The Mirror Man by Jane Gilmartin ~ a Review

by MK French

ViMed Pharmaceutical asks Jeremiah to be part of an illegal cloning experiment, which seems to be the perfect escape from his life. His mind is copied to the clone, and he's able to vicariously experience everything the clone does while he's living in luxury. But as he watches, his prior life spirals out of control and ViMed won't end the trial. They're willing to do anything to preserve their experiment, so Jeremiah has to save his family and confront himself.

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October 2020; MIRA; 978-0778309642
audio, ebook, print (352 pages); technothriller

Jeremiah knows from the start there are hinky things about Meld, the medication that allows people to share thoughts. It's what allows his memories to be copied into the illegal clone that was made, and the memories can be altered or reset however the doctors want. He's essentially in a gilded prison with no contact outside of the apartment, so he's allowed to watch his clone or anywhere else that drones are capable of capturing for his vicarious interest. Creepy and already a somewhat menacing aspect of the experiment; he really wasn't given full disclosure or ability to consent because he was their public relations manager and already knew too much about Meld. And this is all within the first two chapters!

As we progress through the novel and time goes by, there are more clues that things aren't what they seem. Jeremiah is too isolated, with too few avenues to exert influence or escape. This heightened tension when stray comments are interpreted as someone knowing that the clone is there, and further issues with Meld come to the surface. It was actually nerve-wracking to read Jeremiah grieving and planning an escape,  then to pivot and change at the last minute. 

Overall, a very tense situation for the characters, and one with a conclusion that I was surprised by, but satisfied with. 

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About Jane Gilmartin

Jane Gilmartin has been a news reporter and editor for several small-town weekly papers and enjoyed a brief but exciting stint as a rock music journalist. A bucket list review just before she turned 50 set her on the path to fiction writing. Also checked off that list: an accidental singing career, attending a Star Trek convention, and getting a hug from David Bowie. She lives in her hometown of Hingham, Massachusetts.

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Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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