Cleopatra 7.2

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating often humorous work of speculative fiction
Review: A scientific breakthrough by the Helix Corporation allows the DNA of one person to be implanted in the body of another person; thereby two minds share the same body. Forensic anthropologist Leda Hubbard and Egyptologist Gabriella Forout share their bodies with the mind of Cleopatra. Once they find her final resting place, they transfer the sarcophagus, amulets, jewels and scrolls to the museum. Not long after Helix downsizes Leda due to a change in management.

Gabrielle belongs to an organization that hides abused women from their families. When a Saudi Princess changes her mind and wants to go home she tells her family everything about the group. Her family tries to kill Gabrielle and her aunt. Two time crook Mike Angeles breaks into the museum where Gabrielle works and finds the locket with Marc Anthony's hair. Cleopatra 7.2 tricks him into accepting Marc Anthony's DNA so the lovers can be reunited in the present. When Mike and Gabrielle get kidnapped by the family of the Saudi Princess, Leda senses it and rushes to Egypt with Sir Andrew, he future employer and possible suitor who has the DNA of Sir Walter Scott inside his body. Andrew wants Leda so he helps her rescue her friend but he has a secret that once revealed could cost him Leda's love.

CLEOPATRA 7.2 is a science fiction thriller that feels like a futuristic James Bond. In addition to all the other problems the protagonists face, terrorists set a bomb that could kill the heroes. The romance between the lead couple is realistically portrayed and the idea of two minds inhabiting one body in which the person is not mentally ill or Steve Martin is a fascinating premise. The way they blend together and respect each other's personality makes Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's latest work a fascinating often humorous speculative fiction.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: An unlikely success story
Review: If you had posited the plot to me without telling me the name of the author, I'd have gone right past this one. The clone of Cleopatra operating as a latter-day Indiana Jones? In a near-future SF story? Nah....

But it's Scarborough, and I'll try ANYTHING she writes, and this book and the one before it are winners! Scarborough may not have the archeological expertise of Elizabeth Peters, but you wouldn't know it from this; clearly she knows how to ask the right questions and who to ask them of. This book has everything; inventive plot, memorable characters, amazing speculative setting, adventure, humor...everything except favorite recipes or a pattern for beading (you did know that Scarborough is an avid and expert bead-designer didn't you? I think it shows in her weaving of intricate plots and the ability to carry multiple threads clear through to the end). Nothing gets in the way of enjoyment here!

I'm looking forward to more like this!