by
Wen Spencer
ISBN: 0-451-45837-0 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A very enjoyable, entertaining mystery novel set in the near future, with a straightforward plot, appealing heroes, and fast, suspenseful pace.
Reviewed by David on September 24, 2001
Genre: Science Fiction (Near Future, Biology, Mystery, Aliens, Romance)
Synopsis: Ukiah Oregon is the younger member of the Bennet Detective Agency, whic specializes in tracing missing persons. Barely twenty-one, Ukiah needs to learn a lot from his fond mentor, and boss, Max Bennet. But in one area Ukiah is a recognized expert—he can track better than a bloodhound. Where others see a smudge or scrape, Ukiah can see the whole struggle.
Usually, the detectives trace missing children, and are more successful than any other team. Despite some misgivings, they come to assist the police in a scene of a multiple homocide, where one of the potential victims is missing, possibly abducted. The search for the missing woman turns out a lot stranger and more dangerous than anyone suspects—and Ukiah and his partner can barely survive as progressively more incredible events indicate a terrible plot.
Full Review: From the start, this reads like a mystery novel, with a fairly appealing characters. There are almost no science-fictional elements, just some technology that is a bit more prevalent and sophisticated than today's variants. However, as progressively stranger events occur, aliens appear from the woodwork. However, the novel never loses its immediacy, and not only the main characters, but the supporting ones are all likable and solid. The action is non-stop, and while subplots are resolved in a straightforward manner, there are enough events here to keep a reader on the edge of his seat. The pacing is fast, but with a few interludes of calm or humor to make it palatable.
One of the very few flaws is the rather flat portrayal of the villains—they have little depth. Still, the ending leaves one satisfied, but wanting more of the enjoyable characters and their challenges.
The author has more information at her web site. The sequel, Tainted Trail (excerpt), is due out in July 2002.
Overall: 6.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 6.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 2001, New American Library (Roc), July 2001, Mass market paperback
ISBN: 0-451-45837-0 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com