Flash
L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Tor, Sep 2004, $25.95, 480 pp.
ISBN: 0765311283

In the twenty-fourth century, observing his government lie and condone atrocities, former Marine officer Jonat deVrai resigned his military commission; he became an expert on product advertising. The Centre for Societal Research hires Jonat to analyze the election campaign of Juan Carlisimo to become a Senator. Jonat quickly questions the ethics and perhaps the illegal use of "rez", resonant amplification of music to enhance the candidate's message through emotional manipulation. The simple case turns nasty when thugs try to drive Jonat off the investigation.

At the same time, Abraham Vorhees, whose services were exposed as a sham by Jonat, threatens to kill his adversary. Jonat also becomes involved in a dastardly plot to smuggle illicit weapons onto Mars to smother a revolt. So when four illegal cydroids attempt to kill Jonat; he has no idea who is behind the assault that has led to the homicide of his sister and her husband. No one, even his clients, is trustworthy, but he must rely on someone for help so he turns to cydroid law enforcement officer Paula Athene in hopes of staying alive to raise his deceased sibling's children.

Though all over the place, science fiction fans will fully enjoy this wild, futuristic, crime thriller which condemns big government and big business as being an incestuous team interested in the furthering of their own personal needs at the cost of the masses. The storyline is exciting with non-stop action as the ethical Jonat keeps landing in one deadly scene after another. Fans will appreciate this law-enforcement thriller peopled with terrific characters (A.I. included) while seeking the author's fabulous ARCHFORM: BEAUTY (same time, same place, same terrific writing).

Harriet Klausner