Acceptable Risk
by Robin Cook
Genre(s):Thriller, Mystery, Medical, Suspense
Published:Aug 1996
Pages:416
Published:Aug 1996
Pages:416
Summary: "As the bestselling
master of medical suspense, Robin Cook has always always been on the
cutting edge of the latest medical controversies. In Acceptable Risks,
he confronts one of the most provocative isssues of our
time--personality-altering drugs and the complex moral questions they
raise. "Takes on the ethics involved in such personality-altering drugs
as Prozac."--Publishers Weekly. HC: Putnam." (summary taken from Goodreads)
Review:
Its been a long time since I
have read a Robin Cook novel. I had fun with this one. The book has a
long prologue that takes place in the late 1600's, in Salem, where a
woman named Elizabeth is tried and hung for being a witch. Move up 300
years to Kim, Elizabeth's descendant. She is the co-owner of the
original land of home of Elizabeth and family. She meets and starts to
fall for a scientist, Edward. Together the look into the families hidden
past. Along the way the come across some fungus that Edward tries to
prove is what caused the 'ifflictions' that occurred all those years
ago. However, it is so much more that what he anticipated.
This novel is of two parts. Medical mystery/thriller as Edward tries to use the new findings in his lab and historical mystery as Kim researches her family history to uncover the truth. I feel the author did a good job blending the two. I do feel the ending was a bit abrupt and jumped forward too quickly for the final chapters, but I understand that the medical search was also a main focus that was mostly done being told. The pace at the beginning was good, then slowed toward then middle, then over-rushed the last 40 pages. I wish Cook spent just a bit more time cover the relationship between Edward and Kim. The entire time is seemed very awkward and fake. Other than that, it was nicely done for what it was.
This novel is of two parts. Medical mystery/thriller as Edward tries to use the new findings in his lab and historical mystery as Kim researches her family history to uncover the truth. I feel the author did a good job blending the two. I do feel the ending was a bit abrupt and jumped forward too quickly for the final chapters, but I understand that the medical search was also a main focus that was mostly done being told. The pace at the beginning was good, then slowed toward then middle, then over-rushed the last 40 pages. I wish Cook spent just a bit more time cover the relationship between Edward and Kim. The entire time is seemed very awkward and fake. Other than that, it was nicely done for what it was.
Wow, it sounds like the character development was sacrificed for the sake of the medical research. Too bad!
ReplyDeleteKim was well done actually. Just the relationship didn't feel real.
DeleteI've always enjoyed Robin Cook's writing. Haven't read anything by him for years. Guess I should pick up one of his books again soon.
ReplyDeleteI don't very often but it's great to read some of the older titles once in awhile.
DeleteI haven't read a Robin Cook book in years! This sounds like a good one, even if the ending is abrupt. I love scientific thrillers and this sound perfect!
ReplyDeleteThis was a good one.
DeleteI haven't read his books for a long time. This was a good review and I think I may see if I can get this one to read.
ReplyDelete