The Mind Control technology is coming, and every world power wants it.

During the last year, Charlie Smythington becomes the insurance agent for two of the largest companies in Oregon, including MT Day’s Atlan Sports, the world’s largest sports apparel company, and Cognigate Inc., the developers of a top-secret mind control technology.

While exploring his new love life with Sonja Weyman, he receives an urgent late-night call from her father, venture capitalist Steven Gadweils. George Murdock, the brilliant inventor of Cognigate’s mind control technology, is dead in his cleanroom lab behind six levels of security provided by the FBI, NSA, and private security guards.

MT and Steven have invested millions in Cognigate. Because Charlie saved their lives last year, they urge Charlie to prevent further deaths and save Cognigate. Entering the strange world of cleanroom microtechnology, Charlie finds that George’s death could be due to natural causes, an accident, or a result of his own invention. There are no weapons, no intruders, and no one else was nearby. But the security video shows that George died horribly.

When Charlie starts unraveling the scant clues, he becomes the target of relentless attacks. The police, FBI, and NSA cannot find who killed George and who is after Mind Control. So, Charlie turns to his greatest resource to find the answers - his numerous clients.

In a breathless race against time, Charlie matches wits with seemingly pervasive adversaries who are determined to get Mind Control at any cost.

With a captivating blend of romance, adventure, scientific intrigue, and analytic techniques, Charlie Smythington is the most refreshing new sleuth in decades. His sales abilities, dogged persistence, and inherent curiosity combine to make him both a fun-loving insurance agent and a dynamic detective.

Mind Control is a fun blend of mystery, near-future science, and high-tech puzzle, populated by sympathetic characters doing the right thing. Refreshing! John E Stith, author of Pushback, Manhattan Transfer, and other novels.

A scientist is found dead. The questions begin to multiply as the potential suspects are eliminated one by one. As bullets fly, the tension builds as Charlie races to find the person responsible. Mind Control keeps you guessing to the very end. Cathy DeVault

This book has hearts and brains, romance, and a turreted castle, with a fascinating science fiction thread running through it. Set in the Pacific Northwest, this fast, exciting novel is enlivened by first-rate detecting and fast-paced action. Highly recommended beach read. Harriet Bing

He’s done it again! Paul Hillman has created a second action-packed, surprise-filled book in The Charlie Smythington Series. Charlie is a super sleuth who even finds himself in the middle of gun battles! Not a dull moment in this book! Gene Knudson