"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" by Ed Gorman

Although I have read Ed Gorman's blog for a couple of years, the Sam McCain mystery, "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" is the first novel his I've had the opportunity to read.  Written in the popular detective noir, it was an enjoyable read with twists and turns that leads the reader all over the board as to "who done it" and pulls it all effectively together for the surprise ending.

Set during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the international situation of the time adds to the tension of the story--or maybe it just me having been really scared senseless as a child living through that moment in history.

Strongly recommend this novel, which has also left me hungry to explore other detective "who done its."

"Interface" by Mark Adlard

Mark Adlard's 1971 novel, "Interface" is the opening volume of his science fiction Tcity trilogy--a look at social engineering and evolution in the twenty-second century.  The later volumes include "Volteface" in 1972 and "Multiface" in 1975.

Much of the story is located in a megacity referred to as Tcity, which is located in Northeast England between the Rivers Tees and Tyne.

Adlard takes a look at the weakness of a utopian while also making a powerful point of showing how this could also be a feasible reality if societies don't pay attention to the working of their government leaders.  In addition, this world is caught up with a miracle material known as stahlex--similar to how our past generations were caught up with the developments of plastic and aluminum, to name but a few.  But this unique material is the product of a corporation of the same name that has also been running Tcity and its people for years.

The novel's most involved character is Jan Caspol, who will continue to make appearances in the other two volumes of the trilogy.  In "Interface" he is a mid-level manufacturing manager that comes to the increasing realization the good life of their utopian world has come with a cost to individual and collective creativity.  Unfortunately, this consciousness comes when the ranks of the city dwellers begin fighting back for freedom from them utopian world.

Am really surprised this book and the others of the trilogy aren't popping up on SF "must read" lists.  Adlard blends complex themes--and in some cases, he accurately predicts what's come--into a science fiction read that can easily stand along side works of "1984" and "Fahrenheit 451."

Found this jewel at Book Buyers on Lighthouse in Monterey, California (a family favorite for used books).  They have a considerable science fiction collection that spans the years.

Let The Healing Begin

The death of Bin Laden was announced tonight--an event that was almost a decade in the making.  He was the source of great death, pain, and sorrow that has littered our history since 9 September 2001.  It was the events he put into motion that resulted in the loss of 14 friends and comrades for their selfless efforts to put an end to the actions he put into motion or inspired into motion.  There are very few people in this country and others that have not been affected either directly or indirectly by this war.

Thanks to our special operations community this person is no more.  Unfortunately, it's a bittersweet moment.  Yes, Bin Laden is dead, but the violence and fear won't end here.  His death means pending craziness as others step up activities to show they possess the courage and bravo to provide the new leadership for al Qaeda.  Consequently, this will not be a time of renewed peace or a return to the world only ten years ago we embraced and enjoyed.  We cannot nor must not let our guard down despite this time of celebration.

Finally, this is a time for celebration and for many it brings with it a sense of closure.  So, lets enjoy the moment, even if it's no longer that hoisting a strong one for those who never got to see the arrival of this day.  This time belongs to WE THE PEOPLE!!!  This should not be a time of political accusations, running red or blue agendas, or personal gain.  I say again, this time belongs to WE THE PEOPLE.  This event is for all of us to let the healing begin--don't take that away from the American people.