Self-driving cars were supposed to save lives.Instead, they became the perfect weapon.When civil engineer Jake Bendel helps design a revolutionary autonomous roadway system in Los Angeles, the results are undeniable-zero congestion, zero accidents, zero fatalities. For the first time in history, driving is safe.Until someone takes control.A ruthless terrorist network infiltrates the system and turns millions of vehicles into remotely controlled weapons-capable of orchestrating mass casualties at a scale never before imagined. Their goal: a single day of destruction so catastrophic it will eclipse anything the United States has ever experienced.Then Jake is framed as the architect behind it all.Hunted by authorities and branded a domestic terrorist, Jake has one chance to clear his name-and stop an attack that could kill millions in minutes. His only ally: a rogue FBI agent willing to risk everything on the belief that he's telling the truth.Together, they uncover a conspiracy that runs deeper than terrorism-reaching into the highest levels of government and exposing a vulnerability no one saw coming.Meanwhile, the mastermind behind the plot-a psychologically unstable extremist driven by ideology and inner demons-moves closer to execution.Time is running out.The system is already live.And every connected car is now a potential weapon.If Jake fails, there will be no way to stop what's coming.Civil Terror: Gridlock is a high-stakes techno-thriller that blends cutting-edge technology with relentless suspense-forcing readers to confront a chilling question:What happens when the systems designed to protect us are used to destroy us?Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Tom Clancy, and Michael Crichton, this gripping novel delivers pulse-pounding action, real-world plausibility, and a terrifying glimpse into the near future. J. Luke Bennecke is a native Californian and veteran civil engineer who has spent his career helping people by improving Southern California roadways. In addition to his first book, Civil Terror: Gridlock, which became an Amazon Bestseller, Bennecke has written several novels and screenplays, a creative process he thoroughly enjoys. He has a BS in civil engineering from Cal Poly Pomona, an MBA from Cal State San Bernardino, a private pilot's certificate, and is a partner in an engineering firm. In his role as philanthropist, he awards scholarships annually to high school seniors at his alma mater.Bennecke resides in Southern California with his wife of 30 years, whom he enjoys traveling with, and three spunky cats. In his leisure time, he spends his hours flying, learning about innovative tech, playing golf, and catching up with his grown daughters. Bennecke is a member of International Thriller Writers and looks forward to attending ThrillerFest each year in New York. Civil Engineer Dr. Jake Bendel is forced into the FBI world of terrorism, espionage, and betrayal, using his engineering mind to save American lives.
