Review – 2 Seconds Late

Eric Wilson takes readers into a suspense filled political thriller of modern technology, microchip tagging and romance in “2 Seconds Late,” book two of his “By the Number” series. Where “RFID” chips, implanted with radio frequency ID transmission capability, monitor the activities and whereabouts of implanted products. However, this time politicians are prepared to introduce controversial bill, “HB 6336” that authorizes human micro-chipping.

The story begins with university student, Natalie Flynn, a barista from “Sip Café,” who finds herself bound and gagged inside a “sweltering” metal Quonset hut, her last memory that of a friendly customer named Magnus. She remembered flirtatiously promising him a free cup of coffee, walking behind the counter—smelling the fresh aroma of coffee beans—then nothing—until now…

Thus begins a captivating tale of adventure and intrigue inspired by the biblical story of Esther, Queen of Persia who was born for “such a time as this” that portrays Natalie as the “Esther” of our time. The narrative plays out in Seattle and other locales with a focus on modern technology, its potential for abuse, as well as ethical use. In a tale of political conspiracy, partisan influence peddlers in Washington and a budding romance that adds another winner to Eric Wilson’s growing list of published works.

Natalie played the part of a governess for the Vreeland family in “1 Step Away,” first book in the series. In book two, “2 Seconds Late,” she takes center stage with State Representative Reuben King, a young man she met by chance at a Nashville book festival.

She’s attracted to the handsome, powerful, debonair young politician, fascinated with the way he trades in information and technology like others might trade in gold. However, his currency for trading is votes not money, not unlike what happens with lobbyists in Washington D.C. today.

Wilson’s portrayal of RFID microchips inserted under the skin captures real fears with a story that reveals how microchips could track humans, similar to what the book of Revelation and the “Number of the Beast” portray. 

Add Representative King’s utter disregard for ethics, King’s dangerous friends who trade in favors and a highly trained Russian skilled in weapons and surveillance, trained for “special-purposes.” Plus Alex and Darcy Page, co-founders of Shield Technologies in Seattle and a plethora of other multi-dimensional characters and you have a book you can’t put down, with a mind-boggling ending readers can’t foresee.

If you aren’t an Eric Wilson fan, co-author of bestselling “Firestorm” and author of “By the Number’s” series, you will be by the time the book is over. Although part of a series the book is also a stand-alone title.