Double Helix :

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat of a mixed reaction...
Review: Double Helix takes its title from the strand of DNA responsible for life. Seemingly taken right out of the headlines, this novel revolves around science experiments with DNA.

Slater Ellis is driving home one night when he almost runs into a naked boy. Page Stevens hears her husband commit suicide in the guest bathroom. When both start to investigate these events, they begin to uncover a big conspiracy neither would have dreamed that reaches from New Mexico to Florida to DC to New York. But will they find out the truth and stop the plan, or will they be killed trying?

Sigmund Brouwer is one of the best writers around. Here he spins a well crafted tale with believable characters. Almost no one is what they seem. An interesting devise is having each chapter represent a day. My only disappointment was the low spiritual level of the book. Having read many of his other works, I was expecting more of a spiritual aspect. This is not to say that he there wasn't a good moral. On the whole, however, I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Best read this year!
Review: I can't speak for those looking for ethics or sound medicine, but as a voracious reader looking for good, clean stories, this is my best find of 2003. On par with the best secular thrillers, yet showing dignity of life without a single scripture, Brouwer is a master writer and thinker. His characterization is great too. I could spot Zuwaan a mile away (and I'd be running in the other direction!)

Rating:
Summary: Double Helix is a double cross to the reader
Review: Of all the medical/scientific mystery books that I have read, this was by far the least rewarding in terms of both quality of plot and competency and thoroughness of the author's research.

While the unsophisticated and over-worn plot regarding human cloning for organ harvesting attempts to build, the reader is left with neither an exciting storyline nor an interesting or redeeming discussion of the actual science of cloning.

The author conceals his pro-life/anti-science agenda until the last 25 pages. He also demonstrates a drammatic lack of understanding of what is actually happening in molecular research and of the high ethics and humane purposes of those involved in this area of investigation.

I usually donate the books I have read but this one goes in the trash so no one else wastes their time.

Rating:
Summary: Welcome to a new Christian author of thrillers!
Review: Slater Ellis gets involved when a mysterious naked child with a number tattooed on his forehead assaults him in the desert. Paige Stephens gets involved after her husband's suicide when she begins unravelling cryptic suggestions that his company is involved with a sinister business of some kind. Their paths converge as they uncover the horrifying plans of Dr. Josef Van Klees, who operates the "Institute", a secret clinic for genetic experimentation and cloning that exploits fetal tissue from abortion clinics and refugees from third world countries. The story is fiction, but the evil behind the characters is very real, and the scientific possibilities Brouwer explores are closer to reality than speculation - making the story even more chilling.

One thing is clear: Sigmund Brouwer knows how to write a suspense thriller. While there are no obviously Christian themes evident anywhere in the book (Brouwer is a Christian), this is a very clean and riveting thriller story. It equals the very best of Robin Cook and other secular thriller writers, minus the moral garbage. If Brouwer can produce more books like this, I'll welcome seeing many more of his books on my shelves! Thumbs way up! -GODLY GADFLY

Rating:
Summary: Welcome to a new Christian author of thrillers!
Review: Slater Ellis gets involved when a mysterious naked child with a number tattooed on his forehead assaults him in the desert. Paige Stephens gets involved after her husband's suicide when she begins unravelling cryptic suggestions that his company is involved with a sinister business of some kind. Their paths converge as they uncover the horrifying plans of Dr. Josef Van Klees, who operates the "Institute", a secret clinic for genetic experimentation and cloning that exploits fetal tissue from abortion clinics and refugees from third world countries. The story is fiction, but the evil behind the characters is very real, and the scientific possibilities Brouwer explores are closer to reality than speculation - making the story even more chilling.

One thing is clear: Sigmund Brouwer knows how to write a suspense thriller. While there are no obviously Christian themes evident anywhere in the book (Brouwer is a Christian), this is a very clean and riveting thriller story. It equals the very best of Robin Cook and other secular thriller writers, minus the moral garbage. If Brouwer can produce more books like this, I'll welcome seeing many more of his books on my shelves! Thumbs way up! -GODLY GADFLY

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This is one of the best Sigmund Brouwer books that I have read. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Edge of your seat thriller
Review: What begins as a mystery the plot in this book unravels an underground mad-science project using human DNA. This book can keep you up real late, page after page, just trying to figure out what's going to happen next. An excellent read if you like X-Files related material.