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Hal Dwyer is a top executive in a California software design company. The company is in the final stages of development of very secret anti-missile software. When Dwyer is contacted by foreign agents with news they've kidnapped his daughter, he's stunned to learn they don't want money -- they want the anti-missile program. In a series of unusual and clever moves, Dwyer holds off the kidnappers and sets out to rescue his daughter, learn the identity of the criminals, and thwart their plans to rain disaster on Southern California. Because paranoia is a close and personal companion of all terrorists and criminal plotters, Dwyer is able to use that by fabricating a second and competing group of criminals seeking the same goal. The novel, Lutterman's second for Salvo Press, is a taut, suspenseful thriller. In a demanding genre, the author delivers what's expected. Although we are with Dwyer almost entirely throughout his journey, the author is able to withhold sufficient information in a logical and unforced manner so that the surprises keep coming. Added to the unforeseen and expected moves of his adversaries, the suspense builds throughout. Author Lutterman has included a couple of subplots that are nicely woven into the fabric of the novel. They not only support the principal themes of the book, they also contribute neatly to our understanding of Dwyer and his relationships with other characters. His relationship with his wife, his anxiety over his child's well-being, his relationship with conniving and supportive co-workers, are all well-developed and carefully treated. The minor characters in the novel are well-drawn and well-delineated. Every character portrays someone we know. And if we see the rotten CEO as only evil, we might remember that his family life may be normal and loving. It's not examined in the novel, nor are we often privy to that of those we see testifying in court or before Congress. Flaws are few. Dwyer seems a little too perfect. Yes, he worries about decisions he makes, but he doesn't make many mistakes. He's not portrayed as a superman, but even when forced to flee after one misstep he should not have made, he expresses concern for those who suffer because of him. Overall, this is a good, enjoyable read, with satisfying links to today's society. Lutterman should garner wide audiences for this story, and for those to come.
Reviewed by Carl Brookins, March 2004
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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