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Highways in Hiding
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
- GenresScience Fiction
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1956
9 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
George O. Smith
213 books11 followersGeorge Oliver Smith (April 9, 1911 - May 27, 1981) (also known as Wesley Long) was an American science fiction author. He is not to be confused with George H. Smith, another American science fiction author.
Smith was an active contributor to Astounding Science Fiction during the Golden Age of Science Fiction in the 1940s. His collaboration with the magazine's editor, John W. Campbell, Jr. was interrupted when Campbell's first wife, Doña, left him in 1949 and married Smith.
Smith continued regularly publishing science fiction novels and stories until 1960. His output greatly diminished in the 1960s and 1970s when he had a job that required his undivided attention. He was given the First Fandom Hall of Fame award in 1980.
He was a member of the all-male literary banqueting club the Trap Door Spiders, which served as the basis of Isaac Asimov's fictional group of mystery solvers the Black Widowers.
Smith wrote mainly about outer space, with such works as Operation Interstellar (1950), Lost in Space (1959), and Troubled Star (1957).
He is remembered chiefly for his Venus Equilateral series of short stories about a communications station in outer space. The stories were collected in Venus Equilateral (1947), which was later expanded as The Complete Venus Equilateral (1976).
His novel The Fourth "R" (1959) - re-published as The Brain Machine (1968) - was a digression from his focus on outer space, and provides one of the more interesting examinations of a child prodigy in science fiction.
Smith was an active contributor to Astounding Science Fiction during the Golden Age of Science Fiction in the 1940s. His collaboration with the magazine's editor, John W. Campbell, Jr. was interrupted when Campbell's first wife, Doña, left him in 1949 and married Smith.
Smith continued regularly publishing science fiction novels and stories until 1960. His output greatly diminished in the 1960s and 1970s when he had a job that required his undivided attention. He was given the First Fandom Hall of Fame award in 1980.
He was a member of the all-male literary banqueting club the Trap Door Spiders, which served as the basis of Isaac Asimov's fictional group of mystery solvers the Black Widowers.
Smith wrote mainly about outer space, with such works as Operation Interstellar (1950), Lost in Space (1959), and Troubled Star (1957).
He is remembered chiefly for his Venus Equilateral series of short stories about a communications station in outer space. The stories were collected in Venus Equilateral (1947), which was later expanded as The Complete Venus Equilateral (1976).
His novel The Fourth "R" (1959) - re-published as The Brain Machine (1968) - was a digression from his focus on outer space, and provides one of the more interesting examinations of a child prodigy in science fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 9, 2018
Once I got into this story, it rolled forward at quite a fast pace. I'd give it a 4.3 rating. Mekstrom's Disease, is a new and deadly space born disease that has begun to plague the U.S.. It starts off as being a hardening of the skin in a small patch, but continues to spread at a 64th of an inch per hour. It is deadly once it hits the inner organs. Yet some have perfected a way to keep it from being fatal, and instead it turns a person into a super being. Super strength and super hardened skin and bones, makes one impervious to injury.
Steve Cornell is an unwitting carrier of this malady, and because of that he is a wanted man by those that want to use it to better man's condition, and by those that want to use it to create a super powered control over the world. The acton is fast paced, and the science, though a bit far fetched is internally consistent. I found it a pretty good read.
Steve Cornell is an unwitting carrier of this malady, and because of that he is a wanted man by those that want to use it to better man's condition, and by those that want to use it to create a super powered control over the world. The acton is fast paced, and the science, though a bit far fetched is internally consistent. I found it a pretty good read.
July 26, 2022
This novel is an unusual story where espers are divided into perception and telepathy. The first person narrative is of Steven Carnell who has several character flaws, mostly in blundering around to solve a medical mystery. Through his hasty attention, he showcases a fascinating world caught between two competing groups of people.
May 20, 2015
Wretchedly dated; if the mysogyny were any thicker I would insist it was deliberate and ironic. Written in the mid 1950s, I expect the author was (at a minimum) writing to his audience.
A shame, since there were a lot of interesting angles to appreciate in this story. There was talk of engineering and crystallography, clearly written by somebody who knew the material, and I love when real science gets a nod in my science fiction. Stylistically it has the Americana of Kerouac's road diary, uses the "sixth sense is commonplace" idea as necessary but trivial background, and used a twist of "incurable plague" as the impetus to drive the plot. But the he-man, women-hater's club was out in full force, and I felt scummy every time it crawled across the page. I really wanted to like this story, and really really couldn't.
A shame, since there were a lot of interesting angles to appreciate in this story. There was talk of engineering and crystallography, clearly written by somebody who knew the material, and I love when real science gets a nod in my science fiction. Stylistically it has the Americana of Kerouac's road diary, uses the "sixth sense is commonplace" idea as necessary but trivial background, and used a twist of "incurable plague" as the impetus to drive the plot. But the he-man, women-hater's club was out in full force, and I felt scummy every time it crawled across the page. I really wanted to like this story, and really really couldn't.
September 25, 2018
I was fortunate enough to read the original story from the 1955 booklet from the March, April editions.
While I’m intrigued about how the story would end, since it was a four-part series, I’m not inclined to seek out the ending. There is way too much telling and not near enough showing for my tastes.
I can see where the story would be compelling and exciting for the audiences of the 50’s,60’s.
The main character, Steve is off to marry his sweetheart, Catherine. They are involved in a one car accident. When he comes to in the hospital, everyone tells him she’s fine. One problem, when he prepares to discharge, there is not trace of her, anywhere. He replays the accident and realizes the road side sign they were concentrating on caused him to not see the tree limb lying across the highway which forced him to take drastic action to avoid an accident. There was something odd about the sign that seemed off.
What he’s really chasing is the doctors and people who are working to solve the mystery of Merkstom’s disease. The way it’s described reminds me of the effects one would endure after being bit a brown recluse spider with one caveat, instead of the flesh rotting away, the body slowly beings turning to stone-think Medusa and you’re on point.
For me, a good plot bogged down with too much narration.
Three Stars
While I’m intrigued about how the story would end, since it was a four-part series, I’m not inclined to seek out the ending. There is way too much telling and not near enough showing for my tastes.
I can see where the story would be compelling and exciting for the audiences of the 50’s,60’s.
The main character, Steve is off to marry his sweetheart, Catherine. They are involved in a one car accident. When he comes to in the hospital, everyone tells him she’s fine. One problem, when he prepares to discharge, there is not trace of her, anywhere. He replays the accident and realizes the road side sign they were concentrating on caused him to not see the tree limb lying across the highway which forced him to take drastic action to avoid an accident. There was something odd about the sign that seemed off.
What he’s really chasing is the doctors and people who are working to solve the mystery of Merkstom’s disease. The way it’s described reminds me of the effects one would endure after being bit a brown recluse spider with one caveat, instead of the flesh rotting away, the body slowly beings turning to stone-think Medusa and you’re on point.
For me, a good plot bogged down with too much narration.
Three Stars
December 21, 2024
One of the dumbest, nonsense books I've ever read. Nothing adds up. How do they keep finding him? They say Telepaths only have a certain range, yet they always know where he is, except once for some reason.
The writing is so bad, such a lame ass protagonist, that the writer thinks is so cool. "Go to the devil" being the extent of his "cool" comebacks. What a fun character who acts like a sarcastic teen the whole time.
The driving is so silly and pointless, so much of it too. When they "explain" everything at the end, it's so convoluted and makes no sense. How did they know he was a carrier? He had his mind wiped and didn't know who his wife was, but just so happened to be driving past her house when he got in a wreck?! What was the deal with the hotel? He said the smell in the guys room could only be made from someone being there for months, that's never explained, it's just to misdirect the audience.
Bullets, which go the speed of sound, don't kill Meks. but "chopping" someone at the neck with Meks strength does?!
I know it's dated but there are way better books from the same time.
The writing is so bad, such a lame ass protagonist, that the writer thinks is so cool. "Go to the devil" being the extent of his "cool" comebacks. What a fun character who acts like a sarcastic teen the whole time.
The driving is so silly and pointless, so much of it too. When they "explain" everything at the end, it's so convoluted and makes no sense. How did they know he was a carrier? He had his mind wiped and didn't know who his wife was, but just so happened to be driving past her house when he got in a wreck?! What was the deal with the hotel? He said the smell in the guys room could only be made from someone being there for months, that's never explained, it's just to misdirect the audience.
Bullets, which go the speed of sound, don't kill Meks. but "chopping" someone at the neck with Meks strength does?!
I know it's dated but there are way better books from the same time.
December 2, 2021
I enjoyed rereading this store I last read shortly after it was written. The story and characters are nice but the writing is not as good as it could have been. It is definitely dated but since it is set in the timeline it was it written in, the mid 1950s, that is to be expected. If there were half stars I would gived it 3.5.
August 7, 2018
Alien disease changes ordinary humans into super humans—in a world where even many ordinary humans can be trained either to read minds or be clairvoyant. Climax and final twist are way too sudden, otherwise not bad for its age. Several female characters actually play active roles.
August 5, 2023
Good Read
I read this book many many years ago for the first time. I have read it several times since. If I am remembering correctly it is the first Kindle book I read.
I read this book many many years ago for the first time. I have read it several times since. If I am remembering correctly it is the first Kindle book I read.
August 19, 2013
I read this book when I was a teenager. I just finished my first rereading of this book, and it has not dated. The setting is in the near future, where ESP and Telepathy are quite common.
Steve Cornell is eloping with his fiancee, Catherine, when he gets into an automobile accident. Steve is rescued by two men, who have incredible strength. Catherine goes missing. This sets Steve on a search for his missing girl friend. He eventually discovers that there is disease that has no known cure, called Mekstrom's Disease.
There are two opposing forces that do have a cure. One is operated by a quasi-governmental agency, called The Medical Center. The other group is known as Highways In Hiding, giving the book ir's title.
The Medical Center wants to give the cure to people they feel are worthy, and support their political philosophy.
The Highways In Hiding group is democratic, and will give their cure to anyone who contracts the disease.
Steve Cornell is the only known carrier, and is valuable to both groups.
The novel meanders for quite a while, but then concludes abruptly. The themes are superman, and ethically, who do you choose to survive.
This was read on my nook.
Steve Cornell is eloping with his fiancee, Catherine, when he gets into an automobile accident. Steve is rescued by two men, who have incredible strength. Catherine goes missing. This sets Steve on a search for his missing girl friend. He eventually discovers that there is disease that has no known cure, called Mekstrom's Disease.
There are two opposing forces that do have a cure. One is operated by a quasi-governmental agency, called The Medical Center. The other group is known as Highways In Hiding, giving the book ir's title.
The Medical Center wants to give the cure to people they feel are worthy, and support their political philosophy.
The Highways In Hiding group is democratic, and will give their cure to anyone who contracts the disease.
Steve Cornell is the only known carrier, and is valuable to both groups.
The novel meanders for quite a while, but then concludes abruptly. The themes are superman, and ethically, who do you choose to survive.
This was read on my nook.
November 21, 2019
Gelesen als Weltraumpest
Wir fuhren ziemlich schnell. Ein seltsames, schmiedeeisernes Straßenzeichen erregte meine Aufmerksamkeit; ich wandte den Kopf – da passierte es. Ich erwachte in einem Krankenhaus. Catherine war verschwunden. Sie wollte mir weismachen, ich wäre allein in dem Auto gewesen, wir Esper hätten eine zu große Einbildungskraft! Aber ich fand Beweise. Ich glaube, Dr. Thorndyke wollte mir helfen, obwohl er ein Telepath war – aber dann verschwand auch er. Und dann fand ich die Spur zu den Mekstroms, den von der tödlichen Weltraumpest befallenen Menschen. Ich klemmte mich auf die Fährte, und was ich herausfand, war so überraschend, daß … Jedenfalls, was ich immer wußte, fand ich heraus: Catherine lebte. Aber sie war eine andere geworden.
Eigentlich hätte dieses Buch einen Stern mehr verdient, denn die Geschichte um die Mekstroms ist interressant geschrieben, ebenso wie die Verwandlung des Protagonisten in einen Ebensolchen und die Suche nach seiner Frau.
Allerdings hat es mir in diesem Buch eindeutig zuviele Esper, Telepathen usw., somit bleib ich bei zwei Sternen.
Wir fuhren ziemlich schnell. Ein seltsames, schmiedeeisernes Straßenzeichen erregte meine Aufmerksamkeit; ich wandte den Kopf – da passierte es. Ich erwachte in einem Krankenhaus. Catherine war verschwunden. Sie wollte mir weismachen, ich wäre allein in dem Auto gewesen, wir Esper hätten eine zu große Einbildungskraft! Aber ich fand Beweise. Ich glaube, Dr. Thorndyke wollte mir helfen, obwohl er ein Telepath war – aber dann verschwand auch er. Und dann fand ich die Spur zu den Mekstroms, den von der tödlichen Weltraumpest befallenen Menschen. Ich klemmte mich auf die Fährte, und was ich herausfand, war so überraschend, daß … Jedenfalls, was ich immer wußte, fand ich heraus: Catherine lebte. Aber sie war eine andere geworden.
Eigentlich hätte dieses Buch einen Stern mehr verdient, denn die Geschichte um die Mekstroms ist interressant geschrieben, ebenso wie die Verwandlung des Protagonisten in einen Ebensolchen und die Suche nach seiner Frau.
Allerdings hat es mir in diesem Buch eindeutig zuviele Esper, Telepathen usw., somit bleib ich bei zwei Sternen.
September 17, 2011
This is a science fiction story about an ordinary man set in the near future, from the perspective of the 1950s. He was involved in a motor vehicle accident, while driving with his girlfriend, but she disappears after the accident. There is a cover-up and the authorities denied she was ever in the car at all. As he investigates, he discovers that a disease, previously thought to be fatal, in fact confers tremendous strength and longevity on survivors. As the plot turns, it was discovered he is a carrier, and then gets the disease but is cured by a special treatment. It turns out that there are two different groups of survivors, and possibly some interesting political differences between the groups. However, this was not particularly well developed. I only read this because it was mentioned on a blog I read. Parts were competently written but it ended very abruptly, as if it was part one of a serial. there were some interesting ideas, and better handled it would have been an interesting story. This is why it got 2 and not 1 stars.
March 2, 2014
Product Description
Someone had stolen an important part of Steve Cornell's life.
It was bad enough when his fiancée vanished. It was infinitely worse when everyone in the world insisted it couldn't have happened the way he knew it had.
In a world where ESP and telepathy were normal, it was difficult to keep secrets. But Steve's search for his missing sweetheart brought him to the threshold of one of the greatest secrets of all time. And it was obvious that somebody would stop at nothing to keep him from uncovering it.
What were the oddly sinister symbols along otherwise ordinary roads? What was behind the spreading plague called Mekstrom's Disease? Why were there "blank" spots where telepathy didn't work? Who was the elusive enemy with powers even beyond those ESP had bestowed on mankind?
And, most important of all ... could Steve find that enemy before they made him vanish too?
January 13, 2015
Not the author's best work, that's for sure. Only read this one if you've read pretty much everything else by the author.
November 29, 2012
One of my old favorites I revisit from time to time.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews