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Black Hat Thriller #3
Betrayed
Computer hacker Tina Adler discovers that her true enemy could be someone terrifyingly close to home in this cunningly-plotted tale of identity and suspense.
Framed for ordering a hit on mobster Tony DeMarco, Tina Adler is forced to re-enter the shadowy world of computer hacking she thought she’d left behind. In order to clear her name, she reluctantly joins an FBI team led by her old flame, Zeke Chapman, tasked with scouring the deep web to unearth DeMarco’s darkest secrets.
The trail will lead Tina to the person who framed her – but it may also reveal other secrets, secrets she would rather not know. DeMarco may, in fact, be the least of Tina’s worries. Could her true enemy be someone much closer to home?
Framed for ordering a hit on mobster Tony DeMarco, Tina Adler is forced to re-enter the shadowy world of computer hacking she thought she’d left behind. In order to clear her name, she reluctantly joins an FBI team led by her old flame, Zeke Chapman, tasked with scouring the deep web to unearth DeMarco’s darkest secrets.
The trail will lead Tina to the person who framed her – but it may also reveal other secrets, secrets she would rather not know. DeMarco may, in fact, be the least of Tina’s worries. Could her true enemy be someone much closer to home?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2017
10 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Karen E. Olson
18 books287 followersI am the author of the Black Hat Thrillers and the Annie Seymour and Tattoo Shop mystery series. My new book AN INCONVENIENT WIFE, a Modern Tudor Mystery, is a modern retelling of Henry VIII and his wives as a crime novel. The sequel, A DEFIANT WOMAN, will be published in March 2026.
My first book, SACRED COWS, won the Sara Ann Freed Award for best first mystery and my fourth book, SHOT GIRL, was shortlisted for a Shamus Award.
My first book, SACRED COWS, won the Sara Ann Freed Award for best first mystery and my fourth book, SHOT GIRL, was shortlisted for a Shamus Award.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 10, 2017
Nicole Jones aka Tina Adler aka Susan McQueen aka Helene LeBlanc is back. FBI agents are waiting for her at the Cape Cod bike shop where’s she’s been working for the past few months, going by the name Helen White and living off of the grid. She’s asked about a laptop that contains incriminating data about a hit on mobster Tony DeMarco. She’s released but isn’t surprised to find FBI agent Zeke Chapman waiting for her at the house she’s sitting for the summer. She and Zeke have a long history — he knows who she really is and why she’s been on the run all these years. He offers her a way to clean the slate once and for all.
While I normally enjoy this series, this installment drove me nuts. I’m jumping right to the parts that really bugged me. Spoilers follow.
Zeke expects Tina to run, so he plants a GPS in the laptop — which she easily finds and removes. They are both expert hackers well aware of each other’s talents and tendencies — Zeke didn’t think he needed to plant more than one and Tina didn’t think to look for more than one??? And she disconnected the GPS he installed on page 59. She finds the second GPS tracker on page 94 and disables it before leaving the motel. So, how does Zeke find her on page 96? She leaves the motel in a rush, unsure of her destination, and ends up at a Starbucks — where Zeke is already conveniently hiding in the shadows. What???
Zeke also conveniently ends up near the country club later. This isn’t as much of a stretch — Tina expects him to be there and goes looking for him. She doesn’t find him at the club but she sees Tony DeMarco’s henchmen — and they see her. Tina makes a run for it, sprinting for almost four blocks before she looks over her shoulder and tumbles to the sidewalk — and the hand reaching down to pull her up is conveniently Zeke’s. Seriously??? She just happened to stumble within his reach?
And the bad guys — the hackers framing Tina and Zeke. Complaint One: If Amelie is the expert hacker this book makes her out to be, why did she and Ian ever need Tina for the bank job all those years ago? Complaint Two: How does everyone know that Tina and Ian had sex when he found her on Block Island? What did the guy do, post it as a status update on FB? Complaint Three: Was the sloppy code part of Daniel’s cover or just a convenient plot detail to clue Tina in that there were two hackers? Complaint Four: I’m not a techie person, so I never went into this series expecting that I’d understand any hacking details BUT Amelie appears to be some sort of super villain — the hacking described here almost seems like ESP is involved.
Those are my major gripes. Despite them, I enjoy the series, and will probably re-read it from the beginning someday before the next book comes out. And given the cliffhanger ending, I’m sure there will be a next book.
While I normally enjoy this series, this installment drove me nuts. I’m jumping right to the parts that really bugged me. Spoilers follow.
Zeke expects Tina to run, so he plants a GPS in the laptop — which she easily finds and removes. They are both expert hackers well aware of each other’s talents and tendencies — Zeke didn’t think he needed to plant more than one and Tina didn’t think to look for more than one??? And she disconnected the GPS he installed on page 59. She finds the second GPS tracker on page 94 and disables it before leaving the motel. So, how does Zeke find her on page 96? She leaves the motel in a rush, unsure of her destination, and ends up at a Starbucks — where Zeke is already conveniently hiding in the shadows. What???
Zeke also conveniently ends up near the country club later. This isn’t as much of a stretch — Tina expects him to be there and goes looking for him. She doesn’t find him at the club but she sees Tony DeMarco’s henchmen — and they see her. Tina makes a run for it, sprinting for almost four blocks before she looks over her shoulder and tumbles to the sidewalk — and the hand reaching down to pull her up is conveniently Zeke’s. Seriously??? She just happened to stumble within his reach?
And the bad guys — the hackers framing Tina and Zeke. Complaint One: If Amelie is the expert hacker this book makes her out to be, why did she and Ian ever need Tina for the bank job all those years ago? Complaint Two: How does everyone know that Tina and Ian had sex when he found her on Block Island? What did the guy do, post it as a status update on FB? Complaint Three: Was the sloppy code part of Daniel’s cover or just a convenient plot detail to clue Tina in that there were two hackers? Complaint Four: I’m not a techie person, so I never went into this series expecting that I’d understand any hacking details BUT Amelie appears to be some sort of super villain — the hacking described here almost seems like ESP is involved.
Those are my major gripes. Despite them, I enjoy the series, and will probably re-read it from the beginning someday before the next book comes out. And given the cliffhanger ending, I’m sure there will be a next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2017
Everything you need to know about hacking.
Tina Adler, computer hacker, discovers that her true enemy may be someone very close to home. Tina is framed for ordering a hit on Tony DelMarco and is forced to re-enter the dark world of hacking. With the help of Zeke Chapman she must find the real culprit and find out why they framed her.
The plot had a very slow start with a lot of Tina feeling sorry for herself and accusing everyone of betraying her. Half way through the novel perks up and becomes a very good and gripping story. This is book three in the Black Hat thriller series but it gives you enough information to muddle through as to who is who and why Tina had to go into hiding for such a long time. I guessed the real culprit and his reasons very early on and was a little frustrated how obvious it was.
The way Karen described the hacking was very good and easy to understand. I was expecting to get bogged down with it all but that didn’t happen.
I read the book in two nights partly because it was good and partly because I wanted to say I told you so to Tina! All in all it’s a good read although I don’t think I will read any more of the series.
Helen
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
Tina Adler, computer hacker, discovers that her true enemy may be someone very close to home. Tina is framed for ordering a hit on Tony DelMarco and is forced to re-enter the dark world of hacking. With the help of Zeke Chapman she must find the real culprit and find out why they framed her.
The plot had a very slow start with a lot of Tina feeling sorry for herself and accusing everyone of betraying her. Half way through the novel perks up and becomes a very good and gripping story. This is book three in the Black Hat thriller series but it gives you enough information to muddle through as to who is who and why Tina had to go into hiding for such a long time. I guessed the real culprit and his reasons very early on and was a little frustrated how obvious it was.
The way Karen described the hacking was very good and easy to understand. I was expecting to get bogged down with it all but that didn’t happen.
I read the book in two nights partly because it was good and partly because I wanted to say I told you so to Tina! All in all it’s a good read although I don’t think I will read any more of the series.
Helen
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
September 17, 2021
It's a paranoid and fun ride until you finally find out who the hater is. A shadow lurks in your computer. But this can't happen to you, right? Because you are the hacker, not the 'hackee.' The story drifts from the Internet proper to the dark web and still the shadow lurks. Spencer is introduced, formerly known as Angel. Yet, the FBI, with Tina and their hacker team seem powerless against the hater. Will hate finally out this hidden hacker? And will it matter in the end?
August 13, 2023
I had insomnia last night and read bks 2 & 3 overnight. This series is so good. I’m going to be so upset when I finish it. I love how this author weaves a story. It’s so unique, quirky, fast paced and unputdownable. I love the heroine, and whatever she chooses to call herself. I’m so invested. What a crazy, complicated ride. I will say that I was pretty sure who it was…well between 2 people. But it did not take away from anything. Wow.
August 15, 2024
Great continuation to the story arc, as well as the character development.
Especially liked the aspect that a hacker could be so unexpectedly compromised. I'm not a hacker, but have had devices compromised in the past. So I "get it" in terms of how that feels.
Loved it! Next!
Especially liked the aspect that a hacker could be so unexpectedly compromised. I'm not a hacker, but have had devices compromised in the past. So I "get it" in terms of how that feels.
Loved it! Next!
July 11, 2017
If you have any interest in computer hacking, twisty plots, feisty & brilliant heroines and a crackling good story, this series has your name on it. Highly recommended!
September 5, 2017
Very good... great thrilling page-turner - even better towards the end...
May 8, 2018
Better than book 2, barely hanging on to my category of 'thriller' though certainly a 'mystery'!
January 17, 2018
4.5 stars.
Betrayed, the third installment in Karen E. Olson's Black Hat Thriller series, former hacker Tina Adler (aka Nicole Jones, Susan McQueen and Helen White) must return to Miami in order to discover who is framing her for ordering a hit on mobster Tony DeMarco. With FBI Agent Zeke Chapman at her side, Tina confronts the ghosts of her past while trying to decide whom she can trust during this latest investigation. This newest addition to this fantastic series easily stands on its own, but I highly encourage readers to read the first two novels as well.
Tina's attempt to eke out a normal life is once again interrupted when FBI agents show up at the bike shop where she works on Cape Cod. Ready to flee once she is released after questioning, Tina is dismayed when she finds Zeke waiting for her. Stunned to discover the laptop she gave to him a month earlier has evidence linking her to the hit on Tony, she has no choice but to accompany Zeke back to her former hometown. Upon their arrival, she is unhappy to learn Zeke wants her to work alongside the team of hackers he has assembled to try to trace the person (or persons) responsible for the frame up. Tina also wants to try to uncover the identity of "the shadow" who previously hacked into her computer and demanded a hefty ransom from her. Uncomfortable working with Zeke's group, Tina tries to find a safe place to work on her own and she soon uncovers information that rouses her suspicions and leaves her wondering whom she can trust.
Tina's hacking skills are much sharper now she is back in the game. Realizing the answers might lie in her very distant past, she returns to where everything started. Armed with a nifty device that enables her to gain access to other people's computers, she manages a quick glimpse of what she believes to be the hacker's computer. What she sees during her brief foray raises some very uncomfortable misgivings about the one person Tina thought she could trust.
With her location quickly compromised, Tina is again on the run when Zeke unexpectedly arrives on the scene. Barely escaping unscathed after a hair raising car chase, they are soon deep are soon immersed in the Dark Web as they continue their efforts to find the hacker who is leaving evidence that implicates both of them in numerous illegal activities. Time is not on their side as they desperately try to uncover the truth about who is behind the various money transfers, fake e-mails and messages and the hit on Tony DeMarco.
Betrayed is another fast-paced and compelling addition to Karen E. Olson's Black Hat Thriller series. Old and new fans will have no problem keeping up with Tina and Zeke as they race to find the hacker who is setting them up for a plethora of misdeeds. On the dark web where evil lurks behind anonymous screen names and impossible to trace IP addresses, will Zeke and Tina unmask the hacker's identity before it is too late?
Betrayed, the third installment in Karen E. Olson's Black Hat Thriller series, former hacker Tina Adler (aka Nicole Jones, Susan McQueen and Helen White) must return to Miami in order to discover who is framing her for ordering a hit on mobster Tony DeMarco. With FBI Agent Zeke Chapman at her side, Tina confronts the ghosts of her past while trying to decide whom she can trust during this latest investigation. This newest addition to this fantastic series easily stands on its own, but I highly encourage readers to read the first two novels as well.
Tina's attempt to eke out a normal life is once again interrupted when FBI agents show up at the bike shop where she works on Cape Cod. Ready to flee once she is released after questioning, Tina is dismayed when she finds Zeke waiting for her. Stunned to discover the laptop she gave to him a month earlier has evidence linking her to the hit on Tony, she has no choice but to accompany Zeke back to her former hometown. Upon their arrival, she is unhappy to learn Zeke wants her to work alongside the team of hackers he has assembled to try to trace the person (or persons) responsible for the frame up. Tina also wants to try to uncover the identity of "the shadow" who previously hacked into her computer and demanded a hefty ransom from her. Uncomfortable working with Zeke's group, Tina tries to find a safe place to work on her own and she soon uncovers information that rouses her suspicions and leaves her wondering whom she can trust.
Tina's hacking skills are much sharper now she is back in the game. Realizing the answers might lie in her very distant past, she returns to where everything started. Armed with a nifty device that enables her to gain access to other people's computers, she manages a quick glimpse of what she believes to be the hacker's computer. What she sees during her brief foray raises some very uncomfortable misgivings about the one person Tina thought she could trust.
With her location quickly compromised, Tina is again on the run when Zeke unexpectedly arrives on the scene. Barely escaping unscathed after a hair raising car chase, they are soon deep are soon immersed in the Dark Web as they continue their efforts to find the hacker who is leaving evidence that implicates both of them in numerous illegal activities. Time is not on their side as they desperately try to uncover the truth about who is behind the various money transfers, fake e-mails and messages and the hit on Tony DeMarco.
Betrayed is another fast-paced and compelling addition to Karen E. Olson's Black Hat Thriller series. Old and new fans will have no problem keeping up with Tina and Zeke as they race to find the hacker who is setting them up for a plethora of misdeeds. On the dark web where evil lurks behind anonymous screen names and impossible to trace IP addresses, will Zeke and Tina unmask the hacker's identity before it is too late?
December 16, 2016
I read the first book in this series but appear to have missed out book two. I don't think that mattered as there was enough of a recap so I could play catch-up satisfactorily.
So, Tina is now being framed for a hit on Tony DeMarco, the guy she robbed back in the day. She has been "clean" from hacking for a while now, reinventing herself once again, but this new development has her once again delving into the murky world of the dark web as she, along with Zeke fight to clear her name. They face a race against time to do this as DeMarco has now put a hit on her! She "joins" Zeke's merry band of hackers who are also scouring the dark web. also assisting the FBI in their fight against it.
I have to say that I understood this book much better than the first when I read it. I have to put that down to my viewing of CSI Cyber cos, this time, I was able to follow the majority of the hacker's tricks and tools and I think this made for a better read for me. Obviously, as both these sources are fiction, I can't vouch for the accuracy and credibility of what is depicted in the book, but as far as I am concerned, it was all very convincing. And a little bit scary too!
The characters that I already knew from book one are developing quite nicely. The new ones we meet here are also fitting in well, especially Spencer. I really liked his character. I hope he's here to stay too.
The story is intriguing too. We have the obligatory twists and turns befitting this genre of book. We also have secrets lies and duplicity. I spent the majority of the book, along with Tina, not knowing who to trust.
Pacing is good too. It moves along at a bit of a lick at times, interspersed with quieter periods which I did find useful as respite. Then, as we near the end of the book, it ramps up until we get the rather OMG reveal. And, then, just when you thought it was safe to go out again, we get a cliffhanger. Not a big fan tbh. If I like a book in a series, I will get the next one. You don't need to blackmail me! Although, that said, I'll probably have forgotten about it in a few weeks and no doubt get the next book anyway. I'm not one to cut my nose off to spite my face. Its a shame though, as instead of leaving me with a warm, satisfied feeling, I was a left little annoyed. But, I'll get over it...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, Tina is now being framed for a hit on Tony DeMarco, the guy she robbed back in the day. She has been "clean" from hacking for a while now, reinventing herself once again, but this new development has her once again delving into the murky world of the dark web as she, along with Zeke fight to clear her name. They face a race against time to do this as DeMarco has now put a hit on her! She "joins" Zeke's merry band of hackers who are also scouring the dark web. also assisting the FBI in their fight against it.
I have to say that I understood this book much better than the first when I read it. I have to put that down to my viewing of CSI Cyber cos, this time, I was able to follow the majority of the hacker's tricks and tools and I think this made for a better read for me. Obviously, as both these sources are fiction, I can't vouch for the accuracy and credibility of what is depicted in the book, but as far as I am concerned, it was all very convincing. And a little bit scary too!
The characters that I already knew from book one are developing quite nicely. The new ones we meet here are also fitting in well, especially Spencer. I really liked his character. I hope he's here to stay too.
The story is intriguing too. We have the obligatory twists and turns befitting this genre of book. We also have secrets lies and duplicity. I spent the majority of the book, along with Tina, not knowing who to trust.
Pacing is good too. It moves along at a bit of a lick at times, interspersed with quieter periods which I did find useful as respite. Then, as we near the end of the book, it ramps up until we get the rather OMG reveal. And, then, just when you thought it was safe to go out again, we get a cliffhanger. Not a big fan tbh. If I like a book in a series, I will get the next one. You don't need to blackmail me! Although, that said, I'll probably have forgotten about it in a few weeks and no doubt get the next book anyway. I'm not one to cut my nose off to spite my face. Its a shame though, as instead of leaving me with a warm, satisfied feeling, I was a left little annoyed. But, I'll get over it...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 24, 2017
Best of the series
May 3, 2017
Computer hacker Tina Adler has been living under assumed names and off the grid for years. Many years ago, with the help of hacker "Tracker" she stole millions of dollars for one of her father's enemies. That man, Tony DeMarco, has never forgotten what she did.
Someone knows where she is and who she is. DeMarco was ambushed and shot .. and someone is framing Tina for that act.
In order to clear her name, she must join FBI Agent Zeke Chapman who's main job is to search out DeMarco's deepest secrets. And someone has put out a hit on both of them.
Not being computer savvy, I found this interesting and entertaining. I do think the author did a good job keeping computer language down to a level where I understood most of it. The characters are enjoyable and I liked the way they interacted. There is lots of suspense, as hackers work mostly behind the smokescreen of a computer ... and they are rarely who they seem to be. They all seem to be very secretive.
This is third in a series and does well as a stand alone. There is enough backstory that I didn't feel I was missing a whole lot. As always, I do recommend starting at the beginning just to pick up all those delicious details that make a good book even better.
Warning ... while there is a definite ending, there is also a huge cliff hanger.
Someone knows where she is and who she is. DeMarco was ambushed and shot .. and someone is framing Tina for that act.
In order to clear her name, she must join FBI Agent Zeke Chapman who's main job is to search out DeMarco's deepest secrets. And someone has put out a hit on both of them.
Not being computer savvy, I found this interesting and entertaining. I do think the author did a good job keeping computer language down to a level where I understood most of it. The characters are enjoyable and I liked the way they interacted. There is lots of suspense, as hackers work mostly behind the smokescreen of a computer ... and they are rarely who they seem to be. They all seem to be very secretive.
This is third in a series and does well as a stand alone. There is enough backstory that I didn't feel I was missing a whole lot. As always, I do recommend starting at the beginning just to pick up all those delicious details that make a good book even better.
Warning ... while there is a definite ending, there is also a huge cliff hanger.
January 14, 2018
I liked this book mostly because it is a sequel, my favorite is still the first which takes place on Block Island.
February 2, 2018
Review originally published on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty:
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2018/01...
Betrayed (Black Hat Thriller #2) by Karen E. Olson
Severn House, 2017
Crime Fiction (Thriller); 224 pgs
Source: I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure.
I have enjoyed the Black Hat series since reading the first book, Hidden. I would strongly recommend starting at the beginning of the series if you are coming into it for the first time as the books do build on one another. Because this book is so wrapped up in the first two, it is hard to talk about it in detail without giving something away. I am trying to be as careful as possible.
Betrayed picks up after Tina Adler (aka Nicole Jones and Susan McQueen) has somewhat settled into her new life. She’s pulled in for an interview by the FBI when evidence of a hit against the notorious Tony DeMarco is found on a computer used at the shop where she’s working. Tina has managed to stay off the computer since the last trouble she ran into, and it seems someone is trying to set her up. Not only that, but the person is also trying to set up Tracker, the hacker who acts as her mentor from time to time. Tina is determined to find out who is behind the set-up and clear her name. The FBI is hoping she’ll do just that, only they want her to work for them. Used to being on her own, Tina isn’t comfortable with that—she works much better alone. The title Betrayed is a fitting one, speaking not just to the possible motive of the villain in the novel, but also to several other characters in the book. I think just about all the major players can claim having been betrayed at some point.
Tina is struggling to unravel her mixed emotions about Tracker’s real identity. And it really is no wonder she is in such turmoil about it, given her past relationship with his alter ego. Can she reconcile her feelings for one and the other? Will she ever be able to see them as the same person? The reader spends a lot of time in Tina’s head as she sorts out just how she feels about everything that is happening—or has happened—to her. This throws Tina off her game a bit, and I figured this was why she wasn’t as clear headed or careful as she usually is.
Betrayed was just as intense as the previous books in the series. There were a couple of instances things fell into place a little too nicely, but I was so caught up in the novel that I did not spend much time thinking about it. Like with the previous books, it was addicting, and I had a hard time pulling away from it once I started reading. As ever, author Karen E. Olson keeps the suspense up at top notch. I guessed early on who was behind everything, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I am glad I had a copy of Vanished, the next book in the series, on hand to read, as Betrayed left off with the perfect set up for the next novel.
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2018/01...
Betrayed (Black Hat Thriller #2) by Karen E. Olson
Severn House, 2017
Crime Fiction (Thriller); 224 pgs
Source: I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure.
I have enjoyed the Black Hat series since reading the first book, Hidden. I would strongly recommend starting at the beginning of the series if you are coming into it for the first time as the books do build on one another. Because this book is so wrapped up in the first two, it is hard to talk about it in detail without giving something away. I am trying to be as careful as possible.
Betrayed picks up after Tina Adler (aka Nicole Jones and Susan McQueen) has somewhat settled into her new life. She’s pulled in for an interview by the FBI when evidence of a hit against the notorious Tony DeMarco is found on a computer used at the shop where she’s working. Tina has managed to stay off the computer since the last trouble she ran into, and it seems someone is trying to set her up. Not only that, but the person is also trying to set up Tracker, the hacker who acts as her mentor from time to time. Tina is determined to find out who is behind the set-up and clear her name. The FBI is hoping she’ll do just that, only they want her to work for them. Used to being on her own, Tina isn’t comfortable with that—she works much better alone. The title Betrayed is a fitting one, speaking not just to the possible motive of the villain in the novel, but also to several other characters in the book. I think just about all the major players can claim having been betrayed at some point.
Tina is struggling to unravel her mixed emotions about Tracker’s real identity. And it really is no wonder she is in such turmoil about it, given her past relationship with his alter ego. Can she reconcile her feelings for one and the other? Will she ever be able to see them as the same person? The reader spends a lot of time in Tina’s head as she sorts out just how she feels about everything that is happening—or has happened—to her. This throws Tina off her game a bit, and I figured this was why she wasn’t as clear headed or careful as she usually is.
Betrayed was just as intense as the previous books in the series. There were a couple of instances things fell into place a little too nicely, but I was so caught up in the novel that I did not spend much time thinking about it. Like with the previous books, it was addicting, and I had a hard time pulling away from it once I started reading. As ever, author Karen E. Olson keeps the suspense up at top notch. I guessed early on who was behind everything, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I am glad I had a copy of Vanished, the next book in the series, on hand to read, as Betrayed left off with the perfect set up for the next novel.
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