Nelson DeMille's Last Book: The Tin Men

After the death of Nelson' DeMille it was thought that "Blood Lines" was his last novel.  Not so.  He had begun "The Tin Man "with his son Alex and it leaves a fitting conclusion.

Why do we readers get started on a particular author?  Then, why do we stick with them?  With Nelson DeMille I learned he was related to my mother in law (first cousins) and shortly after I learned that he had a book of the month club selection. and my habit began.  More on the family connection:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/05/tribute-to-nelson-demille-real-writer-i.html

There are a few differences from most of his previous books, for instance, that it is set entirely in the United States.  More of a domestic conspiracy.  More modern in that the main issue is about a contemporary concern.

It starts with a mysterious brutal death at a military camp.  It is all very top secret and Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor, familiar to DeMille's fans are brought in to investigate.  The camp is set up to research a future warfare strategy using "lethal autonomous weapons" i.e. robots.  These robots are all equipped with all sorts of fail safe protections.  They are engaged in pretend battles with human troops and have won every single battle.  

Checking on the safeguards seems impressively secure, but checking into more details reveals that all is not as it seems.  One camp leader is out to prove that humans can defeat the machines, but has been frustrated with results.  The readers gradually learn that all the personnel are not uniform in their acceptance of the project.

What can go wrong?  I would say the two authors are skeptical about claims that robots can be controlled.  Somehow the robots are able to overcome the restrictions and start to kill some humans.  They seem organized and able to think with more sophisticated thinking than they had been designed for.

Of course, bottom line,  it is some humans who have their own motives.  Perhaps I imagined it, but it seemed the authors felt people desiring power are always looking for ways to develop their power. 

Another danger alluded to is the dangers of recreational drugs.  It seems soldiers restricted to isolated areas are under stress and some will seek comfort they believe can be found in drugs.  Psilocybin made from mushrooms was supposed to be especially good at handling stress.  

Robotic warfare is justified by the notion that our enemies are developing it, therefore we need to keep pace.  This goes through all history starting with sticks and stones.  There will always be those who want to use whatever tools are available to develop their personal greed and power. 

Scott Brodie, the hero has been carried forth from a few previous novels and in some ways seems more mature, but he is a bit of a maverick who at some point defies convention to do something he thinks is right.  Often the reader might agree, but recognize actins ae not not acceptable to many others.    

One habit of Nelson's was auctioning off character names for charities.

This has been an enjoyable path circumstances have guided me through.  Once I joined a Nelson DeMille fan website that led to a Facebook friend who recommended some books and films that became blog posts.  One can never be sure what path you are embarking on that could make life more meaningful.