It was difficult for Will Jeavons to imagine just how his life could possibly get any better. Having overcome a traumatic childhood, he had gone on to study molecular pharmacology and win tenure
as a lecturer at his beloved Cambridge University.
But his life was soon to become better still, the CEO of a biotech company. Will’s unique research led to the discovery of a non-addictive drug for chronic pain. A remarkable solution for the opioid epidemic which had claimed the life of his mother.
Will’s flourishing company was subsequently acquired, and this was when he first met Celeste Simmonds. The beguiling Celeste would steer Will away from his earlier hedonistic, womanising
lifestyle. However, the only way he could ensure the success of his drug was to bury key safety data which could have led to the clinical trials being terminated.
Clinical trials which resulted in the husband of Lydia Goldberg falling into a deep coma. It was Lydia’s scientific training which led her to discover Will’s fraudulent cover-up. She was determined to seek vengeance and concocted an elaborate honeytrap and a decision for Will to make. A career ending confession or being submitted to a life-threatening game of Russian roulette.
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Dr Martyn Pritchard is currently moving towards retirement following on from a 35-year long career in drug discovery research focusing on neuroscience as well as novel medicines to treat pain. He is
the author of over 50 scientific papers and book chapters along with one novel written under a nom de plume: A Practical Arrangement.
Instagram: martyn.pritchard1 (Instagram)
Facebook: (20+) Facebook
My thoughts: Drawing on the author’s years in the field, this is a clever and thought provoking thriller that feels very timely. The search for a non-addictive but highly effective painkiller is real, the opioid crisis, particularly in the US, has serious consequences.
Dr Will Jeavons watched his mother, crippled by pain, die of an overdose, he’s dedicated his life to finding an alternative and saving others from her fate. He’s also an arrogant, obnoxious man who sees nothing wrong in the kind of short term, transactional relationships that are hollow and mostly physical. Until he meets Celeste.
She works for the company keen to buy his work, his company, him, but not his employees. And soon Will is enjoying the chase. Celeste is embroiled in an ugly divorce from her serial cheater husband. And she lives in the States. But Will doesn’t see the issue.
In order to sell his tiny start-up, he hides some important and potentially damaging information about his potential wonder drug. This will prove to have serious repercussions for Will later on, when his life intersects with a furious and vengeful Lydia.
Will he ever do the right thing?
Intelligent, with interesting and flawed characters, a fast paced and engaging plot, this is a highly enjoyable thriller for our turbulent times.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
ramblingmads 