A monster hurricane is nearing Houston as Glenn Lazar Roberts’ Frenzy commences.   

    Carmen Niles, Carm, is somewhat discomfited to realize that while many of the citizens of area are already making plans to leave before the storm hits, and schools are closed; she and fellow employees at MacDonald Cancer Research Institute are not only expected to appear at the work site; but to be ready to perhaps stay for possibly extended hours.

     Carm, microbiologist, mom, widowed wife recently remarried, drops Cheyenne and Burke at daycare over their protestations of not wanting to go, touches base with new husband Carl who has just gotten back to town after a business trip, and is now stuck in traffic, before she begins her day toiling in the lab. 

  Before long the storm is in full sway, Carmen, hurricane party goers invited by Carl, and assorted Research Institute employees take refuge in the skyscraper’s basement where they learn they are trapped for at least 24 hours due to the Institute security device triggered when Carm uses the computer to provide explanation to the party goers regarding just what type research is being conducted at the lab.

  The Reader is carried along on a wild rush beginning in the computer lab, out into the rapidly flooding tunnels beneath the streets of Houston, as Carm sets out with a mixed group of revelers in an attempt to find a way to reach street level via the tunnels.

  Writer Roberts explains ‘my third novel, FRENZY, is the first and only novel to be based on Houston's underground pedestrian tunnel system (yes, most tunnels are underground), a horror/sci-fi tale that builds on the ideas of the physicist Stephen Wolfram’.

  Roberts presents a mixed group of characters beginning with Carm, the at times flustered scientist frantic to reach safety and find her children, in addition to a mysterious couple; the man with owl round eyes and woman with stealthily turning grey hair, as well as hurricane party goers some of whom Carm recognized, but none she knew by name. 

  There were computer programmer Cliff, a black man wearing brown trousers, Terry and Cracker, two young men dressed in outback shorts, Terry’s green eyed, wife Melanie who favors lots of lipstick, as well as talisman carrying Ed and Marlena, both of whom eschew knowing Carl and claim the other invited them to the party. 

  Bill of ABI Construction who favors cowboy hats did rewiring for the Institute site and is there as well. Armani suited Gary is a partner with Frost, Lank, and Frere.  The group represents biotech firms. 

  Alice is an employee of the genetic transfer technology Institute and aging Nicholas MacDonald is the boss of the Institute.  He will be attending the Mayor’s reelection party.  It is left to Carm to show Gary the ‘Monster Mash’ the basement area housing the computer heart of the Institute.  Scrubs clad Ruben, keeps the computers humming.  

  Genechips, the heart of the research, are kept in a large plastic tray.

  Writing moves quickly from one scenario to another, characters are introduced, Carm, and a small group of party goers continue in their  quest to find exit out of the tunnels.

  Not really science fiction in sense of the word, but the genechips and their usage does lend to that appellation.

  A fully developed tale filled with excitement, some industrial intrigue and espionage, stock fraud, and pure greedy machinations abound.

  Characters are well fleshed, some are likeable others are not, even a biker drug running gang as well as a group of homeless people appear in the tunnels.

  Imagery is well delineated, Houston does actually have a group of tunnels where shops, eateries and the like are located.  Author Roberts has incorporated them into his tale.

  Conclusion may hold a few surprises for Readers, watch for clues to keep on the right track.

  While not really my genre, I did find the storyline provocative, set down in clear understandable prose, holds reader interest and keeps the reader turning the page.

Interesting Read …   Recommended for the target audience of those who like a bit of the Avant Garde, and or Science Fiction. …   

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Reviewed by:MOLLY’S REVIEWS   molly martin    

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AMAZON  BIOGRAPHY

 Glenn Lazar Roberts is a linguist, writer, historian, and international law attorney. Roberts spends his time translating Russian and Arabic, lecturing and writing on international Islamic affairs, and writing fiction. He runs the book review website SiriusReviews.com, and edits the work of aspiring writers. Roberts is a strong believer in avoiding formulas.

"There is no black box where a writer can feed words in one end and mechanically get something worthwhile out the other. Life experience is what's needed, not rule-books. When it comes to writing, rules are made to be broken."

AMAZON PRODUCT DETAILS

 Title: Frenzy

Genre: Avant Garde, Science Fiction

Author: Glenn Lazar Roberts  

Paperback: 164 pages

 Publisher: Dark Lotus Books (September 22, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0967580927

ISBN-13: 978-0967580920

Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.4 x 7 inches

 Available Amazon, paperback and eBook