Book Review: The Blue Nowhere

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

The Blue Nowhere     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jeffery Wilds Deaver
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Internet   Serial Killer
Hodder & Stoughton, 2001, £14.99, 430 pp

Taking a break from the Lincoln Rhyme novels, Deaver delves into the world of hacking and cyber criminals. Frank Bishop, a cop, is trying to track down a hacker who has become a killer and enlists Wyatt Gillette, a hacker on the wrong side of the law. Can they track the killer down or is he capable of staying that one step ahead?

For this novel, it is clear that Deaver has done an enormous amount of research. He provides a glossary for readers who do not know anything about hacking, which is quite likely to be the majority of them. In addition, he explains all the terminology used as the plot moves on, so that even the most computer-ignorant of readers will be able to understand the technical side of the plot, which is complicated.

Although this is not a Lincoln Rhyme novel, Deaver continues with the plot twists that his fans have come to expect and he does manage to throw in quite a few surprises, meaning that both the police and the technical side work together in tandem, with neither being sacrificed for the sake of the other. His characters are quite skilfullly created and he goes to great lengths to make even the most extreme of hackers, such as Phate, appear human too.

Deaver shows just how easy it is to discover information on other people through the use of the Internet and by hacking and he combines this with a police procedural to make an enjoyable read that is easily as good as any of his Lincoln Rhyme books. Do not be put off by the thought of technical jargon, as this is a fast and easily readable novel that will not disappoint.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

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