A quantum particle exists in a state of infinite positions until it is observed. When physicist Jacob Kelley's old friend shows up with a gun and a crazy theory about alternate universes and the quantum intelligences that live there, Kelley simply wants him to leave. When the old friend turns up dead down in the bunker of the supercollider they both worked at, Kelley is the prime suspect.
Or is he? Readers bounce back and forth between up-spin and down-spin chapters, a reference to the different potential states of spinning electrons, one of the subatomic particles (or waves) that quantum physics deals with. In down-spin chapters, Kelley is being prosecuted for killing his friend. In up-spin, he's on the run trying to solve the bizarre murder, as well as dealing with ruthless quantum intelligences, dubbed "varcolacs"--Romanian for demons--by Kelley's brother-in-law Marek, who helps Kelley in his investigation.
Switching back and forth between perspectives, David Walton (Quintessence) spins a fast-paced thriller that deftly weaves scientific theory and plausible speculation into a clear, entertaining narrative. The theoretical concepts never overwhelm the solid characterization of Kelley, his family and the various people who help him along the way--including an ex-boxer uncle who now runs a charity and a defense attorney with a Texas drawl who hides a deep intelligence.
Superposition is smart science fiction for people who want a solidly plotted murder mystery, or for mystery fans who need a little speculation in their whodunit. --Rob LeFebvre, freelance writer and editor