THE HANGED MAN'S SONG by John Sandford
In his latest novel John Sandford continues the adventures of the computer whiz named Kidd. He is a man who operates outside the law as he goes about his life's journey. Sometimes he is accompanied by a woman named LuEllen. She is also a person who commits crimes. Therefore they are the ideal couple.
In THE HANGED MAN'S SONG, Kidd and LuEllen are on the hunt for a murderer. Someone has killed Bobby, the mastermind behind a collection of information, which is kept on a laptop computer. This information could expose Kidd's identity to the world and this can not happen. Kidd and LuEllen team up with another friend named John to chase this assassin.
This chase puts Kidd, LuEllen and John in jeopardy, but if they are not successful in getting the laptop back the world could be in jeopardy. Sandford's theory in this novel is that those who control the information control the world. How they control it makes for the most chilling elements of the story.
These "Kidd" stories are not quite as gripping as the PREY series of books that Sandford also authors. Somehow it is more interesting and more compelling to read about the exploits of Lucas Davenport than it is to get involved in the shadowy world inhabited by Kidd.
THE HANGED MAN'S SONG is a book that will hold your attention, and it will stay on your mind long after you have finished reading it. But it isn't a book you will like, or recommend. You will be compelled to finish it but when you have you will want to be done with it. But you won't be. The thoughts that Sandford raises about the invasion of your privacy will stay in your mind for a long time to come.
THE HANGED MAN'S SONG is published by G P Putnam's Sons. It contains 321 pages and sells for $25.95.