I didn't have high hopes of "A Fistful of Data" after reading the other new Shadowrun novels. Most of those were ok at best. However, "A Fistful of Data" was surprisingly much better than the previous books.
The plot is predictable and some of the characters are flat, but the villain is at least interesting and there's plenty of action. My two complaints is that you don't get attached to any of the "good guys" and the climax is rather anti-climatic.
I would not say it was a must read, but it is entertaining. It's the best of the new novels so far.
Warning: Spoilers are contained below.
[ Spoiler ]
My opinions on the specific characters and plot points are as follows.
The Hatter and the Hare were great villain ideas, I plan on using them in my games.
I felt the Mercenary's weren't mercenary enough. They cared too much and seemed too wimpy. Quinn was my favorite by far. They were smart, showing up when the spirits had gone. Brilliant!
The Crypt's inhabitants weren't fleshed out enough, very 2-D. 8-Ball was perhaps the most interesting, but even he did not appeal to me. I was sorry to see them win. I was glad when Boanerges was removed from the active plot. He was not interesting and very flat. Yoko was the most annoying character in the book. She was far too arrogant, would've made a better villain, I think.
Magic seemed very powerful, knocking out the mercenary's for the entire day. Some spells seemed to drain too much and some too little. Although, it did seem the author was familiar with the Shadowrun system, as well as the setting.
The story itself was interesting enough, although I wanted a big fight at the end!