Counterfeit Conspiracy

Strike a Match #2

by Frank Tayell

As nations rebuild, democracy is under threat. In 2019, the AIs went to war. Millions died before a nuclear holocaust brought an end to their brief reign of terror. Billions more succumbed to radiation poisoning, disease, and the chaotic violence of that apocalypse. Some survived. They rebuilt. Twenty years later, civilisation is a dim shadow of its former self. Crime is on the rise. During the investigation of a routine homicide, Police Officer Ruth Deering prevents a group of Luddites from destroying the telegraph. This act of sabotage is only the beginning. As arrests are made and criminals are caught, evidence emerges that the saboteurs are connected to the AIs, the counterfeiting, and to the assassination. The shadowy figure behind the conspiracy must be unmasked before their fragile democracy is destroyed. (86,000 words) Though this concludes the investigation begun in Serious Crimes, the story will continue in Book 3, out soon.

Genres: Science Fiction

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2016

About the author

Author of post-apocalyptic and near-future science fiction, with a focus on democracies struggling against dystopia.

For more information, or to join the mailing list, please visit; www.FrankTayell.com, facebook.com/FrankTayell, or facebook.com/TheEvacuation

Reviews

[Gary Letham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second and hopefully not the last of the "Strike a Match" series carries directly on from Serious Crimes. Cadet Deering and Sergeant Mitchell, carry on the investigation started in book one. Frank Tayell again tells a compelling story in a non pretentious manner. The history of Isaac, Maggie, Ruth, Mitchell and Riley are visited and a common history emerges, possibly linked to The Blackout. A plot that again twists, turns and surprises and great with your coffee on the bus in the morning

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Stuff!

I, for one, welcome the "Post-Apocalyptic Detective" genre! The story is fast paced, the characters are dynamic and the Apocalypse is treated more as a setting than the story itself.

[Daniel Jobling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different

What I really like about these books is the originality to it not sure how to explain that more without spoilers. The story has a bit of everything to it which is why it works looking forward to book 3.

[Adam Windsor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid sequel / conclusion to the story begun in "Serious Crimes". It's stronger on world-building than plot and characters, perhaps, but it works pretty well overall. The central protagonist gets enough definition to be likable, at least. As for the conspiracy she must face, it is certainly ambitious enough as criminal enterprises go, if perhaps a little over-elaborate in its machinations.

Mostly though, my favourite part of these two books has been the well thought-out vision of a post-apocalyptic Britain that's quite out of the ordinary for this sort of thing. The society it depicts - a democratic one with mostly early 20th century tech - is a refreshingly different and well constructed one.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book set the stage well, but I think I enjoyed this one more. The characters have really come to life for me, and I love the idea that some geeky steam train restorers were key to Britain (I'd call it the U.K., but I'm not sure it will still be that in 6 months, never mind when this book is set!) being one of the key differentiators between rebuilding post event or devolving further.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a disappointment after a strong open to the trilogy. I found myself losing interest halfway through and struggled to get it back by the end. Meanders a fair bit and contains a lot of coincidences I'm quickly realising may be the author's signature move.
Might pick up the finale if it appears at a cheap enough price but not enthused to at present.

[charles funcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Both books in this series were were great. After the first book I was hooked . Frank Taylor is a good writer and I really Enjoy his style. I recommend this book to all.

[Karen Waller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a new favorite author. I've really enjoyed following a dystopian that walk-through things such as currency and law enforcement being reinstated and the challenges involved.

[Andrew Ward]

Another great read from Frank Tayell.

A worthy sequel to Serious Crimes continuing the investigations of Mitchell, Ruth et al.

Hopefully we will be getting a few more in the series