Altered Carbon, authored by Richard K. Morgan, is a cyberpunk novel set in a future where consciousness can be transferred to different bodies, known as sleeves. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned private investigator, as he is hired to solve the murder of a wealthy man. As Kovacs delves into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and conspiracy that spans across different sleeves and social classes. Altered Carbon is known for its gritty noir atmosphere, complex characters, and its exploration of themes such as identity and mortality.