Surveillance

Surveillance is a new thriller from Kiwi author, Riley Chance. Writing under a pseudonym, Chance creates a futuristic world in New Zealand where everyone is under some kind of surveillance. But it is a case of exactly who is behind all the surveillance that creates the highest levels of intrigue.

Protagonist Grace Marks is a budding investigative journalist and drives the fast-paced narrative searching for a new and interesting story. The realisation that a spree of small(ish) crimes in the suburbs is actually the work of some high powered American business people.

Before long, the extent to which this nefarious surveillance is realised becomes something of a monumental eruption with dire consequences for a number of people. This results in bringing together Grace, businessman Will Manilow and Marla, the IT expert.

Surveillance is fast paced and highly enjoyable. Writing wise, it is constructed with purpose and the sections sequence well between characterisation and action. For teachers, there are obvious parallels to be made with other literature throughout history (and political events) but also with the society around us in modern day New Zealand where it is easy to become complacent. It would be the perfect text for students to see the realities of some of the things - particularly technology - that is around them.