The City Below: A 2603 Novel

Kory M. Shrum

Dec 2020 · The City Series Book 1 · Timberlane Press

About this ebook

A new science fiction thriller from the bestselling author of the Shadows in the Water series.

In the meticulously controlled world of Zone 2, Commander Grace Buteo has dedicated her life to keeping citizens safe from cybercrime, terrorism, and threats from the outer zones. But when an IED meant for Grace kills her husband and son, her belief in the city she protects begins to fracture.

Desperate for purpose, Grace immerses herself in a high-profile investigation: the theft of twenty-six artificial organs from a powerful genetic engineering corporation. What begins as a routine case soon exposes cracks in the city’s perfect façade—and raises unsettling questions about the people closest to her.

For fans of Philip K. Dick’s provocative science fiction and J.D. Robb’s In Death series, The City Below is a gripping blend of mystery, technology, and moral suspense.

Praise for The City Below

★★★★★ “Wow! Great read—an incredible amount of detail.”

★★★★★ “A powerful new science fiction novel featuring a strong female lead you can’t help but root for.”

★★★★★ “Rich, immersive worldbuilding with fully realized characters you instantly connect with.”

★★★★★ “A chilling blend of The Matrix and 1984.”

★★★★★ “Science fiction that captures the full scope of a future world.”

★★★★★ “A fantastic work of science fiction with a compelling hero—and anti-hero—to follow.”

★★★★★ “Captivating!”

Ratings and reviews

n a post-climate-catastrophe world, safe zones and bio-sealed facilities are for the wealthy. Others suffer from a hostile environment. Police Commander Grace Buteo, and Heron Jane, a newly-hired investigator with an air of mystery, try to solve the murder of Grace's husband and son. They find rot, corruption, lies, fraud, and a deck stacked against them. One horrific truth leads to another even worse. At the end of Book 1, Grace and Heron know they are facing powerful enemies who don't want their ill-gotten gains discovered, and most especially, how those gains were gotten at the expense of citizens.

an excellent book. it's believable story is both beautiful and sad.

great read with plenty of twists and turns along the way

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.

She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.

She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.

When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.

She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.