Ground Zero, by Mel Keegan

Ground Zero


Mel Keegan

Not historical fiction, but one of author Mel Keegan's science fiction offerings.   Ground Zero is not, as I had assumed, about the end of the world, a genre I enjoy not quite as much as historical novels, but about a potential end of the world, First Contact with another planet and its more advanced technology.

Ground Zero stars two lovers, Lee and Brendan, both of which work for a university paranormal studies department.  It is 2048 in Adelaide, South Australia.  One theme is the frustration they and their boss have with how their work tends to the debunking rather than proving all types of off worldly and other worldly phenomena.  Their work does bring them very much into partnership with the forensics department of the local police, and it is a series of bizarre thefts and even more bizarre murders that the paranormal studies team is called in to help investigate.

The thefts are of highly advanced even classified equipment,  The murders, which happen near the burgled facilities, occur within a couple hours.  In each case the victim has been drained of blood in a surgical way that leaves no mess behind other than the body.  What Lee, Brendan and their boss don't know is that someone else is watching their progress using advanced technology, like flying spy bots.

The novel follows the investigation step by step.  I was astonished by Keegan's facility with all the equipment and wonder if she has a background in physics herself. It's a good futuristic thriller, with a not-too-predictable outcome, and likable characters. This is what is sometimes called M/M Romance, which means there will be gay sex depicted, though the "romance" part appears not to be used in the same way it is with, say, Harlequin. In this case there is no story of seduction or coming out since the two men are an established couple. The sex scenes border on "gratuitous" as they have only a tangential relationship to the story. About the most I can say is that another central theme of the novel is how important one's love for a partner is as Lee in particular observes the grief of those who lost family. Nevertheless, the sex depicts a joyful relationship, and I found that aspect of this book more appealing than the simple thriller plot. You are left feeling the love between Lee and Brendan will be joyful and secure throughout their lives.

The one thing that made me roll my eyes was the waxing lyrical about the partner's gorgeosity in reverie, which was laid on a little thick.  I get it, I get it, he's hot!  Now let's get on with the story.

I bought the novel at Amazon's Kindle Store.