Techno-thrillers (or technothrillers) are a hybrid genre, drawing subject matter generally from spy/action thrillers, fantasy/war novels, and science fiction. They include a disproportionate amount (relative to other genres) of technical details on its subject matter (typically military technology); only science fiction tends towards a comparable level of supporting detail on the technical side. The inner workings of technology and the mechanics of various disciplines (espionage, martial arts, politics) are thoroughly explored, and the plot often turns on the particulars of that exploration.

Techno-thrillers tend to have a broad scope in the narrative, and can often be regarded as contemporary speculative fiction; world wars are a common topic. Techno-thrillers often overlap, as far as the genre goes, with near-future science fiction. To the extent that technology is now a dominant aspect of modern global culture, most modern thrillers are "techno-thrillers", and the genre is somewhat diffuse. The category of techno-thriller blurs smoothly into the category of hard science fiction; the defining characteristics of techno-thriller are an emphasis on real-world or plausible near-future technology and a focus on military or military-political action.

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Often referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contribution to music, dance, and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene along with his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1964, and began his solo career in 1971.

In the early 1980s, Jackson became a dominant figure in popular music. The music videos for his songs, including those of "Beat It", "Billie Jean", and "Thriller", were credited with transforming the medium into an art form and a promotional tool, and the popularity of these videos helped to bring the relatively new television channel MTV to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made him a staple on MTV in the 1990s. Through stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk, to which he gave the name. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced numerous hip hop, post-disco, contemporary R&B, pop and rock artists.

Thomas Leo "Tom" Clancy, Jr. (born April 12, 1947) is an American author, best known for his technically detailed espionage, military science, and techno thriller storylines set during and in the aftermath of the Cold War, along with video games on which he did not work, but which bear his name for licensing and promotional purposes. His name is also a brand for similar movie scripts written by ghost writers and many series of non-fiction books on military subjects and merged biographies of key leaders. He is Vice Chairman of Community Activities and Public Affairs, as well as a part-owner, of the MLB Baltimore Orioles.

Clancy was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Loyola Blakefield in Towson, Maryland, graduating with the class of 1965. He then attended Loyola College in Baltimore, graduating in 1969. Before making his literary debut, he spent some time running an independent insurance agency. This agency thrived for a few years before joining a group of investors.

Clancy and his first wife Wanda married in 1969, separated briefly in 1995, and permanently separated in December 1996. Clancy filed for divorce in November 1997, which became final in January 1999.

Luke Matthew Daniels (born 5 January 1988) is an English footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for West Bromwich Albion.

Born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, Daniels joined West Bromwich Albion in 2004 after being released by Manchester United. His good form saw him make his international debut for England Under-18s in their 2–1 win over Slovenia in April 2006.

Daniels spent seven years at Old Trafford before being offered a trial at West Brom. Luke Steele, another young goalkeeper from Manchester United joined Daniels at West Brom as an exchange for United taking the Baggies' first choice keeper Tomasz Kuszczak on loan. Daniels was an unused substitute in the 2007 Championship play-off Final.

He joined Scottish Premier League side Motherwell on loan for the rest of the 2007–08 season on 25 January 2008, making his debut against Celtic on 3 May. After returning to West Brom for the summer, he joined Shrewsbury Town on a season loan on 1 August. He shone in Shrewsbury's playoff semi final, second leg against Bury at Gigg Lane. His "man of the match" display ensured Shrewsbury a place in the League Two play-off final at Wembley. Daniels was the BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match in the final after making several saves, but Shrewsbury still lost 1–0 to Gillingham.