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.