Mindbend

Mindbend

Robin Cook

Pages: 360, Category: Fiction

Publisher: Signet

Dedication: For Barbara

Another medical suspense thriller from Cook, who is a renowned author of that genre. Himself being a doctor, Cook’s plots and narration usually enlighten the darkest crevices of the story line. “Acceptable Risk” and “Blind Sight” are two very good examples to prove the point. Sadly, this one seems to be his worst I have read ever. The plot is weak, the characters are not keenly followed, some of them disappears from the story line at some point. The medical terms are not explained to the detail at which a layman can enjoy.

The story hinges on Stem cell research and alteration of brain functions using psychosurgery and electrode implantation. A prominent pharma company, Arolen Inc develops drugs derived fetal tissues which proves a panacea for diabetes and paralysis due to spinal cord problems. Since the fetal research is banned in the US, the company operates from Puerto Rico. To ensure a steady supply of aborted fetuses, the company owns and operates a hospital which fools the patients into thinking that they are carrying genetically problematic babies by manipulating tests such as amniocentesis and does abortions on them. Also, to ensure that doctors regularly prescribe Arolen drugs, they operates luxury cruises to the doctors on which they are drugged and subjected to mind control techniques including a robotic psychosurgery by which electrodes are placed on their limbic system and is used by the company to control their behaviours remotely.

Adam Schonberg, the hero of the plot decides to abandon medical school and join Arolen for money since his wife has become pregnant. He notices that she is prescribed abortion by a mind controlled doctor. Adam goes on a cruise incognito and visits the Puerto Rico facility. He comes back with a doctor who had just undergone involuntary surgery and presents him before his father, who is a big guy in the Federal Drug Administration and the gang is busted.

There is a whole lot for improvement and certainly, the book deceives the reader at the very end. It is undoubtedly a page turner, as the reviews scream out, but the reader leaves the books with a sense of incompleteness. One of the worst works of Robin Cook.

Overall rating: 3/5