Mindkiller... is one of the very best books Spider Robinson has ever
written (so far.) This 1982 novel was based on the short story "God
Is An Iron" which, according to Spider, was "too good to get
lost after its first Omni publication."
Indeed, it was. As with most books with a clever plot, the reading
enjoyment of "Mindkiller" would suffer from my re-telling the
story here. Its chapters are alternately following the adventures of
Norman Kent (university teacher) and Joe Templeton (burglar), who,
several years apart from each other, seem to trace the same mystery that
had taken away the sister of the one and the identity of the other.
The mystery is closely connected to the invention of "Mindwipe"
and the "Wire", the latter of which is an addictive procedure
stimulating the pleasure center of the brain through weak electric
currents - the drug of the new millennium.
Highly imaginative, clever and thrilling up to the very last page, this
is the book that inspired the New York Times to nominate "Robinson
as the new Heinlein." I have re-read this book at least five times
and enjoyed every minute of it.
In 1996, "Mindkiller" was re-packaged together with its prequel,
"Time Pressure" (ISBN 0-441-80933-2), into a book called
"Deathkiller" ISBN 0-671-87722-4), which is the only form in
which you can buy it now, not counting used-book stores.
A very good read for all those who want to venture into Robinson territory
not occupied by a well-known Irish tavern in Long Island.
