I am a huge Scalzi fan and think FBI agents Shane and Vann are fantastic vehicles for his style and humor. I missed this one back in 2018 but am glad I found it now. This is the second book with the characters, though the first chapter sets up the world and new mystery with a news report so any one can jump in.
Hilketa is a game where players control robotic bodies and use classic weapons to decapitate their opponent. Many with Hayden's syndrome have years of experience controlling bodies and dominate the game. One such Hayden player suddenly dies during an exhibition game Shane is attending. This could be an accident, but suspicious events surround the early investigation.
As a crime novel this mystery is a bit far-fetched. As a buddy cop-action-comedy this story is great fun. It may be the last of the "series" as several other novels have come out in the years since this was published, but perhaps inspiration will strike. I am here for the near-future technological hijinks and Vann's big attitude.
by John Scalzi
4 stars
I am a huge Scalzi fan and think FBI agents Shane and Vann are fantastic vehicles for his style and humor. I missed this one back in 2018 but am glad I found it now. This is the second book with the characters, though the first chapter sets up the world and new mystery with a news report so any one can jump in.
Hilketa is a game where players control robotic bodies and use classic weapons to decapitate their opponent. Many with Hayden's syndrome have years of experience controlling bodies and dominate the game. One such Hayden player suddenly dies during an exhibition game Shane is attending. This could be an accident, but suspicious events surround the early investigation.
As a crime novel this mystery is a bit far-fetched. As a buddy cop-action-comedy this story is great fun. It may be the last of the "series" as several other novels have come out in the years since this was published, but perhaps inspiration will strike. I am here for the near-future technological hijinks and Vann's big attitude.