Harry has a problem. Ever since getting in a car accident, he's suffered from "thought seizures," violent fits in which he attacks other people. He used to be an artificial intelligence researcher, which may explain why he targets anyone who either works on machines or who acts like a machine--mechanics, gas-station attendants, prostitutes, exotic dancers. But there's hope: he can become part machine himself, undergoing "Stage 3," an experimental procedure implanting 40 electrodes deep in the pleasure centers of his brain. The surgery is successful, and blissful pulses of electricity short-circuit Harry's seizures. That is, until Harry figures out how to overload himself with the satisfying jolts and escapes on a murderous rampage. One of Crichton's earliest, playing ably on '70s fears of computers and mind control. --Paul Hughes

Harry Benson is prone to violent, uncontrollable seizures and is under police guard after attacking two people.

Dr. Roger McPherson, head of the prestigious Neuropsychiatric Research Unit at University Hospital in Los Angeles, is convinced he can cure Benson through a procedure called Stage Three. During this highly specialized experimental surgery, electrodes will be place in the patient's brain, sending monitored, soothing pulses to its pleasure canyons.

Though the operation is a success, there is an unforseen development. Benson learns how to control the pulses and is increasing their frequency. He escapes -- a homicidal maniac loose in the city -- and nothing will stop his murderous rampages or impede his deadly agenda ...

Fantastic Michael Crichton novel!

I only read this novel because of how much I loved a few of his other ones, but this story definitely did not disappoint!

If you have enjoyed his prior stories, you will love this Crichton classic. He is an incredible novelist, and you will love this book if you are a Crichton fan!

Enjoy!

Michael Crichton at his best. With today's technology digging deeper and deeper into our brains this book should make everyone stop for a minute and wonder if we need to leave that unexplored frontier alone.

I just read this book in 2008 so its from like from the Dark Ages. Obsolete technology and cardboard characters. I guess I was expecting so much more from the delightful experience of reading Jurassic Park, Sphere and Prey.

I just finished this book...finally & with great disappointment. What a lame ending. I thought about not even finishing it, but kept hoping that it would get better. Well, it didn't. Many other reviewers mentioned the outdated technology, which is true, but outdated technology isn't what ruins a story, a lame story is what ruins a story. And speaking of lame, Andromeda Strain is just as bad as Terminal Man. If you want suspense & action, read Jurassic Park & The Lost World.

I have been an avid fan of Crichton's for a long time and decided to peruse his older material. Terminal man was written in 1972 and Crichton's writing skill has come a long way since then. Well, perhaps the audience is much different from that of the 1970's. I couldn't finish this one. Characters were not engaging, a majority of the book was spent on describing the technology, so very little plot actually occurs until the end, at which point, I no longer cared. Would not recommend to those who are fans of Crichton's faster paced books like Jurassic Park.