In her capacity as Director of Project Q-3 at Bandaq Technologies, Dr. Talbot has had limited success in achieving her goal She has developed a computer program which accomplished said task under simulated conditions, but never in a real test. The real problem is developing different algorithms for different types of missiles and correctly identifying the missile types after they have been launched.

Politically, the situation in Pakistan and India is unstable. Both countries have some missile capability, and the long time disputed region of Kashmir has become home to several militant dissidents. Several cells of dissidents have among their ranks individuals with the intelligence and know how to develop their own missiles. These individuals are also aware of Dr. Talbot’s research and are working to intercept her technology for their own nefarious uses.

The premise for Checkmate is a reasonable one. It is certainly within the realm of possibility that countries such as the United States would be eager to develop low cost effective missile defense systems. It is also probable that factions within other countries would be eager to steal such technology should it become available and be willing to go to great lengths to achieve such goals.

However, a concise account of the aforementioned plot is not all that occurs within the pages of this novel. There is much information regarding the how things get accomplished in Washington, inaction between various agencies, committees, the Senate, the House of Representatives and the President. This information, while interesting, is totally irrelevant to the story at hand. Indeed, the story could more effectively be told in one hundred less pages.

Those readers with an interest in an inside look at life in the nation’s capitol will find themselves quite well informed throughout this novel. There is a fair amount of historical detail related as asides. Facts as diverse as Magellan’s capability as an explorer and captain of an expedition, Julia Child’s participation in World War II, or how the United States found out about the incident at Chernobyl are related with a ring of authenticity.

Checkmate is too wordy to be an effective thriller. In addition a vague attempt to inject some suspense into the novel by suggesting several characters may not be what they seem to be is not plausible. There is not enough background given on any character to allow the reader to come to a legitimate decision. While Checkmatenovel has potential, the execution of presenting the story could have been improved.

--Andy Plonka