In a world where everyone is implanted with a computer at birth, which records to the second the amount life they are allowed, cyber criminals who can steal time are dreaded. Now one of the worst has escaped, a man who killed millions in a moment, and a former detective with the same skills is the only person who can stop him. With less than a day left on his own time clock, he must unravel the conspiracy behind Malcolm’s escape, what the insane villain intends, and find out the dark secrets of the Intuits – hackers who can steal your lifetime.

It’s well-written, with ideas that reminded me of Jack Vance’s “Repent Harlequin, said the Tick-Tock Man,” and Logan’s Run. However it takes a newer, cyberpunk, approach to these. Gritty, urban and set in a world where anyone can die instantly, this is a thrilling read with a complex and imaginative plot; just don’t expect it to be a cheerful or heartwarming one. The only issue I had was that the main character has flashbacks and hallucinations, and it can be hard for a reader to follow in a few places as he swaps between fantasy and reality. This is intentional on the part of the author, as the character himself has difficulty telling, but if that style annoys you, be warned it occurs several times.

I’m torn between a three, because of the shifts and a four. I’ll give this a four and suggest that it would be best suited for a cyberpunk audience will love it. For general science fiction readers it will still appeal, but might be a slightly lower rating.