Saint

by Mark Bailey, Mark Roger Bailey

In a biogenic laboratory in California, a scientist injects his own DNA into a test subject--and discovers that human knowledge and memories can be absorbed on a molecular level. In the Vatican in Rome, the Pope makes a crucial decision in the name of science and God--to loan the remains of Saint Peter for DNA research. Saint Peter is resurrected: a miracle is reborn. But it soon becomes clear that some mysteries may never be solved. Because the resurrected Peter has escaped--and he is being stalked by an unknown assassin.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Science Fiction

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[Dominique]

A scientist comes up with a theory that our memories are recorded in our DNA. Using his own DNA and a chimpanzee, the results seem promising. The scientist then puts in a request to the Roman Catholic Church to use the bones of a saint. The bones he gets might be those of St. Peter himself.

I picked this book up on a whim ages ago, because it looked interesting and it certainly was. I found the concept that our memories are recorded in our DNA quite intriguing and the concept is just on the edge of belief, in my opinion. The characterizations in this book were wonderfully crafted and the story, for me anyway, moved along quite smoothly. I don't normally insist that my father read any of the books that I am reading, but I insisted that he read this one. And when I asked for the copy to be returned to me, he had loaned it to someone else.

[Jud Hanson]

I probably give 10% of the books I read 5 stars-this is one of those books. It is both thought-provoking and fascinating. While using the RCC as a plot device is certainly nothing new, Bailey makes use of it like few authors I've read. Bailey poses the question of what would happen if we could actually talk, face to face, to a contemporary of Jesus, instead of relying on the Bible. How would we react if we learned that the Bible was written with literary license instead of what actually happened? Bailey tries to answer this with "Saint."

[BBBTerri]

Excellent read! I've lost touch with Mark who was a colleague with my husband and an acquaintance. Great guy and very talented. This book will capture your interest and you won't be able to put it down...this book has a parallel story line to Brown's Da Vinci Code but was written pre-DaVinci Code...I was surprised Saint did not receive more publicity and accolades.... this book was equally stimulating!

[Jim Love]

The DaVinci Code was released in 2003. Saint came out 6 years before. Saint created many of the same thought provoking ideas. Saint portrayed many thoughts of the best of us as well as the worst and the times we still live in. On his site the author writes,” Everything I do is focused on transforming words, images and stories into watershed personal experiences.“ in his book “Saint” he certainly succeeded. A book to make you ask yourself, if only. To me the book is a six or higher. Give it a read.

[BradMD]

This book should have been a New York Times Best Seller. As far as I know it did not make that list. But the plot is great, the biotechnology is great, and the plot twists at the end are excellent. A slightly better way, or more plausible theory, for memory transfer should have been come up with. It was not really scientifically plausible. A little better editor and better science and this would have been a perfect book.

[Mary Mousseau]

Complicated book

But quite enjoyable. Many passages I had to read over just because of the deliciousness of the words. Catholic Church centric but the Saint is a charmer. Excellent read.

[Barbara Mannarino]

Terrific book.

I read this many years ago and it was just as good the second time around. are there Any follow ups?

[Nick]

A very empathetic & thought-provoking story. This book is my Nono’s favorite.

[Leanne Hunt]

I took a chance on this novel and am still undecided on how to rate it. I’m sure some readers would find it fascinating. However, apart from the main character’s thoughts on the ethics of transferring memory from one person to another, I found little to intrigue me in terms of the characters’ inner conflicts. This is a plot-driven story which does little to draw the reader in emotionally. Also, I had hoped that the reappearance of Peter in the modern world would disrupt history to a greater extent, raising interesting questions about the place of religion in today’s context. I was disappointed.

[Sarah]

A 4 star rating, less for the quality of the writing than for the theological issues and "what ifs" that are raised. Intriguing premise.

[Matthew]

interesting concept but ultimately facile