Scalzi creates a fascinating scenario in Lock In: in the world of the not-too-distant future, a virus spreads that causes locked-in syndrome (inability to move or respond, while fully conscious) in 1% of those afflicted. This meningitis phase of the disease causes critical changes in brain structure and function, with a small percentage (.25%) of locked-ins recovering to normal functioning. With a tremendous infusion of research & development money from the government (due largely to the First Lady suffering this, gaining the moniker Haden's syndrome, sufferers called Hadens, after First Lady Margaret Haden) neural networks implanted in the brains of Hadens and Haden recoverers enable Hadens to transfer their consciousness to recovered Hadens (known as Integrators), or to sophisticated robots called Personal Transports, nicknamed threeps (or the derogatory cranks), allowing them a facsimile of a normal life and independence. Twenty-five years later, Congress and a new president decide to curtail this funding effort with the Abrams-Kettering Act, a move eliciting sharp criticism and violent protest from both Hadens and those not afflicted.

A murder investigation led by veteran FBI Agent Leslie Vann, former integrator, and brand-new Agent and Haden Chris Shane in the first week of his service baffles both with its complexities. Agent Shane is a great protagonist: dry witted, sharp, physically courageous, and easy going, the action unfolds through his perspective. Scalzi uses the conventions of a thriller noire murder investigation to great effect here, surrounding Shane with interesting allies and foes alike. This novel can also be read on the level of an examination of a disability sub-culture, with its extremes of subtle prejudice, outright civil rights infractions, to violence. Hadens are staging a march on Washington in reaction to the Abrams-Kettering Act, while those who feel Hadens have been granted a privileged role in society and are pleased to see the end of this, are responding violently.

This novel is exciting and thought-provoking on all these levels. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Head On, sending Shane and Vann on their next investigation.

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