SHOCK

A title by Robin Cook examining stem cell research, infertility, and human cloning should be a fascinating read. Unfortunately, Cook's plotting this time is heavy-handed and predictable. Deborah and Joanna agree to allow the Wingate Fertility Clinic to harvest their "Ivy League" eggs for $45,000. A year after the procedure, the women return to the clinic to find out how their eggs were used. What they find includes unethical experiments and murder. C. J. Critt does her best with Cook's cumbersome dialogue and stilted diction, managing to infuse energy and humor into her performance. Cook offers an epilogue that promises a resolution that never comes. It does, however, provide the set-up for a sequel. Since neither the heroines nor the villains are particularly interesting, we don't much care. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]