Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bit Flip

Rate this book
Fortysomething tech executive Sam Hughes came to Silicon Valley to "make the world a better place." He's just not sure he's doing that anymore--and when an onstage meltdown sends him into a professional tailspin, he suddenly sees the culture of the Bay Area's tech bubble in a new, far more cynical light.

Just as he's wondering if his start-up career and marriage might both be over at fortysomething, an inadvertent discovery pulls Sam back into his former company, where he begins to unravel the insidious schemes of the founder and venture investors that led to his ouster. Driven by his desire for redemption, he discovers a conspiracy of fraud, blackmail, and manipulation that leads to tragic outcomes--threatening to destroy not only the company but Sam's moral compass as well. Entangled in a web of complicity, how far will he go to achieve his dreams of entrepreneurial success and personal wealth?

Bit Flip is a corporate thriller that delivers an authentic insider's view of the corrupting influences of greed, entitlement, and vanity in technology start-ups.

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2022

19 people are currently reading
1722 people want to read

About the author

Mike Trigg

2 books63 followers
Mike Trigg was born in Kentucky and raised in Wisconsin. Prior to becoming an author, he was an executive, founder, and investor in dozens of technology start-up companies for over 25 years.

Trigg’s debut novel, the Silicon Valley corporate thriller BIT FLIP, received widespread critical acclaim, with 5-star reviews from Foreword, IndieReader, and the Manhattan Book Review and lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as a “twisty, acerbic corporate thriller.”

His second novel, BURNER, is a “searing, all-too-believable novel” (BookLife Reviews, Editor’s Pick) and “fascinating thriller in which an online movement swallows up the person who started it.” (Foreword Clarion Reviews). Described as “a cautionary tale for the digital age” by IndieReader and an IR Approved novel, BURNER dives head-first into the pernicious impacts of technology and social media on our lives.

Trigg’s work has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and Literary Hub. Living in Portola Valley, California with his wife and two sons, he is a frequent columnist and has been a contributor to Writer’s Digest, TechCrunch, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company. For more information, including posts, media coverage, events, videos, and more, visit miketrigg.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
28 (24%)
4 stars
35 (30%)
3 stars
38 (33%)
2 stars
10 (8%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Mike.
1,373 reviews92 followers
August 11, 2022
A debut corporate thriller, Bit Flip by Mike Trigg is set in northern California’s Silicon Valley. Company executive Sam Hughes has a public meltdown whilst appearing at a conference tech panel and is fired from his job. Being middle age, he struggles to find another position until he discovers financial irregularities at his old tech firm and gets offered the CEO job there. Charged by the Board of Management to facilitate a buyout of the company, Sam discovers possible fraud, the need to lay off workers and a sexual assault claim. So, the issue of corporate ethics is played out as Sam’s integrity and beliefs are challenged, with potential massive windfall profits available. An interesting narrative unfolds regarding the world of tech start-ups and the cost to be paid for monetary gain. An enjoyable tale with elements of satire and cultural critique that makes for a three star rating. With thanks to Spark Press and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Marcia reading past dark.
251 reviews270 followers
August 13, 2022

Welcome to an insider’s view of life in the professional world of Silicon Valley. Tech-savvy readers will love this book. I was enthralled by the complex nature of corporate business. Tech executive Sam Hughes, in his mid-forties, is questioning his purpose and effectiveness in business. The story opens with Sam’s on-air meltdown. After losing his position as CEO, His eyes are open to the true dog-eat-dog nature of San Francisco’s tech bubble.

While attempting to jumpstart a new career, Sam now has to deal with the impact of reduced income on his already troublesome marriage. A surprising discovery places Sam back in his former company, where he is intent on undercovering unethical practices. He discovers a high-level scheme of deceit, blackmail, extortion, and even a charge of sexual assault. How far is a man willing to go to achieve his long-sought dreams of success and financial freedom?

Mike Trigg's debut novel is an interesting and moving read. His experience in the field lends credibility and enhances his writing. I'll be looking for a follow-up novel from this accomplished author.

3.5 ⭐️
Profile Image for David (on hiatus).
119 reviews23 followers
July 3, 2022
3.5 stars

So, I went into this one with the wrong mindset.... I really thought it was going to be similar to Joseph Finder's earlier books. If you have read Joseph Finder, you know at one point he was the King of Corporate Suspense. But then he stopped doing that and got all Pg13 and Disney but for a while he had some good books. This book is not like a Joseph Finder book.

We have Sam, A COO of a startup company called Ainetu. On the way to work he is told he has to present at a major tech conference last minute and suffers a meltdown on stage to where he is soon fired by the CEO. This, of course, causes friction with his wife Heather because now they are only one income living in San Francisco. But things come to light when he learns the company has not been truthful with their accounting and soon, he ends up back in the company where he goes Scorched Earth on them.

This could have been a good book, but it was just..... Boring in too many places. Board room after boardroom plus the dialogue was a tad immature. There were some scenes where I rolled my eyes wondering why they were even included in the book. It is also not suspenseful or twisty at all. Just goes from beginning to end.

It was interesting in places and at 250 pages is a really fast read. I really enjoyed getting deep inside the board rooms and dealing with the boards and the financial part of getting a startup off the ground. To that aspect the book is very interesting. I just don't think it makes a really good thriller as advertised.

So, if you are interested in this sort of thing, I recommend the book. If not....... Consider Joseph Finder's "Paranoia" or "Company Man" books.

Advance Reader Copy given free for honest review.
1,831 reviews21 followers
June 30, 2022
Good stuff. This has good pacing, an engaging plot, and realistic tech that adds to the realism. I hope this finds an audience with thriller and mystery fans.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
Profile Image for Greer Andjanetta.
1,432 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2022
A largely unpleasant book about greed, corruption, backstabbing and how life in Silicon Valley can corrupt the best people. Well enough written but an unsatisfacory ending which might otherwise have saved this book.
Profile Image for Ben Smith.
51 reviews8 followers
August 17, 2022
Trigg captures the core values conflict that so many of us face in the valley, all while capturing the inside stories we have all seen with different names, companies, deals and places.

It you came to SiliconValley from somewhere else, you should read it and then have the guts to leave.
Profile Image for Matte.
1 review
August 20, 2022
It’s like a John Grisham novel had a child with all of my startup PTSD. And I mean that as a compliment. Nice work Trigg.
1 review
July 3, 2022
A hilarious, heartwarming and humiliating glimpse of what it’s like on the roller coaster working in the world of tech. You’re going to enjoy this captivating story set in the backdrop of the Silicon Valley tech scene. I blew through this read way too fast and can’t sing it’s praises enough.
1 review
May 10, 2022
Bit Flip is an outstanding novel; a tale of modern day morality and intrigue set in the high-tech world of Silicon Valley: in life our choices and actions always have consequences, many of which are not the intended ones. The Author’s prose style keeps the story moving quickly, and his insider knowledge of “The Valley’s” value system and how it works adds depth and reality. This is a “page turner” you can not put down.

Sterling Lanier
1 review
Read
March 9, 2022
Mike Trigg does a masterful job of making presenting the inner workings of Silicon Valley. It is a great read, full of suspense. The characterizations are terrific. I highly recommend reading it!
Profile Image for Aneesha Shewani.
95 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2022
To use a management terminology, author Mike Trigg, “deep-dives” into the world of corporate honchos and bustling unicorns, to bring to the surface a story that needs to be told. Like the glamor of the fashion or entertainment industry that conceals myriad issues behind the gloss, the Big Tech and the much-touted Silicon Valley are not without their controversies and secrets. Sam Hughes, the protagonist of the novel, Bit Flip, says, “People call us ‘Big Tech’ now, like Big Oil or Big Pharma. They hate us.”

What is there to hate about an industry that has revolutionized and affected our lives in infinite ways? Trigg creates an engaging narrative that tells us exactly what transpires in those boardroom meetings and the coveted C-suite community. When Sam, the successful 40-something, second-in-command of a trailblazing AI-analytics startup, has a meltdown, Rohan, the head, clips Sam’s wings. However, is Sam’s demeanor the only reason for Rohan’s harsh decision, or is Rohan hiding something? With the rose-tinted glasses snapped off, does Sam finally see the light?

Trigg weaves drama around dialogues and situations with deft insider knowledge. He peels off the layers of enigma and bluster of tech booms, startups, venture capitalists, and the money stakes in the “vast tech landscape”. Through Sam’s story of disillusionment with the “dog and pony show” and “peacocking for the audience”, the author sketches some interesting characters and scenarios. If you belong to the tech arena, you will relate to the story build-up because it's a realistic depiction.

From aspirations as a small-town boy to meteoric elevation up corporate ladders, only to fizzle and burnout in a mortgage-ridden uptown life, Sam’s character reveals the underbelly of the grandeur of an industry that seems outright prim-and-proper. “Greed and envy and pride and all other deadly sins are the core flywheel of who we are!”

Grab this book for a captivating journey and informative story points on how expensive off-sites, avocado breakfasts, gala charity auctions, pampered children and pets, and lifestyle show-offs may be part of an “elaborate lie”. Mike’s narration is easy-to-read, and the script is well-paced. This is a good weekend read. It is not a typical fast-paced thriller but will leave you with much to mull over and a reiteration that success demands its pound of flesh.
Profile Image for Plots and Reviews.
259 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2022
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Techie thriller suspense
4/𝟱

“Companies are bought, not sold”.

🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Techie & insightful (Silicon Valley & venture capital investing)
~ Great writing that flows
~ Great naming of chapters

Sam has been fired from his job of two years, a job he had been trying to keep afloat irrespective of its mercurial founder & CEO. Now laid off after a meltdown at a conference concerning the direction tech companies are taking, he is job hunting & feeling demotivated. Although nothing immediately comes his way, he is able to clear up some past reservations & trauma with his parents. Once back in the game he begins to smell the rat… & the stench is coming from his fire-ers

Now whether for revenge, satisfaction or money, Sam feels there is someone he MUST tell about the fraud, but:
-who would care enough
-who must he betray
-how irresponsible & manic must he become
-🤦 how many of his cards can he possibly show & still have leverage
-what will be the end result?!

✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.

🌱THE MEH
~ 😬 This guy is a jackass. What an annoying, naive, irresponsible & unlikeable MC
~ You are unemployed at home & your wife is still the one getting up to make the kids breakfast?! Eww! 😒 Wasteman!
~ Lots of decorative women 🙄
~ No idea what the wife does although her income must be impressive enough
~ I wish there was some do-for-do on the wife’s side 😑

♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)


🎁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 @booksparks 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁.
Profile Image for Susan Neuwirth.
320 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2023
I wanted it to be better then it was. Liked 50% of the book then the end blew it. Stupid.

Silicon Valley tech executive Sam Hughes is reaching a breaking point. When an on-stage meltdown sends Sam into a professional tailspin, he suddenly sees the culture of the Bay Area’s tech bubble in a new, cynical light. Just as he’s wondering if his startup career is over at fortysomething, an inadvertent discovery pulls Sam back into his former company, where he begins to unravel the insidious schemes of the founder and venture investors. On his journey of redemption, Sam discovers a conspiracy of fraud, blackmail, and manipulation that leads to tragic outcomes and threatens to destroy the company. Entangled in a web of complicity, how far will Sam go to achieve his dreams of entrepreneurial success and personal wealth?

Bit Flip is a page-turning corporate thriller with the keen insights and satirical tone of literary fiction. The story grapples with topical issues facing modern American society, including the dominance of Big Tech, wealth inequality, corruption, sexism, greed, and the loss of privacy.
Profile Image for The Page Ladies Book Club.
1,813 reviews116 followers
August 19, 2022
Book Review…Bit Flip by Mike Trigg

Just as he's wondering if his career and marriage might both be over, an inadvertent discovery pulls Sam back into his former company, where he begins to unravel the schemes of the founder and venture investors that led to his ouster. Driven by his desire for redemption, he discovers a conspiracy of fraud, blackmail, and manipulation that leads to tragic outcomes. Entangled in a web of complicity, how far will he go to achieve his dreams of entrepreneurial success and personal wealth?

Bit Flip is an entertaining read and an interesting and deep look into the corporate business. If you enjoy the tech world you'll enjoy this one! It's a fast-paced story with an interesting plot but it is a story that will have you wondering about success, wealth and morality. How much is success worth and every decision has a consequence just not always the one we think or want it to be. It was a nice easy weekend read! Thank you Book Sparks for sharing this book with me!
Profile Image for Rachel Martin.
489 reviews
August 24, 2022
I am waffling between giving this one 3 or 4 stars so I'll settle for 3.5. Idk, I may even bump this one up after sitting on it for a couple days. This is not typically a book I would pick up, as I am almost exclusively a horror and overall creepy book lover. However, Mike Trigg is a local author whom I had the pleasure of meeting and I wanted to support him!

And I have to say, this was a wonderful debut! It had an engaging plot and I found the main characters battle with morality amongst the cutthroat and greedy tech industry to be fascinating. Living in Silicon Valley, I have somewhat of an idea on how crazy the industry can be.

I think a lot of the tech jargon (I don't even know if that is the proper terminology) was a little lost on me, which probably explains my hesistance to give this one 4 stars. However, the fact that I was so fully invested in the plot says something to Trigg's storytelling.

With all my bullshit said, this is 100% a worthwhile read and I highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews).
462 reviews93 followers
October 6, 2022
What a great story, and one you cannot imagine, yet you know similar scenarios certainly take place. After Sam, the thrice fired “Silicon Valley Tech Guru,”
ends up back at his former company, and right into
what is a brilliant, spell binding story that kept me
up every night until I finished it. The Author has written a captivating, spellbinding tech near disaster from Santa Clara County (the second original bed of SV,) to San Francisco, and locales from north to south.
The behind the scenes meat of this story is one huge spoiler in my eyes. I do guarantee a psychological, suspense adventure by a new Author from whom we will certainly see more in the future.
Also, Mike lives in the heart of the CA Silicon Valley, and frequents each venue used- no simply reading or
searching the internet, this is the real deal.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
4 reviews
December 11, 2022
This a breezy and insightful novel about the cutthroat underbelly of the tech world and the morally bankrupt execs who control it all. The plot and character development were ok but ultimately forgettable. The biggest selling point of this book is its incisive social commentary of the insane hype and downright fraud that fuels the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Trigg knows this world inside out and is able to weave a believable corporate techie thriller. As a Peninsula native, this book touched on some sensitive nerves but I couldn’t help but nod in agreement at the subtle critiques. Despite the depressing subjects of greed, ego, and corruption, this was an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Lisa Hedger.
255 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2023
This is a 3 to 3 1/2-star read for me, but I'm giving it the bump up to 4 stars because it deserves a wider audience. It tells a pretty realistic and depressing story of Silicon Valley, how obsessed folks are with money and image, and how easy it is to sell your soul for the highest dollar.

There were some excessive amounts of board room meetings etc.. I also write a great deal about financial services, RIAs, etc.. and their ventures in Silicon Valley. At times, this felt more like my business life and less like a pleasure read, but that's simply because of my business.

If you enjoy reading fictional accounts of startups and the messiness involved, I think you'll like this book.
Profile Image for AndiReads.
1,372 reviews175 followers
August 15, 2022
Bit Flip is a fast-paced corporate thriller addressing our own contemporary fears of success, wealth and morality.

When Sam Hughes loses his job due to an on-air meltdown, he careens wildly around the Bay area hoping to resuscitate his career.

When Sam learns that the accounting in his former company was a bit "off the book" he has a major life decision to make. What will he choose to do and how will it impact him at his core? If you love corporate espionage, fast paced thrillers and contemporary issues, Bit Flip is for you!
18 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2023
This book was recommended to me by friend. As a Bay Area resident who has worked in high tech for 20+ years and likes to support debut novels I gave it a try. Many parts of it are interesting and believable. If you are interested in this topic I would recommend reading it. My advice to Mike would be to keep writing, give it another go, perhaps just put more focus on the character motivations and sentiments and make them more a focal point throughout the story.
1,331 reviews44 followers
July 5, 2022
Probably a good insider’s view of life in the technology sector, but the book moved slowly, and without strong character development or much of a plot, there wasn’t a lot to recommend.I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
2 reviews
August 30, 2022
Bit Flip is a fascinating story that captures the culture of Silicon Valley. Watching how the character developed through the moral challenges and intrigue of a rapidly changing business that is the tech world, kept me engaged throughout. It is obvious that the author is well acquainted with this area and takes you down the streets by the bay and through the valley to the insiders' haunts. I found this a well written, every enjoyable read and would recommend it highly.

Profile Image for Ellen Barker.
Author 6 books57 followers
February 27, 2023
Creepy corporate thriller and a sharp indictment of what goes on in the C-suites. It's writ large because it's set in the behemoth of Silicon Valley tech firms, but you'll recognize parts of it no matter where you work. You'll be waiting for the ending, hoping for one result and fearing another and wondering if there's a third possible outcome.
Profile Image for CR.
4,200 reviews42 followers
April 18, 2022
This was actually very interesting to read. I am a pretty heavy tech person and I loved every second of this one. I do think that parts of this might be lost on the reader if they don't know tech things though. However, if you just keep with it, its amazing. ~UR
1 review
October 24, 2022
Beautifully (but sadly) captures the worst of Silicon Valley

Trigg’s Bit Flip is almost a documentary disguised as a novel - and a very entertaining one at that.
Can’t wait to read his next one!
Profile Image for Lorraine Larocque.
100 reviews
November 4, 2023
3.5 stars—Less of a corporate thriller and more of an insiders view of Silicon Valley and the prevalence of bro culture, greed and power. The only negative comment I have is that the author does not spend any time writing, shaping or truly understanding his characters who are women!
Profile Image for Michelle.
666 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2022
Working in the start up space can be invigorating until you are unceremoniously replaced what's a fellow to do but go digging.
194 reviews
May 9, 2024
The story was about money hungry high tech executives and what people will do to succeed when that success means millions of dollars.
Profile Image for Erik Britt-Webb.
117 reviews
July 31, 2024
Loved this suspenseful story, set in a stereotypical silicon valley situation, with an unexpected twist at the end. Audio book version was a joy to listen to.
1 review
March 17, 2022
Trigg's debut novel is an entertaining and poignant read, particularly for those working in the tech industry. His deep knowledge of the inner workings of start-ups and venture capital inform his writing and lend an air of credibility to the book. The plot has a number of interesting twists and I found myself looking forward to the next reading session. I'm now looking forward to the next one from this promising author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.