Sara, an expert computer hacker, knows better than to trust anyone—certainly not the powerful and crooked business mogul for whom she works. But there is no future for the life of a thief. Determined to find a way out, Sara devises a scheme to double-cross her employer and steal millions through one final fatal transaction.
Desperate and on the run, she finds temporary sanctuary with the mysterious Derry Conway. As the FBI closes in and her former associates seek revenge, Sara tries to escape but finds all avenues blocked. Trapped, she sees only one road out—Derry must take the fall and pay for her crimes. But will it work? Is her freedom more important than the life of an innocent man? Or will Sara make the ultimate sacrifice to save those she cares about?
Written for the General Market (G) (I) : Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations or strong language. May also contain content of an inspirational nature. Amazon customers who purchase the print version have the option to purchase the Kindle eBook at no charge.
I've always thought that was an interesting question. Not because I'm interesting, but how does someone sum up himself. Okay, I'll try.
I came into this world in the late 50's and went though childhood in the hippie/Iron Curtain time-period. I'm the youngest of five kids. My father served twenty-seven years in the Army, of which I am proud. During this time we moved all over the country and had two tours in Germany. While in the States we moved nearly every year. After leaving home I joined the Army and spent the bulk of that time in Germany also.
Being uprooted so frequently and traveling by car most of the time, gave me many long days to daydream. My daydreams always seemed to evolve into stories, some of which I liked enough to work on for days at a time. Even after I grew up, I continue to daydream and write stories in my head. I never seem to run out of stories.
After my time in the Army, I went to college, where I met a lovely young lady and asked her to be my wife. Four kids and thirty-plus years later, we are not only still happily married but she has become essential in everything I do, including putting together stories and editing my writing.
After working as an Electrical Engineer for twenty years I was allowed (a nice way of saying laid off) to start my own business. My wife and I wrote twelve science books for the homeschool market, which we self-published and marketed. Three years into this venture Answers in Geneses began publishing our books. Not wanting to go back into the high tech industry, I returned to my childhood pastime of making up stories. My first novel, A Fair Exchange, is set to be released in September, 2013.
My wife and I live in northern Colorado with three of our four children close by. What do I do when I'm not writing? I play street hockey, racquetball, and go hiking whenever I can escape to the mountains.
I won this through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Fatal Transaction was an action packed, thrilling, nail biting, roller coaster of a ride kind of book! Although Sara and Derry Conway come from different backgrounds and have lived in such opposite worlds, their lives crashed together, becoming entwined in corruption, deception, and high-tech thievery...
Derry had to grow up fast. At an early age his girlfriend was murdered right in front of him, he was thrown out of his house and had to learn to survive the hard way. He was raised by a tough as nails woman who takes in wayward boys, trying to help them find their way to adulthood in one piece. Luckily, Derry is one of her success stories. Staying devoted to his passion for karate and school work, Derry was able to go to college and make something of himself as an accountant. Derry stays close to where he is from and just wants to live a life like God has intended for him to do.
Sara grew up in foster home after foster home. Learning to steal to make it through life. She is smart, cunning and has a sharp tongue to match. She becomes involved with the mob, bilking millions of dollars from credit card companies using a high-tech computer program that she has created. Unfortunately, she is a little to smart and a little to smart-mouthed for her own good, quickly making her expendable to the murderous thug she works for. Sara, however, is planning to beat him at his own game and get out before his patience is over and finally kills her. But will she manage to escape with his money in time... this is the constant teeth grinding question that looms over the story as you take this fast paced, heart thumping journey through Fatal Transaction!
I enjoyed this thrilling book. I highly recommend it to readers who have a passion for a breathless read!
This was an interesting read. For the most part I enjoyed it and kept reading trying to see how everything would work out for Sara. I liked Derry as well and how he helped out even though he didn't know Sara. So the story starts off with Sara working on this credit card scam for the bad guy and she has no way out. She is making plans to run away and steal all of his money so she can try and not be killed once everything is implemented. Then of course there are lots of coincidences that lead the bad guys to learn that she is up to something and eventually she gets caught, beaten up, and saved by Derry who then helps her hide. It was really exciting reading it not knowing when something bad would happen. The bad guy Levy is really bad covered in a good guy disguise so no one would suspect him. It was a great set up.
Once she gets rescued by Derry though there started to be some holes or things I didn't like. I still enjoyed it and just glossed over the things I didn't like, but they were still there. Like Sara is supposed to be super smart computer person, but at first she doesn't really do anything to try and make sure no one knows she is checking her email and bank info and such. I mean if it were me and I knew Levy had people who could do all kinds of things I would first try and make sure my computer was safe. Then she just keeps thinking she is safe where she is, there is no way they know who Derry is. Really? Why not? He was in a car..they couldn't track the plates? They didn't see him? I mean she doesn't know they didn't get the plate number so...just stuff like that. She was a little too everything is fine I don't have to worry he will just give up on me right? kind of thing. Then there was a scene where she suddenly tells her life story to Derry and his friends/neighbors which seemed very out of character for her. Why would she do that? With no lead up or real reason? It just didn't make sense.
The other thing that just annoyed me slightly was the religious aspect. It wasn't too bad until the end when Sara realized that she wants Derry and his God's love. She will love God too all of a sudden. It just...I am not religious, and for the most part Derry being religious didn't matter and didn't bother me. The end though where it was all of a sudden she saw the light praise the lord was just too much. It wasn't horrible, but I did roll my eyes a little at it. Really the religious aspects weren't bad.
Overall it was an entertaining read and it kept me engaged. I just wish Sara would have been a little smarter when she was hiding out, like she is supposed to be.
FABULOUS TECHNO-THRILLER! Fatal Transaction by W. Richard Lawrence is a terrific debut novel-I can't wait for the next book in the series! I loved the cyber crime angle, and it was a great roller-coaster ride, with a meaningful message.
As Stephen King says, the first sentence must draw you in. And “We have to kill her” certainly does that.
Sara Beckwith is a computer programmer and hacker and because of some things in her past, she now works for the bad guys. Her boss, Levy, has already made millions through credit card scams and wants even more. The boss always gets his way and anyone who crosses him quickly finds themselves dead, usually having been tortured slowly. Sara is in no doubt that when her job and usefulness are over, that will happen to her too. She works out a plan to enable her to run taking most of the boss’s money with her.
Enter Derry Conway, an accountant haunted by a dysfunctional childhood and the murder of his teenage sweetheart, Tami, by a drug gang. In a not very good restaurant, while taking a supper break from an audit, he sees Sara who resembles Tami, the dead girlfriend. As he watches her interaction with the restaurant owner, he becomes convinced that they are involved in some illegal activity.
But as Sara begins executing her escape plans, she is captured and beaten by Levy’s strong-arm men. By chance, Derry sees her capture. At great risk, he helps her escape and hides her at his own home with the help of his friendly next door neighbours.
What happens next? Is Sara ever going to get out from under Levy’s thumb and get away before he kills her?
Fast-paced and full of suspense this book kept my interest through to the end. There was a Christian theme running through it, but it didn’t deter from the story, until the end, when suddenly Sara sees the light and takes on Derry’s belief in his god.
This was one of the unread books on my Kindle. I don’t remember how I came by it but I am happy to write this review.
The action in W. Richard Lawrence’s Fatal Transaction kept me riveted to the end! I had never read anything by this author before, but when this book was suggested to me, the blurb seemed right up my alley. Very descriptive, action-packed, & vivid characters. I look forward to more from this author!
Rocky Mountains. Ulrich Levy (boss), & his 3 thugs: Mike, Ryan, & Jarred were debating on how to take utilize Sara Beckwith (expert computer hacker, freelance programmer). Ryan not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree was shot by Mike. Derry Conway (L & P Accountants International, account mgr.) was still thinking about Tami (deceased).
Denver, Co. Betty & Sarah were enjoying a lunch while she was discussing Sarah’s get-out-of town card. Sara Chelsea Ramos will be on her passport. Sara was also designing a program to steal millions from credit card users for Ulrich. Kai (f, Hawaiian, computer security) was going to help her. Ben was the new hire he was to keep tabs on Sara. By chance while eating at Jaspers Greek restaurant Sara meets Derry.
Will Sara be able to get away from Ulrich? Will he & the others be brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written techno crime book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great techno crime movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Sara is good with computers, really, really good and she's caught working for a super bad-guy creating credit card scams. He's killed others who work for him and she knows her days are numbered, so she has planned an escape. The suspense comes when she tries to execute that escape, and there's plenty of twists and turns.
Sara isn't a likable character and I had trouble connecting with her. Surprisingly enough, when I met Derry, the hero, although he's a good guy, there wasn't enough depth for me to connect with him either.
Mr. Levi and Mike are evil bad-guy stereotypes and pretty one dimensional.
There are holes in the story like Sara supposedly is this really super computer whiz who makes really stupid mistakes that that other, lesser programmer easily finds. Then when she needs to build a new super computer, she sends Derry to get the components from a computer store she knows is connected to Mr. Levi. How dumb is that?
About midway through the I got into it and started turning those pages. Then they caught Derry and it got really heavy handed again. Also heavy handed was Sara's conversion. She doesn't give a fig about God and then all of a sudden she wants to know Derry's God. I thought, how did that happen?
Sara Beckwith has gotten into a no-win situation, one in which her very life is at stake. A genius at computer programming, she's forced to work on an illegal project for Ulrich Levy, a ruthless man whom the rest of the world believes to be a saint. She develops a plan to escape her predicament, but Levy catches her before she can carry it out. Ex-street thug Derry Conway happens into the situation, rescues her from a cruel beating and gives her a safe place to recuperate. But no one is ever truly safe from Levy. What's more, she's not sure she can trust Derry -- she's never known anyone to help her from the purely beneficent motives he claims to have.
This is a good thriller. For me, its primary weakness was that it begins with the points-of-view of two very unsympathetic characters, first Levy and then Sara. Consequently, it was some time (about a quarter of the way into the book) before I felt any real connection to the characters (because of Derry) or interest in their story. What kept me reading was the book's blurb, which suggested that Sara may have some redeeming qualities and undergo a positive transformation. That and the fact that I received a free copy of the book for an honest review.
An interesting read for a first novel by Lawrence. Sara was exceptional in all areas of computer technology. She did her job well, but was the focus of a bully—Ulrich Levy. Levy’s flunky Mike was usually the one who carried out Levy’s threats and judgments. He was itching to carry out negative threats on Sara. Levy ordered Sara to generate programs which helped him establish a credit card fraud game whereby he would get filthy rich and planned to eliminate her afterwards. Sara operated by fear but made her plan to double cross Levy. She knew she had to get away – thus began the cat and mouse scramble to find and kill her. With her shaded past, she cannot believe her good fortune that Derry wants to protect and help her. She struggles to trust this good man who is a Christian. The intrigue of the book kept me turning pages and wondering who would win in this game after all.
All I can say is wow!! This book really surprised me, I couldn't put it down. I know very little about computers and this book is all about codes, computers, and credit card hacking, yet it held my interest. The characters are realistic with their personal struggles, and how they handle their past. I also enjoyed this book because of the good message it portrays. The main character, Sara, is so bogged down by her past and current life that discovering a good person like Derry, who believes in God, throws her for a curve. This really added to the story line. The setting is in Denver, Colorado which I enjoyed because I know that area and it made the story more realistic in my mind. Expect a fast paced high-tech suspense read that will have you wanting to read more.
This was a suspenseful read. There was a few situations that I found were a bit unrealistic. But, all in all the main characters got the story told. Sara a strong woman with ties to a wicked man. Meets a depressed, soft heartened, God loving man = Derry. Both with a broken past. Both with walls a mile high. One thing leads to another...their paths constantly cross until they mesh on a permanent basis. Causing them to naturally fall for one another. All this happens while, wicked man, Levy has a hit out for Sara. Levy who has a evil love for torturing his victims in an old electric chair. What more could you need?! In the end Derry and Sara get their Happy Ever After. Levy gets life with no parole.
This is not the genre of books I usually read, as I tend more toward biographies and historical fiction. However, this book really captured my attention. The character development and story line were good, and I had a hard time putting it down when I needed to do other things. The author’s obvious knowledge of computers and the Denver/Boulder location added interesting details and made the story more believable. I would recommend this book, especially if you enjoy crime novels. It is certainly a page-turner
Intense and fun. The well thought out and detailed story draws you in and lets you live the story. I found it hard to put this one down and read it in two sittings. It was a fun story that raps up with a true redemption story, showing how true friends can make an eternal difference in someone's life.
Fatal Transaction draws you in, throws you into a blender of suspense and turns it on high. I look forward to more from Lawrence.
Fatal Attraction is definitely a great thriller/suspense book. I enjoyed the story line. The characters were great, except Levy. I really despised his character. But I guess all books need a villain. This book is well written and well thought out. I love a happy ending. A great add to your tbr list.
AARRRRHHHH!! Christian books need to be clearly labeled as such, so I don't keep wasting my money,they seem to write a story (and in this case not very well) and then throw in a few sentences randomly of some of the characters preying etc as an after thought, at the most obscure moments, I could not finish this book.
I liked the characters, especially Sara and Derry. This book had lots of action packed thrills. Sara is a computer genius and has created a programme that will scam banks and credit card companies out of billions of dollars. This story is convoluted and has many twists that keeps the reader guessing right to the end
This is a really good book. Many Christian mysteries, thrillers and suspense novels are amateurish and wishy-washy, but this is well written, has good character development, is realistic, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I enjoyed the characters and the plot was good. I was not sure how accurate the electric chair was but I am not an expert. I liked the author's book and would like to read more of hers.
This was a great book. Once I started o read this book, I just couldn't put it down. I love fining new Christian fiction books that are mysteries and thrillers. This is a new author to me, and I hope to read more.
Fatal Attraction is an interesting read. It is full of horrific acts by monsters to other monsters as well as to innocent people. It also adds in some religious beliefs.
Fatal Transaction is my first book by W. Richard Lawrence. The book was so full of suspense and mystery and very hard to put down. To find out how everything unfolds, just grab a copy and read, you won't be disappointed.
I LOVED this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat with all the plot twists and turns and an amazing story line. A well-written thriller with well-developed characters.