From the Bookshelf of Tyler Public Library…

[close] This novel is a bit of a departure for Scalzi. Its tone is much more serious without the irreverent humor Scalzi is known for. Fast forward 15 years and the world is devastated by a virus which kills millions and leave millions more in a locked-in condition, unable to move or communicate without the assistance of a virtual- reality environment or the use of a "threep" , a robot- type body that allows the victim to integrate their mind with engineered humanoid technology. Those victims of Haden's syndrome (Integrators) who survive the flu and ensuing meningitis without being "locked-in" are able to merge their minds with paralyzed Haden's patients, allowing them to experience the physical world.

Chris Shane, the protagonist, contracted Haden's as a two year old, so he knows no other existence, but the one lived in his "threep" (ode to C -3PO). It's Chris's first day as an FBI agent assigned to what looks like the murder of an "Integrator" by a Haden's victim who was using another integrator. Yes, Lock- In is a bit confusing at first and a complex story, but well worth the journey into the politics of a pandemic and a well-done police procedural /mystery. Highly recommended for all sci-fi fans and mystery lovers.