By Michael A. Smith
Genre:
Suspense/Romance
SYNOPSIS:
During an artillery barrage at the Civil War battle of Antietam
in 1862, a young colonel lost his leg. More than 150 years later, he lost the
same leg in a traffic accident on the Washington, D.C. Beltway!
Diane Kowalski, a research scientist, examines tissue from
the anonymous victim’s severed leg. She discovers a genetic mutation that could
make regeneration possible — and increase longevity.
Diane and Jack O’Sullivan, a private investigator, follow
clues that lead them to Thomas Winthrop, founder of a leading genetics research
laboratory. They learn that Winthrop has developed a gene therapy to extend his
natural “gifts” to humanity. However, Winthrop’s “family” opposes his plan,
arguing that it would lead to overpopulation, economic chaos, famine and war.
Lightning’s Child is a novel about the latest advances in
biotechnology that one day may allow the human species to control its
evolutionary destiny. It’s also a lighthearted and entertaining story about its
colorful characters, as they struggle to achieve purpose, fulfillment and love
in their lives.
AUTHOR BIO
Michael A. Smith is the author of six published novels, all
described on his Website, www.goodnovels.org.
He began his career as a newspaper reporter, and was editor of the
Golden, Colorado Daily Transcript. He
also was Associate Director, Illinois Board of Higher Education, and Press
Secretary, Congressman Richard Durbin.
He is a member of the Authors Guild.
Lightning’s Child is
available on Amazon:
EXCERPT:
“So I gather there’s no Mister or boyfriend?” Jack asked.
“No.”
He smiled and leaned forward in a gesture of anticipation of
a fuller
explanation.
“I’m too ambitious,” Diane answered, truthfully. “I’ve spent my life trying
to prove that I’m something more than a pretty face. Besides, I love
science. My career is
my life. It’s a bit like private
investigation, I imagine.
If you just keep looking for clues and follow them, you
sometimes find the
answer. There’s
always a new mystery to be investigated.”
“Great analogy, although, in my business, investigation
doesn’t always
lead to a wonderful discovery. Too often, I uncover the dark and brutal side
of human nature. I’ve
met a whole lot of people who don’t deserve to live a
day longer, let alone live forever like Meigs, if that’s the
case.”
5 Star Review
5 Star Review
I received this book from the touring host for an honest review.
The title of the book makes you wonder what the story is all
about; we find ourselves in the car with Thomas Winthrop and Katybeth, on a
main road in pouring rain. Then, in an instant, their lives changed: they are
involved in an accident. The drama unfolds even more when Dr Diane tested the
DNA samples she had received from a patient. She works for Gene Works; while the
test was underway the patient was mysteriously removed from the hospital and no
one knows where he was. Diane discovered interesting results during the tests
that could lead to a major breakthrough in further DNA research. But no one can
find him, vanished from the face of the earth. She employed a PI named Jack, he
is apparently a very good detective but with unorthodox methods.
As the mystery unfolds it gets more involved with each page,
the words and chapters passed by quickly, drawing you into this well crafted plot.
You want to know the answers to the questions, so you keep on reading. More and
more characters are introduced as the story unfurls, raising more questions. It
becomes more suspense full with each chapter as you try to determine this secrecy
regarding the missing man and his DNA.
A well told mystery that keeps you glued to the pages, with
every bit of evidence found more questions needs to be answered.
The story line is good and the characters are strong and
believable.
Well done Michael to a very suspenseful and well written
story.
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