Subject
Insurance adjusters -- Fiction Books
Best books
L. J. Stecher
A Matter of Taste
"A Matter of Taste" by Jr. L. J. Stecher is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic setting where space exploration and trading with alien civilizations are commonplace. The story likely revolves around the complex interactions between humans and extraterrestrial beings, focusing on themes of mind control and survival in the face of unprecedented challenges. The plot centers on Mark Atkinson, a claims adjuster from Interstellar Insurance, who is dispatched to the icy planet of Sunder's Pride to investigate the mysterious disappearances of crew members due to alien interference. As tensions mount, the expedition's leader, Obadiah Jones, reveals that the aliens have been abducting humans for their own purposes, leaving the team in a precarious situation. Atkinson employs unconventional strategies, relying on his inherent technological advantages rather than succumbing to the aliens' mind control tactics. Ultimately, through clever use of his unique adaptations and understanding of human strengths, Atkinson negotiates a resolution that preserves human lives while ensuring continued trade with the aliens, encapsulating the story's exploration of the balance between technology and emotion in the face of danger.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Blind Time
"Blind Time" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the concept of temporal accidents, where events are predicted to occur based on prior occurrences in time, leading to a paradoxical situation where the future can be foreseen but not averted. The book explores themes of fate, human nature, and the peculiarities of temporal mechanics through the eyes of Peter Wright, an insurance adjuster tasked with navigating this complex, mind-bending situation. The narrative follows Peter Wright as he is assigned to investigate an imminent accident at the Oak Tool Works, which has already occurred in a temporal sense. Despite the certainty of the accident’s occurrence, the workers and Peter must contend with the surreal implications of this knowledge, grappling with feelings of dread and inevitability. Through vivid interactions with the factory staff, Peter learns about the so-called 'mislinks'—missing pieces of machinery that exist in a time field. The story culminates in a dramatic sequence where Peter finds himself caught in the accident he aimed to assess, highlighting the futility of trying to change what has already been decreed by time. The novel challenges readers to consider the intersections of time, choice, and human response in the face of seemingly predestined events.
Jim Harmon
Dangerous Quarry
"Dangerous Quarry" by Jim Harmon is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1960s. The story follows an insurance adjuster named Madison, who is sent to investigate a concerning spike in accident claims from a peculiar village called Granite City. The narrative delves into themes of automation, community conspiracy, and the mysterious effects of the local granite on its inhabitants. As Madison embarks on his investigation, he discovers that the residents of Granite City may be partaking in an elaborate scheme to defraud his insurance company. However, the truth behind the town's peculiar accident rate reveals something more sinister: the granite itself is linked to a loss of psionic abilities among the townsfolk, rendering them incapable of basic foresight and awareness. With the help of a captive professor who has been studying these anomalies, Madison navigates a dangerous confrontation with the townspeople, ultimately leading to revelations that show the granite's impact extends far beyond individual claims, threatening broader societal implications. The story concludes with hints of a larger crisis as the implications of their psionic sterilization unfold.
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