When I see the name Robin Cook, I know I won't be disappointed. He's one of my favorite authors and never lets me down! Prepare to lose sleep!
Chromosome 6 (Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery series Book 3)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 1,353 ratings
Price: 1.99
Last update: 09-03-2024
About this item
“Master of the medical thriller.”—The New York Times
In his most prophetic thriller yet, Robin Cook goes behind the headlines on cloning and genetic manipulation, blending fact with fiction in this terrifying bestseller.
In the jungles of equatorial Africa, a biotechnology giant has taken transplant surgery and animal research to a new level—where one mistake could bridge the evolutionary gap between man and ape and forever change the genetic map of our existence.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery are working on a seemingly unrelated murder of a mobster, only to find some very odd things once their victim is on the autopsy table...
In his most prophetic thriller yet, Robin Cook goes behind the headlines on cloning and genetic manipulation, blending fact with fiction in this terrifying bestseller.
In the jungles of equatorial Africa, a biotechnology giant has taken transplant surgery and animal research to a new level—where one mistake could bridge the evolutionary gap between man and ape and forever change the genetic map of our existence.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery are working on a seemingly unrelated murder of a mobster, only to find some very odd things once their victim is on the autopsy table...
Top reviews from the United States
Doodle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another firecracker!
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024Augustine Invictus
4.0 out of 5 stars
A medical science-fiction with ?futuristic prediction,idiotic audacity and abrupt ending.
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2015
I have been collecting many Robin Cook novels and many of them seem page turners and hard to put down. Chromosome 6 is one of them. The beginning is captivating like most if not all of Robin Cook's style of storytelling. Some scenes appear unrelated at first but subsequently they are quickly "connected" to the rest of the tale. In this novel, the genetic manipulations regarding cloning,DNA and bio-engineering seem to coincide with today's genetic individualized medicine which is not surprising because of Dr. Cook being an up-to-date physician himself. The story began in a research facility in Africa involving cloning to create "special" monkeys and headed by a brilliant but timid American scientist named Kevin Marshall. What led Dr. Stapleton, a New York forensic pathologist, to that African site? It involved the death and an autopsy of a wealthy patient ( who also happened to be a mobster) who had a history of liver transplantation without requiring ant-immunity or anti-rejection medication like as if he received a transplant taken from his own liver. This observation seem to have aroused Dr. Stapleton's curiosity and suspicion typical of his character that he felt the urge/impulse to find out where the transplant material came from. The readers of this novel are advised to find out for themselves how this "connection" occurred. Jumping back to Africa, the scientist named Kevin noticed smoke coming from a guarded private island which was only inhabited by his cloned monkeys. Smoke to him also means fire. Fire created by an animal such as a monkey? It worried him. The research monkeys involved bonobos which are close relatives of chimpanzees. Bonobos are "peace-loving" animals compared to the aggressive sometimes murderous chimps. Does this remind us of human nature, "peace-loving Abel-like" to "war-mongering" Cain-like natures?
As to futuristic prediction, how the author, who wrote this book back in the early 1990's, able to "crystal ball" the current 2014 TV documentary "The Real Apes of the Planet" is remarkable! In that document, it showed a Missouri-raised bonobo monkey who was able to start a fire and douse it with bottled water himself, let alone "points" or "clicks" to a computer image of his desired food ( because animals can not TALK like a human being). Go to the Internet and type "Real Apes of the Planet."
Concerning the idiotic audacity exemplified by the two female protagonists or characters of the novel, dragging the reluctant scientist Kevin into investigating the private island of the research cloned bonobos, was just incredible! In spite of forbidden no-trespassing signs and gunfire from hired mercenaries to guard the place, the three characters repeatedly ventured into that island. One time they got caught and arrested but later released.
Another time they were harassed by the bonobo monkeys themselves. But the the three kept on and on planning different methods to investigate the island. One reviewer mentioned " after being chased by the 200 lb monkeys, I would have ran for my life in the opposite direction and call it quits". Maybe lol to some, but I would have done the same thing! It seemed that the 3 persons don't believe in "Curiosity Kills the Cat"!
Finally, concerning the abrupt ending of the novel,it seemed that the author didn't know what to do with his characters as to what happened to them or what happened to the cloned monkeys. Maybe he was planning a sequel to this story. But the readers are advised to find out and judge for themselves. In closing, this is an educational novel. A great thing was that the author included a helpful Glossary of medical terms at the end. However I think he should have placed this at the beginning of the story.
In summary, I believe Chromosome 6 is worth reading. It is indeed thrilling and a page turner in spite of the above somewhat incredible observation.
As to futuristic prediction, how the author, who wrote this book back in the early 1990's, able to "crystal ball" the current 2014 TV documentary "The Real Apes of the Planet" is remarkable! In that document, it showed a Missouri-raised bonobo monkey who was able to start a fire and douse it with bottled water himself, let alone "points" or "clicks" to a computer image of his desired food ( because animals can not TALK like a human being). Go to the Internet and type "Real Apes of the Planet."
Concerning the idiotic audacity exemplified by the two female protagonists or characters of the novel, dragging the reluctant scientist Kevin into investigating the private island of the research cloned bonobos, was just incredible! In spite of forbidden no-trespassing signs and gunfire from hired mercenaries to guard the place, the three characters repeatedly ventured into that island. One time they got caught and arrested but later released.
Another time they were harassed by the bonobo monkeys themselves. But the the three kept on and on planning different methods to investigate the island. One reviewer mentioned " after being chased by the 200 lb monkeys, I would have ran for my life in the opposite direction and call it quits". Maybe lol to some, but I would have done the same thing! It seemed that the 3 persons don't believe in "Curiosity Kills the Cat"!
Finally, concerning the abrupt ending of the novel,it seemed that the author didn't know what to do with his characters as to what happened to them or what happened to the cloned monkeys. Maybe he was planning a sequel to this story. But the readers are advised to find out and judge for themselves. In closing, this is an educational novel. A great thing was that the author included a helpful Glossary of medical terms at the end. However I think he should have placed this at the beginning of the story.
In summary, I believe Chromosome 6 is worth reading. It is indeed thrilling and a page turner in spite of the above somewhat incredible observation.
Elizabeth T. Hoeveler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely interesting with a gripping story
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2023
One has to be a Doctor's Doctor to understand Cook's gene transposing explanations
but the action and overall story left me unable to put the book down. Go, Robin Cook!
but the action and overall story left me unable to put the book down. Go, Robin Cook!
Aislinge Kellogg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chromosome 6 Excitement
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020
This third book in the Laurie Montgomery/Jack Stapleton series may not start out as exciting as most of Dr. Cook’s novels do, but you’ll be sucked in from the start. I always am, and I can’t stop.
This begins more where the first book stops, reintroducing the two Mafia crime families and another set of doctors set to wreak more havoc on people by turning medicine into money-making, despite what might happen to other innocent, unsuspecting life. It will keep you reading despite other tasks that need doing.
As always, Dr. Cook creates masteeful medical mysteries that leave us spellbound and in awe of his medical accumen. He weaves a fascinating web of frightening, thrilling tales that start out as seperate parts of the whole, but culminating into one excellently wrought story that is climaxed in a new, bright day beginning....until the next group of morally-devoid, venal doctors crawl out of the woodwork!
This begins more where the first book stops, reintroducing the two Mafia crime families and another set of doctors set to wreak more havoc on people by turning medicine into money-making, despite what might happen to other innocent, unsuspecting life. It will keep you reading despite other tasks that need doing.
As always, Dr. Cook creates masteeful medical mysteries that leave us spellbound and in awe of his medical accumen. He weaves a fascinating web of frightening, thrilling tales that start out as seperate parts of the whole, but culminating into one excellently wrought story that is climaxed in a new, bright day beginning....until the next group of morally-devoid, venal doctors crawl out of the woodwork!
Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars
Promising start, disappointing end.
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2013
The book starts off with a promising premise of a doctor worrying about his ethically horrifying invention in a darker, deserted part of Africa. Parallel to it, the two famous pathologists - Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery - work on an intriguing, but almost clueless murder of a mobster. These two parallel story lines unfold neatly, intertwining the characters in the process.
Though the investigation of the two pathologists was awesome, it also faltered the pace of the story. Cook stuffed an excruciating amount of failed attempts at finding clues to further the investigation.
Kevin had the best character development. So did Jack, Laurie and Lou.
On the other hand, some characters seemed forced in the story. I tried really hard, but couldn't find a reason for Candace to exist, except to constantly agree with Melanie and act as a wonder object for the bonobos.
Also, why the hell would Warren and Natalie land themselves in the whole mess without any motivation?
However, the most infuriating character development was of Melanie. If I were Kevin, I would have shot her at some point. Her teenage-ish, stubborn 'bravery' landed her (and her buddies) on hot waters several times. But when the need arose, she cried out like a baby.
The most disappointing part, however, is the climax. It seemed like the author lost interest in the novel by the time he reached the end, and wrapped it up hastily. The protagonists seemed to breezed through Cogo, where I had expected a lot of action to happen, given the presence of the bonobos. Also, fates of a lot of characters went unexplained; to the extent where I had a feeling that the novel was missing several pages in the end. And it was an e-book.
Robin Cook's novels are always double-edged swords for me. Whenever I begin one, I am sure I will come across several gripping plot elements. Accompanying that excitement, however, is a fear that the storyline will falter somewhere for no reason at all.
I had better hopes for this novel, but it was only slightly better than my previously read disaster 'Mutation'.
Though the investigation of the two pathologists was awesome, it also faltered the pace of the story. Cook stuffed an excruciating amount of failed attempts at finding clues to further the investigation.
Kevin had the best character development. So did Jack, Laurie and Lou.
On the other hand, some characters seemed forced in the story. I tried really hard, but couldn't find a reason for Candace to exist, except to constantly agree with Melanie and act as a wonder object for the bonobos.
Also, why the hell would Warren and Natalie land themselves in the whole mess without any motivation?
However, the most infuriating character development was of Melanie. If I were Kevin, I would have shot her at some point. Her teenage-ish, stubborn 'bravery' landed her (and her buddies) on hot waters several times. But when the need arose, she cried out like a baby.
The most disappointing part, however, is the climax. It seemed like the author lost interest in the novel by the time he reached the end, and wrapped it up hastily. The protagonists seemed to breezed through Cogo, where I had expected a lot of action to happen, given the presence of the bonobos. Also, fates of a lot of characters went unexplained; to the extent where I had a feeling that the novel was missing several pages in the end. And it was an e-book.
Robin Cook's novels are always double-edged swords for me. Whenever I begin one, I am sure I will come across several gripping plot elements. Accompanying that excitement, however, is a fear that the storyline will falter somewhere for no reason at all.
I had better hopes for this novel, but it was only slightly better than my previously read disaster 'Mutation'.
Peggy C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great novel of greed and technology combined.
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
Excellent read. This saga of Jack and Laurie has been outstanding.. After many years in healthcare, these stories are frightening, mainly because the greed and the technology are so possible. There seems to be no conscience when it comes to greed.
BB-Girl
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thrilling
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
I’d give this 5 stars if it weren’t for the personalities of some of the main characters. I knew Jack and Laurie from a previous book, but Kevin, the molecular biologist and the two women who joined him in his quest were downright reckless. The story was fascinating and exciting and fast moving. Truly a thrilling tale. With a satisfying ending.