The Coma Conspiracy.

Henry G. MacLeod teaches sociology at both Trent University and the
University of

Waterloo.

Arthur Lust’s first novella, The COMA Conspiracy, is set in the near future of 2019, but it could easily be set in current times. Inflation is running rampant in the United States and the country is on the verge of a depression. A group of super-rich financiers is ready to exploit the situation.

On one level, The COMA Conspiracy is a suspense thriller, shifting its focus around the actions of a married banker and his mistress; the President of the United States, his advisors and Secret Service agents; the head of a cartel group in Europe; and one international terrorist. Because of the multiple storylines and the brevity of the novella, the book lacks a strong protagonist.

On another level, a thread of levity or element of burlesque runs through the story. With skyrocketing inflation, the U.S. introduces a $50,000 bill—with President Hillary Clinton’s picture on it. Like the Canadian loonie, it has gained a nickname, the clint. Although the plot about the collapse of the U.S. dollar is highly plausible, Lust’s classical suspense thriller is not meant to be taken too seriously. While he successfully creates suspense, his major villain borders on caricature and belongs in a James Bond spoof.

The COMA Conspiracy is a quick, fun read. One looks forward to his next novel to see whether plot development wins out against his playfulness.