Amazon: https://bit.ly/3I7jwcz
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237133734-deadly-odds-8-0
Thrillers rooted in real science always hit harder—and Deadly Odds 8.0 is one that kept me thinking long after the final page. Allen Wyler has created a terrifying scenario: What if someone could hack your pacemaker?
The novel begins with a sudden death outside a Seattle church. A man collapses, and emergency responders can’t save him. Within hours, a prominent medtech CEO receives a threat—backed by undeniable proof—that an anonymous hacker can remotely kill anyone with an AI-enabled cardiac implant. The only way to stop the murders? Shut down the company. It’s an impossible demand that throws the medical world into panic. Arnold Gold, a former casino hacker turned cybersecurity expert, leads a team of brilliant digital investigators. They’ve been laying low—but this case is too dangerous, too personal, and too urgent to ignore. As they peel back layers of digital deception, they find themselves confronting a foe whose motives may be more personal than political—and far more lethal than anyone expected.
Allen Wyler’s background as a neurosurgeon adds an unmatched realism to the pacing and the stakes. His ability to weave together medicine, ethics, and action is what sets his thrillers apart. You can find more about his work and career at allenwyler.com.
How did you research your book?
Because my Deadly Odds series touches on hacking and cybersecurity and I’m not a hacker, I need the help of a range of specialists from FBI agents to honest-to-God hooded dudes hunched chugging Red Bull while clicking away at keyboards: the kind of vandal your computer fears. Sooo, over the years I’ve developed a great cadre of sources to keep my ideas and descriptions factual. They’re a group I’m deeply indebted to.
What’s the hardest scene or character you wrote—and why?
This installment features Prisha Patel, Arnold’s second in command. (I’ve fallen in love with her character). In 8.0 she’s fleshed in a pivotal role. Problems develop when Vihaan, her jealous husband, falsely accuses her of a romantic involvement with Arnold. Leaving her to face some serious soul searching and ultimately a series of life-changing decisions. Prisha, you rock, girl!
What sets your book apart from others in your genre?
I’m not aware of another series in this genre that incorporates technology with mystery in such an easily understood presentation as the Deadly Odds series does.
Where do you write—home, coffee shop, train?
The mechanics of entering words into the computer take place at my desk, but my real writing—the creation of ideas and modifications–occur while walking my little Shib Inu through her favorite park, the University of Washington arboretum.
Why did you choose this setting/topic?
Great question. My Deadly Odds series is set primarily in Seattle with a few of the earlier installments in Honolulu. So, the Seattle setting was obvious. Since I deal with technology, the story needed to be present day. Because several of my stand-alone books were successful medical thrillers, for this installment I decided to focus on the issue of hacking medical devices. Pacemakers were an ideal subject to focus on. In other words, the setting and topic seemed to simply fall into place.
Which authors most inspired you?
Several authors do: John Sanford, Robert Cray, Michael Connelly, Don Winslow, Joseph Finder, and numerous others.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Oh, man! I love several: BBQ Ribs, really good fried chicken with chunky potato salad, and Fran’s truffles (a local Seattle chocolate store). Oh, and don’t forget Talenti Salted Caramel Truffle Gelato.
If you could time-travel, where would you go?
Into the future 50 years to find out what happens to our country in this extraordinarily divisive time. Will our democracy survive? How severe will climate change become, and can we reverse it? I have so many questions with no clear idea where we’re headed.
What’s something that made you laugh this week?
Every morning, I throw the covers back on my bed so the sheets can air out until I make it later. Often my sweet Shiba Inu jumps up and sleeps directly on the spot I’ve just vacated. Today, when I returned to make the bed, she wouldn’t move. So, I made it around her. Just her little face was protruding from under the covers. The sight totally cracked me up!
You can get Deadly Odds 8.0 on Amazon here.
© 2025- Ronovan Hester Copyright reserved. The author asserts his moral and legal rights over this work.
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