jason trying to figure out the murder of pawn shop owner Lou Palazzo, but another story thread with Lou’s nephew, Ryan trying to find some data that he shouldn’t have had, but passed on to his Uncle Lou. We’ve also got some interesting characters involved that … I’m not sure the word incestuous is the best word to describe things, but it’s got to be close with people with ties to the main characters complicating things for all concerned. Even though the reader knows a lot of things that the characters don’t know, this kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing all the way. An interesting and different story.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Nathan Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treacherous Hack reads like the kind of case file that starts with a simple street murder and keeps widening until the whole city feels exposed. Chapman wastes no time getting Stoneman and Dickson on the scene, and the investigation has that grounded, procedural bite I like: interviews that don’t go smoothly, evidence that points in two directions at once, and the constant sense that someone else is already a step ahead.

What makes this one work is how the tech angle stays human. The cybercrime element isn’t treated like magic. It’s a pressure multiplier—data becomes motive, leverage, and a weapon—while the real engine is fear, greed, and the mess people make when they think they can outsmart consequences. The Ryan Gelb thread adds urgency without turning the book into a different genre, and it raises the stakes in a way that feels earned rather than forced.

A crime thriller that mixes street-level police work with modern digital danger.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The center of this story was a murder that was looked at from different angles. There were the cops trying to solve the murder and the TV reporter trying to cover the story. There were also the victim’s loved ones trying to find what he was killed for, and of course there were also the bad guys. The sharing (or more often not sharing) of information was a recurrent issue. This was seen with husband/wife, cop/reporter, suspect/authority, between the 2 teams of villains, etc.
I liked how there were different elements to the story, and how they interconnected. But I wasn’t too invested in it. I found it a little repetitive and I was skimming at times without apparently missing anything of value.
This is my honest review, and I am posting it voluntarily. Thanks to the author & publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.

[Kristy Kloster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treacherous Hack hit the sweet spot for me: sharp, modern, and relentlessly readable. The cyber angle isn’t just window dressing here—it actually drives the danger, the motives, and the choices people make when they think a screen can hide them. And I appreciated that the book doesn’t ask you to be a tech expert to feel the threat. It’s clear, current, and genuinely unsettling because it feels plausible.

I also liked how the detectives aren’t written as superhero geniuses. They’re capable, persistent, occasionally irritated, and they make progress in a way that feels earned. By the time the bodies start stacking up, the story has already built enough momentum that you’re fully committed.

If you want a thriller that blends street crime with digital danger and never loses its grip, this one delivers.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed this book as much as the others in the series. My attention was riveted by the story as NYPD homicide detectives, Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson, worked to unravel the mystery behind the murder of Lou Palazzo. I liked the interactions between the detectives and their families as that added to the realism of the characters. I felt for Ryan and his friends as they were drawn into the murder mystery surrounding Ryan's uncle's death. I was entertained by all the twists. I thought Kevin G. Chapman's narration was great as his performance added emotional depth to his characters. I was given an advanced listener's copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Kay Hagan-Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting chapter of the Mike Stoneman series. Mike and his partner have a murder to solve while Jason’s wife is reporting on it as a TV reporter. Trying to keep up a wall becomes difficult for Jason. He wants to help his wife but doesn’t want to lose his job. The characters are entangled in Mike’s life, too.
Two college students get caught up in a dangerous game when Ryan’s uncle is murdered and he thinks it has something to do with a locked file Ryan asked him to try to open. Lots of excitement, danger, and family drama.
Can be read as a stand alone but read the first 6 books, too!!! You won’t be sorry.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treacherous Hack is extremely well written. The plot is tight and fast paced. With engaging characters both those to like and dislike.

We are given so many scenarios along the way that make us question motives and characters and wonder if we actually know what's going on.

Kevin G. Chapman definitely shows his imagination and wit. He was able to bring such a thrilling world to life with his words.

Get ready for suspenseful situations, and drama throughout, this was just such a well balanced book that had so much to offer.

[Carola Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will read this one faster without even noticing. It starts with a crime that feels straightforward, then, it keeps widening the circle until you realize you’re in the middle of something much bigger—cybercrime, organized crime, and the kind of secrets that get people killed quickly. I really liked Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson as a duo: they feel human, and the investigation has that step-by-step momentum where every new answer creates a new question.

[Donna Shuell]

Treacherous Hack gets you from the first chapter. It is an exciting police thriller that keeps guessing from the very beginning.

If you are familiar with the Mike Stoneman/Jason Dickson books you will not be disappointed in this book. The characters are multi-faceted and remind me of a male version of Cagney and Lacey.

I also enjoy the setting of these books since I live in the metro area of NYC. I enjoy Kevin Chapman’s references to the many aspects of life in Manhattan.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does many things well, but suspense is definitely his forte.’ He is able to create palpable tension and anxiety in his characters and transfer that to the reader.
As the author teases out the threads of the story, our main characters comes alive in the readers mind into a detective story worth spending the time on.
This is a satisfying read that will you on edge to the nail-biting conclusion.

[Marianne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treacherous Hack has that crisp, wintry New York energy where everything feels sharper—streets, motives, consequences. The opening crime looks straightforward at first, but it quickly becomes clear this isn’t just about one bad night or one angry person. It’s about information, the way it moves, and the way people panic when they realize what they’ve put into the world.

[Olivia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast procedural with teeth. The cybercrime angle feels modern without turning into tech babble, and the pressure never stops. Stoneman and Dickson are the kind of detectives you trust because they don’t posture — they work. I finished it in two sittings and immediately wanted the next case.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of crime thrillers will love this. It's heavy on the detective, police aspect of solving crime so perfect for fans of that.
Like we are seeing in the world today, there is a focus on cyber crime and organized crime to give a mix of secrets and mysteries to uncover.
It's a gripping thriller that will have you second guessing yourself and the characters along the way.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin G. Chapman writes likable characters with layers and depth, and perhaps most importantly, with secrets.

A character-driven novel, the events and background of the story lead the reader along with these characters on their journey.

It's a mystery that will have you solving right along with them. This one took me on a captivating journey full of twists and turns.

[Mike Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this well plotted police procedural. The characters, both major and minor, are all well drawn and authentic. The premise of Chinese hacking efforts on academic institutions is believable. Recommended for readers who like mysteries or thrillers.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Mike Stoneman thriller from author Kevin G. Chapman! This was a fun read for me. Click to read my full review and author interview with Kevin Chapman about Treacherous Hack here: https://thereadingwife.com/treacherou...

[Harper Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started: “I’ll sample a chapter.”

Two hours later: “Where did my night go?”

Snowy Manhattan + a missing laptop + bodies dropping = instant problem.

Also: Ryan’s panic felt painfully believable.

[Anna Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold NYC, hot stakes. Murder, missing laptop, and everybody lies. I tore through it.

[Eileen Kerster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait until the next one. Live your books

[Carrie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 of the Mike Stoneman investigations. I have read quite a few of Kevin's books in this series, and I love the mystery of them, and all of the twists and turns they provide. This book wasn't any different with Mike and his partner Jason trying to solve the mystery of who killed Lou, a pawn shop owner, who was apparently involved in a cybercrime. The book was very suspenseful, right from the beginning with Lou's murder right from the start. This book kept me entertained, and I had a hard time putting it down. I felt as if I was trying to solve this crime myself as I was reading it. It is a great series, you should get the book and see for yourself. I promise you'll like it so much you will not be able to put your book or tablet down.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treacherous Hack follows two NYPD detectives investigating a murder in lower Manhattan. At the same time, one of the wives of the detectives is trying to cut her teeth in the news industry by reporting on the very story that her husband is investigating. Meanwhile, two NYU students, one being the nephew of the murdered man, find themselves being watched by the mob who feel that they know the location of a valuable data file that the murdered man was hiding.

Treacherous Hack has all of the elements of a classic detective novel with the added bonus of likeable, well-rounded characters, clever character connections, and plenty of action and suspense that make it a page-turning read. The reader doesn’t have to have read any of its predecessors in order to follow along with the plot or characters’ backstories and can instead enjoy as an intriguing and well-written stand alone entry in this series.

You can read my full review and interview with the author here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/treac...