Need a title! Sci-fi / Horror book - It's killing me!

[Noirdeathe]

Hi guys!

 

There's a book I read a good many years ago on holiday and it has been tormenting me (been looking to buy another copy as I enjoyed it so much).

 

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The main character is a ex-cop or P.I of some sort whose kid killed themselves listening to Death Metal (or something similar). He moves to a town (or his ex lives there) where a Microsoft-esque corporation has (I think) implanted microchips into the residents willingly as part of some experiment (or something similar).

 

Some people with this microchip devolve into primitive animal-like states (not sure if they start looking like animals, but they start acting beastial) whilst some "evolve" and interface with a machine (but still have their body alive, like a husk).

 

There's an evil meglomaniac who has a rather vivid scene in a total-sensory deprivation chamber and isn't interested in women, just shapes (or something similar).

 

 

The final scene in the book has some of the devolved people further devolve into some sort of protoplasmic goo-thing that can control minds (I think) and it ends with a military helicopter crashing into a house and blowing everything up.

 

I believe there is a secondary character that's either a disabled and/or an old man. He doesn't d-evolve and has to shoot them in his attic.

 

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I am sorry if this is a bit vague, but this book has been absolutely driving me mad for years, if anyone could help I would be eternally grateful.

 

-Noirdeathe.

[Sedge]

Hi Noirdeathe,

 

Could the book you're describing be 'Midnight' by Dean R Koontz?

[Noirdeathe]

Oh my god. You are an absolute legend.

 

I own you at least three beers for this.

 

THANK YOU!

 

(Now I can actually buy it in hardback)

 

Owe* Not Own.

[Sedge]

Glad to be of service. I first read this book about 20 years ago and your post has encouraged me to give it a re-read - fantastic!