The Mendelian Threshold opens up the world of genetic engineering and the science of cloning to a scrutiny long overdue in a concise and gripping tale of a reporter's encounter with a group of amazing people and the amazing science that created them.
Investigative journalist Nick Hoskins had thought there was nothing left to amaze him until he accidentally discovered a family of perfect human clones living in his hometown. Thirty young men and women, all exceptionally attractive and intelligent - all are the very likeness of their creator, a brilliant, reclusive British geneticist. But they are not the first...nor the last. Nick soon finds himself involved in a desperate international search for their older brother, the first of their remarkable kind, who may have fallen victim to a rival scientist's burgeoning human transplant organ industry. Also at risk are the 'next generation' of clones, thirty bioengineered three- and four-year-olds whose intellectual prowess is already beyond measure. But are they truly human? Even the clones themselves aren't certain. To find the answer, they all must cross the threshold into danger, where Nick places his life on the line to help his new friends face their own mortality. Together they race to stop the exploitation of other cloned humans while striving to protect the secret of their unique existence.
Excerpt
"I'm not normal, not in any sense of the word. I'm a clone, for God's sake, a genetic experiment quickened in a petrii dish with extra ingredients for extra value. Is it so much for me to wish for a simpler explanation for my existence, and not to have to be on guard all the time against revealing what I really am?"
Professional Reviews
Rapport Magazine
"For his first novel, Humphrey has written a thrilling Science Fiction adventure story. Set in the very near future, it uses the conflict between a "good" group and a "bad" group of scientists, working on the mass-production cloning of humans, to illustrate the moral dilemmas we as a society are just now beginning to face. The Mendelian Threshold is well worth seeking out just for the pleasure of the story..."
Cloudy Mountain Books
"The Mendelian Threshold is a gripping tale of human emotions and science run amok. It brings the reader face-to-face with issues that transcend death, and the sometimes-wonderful, sometimes-horrible scientific discoveries that will challenge us all in the near future. And finally, it is a story of a love that frees the spirit.
Robert Humphrey has written a morality play in the best sense of those words. He doesn't pause in the middle of the story to hammer home a point, but, rather, he keeps the action going and is satisfied to leave readers to examine what is important within in their world and in the world at large." - Fran Baker
Why Everyone Will Be Talking About This Book
Robert Humphrey grabs you by the throat and takes you on a thrill ride that barely slows down for the curves! His main character, Nick Hoskins, an investigative reporter, is in the right place at the right time, and discovers a family of wealthy, beautiful, and secretive clones! When he's caught eavesdropping on a vital 'family meeting', Michael Smyth, head of the family, realizes a possible advantage to using Nick's tenacity to their benefit. The Mendelian Threshold is a compelling story that will pull you in from the very beginning and won't let you go until you finish reading it! - Debra Kumpf
Want to review or comment on this book?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviews for "The Mendelian Threshold"
Reviewed by Stan McCauley
12/21/2001
This book offers a unique perspective on the hot subject of human cloning. THE MENDELIAN THRESHOLD takes the reader beyond the current debate of ethics and possibilities to a setting where whole human cloning has been attained. More importantly, the story presents a horrific potential for abuse of such technology. As we all continue to depend on science for new answers in treating disease, it's science fiction writers like Robert Humphrey that remind us to keep vigil on what those in positions of power might do with new biotechnology. THE MENDELIAN THRESHOLD also tells its tale in a fun, fast style. This one gives me what I look for in my reading: fresh ideas presented with characters and plot that take me along on their journey.
Reviewed by Margaret Moseley
12/21/2001
Reviewer: Margaret Moseley, author
Whoa....not only does THE MENDELIAN THRESHOLD deliver on suspense and adventure, it provokes the critical question of ethics in the controversial technology of human cloning. In his debut novel, Robert Humphrey lays out the options of the future questions about the duplicating process that will be addressed in courts and on television for decades to come. THE MENDELIAN THRESHOLD is an entertaining, well-written forum to entice readers to think of the future of cloning in both personal and global terms.
Reviewed by Silvia Richardson-Wallis
12/21/2001
AN EXCELLENT READ AND SPELLBINDING NOVEL
Reviewer: Silvia Richardson-Wallis (Writer/Editor/Reviewer)
With his debut novel, The Mendelian Threshold, Robert Humprhey succeeds in doing what many first-time authors fail to do; draw the reader in and keep him/her hooked from the "In-Your-Face" opening to the spellbinding end. Humphrey's ability to weave intrigue with romance, tension, and humor makes this the kind of read which calls for an encore presentation. His Mulligan Stew of characters springs to life in such a manner, one almost feels like part of the story. As their lives mesh and secrets unfold, one can't help but cheer on the lovable Nick Hoskins and his cohorts in making the world a better place. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Mendelian Threshold and applaud Mr. Humphrey's great talent as a master storyteller.
Reviewed by Fran Baker
12/21/2001
THE MENDELIAN THRESHOLD
Gripping Tale of Human Emotions and of Science Run Amok.
Investigative reporter Nick Hoskins has about as many good stories as he does dashed hopes under his belt. Then he stumbles upon the story that could make his career: a family of perfect human clones living in his hometown. But they're not the only ones. There are more clones scattered across the globe, and they're in mortal danger. In order to obtain what could prove to be an earthshaking exclusive, not to mention a Pulitzer Prize, Nick must first put his own life on the line. As he engages in a desperate international search to save the "next generation" of clones, he finds that he's falling in love with the woman of his dreams - a beautiful clone by the name of Celeste.
The Mendelian Threshold is a gripping tale of human emotions and of science run amok. It brings the reader face-to-face with issues that transcend death, and the sometimes-wonderful, sometimes-horrible scientific discoveries that will challenge us all in the near future. And, finally, it is the story of a love that frees the spirit.
Author, Robert Humphrey, has written a morality play in the best sense of those words. He doesn't pause in the middle of the story to hammer home his point, but, rather, he keeps the action going and is satisfied to leave it to readers to examine what is important within in their world and in the world at large.
Word is, the motion picture, television and visual rights on this book have been optioned. That makes sense because this is the kind of "good versus evil" story that always translates well on film. So ... see ya at the movies!
Reviewed by Wendel
12/21/2001
I bought The Mendelian Threshold because I needed something interesting for a book report assignment. I started reading it that same evening and couldn't put it down until I finished it shortly after midnight. Not many stories can keep me awake thinking about them but this one did. I strongly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to high school students. Mr. Humphrey speaks directly to our generation about the most controversial subject we will face...human cloning. His characters are awesome, the story is awesome, and I can't wait for his next book. By the way, I got an A on my report and my teacher went out and bought the book. That should speak for itself.
