Mind’s Edge by R. Morello is a science fiction neo-noir thriller that explores a dystopian future defined by nuclear fallout, psychic abilities, and pervasive prejudice. The story follows Edge, a man from the infected “radio” sector who must return to his shunned home to investigate a series of corporate murders.
Edge (William Allen), a 25 year old “radio” working as an insurance claims handler for the major corporation Digitech in the uninfected sector (“worlders”), is forced back to his irradiated home in New England to spread his mother’s ashes. He is simultaneously tasked with investigating the high profile, psychic based murders of Digitech board members. He soon discovers the murders were committed by a fellow “radio” assassin. While navigating the severe prejudice of the “worlders” and the deep suspicion of his own kind, Edge must rely on his mutated friends, Kyree (a strong psychic) and Evit (who can enter solid objects), to uncover the conspiracy and decide where his true loyalties lie.
The novel creates a clear binary between “worlders” (uninfected) and “radios” (infected/mutated). How does the physical appearance of the “radios” (e.g., Uncle Carney’s tumor, Aunt Cammie’s elongated ears) affect the prejudice they face? Does their psychic ability make the “worlders'” fear more understandable?
Edge’s father, James, harbors extreme prejudice against the “radios,” forcing the family to leave the Infected Sector. How does this inter family conflict shape Edge’s sense of identity and loyalty?
Edge is immediately viewed with suspicion by the “radios” (like Dorn) because of his suit and short hair, he “looks like a worlder.” In a divided society, how difficult is it for characters like Edge to find a sense of belonging?
The central murder weapon is a “mind shock,” a deadly psychic attack. How does this method of murder contrast with traditional violence, and what does it suggest about the ultimate consequences of the nuclear event?
Kyree and Dorn use their psychic abilities for good (protection and creating the sketch of the killer). Should psychic abilities be regulated in this world, or are they necessary for the “radios'” self defense?
Edge is an investigator who must solve a high level corporate murder, a classic neo-noir trope. How does the setting, a post-apocalyptic, prejudiced world reimagine the classic themes of greed and corruption seen in the genre?
Paula Rydell’s motive is simply to increase her wealth through the splitting of Digitech shares. How does this mundane motive contrast with the high concept science fiction of psychic murder?
The local Infected Sector police refuse to investigate Ramone Moon, a beloved “radio” board member. How does this refusal reflect the breakdown of legal authority and the establishment of separate social orders?
Edge is forced to return to his home to scatter his mother’s ashes, a highly emotional, personal quest, while simultaneously pursuing a complex corporate investigation. How do these two missions reinforce or contradict each other?
World Building: Discuss how the physical environment of the Infected Sector (New England) might differ from the “worlders'” cities. How would the architecture, technology, and social services change based on the population’s mutations and limited resources?
Creating the Sketch: Role play the scene where Kyree and Dorn create the sketch of the Blonde Woman killer. Discuss the sensory and emotional input Kyree must transfer to Dorn to complete the task accurately.
