An Inch from Oblivion

Dave Ostrinsky is a Baltimore Detective running on fumes, physically and mentally. A mental error at work leads to a temporary suspension. During a relaxing bike ride, Dave runs over an animal and is almost killed. A mysterious object is found in Dave’s skull during surgery. The surgeon who discovered the item is nonplussed. Upon further examination, the item appears to be an electronic device. When informed of this, Dave considers the possibility of the device factoring into his recent behavior. The surgeon, Dr. Ivy McDermott, becomes more concerned when a friend of hers exhibits similar symptoms as Dave. Meanwhile, in Liechtenstein, Agnete Hasler about to be hit with a double surprise: the temporary resurrection of her grandfather, along with a clue to some of his research into controlling the human mind.

An Inch from Oblivion reaches out and shocks the system with its opening chapters. The mystery of Detective Ostrinsky’s aberrant behavior being solved only yields more questions as to the why, when, and how. The narrative's strong premise hooks the reader right off the bat and there is no relenting as the tension builds up. Ostrinsky is a good man living a precarious existence, divorced and doubting his relationship skills. His near-death experience only emboldens his desire to root out the people and or organizations behind his implant. Dave is complemented by the firm resolve of Dr. Ivy McDermott. McDermott is intrepid, whereas Dave is initially hesitant. The ghosts of the past in the form of the grotesque experimentations done during World War II are haunting, yet powerful in relation to the narrative. Author Sam Polakoff hits a home run with this engrossing mystery/thriller. With the intriguing and richly developed characters, this story will surely pack a powerful punch.