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Signals of Deception by Dave Osborn is a fast-paced, action-filled cybercrime thriller at the highest level. When ICE Cybercrime experts based on the Texas border begin to notice data flows of information that appear to have no relationship to cartel activities, red flags are raised. CIA Cyber-operations agent Scott Douglass is concerned when he realizes these data packages are feeding directly into AEGIS, the U.S. Department of Defense’s high-tech AI, and potentially providing false or misleading information about military actions worldwide to those in power. He quickly realizes he is involved in a race against time to convince the powers that be that supposed offensive military buildups by the Soviets and the Chinese may not be real. The potential for World War III, however, is very real, and only Scott and his team can prevent it.

Signals of Deception offers a fascinating premise. The idea that misinformation and overreliance on technology can be used as a weapon, especially by rogue state actors to confuse and obfuscate the true intentions of their military actions, is intriguing. Dave Osborn has created a thoroughly believable scenario as well as a lead character, a “hero”, who is capable of multiple adventures and missions. This story rides the wave of tension that the plot allows due to the time constraints on Scott and his team to achieve results. It was both surprising and annoying to see the blind faith that so many of the military and the political establishment had in their AI Defense program. Although the risks of not accepting the information were enormous, one would have to argue that the dangers of blindly accepting the information were even greater. For the action aficionado, there is much more than cyber-detection involved in this clever plot; there is also plenty of good old-fashioned operational spycraft to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I was thrilled to note that Scott Douglass will be a recurring character, and I look forward to reading more of Dave Osborn's work. This was an exciting and well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. 

  A Trojan horse of a different kind threatens to be unleashed in Signals of Deception: A Scott Douglass Thriller by Dave Osborn. The story revolves around a sinister scheme devised by an enemy state to compromise the most advanced AI defense system used by the U.S. Rather than attempting to hack the system outright, the plan involves manipulating it by feeding it false information, which could provoke a confrontation between the Americans, the Russians, and the Chinese. If successful, this would enable Iran to execute its plans in the Middle East without opposition. However, no plan, no matter how brilliant, survives contact with the enemy. An ICE team intercepts and detects several false directives, which ultimately reach CIA Special Agent Scott Douglass. Convinced that the U.S. is being misled, Scott must race against time to persuade his superiors that the imminent war they foresee is a hoax.

Signals of Deception by Dave Osborn unfolds in two parts, each with its own plot. The first part centers on the espionage efforts of a foreign power determined to manipulate the United States into war, and the individuals who strive to thwart this plan before the war machine comes alive. The second part transitions from a techno-espionage thriller to an action-packed narrative as the Americans retaliate. A crucial theme throughout the story is the caution against over-reliance on automated AI systems, with the associated dangers explored. Character development is robust, featuring a demographically diverse cast, with each character playing a significant role. The pacing is excellent, reminiscent of classic Tom Clancy novels. For fans of espionage and action stories set against a geopolitical backdrop, Signals of Deception delivers. 

  Dave Osborn's Signals of Deception is an exhilarating tale that kicks off inside the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS). The MOIS concocts an elaborate plan involving AEGIS, America's chief AI defense system. The story follows Iran's Colonel Reza Mirzai, a shrewd strategist who oversees an expert team that deliberately seeks to "trick" AEGIS's formidable defense parameters. Gradually, Mirzai and his unit skillfully feed AEGIS false reports (masked as valid data), implying that Russia and China are engaging in unsanctioned military activity. Mirzai's mission is to coax the U.S. military into deploying troops in these countries, thereby leaving the Middle East unguarded. Meanwhile, skilled ICE agents and an intuitive CIA cyber operative begin to suspect foul play. Can they stop Mirzai's twisted plans while there is still time?

Signals of Deception is an exciting and quick-paced espionage thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Dave Osborn takes us on a thought-provoking, high-stakes tour into the veiled world of digital terrorism. It shows how easily devious minds can exploit powerful technology. Through vivid writing, the author paints a fascinating and harrowing narrative of the limitations that exist in modern-day AI-regulated defense systems. It is most certainly a relevant topic that affects cyber warfare today. I enjoyed following the journeys of the highly skilled specialists in ICE and the CIA. The author masterfully explores their various talents. Even Mirzai's ability to outmaneuver his rivals adds a refreshing layer of tension and intrigue to the plot. Overall, this will draw readers into a story that, while fictitious, feels deeply grounded in realistic possibilities. I highly recommend it. .