[Mr. Kay]

Dear Folks,

I'm new here and the particular reason why I signed up is because I was looking for a certain novel I read years ago, but can't remember the title anymore.

It was about the Earth in a far future where cities became so big that they displaced nation states. Around 70% of the globe were covered with urbanised enviroment and technological advancement made fast transportation easy and for everybody affordable.

The main character is a private detective who is hired by a city area's gov't to gain access to another city areas territory for that area is totally restricted and outsiders are not welcome.

I forgot title as well as author. I can only remember I had a blast reading this one, so please help.

Greets, Mr. Kay

[Chuffalump]

Are the cities themselves sentient?

Sounds like there are vague similarities to a book I read where the districts in a city were restricted by whether you lived there or how you were dressed. The city itself enforced the rules.

[Mr. Kay]

Now that you mention this it came to my mind as well. Yes, the cities themselves were sentient. An AI controlled each city and the clothes people wear were also sentient due to AI. Yes, that is correct, that might likely be that novel.

[Chuffalump]

Now all we need to do is remember the book. :D

Possibly cyberpunkish?

[Mostlyharmless]

Michael Marshall Smith "Only Forward"?

[Mr. Kay]

Michael Marshall Smith "Only Forward"?

This is probably the novel I was looking for. Thanks a lot. I'm gonna check it out. If it's not the one I meant I'll post again. Thanks to everybody for the effort.