Article and Interview by Elise Cooper
Critical Alliance by Elizabeth Goddard explores the impact of cyber criminals, a thrilling battle of wits between two hackers. A bonus for every series of Goddard is that readers can know what is happening with characters from previous books. In this series it is Jack and Terra from Present Danger, as well as Erin and Nathan from Deadly Target.
The plot begins with MacKenzie Hanson on an amusement park ride where she spots a former partner in cybercrime. He gives her a message about her father’s Montana company being targeted. Realizing she must now face her past she decides to return to Montana and visit her estranged family.
As a teenager MacKenzie and her partners hacked into wealthy companies in Robin Hood fashion, stealing from the rich to give to charities. But when one of the partners used their skills for nefarious reasons, she and one other partner blew the whistle. She was able to put her criminal past behind her to become a successful college professor.
Also back in Montana is Diplomatic Security Services (DDS) special agent Alex Knight to decompress from a mission gone wrong. He and MacKenzie also had a past when he took her on a tour of the DDS offices. They end up meeting on a trail path after he notices a drone is following her. When a shooter attacks them, they barely escape unharmed. She recruits Alex for protection while figuring out who’s trying to hurt her family. With suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and possible espionage, Alex and Mackenzie work together to find the dangerous hacker and their use of technology.
The plot has escalating tension. Family issues, putting one’s past to rest, and renewing relationships also add to this action-filled story.
Elise Cooper: How did you get the idea for the story?
Elizabeth Goddard: This is the last book in the series. I wanted to do a criminal cyber security story because I have a computer science background. I am a technical person although I did speak to a cyber security expert. I talked with them about every single aspect of the story to make sure I got it correct. I had in the story drones, artificial intelligence, and cyber weapons.
EC: What about the Montana setting?
EG: I love to write action adventure within beautiful settings, set in the mountains or a rocky beach. I thought it would be fun to have the story set in the mountains of Montana. Tech companies really are moving to Montana so their employees can have more fresh air and productivity.
EC: I thought of the “Jungle Cruise” ride when I read the waterfall scene. Did you base it on that?
EG: No, but I do remember now, the line in the “Jungle Cruise” movie. How they said ‘here is the backside of water’ after going around the waterfall. I had the scene in earlier books, Targeted for Murder and Deception. I love waterfalls so I put it in this book. I think they are amazing with the caves behind them. When writing about the mountains I need to put in a waterfall somewhere within the story.
EC: The scene in the amusement park?
EG: The ride, Octopus was a horrible experience for me. I think the Carnival experience is kind of creepy. All the noise and smells.
EC: How would you describe MacKenzie?
EG: Athletic, vulnerable, stubborn, determined, and brilliant. She was a troubled person who has found her way. She was a cybercriminal and now as a professor she can share her knowledge to do something good with her life.
EC: What is penetration testing, something MacKenzie teaches?
EG: A cyber security company is hired to go into a system to see if they can hack into it to find the vulnerabilities. Can they penetrate the system?
EC: What about the relationship with her sister Nora?
EG: Very challenged. There is a lot of emotional drama. But now they want to put the past behind them. They both feel betrayed and hurt by each other. Now they must work together to find the murderer.
EC: How would you describe Alex?
EG: He is a diplomatic security agent, a true professional. Being from Montana, means he has some cowboy in him. He is kind, thoughtful, caring, strong, and protective.
EC: Next book?
EG: It is a new series based in Alaska called “Missing in Alaska.” The first book is titled, Light of Day to be released in February 2023. A character from Critical Alliance will be the main character in this first book. There will be murders with the body count rising.
EC: THANK YOU!!
