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Pop Travel #1
Pop Travel
In 2080, technology has gone too far for J. L. Cooper. He thinks he can avoid pop travel teleportation, until he stumbles onto a video of a pop traveler who turns to dust.
Sparking a series of murders, attempts on his life, and threats to his brother, Cooper wants to pass off the evidence but knows he’s being watched and can’t trust anyone. And who would believe him?
With help from the neurotic genius “Creator” of pop travel and a beautiful Southern charmer, Cooper must expose the deadly glitch and shut it down or die trying. No problem.
Sparking a series of murders, attempts on his life, and threats to his brother, Cooper wants to pass off the evidence but knows he’s being watched and can’t trust anyone. And who would believe him?
With help from the neurotic genius “Creator” of pop travel and a beautiful Southern charmer, Cooper must expose the deadly glitch and shut it down or die trying. No problem.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2013
5 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Tara Tyler
12 books46 followersTara Tyler has had a hand at everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband.
Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have action, a moral, and a few laughs!
Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have action, a moral, and a few laughs!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 7, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Science Fiction Mystery
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Star Trek buffs, people who enjoy sci-fi mystery mash-ups
Trigger Warnings: murder, conspiracy that endangers most people
My Thoughts: I do not think that my Star Trek geekdom is the only reason I see so much similarity between “popping” and “beaming”, although I suppose it is possible. Still, the whole concept is pretty cool, and wouldn't it be nifty to have your own popper and could just pop on over to anywhere immediately? I know I've been hoping for that sort of technology for decades... Well, and unfortunately, the technology is not perfect. At least not when abused! Still... convenient!
This is a enjoyable story, though it took me several days to read it because of my crazy weekend. Cooper is a great character, as are Geri and Hasan. I wish Blake had been fleshed out more; as it is he just comes across as a little crazy and more than a little sociopathic. Still, a fun little story with a great idea behind it, and something I think a lot of people will find to be highly entertaining, and a great way to while away an afternoon or two while reading. This is about the right length for reading on an airplane, or while at the beach. While there are some statements about greed and human failings, this is mostly just entertainment, so don't expect a lot of deep thinking and you'll have a great time with it.
Disclosure: I received an e-book copy of this book from Curiosity Quills in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Private Investigator J. L. Cooper always knew pop travel laser teleportation was too good to be true. Finding video of a disintegrating traveler is the stomach-turning proof.
Knowing it would be pointless to upload the video on the nosy, government-monitored Qnet, Cooper digs around, bringing the death of his client and threats to his political little brother, who is in jeopardy of turning to dust anyway for disregarding Cooper’s warnings not to pop. Cooper has to do everything himself.
If he survives his first pop, Cooper won’t let anything distract him from putting an end to Pop Travel's fatal glitch. Not the android security guards, the constant surveillance, or even Southern Comfort in a purple dress, Geri Harper. Nothing Coop can’t handle.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Star Trek buffs, people who enjoy sci-fi mystery mash-ups
Trigger Warnings: murder, conspiracy that endangers most people
My Thoughts: I do not think that my Star Trek geekdom is the only reason I see so much similarity between “popping” and “beaming”, although I suppose it is possible. Still, the whole concept is pretty cool, and wouldn't it be nifty to have your own popper and could just pop on over to anywhere immediately? I know I've been hoping for that sort of technology for decades... Well, and unfortunately, the technology is not perfect. At least not when abused! Still... convenient!
This is a enjoyable story, though it took me several days to read it because of my crazy weekend. Cooper is a great character, as are Geri and Hasan. I wish Blake had been fleshed out more; as it is he just comes across as a little crazy and more than a little sociopathic. Still, a fun little story with a great idea behind it, and something I think a lot of people will find to be highly entertaining, and a great way to while away an afternoon or two while reading. This is about the right length for reading on an airplane, or while at the beach. While there are some statements about greed and human failings, this is mostly just entertainment, so don't expect a lot of deep thinking and you'll have a great time with it.
Disclosure: I received an e-book copy of this book from Curiosity Quills in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Private Investigator J. L. Cooper always knew pop travel laser teleportation was too good to be true. Finding video of a disintegrating traveler is the stomach-turning proof.
Knowing it would be pointless to upload the video on the nosy, government-monitored Qnet, Cooper digs around, bringing the death of his client and threats to his political little brother, who is in jeopardy of turning to dust anyway for disregarding Cooper’s warnings not to pop. Cooper has to do everything himself.
If he survives his first pop, Cooper won’t let anything distract him from putting an end to Pop Travel's fatal glitch. Not the android security guards, the constant surveillance, or even Southern Comfort in a purple dress, Geri Harper. Nothing Coop can’t handle.
July 1, 2015
This is a fun sci-fi thriller that I couldn’t put down. There’s a little bit of everything: romance, action, suspense, and fun. The author puts on new spin on the genre and I loved it. Highly entertaining and exciting.
September 29, 2015
3.5 stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
In the near future, where people can 'pop' to any destination really fast, private investigator Cooper finds out that it's not all pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows.
It was a nice and quick read. Interesting from the very beginning, as it starts with someone disappearing while using the pop-device. It's far from real hard science fiction, it's just the teleportation and some androids really and it reads like a regular detective story, which I think a lot of people will enjoy.
Although I'd seen the outcome of the story coming for a long time, I actually enjoyed the story more than I thought at first. The characters, although not that original (Cooper is a widower and he has pre-existing scepticism when it comes to pop travel; Geri is the FBI-agent who has to prove herself at all costs; the Creator the genius who's utterly ignorant in all divisions), were quite likeable (or at least it worked in this book for me).
Pop Travel is the first book in the Pop Travel series, the second book is called Simulation (Review to come tomorrow).
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
In the near future, where people can 'pop' to any destination really fast, private investigator Cooper finds out that it's not all pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows.
It was a nice and quick read. Interesting from the very beginning, as it starts with someone disappearing while using the pop-device. It's far from real hard science fiction, it's just the teleportation and some androids really and it reads like a regular detective story, which I think a lot of people will enjoy.
Although I'd seen the outcome of the story coming for a long time, I actually enjoyed the story more than I thought at first. The characters, although not that original (Cooper is a widower and he has pre-existing scepticism when it comes to pop travel; Geri is the FBI-agent who has to prove herself at all costs; the Creator the genius who's utterly ignorant in all divisions), were quite likeable (or at least it worked in this book for me).
Pop Travel is the first book in the Pop Travel series, the second book is called Simulation (Review to come tomorrow).
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 12, 2013
Pop Travel was a thrill ride! A great story about a terrific idea that gets horribly abused by the 'Powers That Be'. Ms. Tyler created some really interesting characters, like, Cooper. I would love to run into this guy one day and POP around the world with him. Geri, is a strong, confident woman that can handle herself in any situation. Put them together and you get an unstoppable team ready to do whatever it takes to save the day! Great job. Can't wait to read more from this author!
March 31, 2014
I don't read this genre, so I was happily surprised when I found myself attached to and rooting for Detective Cooper. His dopey appearance saves that man's bacon more times than I can count, and I had to roll my eyes at each antagonist who underestimated him. Here's a true underdog who will always do what's right, and who may just be unassuming enough to save the day.
September 5, 2013
Pop Travel Delivers Real World Issues in a Sci-Fi Setting
Full Disclosure—I received a copy of this novel free in exchange for an honest review.
I love science fiction. Love it. L-o-v-e i-t. Science fiction is my morning coffee. It is the place my mind goes when the day gets slow or dull. It is what I see behind my eyelids on my daily commute. When I reach into that meditative place; that nominal realm that most writers tap into for inspiration, science fiction spills from my fingertips. I’ve tried to write literary fiction, honestly I have.
I say all this to let you know that I take science fiction very seriously. It is my “wheel-house” so to speak. Having established this I can honestly tell you that the worst thing about Tara Tyler’s Pop Travel is that I didn’t write it myself. I’m jealous. It’s that good. Someone (I refuse to look it up, but it was probably Vonnegut) once said that the best fiction, the only relevant fiction, will reveal truths about humanity. Tyler has created a world in which the frightening implications corporate greed and domestic surveillance come to full reality. Best of all, she’s done it in a way that seems convincingly true to life.
J.L. Cooper is a private investigator hired to look into a recent rash of disappearances. All missing persons are linked to pop travel, a long range transportation device that dominates the travel industry of 2080. The corporate over-bosses of PTI (Pop Travel Industries) know that their device occasionally kills people, but refuse to reveal this over fear of public backlash and a reduction of the bottom-line. To make matters worse, PTI has the support of the FBI who can tap into all web enabled devices to monitor and intercept anyone who tries to uncover the truth. Suffice to say, Cooper has a difficult task to surmount.
Tara Tyler mixes hard science concepts with modern day problems (ah-hem…Snowden). Her pacing is Dan Brown-ish, which I say as a compliment. Any fan of fast-paced science fiction would enjoy this book.
Description:
POP TRAVEL is the way to go!
(at your own risk!)
In 2080, technology has gone too far for J. L. Cooper. He is happily hidden in his simple, secluded life as a private detective in a small town, far from any pop travel laser teleportation stations. Until he takes on a client who insists pop travel made his fiancé disappear.
When Cooper investigates, he finds evidence of pop travel’s deadly flaw, sparking a series of murders, attempts on his life, and threats to his brother. He’d like to pass off the evidence but knows he’s being watched and can’t trust anyone. And who would believe him?
The only way he can save his brother is to fool his observers while looking for a way to expose the problem. He decides to go to the source and confront the Creator of pop travel. On his way, Cooper meets Southern siren, Geri Harper (an undercover FBI agent) who tags along despite his protests. When they reach the Creator, he has plans of his own and leads them on a wild detour.
Full Disclosure—I received a copy of this novel free in exchange for an honest review.
I love science fiction. Love it. L-o-v-e i-t. Science fiction is my morning coffee. It is the place my mind goes when the day gets slow or dull. It is what I see behind my eyelids on my daily commute. When I reach into that meditative place; that nominal realm that most writers tap into for inspiration, science fiction spills from my fingertips. I’ve tried to write literary fiction, honestly I have.
I say all this to let you know that I take science fiction very seriously. It is my “wheel-house” so to speak. Having established this I can honestly tell you that the worst thing about Tara Tyler’s Pop Travel is that I didn’t write it myself. I’m jealous. It’s that good. Someone (I refuse to look it up, but it was probably Vonnegut) once said that the best fiction, the only relevant fiction, will reveal truths about humanity. Tyler has created a world in which the frightening implications corporate greed and domestic surveillance come to full reality. Best of all, she’s done it in a way that seems convincingly true to life.
J.L. Cooper is a private investigator hired to look into a recent rash of disappearances. All missing persons are linked to pop travel, a long range transportation device that dominates the travel industry of 2080. The corporate over-bosses of PTI (Pop Travel Industries) know that their device occasionally kills people, but refuse to reveal this over fear of public backlash and a reduction of the bottom-line. To make matters worse, PTI has the support of the FBI who can tap into all web enabled devices to monitor and intercept anyone who tries to uncover the truth. Suffice to say, Cooper has a difficult task to surmount.
Tara Tyler mixes hard science concepts with modern day problems (ah-hem…Snowden). Her pacing is Dan Brown-ish, which I say as a compliment. Any fan of fast-paced science fiction would enjoy this book.
Description:
POP TRAVEL is the way to go!
(at your own risk!)
In 2080, technology has gone too far for J. L. Cooper. He is happily hidden in his simple, secluded life as a private detective in a small town, far from any pop travel laser teleportation stations. Until he takes on a client who insists pop travel made his fiancé disappear.
When Cooper investigates, he finds evidence of pop travel’s deadly flaw, sparking a series of murders, attempts on his life, and threats to his brother. He’d like to pass off the evidence but knows he’s being watched and can’t trust anyone. And who would believe him?
The only way he can save his brother is to fool his observers while looking for a way to expose the problem. He decides to go to the source and confront the Creator of pop travel. On his way, Cooper meets Southern siren, Geri Harper (an undercover FBI agent) who tags along despite his protests. When they reach the Creator, he has plans of his own and leads them on a wild detour.
September 2, 2013
It seemed fitting I was reading Pop Travel by Tara Tyler, since I was traveling this Labor Day weekend! Anyone who has ever wished they could escape airports and the endless delays of flying (and who hasn't?!), will love this novel. In Tyler's novel, teleportation was the answer, but every new technology has glitches. Tyler says she was Inspired by Michael Crichton's incredible style to take on the challenge of writing a fast-paced techno-thriller. I think she succeeded and that you'll enjoy the ride . . . . the book also reminded me of the novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
Anyway, Tyler didn't waste any time jumping right into the action--I was hooked from page one! There was just enough back-story presented for clarification without the annoying info dumps. I commend Tyler's ability to write strong characters . . . specifically, the mixture of external and internal conflict with Cooper was very well done. And the setting was so cool and the plot that rotated around it very believable! I could easily imagine the United States heading down this scary road. Coincidentally, I've become increasingly wary of that white panel van surveillancing my neighborhood on a weekly basis. Yeah, it has ice cream stickers on the sides and blares the "Do Your Ears Hang Low" jingle, but my guess after reading Pop Travel is it's all a cover-up for Big Brother to keep their ears low . . . to the ground . . . listening in carefully to all of us.
Hey, some of you may laugh, but after the Edward Snowden scandal, the Intelligence community have been up to their ears in hot water . . . Spying on regular citizens through their compucenters (computers)? Reading our vid messages (e-mails)? Monitoring our Qnet (web) searches? With the direction the NSA is heading, I can totally picture Tyler's storyline happening in real life. Okay, I am a writer myself and frequently hear voices in my head, so my paranoia may just be my muse whispering to me in the dark corners of my mind again (or am I just saying all of this as a coverup so the NSA won't send the ice cream man to kidnap me?)
You decide. In the meantime, I'm really hoping Pop Travel will be made into a movie one day because it's the type of plot that would be PERFECT for the big screen . . . if the FBI and NSA will allow it ;-)
Anyway, Tyler didn't waste any time jumping right into the action--I was hooked from page one! There was just enough back-story presented for clarification without the annoying info dumps. I commend Tyler's ability to write strong characters . . . specifically, the mixture of external and internal conflict with Cooper was very well done. And the setting was so cool and the plot that rotated around it very believable! I could easily imagine the United States heading down this scary road. Coincidentally, I've become increasingly wary of that white panel van surveillancing my neighborhood on a weekly basis. Yeah, it has ice cream stickers on the sides and blares the "Do Your Ears Hang Low" jingle, but my guess after reading Pop Travel is it's all a cover-up for Big Brother to keep their ears low . . . to the ground . . . listening in carefully to all of us.
Hey, some of you may laugh, but after the Edward Snowden scandal, the Intelligence community have been up to their ears in hot water . . . Spying on regular citizens through their compucenters (computers)? Reading our vid messages (e-mails)? Monitoring our Qnet (web) searches? With the direction the NSA is heading, I can totally picture Tyler's storyline happening in real life. Okay, I am a writer myself and frequently hear voices in my head, so my paranoia may just be my muse whispering to me in the dark corners of my mind again (or am I just saying all of this as a coverup so the NSA won't send the ice cream man to kidnap me?)
You decide. In the meantime, I'm really hoping Pop Travel will be made into a movie one day because it's the type of plot that would be PERFECT for the big screen . . . if the FBI and NSA will allow it ;-)
August 20, 2013
Why go through the hassle of flying or endure a long boring car ride when you can arrive at your destination instantly? Pop travel make your journey go by in the blink of an eye, but J.L. Cooper has never felt right about it. When the private detective recovers some evidence that proves his suspicions to be true, he must use that very technology he hates himself to conduct his investigation. Big Brother is everywhere, and they don't like Cooper poking around. FBI agent Geri Harper is sent to keep an eye on him, and he finds it difficult to keep his eyes off her. People are dying and there's a big cover-up. Cooper has to keep focused or he may end up being the victim of an "accident."
POP TRAVEL is a fantastic sci-fi thriller. There's a little romance, a dash of pulp, and a whole bunch of action. The blend makes for a unique read. Pop travel is an enthralling concept. Teleportation isn't something new, but it's highly commercialized in this world. Something that makes it feel all the more real.
Cooper is a fun and likable character. A little bit of an underdog, I was rooting for him right from the start. Geri is the perfect complement to him. She's smart, strong, and highly capable. She's like a female James Bond. She even has her own gadget nerd! The villains are clever and take the heroes on many twists and turns.
Tara Tyler hooks the reader right from the beginning. It's well-written and full of suspense. This is an amazing debut novel, and I can't wait to see more from Tara in the future.
POP TRAVEL is a fantastic sci-fi thriller. There's a little romance, a dash of pulp, and a whole bunch of action. The blend makes for a unique read. Pop travel is an enthralling concept. Teleportation isn't something new, but it's highly commercialized in this world. Something that makes it feel all the more real.
Cooper is a fun and likable character. A little bit of an underdog, I was rooting for him right from the start. Geri is the perfect complement to him. She's smart, strong, and highly capable. She's like a female James Bond. She even has her own gadget nerd! The villains are clever and take the heroes on many twists and turns.
Tara Tyler hooks the reader right from the beginning. It's well-written and full of suspense. This is an amazing debut novel, and I can't wait to see more from Tara in the future.
August 29, 2014
What a thrilling ride . . . err Popping experience!!!
J.L. Cooper is a private investigator who finds himself in the middle of the biggest cover up of his time! He's hired to look into some suspicious disappearances and what he finds is more than a little disconcerting. In the year 2080, there is a new way of travel: Pop Travel!, its a new laser technology that sends a person from a transmission dock to a receiver dock anywhere in the world . . . by slicing them into pieces and putting them back together perfectly. Well, almost. I absolutely love this concept! Genius on the author's part. :)
The corporate bosses of PTI (Pop Travel Industries) know that Pop Traveling sometimes kills people, but instead of caring about people's life and fixing the issue, they're more concerned about the impact of what this would have on their pockets. And they have support in high places, not to mention they can keep track of anyone's move, pretty much anywhere. With all these obstacles, Cooper has one heck of a ride trying to bring this to light, find a solution with the Creator of this technology, and oh yeah, keeping himself and his loved ones alive in the process.
I really enjoyed this SciFi adventure with the small hints of romance and suspense feel. I'm now eagerly awaiting the second book of The Cooper Chronicles!
J.L. Cooper is a private investigator who finds himself in the middle of the biggest cover up of his time! He's hired to look into some suspicious disappearances and what he finds is more than a little disconcerting. In the year 2080, there is a new way of travel: Pop Travel!, its a new laser technology that sends a person from a transmission dock to a receiver dock anywhere in the world . . . by slicing them into pieces and putting them back together perfectly. Well, almost. I absolutely love this concept! Genius on the author's part. :)
The corporate bosses of PTI (Pop Travel Industries) know that Pop Traveling sometimes kills people, but instead of caring about people's life and fixing the issue, they're more concerned about the impact of what this would have on their pockets. And they have support in high places, not to mention they can keep track of anyone's move, pretty much anywhere. With all these obstacles, Cooper has one heck of a ride trying to bring this to light, find a solution with the Creator of this technology, and oh yeah, keeping himself and his loved ones alive in the process.
I really enjoyed this SciFi adventure with the small hints of romance and suspense feel. I'm now eagerly awaiting the second book of The Cooper Chronicles!
July 26, 2013
In the year 2080, the newest technology is Pop Travel, a way to "pop" from one place to the next. It still takes place in an airport (unless you're rich enough to own your own pop travel set up), but instead you are issued a tranquilizer and when you come to a moment later, you have arrived at your destination.
J.L. Cooper is a private eye in a little town outside Atlanta. He leads a quiet life until a nervous, paranoid man comes with him asking for help. His fiance disappeared after popping and the authorities are writing him off as just a jilted lover, but he knows otherwise. He's convinced there's a cover up and that the government is out to get him. Cooper has no idea that by trying to help this man, he will put his own life in danger.
I loved this book. I could so easily see it being a movie. It is sci-fi in that there's advanced technology, but otherwise, it's not that far out of the realm of reality and current technology. The characters in this were likeable and real. It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down.
Highly recommended!
J.L. Cooper is a private eye in a little town outside Atlanta. He leads a quiet life until a nervous, paranoid man comes with him asking for help. His fiance disappeared after popping and the authorities are writing him off as just a jilted lover, but he knows otherwise. He's convinced there's a cover up and that the government is out to get him. Cooper has no idea that by trying to help this man, he will put his own life in danger.
I loved this book. I could so easily see it being a movie. It is sci-fi in that there's advanced technology, but otherwise, it's not that far out of the realm of reality and current technology. The characters in this were likeable and real. It was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down.
Highly recommended!
January 15, 2014
What an inventive and totally fun story! Pop Travel is a unique combination of old-timey detective story and futuristic novel. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and Tyler does a great job of moving the story back and forth between the different sets of stakeholders at just the right moments. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to be able to see what was going on from all the different angles, but when it all comes together in the fast-paced final chapters, I was so glad to have that insight---it made for a very exciting ride.
There are high stakes in this book and lots of sinister motivations and situations, but what I love about the story is that it has a healthy dose of subtle humor to keep things from getting too heavy...even if nobody gets Cooper's jokes. (Don't worry, Coop---I was laughing!) There's even a touch of romance, which I thought was done just right for this futuristic adventure.
There are high stakes in this book and lots of sinister motivations and situations, but what I love about the story is that it has a healthy dose of subtle humor to keep things from getting too heavy...even if nobody gets Cooper's jokes. (Don't worry, Coop---I was laughing!) There's even a touch of romance, which I thought was done just right for this futuristic adventure.
August 4, 2013
At what price is fast transit? What is the lure? Convenience? Speed?
Certain suicide?
Pop Travel by Tara Tyler is a novel that starts with a disappearance and ends with a private detective’s assessment whether pop travel, a teleportation device that gets you there fast, is safe.
Cooper doesn't want the case. He believes his wannabe client is going off the deep end. But his superficial investigation turns up evidence that grabs his attention. And then he can’t let go. For the safety of his life as well as those around him.
****
Ms. Tyler’s debut novel is a gem among sci-fi enthusiasts, a whodunit combined with science, definitely a winner. The action pulls the reader in from the first page and never gives up until The End appears. In my case after midnight. All the elements were there to ruin my sleep and leave me bleary-eyed the next day.
Excellent read. A fine new author. Do not miss this one.
Certain suicide?
Pop Travel by Tara Tyler is a novel that starts with a disappearance and ends with a private detective’s assessment whether pop travel, a teleportation device that gets you there fast, is safe.
Cooper doesn't want the case. He believes his wannabe client is going off the deep end. But his superficial investigation turns up evidence that grabs his attention. And then he can’t let go. For the safety of his life as well as those around him.
****
Ms. Tyler’s debut novel is a gem among sci-fi enthusiasts, a whodunit combined with science, definitely a winner. The action pulls the reader in from the first page and never gives up until The End appears. In my case after midnight. All the elements were there to ruin my sleep and leave me bleary-eyed the next day.
Excellent read. A fine new author. Do not miss this one.
November 4, 2015
This is the first book in a series by Tara Tyler. She gave the book to me to read after I obtained the second book in NetGalley for review and suggested I read this first as it sets the scene. And what a scene it is...
Here we see how we will travel in the future. As in Star trek we will be using transporters that break us down into our essential atoms and then put us back together again - hopefully, with everything in the right place! There were a few accidents it is true when they were trying to perfect the concept but now-a-days it was no problem. Or so everyone thought and happily popped around the world time after time after time - much more frequently than was recommended it was true, but then it was all safe - wasn't it?Star-Trek-Transporter
But some people have doubts. And so does our hero Cooper after he meets Phisner and starts to investigate his missing sister. And then there is the hot agent who is supposed to stop Cooper but...
I really enjoyed reading this story - it 'popped' along at a good pace with some interesting concepts in it, even tough one must say not necessarily new ideas. And of course, the conspiracy buffs will have all their fears recognised here, and I do love a good conspiracy myself.
The writing was fresh and clean and accessible. We weren't overwhelmed with jargon and science as such a book could have done, but were told just enough to understand the theory and principles.
So worth a read and I'm giving it 4 stars. I shall read the next book Simulation shortly and look forward to it.
Here we see how we will travel in the future. As in Star trek we will be using transporters that break us down into our essential atoms and then put us back together again - hopefully, with everything in the right place! There were a few accidents it is true when they were trying to perfect the concept but now-a-days it was no problem. Or so everyone thought and happily popped around the world time after time after time - much more frequently than was recommended it was true, but then it was all safe - wasn't it?Star-Trek-Transporter
But some people have doubts. And so does our hero Cooper after he meets Phisner and starts to investigate his missing sister. And then there is the hot agent who is supposed to stop Cooper but...
I really enjoyed reading this story - it 'popped' along at a good pace with some interesting concepts in it, even tough one must say not necessarily new ideas. And of course, the conspiracy buffs will have all their fears recognised here, and I do love a good conspiracy myself.
The writing was fresh and clean and accessible. We weren't overwhelmed with jargon and science as such a book could have done, but were told just enough to understand the theory and principles.
So worth a read and I'm giving it 4 stars. I shall read the next book Simulation shortly and look forward to it.
February 7, 2017
Just finished reading “Pop Travel (Pop Travel Book One) by Tara Tyler. This is my first read by Tara, and it will most definitely not be my last. Reading this book was just a pleasure and so very much fun. A Techno Thriller/Science Fiction romp worthy of the genre is suitable for Young Adults and older. The characters were interesting and well developed. The story flowed so well it was as if the story was telling itself without the effort of reading. It was, quite simply, a joy to read. I have “Simulation (Pop Travel Book Two)” in softcover, which I won on Goodreads.com and am looking forward to reading the continuing story and following the journey of this crazy future world and its characters.
Synopsis (from back cover): In 2080, technology has gone too far for J. L. Cooper. He thinks he can avoid pop travel teleportation, until he stumbles onto a video of a pop traveler who turns to dust.
Sparking a series of murders, attempts on his life, and threats to his brother, Cooper wants to pass off the evidence but knows he’s being watched and can’t trust anyone. And who would believe him?
With help from the neurotic genius “Creator” of pop travel and a beautiful Southern charmer, Cooper must expose the deadly glitch and shut it down or die trying. No problem.
Synopsis (from back cover): In 2080, technology has gone too far for J. L. Cooper. He thinks he can avoid pop travel teleportation, until he stumbles onto a video of a pop traveler who turns to dust.
Sparking a series of murders, attempts on his life, and threats to his brother, Cooper wants to pass off the evidence but knows he’s being watched and can’t trust anyone. And who would believe him?
With help from the neurotic genius “Creator” of pop travel and a beautiful Southern charmer, Cooper must expose the deadly glitch and shut it down or die trying. No problem.
August 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this novel about the futuristic phenomenon of pop travel, a teleporting technology. This was probably because it's a character-driven story rather than being too heavy on the scientific elements (the latter were still there though and I enjoyed the explanations of Ms Tyler's invention). The main character, Cooper, is a grief-stricken private detective who it seems has nothing to lose and so ends up going after the big boys of the pop travel industry when it turns out that some unfortunate accidents are taking place. The investigation seems to give him a fresh lease of life and he shows himself to be both resourceful and highly likeable. The love interest who is supposed to be tailing him was a nice addition, and I ended up feeling sorry for the "boy wonder" creator of the technology, whose invention has become corrupted by human greed. A fun aspect to this novel was its blend of futuristic elements and an old-style "film noir" atmosphere - it took me by surprise that a novel about such a high-tech mode of transport would include a fair few thrilling chase sequences. Looking forward to reading the next in the series!
July 9, 2021
The characters that populate Tyler’s story are well-developed normal human beings, living in a very near future, with a logical amount of technology developed on the shoulders of research beginning with physicist Albert Einstein. Teleportation, pop travel, is an imaginable probability.
Unscrupulous business owners are also imaginable and, where money is concerned, problems with technology are often swept under the carpet while improvements are being considered (if not actually implemented.) Death caused by lax morals, even in a near future, is still murder.
If Jameson Cooper, private detective, doesn’t want to face such a fate, he must first face the inevitable need to “pop travel”, a perceived danger he has avoided out of well-placed fear. During an attempt to prevent unnecessary deaths, he becomes attracted to Geri, a modern day femme fatale possibly even more dangerous to Cooper’s success in meeting his objective.
The entertainment value of this novel is well-worth the time invested in dwelling within Tyler’s near-future world of active teleportation and the resulting consequence of human greed that tends to teleport itself throughout millenniums of history.
Unscrupulous business owners are also imaginable and, where money is concerned, problems with technology are often swept under the carpet while improvements are being considered (if not actually implemented.) Death caused by lax morals, even in a near future, is still murder.
If Jameson Cooper, private detective, doesn’t want to face such a fate, he must first face the inevitable need to “pop travel”, a perceived danger he has avoided out of well-placed fear. During an attempt to prevent unnecessary deaths, he becomes attracted to Geri, a modern day femme fatale possibly even more dangerous to Cooper’s success in meeting his objective.
The entertainment value of this novel is well-worth the time invested in dwelling within Tyler’s near-future world of active teleportation and the resulting consequence of human greed that tends to teleport itself throughout millenniums of history.
March 1, 2016
Instant Travel Can Be Killer In More Ways Than One
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read Simulation!
Cooper used to be a lawyer. Then his wife died and he became a drunk. Once he got clean he decided to become a Private Investigator. Pretty boring stuff usually. He finally gets an intriguing client and before he knows it he is in over his head. What is causing all the Pop Travel related disappearances? Who is trying to cover it up? How far does the coverup conspiracy reach? Will hr be able to figure it all out before he is caught or killed? How will he inform the public of the truth? Will anyone believe him?
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy conspiracies within conspiracies in their futuristic scifi speculative fiction action adventures with tons of intrigue, thrills and suspense and a dash of romance :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read Simulation!
Cooper used to be a lawyer. Then his wife died and he became a drunk. Once he got clean he decided to become a Private Investigator. Pretty boring stuff usually. He finally gets an intriguing client and before he knows it he is in over his head. What is causing all the Pop Travel related disappearances? Who is trying to cover it up? How far does the coverup conspiracy reach? Will hr be able to figure it all out before he is caught or killed? How will he inform the public of the truth? Will anyone believe him?
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy conspiracies within conspiracies in their futuristic scifi speculative fiction action adventures with tons of intrigue, thrills and suspense and a dash of romance :)
March 14, 2014
So, a transportation method that deconstructs and reconstructs your body so you can pop around the earth with ease...what could go wrong? Just everything, of course. Cooper, a lonely 30 something private investigator begins researching a disappearance and ends up uncovering a massive conspiracy involving pop travel. You see there is this minor malfunction where people explode into confetti upon arrival, and the powers that be are happy to kill to cover up this secret. If Cooper doesn't solve the mystery in time, his politician brother might be the next victim of pop travel, but if Cooper gets too close he's likely to get killed himself. This was a smart and engaging sci-fi thriller and I highly recommend it.
August 17, 2013
The year is 2080. Travel is a lot different than it is today. Teleportation, AKA "Pop Travel" is the favorite mode of transportation. The system however, is not without flaws. When travelers begin disappearing, J.L.Cooper commences an investigation and discovers a huge cover-up. It's up to him to expose it. But can he do it before more people disappear? And can he do it without being murdered in the process? You'll have to read to find out.
Pop Travel is an action-packed sci-fi book. The premise of the story is intriguing and compelling. The main protagonist, J.L. Cooper, is strong and well-developed. All of the action and suspense makes it a real page-turner. Sci-fi enthusiasts will really enjoy reading this book.
Pop Travel is an action-packed sci-fi book. The premise of the story is intriguing and compelling. The main protagonist, J.L. Cooper, is strong and well-developed. All of the action and suspense makes it a real page-turner. Sci-fi enthusiasts will really enjoy reading this book.
October 24, 2013
While reading it ran through the genres - a near future mystery arises when the teleporting, or pop travel, industry appears to be covering up the disappearance of travellers - but the what happened? and whodunnit were resolved half way through. Then it seemed like a conspiracy thriller but the agent (an attractive woman) assigned to keep an eye on the protagonist (a grizzled private detective) started to fall for him in the manner of a light comedy/romance. I read a review copy from the publisher.
December 3, 2014
Not usually a big fan of sci-fi, but I really enjoyed this book. It's a wonderful story full of so many good things- likable characters, intrigue, and a superbly developed future society. One of my dislikes of stories that take you into the future is the disregard for typical human nature, but that's not so in this book. Human nature stays the same- our greed and need for instant gratification put people's lives at risk. Clever story. Well written and fun.
July 24, 2013
I read this book in its earliest form. I'm not sure how it's changed since being published, but here is what I liked about the original. I really liked the MC Cooper. He was complex and interesting. I also loved the fun mix of sci-fi and southern charm feel. I've never read anything with a combination like that. It's a great read for the suspense lover.
July 11, 2013
A thrilling, and engaging read form beginning to end. The main character, Cooper, is believable in his growth as a character, the action scenes are gripping, and the premise was interesting.
January 8, 2014
Fun book. A little goofy at the end. But some decent twists. Interesting concept of being able to pop instead of fly. Star Trek realized.
Read
November 6, 2014POP TRAVEL is a futuristic noir. It's an action-packed techno thriller, with elements of humor and a hint of romance. I compare it to a combination of Romancing the Stone and I, Robot.
May 5, 2015
Enjoyed this story!
June 23, 2017
Loved it
I'm glad I stayed with the story until they met The Creator for pop travel. That's when the story got really good. I liked the futuristic theme to this detective story. It was also very exciting and it had a satisfying ending.
I'm glad I stayed with the story until they met The Creator for pop travel. That's when the story got really good. I liked the futuristic theme to this detective story. It was also very exciting and it had a satisfying ending.
August 30, 2016
Pop Travel is a light SciFi set in 2080 mainly in Georgia. The book opens two years earlier with an introduction to "Pop Travel", a form of laser teleportation, and an unfortunate accident for one traveler.
We next meet PI Cooper, he is contacted by a nervous and shady character wanting him to take on the search for a missing fiancee. Aleesa disappeared one day and Phisner believes that Pop Travel was to blame, but all lines on inquiry have been shut down.
Conscious that everywhere you go security cameras watch you, computers and communication are also all tapped, Cooper begins investigating. He soon hits the radar of the FBI with his search terms and they are hot on his trail when he is offered copies of unofficial tapes from other Pop Travel "incidents".
Cooper believes he must speak to the Pop Travel creator Hasan Rakhi, but he is heavily guarded. Using his brother's political power he manages an invite to the creators home, but to get there he must himself "pop" something he's always avoided at all costs. The FBI send in their agents to infiltrate Copper's plans and take him out if necessary. Will he be able to get to the bottom of all the secrecy or will he be taken down?
I really liked the start of this book and the premise of Pop Travel for the future was very plausible. As the book proceeded the number of characters introduced became exhausting and I question if they were all really necessary. A romance for Cooper didn't quite work for me, and the action chase scenes at the end belonged more to a Bond movie than the SciFi setting the book opened with when electric cars were made quite a point of.
A light fun read but possible not for die hard SciFi fans.
We next meet PI Cooper, he is contacted by a nervous and shady character wanting him to take on the search for a missing fiancee. Aleesa disappeared one day and Phisner believes that Pop Travel was to blame, but all lines on inquiry have been shut down.
Conscious that everywhere you go security cameras watch you, computers and communication are also all tapped, Cooper begins investigating. He soon hits the radar of the FBI with his search terms and they are hot on his trail when he is offered copies of unofficial tapes from other Pop Travel "incidents".
Cooper believes he must speak to the Pop Travel creator Hasan Rakhi, but he is heavily guarded. Using his brother's political power he manages an invite to the creators home, but to get there he must himself "pop" something he's always avoided at all costs. The FBI send in their agents to infiltrate Copper's plans and take him out if necessary. Will he be able to get to the bottom of all the secrecy or will he be taken down?
I really liked the start of this book and the premise of Pop Travel for the future was very plausible. As the book proceeded the number of characters introduced became exhausting and I question if they were all really necessary. A romance for Cooper didn't quite work for me, and the action chase scenes at the end belonged more to a Bond movie than the SciFi setting the book opened with when electric cars were made quite a point of.
A light fun read but possible not for die hard SciFi fans.
August 10, 2016
This is a sci-fi thriller suitable for young adults and up.
Pop travel is the way to go. Jump into the transmission dock and your body is transported piece by tiny piece to the receiving dock; wherever in the world you want to go! A private investigator (Cooper), is begged by a client to find his fiancée after she vanished when using pop. Cooper digs deeper and finds a number of other disappearance - which authorities claim never had any connection with pop. The FBI puts an undercover agent onto Cooper but little does she know she will soon land up in a world of lies, spies and a big surprise. Maybe the vanishing allegations have some substance after all...
This is a very clever plot for a novel - the idea of teleportation has been around for ages and the question of exactly how it's done has been given a possible answer. Cooper is a great character, even if a little too trusting. Geri's part was written very well and I could imagine her laying on the fake accent thickly. What I found a little annoying though, was that at times the characters would say something completely out of context and was just silly - there was a major difference between the comfort of the writing and the next minute a stark contrast which had me bewildered. It didn't happen often though which was a good thing.
A solid story with a lot of action and intriguing plot. Very enjoyable.
Pop travel is the way to go. Jump into the transmission dock and your body is transported piece by tiny piece to the receiving dock; wherever in the world you want to go! A private investigator (Cooper), is begged by a client to find his fiancée after she vanished when using pop. Cooper digs deeper and finds a number of other disappearance - which authorities claim never had any connection with pop. The FBI puts an undercover agent onto Cooper but little does she know she will soon land up in a world of lies, spies and a big surprise. Maybe the vanishing allegations have some substance after all...
This is a very clever plot for a novel - the idea of teleportation has been around for ages and the question of exactly how it's done has been given a possible answer. Cooper is a great character, even if a little too trusting. Geri's part was written very well and I could imagine her laying on the fake accent thickly. What I found a little annoying though, was that at times the characters would say something completely out of context and was just silly - there was a major difference between the comfort of the writing and the next minute a stark contrast which had me bewildered. It didn't happen often though which was a good thing.
A solid story with a lot of action and intriguing plot. Very enjoyable.
August 4, 2015
Pop Travel is everyone's dream! At least it's mine. To transport yourself anywhere around the world in minutes. It would save people a lot of hassles and time. Except what wouldn't be ideal is turning into a crispy critter upon arrival. That's what happens in the beginning of Tara Robinson's book, Pop Travel. It turns out there's a glitch in the whole transport system which seems to fry people into ashy dust. Why are these atrocious deaths being kept a secret?!
In steps Cooper to dig into a missing persons case, which he really doesn't want, but it begins to get under his skin. Suddenly, people who've seen too much, or people who are asking questions are mysteriously dying.
Pop Travel is an intriguing, fast paced read, which also got under my skin. I liked Cooper. He wasn't a drop-dead gorgeous man, but stealth, which made it real. At first we think Cooper is a bungler detective, but we soon learn he's astute and good at his job of uncovering the nitty-gritty. It seems like all the cards are stacked against him. There is no way he's going to...Oops, I don't like to leave spoilers.
The book contains a series of twists and turns and had me quickly swiping the pages to learn more. If you like to read an interesting sci-fi thriller, than I recommend Pop Travel.
In steps Cooper to dig into a missing persons case, which he really doesn't want, but it begins to get under his skin. Suddenly, people who've seen too much, or people who are asking questions are mysteriously dying.
Pop Travel is an intriguing, fast paced read, which also got under my skin. I liked Cooper. He wasn't a drop-dead gorgeous man, but stealth, which made it real. At first we think Cooper is a bungler detective, but we soon learn he's astute and good at his job of uncovering the nitty-gritty. It seems like all the cards are stacked against him. There is no way he's going to...Oops, I don't like to leave spoilers.
The book contains a series of twists and turns and had me quickly swiping the pages to learn more. If you like to read an interesting sci-fi thriller, than I recommend Pop Travel.
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