Double Vision [Large Print]

I've read and enjoyed a few of Randy's novels. The City of God series (Transgression, Premontion, Retribution) is among my favorites. His writing and marketing ezines are some of the best resources for wannabe writers like me. His Snowflake method for constructing a novel is a great tool for many who write. I recently received a copy of this novel, Double Vision, and was anxious to dive into it. I was not disappointed. The story is one of quantum computers, nano-technology, humor, off the wall, yet endearing characters and--dare I say it . . . romance. Dillon Richards is a brilliant and talented man. Like many with great talents, he has his own thorn in the flesh. Asperger's Syndrome. He's not Normal and he knows this. He doesn't think like you and me. He's very literal, logical, rational and intellectual. Order and structure are the pillars in his life. And yet he doesn't get the most simple things about people. Slang really does a number on him. Chaos and disorder in the lives of those around him confounds him. And women might as well really be from another planet. Now he finds himself with a dream project that will revolutionize encryption and, not one, but two woman battling for his affections. Not only this, but now someone wants the technology he and his co-workers are developing. This technology being a last ditch effort to save the company he works for ramps up the action. It's enough to make a guy with AS crazy. :-) I enjoyed this novel and look forward to the time when I can read all of Randy's works. In reading the reviews here I've noticed several comment negatively on Randy's 'simplistic' writing. Much of this novel is from Dillon's perspective and as such requires such an approach in my humble opinion. Dillon is so different from the common man that he doesn't speak or think like most people. This is reflected in much of the narrative involving him. I don't think it has anything to do with lack in Randy's writing style. Read his other works and see if you agree. Rather, I believe the more simple style was a technique Randy used for the Dillon character, as well as to help make the technical aspects of the story more accessible. Just my 1 cent there, buy what you will with it.

What happens when two diametrically opposed women are thrown into the den of an autistic but brilliant physics engineer? The fun starts when Dillon Richard, a man with zero experience with women finds both of these women interested in him. Rachel Meyers is an independent spirit, a biophysicist who has developed a quantum computer that could forever change the world. She is hired to work with Dillon to combine their talents to bring this computer to market. Keryn Wills writes mysteries. She is also part-time financial officer at CypherQuanta, the same company for which Dillon and Rachel are working. Problem is, Keryn finds herself in the unwanted position of competing against the quirky, vivacious Rachel for Dillon's attention. Yet, despite her increasing jealousy, Keryn's job is to keep Dillon and Rachel together, and focused, so they can finish the quantum computer, which their company is depending on for their financial future. However, it soon becomes apparent that their secret project has been discovered. Dillon's lab is vandalized. Grant O'Connell, their boss at CypherQuanta is acting uncharacteristically. As financial officer, Keryn knows their entire future depends on getting this project to market. Who has learned about the quantum computer? Before long, Keryn, Dillon and Rachel realize that not only is this project in jeopardy, but their lives very well may be in danger, too. And soon they are on the run. The thing is, they don't know who they are running from. And they don't know who they can trust. Not even the government. This is a fantastic read. I'm certainly no physicist, but no special education needed to enjoy this one. Randall Ingermanson, himself a physicist, has created an intricate puzzle and fitting the pieces together will keep you occupied to the very last. As the tension mounts, Ingermanson manages to inject some fun moments as we watch Dillon try to learn about women and understand his attraction to both Rachel and Keryn, for totally different reasons. The two are nothing alike. DOUBLE VISION had me turning the pages trying to find a good place to stop so I could go to sleep. Hard to find one. You'll love Dillon while you want to shake him at the same time, and you'll find yourself cheering for both Rachel and Keryn, curiously swapping your loyalties from one to the other throughout the story. Good reading-and great writing! Peggy Phifer ©2004

Randy's knowledge of physics is evident in this well-written romatic suspense. Just when you think you know what will happen, you get a surprise, right down to the end. I loved the plot twists and the way the story played out. A friend of mine, who is a physicist, said it was right on. The quantum mechanics encryption thing was a great premise for the plot. Zany characters, profound dilemmas and an awesome love triangle made this book hard to put down. Great stuff!

Any suspense fan should run to buy this book. Each character is vivid and distinct, the action slams along non-stop, and the mystery keeps you absorbed until the end. There is a small bit of geek speak to explain the quantum computer the bad guys are after. However, if the average reader doesn't quite understand the underlying scientific principles, it doesn't detract from enjoyment in this story. Along with the aura of danger, Ingermanson's quirky signature humor is woven into the pages without dissipating the tension. He gives accurate portrayals of the dot-com companies, the high-tech atmosphere, and the culture of southern California. The characters are larger-than-life, with abilities to awe the reader and personalities to make you root for them. A romance thread keeps you guessing until the last page, literally. The spiritual thread is both subtle and not. Nothing "in your face" or overtly evangelical, but this clean fiction will both entertain and provide insight into how true Christians think and live. I have no qualms about lending this book to teenaged boys in my church youth group--it has the action to keep them riveted but also the clear message of Christian living, right decisions, standing up for truth.

Once again, Randall Ingermanson had me on the edge of my seat with his newest romantic suspense novel. His opening line, "Keryn Wills was in the shower when she figured out how to kill Josh Trenton." compelled me to read more. The cast of main characters comes from varied backgrounds that interweave in surprising ways, and I nearly forgot these were fictional people. They seemed so real that I found myself wanting to call some of them. Dillon Richards, one of the main characters, is a brilliant engineer with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism. Ingermanson did a superb job of helping me understand what it might be like to be autistic. He also helps remove the stigma often attached to the condition by portraying Dillon as a person with real thoughts, concerns, and feelings. The supporting characters are colorful and entertaining without interfering with the story line. Ingermanson explains the quantum tech ideas about computers so well that even a non-techie who failed physics (like me) understood the premise. The last 2/3 of the book kept me up way past my bedtime four nights in a row. The twists and turns held me in suspense, because every time I thought Keryn, Rachel, and Dillon were safe, they ended up in danger again. His tagline on the back cover says it all. "Three secrets. Two women. One man. NO time." I thoroughly enjoyed his time-travel historical fiction books, Transgression, Premonition, and Retribution, and I look forward to his next book, whether it's contemporary or historical.