Double Vision by Randy Ingermanson is a gem of a book. The story is light techie-science in a PC-physics kind of way. You don't need much of a scientific background to enjoy the story, even though Ingermanson doesn't talk down to his readers. It's just a bonus if you do have a bit, but the science is only the context -- it's the characters who drive the story.

Ingermanson's promo literature describes this book as romantic suspense. Those are mild words for the sweet diabolics he puts a reader through in Double Vision. It's a triangular affair of three work compatriots, two women and one special man. Two are scientists, one an accountant/mystery author, and they are three of the most dynamic characters you will ever meet.

In the story, they are preparing an amazing new quantum computer that will blast any other de-encrypting device out of the water. They're on a tight, tight deadline and there are people they respect and love relying on their success ... but things go crazy, and it's hard for them to know who to trust. Ingermanson's skill puts you right in the middle of the story. Watching the characters relate is like watching quick, fierce volleys of a professional tennis match. Sometimes you're right on the court, dodging balls.

With edgy, believable, computer science that's not too heavy for most of us, and witty, highly-motivated characters who are real enough to be your cousins -- you can love them, but man, they can be irritating at times -- Ingermanson carries us on a tight, twisty, rollercoaster of suspense and mystery. As with most books published by Bethany House, there's soul-searching but it fits well into the plot. And what would any character be without a soul?

Three hundred and eighty-four pages of tight action, great dialogue, characters so real they could spit on you, and a book that doesn't talk down to its readership means Double Vision is a hit with me. I am a new fan.

by Virginia MacIsaac
Rambles.NET
13 May 2006

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