It is the smallest of anomalies. A tiny error lurking in Bob Ludlow's DNA that could have untold consequences for civilization. Dr. Barry Gifford hopes that understanding this genetic error could provide revolutionary advances for humanity. Bob believes in Barry and his vision for the future. The two men team up to solve the mystery of Bob's genetics and to develop a drug based on this inborn error. Unfortunately, in the cutthroat world of medical research, altruism doesn't always take precedence over money or ego. Dr. Dexter Brunswick, a bitter man with a tough past, is strangely jealous of Barry's accomplishments. He needs Barry's research to unlock the treasures hidden in Bob's genetic code. However, unlike Barry's noble intentions, Brunswick's plans are more sinister. Detective Kevin O'Brien suspects that Dr. Brunswick has committed past atrocities and has singled out Barry as his next target. Kevin begins following Barry as Brunswick directs his mercenaries to force both Bob and Barry to comply with his plan. He is intent on not only destroying Barry's medical career but making society pay for the indignities he has suffered.
Unique and a little mindbending, this was a complex story with a host of multi-faceted characters. While it was necessary to explain intricate genetics concepts, the scientific jargon was slightly overwhelming. I enjoyed the history of the character's childhoods and the major twist that genuinely surprised me at the end. David Bosco gave a pleasant, professional narration which enhanced the story and the character's emotions. Overall a good read!
(I requested a free review copy of this audiobook and have voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
Nature vs Nurture We start the book being introduced to the three main characters- triplets born to a mother who dies in childbirth and a father who is unable to tolerate anything imperfect. The two boys (Dexter and Kevin) with obvious abnormalities are sent to orphanages, the other (Bob) is taken home by the father. All are raised separately yet, due to the devious plans of Dexter, their lives become intermingled. I did not find the twists in the plot unexpected. They were actually well laid out. It was a little uncomfortable for me that the detective did not play a greater role (he was supposed to be watching Dr. Barry). As a result there is a bit of vigilante stuff and convenient circumstances. There is a reveal at the end, and the ending was a tad abrupt, but at least it was not drawn out.
This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I would listen to another. I enjoyed the story. The medical explanations were very detailed and interesting but I could see that being a bit overwhelming for some people.
This is the third book I’ve listened to by David Bosco and I would listen to another. He does an excellent job using different voices for each character and brings the characters to life.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
A new medical thriller, well-narrated by David Bosco, this story has an interesting plot, compelling characters, and totally unusual theme of triplets separated at birth who have unusual genetic codes. Point of view shifts were somewhat hard to follow in the narrated version. I have noticed this sort of thing before where the change of medium needs a bit of bridge to handle things that are often managed with visual clues. But I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent listening to this book.
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is an interesting concept but, unfortunately, I found the plot had a several holes; was somewhat predictable; and the characters a bit one-dimensional. I just did not engage with these characters or the story in the way I had hoped.
David Bosco, as the narrator, is always fantastic. I found his distinctive narration helped me distinguish between similar named characters.
An exciting first book with a lot of twists. The subject of genetics versus environment is well presented and revolves around an interesting topic of male contraception. I don’t want to say too much without giving up some of the surprises but it is good first novel.