The devil's cure [Hardcover]

I got this book for my mum to read, but after she raved about it I decided to read it for myself - and I do not regret that decision. This is probably the best book I read all year. I am not usually one to read thrillers, but this book had me glued to the sofa until I had finished it. Oppel has an incredible way with words and character development. I felt like I was inside the characters heads throughout the whole novel. Oppel has also created a science fiction that could almost be science fact.

This book builds you up and then carries you down towards a finale that leves you gasping for breath. If you want a mystery and adventure tied into one then you have got to read this.

Kevin Sheldrake is the FBI man who brought in David Haines. It was an exhausting three year struggle that left Kevin and emotional wreck, and destroyed his marriage. Kevin specializes in religious cult crimes; having once been indoctrinated in a religious cult himself. The experience has left him questing for a God that seems to perpetually elude him. A recent medical killing alerts Kevin, and his investigation reveals that, even though Haines is imprisoned, he has manages to attract one or more followers who will carry out his commands. Kevin moves to meet the threat, but too late, now he, Dr. Donaldson, and David Haines are on a collision course.

When Laura manages to get the court order she speeds of to Joliet prison with a fully equipped medical field van. But she is ill prepared for treachery. Haines knows of her approach and, with the help of a guard who has succumbed to his personal magnetism manages a bloody escape. Hampered both by law enforcement personnel that simply cannot accept Haines capabilities and sheer bad luck, Keven watches the murderer slips through his fingers. David Haines has a new agenda now. He feels he must prevent any possibility that his blood might fall into the hands the medical science. Making moves like a chess player he keeps everyone guessing ask he works at tracking down anyone in his own family who might share his heritage. "The Devil's Cure" is the suspenseful tale of Donaldson's and Sheldrake's race against a cold-blooded killer who seems to be able to anticipate their actions and reading their minds.

I found the interplay between the medical and religious cult themes fascinating. While there have been other serial killer/medical suspense stories, the information on the operation of religious cults added considerable dimension to both Sheldrake's and Haines characters. Each character struggles with his faith in one fashion or another. In contrast, Laura takes longer to develop, although she has center stage for a good piece of the novel. Her fixation with David's blood may be understandable, but monomania does not make multi-faceted characters. In truth, both Kevin and Laura are characters driven by events, and Haines is the man with his hand on the controls. There are other characters in the book, but all lack the vividness of the central three, and are often little more than sketches and parodies.

This is a completely successful book. Suspense builds well, and the finale has sufficient twists and turns to engage the most jaded reader. My only serious criticism is that the plot is a bit too fantastical. If a secret is being kept from Haines it somehow drops in his lap, or he accidentally stumbles over it. There is always somebody around to help him. Things work his way right up to the end. Nobody's luck is that good, and it rings false after a while. Even so, the "The Devil's Cure" is quite well written and enjoyable. Oppel is new to this genre, having established himself as a successful writer of books for children and young adults. Once he adjusts completely to a new readership I expect he will do very, very well.

Marc Ruby - for The Mystery Reader

Condemned killer and religious zealot David Haines is on Death Row, scheduled to die in ten days for the wanton killings of research doctors. Both crazed and canny, Haines is a former medical student willing to murder to prove the sins of medical science. This he would do in the name of God.

Equally devoted to her cause is leading oncologist Dr. Laura Donaldson. She si waging war on cancer, struggling mightily to discover a cure. In an eerie twist of fate she finds that Haines may have the cure within his own blood. A test shows that his immune system is able to zap cancer cells. Obviously, Dr. Donaldson wants some of the murderer's blood. Haines will do whatever it takes to keep it from her, including an escape from prison.

Enter FBI agent Kevin Sheldrake, the man who originally apprehended Haines. He's assigned to capture him once again.

The ensuing chase and confrontation is a cleverly plotted pulse pounder.