Jacintha Cross, known as Jack, and Gabriel Medway are a married couple and business partners, running Crossways Security, where they infiltrate businesses to test their physical and digital security measures. Jack performs the pen test, or physical penetration of a facility, testing their security; while Gabe performs digital testing both from outside via the web, and inside, once Jack gains access and plants devices permitting him to enter their information systems. They communicate via bluetooth as Jack sneaks in a facility at night, while Gabe tries to help her remotely, pulling up security systems, live video streams, and floor plans. The novel begins with such an operation, which is very exciting.

The story moves into a much more frantic pitch when Gabe is brutally murdered before Jack makes it home from that night’s operation. During what Jack initially believes to be a normal postmortem interrogation at police headquarters, Jack receives an email alerting her that she is the recipient of a million dollar life insurance policy on Gabe, of which she is completely unaware. She quickly realizes she is being framed for his murder, and escapes the police precinct. What follows is Jack’s dangerous, frantic search for the truth, all while staying a half step in front of the police. Jack does not know who to trust, since everyone in their lives becomes a suspect. Every use of technology must be cautious and calculated, video cameras are everywhere, and money becomes inaccessible. It makes the reader realize that going off grid, anonymity has become next to impossible in our world, and all our moves and communications are observed and recorded. It takes Jack absolutely every effort, every bit of her ability, energy, and her last drop of perseverance to discover the plot that led to Gabe’s death.

Ruth Ware is just fantastic. I’ve read most all of her books, and I can recommend them all. She is referred to as the Agatha Christie of our generation, and that is more than fair. Highly recommended.