Near future, United States. First novel [?]. Followed by two self-contained sequels: Clipjoint and Psykosis .
"Cass, Moke, and Dosh had it all figured out: Sign a movie contract and you had it made, right?... Not if you're starring in the new cyber-cinema and the audience plugs into your emotions. Not if you can't tell the difference between real life and reel life. And especially not if your costar is a mass murderess....
"In the cyber-tech world of tomorrow, the rich get their kicks from watching films with emotional implants -- where the viewer feels whatever the actor feels. To achieve absolute realism, the players don't know the script -- they simply react to whatever happens to them. For all they know, this is real life and the film hasn't started yet. It's a dangerous job. But the money is irresistible....
"When Cass, Moke and Dosh sign a movie contract, they figure they have it made. Work a few weeks, run a few risks, and they can finally get off the planet. They're tough, they can handle it.
"But the script is a real killer. And their co-star is a mass murderess..." [jacket blurb, US pbk, 1993]
"Crashcourse holds up the traditions of this genre for all the world to see. What we have is a well paced storyline, with characters and environment neatly described... Her dialogue is neat and to the point and never feels strained or manufactured... In a sea of mediocre, Crashcourse sails head and shoulders above the rest." --Dave Howell (in the Web , May/June 1996).
"Wilhelmina Baird is wicked, wild, and kicks butt." --Pat Cadigan.
"A pungent, gleamy-dark street-future, illuminated with memorable style, a gratifying sense of humor, and a killer eye for twisted technological detail." --William Gibson.
"Typecast against reality." --Henry W.Targowski (in Mark/Space , 1995).
Hardcore cyberpunk.
Recommended.
