Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-(5/5)
Gordon Harris faces a staggering revelation about his daughter, Sara, who claims to be Patricia Morel, her twin sister. This discovery sets off a chain of events that unravel the mysteries surrounding their family and their ties to CytoSerum, a pharmaceutical company.
Murderous Beauty is a crime thriller by Philip Arklow, set in the intricate world of pharmaceutical research and security. The story intertwines the lives of several characters, leading to a web of deceit, identity confusion, and dark secrets.
Oliver's death was the ideal opening, striking and intense, immediately capturing my interest. I found myself exclaiming, "What just happened?" from the very start. The seamless transitions between Sara's kidnapping, Gordon's accident, and John's brief appearance felt like a cinematic experience, with scenes shifting as if directed by a master filmmaker.
The ethics of scientific research, the nature of identity, and the bonds of family are prominent themes in the book. The novel raises pertinent questions about the moral boundaries in scientific knowledge, especially in eugenics. The confusion surrounding Sara and Patricia’s identities is a powerful motif and symbolizes the broader issues of deception.
Arklow’s writing is engaging and meticulous. His ability to describe complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner enhances the story. As a pharmacy student, I could easily relate to the scientific jargon. The dialogue is natural and contributes to the development of characters and plot, while the descriptive passages effectively set the scene and mood. The tension is palpable, with each chapter leaving readers eager to discover what happens next.
While this book is a compelling read, its myriad of details and connections between characters require one to pay close attention. Additionally, the deliberate pacing, while effective in building suspense, might feel slow to those accustomed to faster-paced thrillers. Philip Arklow has delivered a novel that not only entertains. He prompts readers to reflect on the darker aspects of scientific advancements and the complexities of human identity. It is a must-read for fans of crime, mystery, and moral dilemmas.
