Book Review: Loose Cannon

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Loose Cannon     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Dean Ing
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Forge, Nov 2000, $23.95, 285 pp.

Thought just another anonymous chip in the Silicon Valley, Rob Tarrant is actually a brilliant inventor who has brought several patents to his employer. As a way to relax away from the job, the designer enjoys building miniature unmanned aerial vehicles that use remote control devices to maneuver them.

Rob’s latest toy tinkering leads to a very small yet stable flying device that he sees has incredible possibilities. Being a loyal company man, he informs his boss Ethan Lodge at General Standards Corporation about his latest gadget. However, the reaction to his new gizmo turns into a trip to the Twilight Zone for Rob as bungling government agents amongst others chase after him. As he hides amidst the sand dunes near San Jose, Rob cannot figure out what happened let alone how he will survive.

LOOSE CANNON is a lighthearted satirical look at the Silicon Valley food chain. The story line takes a bite out of just about everyone including the conceited corporations, the greedy governments, and the sandcastle-building savant-engineers. With this novel and tales like FLYING TO PIECES Dean Ing continues to provide ironic, amusing twists and zingers to the classic thriller of grandiose Goliaths chasing dweeby Davids.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner