Tek Lords

Shatner's second novel, like his first ( Tekwar ), is a competent but predictable detective thriller played before a standard SF backdrop. Private eye Jake Cardigan narrowly escapes an assassination attempt. It seems someone is holding a grudge for Cardigan's part in destroying a major Tek cartel, and as he races to learn who has it in for him, Cardigan discovers an even darker plot: someone has released a deadly viral plague in San Franciso, which threatens his son and ex-wife. Bodies drop on all sides as the plot hurtles toward its inevitable climax, and Cardigan is repeatedly rescued from extinction by the convenient arrival of old friends, who vanish as soon as their job is done. The novel is filled with stock characters, from the antagonistic police chief determined to ``get something'' on Cardigan to the persistent and intelligent female reporter whom the tough-guy detectives are always trying to ditch. Shatner's Greater Los Angeles of 2120 is a pale reflection of the blighted cityscape of Bladerunner , and though this novel makes use of a number of popular science fiction concepts (cyborgs, androids, manmade viruses, etc.), the various social issues raised by these elements receive only cursory examination. Lots of fast action here, but very little depth. (May)