Lights Out in Istanbul

By: J. Robert Keating, Ralph O. Heatly
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: July 8, 2025
ISBN: 979-8891326897
Reviewed by: Alma Boucher
Review Date: June 13, 2025

Nestled within the historic skyline and timeworn stones of Istanbul, Lights Out in Istanbul reveals its story beneath the gleam of minarets and the shadow of international espionage. In this city where East meets with West, loyalties fracture, friendships waver, and innocence is too often the first casualty of schemes hatched in silence.

In this captivating story, we are introduced to the mysterious Henry Vanzant, who makes an appearance on the widely viewed Muggsy Boyd Show. During his segment, he expresses a cautious hope regarding the possibilities of artificial intelligence, encouraging society to use it as a means to enhance efficiency. However, beneath his serene facade lies a more complex and troubling story, one that originates from a program developed by his associate Paula. She called it the back door, a covert entryway into the heart of the internet. In Henry’s own words, written and published, it was nothing less than a master key.

Henry’s book, filled with technical knowledge, served as a guiding light not just for the curious but also for those with malicious intent. Among those individuals was Faheem El Hashem, a man driven by deep ambitions and no sense of morality. Seeking to undermine the very foundation of internet governance, ICANN, Faheem abducts Henry. Faheem locks him in a steel cage, subjecting him to the horrific spectacle of a live-streamed execution drama. The aim was psychological degradation, theatrical intimidation, and, above all, manipulation.

What was Faheem’s primary objective? To halt the functionality of websites, domains, and digital infrastructure by targeting ICANN’s root zone, aiming to take advantage of the crucial key that Henry had mentioned. However, just having the master key was not sufficient, as the system had evolved. Additional insight was necessary, knowledge held by Karyn, Henry’s former girlfriend, and now pivotal to Faheem’s urgent schemes. To make matters even more complicated, the elusive and dangerous Mr. S, who had previously been imprisoned thanks to Henry’s actions alongside Karyn and their associate Alex, has resurfaced, filled with vengeance, cleverness, and allied with Faheem.

However, hope remains. Emerging from the darkness is Black Code, a covert organization with eyes everywhere in the digital realm. Their algorithmic watchmen flagged Henry’s and Karyn’s names, sparking a secretive rescue mission. Yet, Henry’s book disclosed too much, particularly concerning the Black Code’s exclusive technology. Consequently, ICANN strengthened its security measures by changing passwords and port configurations, making the master key ineffective.

Still, the consequences ripple outward. When three major electrical plants suddenly cease operation, it becomes evident: this is no random outage, but a deliberate strike. Communications between pipeline software and the physical conduits have been severed. The power grid, so delicately balanced between output and demand, would be stressed if too many plants shut down. In Istanbul, where a third of the electricity is fueled by natural gas, a shutdown would mean chaos. If too much generating capacity is lost, it would damage the equipment, and the whole system would have to be shut down.

Further from Istanbul, the power grids of the eastern and western United States collapse, and hundreds of millions are plunged into darkness. Every indication points to a solitary source, once the vital center of global pipeline management, now muted by Faheem’s actions, employing the key that Henry unknowingly provided to the world.

From the initial hint of tension to the climactic, heart-pounding conclusion, this novel keeps a tight hold on the reader. The writing is refined, concise, and fast-paced; every sentence is sharp, and every paragraph is a strike. Scenes ooze urgency, and though moments of contemplation are rare, they resonate powerfully. The dialogue is precise, illuminating the character and intensifying the plot with every interaction. Action, be it gunfire or close combat, is intense and vivid. The overall impact is graphic, but not superficial.

Quill says: Lights Out in Istanbul is an espionage story sharpened to perfection—immersed in mood, filled with danger, and as unyielding as it is polished. It is an exemplary showcase of contemporary thriller writing: swift, ruthless, and expertly crafted.

For more information about Lights Out in Istanbul, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/lights-out-in-istanbul-by-j-robert-keating-ralph-o-heatly