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Civil Terror: Gridlock by J. Luke Bennecke

Civil Terror: Gridlock examines ambitious, near-future technology that is exploited to disastrous consequences. Self-driving, fully automated cars once seemed like a figment of an overactive imagination on the far horizon of possibility; but that future is now. 

Author and engineer J. Luke Bennecke keeps readers on edge with an action-packed plot that also incorporates a comprehensive technical background. Readers of Civil Terror: Gridlock will learn the complexities of civil engineering and explore complicated moral questions, while dodging bullets and narrowly escaping earth-shattering explosions.  

A MAN WRONGFULLY ACCUSED

Civil Terror: Gridlock begins with a screeching, slamming, chaotic crash. A cyberattack infiltrates the brand new, fully automated network for self-driving cars used on freeways across the country. Tens of thousands of lives are lost in a fiery inferno of twisted metal stretching for seven miles on the busiest corridor in Los Angeles. 

Civil engineer Jake Bendel awakes in a government holding cell, accused of orchestrating a series of devastating terrorist attacks that have claimed innocent lives and crippled the city’s infrastructure. Jake’s supposed to be dead; killed in a massive fire of his own creation that also claimed the life of his wife. A member of the team who pioneered the automated freeway technology, and one of the very few who can control it, Jake is the only real suspect in the FBI investigation of the massacre. 

A POTENTIAL SUSPENSEFUL FUTURE

After convincing a senior agent of his innocence, Jake is given a very short leash to find the real mastermind behind the terrorist attacks. He enlists the help of his most trusted friends and brightest colleagues, all while trying to stay out of the public eye. Narrowing down the list of suspects, he chases a dark nemesis who is bent on his destruction and is preparing to strike again. Civil Terror: Gridlock is a remarkable piece of fiction that could ostensibly become a tragic reality just a few years in the future. Set on some of the country’s busiest and notoriously congested roadways, this immersive story presents an elegant solution to a ubiquitous problem… which quickly turns into a horrific scenario. 

A CYBER-TALE ROOTED IN REALITY

Author J. Luke Bennecke draws on his extensive understanding of civil engineering and urban infrastructure to give the reader an authoritative, inside view of complex issues that many of us never even think of. Bennecke expertly balances technical background for the reader while never slowing the pace of the story. The result is a white-knuckle adventure that leaves you with a good understanding of the subject matter and appreciation for the unspoken, real-life heroes working to make our greatest cities safe. 

Civil Terror: Gridlock is a thriller with surprisingly deep implications. This novel focuses on a specific, imminent technological development but the message resonates with the past and the more distant future. Humanity has repeatedly developed new technology that has capacity and intent to improve and save lives; but those same advancements are often put to nefarious ends. Aircraft, radio waves, atomic energy are just a few examples from our past, and there will certainly be more examples in our future. Civil Terror: Gridlock serves as a cautionary tale that we must evaluate emerging technologies both for economic advantage as well as potential destructive capabilities if they should fall in the wrong hands.

 

About J. Luke Bennecke:

J. Luke Bennecke is a native Californian and veteran civil engineer who has spent his career helping people by improving Southern California roadways. He has a civil engineering degree, an MBA, a private pilot’s certificate, and is a partner in an engineering firm. In his role as philanthropist, he awards scholarships annually to high school seniors at his alma mater. Bennecke resides in Southern California with his wife of over 30 years and three spunky cats and. In his leisure time he enjoys traveling, plays golf, learns about innovative tech, and spends time with his grown daughters. Bennecke is a member of International Thriller Writers and looks forward to attending ThrillerFest every year in New York.

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Civil Terror: Gridlock by J. Luke Bennecke
Author: J. Luke Bennecke
Michael Ferry

Michael Ferry lives and writes in New Haven, CT. He prepares regulatory submissions for the medical device industry by day and enjoys writing short stories and articles about books and bookstores as a creative outlet in his free time. Four years ago, he decided to spend more time reading and less time watching television, and he now reads 40 – 50 books each year. He says that it has changed his life. Michael also enjoys spending time outside with his wife and kids, inventing new games to play, and snowboarding.

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