The Terminal Man - Softcover

Crichton, Michael

3.4

28,411 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 006178267X ISBN 13: 9780061782671

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2009

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Harry Benson is prone to violent, uncontrollable seizures and is under police guard after attacking two people. Dr. Roger McPherson, head of the prestigious Neuropsychiatric Research Unit at University Hospital in Los Angeles, is convinced he can cure Benson through a procedure called Stage Three. During this highly specialized experimental surgery, electrodes will be placed in the patient's brain, sending monitored, soothing pulses to its pleasure canyons. But though the operation is a success, there is an unforeseen development. Benson learns how to control the pulses and is increasing their frequency. He escapes—a homicidal maniac loose in the city—and nothing will stop his murderous rampages or impede his deadly agenda . . .

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Review:

Harry has a problem. Ever since getting in a car accident, he's suffered from "thought seizures", violent fits in which he attacks other people. He used to be an artificial intelligence researcher, which may explain why he targets anyone who either works on machines or who acts like a machine--mechanics, gas-station attendants, prostitutes, exotic dancers. But there's hope: He can become part machine himself, undergoing "Stage 3", an experimental procedure implanting 40 electrodes deep in the pleasure centres of his brain. The surgery is successful and blissful pulses of electricity short- circuit Harry's seizures. That is, until Harry figures out how to overload himself with the satisfying jolts and escapes on a murderous rampage. One of Crichton's earliest, playing ably on 70s' fears of computers and mind-control. --Paul Hughes, Amazon.com

Review:

One of the great storytellers of our age. . . . The best Michael Crichton novels are . . . edifying reads, whose gripping plots contain real ideas. Newsday

Crichton combines his knowledge of science with great talent for creating suspense. San Francisco Chronicle

Crichton is a master at blending edge-of-the-chair adventure and a scientific seminar, educating his readers as he entertains them. Chicago Sun-Times

Crichton has so perfected the fusion thriller with science fiction that his novels define the genre. Los Angeles Times

Crichton is a master at explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Library"

"One of the great storytellers of our age. . . . The best Michael Crichton novels are . . . edifying reads, whose gripping plots contain real ideas."--Newsday

"Crichton combines his knowledge of science with great talent for creating suspense."--San Francisco Chronicle

"Crichton is a master at blending edge-of-the-chair adventure and a scientific seminar, educating his readers as he entertains them."--Chicago Sun-Times

"Crichton has so perfected the fusion thriller with science fiction that his novels define the genre."--Los Angeles Times

"Crichton is a master at explaining complex concepts in simple terms."--Library

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