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Rowe-Delamagente #1
To Hunt a Sub
The USS Hampton SSN 767 quietly floated unseen one hundred fifty-two feet below the ocean’s surface. Its task for the past six months has been reconnaissance and surveillance. The biggest danger the crew faced was running out of olives for their pizza. That all changed one morning, four days before the end of the Hampton’s tour. Halfway through the Captain’s first morning coffee, every system on the submarine shut down. No navigation, no communication, and no defensive measures. Within minutes, the sub began a terrifying descent through the murky greys and blacks of the deep Atlantic and settled to the ocean floor off the coast of Cuba and perilously close to the sub’s crush depth. When it missed its mandated contact, an emergency call went out to retired Navy intel officer, Zeke Rowe, top of his field before a botched mission left him physically crippled and psychologically shaken. Rowe quickly determined that the sub was the victim of a cybervirus secreted inside the sub’s top secret operating systems. What Rowe couldn’t figure out was who did it or how to stop it sinking every other submarine in the American fleet. Kali Delamagente is a struggling over-the-hill grad student who entered a DARPA cybersecurity competition as a desperate last hope to fund a sophisticated artificial intelligence she called Otto. Though her presentation imploded, she caught the attention of two a terrorist intent on destroying America and a rapt Dr. Zeke Rowe. An anonymous blank check to finish her research is quickly followed by multiple break-ins to her lab, a hack of her computer, the disappearance of her three-legged dog, and finally the kidnapping of her only son. By all measures, Rowe and Delamagente are an unlikely duo. Rowe believes in brawn and Delamagente brains. To save the America they both love, they find a middle ground, guided with the wisdom of a formidable female who died two million years ago. About the J Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.
- GenresFiction
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2016
121 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 8, 2016
Islamic terrorists have managed to shut down an American submarine’s computer system while Kalian Delamagente (a PHd student at Columbia University) and the protagonist of this well researched novel, has invented a robot which is able to detect subs thus leading multiple attempts by the terrorists to get their hands on Delamagente’s research.
This political thriller plays on both robotics and paleontology – an interesting and unique mixture. Aside from the plot, I was impressed by the number of characters in the novel and how the author was able to characterize all of them. I was also impressed by the descriptions offered in the book: She absorbed the cacophony of African life – the trill of insects, the distant hoots and hollers, and the rustle of wind. It was hard to accept that this overpowering beauty hid such danger.
Although the terrorists’ attempts to steal America’s most potent nuclear weapon is at the heart of this novel there are cultural gems interwoven throughout. For example, through one of the characters, Laslo Hamar from Iran – we learn about the Islamic toiletry etiquette before prayer.
It has been a long time since I read a novel of such complexity (submarines, computer hacking, kidnapping). Although I did not find it an easy read – perhaps because of the author’s skilled technical knowledge incorporated in the novel – it was a stimulating and informative read.
This political thriller plays on both robotics and paleontology – an interesting and unique mixture. Aside from the plot, I was impressed by the number of characters in the novel and how the author was able to characterize all of them. I was also impressed by the descriptions offered in the book: She absorbed the cacophony of African life – the trill of insects, the distant hoots and hollers, and the rustle of wind. It was hard to accept that this overpowering beauty hid such danger.
Although the terrorists’ attempts to steal America’s most potent nuclear weapon is at the heart of this novel there are cultural gems interwoven throughout. For example, through one of the characters, Laslo Hamar from Iran – we learn about the Islamic toiletry etiquette before prayer.
It has been a long time since I read a novel of such complexity (submarines, computer hacking, kidnapping). Although I did not find it an easy read – perhaps because of the author’s skilled technical knowledge incorporated in the novel – it was a stimulating and informative read.
August 19, 2016
A fusion of technology, academics, and archaeology make “To Hunt a Sub” a thrilling ride. The stakes are high as a PhD student and an ex-Seal risk all to stop terrorists from stealing American submarines carrying nuclear weapons. The writing is clipped and crisp, fitting well with the genre—there’s little fluff. The author’s expertise in technology shines through. A quick read I finished in just a few days. Solid debut novel.
July 1, 2019
Wow! This book delivers a complex mix of academia, covert ops, terrorist plots, and artificial intelligence. Once started, I couldn’t stop reading. Murray populates her espionage tale with a roster of characters that include an ex-Navy SEAL--now college professor--two brilliant grad students, an eccentric mathematician, and a Middle Eastern terrorist with deep pockets to name just a few of the highly diverse cast.
Kali Delamagente has invented an AI to track the evolution of prehistoric man. But “Otto” is capable of much more. In the wrong hands, Kali’s cutting-edge technology can decimate U.S. submarines. She attracts the attention of a mysterious unseen donor who funds her research, as well the FBI. Enter Dr. Zeke Rowe, ex-SEAL and Navy Intel officer who pursued a career in academia after a failed mission left him with permanent injuries.
Working together, Delamagente and Rowe struggle to remain one step ahead of a terrorist network that has infiltrated most every aspect of Kali’s life. Friends and colleagues are not always who they seem. As the stakes grow higher, Kali’s lab is broken into, her dog vanishes, a new friend is abducted, and her son is kidnapped. The book rockets to an explosive end, but the journey there is alternately a slow burn and a roller coaster of twists and turns.
The research that obviously went into the book—from the origins of prehistoric man, to the workings of submarines, intelligence agencies, and military protocol—is mind-boggling. I’ve already purchased book two of the Delamagente/Rowe espionage thrillers and look forward to three when it is released. 5 Whopping big stars!
Kali Delamagente has invented an AI to track the evolution of prehistoric man. But “Otto” is capable of much more. In the wrong hands, Kali’s cutting-edge technology can decimate U.S. submarines. She attracts the attention of a mysterious unseen donor who funds her research, as well the FBI. Enter Dr. Zeke Rowe, ex-SEAL and Navy Intel officer who pursued a career in academia after a failed mission left him with permanent injuries.
Working together, Delamagente and Rowe struggle to remain one step ahead of a terrorist network that has infiltrated most every aspect of Kali’s life. Friends and colleagues are not always who they seem. As the stakes grow higher, Kali’s lab is broken into, her dog vanishes, a new friend is abducted, and her son is kidnapped. The book rockets to an explosive end, but the journey there is alternately a slow burn and a roller coaster of twists and turns.
The research that obviously went into the book—from the origins of prehistoric man, to the workings of submarines, intelligence agencies, and military protocol—is mind-boggling. I’ve already purchased book two of the Delamagente/Rowe espionage thrillers and look forward to three when it is released. 5 Whopping big stars!
June 28, 2022
When a cyber-virus is infiltrated into the US Navy’s Trident submarines, it’s up to an elite team to track down who’s behind the attack and save a captured sub resting under the sea near Cuba with its crew and nuclear armament.
Retired Navy officer Zeke Rowe thinks he knows what happened, but not how. For that, he calls in university alumni Kali Delemagente, a scientist desperate to fund her AI system called Otto. But Rowe isn’t the only one with knowledge of Kali’s program and soon she’s in danger from a quarry who will stop at nothing to get her research and destroy the country.
The research that went into this terrifying espionage tale makes it scary because it’s so realistic! The Middle Eastern aspect at the start leads the reader into the world of political corruption and terrorism on a national scale.
As a bonus, there’s an archeology subplot that introduces us to a future character in the author’s captivating prehistoric man series- a page-turning novel!
Retired Navy officer Zeke Rowe thinks he knows what happened, but not how. For that, he calls in university alumni Kali Delemagente, a scientist desperate to fund her AI system called Otto. But Rowe isn’t the only one with knowledge of Kali’s program and soon she’s in danger from a quarry who will stop at nothing to get her research and destroy the country.
The research that went into this terrifying espionage tale makes it scary because it’s so realistic! The Middle Eastern aspect at the start leads the reader into the world of political corruption and terrorism on a national scale.
As a bonus, there’s an archeology subplot that introduces us to a future character in the author’s captivating prehistoric man series- a page-turning novel!
August 18, 2016
J Murray’s long anticipated thriller, To Hunt a Sub, is a satisfying read from a fresh voice in the genre, and well worth the wait. The time devoted to research paid off, providing a much appreciated authenticity to the sciency aspects of the plot. The author also departs from the formulistic pacing and heroics of contemporary commercialized thrillers. Instead, the moderately paced narrative is a seduction, rather than a sledgehammer. The author takes time rendering relatable characters with imaginatively cool names like Zeke Rowe, and Kalian Delamagente. The scenes are vividly depicted, and the plot not only contains exquisitely treacherous twists and turns, but incorporates the fascinating study of early hominids, and one ancestral female in particular who becomes an essential character. The narrative might have benefited from language with a crispier, sharper edge, but that is purely my personal taste and preference, and takes nothing away from the over-all satisfaction of this novel.
August 20, 2016
A thriller with a pace that entices, rather than pushes, you forward. This book which has long been in the works finally seems to make the wait worthwhile. In creating a scenario which is quite technical, the author's knowledge and research into the subject guides the reader through the plot quite effortlessly. Though a writer of long standing, this first fiction novel of Jacqui Murray leaves one wondering and waiting for what else is still to come from her pen. A study of prehistoric hominids adds another element of intrigue to the plot.
September 19, 2016
Beautifully written and impeccably researched, I was drawn into the story and read it every free moment I had.
May 25, 2017
To Hunt a Sub gets off to a great start with the disabling of a nuclear submarine. The vessel is lost to the authorities who control its movements and the consequences for the crew are dire. Being able to locate and control the American fleet of subs would be a devastating terrorist weapon and this is what one group are attempting.
It’s been a while since I have read a book in this genre but I have read enough to know the format and was expecting a lone deniable agent out there tracking down the terrorists or a team from special ops. However To Hunt a Sub takes a different and surprising slant on this scenario into the world of academia.
Kali Delemagente (you do have to get your tongue around some unusual names in this book) is a research student who has developed an amazing programme to track the progress of early man out of Africa. I won’t pretend to understand all the tech science behind this story but it felt well researched and feasible, if not actually possible. When the true power of her research becomes evident to those who would use it for nefarious purposes Kali and her loved ones are suddenly in danger.
There are plenty of good supporting characters, good and bad and as the action hots up each must decide who to trust
This is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller, a great adventure and, a bonus for me, the first in a series.( I often seem to come into them half way through)
The next book in the series, 24 Hours, has just been published and I am looking forward to reading more about Kali and the adorable Zeke Rowe.
It’s been a while since I have read a book in this genre but I have read enough to know the format and was expecting a lone deniable agent out there tracking down the terrorists or a team from special ops. However To Hunt a Sub takes a different and surprising slant on this scenario into the world of academia.
Kali Delemagente (you do have to get your tongue around some unusual names in this book) is a research student who has developed an amazing programme to track the progress of early man out of Africa. I won’t pretend to understand all the tech science behind this story but it felt well researched and feasible, if not actually possible. When the true power of her research becomes evident to those who would use it for nefarious purposes Kali and her loved ones are suddenly in danger.
There are plenty of good supporting characters, good and bad and as the action hots up each must decide who to trust
This is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller, a great adventure and, a bonus for me, the first in a series.( I often seem to come into them half way through)
The next book in the series, 24 Hours, has just been published and I am looking forward to reading more about Kali and the adorable Zeke Rowe.
December 14, 2017
A fast-paced thriller steeped in intrigue and palaeoanthropology.
To hunt a sub by J. Murray mixes military intrigue, the world of academia and a burgeoning romance between an ex-SEAL come professor and an upcoming academic who developed an AI to track the evolution of humans. Oh, and there is a terrorist plot as well.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. From the cover of the book one would expect it would be solely based on the navy, but on reading the blurb, there was much more to this story. For me, I particularly enjoyed the scenes where the AI—Otto, a software program that was developed to locate and identify the evolution and migration of humans from Africa—I found interesting and captivating. The author has clearly done a lot of research into palaeoanthropology, which is evident in the story, as well as into the machinery and workings of US Defence.
The main plot was about a jihadi terrorist intent on destroying US submarines and in turn, the US Defence force. The intertwining sub-plots helped move the story at a brisk pace, there was always something happening, and I learnt a lot about submarines!
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am about to start book 2 of the Rowe and Delamagente series. Readers who have taste for intrigue and military style stories, will be sweetly surprised by this book.
To hunt a sub by J. Murray mixes military intrigue, the world of academia and a burgeoning romance between an ex-SEAL come professor and an upcoming academic who developed an AI to track the evolution of humans. Oh, and there is a terrorist plot as well.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. From the cover of the book one would expect it would be solely based on the navy, but on reading the blurb, there was much more to this story. For me, I particularly enjoyed the scenes where the AI—Otto, a software program that was developed to locate and identify the evolution and migration of humans from Africa—I found interesting and captivating. The author has clearly done a lot of research into palaeoanthropology, which is evident in the story, as well as into the machinery and workings of US Defence.
The main plot was about a jihadi terrorist intent on destroying US submarines and in turn, the US Defence force. The intertwining sub-plots helped move the story at a brisk pace, there was always something happening, and I learnt a lot about submarines!
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am about to start book 2 of the Rowe and Delamagente series. Readers who have taste for intrigue and military style stories, will be sweetly surprised by this book.
February 20, 2023
Kali Delamagente, an archeologist, invented an AI who can track the evolution of prehistoric man. But wait… the early man characters turn out to be the characters from the author’s previous Dawn of Humanity series depicting ancient man! What a brilliant concept. I was thrilled to see characters I’d grown to love in Murray’s previous series appear in a new series.
The AI is extraordinary! It turns out “Otto” has a predictive/analytical process that has the power to locate the positions of America’s nuclear submarine fleet. In the wrong hands, Kali’s ingenious technology could annihilate U.S. subs. Meanwhile, she draws the attention of an unseen donor who agrees to fund her research.
Of course, all of this technology interests the FBI. Enter Dr. Zeke Rowe, ex-SEAL and Navy Intel officer, who is also an archaeologist.
When Kali and Zeke join forces, the sparks fly! This rich set of characters drew me into the story. There were enough twists and turns to keep me reading long into the night!
Having served in the military, I found the entire subject of an AI with this much power a scary concept. I admit I had a few nightmares while reading this novel… but I couldn’t put it down!
This was an excellent read! As soon as I finished book one, I was on to the second book in the series!
The AI is extraordinary! It turns out “Otto” has a predictive/analytical process that has the power to locate the positions of America’s nuclear submarine fleet. In the wrong hands, Kali’s ingenious technology could annihilate U.S. subs. Meanwhile, she draws the attention of an unseen donor who agrees to fund her research.
Of course, all of this technology interests the FBI. Enter Dr. Zeke Rowe, ex-SEAL and Navy Intel officer, who is also an archaeologist.
When Kali and Zeke join forces, the sparks fly! This rich set of characters drew me into the story. There were enough twists and turns to keep me reading long into the night!
Having served in the military, I found the entire subject of an AI with this much power a scary concept. I admit I had a few nightmares while reading this novel… but I couldn’t put it down!
This was an excellent read! As soon as I finished book one, I was on to the second book in the series!
September 19, 2022
“To Hunt a Sub” is not only a thriller about preventing a terrorist from attacking America but a well-researched story with fascinating characters. Kali is trying to get her research project, Otto, funded when she catches the attention of ex-Navy Seal, Zeke, and a cruel terrorist. Her friends, son, and dog aren’t safe in this crucial battle. Otto not only traces the path and journey of prehistoric woman Lucy but can also find top secret submarines or why Kali has so much interest. I love it when Kali and Zeke join forces, each offering their strengths to the fight. The attention to detail made this scenario seem possible and real to me. The terrorist cruelty was chilling, while the love of a mother was a driving force. Many unexpected twists and surprises were mixed in, as who could be trusted came to light. This story had a unique way of blending our past with a current situation that would affect the future. Not a fast read, but one well worth the time spent reading. I can easily recommend this book.
June 26, 2017
I read To Hunt A Sub after its sequel Twenty Four Days. However, this did not spoil my enjoyment of either book.
To Hunt A sub introduces Zeke Rowe, a retired navy SEAL, who becomes part of a team tasked with uncovering a terrorist plot to introduce a cybervirus into American Trident submarines.
Kali Delamagente is developing an AI called Otto and becomes embroiled in the plot, when the full potential of Otto is realised by both the terrorists and the intelligence community. Kali learns who to trust when her only son is kidnapped.
To Hunt A Sub is a well crafted and researched thriller, with great characters and a superb plot. I read it in two sittings, and I look forward to reading the follow up to Twenty Four Days.
To Hunt A sub introduces Zeke Rowe, a retired navy SEAL, who becomes part of a team tasked with uncovering a terrorist plot to introduce a cybervirus into American Trident submarines.
Kali Delamagente is developing an AI called Otto and becomes embroiled in the plot, when the full potential of Otto is realised by both the terrorists and the intelligence community. Kali learns who to trust when her only son is kidnapped.
To Hunt A Sub is a well crafted and researched thriller, with great characters and a superb plot. I read it in two sittings, and I look forward to reading the follow up to Twenty Four Days.
June 19, 2018
Military Intrigues, AI action, and romance. An Enjoyable Read!
Fast pace read. Engaging characters. It has military intrigue with terrorist wanting to destroy submarines and a romance between ex-seal and a professor who has developed artful, intelligence that can track the evolution of humans. The enjoyed the interaction and bits with the AI overall it kept me reading.
Fast pace read. Engaging characters. It has military intrigue with terrorist wanting to destroy submarines and a romance between ex-seal and a professor who has developed artful, intelligence that can track the evolution of humans. The enjoyed the interaction and bits with the AI overall it kept me reading.
March 1, 2017
A Fascinating Debut Novel
Jacqui Murray has crafted a gripping read with this technothriller. At first, I thought it might be too specialized in the technical sense to hold my interest, but as I continued reading I was drawn in by the characters and the fast pace. The author's knowledge and writing ability made it a compelling story, and I look forward to reading more about its central characters in Book Two.
Jacqui Murray has crafted a gripping read with this technothriller. At first, I thought it might be too specialized in the technical sense to hold my interest, but as I continued reading I was drawn in by the characters and the fast pace. The author's knowledge and writing ability made it a compelling story, and I look forward to reading more about its central characters in Book Two.
February 23, 2017
Very interesting
The various technologies that were described were a bit beyond my mid eighty year old comprehension. I did enjoy reading and then researching about it. As a Navy veteran and being around submarines was also a plus.
The various technologies that were described were a bit beyond my mid eighty year old comprehension. I did enjoy reading and then researching about it. As a Navy veteran and being around submarines was also a plus.
September 10, 2016
From the first word of To Hunt a Sub, I knew that the author was someone who was a truly intelligent woman. The research and technical details she included in this book had me in complete awe. A cybervirus is crippling submarines--and as subs sunk to the bottom of the ocean, I found myself having a hard time breathing. It's up to Zeke and Kali to save the entire country using their brains. If you love thrillers, this is definitely one you can't miss!
September 5, 2016
This is a complex layered story that successfully blends well researched archaeology and cutting edge technology, with a high stakes terrorist plot to steal nuclear submarines. It’s got characters to root for, and villains to loathe. The whole thing moves a decent pace, and it’s entertaining.
January 2, 2017
Not very good
Not a very good store I hope the other books are of a better quality I will try another one soon
Not a very good store I hope the other books are of a better quality I will try another one soon
April 30, 2017
Can't get out of reviewing this book!!!
It was a good book. Can't get out of this review!!! Now need five more words...
It's a cliff hanger.
It was a good book. Can't get out of this review!!! Now need five more words...
It's a cliff hanger.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews