The Killswitch Review
In the spirit of Blade Runner and Brave New World comes a terrifying postmodern vision... By the year 2156, stem cell therapy has triumphed over aging and disease, extending the human lifespan indefinitely. But only for those who have achieved Conscientious Citizen Status. To combat overpopulation, the U.S. has sealed her borders, instituted compulsory contraception, and made technology- assisted suicide readily available. Yet in a world where the old can remain vital forever, America's youth have little hope of prosperity Jason Haggerty is an investigator for the government agency responsible for dispensing personal handheld devices that record a citizen's final moments. When three teens stage an illegal public suicide, Haggerty suspects their deaths may have been murders. Now he must uncover proof and prevent a nationwide epidemic of copycat suicides. Trouble is, for the first time in history, an entire generation might just decide they're better off dead. "I've always considered Steven-Elliot Altman one of the most provocative voices in modern fiction, and KILLSWITCH, his collaboration with Diane DeKelb-Rittenhouse, once again confirms this conviction." -Stephen Susco, screenwriter of The Grudge "In the tradition of Philip K. Dick, Altman and DeKelb- Rittenhouse keep the action coming even as they measure the psychosocial toll of tomorrow's technology." -Winston Engle, Editor & Publisher, Thrilling Wonder Stories