Foto dell'autore

Geoffrey M. Cooper

Autore di The Cell : A Molecular Approach

14 opere 240 membri 5 recensioni

Opere di Geoffrey M. Cooper

Etichette

Informazioni generali

Utenti

Recensioni

A cell biologist plays amateur sleuth in what I’m calling a cozy campus thriller. Initially, our MC is merely tasked with trying to figure out which student cheated on an exam. But the situation becomes more complicated, and even dangerous involving a bribery admissions scandal and murder. The author cleverly interconnects 2 tracts of the story, but I had anticipated this. We also hear of the MC’s academic world and his domestic life in Maine with his FBI-fiancé (& their dog), as they both consider changing jobs. This was my first book by this author. It is part of a series but works fine as a standalone. It was a quick & mildly entertaining read.
I was provided with an ARC (thanks to the author & publisher!) and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.
… (altro)
½
 
Segnalato
AnnieKMD | Jul 31, 2023 |
Forever, a captivating medical thriller, is the newest addition to the fictional books written by Geoffrey M. Cooper. During his sabbatical, Dr. Brad Parker is learning genome editing techniques at a neighboring institute. When two FBI officials enlist his help to investigate a claim of suspected academic espionage, he reluctantly agrees at his partner’s insistence. However, things escalate very soon, culminating in the death of a promising young researcher. Meanwhile, the Monroe Foundation becomes extremely keen on the laboratory techniques Parker has developed. In exchange for lucrative funding, he has to conduct his research in a private laboratory provided by Walter Monroe. When Parker finally realizes that he is being used as a pawn in a nefarious scheme, it might already be too late to escape.

The thriller maintains a steady pace with tension building up gradually, giving the reader the feel of a cozy mystery. That is until the situation escalates rapidly and the reader finds themselves stuck in a nightmarish plot, unable to escape. While some parts of the novel might have been predictable to the seasoned readers, Cooper saves the best for the end. The last twist was so unexpected that I never saw it coming. Thankfully, Parker demonstrates a combination of scientific knowledge, technical expertise, meticulous planning, and level-headedness without which thwarting the evil plans would have been impossible.

Cooper incorporated a few debatable, if not outright controversial, themes prevalent in academia. The notion of academic espionage by Chinses researchers is one such topic that might cause raised eyebrows. The prejudice directed against a particular ethnic group is more common than we would like to believe; however, I was relieved when Parker proved to be unbiased and insistent on logical proof instead. Another controversial topic presented here was human gene editing and the ethical issues concerned therein. Popular thrillers have a penchant for portraying this technology as an evil scheme, one that is akin to playing God, while they gloss over its potential benefits. Admirably, Cooper handles this sensitive issue with a firm scientific approach and rightly proclaims “The technology was the same whether it was used for good or evil.”

The presence of such heavy topics does not forbid readers to enjoy the little pleasures of life. Parker appreciates every moment, enjoying culinary delights, scenic beauty, bird watching, and loving company of his partner Karen and pet Rosie. Cooper’s extreme attention to detail ensures a thorough setting for each scene, making the reading experience comfortable.

I will never cease to be amazed at the ease with which Cooper presents mind-boggling scientific phenomena or cutting-edge technologies to his readers. Had I not read this book, I wouldn’t have believed that one could explain the CRISPR technique or the logic behind blood plasma transfusion in a purely fictional setting. Cooper has a unique way of making the academic details palatable so that readers without a science background can easily follow the logic.

As a graduate student myself, this book fell right inside my comfort zone. I could relate to various aspects of this novel, be it the frustration over agonizingly slow-going experiments or the inevitable slumber that follows a hearty lunch during an endlessly dragging conference. Besides, I was able to garner some knowledge from the book, especially regarding the aging research and the behavioral tests conducted on mice. Having enjoyed both the scientific and the thrilling parts of the novel, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to the readers who appreciate medical thrillers. It doesn’t matter if you are from academia or not, this book is certainly a treat for everyone.
… (altro)
 
Segnalato
Shrabastee | May 15, 2020 |
Nondisclosure by Geoffrey M. Cooper, a medical thriller, spins an engaging tale centered around a burning issue all too familiar in academia- sexual harassment.
When a student from his own department is reported to have been assaulted after a dinner party, Brad Parker from Boston Technological Institute decides to delve further into the matter. Although the probable suspect is quickly identified, things start to escalate very soon. Following a terrible death, Parker and the institute detective realize there is more to this case than meets the eye.
Cooper's writing style, with a smooth flow, is surprisingly easy to read. The way he plunges directly into the mystery without much preamble draws the readers' attention almost at once. I was amazed at how this eminent professor could deliver scientific information and research aspects using laypersons' terms, thereby reaching a vast audience.
The plot included twists and turns, culminating in a hair-raising climax. The most admirable aspect was that Cooper frankly acknowledged the nepotism and power politics prevalent in the scientific community. In addition, he draws a clear picture of the disturbing practice of demanding sexual favors in return of 'help' given out to boost one's career. However, contrary to the common belief, the protagonists here are compassionate and honest. They actually care for the students and would go to any length to bring them justice. With a nod towards the Me Too movement, this thriller ultimately conveys a powerful message.
… (altro)
 
Segnalato
Shrabastee | Jun 27, 2019 |

Premi e riconoscimenti

Potrebbero anche piacerti

Statistiche

Opere
14
Utenti
240
Popolarità
#94,569
Voto
4.2
Recensioni
5
ISBN
51
Lingue
3

Grafici & Tabelle