Clone Conspiracy [Paperback]

Grade 4-7–On the night before his birthday, Patrick disappears. Three months later, his friend Luke sees him outside the gym where the boys used to take karate classes together, only now Patrick acts like a complete stranger, and he has a threatening bodyguard. Luke figures out that a local drug company called LennoxGen is somehow involved, and he and Patrick's sister, Emma, present themselves at the headquarters, disguised as student reporters. They meet Lisa MacKenzie from the company's PR department. Luke and Emily discover that Patrick is the clone of Rupert Lennox, the company's recently deceased president, and that his memories are being implanted into Patrick, using an experimental drug. Moreover, Luke and Emma are also clones, and (surprise!) their progenitors just happen to die just as the kids are giving their information to the police. With Lisa's help, Luke is able to destroy the corporation and save them all. The book reads more like the outline of a story then a finished work–it has a fast-moving plot, superficial characterizations, wild improbabilities (and even wilder coincidences), and far too much left unexplained at the end. And just how old are these boys supposed to be, anyway? Readers are told that 12-year-old Emma is Patrick's younger sister, but the cover art makes Luke look like he's about 6. This is a quick but nonessential read.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library
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'... a must-read dedicated to unravelling the mystery surrounding human cloning, brain transplants and clandestine laboratories.' -- The Calgary Herald

'... an exciting story, especially for reluctant boy readers.' -- The Georgia Strait

'The Clone Conspiracy definitely finds its mark ... Rose has done a magificent job with this fast paced medical science mystery.' -- Manitoba Library Association

'This 88 page novel will appeal to boys who like a good mystery – with a twist!' -- CanLit for Kids

Our young heroes, Emma and Luke, solve the mystery of why Emma's brother Patrick has disappeared and rescue him from the clutches of the powerful LennoxGen empire. Through their courageous sleuthing, they uncover the most insidious cloning experiment ever devised by human minds; thereby saving their own lives and bringing the evil perpetrators to justice. A book that young people won't be able to put down till they discover the truth behind The Clone Conspiracy.

Another spellbinding thriller by Simon Rose. His last book, The Sorcerer's Letterbox, sold over 13,000 copies in Canada and was short-listed for the 2004 OLA Silver Birch Award!