Wired Kingdom

Tara Shores #1

by Rick Chesler

When a blue whale tagged with a web-cam designed with stolen defense technology broadcasts a brutal murder at sea as part of a television nature program, Special Agent Tara Shores finds herself navigating an ocean of manipulation and deceit in a deadly race to reach the 100-ton creature roaming the Pacific before an unknown killer can destroy the digital evidence it carries.

As Shores dives deeper into the case, what she initially dismisses as a publicity stunt for the glitzy reality series soon sweeps her out to sea in a riptide of greed, intrigue, and high-tech crime.

"A whale of a tale by first-time author Rick Chesler involving modern-day pirates, media moguls, and a sexy federal agent -- all chasing a cetacean-mounted camcorder and the crucial piece of evidence needed to resolve a murder."
-- Steve Alten, NY Times bestselling author of GRIM REAPER and MEG

"WIRED KINGDOM is a fast-paced thriller that is one third deep-sea adventure, one third FBI sleuthing and one third awesome. A superb debut novel and killer concept."
-- Jeremy Robinson, author of PULSE and INSTINCT.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

426 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published May 23, 2010

About the author

Author of over 30 novels, Rick Chesler holds a Bachelor of Science in marine biology and can often be found diving, boating or traveling to research his next thriller idea. A former contractor for the U.S. Deptartment of Commerce and the State of Hawaii, he now lives in South Florida with his family, at the edge of the Bermuda Triangle. Visit him online at twitter.com/rickchesler, facebook.com/rickchesler, or rickchesler.com.

SERIES:
ATLANTIS GOLD: An Omega Files Adventure (Book 1)
ARK FOUND: An Omega Files Adventure (Book 2)
GOLDEN ONE An Omega Files Adventure (Book 3)
CROSS FOUND: An Omega Files Adventure (Book 4)

JURASSIC DEAD (co-authored):
Jurassic Dead
Jurassic Dead 2: Z-Volution
Jurassic Dead 3: Ctrl-Z

OUTCAST Ops:
Game of Drones (co-authored)
The Poseidon Initiative
African Firestorm (co-authored)
Red Ice (co-authored)
Watchlist (co-authored)
Shadow Gov (co-authored)

TARA SHORES THRILLERS
Wired Kingdom
kiDNApped
Solar Island

DANE MADDOCK ORIGINS (co-authored)
Splashdown
Electra
Amber
Treasure of the Dead
Dane Maddock: The Tomb

OGMIOS TEAM ORIGINS (co-authored)
Lucifer's Machine

STANDALONE NOVELS:
Edit: A Prehistoric Thriller
Manuscript 512 (releasing Fall 2018)
Hawaiian Punch (co-authored)
Uncontacted
DMZ: A Dinosaur Thriller
The Tank
The Flat: A Novel of Supernatural Horror (co-authored)
The Yeti (co-authored)
Landing Party
Sawfish
Luna
Hotel Megalodon
Blood Harbor: A Novel of Suspense

Reviews

[Robert MacNeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Rick Chesler on Twitter. (@RickChesler) I liked his tweets, and thought I'd try his book. WOW! Over the last 30 years I've read all the best-selling thrillers and frankly, I wasn't expecting a lot from a $2.99 independently-published e-book. All I can say is that Rick Chesler is one of the best. He can hold his own with any of the "big name" writers in the genre. I was captivated from the start, and the book got better as it went along. The ending was a surprise, and fully satisfying.
On finishing Wired Kingdom, I immediately went on Amazon and bought Chesler's next book, KiDNApped. After reading Wired Kingdom, I would have gladly paid $14.99 for KiDNApped (That's what I paid for Clive Cussler's latest Kindle download). The great news was, since Chesler is one of the new breed of idie authors, I got KiDNApped for just $4.99.

[Mickey Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful and timely, this novel will satisfy anyone looking for a good adventure tale.
Chesler knows a lot about the marine environment and the book shows this well. He doesn't become didactic but weaves in facts smoothly.
As an animal lover who cringes at the slightest hint of cruelty (I cried through Bambi when I was a kid) I had to put the book down a few times because I was so anxious. I won't give anything away by telling you why. Read it for yourself!

[Stan Tremblay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The technology is top-notch in this twist on the murder-mystery! The setting, placed on the high-seas, opens up great opportunities for plot development which Chesler jumps on to create a non-stop read.

[Louis Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story very well done, I loved it can't wait for the next book by Rick. A Must Read!!!!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first two chapters of Rick Chesler's Wired Kingdom in a pre-release sneak preview and knew I had to read the entire book. I ordered it immediately and actually received it four days prior to its release date. In spite of a heavy workload, I read this book in one week.

Although there are several characters in the story, Mr. Chesler does such a good job of defining each one that I never once had to check back to an earlier page, wondering, "Who is this, again?" Each character has their own 'story' but each story is perfectly entwined to the entire book.

The main character of the story is actually a Blue Whale, to which an attached web cam allows internet and television viewers access to the seas. Even if the reader does not have a marine background, Chesler gives such perfect definition of the massive mammal and its environs, it is easy to imagine oneself in the water watching the story unfold.

In a world in which murder has become all too commonplace, Wired Kingdom brings a new angle to solving the crime, a murder at sea caught by the web cam. The research done by the author was obviously extensive as every bit of technology is described so well, the reader has no problem understanding just how it works. The story's end, while surprising, makes perfect sense retrospectively. Given the characters, I can't imagine it any other way!

Personally, I look forward to more novels by Rick Chesler. His first is so enthralling, I have already purchased several more to give as gifts. This book was the perfect way to start my summer reading!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through the First Reads Giveaway on October 1st, 2010!

Synopsis of Wired Kingdom - A reality tv guru had the interesting idea to equip a wild blue whale with a web cam and make it a live feed 24/7 on the internet for people to watch. The feed showed everything that the blue whale was seeing and also had its gps coordinates so that the audience would know where the blue whale was. The show "Wired Kingdom" was quite successful, so when the large at-home audience watches a woman meet her demise right in front of the blue whale, there was a public outcry as to whether the incident was staged or real. The FBI gets called in to check it out and the excitement of the book ensues.

Wired Kingdom was a gripping book that seems to have been heavily researched. I was really surprised at how caught up in the book I actually became. Rick Chesler wrote Wired Kingdom from many points of view - which is normal for an author - but he also included the whale's point of view and I found that very interesting and unique. For me, the book really showed down around page 140 for some reason but after 10-15 pages, it picks right back up. It felt like the book hit a brick wall for me, in a sense. I have reread the same passage a few times and always the same mental reaction - but do not let this discourage you from picking Wired Kingdom up at your nearest bookstore because you will not regret buying this book! Wired Kingdom is a great book that I will read again and again.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel introduced me to a great new author and one I'll follow for a long time. The research behind the writing is matched only by the thrilling page-turning plot. Can't wait to read his second novel, too. I expect it to keep me as glued to the pages as Wired Kingdom.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent thriller. The story is fast paced and absorbing with totally believable characters. I would recommend this to everyone with an interest in technology and the environment. I will be looking for more of Rick's books.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought "Wired Kingdom" was one of the best books I've read in a very long time. The premise of the story is so new and fresh and Chesler weaves a tail of suspense that will keep you focused until the last page.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, nothing like mixing a good murder mystery with a little save the planet theme. Did a great job of keeping wanting to turn the page and find out who the whale caught being killed and who did it.

[Barry Simiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. well rounded and thought out characters. bloody good story. love it to bits and pieces. cannot wait for the follow up.

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in the Tara Shores series, this is also the first book I’ve read by Rick Chesler. It’s a fantastic debut and well worth a read.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of my Twitter/Facebook friend, Rick Chesler, for his thriller to review, albeit almost a month late. It starts out with a tagged whale, who's shown on a reality show named Wired Kingdom, which is for educational purposes, and also held contests for viewers who see it stream online the whale's latest move. When a murder is caught on tape by a vicious shark attack, everyone wants that tag. That's when they bring in, Agent Tara Shores from the FBI, who's in charge of the case to investigate the murder and meets with Trevor Lane, who's in charge of Wired Kingdom's website, and Dr. Anastasia Reed, a marine mammalogist, who leads her to the whale. Meanwhile Hector Gonzalez leads his Mexican divers to get the tag and hone in on some cash for his sick daughter, and Eric Stein, the leader of an eco-terrorist group called Ocean Liberation Front is on the race to stop the people from filming it on TV. Things gets heated up, when the whale is caught up on nets, while the race is on to save it, and things gets deadly. There's plenty of twists and turns, if you love a thriller on the ocean. It's a great read.

[Shawn Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening of this story reached out of the water, grabbed me by the collar, and pulled me down into its mysterious and exciting depths... where there swims a blue whale with a webcam!

Yeah, and when the webcam picks up a murder at sea, the FBI gets involved... And the adventure begins.

Chesler does a wonderful job at pace-setting while at the same time keeping you completely invested in his characters. You feel for every one of them, even the baddies, even the whale. And whether it's a hijacked sub, an orca attack, an assassination, or the betrayal of a loved one, WIRED KINGDOM has a lot of intrigue to deliver. He has somehow concocted a new recipe for oceanic thrills. What does it taste like? Well, I'm still full from the feast, having just wiped my mouth, but if I had to describe its aftertaste... baked crime thriller, sprinkled with some Cussler and Alten, laid out on a bed of ocean science and topped with a whale (along with a side of reality TV).

You may just have to try it for yourself. It was that good. A whale of a novel... sorry, couldn't help myself.

Now moving on to his next Tara Shores thriller.

[Gail Baugniet · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the opening sentence, it's obvious this is an over-the-top, headed for the big screen novel. Author Rick Chesler constructs his world with realistic plot and non-stop tension.

In an early chapter, a highly charged scene viewed world wide via a web-cam imbedded in a blue whale suggests a possible murder. (This premise might have seemed improbable if I hadn't just read an article about scientists tagging sharks for depth monitoring.)

When protagonist Special Agent Tara Shores is assigned to the case, the FBI agent takes firm hold of the investigative reins and never loses control.

Much of the heavy action takes place on or beneath the ocean's surface. As various groups track one of the world's largest mammals, in an effort to recover the web-cam for either idealistic or unsavory reasons, the final outcome is anyone's guess.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not done reading, buy enjoying so much, I wanted to share. Fast paced, interesting characters and scenarios. Makes you look forward to flipping to the next page. I'll return and conclude my review after I finish this amazing book. Thanks Rick!!! Update 6/30/2012: Finished this amazing book (I blame work for taking me so long!) what a read! Didn't see that ending coming and can't wait to start KiDNApped to find out what happens to Tara Shores next! If you like interesting action thrillers, Rick is the author for you!!

[Paul Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being who I am, I love that the good guy/girl went to UCLA and the bad guy/girl was a Trojan. Problem was, I just didn't like the heroine, and found myself not caring whether she solved the mystery or not. The first few times we see her she's so unlikeable there was no way I could root for her. The whale was actually a lot more interesting.

[Anabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wired Kingdom" is a fast paced marine thriller with a unique twist on reality shows- a web cam attached to a blue whale streams live over the internet where millions unexpectedly see a murder done. Excellent suspense - expect to lose some sleep to finish. Author Rick Chesler's debut novel - very 'good read!'

[C.K. Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good eco-thriller. The concept of the book is well thought out and unlike anything I have read. Fantastic job Rick! I will be posting a review on webbweaver blog @ http://bit.ly/HWQKW

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent FBI mystery. At 400+ pages, the longest I've read this year - but never felt like it. The story was very well paced, with a few surprising twists. And dammit, now I want a real Wired Kingdom. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Melonie Dunson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a free library because it looked interesting. It totally was! Fast paced, kept me involved and wondering. I thought it was unique and would absolutely suggest it to others that like a good mystery.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story! I loved the info on whales and the ocean, as well as sailing. I could so see a reality show like this book talks about. Well done!

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One of the Most High Action Suspense Thrillers I've Read"

Author Rick Chesler can really tell an unforgettable story! It's a drama from the first page to the last page, keeping you enthralled! In this story, Trevor Lane is monitoring a satellite live feed of a webcam attached to a nearly 100-foot blue whale's dorsal fin. The website where all fans can access is called "Wired Kingdom." As he watches the two screens which have been displaying nothing unusual, he suddenly hears sounds other than the blowing whale. He hears clearly a woman's voice screaming, followed by two gunshots. A murder has just taken place displayed live on the website around the world. Now to Hector Gonzales who lives on the Mexican coast. He runs a charter aircraft, a small Cessna seaplane for tourists. His 11-year old daughter, Rosa, is near death, her body rejecting the donor tissue. It will cost more than he and his wife, Carla, can come up with. But suddenly, he has a job which will more than pay for Rosa's life-saving surgery. The job? To remove a technical device attached to a whale not far off shore, in U.S. waters. Enter the third character, the most important, FBI Special Agent Tara Shores. She's tough, well-trained, a great crime solver. But she doesn't like being reassigned to investigate this obvious murder. Why? She's afraid of water, much less sharks and whales. This story is so well developed, so exciting that it nearly leaves one breathless. The characters are so very well defined, they are unforgettable. The quality of the writing is superb, the pace unbelievably fast, as fast as a shark can attack, at times. The plot development is excellent with twists and turns. The ending is so powerful and haunting. Don't miss out on the action which will literally take you to the sea to feel the salty breeze.

[Jamey Goodyear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wired Kingdom is the first in the Tara Shores series that is written by Rick Chesler.

Wired Kingdom is a live internet feed that comes from some electronics that has been planted on a blue whale. Not only does it broadcast a live feed of everywhere and everything the whale sees, it also broadcasts its GPS coordinates, and saves that data, along with the video and a bunch of other scientific data on a waterproof hard drive that is included in the electronics. The idea for this venture comes from a scientist and her father who owns TV stations, with the help of an electronic genius. The father’s company is making a ton of money on this venture due to a weekly contest based on the whale’s broadcast.

One day, while swimming around minding its own business, the whale cam picks up a murder. The murder is captured and broadcast. The problem is that it isn’t clear who was murdered and who was the murderer.

Tara Shores is put on the case to investigate. She’s a go-getter, tough as nails, almost fearless FBI agent. The FBI isn’t the only organization after the video though and it’s a fast-paced race against time to get the drive off of the whale.

I liked this book a lot. It is well written and entertaining. Tara Shores is brash and reckless, but effective. The other main characters are the scientist, her father, and the electronics expert. All the characters are believable. This is a great story for those who like FBI thrillers, water adventures, and murder mysteries. Adults, as well as young adults, will enjoy this story.

[Bill Koller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start with an undersea murder caught on a a revolutionary webcam by the largest animal on earth, add the dauntless FBI Agent Tara Shores, mix with pirate environmentalists, double crosses, Mexican Crime Lords, and locations off the Southern California coast and you begin the mix which makes for the smooth, tangy brew which is Wired Kingdom.

[Author Rick Chesler]'s 2012 addition to his Tara Shores series is a winner. Combining technology, suspense and well drawn often quirky characters with all the action a reader of thrillers could wish for Wired Kingdom whets one's thirst for more. Simply put this is an exciting ride with smooth pacing and the finish of a fine brew.

I look forward to reading Rick's Solar Island now sitting on my Kindle.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept my attention. I didn't want to put it down until i finished. I just had to find out who did it.

I loved the idea of having a whale's eye view of the ocean. I think that would be exciting, to see the creatures out there. Not so much the violence of seeing creatures eat each other, but to just enjoy the view. Like a never ending aquarium of different species. I also think if we saw how much damage people are doing to our oceans, lost fishing nets, trash bags, and other debris maybe we would really start a huge movement to clean it up.

I kept rooting for the Whale, hoping some of the idiots that were trying to hurt it would get eaten by a shark or something. It sure had a surprise ending.

I am looking forward to reading more of Tara Shores Thrillers.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up Wired Kingdom it was believed to be the first book by Rick Chesler that I was going to read, I found out shortly after that I've read a couple of books that he co-authored and I throughly enjoyed them so I didn't expect any less from this book. I was not disappointed in the slightest. I was hooked from the first chapter, it has great characters, it's fun, interesting and makes you think. The detail was just right. If you are looking for an intelligent, fun, well written thriller then this is the book for you.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice nautical technothriller. Rick Chesler can write. Equal parts Dirk Pitt and Nikki Heat. I plan to read the other books in the Tara Shores series. If I had one complaint it would be that we didn't get enough background on Tara. A lot of times she seems like just a set piece because we don't get to see what she is thinking. Overall I give it a 4 out of 5. Really surprisingly interesting read. Nice going.

[liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

the idea of this story is great. the writing is dry and unnecessarily wordy. a good editor might have been enough to bring this book up to 4 stars, but a more experienced writer or even just a more engaged writer would have been enough. chesler's next novel will probably be better. i might pick it up and flip through just in case.

[Julie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent start to the Tara Shores series, this book follows a blue whale that has been tagged with a camera and a GPS transponder. When a murder is caught on the whale's camera, Tara Shores is the FBI agent who is assigned to the case.
This story is fast-paced and loaded with action, and the characters are well-developed. I am ready to start the second book in the series!