The Manuscript

By: Michael Stephen Fuchs

Narrated by: Matthew Crow

Two million dollars in a black bag.

The meaning of life hidden on a deviously encrypted website.

And several dozen heavily armed guys with serious existential issues.

The hunt is on for the Manuscript.

The Manuscript is a philosophical cyber-thriller - a novel of huge ideas disguised as a blow-your-hair-back thrill ride. Its cast of unforgettable characters includes a gun-toting urban professional with a tragic weakness for internet discussion groups; a former chemistry student and hacker turned wildly successful online narcotics dealer; a pair of slacker post-grads with big questions and rapidly escalating problems; a demonstrably unstoppable hit man; a dodgy federal agent with his hands in the cookie jar up to both elbows; a nameless cadre of menacing and well-armed mercenaries (possibly in the employ of one of the world's major religions); and an entire gang of Angry Young Taoists, serenely blasting hell out of all and sundry.

What could bring a group like this together? Nothing less than the meaning of life - discovered in the remote highlands of South America by an infamous 19th-century explorer and now said to be hidden in the vast out-of-bounds spaces at the far edge of a shadow internet. This is the Manuscript.

Caught up in a perilous race to recover and control it are a group of young people so beset by existential unease that they are willing to risk death to know the truth; and others, backed by powerful interests, who have little compunction about killing to keep it hidden.

Get ready for an ungentle ride where a number of people will get enlightened, a few will get rich, and all too many will get dead. Along the way, be prepared for some uncommon commentary on the eternal verities, computer security, rules for gunfights, post-millennial information soot, and the possibility of human connection for a generation that believes in nothing - save what they read on the net.

©2006 Michael Stephen Fuchs (P)2021 Complete & Total Asskicking Books

Different type of story

Started out very boring , but I kept on going and after the first 1/3 the story really got good . It was worth the listen

What a wild ride!!! Listen to this book!

This book started with fast action and never stopped.

The computer information could be confusing but my husband is a Computer Architect and I got through it!!

The characters were terrific and realistic.

There was only one question in my head that went unanswered no spoilers here.

Matthew Crow has once again surpassed all expectations as a Storyteller and brought this to life!!!

Great story

I really enjoyed geeking out to all the nerdy computer and internet references in the book. Lots of fun twists and turns with a dash of dark humor here and there for good measure. I'm actually kind of shocked it doesn't have 5 stars. I guess maybe being someone who made the transition from paratrooper to civilian programmer in the 1990s, gave me a unique perspective. I was thoroughly entertained. What more could you ask for?

Loved it!

There is no lack of action here! The story line and characters were on point! All the different points of views made for an excellent book. The narrator was perfect for this book. He has great voice range. 5 stars all around!

Top Shelf Thriller

Whoa! What an awesome book. This was my first read/listen by this author and I am impressed. The characters are very realistic, and a couple of them are quite evil! You can’t help but keep turning the pages. Couldn't put it down, can't wait for the next one. The narrating by Matthew Crow was spot on as usual for him...I received this free audiobook in a promotion and I am giving my voluntary review.