Wow! I couldn't wait to finish this book before starting the review. So this review is part before and part after. I did not know what to expect. I probably would not have started it, if I had know the strongest theme in the story. But I am enjoying it. The book is holding my attention and hard to put down.

First the negative. The main theme in the book is serial killers! Who knew. I am not normally a fan of serial killer stories. I don't watch them and I don't read them; I consciously avoid serial killer stories. But, surprisingly I am enjoying this story.

As other reviewers say, this book is chock full of ideas. I think the amazing references to FTL travel, black holes, time pockets, bio-enhancements, dancing to facilitate diplomacy etc., are almost too much for one book. I think 4-6 books could be made using the ideas in this story

This was a fascinating story. I was interested in the main character and wanted her to be safe. This was not a war story, but there was potential for galactic war. There were aliens who played a major part in the story. Dancing is used by Siggy to bridge the communication gap with the powerful hostile aliens.

Now to try to identify potential readers. As I said, I would probably not have read this, if I had heard the plot. But I am so glad I did. I like the mystery aspects of the story. Where are the killers, and what are their goals. I like that all of humanity is in danger, but we don't see many people die. Only one character we care about dies. I liked most of the story. What a joy to find this. ( )

It's easy to see why this was nominated for a Philip K. Dick award. Siggy works as a janitor at an insane asylum for criminals. One of the inmates takes a scary interest in her - and her ability to perceive time pockets. Siggy knows that there are some people who do not exist, but once existed before falling into these pockets. Aside from dealing with a serial killer's interest, Siggy has to content with her world being in danger from a race of beings who move and live so fast, they feel humanity is in their way.

Maggy Thomas is a pseudonym for Emily Devenport. I've read nearly all her other books, and she usually writes straightforward science fiction adventures (Shade, Scorpianne, Godheads, etc.). However, this novel is more intricate and thought-provoking than that previous work. The story has many surprises and an interesting heroine. If you've seen the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the scene at the end is the way I envisioned these time pockets. A highly original and entertaining novel - it's a shame it is out of print. Absolutely worth searching down a copy. ( )

ZB5