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A NOVEL IDEA

''The Fear Index'' By Robert Harris Book Review by Chris Stuckenschneider

uthor Robert Harris prefaces his fastpaced financial thriller with a quote from Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Shelley’s cautionary words warn that man’s knowledge not outpace and overwhelm his “nature.” But that’s exactly what happens in “The Fear Index,” a fast-paced novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat and provides food for thought regarding technology that “takes on a life of its own.” The New York Times SyndicationOne Salescannot Corporation help but sympathize with 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 Dr. Alexander Hoffmann, a brilliant physiFor Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Thursday, April 05, 2012 For Release Friday, March 2012 and bordering on genius. cist, 30, quirky

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Someone is trying to drive him to the brink of insanity as he endeavors to run Hoffmann Investment Technologies, a highly successful hedge fund he founded, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Hoffmann lives there in a mansion with his English artist wife, and both benefit from the billions he makes, but question the wisdom of doing so. Amassing a fortune wasn’t always important to Hoffmann, but it’s the lifeblood of business partner and friend Hugo Quarry. The key to Hoffmann’s success is computer-generated artificial intelligence he creates that is highly accurate in predicting the buying and selling of stock for an array of high-class investors. Though Hoffmann is driven and bright, he is haunted by a nervous breakdown he suffered in the past, a past that haunts him when a rare, first edition book by Charles Darwin is delivered to his home. Though Hoffmann knows he did not order the book, an email later shows that he authorized a significant transfer of funds to purchase the volume. The evening the book arrives, an intruder breaks into Hoffmann’s home, knocking him unconscious, but robbery is not a motive. An MRI shows suspect areas in Hoffmann’s brain, possibly early dementia. This symptom coupled with the previous breakdown, plants seeds of fear in Hoffmann’s mind about his mental health as the crazy cards stack up against him. Hoffmann attempts to discover who is behind the evil stalking him, and finds himself embroiled in a scheme that could ruin his hedge fund and spell disaster for countless others. Thinking caps are required for this thriller, but even if some details are too difficult to absorb, the action and mystery will pull you into this smart, sophisticated read. Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2012.