Blake Crouch, Dark Matter

Jason Dessen teaches intro physics at a small-time college in Chicago. He's happily married, with a son and a generally comfortable life, but he sometimes wonders about the path not taken.

Specifically, had he not abandoned his cutting-edge work in theoretical physics to raise a family, would he be publishing seminal papers and winning august prizes? Would his wife, who made similar sacrifices, be a celebrated artist instead of an art teacher?

But Jason comes to realize how good he had it after he's kidnapped at gunpoint one night and drugged. From there, things get really crazy. I hesitate to say more, although a look at the book's description on Amazon may suggest what sort of sci-fi ride you're in for.

But boy was this fun. And thought-provoking. And thrilling. I really didn't want it to end, and I don't think I say that often.