Books like Mindscan

Every time I read a Robert Sawyer book I always wonder the same thing: what kind of amazing novel would come out of a collaboration between Sawyer, who has great ideas about theme and plot, and another writer, who can write good characters and dialogue? Yes, Mindscan kept me reading: the premise is compelling and thought provoking. But like so many of Sawyer's novels, it's full of ham-handed author intrusion. The characters are so obviously loaded down with the pet peeves, knowledge and thoughts of the author, displaying them at every opportunity (and so many scenes seem to be contrived to create those opportunities) that it's distracting and I find it inhibits the development of emotional connection with his characters and his story. Yes, Mindscan is worth a read, however I can't help feeling cheated of the pleasure of reading the great novel it could have been had the characters been allowed to be themselves. And this is usually how I feel after finishing a Sawyer's book. On the other hand, regardless of that, I continue to read his work, so that says something.