Death Match

Rating:
Summary: Looking for love in "Death Match" by Lincoln Child
Review:
In his recent novel "Utopia" Author Lincoln Child envisioned a theme park that used state of the art computer technology to entertain the masses. Computer technology that was so sophisticated, it could and did kill under the noses of the operators. The same idea is behind the latest book, "Death Match."

In this case, the sophisticated computer technology is at work in "Eden, Incorporated." For a $25,000 application fee Eden, Incorporated will provide the ultimate in match making services. An incredibly secretive company led by the reclusive Richard Silver, nobody outside the company knows how it works, but it does as literally tens of thousands of people can attest from all walks of life and all races. In some cases, six to be exact, the system has found the ultimate perfect match where couples were 100 compatible in every single testing point.

Those 100 perfect matches are known at Eden as the "super couples." One such super couple was Lewis and Lindsey Thorne. They were the first perfect match and like all the Eden clients followed extensively after the match to make sure everything was fine. By all appearances and testing criteria everything was fine. That is until both were found dead in what appeared to be a double suicide leaving their infant baby daughter alone in the world. Dr. Christopher Lash, once a forensic psychologist with the FBI with an impressive track record, both positive and negative, is brought in to provide a quick impartial investigation to determine what went wrong and if Eden's extensive profiling and tracking systems failed.

His access is limited at first and Dr. Lash is unable to find anything. His frustration is compounded by his slow realization that this case is so similar to the events of three years ago that ultimately destroyed his family, his FBI career and nearly took his life. Unable to explain why the first couple died, he pushes for and is finally granted full access on the news that a second super couple has died, also victims of what appeared to be a double suicide.

As Lash delves deep into the hidden world of Eden, Inc., he discovers that everything is not nearly as perfect as they would have the public believe. While the technology is advanced, it is built on the mind of man and every person has flaws hidden deep below the surface. On the hunt for a killer, he is slow to realize that his past can be exploited by a killer who believes Lash is a target that must be stopped before the secrets are uncovered. Anything, no matter what, when cornered will fight back which is something Dr. Lash never considered to his own peril.

Much like "Utopia," this novel is primarily an action adventure read with a constant viewpoint that technology is limited by the vision of the humans that create it. The characters are somewhat stereotypical and remind the reader heavily of those who populated "Utopia." Again, there is the reclusive genius, the hard edged security chief who means well and has absolute loyalty to the reclusive genius, and the deeply troubled outside expert brought into research the problem. Then there is the clear and very obvious nod to a certain episode of the original Star Trek, intentional or otherwise, which to divulge more would ruin the book.

At the same time, despite its limitations, this is another fast and fun read through the 356 pages. While the secondary storyline is weak and should have been given a little more depth and instead is barely noticed through much of the novel, the overall read keeps the reader heavily engrossed in the twisting chase. As such, like "Utopia" this novel is still worth the read and seems perfectly suited to be synthesized down into a movie.





Rating:
Summary: Fun science fiction / suspense
Review: Lincoln Child has written a fun sci-fi suspense thriller in "Death Match." The basic plot line is simple. People are lonely and lonely people will pay a lot to find their "perfect match." Thus t is that a reclusive computer genius has launched Eden, an incredibly sophisticated matchmaking service.

All is not well in paradise, however, as Christopher Lash, "a gifted former FBI forensic psychologist" soon learns. Summoned to Eden, he is told that Lewis and Lindsay Thorpe have committed suicide. What makes the Thorpes so special to Eden is that they are one of six couples Eden believes is perfectly matched, so happy they could not have committed suicide. Lash receives a handsome retainer to set aside his private practice and find out why the Thorpes did themslves in.

You guessed it, of course: Lash after pursuing all the threads suspects that it is murder, not suicicde. His theory gains strentgth when a second perfect couple apparently commits suicide.

The story is just plain fun. Suspects abound. The Eden vice-president who seems aloof and openly opposed to Lash. The beautiful, but reserved and cold Eden security operative. The super-genius who has devoted his life to building the super-computer that makes Eden possible. The plot is equally fun. Yes, you do have to swallow once in a while as you learn that Eden keeps track of all its applicants, successful or rejected, with an access to information that should land everyone connected to it in prison.

If someone of lesser talent were doing it, all the loose ends would probably sink the story. But Child pulls it off, delivering a sci-fi thriller that is just plain fun.

Jerry

Rating:
Summary: anti-climactic
Review: As another reviewer pointed out, this book started out fast and then sort of faded out. For the first half of the book, I couldn't wait to keep reading to find out what would happen next. But during the second half, it began to drag, and I just wanted to finish it so I could move on to another book. I have to admit that I was surprised to discover who was responsible for the murders, though. I thought it was a little far-fetched, but I must admit that I didn't see it coming.
All in all, this book isn't bad. This is what I would consider a "beach read" or summer book. Nothing too thought-provoking or deep, just an entertaining (for the most part) book. Not that there's anything wrong with that! Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Trouble in matchmaking paradise
Review: Eden, Incorporated is a huge corporation that promises to find the perfect love match for each of its applicants. These matches are performed using a powerful artificial intelligence-based computer called Liza. The matches are so accurate and the resulting partnerships so idyllic that not a single client has ever claimed a refund from the money-back guarantee. When two of Eden's "perfect match" couples are found dead of double-suicide, a former FBI forensic psychologist, Christopher Lash, is brought in to investigate whether Eden has failed to predict a psychological instability when it performed its thorough personality testing of each applicant. Lash finds nothing in the psychological profiles of the four suicides and he suspects foul play. Could this be homicide made to look like suicide, and if so, why? Could it be a disgruntled former Eden employee? Or could it be a rejected applicant for Eden's services? As Lash is granted complete access to the mysterious workings of Eden, he finds that someone is out to stop him from discovering the perpetrator, and soon Lash finds his reputation and his life in jeopardy.

Having read Child's previous novel "Utopia," I found a lot of similarities between the two books. Both feature a large and highly successful corporation engineered using next-generation computers and incredibly futuristic technology. Both companies are being undermined, and ultimately threatened, by evildoers. In both cases an outsider is brought in to investigate the problem. Both investigators are drawn into the dangers and must race against the clock to save the lives of innocent people, including themselves. Both stories are fast-paced, suspenseful thrillers. The main difference is that "Death Match" has several plot twists and turns before the mysterious perpetrator is unmasked, and its ending is not as satisfying as that in "Utopia." This novel is still a worthwhile read, whether or not you have read its predecessor.

The book's details on psychological testing and profiling are quite interesting, although I cannot judge how accurate they are. The story also made me ponder the nature of attraction that people feel for each other, how its characteristics could be scientifically quantified, and whether there is such a thing as one or more "perfect matches" for every individual. I recommend this story for those who enjoy high-tech thrillers and cinematic action.

Eileen Rieback

Rating:
Summary: OKAY, BUT....
Review: I am an avid fan and follower of Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston's works. I have all books, even the obscure ones, but this latest I put at the end of the shelf. If you are a 'puter techie and know all the jargon you will LOVE this book. Being only elementary level on that knowledge I had to skip over the "tech talk" and stick to the character plot. It was good - it was excellent in Child's own imaginary way --- but not up to his usual. I am looking forward to their new one, Brimstone, in August - but this one was only so so if you have read the rest. Still - if you are a collector --- BUY IT!

Rating:
Summary: Great==but not his best
Review: I bought this novel after I finished reading "Utopia"--which I consider the best thriller ever written. The characters in "Death Match" were likable, but the plot was more typical (and overused) than Utopia. Again, modern technological marvels come to take over the world. I was disappointed after my earlier read. As a stand alone novel, if you like the anti-technology type, it does earn its four star rating. The writing is top notch, the characters great and it is truly a page turner. But Mr. Child--please--give us a story line that has not been done before! I know you can do it!!

Rating:
Summary: Even better than I expected
Review: I don't understand the "review" below this one (from the top 500 guy). Everything but the last sentence or two is just a substitute for what you might find on the back cover (or in the amazon summary above). Except perhaps the "reviewer" gives too much information about the book. Then he/she gives the book 3(.5) stars with absoultely no justification whatsoever. Lastly, the reviewer states that Child finds his "Crichtonesque" voice. Having read every novel by both authors (including the novels co-authored by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child) multiple times in most cases, I can attest to the falsehood of this statement. Lincoln Child is better than Michael Crichton in most respects. In particular when writing with Douglas Preston (although in this case he has done beautifully by himself). Crichton's writing (especially his early writing) reads like an overly ordered jumble of college term paper excerpts and relatively lifeless character interactions. Lincoln Child (working alone or with Douglas Preston) weave's the necessary background, the characters and the plot seamlessly together in a much more natural fashion.

Death Match clearly demonstrates the application of a great amount of writing experience. The book unfolds masterfully with practically no rushed or contrived scenes. I think this is due in large part to the very plot of the book which itself uncontrives what would otherwise be contrived. The book seems considerably better written than both Lincoln Child's previous solo novel and Douglas Preston's solo novel (though I did enjoy both of these for the most part). It easily stands up with the best of their co-authored novels as well (and surpasses some of them in certain ways).

The central theme raises some very interesting questions about human relationships as well. I imagine that most readers would find this highly relevant. Like Utopia, it focuses on some very specific technology (that is realistically just out of reach). This focus on a technology is the fundamental difference in plot style that justifies Lincoln Child's solo novels. This is where my only worry would come in when recommending Lincoln Child's books to others. Some readers may find the technology unbelievable. However, as a computer science graduate, I would suggest that the technology is believable enough if you consider what might be accomplished by applying the most cutting edge theoretical research with a huge infusion of cash from the private sector. It's clear to me that Lincoln Child did his research and then let his imagination run away just a bit. I think things turned out beautifully. However, I can understand if others feel differently. One of my biggest beefs with Utopia was that I found the holographic technology to be far too advanced for its own good.

The best thing about Lincoln Child's solo projects is that they clearly haven't slowed down the work that he and Douglas Preston are doing together in the slightest. Nor has it affected the quality of that work (as the recent Still Life with Crows and sample chapters from the upcoming Brimstone prove).

The worst thing about Death Match is perhaps its title and cover. The cover for the ARC was much better (hopefully they revert for the paperback). The final cover was probably a result of trying to undo the damage done by the title (which suggests a very a different kind of novel to me). That's not to say that the title isn't appropriate; it fits wonderfully in retrospect, but it may convey the wrong impression prior to reading. Everyone should know not to judge a book by its cover, but that doesn't make it any less difficult to avoid doing so when the title is Death Match.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't finish this book
Review: I have read all of Child's and Preston&Child's books and have never been dissapointed until now. The storyline became so un-believable that I could not take it anymore.
**SPOILER**
I stopped reading the book during the chapter where they lost control of the computer and they couldn't turn it off (because it controlled the power), they couldn't slow it down (because it had redundant systems), they couldn't bash it with a sledgehammer (because all of the computer housings were rebuilt w/ hardened steel cases), etc... All of this for a computer system used for match-making?
The monster in Relic was actually more believable than this.


Rating:
Summary: Read the last 150 pages in one sitting
Review: I was so into this book I read the last 150 pages in one sitting.

Rating:
Summary: great beginning, disappointing finish
Review: I've read all the novels by Lincoln Child, including those co-written with Douglas Preston, and I would say this is typical of that remarkable team's individual efforts -- a strong premise flawed by a weak ending.

The story involves Christopher Lash, a troubled ex-FBI psychologist who is hired as a consultant by Eden Inc., a matchmaking service that has flawlessly brought couples together using a supercomputer system named Liza. When Eden "supercouples" start committing suicide, Lash tries to figure out what went wrong, The characters are good, the dialogue is fine, and there are some spectacular touches such as The Tank, where computer avatars of Eden's applicants search for their matches.

HOWEVER, there are some problems -- mostly small but one big. First, one victim gives a major clue to Lash, but it is never brought up again. Secondly, Lash receives harassing phone calls, makes an assumption about who is calling him, and confronts that person -- why doesn't he just do *69? Lash is increasingly harassed but just ignores it. etc

The book is 356 pages long and I figured out the mystery on page 170. The ending is derivative and unoriginal. I won't say more, but I kept reading, hoping that there would a twist. There wasn't.

In the acknowledgments the author thanks Douglas Preston for supplying a crucial chapter. Too bad he didn't supply a more interesting ending as well.