A SINGULAR THOUGHT niggled in my mind the entire time I read The Kill Code Collective, a medical thriller co-authored by five Minnesotans. And that is just how many people I know with implanted cardiac devices (ICD). Like characters in the book, they could be exposed to possible hacking of implant technology. That crime focuses this fictional story.
But the collaborating writers repeatedly emphasize that Kill Code is a work of fiction and that medical device companies are very concerned about security. “And we really mean it,” an authors’ note reinforces. Still…
My strong reaction speaks to the believability of the plot, which evolves around Voyageur Cardiac Systems’ VC-25-4750 implanted defibrillator. When several people with ICDs die, the investigation is underway to determine the cause.
Early on in the story, I struggled with keeping the many characters and the evolving story line straight. But I eventually settled into Kill Code with each turn of the page, each twist in the plot.
From a CEO to an international field operative, a shady deal maker, an attorney, a computer whiz, a musician, a software engineer, an aircraft mechanic and more, an eclectic mix of characters are part of this intriguing story. I was familiar with one, Matt Lanier, a professional musician and amateur detective in a mystery-thriller series by Owatonnan Chris Norbury. I’m a fan of his series set in fictional Straight River in southern Minnesota and Castle Danger, an actual unincorporated community up north.
Kill Code is also set in Minnesota, which is no surprise given the authors—Norbury, Brian Lutterman, John Baird Rogers, Julie Holmes and Rob Jung—are Minnesotans who form the Midwest Mystery Works. This book pulls the main characters from their individual books into Kill Code as an unofficial group determined to get to the bottom of the ICD deaths. That includes several strong and talented women, which I, as a woman, appreciate.
Technology is an integral part of the story line. But it’s basic enough that even someone with minimal understanding of tech can follow that key aspect of the plot. That would be me, although I do have a family member who works in software research and development and I’ve learned a bit from him. He would have been a great addition to the team trying to solve the Voyageur Cardiac Systems’ mystery.
Suspense, blackmail, death threats, greed, secrets, revenge, violence…all are part of Kill Code. So is a distinctly Minnesotan flavor. As a life-long resident of the North Star state, I enjoy books rooted in our culture, our way of life. And our food—like our signature walleye, the typical funeral luncheon menu of ham and cheese sandwiches, coleslaw and bars (a sweet treat, not a place), and our go-to winter comfort food of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
Because this story takes place in winter, the writers reference the cold and snow. Minnesotans, even in fiction, take pride in showing their cold weather hardiness.
Kill Code is unlike any mystery I’ve read, because of the technology aspect, but also because five authors collaborated to write this book. As a writer myself, I can only imagine how daunting that task. But the five succeeded in collectively writing a medical mystery that left me wondering, could this really happen?
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Great review and quite informative. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with readers.
You’re welcome, Sue.
I was so intrigued by your description of this book that I just had to do a bit of research regarding the 5 authors via the provided links. Being a lifelong avid reader and a retired nurse this book became a must buy…and I did!! As a writer yourself, you may have read Stephen King’s 2000 book “On Writing : A Memoir of the Craft” in which was written : “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” They are indeed! I also agree with Northop Frye : “The most technologically efficient machine that man has ever invented is the book.” Thank-YOU!
I’m pleased to hear you have ordered The Kill Code Collective based on my review. I expect you will enjoy the mystery. I always like learning about new-to-me authors, especially those from Minnesota.
I have Stephen King’s On Writing in my personal collection. I consider it one of the best books I’ve ever read on the craft of writing. Interestingly enough, I’ve never read any of King’s other books. Not my genre.
It sounds like you love reading as much as me.
it really does sound like a feasible premise, and that is terrifying. thanks for sharing this intriguing book and the story of the five authors who collaborated to create it, not an easy feat by any means.
You’re welcome. And, yes, this story is, indeed, plausible. And, yes, collaborating on this book is an accomplishment.
I add this to my book list. It would be interesting to know the writing process. I wonder if they would ever have a panel of all five authors where they share how they collaborated.
I believe the five appeared together when they launched The Kill Code Collective. Yes, knowing how the collaboration process worked would certainly be interesting. Chris shared a bit with me when I got his book. But I didn’t take notes, thus can’t recall with accuracy what he said.
Hi Colleen. My colleagues and I will do a few group panels this year to discuss how we wrote the book. Tough to get all five of us together, but 3 or 4 of us will appear at the Austin ArtWorks Festival on Sat., Aug. 29, and the Owatonna Library on Sat., Oct. 10. Check my website, chrisnorbury.com, and go the the Events page to see the details. Also, here’s a link to a podcast all five of us did before the book came out, https://www.bellcowproductions.com/stack Might be the only chance to hear from each of us on the topic because life and schedules get in the way of most of the 5-member attempts.
Chris, thanks for responding to Colleen’s question with all of this info. I’m noting the Owatonna date on my calendar.
Thank you for the thoughtful, well-written review (again), Audrey. I truly appreciate your interest in my work and your understanding of writers and writing (being an excellent writer yourself).
You are welcome, Chris. Based on other comments here, you will soon have some new readers. You know I am a fan of yours both personally and professionally. I appreciate your kind words about my writing. I feel such a connection to you as a writer and as a kind and compassionate person. Waiting for your next book (s)…
Great Review! Have to check this out – adding to my reading list. Hopefully no one writes a book about that parasite that causes you know what – I was listening to the news and was like what did they just say – come again. You can really find yourself going down an internet hole learning more about what you read in books, especially medical tech. I love my Kindle because it has a built-in dictionary – love looking up new words to me. Happy Reading (more like sitting on the edge of your chair)!!!
Thank you and I hope you enjoy The Kill Code Collective. I know you will appreciate the Minnesota bend.
The rabbit hole can get really deep if you allow it to do so.
Five authors is a very interesting concept! I cannot imagine how they worked together to create this book. I will have to see if our library has it. I am currently reading another Frank Weber book who as you know hails from your fine state.
Thanks for appreciating and supporting Minnesota authors.
IF your local library doesn’t have a copy, it never hurts to request one. Also, consider checking your system for an interlibrary loan. Here in SE Minnesota, SELCO is a large network of libraries that allow patrons to request a book from any member library.
I’ve used the interlibrary loan system often. Thanks for sharing that info, Chris.