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Remote Access
"A foreign country has taken over my computer."
With these chilling words, a quiet Florida day is shattered for Marcie Kane and her fianc�, Nathan Harris. The caller is Annie Logan, a new friend of Marcie's who happens to be the wife of the chief of staff to the president of the United States. While Annie's personal problems bring into question her credibility, Marcie and Nathan, a consultant with the FBI, soon confirm the threat is real and help her convince her skeptical husband in Washington.
Remote Access will appeal to anyone who even casually follows today's news and enjoys page-turning suspense.As the online threats escalate, the impulsive president is determined not to listen to anyone and especially a hacker. The hacker is equally determined not to fail and risk damage to his reputation. Marcie and Nathan find themselves directly in the middle of a winner-take-all cat and mouse game where the stakes include the life of the president of the United States.
With these chilling words, a quiet Florida day is shattered for Marcie Kane and her fianc�, Nathan Harris. The caller is Annie Logan, a new friend of Marcie's who happens to be the wife of the chief of staff to the president of the United States. While Annie's personal problems bring into question her credibility, Marcie and Nathan, a consultant with the FBI, soon confirm the threat is real and help her convince her skeptical husband in Washington.
Remote Access will appeal to anyone who even casually follows today's news and enjoys page-turning suspense.As the online threats escalate, the impulsive president is determined not to listen to anyone and especially a hacker. The hacker is equally determined not to fail and risk damage to his reputation. Marcie and Nathan find themselves directly in the middle of a winner-take-all cat and mouse game where the stakes include the life of the president of the United States.
270 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2018
133 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Barry Finlay
18 books209 followersIn 2009, Barry Finlay went up a mountain as an accountant and came down as a philanthropist. After over thirty years in various financial roles with the Canadian federal government, he took his life in a different direction and climbed Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro at age 60 with his son Chris. The climb and their fundraising efforts to help kids in Tanzania changed his life in a number of ways, including the start of his writing journey. He wrote his first book, the popular Kilimanjaro and Beyond: A Life-Changing Journey with his son in 2014.
He followed that up with the hilarious travel memoir, I Guess We Missed The Boat, and then The Marcie Kane Thriller Collection was born. Each of the thrillers has a socially relevant theme.
Now, he has introduced a new character named Jake Scott in a mystery series. The first in the series, Searching For Truth, debuted in 2021. The Guardians of Truth followed, and The Secret Truth was released in the fall, 2024. Shadows of Truth is scheduled for release on September 15, 2025.
In 2023, he decided to write a book around his popular quote, "Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing." He interviewed eight people facing a variety of challenges and wove his own story into the motivational Just Keep Climbing: Inspirational Stories for Overcoming Challenges and Living Life.
Barry's books have received multiple literary awards, and he was named to the Authors Show's list of "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" in 2012. In 2013, he received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his philanthropic work in Africa. He lives in Ottawa, Canada, with his wife Evelyn.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 2, 2018
A political thriller that is very current and hard to put down ... Barry Finlay tackles one of the most real dangers today -- cyber hacking -- and weaves a suspenseful narrative of believable intrigue and romance, with a recognizable likeness of the current president as the intended victim. With the threat of significant trade sanctions about to be imposed on China, an expert Chinese hacker is recruited by a hardline member of the Politburo to intimidate Annie Logan, the alcoholic wife of the president's chief of staff, to get her husband to kill the approval process. When the hacker's plans are foiled by the quick-thinking team of FBI consultant, Nathan Harris and his fiancée, Macie Kane, Annie's friend, the rogue hacker Yang Lee then decides to assassinate the president at a gala dinner along with all the guests, which as it happens, include Nathan and Marcia and Annie and Craig, her husband. A gripping thriller, well-worth the read ...
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August 7, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/7/2018)!💝
June 16, 2019
Lent this with a free Kindle Unlimited trial.
Skipped/skimmed the also lent second Marcie Kane book, as the first was just so bad.
This should be more interesting: a PotUS-Trump-alike, with doing things without counsel, Hacking, China, Trade relations, so and begins ok. Also it is nearly a Roman à clef to current events (China trade, Huawei, PotUS), which should make it interesting.
But again, it has too much information which does nothing to the story for me, about 30% of the personal issues, descriptions, places etc. could be cut without changing the main events in the story. It feels like a by the numbers story, no surprises so far, and I skip parts regularly.
Also, the main character in the first book, Marcie gets a Fiancé and is planning her wedding, and he is now the main MC for the good guys, something I really do not need, I wanted a strong, single, independent woman, not some boring romance, nor a male MC.
As a contrast and forcing me to read this till the end, the political issues and the hacking descriptions and actions are spot on. There is also some action, everything believable.
So where fails the book for me? TMI - too much information which is not needed. The usual drunk problem with one of the characters, well written, but all taking too long, also a lot is explained in too much details, maybe necessary for the unwashed masses? Just an example: SWATTING, sending a SWAT-team to an innocent person as a prank or revenge or whatever.
All valid and realistic story points, but somehow the added story is not suspenseful. As if on purpose.
Will try to finish the book today, as I want to give it back for a different and hopefully better Kindle-Unlimited book.
Pending some major good twist or a surprise ending or whatever, this barely rates 3 stars, more like 2.5 rounded up for a good idea. Would have liked to read this idea from way better author. And shorter. Maybe still recommended, but I suggest reading it faster than me - 8 days is too much, showing how much interest I did not have in the book!
Ending one of the main story with the ballroom scene was ok, but would have liked a full success, not this failure. The other one was as expected, but well done. Would have liked another and more story about the assassin, not about Marcie & Nathan. Their ending was way boring. As in certain stories no main so-called-good-people die, I am tired of this, would have killed some main characters unexpectedly.
So, the ending of the the main story saving it a little, it is now a full 3 stars, not rounded up from 2.5 stars, but as it is I fail to recommend it. The current reality was well mirrored in the book though, so if you manage to read this on a rainy weekend, it may hold a little more interest than a fluffy romance for some.
Oh, and just to be sure, I will most probably not read a book by this author again. While I could not detect any errors, the style was just not suspenseful enough.
Skipped/skimmed the also lent second Marcie Kane book, as the first was just so bad.
This should be more interesting: a PotUS-Trump-alike, with doing things without counsel, Hacking, China, Trade relations, so and begins ok. Also it is nearly a Roman à clef to current events (China trade, Huawei, PotUS), which should make it interesting.
But again, it has too much information which does nothing to the story for me, about 30% of the personal issues, descriptions, places etc. could be cut without changing the main events in the story. It feels like a by the numbers story, no surprises so far, and I skip parts regularly.
Also, the main character in the first book, Marcie gets a Fiancé and is planning her wedding, and he is now the main MC for the good guys, something I really do not need, I wanted a strong, single, independent woman, not some boring romance, nor a male MC.
As a contrast and forcing me to read this till the end, the political issues and the hacking descriptions and actions are spot on. There is also some action, everything believable.
So where fails the book for me? TMI - too much information which is not needed. The usual drunk problem with one of the characters, well written, but all taking too long, also a lot is explained in too much details, maybe necessary for the unwashed masses? Just an example: SWATTING, sending a SWAT-team to an innocent person as a prank or revenge or whatever.
All valid and realistic story points, but somehow the added story is not suspenseful. As if on purpose.
Will try to finish the book today, as I want to give it back for a different and hopefully better Kindle-Unlimited book.
Pending some major good twist or a surprise ending or whatever, this barely rates 3 stars, more like 2.5 rounded up for a good idea. Would have liked to read this idea from way better author. And shorter. Maybe still recommended, but I suggest reading it faster than me - 8 days is too much, showing how much interest I did not have in the book!
Ending one of the main story with the ballroom scene was ok, but would have liked a full success, not this failure. The other one was as expected, but well done. Would have liked another and more story about the assassin, not about Marcie & Nathan. Their ending was way boring. As in certain stories no main so-called-good-people die, I am tired of this, would have killed some main characters unexpectedly.
So, the ending of the the main story saving it a little, it is now a full 3 stars, not rounded up from 2.5 stars, but as it is I fail to recommend it. The current reality was well mirrored in the book though, so if you manage to read this on a rainy weekend, it may hold a little more interest than a fluffy romance for some.
Oh, and just to be sure, I will most probably not read a book by this author again. While I could not detect any errors, the style was just not suspenseful enough.
June 15, 2018
GREAT CONTRAPUNTAL WRITING ~ SUPER CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE ~"JUST COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!"
I always find such enjoyment in reading the stellar works of Author, Barry Finlay. Remote Access is the 3rd book of this series, featuring the very gorgeous, very rich, very unique, compelling and apt main character of Marcie Kane, now preparing for her pending marriage to her beloved heroic FBI agent, Nathan, whom she met on a previous case in the last book of the series, “A Perilous Question.”
The author introduces us to the main characters swiftly with potent descriptions of all-pervading invasive Chinese government tight control of communications, moving us right into the heart of the mystery that shall unfold in the opening scene, transporting us to Shanghai, where the magnetic and charismatic “villain”, Yang Lee is busy preparing a deadly toxin for his next victim. Without hesitating, we are just as quickly introduced to the object of his nefarious intent, Eric Hartman, with a riotously funny description of the inner working of his thought processes. I found myself just laughing out loud. This is great contrapuntal writing, from the darkly mysterious and deadly serious image of Yang Lee to the inane character of Hartman. The international intrigue unfolds, all centered around international trade and tariffs, modern technological capacities and abuses, spyware, and ability to invade and control the computers of others. Nothing is out of bounds.
If you have had the pleasure of reading Finlay’s previous books, you have come to the place where you eagerly await the appearance of Marcie, the heroine throughout, as her next adventure begins to unfold. As she enjoys her upcoming wedding celebration with dearest friends in her Florida home, conversation drifts to the blessings and horrors of the technological age, linking the reader right away to distant China, where trouble is brewing. The Chinese do not want the US President to succeed, and will go to any lengths to stop. Hired by an errant member of the Chinese government, Yang Lee will use his unparalleled computer hacking savvy and knowledge of chemical compounds to bring this effort down.
Meantime, compelled to find out more about a new friend, Annie, sensing her aloneness, Marcie soon learns that her husband, Craig Logan, is the Chief of Staff for the President of the U.S., and though they love each other very much, he is never around, currently stationed in D.C. Now, all characters are tied in ~ as major hacking of Annie’s computer sets in. The reader is brought to Washington DC to meet the determined President, who brooks advice from no one, and Nathan, soon to be wed to Marcie, features largely in this 3rd book.
What I love is not only the inner dialogue Finlay gives to each of his characters, so enjoyable and always revealing motive, as Woody Allen often does, but it is also so interesting to read about the process and ways of hacking in a very detailed manner, illuminating the multitude of ways persons can hack, in a way that is very understandable to a lay person. Not to mention, the import of Finlay’s theme, centering on one of our most pressing contemporary problems, and much, much more of current concern. It’s all so very relatable.
Exposed to such a variety of backgrounds, cultures and settings, and such in depth character descriptions of fascinating inner dialogue, the reader is provided a rich array of visual images to relate to, and all within a super contemporary international framework, as our heroes grapple non-stop with this issue…all leading to an incredibly dramatic finale.
Kudos to Barry Finlay for such imagination, wit, and depth of understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the human condition. Even his villain touches our heart somehow, as he contends with “saving face”.
These fabulous books of Author, Barry Finlay, would make a great series of movies, each one so different and each one focusing on a very important issue of our times, while entertaining immensely. I highly recommend, and I just couldn’t put it down. What will these main characters confront next? ~ A Review by Author/Reverend Dr. Linda De Coff
I always find such enjoyment in reading the stellar works of Author, Barry Finlay. Remote Access is the 3rd book of this series, featuring the very gorgeous, very rich, very unique, compelling and apt main character of Marcie Kane, now preparing for her pending marriage to her beloved heroic FBI agent, Nathan, whom she met on a previous case in the last book of the series, “A Perilous Question.”
The author introduces us to the main characters swiftly with potent descriptions of all-pervading invasive Chinese government tight control of communications, moving us right into the heart of the mystery that shall unfold in the opening scene, transporting us to Shanghai, where the magnetic and charismatic “villain”, Yang Lee is busy preparing a deadly toxin for his next victim. Without hesitating, we are just as quickly introduced to the object of his nefarious intent, Eric Hartman, with a riotously funny description of the inner working of his thought processes. I found myself just laughing out loud. This is great contrapuntal writing, from the darkly mysterious and deadly serious image of Yang Lee to the inane character of Hartman. The international intrigue unfolds, all centered around international trade and tariffs, modern technological capacities and abuses, spyware, and ability to invade and control the computers of others. Nothing is out of bounds.
If you have had the pleasure of reading Finlay’s previous books, you have come to the place where you eagerly await the appearance of Marcie, the heroine throughout, as her next adventure begins to unfold. As she enjoys her upcoming wedding celebration with dearest friends in her Florida home, conversation drifts to the blessings and horrors of the technological age, linking the reader right away to distant China, where trouble is brewing. The Chinese do not want the US President to succeed, and will go to any lengths to stop. Hired by an errant member of the Chinese government, Yang Lee will use his unparalleled computer hacking savvy and knowledge of chemical compounds to bring this effort down.
Meantime, compelled to find out more about a new friend, Annie, sensing her aloneness, Marcie soon learns that her husband, Craig Logan, is the Chief of Staff for the President of the U.S., and though they love each other very much, he is never around, currently stationed in D.C. Now, all characters are tied in ~ as major hacking of Annie’s computer sets in. The reader is brought to Washington DC to meet the determined President, who brooks advice from no one, and Nathan, soon to be wed to Marcie, features largely in this 3rd book.
What I love is not only the inner dialogue Finlay gives to each of his characters, so enjoyable and always revealing motive, as Woody Allen often does, but it is also so interesting to read about the process and ways of hacking in a very detailed manner, illuminating the multitude of ways persons can hack, in a way that is very understandable to a lay person. Not to mention, the import of Finlay’s theme, centering on one of our most pressing contemporary problems, and much, much more of current concern. It’s all so very relatable.
Exposed to such a variety of backgrounds, cultures and settings, and such in depth character descriptions of fascinating inner dialogue, the reader is provided a rich array of visual images to relate to, and all within a super contemporary international framework, as our heroes grapple non-stop with this issue…all leading to an incredibly dramatic finale.
Kudos to Barry Finlay for such imagination, wit, and depth of understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the human condition. Even his villain touches our heart somehow, as he contends with “saving face”.
These fabulous books of Author, Barry Finlay, would make a great series of movies, each one so different and each one focusing on a very important issue of our times, while entertaining immensely. I highly recommend, and I just couldn’t put it down. What will these main characters confront next? ~ A Review by Author/Reverend Dr. Linda De Coff
April 30, 2018
Annie Logan is depressed and drinking too much, but then her husband is Chief of Staff to the President and while he lives in Washington DC, Annie lives in their home in Florida.
One night while using her computer, someone grabs control of it remotely and demands Annie use her influence with her husband regarding an Executive Order the President is about to sign. She must try to have it stopped or the Logan's lives will be ruined.
Yang Lee, a Chinese national, is a master hacker and assassin for hire. He sets in motion a series of events that will leave you reeling, sitting on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds.
This is a riveting story from the start. It's well told and the characters are well developed and believable. If you don't think technology is scary now, you will when you read this.
I love a really good thriller and this is a really good one. It didn't disappoint me in any way and kept me reading till I finished it. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Great plot, builds tension really well and the resolution was completely unexpected.
This is an awesome political thriller....highly recommended.
One night while using her computer, someone grabs control of it remotely and demands Annie use her influence with her husband regarding an Executive Order the President is about to sign. She must try to have it stopped or the Logan's lives will be ruined.
Yang Lee, a Chinese national, is a master hacker and assassin for hire. He sets in motion a series of events that will leave you reeling, sitting on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds.
This is a riveting story from the start. It's well told and the characters are well developed and believable. If you don't think technology is scary now, you will when you read this.
I love a really good thriller and this is a really good one. It didn't disappoint me in any way and kept me reading till I finished it. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Great plot, builds tension really well and the resolution was completely unexpected.
This is an awesome political thriller....highly recommended.
April 15, 2018
I haven’t read the other books in this series or this author before now. The book was a bit slow at the start but picked up at the time Annie is introduced into the storyline. I have read several books of this genre and find them appealing so I wanted to try another writer. The book has had me on the edge of my seat and with me in the midst of moving and unpacking it has been hard to find time to finish, but I have come an old hand of doing things one handed while reading. I strongly recommend the book as it does have twists and turns and a lot of holding on to the edge of your seat. You will love the characters as the story unfolds and becomes more gripping. Barry Finlay is amazing as a writer. You will enjoy it as much as I have.
May 5, 2019
The author gives us a description of Lee with sunken cheeks wearing a surgical mask, not wanting to inhale any of the dust particles. He was well paid, and had a luxury pent house. Working on a component used in medicine, or a killer when unprocessed. A meeting with an American and giving him a bag with a steam bun roll before returning to the states. Within three hours this American was dead and the money disappeared from the account. Another story that is full of intrigue and suspense, and will make one more aware of some of the things we do when a computer is turned on. The author once again doesn’t disappoint his readers in this political thriller.
October 29, 2018
This book was excellently written. It is so relevant to today's atmosphere. Marcie and Nathan are wonderful characters and we have a man who actually listens to a woman.
We know Annie should not click on the roses but it is a normal reaction. We all do the same thing. The situation that follows is frightening but Marcie and Nathan persevere with help from the f.b.I.
I have not read the other Marcie Kane books but if I see them I will definitely read them.
Good work Mr. Finlay
We know Annie should not click on the roses but it is a normal reaction. We all do the same thing. The situation that follows is frightening but Marcie and Nathan persevere with help from the f.b.I.
I have not read the other Marcie Kane books but if I see them I will definitely read them.
Good work Mr. Finlay
September 2, 2018
Wonderful
A fighting thriller! Finish does a fantastic job of creating a well-written book. The characters are so believable that you are drawn into the story and you don't want to stop reading. The book moves at a fast pace. I really wanted to jump to the ending to see what happens but I didn't.
A fighting thriller! Finish does a fantastic job of creating a well-written book. The characters are so believable that you are drawn into the story and you don't want to stop reading. The book moves at a fast pace. I really wanted to jump to the ending to see what happens but I didn't.
August 10, 2018
A great read
This novel was fast moving, up-to-date and intriguing. It was also a wake-up call. Such small mistakes like opening an attachment to an email can have devastating consequences. A high pwered political story revealing that great men can also have clay feet.
This novel was fast moving, up-to-date and intriguing. It was also a wake-up call. Such small mistakes like opening an attachment to an email can have devastating consequences. A high pwered political story revealing that great men can also have clay feet.
August 12, 2018
Behind today's Headlines
Fast paced thriller. Excellent character development. Very believable plot. Good twist for the ending. Look forward to reading the next adventure of Marcie & Nathan!
Fast paced thriller. Excellent character development. Very believable plot. Good twist for the ending. Look forward to reading the next adventure of Marcie & Nathan!
September 8, 2018
Ok, a little biased...HA! This one I had a hard time putting down...reminds oneself to be careful on the internet...a fun ride from beginning to end...if you are looking for a new author to check out, here he is...
June 11, 2019
Surprisingly good
I was quite impressed by the writing in this book, the pace was just right and I really identified with the characters and wanted them to succeed. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through the book and various story arcs which were masterfully described.
I was quite impressed by the writing in this book, the pace was just right and I really identified with the characters and wanted them to succeed. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through the book and various story arcs which were masterfully described.
October 1, 2019
Blatant Hate
I bought the book for pleasure reading not to get a poorly disguised anti President Trump rant. Shame the author couldn’t actually use his brain to create an interesting plot
I bought the book for pleasure reading not to get a poorly disguised anti President Trump rant. Shame the author couldn’t actually use his brain to create an interesting plot
August 20, 2018
Intriguing
I don't normally read books with political plots, but this one drew me in. It was exciting and kept me guessing till the end.
I don't normally read books with political plots, but this one drew me in. It was exciting and kept me guessing till the end.
October 16, 2018
Modern Day Thriller
So in line with today.s politics and cyber espionage. Very scary how our phones and computers can open up our world to evil people
So in line with today.s politics and cyber espionage. Very scary how our phones and computers can open up our world to evil people
July 11, 2020
It kept my attention. Liked it very much.
October 19, 2021
Absolutely excellent thriller about a Chinese hacker and the havoc he causes.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews