The Resurrected Man

April 1, 2005
Adult/High School -In the late 21st century, nanotech and true artificial intelligence have become everyday realities. A new, developing technology called d-mat offers cheap, fast transportation for everyone. Its champions declare that it possibly holds the secret to humankind's immortality. Its opponents fear the d-mat's potential to harm the human body. Williams makes full use of this detailed future world that echoes William Gibson's "Neuromancer" (Penguin, 1984) and blends it with an Agatha Christie-style plot to create an exciting mystery-thriller that's nearly impossible to put down. A diabolical serial killer exploits some hidden glitches within the d-mat technology to kidnap his unsuspecting victims. Detective Marylin Blaylock spearheads the investigation, a case made all the more personal with all the murder victims strangely resembling her. Although he's spent the last three years lying unconscious in a tub of protein gel, the prime suspect is Jonah McEven, Blaylock's former partner. He's forced to aid in the investigation in order to prove his own innocence. The professional and personal history between the two complicates matters and helps humanize the characters. As an added twist, McEven reopens the investigation of the death of his father, a noted scientist opposed to d-mat. The two story lines converge in a fulfilling climax that digs deeper into the novel's themes. This book raises interesting and unique questions of legality, technology, and identity. Slightly reminiscent of Philip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" (Ballantine, 1996), it's sure to thrill readers." -Matthew L. Moffett, Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale"

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