Pager Paperback – December 1, 2013

This was a fun book to read. It reminds me of an old gumshoe story set in the future. More, please.

"Pager" is a fast-paced science fiction- fantasy that unfolds on the most expensive planet in the universe - Earth. After killing the notorious embezzler Roger Finlay, Peter Mandrin and his sexy, humanoid partner Debris take over his dated ranch- style home next door to the mysterious and secretive human female - Wendy Roseland. Peter suddenly finds himself falling in love and wanting to marry the attractive and self-assured woman who shoots him in the stomach when she discovers he's a pager; a tracker who hunts down criminals and missing shipments for money. After being healed and given a second chance at life, Peter begins to search for the assassin and becomes implicated in the hunt for a missing zinc shipment.Gerry Garibaldi has created a world of advanced technology, genetic manipulation and hi-tech drugs, where humanoid robots (Wallys) seem to outnumber humans and big name corporations harvest the resources of other planets. In a future where sexes are in conflict, marriage is non-existent and a quasi religious /political order struggles to bring mankind back to a divine natural state, men travel throughout the galaxy and into deep space in high-powered ships. With vivid imagination he has fashioned a prison where cells honeycomb Jupiter below ground, men travel by a vehicle called the "mooda", crime coins hold bio-information, and the weapon of choice is a "melodian". The plot which is intriguing and action-packed progresses quickly and smoothly from one challenge to the next, keeping the reader riveted from the first page to the last.Because the narrative was centered on the action and storyline, the personalities of many of the characters were not fully developed. But, of the core characters Peter Mandrin a tough, no-nonsense pager is quick-witted and clever while Debris, his female mirror image is a strong and loyal humanoid with heightened senses. Wendy Roseland alias Susan Lightman, an assassin, thief and extortionist is secretive, angry and elusive; a human woman who falls for Peter's charm and wit.The story is fascinating, a must read for all those who love an inventive science fiction-fantasy novel. I have given it a 4 rating although I would suspect it's closer to a 3.5.

I loved Garibaldi's previous book, a great pirate yarn, so was eager to see what would come next. Pager proved a total surprise -- an ever- surprising sci-fi laced with wit and humor. The language he invents to create his futuristic world is a treat in itself, as surprising and imaginative as the story's many plot twists. Aside from everything else, this is a book about something important: what it means to retain one's humanity in an increasingly cool and technocratic world. Could not recommend more highly.

An E-ticket ride from a very assured new writer in the genre, whose story-telling chops were clearly honed in his previous scripting career. This is a fun, sexy, sci-fi romp with twists, turns, and sly social commentary woven into a fast-moving story. Lots of colorful characters, humor, and most importantly a main character I'm going to want to see more of. Keep 'em coming, please!

A great sci-fi, detective read! Not what I was expecting when I started it. It has adventure and romance. But it's set in the future and I like how he uses names of big companies in the story.