Final Theory by Mark Alpert

I just finished reading Final Theory by Mark Alpert. Being interested in physics, the premise of the novel interested me -- what if Einstein had found a unified theory but hid it from the world, frightened at what that theory might lead to. While the novel had some neat twists and turns, the plot seemed to be pushed forward solely by little coincidences. Second, seemingly bright characters are constantly doing stupid things. These two things completely ruined the novel for me. For instance (small spoiler?) in a chase in the dark, a water gun is dropped on the floor in the exact spot the pursuer is, tripping him and buying just enough time to make it away. If these kind of things happened on occasion, it would be forgivable. However, when these things drive everything forward, it becomes a big letdown for a story that had so much potential. So while I can say that there were some interesting elements to this book (in particular, I enjoyed the mercenary Simon and the physicist Monique), they aren't enough to make it worth reading. If I hadn't already purchased the book, I feel that my time would have been better spent somewhere else.