The Devil's Eye
Apr 17, 2010
The Devil's Eye
Author: Jack McDevitt
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Ace Hardcover; 1St Edition edition (November 4, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0441016359
ISBN-13: 978-0441016358
I will readily admit that I'm a die-hard Jack McDevitt fan. I've read all of his books to date.
What I like so much about his books is that while they are science fiction set way, way, way out in the future (we're talking the year 4,000 here) and the technology can be wild - his characters deal with normal human issues, there's relationships and most importantly, you can actually keep up with the stories without shaking your head and wondering what the heck is going on.
You get a little of everything, adventure, mystery, romance, life challenges, alients, etc. - usually all set in deep space.
I will say that this is not what I consider one of his best stories, he has written several other books that have plots that have gripped me much more than this particular story, so while I am not "not recommending" this book, I don't want this particular one to the be one you base your opinion of his writing on. The others are much more action driven and I love when they make contact with new races.
The Devil's Eye starts with Alex, an antiquities dealer, receiving a recorded call from a very attractive horror writer asking for help and saying that "They're all dead." Unfortunately the call came in while Alex was in deep space traveling and he didn't get the message until days later. At this point he and his partner, Chase, find 2 million in their bank account from the writer but also find out she's had her mind wiped - on purpose.
Suddenly they are off on an adventure to the last place Vicki was, a distant planet known for it's creepy history. Alex and Chase want to know why she called them for help, gave them 2 million dollars and then had her mind erased. Why are aliens that can read minds firing on that planet and why did that only start when Vicki visited? Did Vickie stumble onto something that put her in mortal danger?
See - action, adventure, mystery and aliens! Perfect combination!
I highly recommend you read all his books - many of the characters move from story to story and you do become attached.
