The Sum of Her Parts: The Tipping Point, Vol. 3

In this rather lifeless conclusion to the Tipping Point trilogy, Dr. Ingrid Seastrom and her con-man companion, Whispr, continue their quest to discern the contents of a mysterious filament. The pair of would-be spies makes it across the African continent to the edge of the inhospitable Namib Desert, where the SICK corporation conducts experiments. Facing the threat of imminent death by dehydration, animal attacks, or harsh terrain, and still dogged by several unsavory characters bent on obtaining the peculiar filament, Ingrid and Whispr plow onward, narrowly evading disaster time and again as they struggle to reach and enter the research facility. Flat characterization and improbable rescues abound. Those who appreciate Foster’s slap-dash derring-do will be glad to see that the trilogy wrapup leaves open the possibility of continuation. (Dec.)