No Signal (iMe #2) by Jem Tugwell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Serge says it’s the ultimate Augmented Reality game. He’s chosen his Ten carefully – the reckless, driven and strong. He tests them. Ten become Four.

DI Clive Lussac wants to fight the system that controls everything, but he’s ill and losing the people closest to him. In the middle of eco-protests, he’s lost four tourists.

As Clive’s world unravels, he and his partners DC Ava Miller and DS Zoe Jordan race to find the tourists and the true reason behind the game. It may already be too late.

MY REVIEW

DI Clive Lussac is back in book 2 and he’s still fighting the new system on his own terms holed away in another workless day in the Proximity Crime Unit (PCU) with his new junior high-energy sidekick DC Ava Miller. iMe is a government device embedded under the skin that tracks everything. Where you are, what you eat, when you exercise…meaning “a detective’s work has all but disappeared”. Until Clive and Ava receive urgent messages stating that four iTourists have unauthorized disconnects from the system. Meaning the indestructible temporary bracelets foreigners get while visiting the UK have somehow stopped working. Let’s just say without giving spoilers that it’s part of a clever and deadly augmented reality game with four contestants who are competing for money and prizes. In typical, Lussac style, he uses his experience and out-of-date detective skills to find the bad guys without getting credit for it.

I love the diverse characters in this book. Clive’s relationship with the energetic Ava is like a proud papa getting his junior partner to open up and become more confident. And his continued relationship with his former partner Zoe is still strong considering her mother has broken up with Clive. Along with turning 50, losing his girlfriend, and being ill, Clive is understandably depressed in this book, but I still enjoy his sharp wit and ability to overcome his dislike for the new technology he has to learn to keep up with the times.

Overall, I enjoyed book 2 of the series which covers everything from cyber terrorists, political activism, religious activism to depression, grief, and bullying. It’s a thrill ride from the first page with a fascinating take on the future. If you are a fan of techno-thrillers with seasoned detectives and non-stop action, give this book a try.

Thank you to Mr. Tugwell and Serpentine Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

iMe Series

1. Proximity (2019) – My review
2. No Signal (2020)

2 signed copies of Proximity (open to UK addresses only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jem Tugwell is a crime fiction author with a Crime Writing MA from City University.

NO SIGNAL is the second book in the iMe series and follows his thrilling debut novel PROXIMITY.

Jem is inspired by the fascinating possibilities of technology, AI, and the law of unintended consequences. In a past life, Jem had a successful career in technology and investment management, and he lives in Surrey with his wife and dog. He has two great children. Outside of his family and writing, Jem’s loves are snowboarding, old cars, and bikes.

Follow Jim on his website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.