This book features and interesting story set in the near future - the back-story: groups have experimented with direct-computer interfaces using chips embedded in the skull. This is in conjunction with an apparently benign virus that allows these individuals to interface via any connection with the systems they are "hacking." However everything goes awry when many of these "chip-heads" begin exhibiting various psychosis as a result of the over-load of information - this causes everything to fall apart so the individuals, who can't seem to stop "hacking" and are in hiding in remote areas are hunted down by a government group.

The main plot line involves an agent of the government group investigating a brutal murder in a small town in Montana with occurred during what looks to be a "chip-head" incursion into the local data net. Without giving too much away, I rather liked the basic premise and story. The world-building and action were fast paced and believable. My only real issue was with the dialog which just didn't work for me. ( )

This book pulled me through it with no diificulty - excellent pacing. I read it too long ago to remember details, but I found it rather moving, which is extremely unusual for a book written as a thriller, and I made a point of finding other books he wrote. He hasn't had any new novels out for a long time now, but he's a writer whose work I find extremely worth reading. ( )