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"Double Blind" by SandMan (science-fi mystery) 10, 10, 10
"Double Blind" by SandMan (sandman@bitsmart.com). Guest review by BillyG (hayden@mindless.com). With the notable exception of Asimov and Heinlein, I'm not a science-fiction buff, but this little tale caught my eye. Sandman tells a fine story in "Double Blind," a science-fiction mystery with sexual undertones. It is, Sandman tells us, a prequel to "The Case," - ". . . far and away my most successful story." (I think a review should allow an author room for a plug, don't you?) In the world of medical research, double blind refers to those studies where both the subject and the investigator are "blind" to the parameters of the experiment, thereby removing bias from the procedure. I don't think that applies to this story. Of course, there's always the possibility that that it's there and I just don't get it. Reading this story, I could almost hear the studied monotone of the I've-seen- it-all Private Investigator, Steve Whiley, as he recounts this complex case, the characters, and the twists and turns of high-tech sleuthing. However, the just-the-facts-ma'am account doesn't lend itself to a sensuous or sexy story telling, although Whiley's depiction of twin hermaphrodites having sex with each other as well as the murder-victim-to-be may amuse/titillate/squick you, depending on your views. I found it hot. Still, this is not primarily a sex story. The sex is incidental to the mystery, the detective work and of course, Jack Whiley P.I. himself. It's well worth the read for that alone. (Although I must admit I'm more attracted to Sandman's erotic, here-and-now writing.} The details of this story are best left to the reading, for they're complex and an integral part of the story's pleasure. It's a fast-paced adventure that incorporates seamless geographic jumps and the mind-boggling turns of science fiction. Check it out; it's a very good read. Ratings for "Double Blind" Athena (technical quality): 10 Venus (plot & character): 10 BillyG (appeal to reviewer): 10 (It's a murder-mystery, science- fiction story, keep in mind.) |