Knockout Mouse: A Bill Damen Mystery

Bill Damen #1

by James Calder

Knockout Mouse is the gripping debut of a mystery series, set in the high-stakes world of biotechnology. When a dinner guest dies suddenly of an allergic reaction to a food she hasn't eaten, dot-com casualty Bill Damen goes from suspect to sleuth, embroiled in a murder with far-reaching consequences. He follows a trail that leads from cancer research to genetic engineering to secret rogue experiments, as he uncovers motives, means, and characters that could only exist in state-of-the-art Silicon Valley.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[David Schwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an average book. A great deal of what makes it average is the cardboard characters we are presented with. With exception of the dead person none of the characters have lives that are interesting. The story takes place in Silicon Valley and we are presented with a situation that involves what I would call one of the hidden industries in the Valley--biotech (semiconductors, computers, and .com companies rounding out the list). The lead character is a film maker who finds himself being a detective of sorts. He never really comes across as a detective. He mostly stumbles into situations.

[Twysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

I enjoyed this book! Liked the setting, the social commentary, the science that was integral to the mystery, and the scientists. The plot had enough twists and turns that I wasn't sure 'whodunit' until the reveal.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genetic engineering provides the general setting for this mystery, in which a scientist ignores research in order to get a drug to market. The untimely death of a research leads to the uncovering of misdeeds. Quick, relatively interesting read.

[Ardyth · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the idea behind the plot was interesting enough, the delivery was not. Lots of two-dimensional characters plus a somewhat disjointed lead whose motivation to solve the mystery is dubious at best. Neither a good mystery nor a good novel.

[Devi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is fair story with a nice twist at the end but I never really cared about the story or its characters.

[Paul Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

A less than average read, where I found myself skimming to get to the end so I could start on something else. A reasonable bio-tech thriller but characters that I couldn't invest any interest in.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining.

[Peter Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed a fast moving story. It didn't seem to quite all hang together but is an enjoyable read.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knockout Mouse is a decent mystery. Its subject matter, biotechnology, is certainly current.