Book Review: MOTHER KNOWS BEST

PUB DATE: 9/10/10

PUBLISHER: Crooked Lane Books

GENRE: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery and Suspense Medical Themed Drama

RATING 5/5

Synopsis/Thoughts:

Claire Abrams is a journalist who carries a rare genetic mutation that is passed down to her offspring. The death of her son Colton at the young age of 8 yo was so devastating for her that lead to her depression and desperation. The only way she can have a child is if there is a way to genetically alter her DNA. Through her support group, she found and connected with Dr. Robert Nash, a brilliant fertility IVF doctor and Jillian Hendricks, a Harvard trained researcher who were able to genetically manipulate DNA from 3 people, which is not only against the law but also highly unethical. Claire’s husband Nathan who is head of Ethics at Columbia discovered what happened and reported the crime which leads to criminal charges for the three. Jillian serves three years in prison, while pregnant Claire and Dr. Nash flee and hide with new identities. Abby, Claire’s daughter, grows up very healthy and have made it to her double digits surpassing Colton. One of Abby’s class assignment is to send their DNA swab sample. The results lead to more questions from Abby and the unfolding of the secrets Claire and Nash tried to hide from over a decade ago is now catching up to them. Jillian over the years has been planning her revenge and will not stop at nothing to get back what she felt was taken from her and the injustice she suffered through. 

MOTHER KNOWS BEST is a fantastic and fast-paced read about a hot topic that is current and timely regarding designer DNA and the ethical questions on these scientific advancements. Besides the unique premise, the book is an amazing psychological thriller that focuses on moral dilemmas, ethical questions, and the cost people go through to get what they want. The story is told in alternating narratives between Claire, Jillian and Abby. Claire and Jillian’s narrative tells about the past and present viewpoints. The stories by both these women were told with such amazing passion and visceral emotion that will keep you turning the pages unable to put down for major cliff hangers between the story lines. Abby’s narrative tells of the lies and deception that is affecting the family dynamics and relationships of the characters connecting the women’s stories. I enjoyed the action pack sequence and some of the eye-opening and gasping surprises that Peikoff added to the story line. I was captivated from the beginning and did not let go until I devoured this book to the end. I highly enjoyed this read and recommend it highly!!

I voluntary reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Crooked Lane Books. All views expressed are my own honest and objective opinion. #partner

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kira Peikoff

Kira Peikoff is a graduate of New York University with a degree in journalism. She also holds a Master of Science degree in bioethics from Columbia University. Her articles have been published in a variety of major media outlets, including The New York Times.

 Since 2017, she has been the Editor-in-Chief of leapsmag, a digital publication that covers innovation and ethics in the life sciences for a mainstream audience. Peikoff lives in New Jersey with her husband, son, and the world's cutest dog.