Stroke of Genius by Randall Garrett
In a futuristic setting, a brilliant engineer named Lewis Crayley plots the murder of his rival, Berin Klythe, who has recently returned from a rejuvenation process that has granted him a new lease on life. Crayley, who feels threatened by Klythe's genius and position as Director of North American Sub-nucleonics, devises a plan to eliminate him using a malfunctioning generator that Klythe is overseeing. The story unfolds as Crayley manipulates the production of a new energy generator, which is actually a weapon disguised as a drive generator. He uses advanced robotic technology, known as waldoes, to assemble the generator, ensuring that Klythe will be present during the test run. Crayley believes that by sabotaging the generator, he can create an accident that will kill Klythe and allow him to take over as Director. As the test day approaches, Crayley feels a mix of excitement and anxiety. He successfully executes his plan, causing the generator to explode during the demonstration, resulting in Klythe's death. However, the aftermath reveals that the explosion has drawn the attention of the Space Force, leading to an investigation into the incident. Fenwick Greene, a legendary engineer and Klythe's mentor, arrives to oversee the inquiry. He quickly suspects foul play and begins to scrutinize the recordings of the assembly process. Crayley, realizing that his actions may be discovered, attempts to manipulate the investigation to frame it as sabotage by a competitor. As the inquiry progresses, Greene's keen observations lead him to uncover Crayley's subconscious betrayal during the recording, where a gesture made by the waldo inadvertently reveals Crayley's identity as the murderer. The tension escalates as Greene confronts Crayley, who is left to grapple with the consequences of his ambition and the unraveling of his carefully laid plans. Ultimately, the narrative explores themes of jealousy, ambition, and the moral implications of technological advancement, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that highlights the dangers of unchecked genius and the lengths one will go to secure power.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1964 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller · 10,860 words
First lines
_Crayley plotted a murder that was scientific in both motive and method -- and as perfect as the mask of his face! _
Crayley stood thoughtfully before the huge screen and watched the fingers move.
What this Textopian page supports
Stroke of Genius is listed on Textopian as a novel by Randall Garrett, dated 1964 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Randall Garrett
- Date: 1964 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Adventure
- Length: 10,860 words
- Structure: 1 section, 271 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Stroke of Genius by Randall Garrett
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Stroke of Genius?
- How does this novel by Randall Garrett fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book explores advanced technology, robotics, and futuristic concepts, central to the science fiction genre.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder plot and the investigation of an industrial accident, creating a mystery that drives the narrative.
- Thriller — The tension and suspense surrounding the protagonist's plans and the potential for disaster contribute to a thriller atmosphere.
- Drama — The character interactions and emotional conflicts, particularly regarding ambition and betrayal, add dramatic depth to the story.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Politics · Government · Bureaucracy · Parody · Alternate History · Time Travel