From Publishers Weekly
Originally published in England in 1973 as The Heartclock, by Dick Morland, this speculative novel is an early departure from the Dalziel and Pascoe crime novels for which Hill (The Wood Beyond) has become well known. In a country wracked by overpopulation, a teetering economy is sustained by severely regulating the population. Matt Matlock was the original sponsor of the bill that became the "Age Law," requiring all English citizens to have a device installed in their hearts that will kill them when they reach 75, the current EOL, "Expectation of Life." Now that Matlock has reached the age of 69, however, he's having more than a few second thoughts about his draconian solution. Apparently, so are some others in high places, and they're all eager to get Matlock on their side as a persuasive figurehead. Although the thin futuristic veneer provided by hovercars and radio-telephones can't disguise this novel as serious SF, its strengths echo those of Hill's much better mysteries: a convoluted plot and twisty intrigue, and a main character as independent and intelligent as he is determined to succeed.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
In an intriguing departure from his celebrated Dalziel-Pascoe detective series, Hill offers an Orwellian science fiction tale. The story is set in postmillennial England, where Curfew Wagons keep watch on unruly citizens. Each citizen is given a predetermined Expectation of Life (EOL) based on the country's economic health. The inventor of the EOL is Matthew Matlock, who now finds himself a social and political outcast, facing his own preordained and fast-approaching death. Then he receives an invitation to visit the prime minister, who inexplicably offers Matlock a chance to join the powerful government elite. The Scottish ambassador (Scotland has seceded from the U.K.) and a secret religious sect also want Matlock, who soon finds himself caught in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. Written early in Hill's career but never published in the U.S., this book is a far cry from his witty Dalziel-Pascoe stories, but devoted fans will still want to check it out. Emily Melton
