Bad Memory: A Novel of Computer Suspense

A rousing, cautionary techno-thriller, Bad Memory begins with every computer company's worst nightmare: tens of thousands of misconfigured computer systems have been shipped to Simtec's customers. Accident? Not at all, as the company learns when corrupt officer James Dupree demands a million dollars to quit. Flustered Simtec executives, already thrown off balance by the recent appointment of computer-illiterate CEO Diane Hughes, scramble to thwart Dupree's schemes as disasters mount and his demands escalate. Can Barry Shepherd, Simtec's chief troubleshooter, prevent catastrophe? There's enough technical detail here to satisfy geeks, mixed with intracompany politics and human drama for fans of more traditional suspense. Even the most recent computer converts may find themselves losing sleep over password protection, network access and basic housekeeping. Readers may be tempted to buy an extra copy for their system administrators. (June) FYI: Franklet's manuscript was ""discovered"" by Sue Grafton, according to the publisher. His home page, including cute photos of his infant son, can be found at http://web.wt.net/~duane/