The Master Code

by T.A. Hunter

A near-future murder-mystery-drama morphs over 10 days into an action-packed sci-fi conspiracy-thriller as a historical Southern rural river community is suddenly overwhelmed by a series of accidents and deaths. Are all these events somehow tied to a dam break, the murder of an old riverman, and a fish? Can Sheriff Coleman of Charles County solve this puzzling case with the reluctant help of Jason Dickson, an autistic convicted-hacker/ engineering student? What discovery is so great they risk their lives, and everyone they love, to reveal to the world? Can you decipher the Master Code with Jason too?

Nominated for the 2023 Prometheus Award for Best Novel

Reader comments:
“The author tackles big, complex topics that are hugely consequential in scale and scope. Exgenics Corporation sounds all too real. He crisply set the scene and the footnotes are like a future-history narrative tying the story to the referenced locales and technologies. Solving the detective mystery carries the reader along to the climax. I admire his dialog and pacing,” Published Author and Online Commentator.
"An intricately woven web immersing the reader within a community in a future place and time," Retired Engineer
"I cried for Rufus and Grandpa," Real Estate Agent
"I laughed at Jason's exploits! Filled with surprises and exciting twists until the end!" Manufacturing Technician
"I don't know how the author did it, but there is romance in this novel too!" Accountant
"After finishing this book, I wanted more," Attorney
"A realistic near-future and warning for our present," Scientist

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Mystery

542 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

T. A. Hunter grew up from a simple life as a farm boy who played in the woods, creek, fields, and farm pond to become an engineer, scientist, inventor, businessman, artist, poet, naturalist, and avid gardener. He is married and a proud father. Two of his childhood heroes were Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Edison.

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covering your tracks.

One young man is trying to make up for his past. One company is trying to hide what it is doing. The mega-rich scientific facility vs the college kid with a checkered past. With the help of a small tight knit community and outdated technology, the town must figure out what is causing a bunch of deaths and why. The clock is ticking and they must try to stay off the facilities radar.

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Kelly Hamlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant read with grit. I enjoyed the way knowledge about a variety of industries and lifestyles was woven into the story without being over the top; won't say more or there will be spoilers. I found myself guessing what was really going on until the end.

[Alison Solberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not quite sure how I feel on this book. I’d give it anywhere from two stars to four stars, so I landed on three. It’s a story about past, present, and future with religion and science all mixed in. You can tell the author either knows a lot about these subjects or did research as what’s talked about is very thorough. It’s almost too thorough for genuine conversations though. I kept getting the feeling of condescension when some of the characters talked and it put me off a little. I do agree with the storyline/premise of the book and like it, I just wish it was almost less articulate? If that makes sense.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very odd book. Very scientific and very religious at the same time. Some of the dialog doesn't seem genuine. It is a battle of good (religious simplicity) vs evil (science/technology). I am not sure if I liked it or not. I got about 75% through the book and wasn't sure I wanted to finish reading it, there was so much death I was afraid the author was going to kill off every character I had come to like. I finished it and the author mostly wrapped up the story, but the ending was not satisfying to me. Feel free to read it and see if you like it though, it is an interesting read

[Natalie Clauson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok book there were parts I did enjoy but then there were parts I couldn't understand