Death Never Sleeps by E.J. Simon

Death Never Sleeps is...a mystery, science fiction, action, suspense all tossed, shaken, and served up with relish.  I must admit that this novel is original.  Virtual death or virtual life?

When Michael Nicholas' brother is murdered, he must once again contemplate the differences between them.  Alex was a bookie; Michael, a corporate CEO.  Alex associates with some pretty unsavory characters, has had 3 marriages and several mistresses, is described by friends as scary, but with a tender heart.  Michael is a respected CEO with a sound marriage, who loved his brother, but who has not been close to him in years.

The police are at a dead-end in the investigation, and Michael must step in to help manage Alex's affairs and try to discover who wanted Alex dead.  

When Michael finally finds Alex's secret laptop which has been uploaded with a host of futuristic programs, he is shocked and disbelieving to discover that Alex now has a virtual life and will help in recovering his missing millions.  And, as it turns out, in protecting Michael and Samantha whose lives are threatened.

Michael's life begins to change in ways he could never have imagined, and he discovers that he has a lot more in common with his brother than he ever thought possible.

Thoughts:  

An awful lot about dining in famous restaurants which will appeal to some.  Maybe a few too many dining experiences for me.

Portions of the novel read quickly, while others drag a bit.

The best of the novel has to do with the skill the author employs in making the reader believe in Alex's virtual life; an outside-of-the-box premise that Simon skillfully utilizes.

E.J. Simon was the CEO of GMAC Global Relocation Services (a division of GM) and the managing director of Douglas Elliman, the largest real estate company in New York. He is a consultant to many leading private equity firms and has held senior-level positions at prominent financial services companies. He is a world traveler, food enthusiast and lives in Connecticut. DEATH NEVER SLEEPS is his first novel.

Check out this interesting interview with E.J. Simon.

excerpt from interview:  

EJS: The artificial intelligence technology responsible for the reappearance of the main character is not a stretch of my imagination. Both Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and renowned physicist Stephen Hawking have recently stated that — through artificial intelligence — computers will become conscious and that we will soon be able to copy ourselves onto a computer. Like the car in your rear view mirror, it's closer than it appears.

Now that is scary.

NetGalley/iUniverse.

Mystery/Thriller.  2013.  Print version:  293 pages.