Proximity is an exciting new techno-thriller by Jem Tugwell, from Serpentine press. It look like an interesting book, and it has a giveaway! Check it out!

Proximity is inspired by the fascinating possibilities of technology, AI and the law of unintended consequences. From my own experience, technologists are often amazed or horrified about the other uses that people imagine for their products. Clive and Zoe’s world might be closer than we think, but is it heaven or hell? How do we decide the perfect balance of free will and greater good? – Jem Tugwell

You can’t get away with anything. Least of all murder. 

DI Clive Lussac has forgotten how to do his job. Ten years of embedded technology – ‘iMe’ – has led to complete control and the eradication of crime. Then the impossible happens. A body is found, and the killer is untraceable. With new partner Zoe Jordan, Clive must re-sharpen his detective skills and find the killer without technology, before time runs out for the next victim…

Leading the trend in speculative crime thrillers, Jem Tugwell’s thrilling and thought-provoking debut sits alongside Black Mirror and The City and the City in a compelling exploration of our near future. Proximity draws on Jem’s 20 years of professional experience as a software developer in the city to give an unnerving insight into how our world might be transformed by the rapid advance in embedded technology and fitness trackers.

What if the cash-strapped public healthcare system can be given a second life by using tech to regulate our health and behaviour?

What if we can eradicate gun, knife and other proximity crimes by tracking everyone’s activity?

What if civil liberty is seen as an acceptable sacrifice for the greater good?

What if the convenience of technology is used for control?

Excerpt:

I couldn’t face another pious episode, so leaving my chair behind, I sauntered down the empty corridor to the office’s snack area. The exuberantly muraled vending machine stretched across one wall. As I approached, my embedded iMe device connected with the machine and its synthesised human voice said: ‘How can I serve you, Clive?’

I crossed my fingers behind my back. ‘Give me some chocolate – a Mars bar.’ I spoke slowly and clearly to aid the voice recognition.

‘Sorry, Clive, but you still have an Excess Consumption Order and your iMe reports: high blood sugar level. You are already at 59% of your restricted daily calorie allowance and 60% of your saturated fat allowance,’ it stated and then added in an upbeat tone. ‘Please make another selection.’

I uncrossed my fingers – it never worked, but I had to try. ‘Give me a coffee then.’

‘Sorry, Clive, but your iMe reports: slightly raised pulse and blood pressure, and high caffeine levels. Please make another selection.’

I banged the glass, ‘Just give me the drink, machine.’ The only reason I had a raised pulse and blood pressure was because these damn things wouldn’t do what I wanted.

‘Sorry, Clive, but your anger and violence towards me have been marked on your personnel file. I can provide you with water. Please take two glasses as your iMe reports: slightly dehydrated.’

‘OK, OK. Give me the bloody water then.’ I picked up one cup and took a reluctant sip. I left the other cup in the serving hatch as a show of dissent and unfurled a one-finger salute.

 I trudged back along the corridor. My churning resentment of the machines weighed me down. I glanced out at the vivid April morning, but the sun, bright enough to make me squint, cast deep shadows inside me.

About the Author

Jem is a crime fiction author with a Crime Writing MA from City University. Proximity is his thrilling debut novel, inspired by the fascinating possibilities of technology, AI and the law of unintended consequences.

In a past life, Jem had a successful career in investment management, and he now lives in Surrey with his wife. He has two great children and dog. Outside of his family and writing, Jem loves are snowboarding, old cars and bikes.

Website: http://www.jemtugwell.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JemTugwellAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JemTugwell

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