The Resurrected Man

An Australian award-winning F/SF author strikes new sparks from an old flint: What if matter transmitters ("Beam me up, Scotty") really worked? By 2069, KTI Corp.'s "d-mat" matter transmitter network (the technology's a closely guarded secret) makes it possible to travel instantly to almost anywhere on Earth. Meanwhile, a serial killer known as the Twinmaker somehow copies his victims while they're in transit. The original proceeds unharmed to her destination, unaware that a duplicate has been captured. The latest victim's mutilated remains have been transmitted to a seemingly empty apartment once shared by private eye Jonah McEwen and his adoptive father, Lindsay Carlaw, a researcher who helped develop QUALIA, the artificial intelligence that runs KTI. Investigating officers Marylin Blaylock and Odi Whitesmith discover Jonah in a tank of nutrient gel, his brain infected with hostile software. Since Jonah was once Marylin's employer and lover, and all the Twinmaker's victims resemble Marylin, Jonah immediately becomes suspect #1. Clearly, though, this Jonah's too damaged-but what if there's a homicidal copy? Jonah's last recollection is of Lindsay dying, killed by a bomb; Jonah made inquiries and learned something significant, but can't remember what. Oddly, Lindsay helped found the anti-d-mat group WHOLE and refused to travel by d-mat-except on the day of his death! Obviously, the Twinmaker has full access to KTI's technology; yet, suspiciously, KTI boss Fabian Schumacher refuses to release his secret files-and Jonah remembers seeing KTI security chief Herold Verstegen in the apartment after Lindsay's death. Convincingly realized, with the vigorous narrative whizzing along-too long-at hyperspeed, and frenetic plot twists that can't quite disguise the holes. (Kirkus Reviews)