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The X-Files #6
The X-Files: Skin
Don't miss this thrilling book in the series based on the Emmy Award winning television show The X-Files!
When moonlighting medical students harvesting skin from a corpse for temporary use accidentally take it from the wrong donor, the results are catastrophic: a New York City hospital ward is destroyed in a bloodbath, and an elderly professor, admitted for a routine skin graft, is suddenly the city's most wanted fugitive.
Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are the only ones to suspect something more ominous than a medical procedure gone awry. As the FBI agents investigating the ''X-Files'' -- strange and inexplicable cases the bureau wants to keep hidden -- Mulder and Scully are determined to track down the forces they suspect are behind the murders.
While the police hunt the fleeing professor, Mulder and Scully track the skin that was grafted onto him, a trail that leads from the morgue to the headquarters of a cutting-edge biotech company to the jungles of Thailand. Together they begin to uncover an unholy and undeniable alliance between a battle-trained plastic surgeon, international politicians, and a legendary Thai monster known as the Skin Eater.
When moonlighting medical students harvesting skin from a corpse for temporary use accidentally take it from the wrong donor, the results are catastrophic: a New York City hospital ward is destroyed in a bloodbath, and an elderly professor, admitted for a routine skin graft, is suddenly the city's most wanted fugitive.
Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are the only ones to suspect something more ominous than a medical procedure gone awry. As the FBI agents investigating the ''X-Files'' -- strange and inexplicable cases the bureau wants to keep hidden -- Mulder and Scully are determined to track down the forces they suspect are behind the murders.
While the police hunt the fleeing professor, Mulder and Scully track the skin that was grafted onto him, a trail that leads from the morgue to the headquarters of a cutting-edge biotech company to the jungles of Thailand. Together they begin to uncover an unholy and undeniable alliance between a battle-trained plastic surgeon, international politicians, and a legendary Thai monster known as the Skin Eater.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
51 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
Ben Mezrich
56 books1,461 followersBen Mezrich has created his own highly addictive genre of nonfiction, chronicling the amazing stories of young geniuses making tons of money on the edge of impossibility, ethics, and morality.
With his newest non-fiction book, Once Upon a Time in Russia, Mezrich tells his most incredible story yet: A true drama of obscene wealth, crime, rivalry, and betrayal from deep inside the world of billionaire Russian Oligarchs.
Mezrich has authored sixteen books, with a combined printing of over four million copies, including the wildly successful Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, which spent sixty-three weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and sold over 2 million copies in fifteen languages. His book, The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal – debuted at #4 on the New York Times list and spent 18 weeks in hardcover and paperback, as well as hit bestseller lists in over a dozen countries. The book was adapted into the movie The Social Network –written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher – and was #1 at the box office for two weeks, won Golden Globes for best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, best score, and was nominated for 8 Oscars, winning 3 including best Adapted Screenplay for Aaron Sorkin. Mezrich and Aaron Sorkin shared a prestigious Scripter Award for best adapted screenplay as well.
With his newest non-fiction book, Once Upon a Time in Russia, Mezrich tells his most incredible story yet: A true drama of obscene wealth, crime, rivalry, and betrayal from deep inside the world of billionaire Russian Oligarchs.
Mezrich has authored sixteen books, with a combined printing of over four million copies, including the wildly successful Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, which spent sixty-three weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and sold over 2 million copies in fifteen languages. His book, The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal – debuted at #4 on the New York Times list and spent 18 weeks in hardcover and paperback, as well as hit bestseller lists in over a dozen countries. The book was adapted into the movie The Social Network –written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher – and was #1 at the box office for two weeks, won Golden Globes for best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, best score, and was nominated for 8 Oscars, winning 3 including best Adapted Screenplay for Aaron Sorkin. Mezrich and Aaron Sorkin shared a prestigious Scripter Award for best adapted screenplay as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 4, 2019
Another original X-files book about Mulder & Scully ho get involved in case that involves skin transplant in which the transplantee goes wild and on a murderous rampage. For the police the story ends when the killer/victim dies and the CDC us still hoovering about due to the appearance of an infectious disease.
For Mulder and Scully the story continues to a part of Thailand that is not so touristy and where once upon a time during the Vietnam wars a MASH unit resided.
There is murder and mayhem, mystery and monsters. As should be in an x-files story, but as one Lt. Ellen Ripley always wondered who are the real monsters.
Another easy to read an lay down book that is well served as a break-time read book over various days while enjoying lunch when nobody actually disturbs your lunchtime when "interesting" stories about work.
Good stuff for X-files fans, an easy and smart read that is due to its Thailand based action unaffordable to be ever televised. Good to read about Mulder & Scully out there.
For Mulder and Scully the story continues to a part of Thailand that is not so touristy and where once upon a time during the Vietnam wars a MASH unit resided.
There is murder and mayhem, mystery and monsters. As should be in an x-files story, but as one Lt. Ellen Ripley always wondered who are the real monsters.
Another easy to read an lay down book that is well served as a break-time read book over various days while enjoying lunch when nobody actually disturbs your lunchtime when "interesting" stories about work.
Good stuff for X-files fans, an easy and smart read that is due to its Thailand based action unaffordable to be ever televised. Good to read about Mulder & Scully out there.
October 22, 2012
For the first two-thirds of its 300+ pages, SKIN is the best TV tie-in novel I've ever read. Near the end, though, it stumbles a bit and ultimately has to settle for being ONE of the best (IMHO). The medical info throughout the story was so detailed and completely legit that I suspected author Ben Mezrich to have attended medical school at some point before launching his writing career. Having just read his bio on Wikipedia, I see that I was mistaken. Major props for faking it so convincingly! What's even more impressive is that Mezrich wrote this while still less than 30-years-old. I mean, heck, I'm 31, and the best thing I've ever written is probably this book review. My only major beef with this book is one truly awful scene in which the bad guys--apparently taking their cues from the villains on that old 1960's BATMAN TV show--hook Mulder up to a diabolical death machine and then confidently exit the building without even posting so much as a single guard to make sure that Mulder's death goes off without a hitch. And if such laziness on Mezrich's part weren't bad enough, Mezrich compounds his authorial sin by resorting to a DUES EX MACHINA in order to allow for Mulder's escape. Oh, and did I mention that the bad guys keep their secret files in that very same room--stored in actual file cabinets? And...guess what!...the cabinets aren't even locked! Apart from this scene, though, Mezrich has crafted a novel that does total justice to the spirit and intelligence of the TV series (my all-time favorite, btw). I've now read all the X-Files novels save for one, and SKIN is definitely the pick of the litter.
August 3, 2023
Ah, if only Mulder and Scully could have gotten hard evidence out of a case. It's almost comical how they never have proof of any of the fantastic and horrible things they've seen.
In any case, this was another good X-Files novel. I've enjoyed every one in the series. This one deals with a skin eating monster and a mad scientist trying to take advantage of said monster. Yep, either the military, a mad scientist, or both are behind most evil plots. Damn you people for trying to weaponize everything!
This story goes from New York to Thailand and back. Great adventure, would make a great film or episode.
In any case, this was another good X-Files novel. I've enjoyed every one in the series. This one deals with a skin eating monster and a mad scientist trying to take advantage of said monster. Yep, either the military, a mad scientist, or both are behind most evil plots. Damn you people for trying to weaponize everything!
This story goes from New York to Thailand and back. Great adventure, would make a great film or episode.
May 14, 2016
This is the first X-Files book I've ever read, and it was pretty decent. I wish it had a creepier monster, and it was missing the banter between Mulder and Scully that I love so much. But it was written well enough to keep my interest.
September 25, 2020
I've never seen the X-Files TV show nor read a book based on it prior to 'Skin', but I was pleasantly surprised. In my mind, 'X-Files' = 'aliens' and aliens aren't necessarily something that appeals to me when I'm searching for a subject of my next book. The description for 'Skin' however sounded like it could be a medical thriller with a paranormal twist, and was worth giving a chance. I intentionally avoided researching the X-Files any further than my limited base knowledge, figuring the book would steer me in whatever direction and if it became too weird for my taste, so be it. Turns out, it ended up being the medical thriller I hoped for, and I like that the character of Scully is a physician who looks for the scientific reasoning for certain events, a counter agent Mulder's belief in influence from the realm of the unknown. Mulder's perspective wasn't too far our for my liking, and I found the book as a whole enjoyable.
A mild-mannered college professor is injured in a lab accident and requires a skin graft to treat his burns. Upon waking from the surgery, he is a different man, imbued with a superhuman strength and a clouded mind that leads to the death of one of the nurses caring for him and him fleeing the hospital into the night. Scully is convinced the skin donor had a communicable disease that infected the professor, although she's never seen one cause such dramatic effects so soon after the transplant. Mulder of course has his own opinion on the situation, especially when they discover the donor's body is no longer in the morgue and that the two doctors who did the harvest of the skin have themselves fallen ill. From there, the investigation takes the two agents overseas to Thailand, where local legend tells of a 'Skin Monster' who lashes out with fury anytime humans disturb its perpetual slumber.
Overall, I would certainly read another X-Files book that blurs the lines between sci-fi and medical thriller, and may add the television series to the long list of television shows to eventually binge watch should I find myself with a ton of free time on my hands.
A mild-mannered college professor is injured in a lab accident and requires a skin graft to treat his burns. Upon waking from the surgery, he is a different man, imbued with a superhuman strength and a clouded mind that leads to the death of one of the nurses caring for him and him fleeing the hospital into the night. Scully is convinced the skin donor had a communicable disease that infected the professor, although she's never seen one cause such dramatic effects so soon after the transplant. Mulder of course has his own opinion on the situation, especially when they discover the donor's body is no longer in the morgue and that the two doctors who did the harvest of the skin have themselves fallen ill. From there, the investigation takes the two agents overseas to Thailand, where local legend tells of a 'Skin Monster' who lashes out with fury anytime humans disturb its perpetual slumber.
Overall, I would certainly read another X-Files book that blurs the lines between sci-fi and medical thriller, and may add the television series to the long list of television shows to eventually binge watch should I find myself with a ton of free time on my hands.
April 16, 2023
This was pretty good, all told. The story was nicely creepy, just like an X-Files story should be, and it matched the tone of the usual monster-of-the-week episodes beat for beat. An excellent tie in novel.
August 22, 2020
Would say it was kind of like a two-part episode story. Plus Scully and Mulder travel to Thailand!
February 8, 2025
Now, this is what I'm talking about! Skin harvesting/transplants mixed with a little immortality and a myth of an ancient skin-eating creature - now that is X-Files. Fast-paced and gory. Loved it.
April 1, 2019
A really well written tie-in novel that could easily stand alone as a thriller in its own right. The characters have depth and you can hear the voices of the actors from the TV series. It also a believable X-File and you could imagine it being developed as an episode.
In summary, I was nicely surprised by this and it’s my favourite of the series.
In summary, I was nicely surprised by this and it’s my favourite of the series.
May 3, 2024
This one was really good! Had a LOT more of the classic Scully/Mulder dynamic. More of them working together. More of them joking and bantering in the way that makes them interesting to watch on screen. I also thought the plot was interesting and went at a really good pace.
March 25, 2015
Skin liefert eine weitere spannende Geschichte zur Kultserie Akte X, die bisher
nicht verfilmt wurde. Nach einer Hauttransplantation dreht der Patient durch und
begeht einen brutalen Mord. Bei ihren Ermittlungen stossen die FBI-Agenten Muld
er und Scully auf weitere Vorfaelle, in deren Zusammenhang es Hauttransplantationen gab. Mulder hat natuerlich gleich eine abenteuerliche Theorie zur Hand, in der die Haut der boese Ausloeser der Gewalttaetigkeiten ist. Scully, die Skeptikerin und Wissenschaftlerin, vermutet die Ursache der Gewalttaetigkeit jedoch in einem Medikament, welches bei den Operationen verwendet wird und moeglicherweiseunbekannte Nebenwirkungen ausloest. Die Suche nach der Wahrheit fuehrt die beiden FBI-Agenten nach Thailand, wo sie die Spur eines als Wissenschaftlers aufnehmen, der auf dem Gebiet der Hauttransplantationen offensichtlich nicht nur legale Forschungen betrieben hat. Als auch in Thailand brutale Morde geschehen, werden Mulder und Scully mit alten Legenden ueber ein Monster konfrontiert, welches die Einheimischen Skin Eater nennen. Und in dieser Umgebung, wo die Zivilisation weit weg scheint und noch tiefer Aberglauben regiert, koennte selbst an dieser fantastischen Geschichte etwas dran sein. Das Buch ist zur Ueberbrueckung der Serienpause bestens geeignet und fuegt sich nahtlos ein. Man muss die Fernsehserie aber nicht kennen, um dieses Buch zu verstehen. Informationen zum Verstaendnis der Charaktere werden in kurzen Beschreibungen eingeflochten. Aber wenn man die Serie kennt, kann man sich beim Lesen wunderbar bildlich vorstellen, wie Mulder mit leuchtenden Augen eine neue Verschwoerung wittert, und Scully ihm daraufhin einen vielsagenden skeptischen Blick zuwirft. Da laeuft der Film zum Buch praktisch beim Lesen im Kopf ab.
nicht verfilmt wurde. Nach einer Hauttransplantation dreht der Patient durch und
begeht einen brutalen Mord. Bei ihren Ermittlungen stossen die FBI-Agenten Muld
er und Scully auf weitere Vorfaelle, in deren Zusammenhang es Hauttransplantationen gab. Mulder hat natuerlich gleich eine abenteuerliche Theorie zur Hand, in der die Haut der boese Ausloeser der Gewalttaetigkeiten ist. Scully, die Skeptikerin und Wissenschaftlerin, vermutet die Ursache der Gewalttaetigkeit jedoch in einem Medikament, welches bei den Operationen verwendet wird und moeglicherweiseunbekannte Nebenwirkungen ausloest. Die Suche nach der Wahrheit fuehrt die beiden FBI-Agenten nach Thailand, wo sie die Spur eines als Wissenschaftlers aufnehmen, der auf dem Gebiet der Hauttransplantationen offensichtlich nicht nur legale Forschungen betrieben hat. Als auch in Thailand brutale Morde geschehen, werden Mulder und Scully mit alten Legenden ueber ein Monster konfrontiert, welches die Einheimischen Skin Eater nennen. Und in dieser Umgebung, wo die Zivilisation weit weg scheint und noch tiefer Aberglauben regiert, koennte selbst an dieser fantastischen Geschichte etwas dran sein. Das Buch ist zur Ueberbrueckung der Serienpause bestens geeignet und fuegt sich nahtlos ein. Man muss die Fernsehserie aber nicht kennen, um dieses Buch zu verstehen. Informationen zum Verstaendnis der Charaktere werden in kurzen Beschreibungen eingeflochten. Aber wenn man die Serie kennt, kann man sich beim Lesen wunderbar bildlich vorstellen, wie Mulder mit leuchtenden Augen eine neue Verschwoerung wittert, und Scully ihm daraufhin einen vielsagenden skeptischen Blick zuwirft. Da laeuft der Film zum Buch praktisch beim Lesen im Kopf ab.
November 18, 2019
I always enjoy rereading this one. Great monster(s), and a great setting - Thailand - to throw our agents into another inhospitable case. The science fiction in it is wonderful - some causative agent that turns a skin transplant into a transformative (of the Jekyll-Hyde variety) experience. The writing style sometimes isn't my favorite, and in places felt amateurish, but honestly sometimes that's exactly what I want - something that flows and moves quickly, rather than a style I have to unravel as I go along. Plus, he nails Mulder and Scully and their dynamic. A good addition to the X-Files, I think.
October 11, 2011
I thoroughly loved this book. Reading it was like watching one long episode of "The X-Files." Mezrich got the characters spot on and as the pace quickened, I couldn't put the book down. Very good and a definite must for any X-Phile out there.
February 5, 2017
solid read. veers off a little in the last act but strong.
August 18, 2019
Story was bland. The characters seemed like they were just going through the motions. No heart a little disappointed.
June 21, 2025
The X-Files: Skin, is book six in an X-Files expanded series. This novel was written by Bestselling author Ben Mezrich and was published in April 1999.
SUMMARY
Mystery surrounds a the deaths of a few individuals. It appears that a deadly bloodborne virus is spreading, the last time this virus was spread, was over 70 years ago. Mulder and Scully dig into a strange case that involves a burn victim, who - with super human strength, destroys his hospital room and murders a nurse. He then proceeds to jump from a second story window and evade authorities.
The X-Files investigation leads the FBI agents into another race against time. The root of the issue stems from a psychopath with an obsession with skin transplants. The story leads from the US, to a research facility in a small village in Thailand.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
So, this this book was written by a different author. So far we've had Charles Grant, Kevin J. Anderson, and now, Ben Mezrich. Mezrich did a fine job with this X-Files story for the most part. There was one bit of dialogue that didn't quite fit into the vibe of the series, the author uses the "F" word. I don't like it when that happens, Charles Grant did that a few times in his X-Files books. It takes me out as it doesn't flow with the show, or Anderson books.
I'd say Mezirch did well with setting the tone and direction of the story. Our main characters were treated very well. I like how they were thrown into some really dangerous situations, where things got really tense. The action was written well. I believe in my review of Antibodies I said it contained the most graphic death scene. Skin now holds the title for most graphic death scene. I may have even said "eww" as it happened.
My only complaint other than the F-bomb that was dropped, was the development of new characters in the book. I'm not gonna lie, I got confused with who was who. There were a lot of doctors and victims, I just couldn't keep track sometimes.
Do I recommend this novel? Yes, this book was a fun one, the last half was very adventurous.
RATING
I give The X-Files: Skin, a B+
SUMMARY
Mystery surrounds a the deaths of a few individuals. It appears that a deadly bloodborne virus is spreading, the last time this virus was spread, was over 70 years ago. Mulder and Scully dig into a strange case that involves a burn victim, who - with super human strength, destroys his hospital room and murders a nurse. He then proceeds to jump from a second story window and evade authorities.
The X-Files investigation leads the FBI agents into another race against time. The root of the issue stems from a psychopath with an obsession with skin transplants. The story leads from the US, to a research facility in a small village in Thailand.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
So, this this book was written by a different author. So far we've had Charles Grant, Kevin J. Anderson, and now, Ben Mezrich. Mezrich did a fine job with this X-Files story for the most part. There was one bit of dialogue that didn't quite fit into the vibe of the series, the author uses the "F" word. I don't like it when that happens, Charles Grant did that a few times in his X-Files books. It takes me out as it doesn't flow with the show, or Anderson books.
I'd say Mezirch did well with setting the tone and direction of the story. Our main characters were treated very well. I like how they were thrown into some really dangerous situations, where things got really tense. The action was written well. I believe in my review of Antibodies I said it contained the most graphic death scene. Skin now holds the title for most graphic death scene. I may have even said "eww" as it happened.
My only complaint other than the F-bomb that was dropped, was the development of new characters in the book. I'm not gonna lie, I got confused with who was who. There were a lot of doctors and victims, I just couldn't keep track sometimes.
Do I recommend this novel? Yes, this book was a fun one, the last half was very adventurous.
RATING
I give The X-Files: Skin, a B+
June 25, 2017
I love the X Files but I know when I read a novel about Agents Mulder and Scully certain things will occur. They will attain no real growth as characters by the end of the book. They will have obtained no hard evidence to support whatever investigation they are involved in. They will emerge unscathed from whatever peril they face. All that is because this type of series is all about hitting the reset button so you can come back for another equally thrilling (and eerily similar) adventure later. What works in series television works in series fiction, right? Skin is the last of six original X-Files novels released during the early seasons of the program-I honestly did not know it existed until I stumbled upon it for a quarter recently. I am happy to say I got my money's worth-the novel reads like a really good episode of the show without any of the budget constraints that sometimes limited it. Skin follows the formula I laid out above but since I am such a big fan of the series I will note my gripes but tell you the truth I enjoyed the book nonetheless. It really took me back, in a good way, plus author Ben Mezrich peppers things up not only with some good turns of phrase but also with some interesting plot twists. I think if you remain an X-Files fan, as I do, you'll like this little trip down memory lane.
December 18, 2024
**The X-Files: Skins** by Ben Mezrich is a thrilling addition to the beloved TV series. For fans of Mulder and Scully, this novel delivers a tightly woven narrative that dives deep into the unexplained and the paranormal. Mezrich skillfully captures the essence of the show, bringing the characters to life in new and unexpected ways.
The plot is action-packed, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Mezrich's storytelling is fast-paced and engaging, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The stakes are high, the mystery is compelling, and the horror elements are genuinely chilling.
What's particularly impressive is how Mezrich manages to maintain the same eerie atmosphere and suspense that made the TV series a classic. He explores intriguing new concepts and adds layers of complexity to the story, making it a must-read for any X-Files fan.
In short, *The X-Files: Skins* is one hell of a story, a roller-coaster ride of suspense and intrigue that complements the TV series beautifully. It's another epic addition to the X-Files universe that fans will undoubtedly appreciate.
The plot is action-packed, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Mezrich's storytelling is fast-paced and engaging, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The stakes are high, the mystery is compelling, and the horror elements are genuinely chilling.
What's particularly impressive is how Mezrich manages to maintain the same eerie atmosphere and suspense that made the TV series a classic. He explores intriguing new concepts and adds layers of complexity to the story, making it a must-read for any X-Files fan.
In short, *The X-Files: Skins* is one hell of a story, a roller-coaster ride of suspense and intrigue that complements the TV series beautifully. It's another epic addition to the X-Files universe that fans will undoubtedly appreciate.
October 28, 2023
Nedávno jsem četla Chameleona - novelku ze světa Akt X. A ačkoliv jsem z toho nebyla úplně 100% nadšená, měla jsem pořád chuť se tak nějak v tom světě Akt X ještě chvíli zdržet. A tak jsem sáhla po knize Kůže.
Opět musím pochválit, že tematicky se to do toho světa Akt X hodí. Zápletka zajímavá, pointa vlastně taky, umím si to představit zfilmované. Mulder i Scullyová si tu jsou vcelku podobní, takže i v tomhle to bylo fajn.
Hodnocení dávám průměrně. Určitě nečekejte žádnou velkou literaturu - není to nic, co by mělo čtenářům nějak překopat život. Ale autor si tu na to ani nehraje. Fanoušky seriálu to asi aspoň trochu zaujme - lidem, co jsou seriálem nepolíbení, to asi nic neřekne.
Mne osobně asi bavila víc první polovina knihy, která mi přišla napínavější a tajemnější. Druhá půlka na mne taková trochu víc vleklá, trošku překombinovaná (=až moc zamotaná). V první půlce mi to víc odsýpalo, přišlo mi to svižnější - u té druhé půlky jsem se trochu zasekávala.
Nakonec tedy 3 hvězdy. Pokud jste milovníci seriálu, zkuste a uvidíte sami, jak vám to bude vyhovovat.
Opět musím pochválit, že tematicky se to do toho světa Akt X hodí. Zápletka zajímavá, pointa vlastně taky, umím si to představit zfilmované. Mulder i Scullyová si tu jsou vcelku podobní, takže i v tomhle to bylo fajn.
Hodnocení dávám průměrně. Určitě nečekejte žádnou velkou literaturu - není to nic, co by mělo čtenářům nějak překopat život. Ale autor si tu na to ani nehraje. Fanoušky seriálu to asi aspoň trochu zaujme - lidem, co jsou seriálem nepolíbení, to asi nic neřekne.
Mne osobně asi bavila víc první polovina knihy, která mi přišla napínavější a tajemnější. Druhá půlka na mne taková trochu víc vleklá, trošku překombinovaná (=až moc zamotaná). V první půlce mi to víc odsýpalo, přišlo mi to svižnější - u té druhé půlky jsem se trochu zasekávala.
Nakonec tedy 3 hvězdy. Pokud jste milovníci seriálu, zkuste a uvidíte sami, jak vám to bude vyhovovat.
December 7, 2025
The X Files 06 Skin by Ben Mezrich
4.25 Stars
challenging dark informative reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
The books within this first series...are good, but not great. There are parts of this novel that I was on the edge of my seat, but a little past halfway...I grew board (or detached) of the story. It wasn't until the very end, that I got back on board.
Not sure if this is a "me" thing, or was it the way the book was written. Not sure.
Overall, I think this was the best written book of the series. Best story, and best use of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.
The story is wrapped up in "Skins", and how that is a problem.
The culmination of the book was satisfying, but with a potential...aditional story to yet be told. I'd read it, if it was written.
I believe my next foray into The X-Files...is going to be the novelizations of the two movies.
See you, then.
4.25 Stars
challenging dark informative reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
The books within this first series...are good, but not great. There are parts of this novel that I was on the edge of my seat, but a little past halfway...I grew board (or detached) of the story. It wasn't until the very end, that I got back on board.
Not sure if this is a "me" thing, or was it the way the book was written. Not sure.
Overall, I think this was the best written book of the series. Best story, and best use of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.
The story is wrapped up in "Skins", and how that is a problem.
The culmination of the book was satisfying, but with a potential...aditional story to yet be told. I'd read it, if it was written.
I believe my next foray into The X-Files...is going to be the novelizations of the two movies.
See you, then.
September 26, 2023
This was such a fun read. To be with Mulder and Scully again for one of their adventures was priceless. This story uncovers a secret medical facility/experiment involving skin transplants. Who is being experimented on and how the agents stumble onto the disturbing experiment (which is more than what it appears) is at the core of this mystery.
Ben Mezrich did a wonderful job with this novel. Excellent writing, great pacing!
I have had this book for years and have avoided reading it because OTHER X Files novels followed the format of the TV show by beginning each chapter with the date and location. This one, however, didn't follow that format. I know, not a big issue. The story was still done well. But after years of watching the show and becoming accustomed to the formatting elements, I had grown to expect them.
I highly recommend this novel!
Ben Mezrich did a wonderful job with this novel. Excellent writing, great pacing!
I have had this book for years and have avoided reading it because OTHER X Files novels followed the format of the TV show by beginning each chapter with the date and location. This one, however, didn't follow that format. I know, not a big issue. The story was still done well. But after years of watching the show and becoming accustomed to the formatting elements, I had grown to expect them.
I highly recommend this novel!
January 22, 2022
As an avid x-files fanatic, I was expecting to not like this book. So much of the x-files magic is lost without the incomparable chemistry of Anderson and Duchovny. But this story is worthy of the x-files brand. It's a monster of the week x-file where the monster is a terrific blend of the supernatural, the mythological, and the banal human variety. The book isn't perfect. The ending left way too many questions unanswered, even for an x-files story where some such ambiguity is to be expected. There are some descriptions of Asian people that, by today's standards, may come across as a touch racist. Overall, it exceeded my expectations.
March 18, 2022
The medicine is better researched than the show. Some unintentionally funny things about cows. Characters feel a bit off - and the author certainly like to talk badly about overweight women - fleshy arms and a large strong woman who looked like she had an endocrinopathy. Also the way he describes Asian characters feels weird too. The prose can get a bit awkward. But the story is like a slightly below average episode. The skin transplant angle is interesting.
It’s missing the banter or humor. I think the bond isn’t quite there - not the respect nor the playfulness. But otherwise this Scully and Mulder are decent standins.
It’s missing the banter or humor. I think the bond isn’t quite there - not the respect nor the playfulness. But otherwise this Scully and Mulder are decent standins.
June 1, 2021
Favorite Quotes
• Mulder grew electric when faced with a mystery - while Scully was excited by the prospect of a solution.
• File cabinets were an FBI agent's pornography.
Thoughts
• It is very easy to imagine this as an episode transcriped straight to text.
• This book is definitely worth the read if you are a fan of the series. The writing is not remarkable but is still very effective in its storytelling, which is arguably more important in this instance.
• I enjoy the excellent pacing just like an official episode, but as a reader, you are treated to much more than pure visuals in the form of multiple characters' mental musings, more detailed descriptions and entertaining metaphors.
4.5 / 5
• Mulder grew electric when faced with a mystery - while Scully was excited by the prospect of a solution.
• File cabinets were an FBI agent's pornography.
Thoughts
• It is very easy to imagine this as an episode transcriped straight to text.
• This book is definitely worth the read if you are a fan of the series. The writing is not remarkable but is still very effective in its storytelling, which is arguably more important in this instance.
• I enjoy the excellent pacing just like an official episode, but as a reader, you are treated to much more than pure visuals in the form of multiple characters' mental musings, more detailed descriptions and entertaining metaphors.
4.5 / 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2022
The medical parts of this novel are awful. Doesn't help that a disease that is central to the early half of the book is described way out from reality - and that I wrote a paper on it that specific disease and know very well how awful the descriptions of it are. Generally, all the medical scenes are from the worst TV has to offer.
The X-Files show, meanwhile, usually did a good job sourcing itself and would probably have quite the lengthy bibliography.
It was still X-Files fun and the author did a good job with the characters.
The X-Files show, meanwhile, usually did a good job sourcing itself and would probably have quite the lengthy bibliography.
It was still X-Files fun and the author did a good job with the characters.
August 18, 2022
3.5 stars
This book is a bit of a chaotic adventure mess, but better than some of the other books in this series. Racing from the tunnels of NYC to the tunnels beneath Thailand, this book never really hits stride to develop into a concise storyline. Overall it felt like reading two very different books that were only connected by the thinnest of threads.
That being said, both parts of the book were interesting. I highly preferred the Thailand section, but the humanization of the characters in the first part of the book was well written.
This book is a bit of a chaotic adventure mess, but better than some of the other books in this series. Racing from the tunnels of NYC to the tunnels beneath Thailand, this book never really hits stride to develop into a concise storyline. Overall it felt like reading two very different books that were only connected by the thinnest of threads.
That being said, both parts of the book were interesting. I highly preferred the Thailand section, but the humanization of the characters in the first part of the book was well written.
March 22, 2025
I refuse to rate this higher than three stars simply because the best part of this novel is Mulder and Skully but that is solely because of the show. Honestly I can only recommend this to fans of the show. It feels like DLC in a way with an international trip and cool monster. But there is nothing here for someone who is not a fan of the X-Files, obviously. And the book hardly reaches the highs the show can muster. Still, if you are a fan of the show and want more, you could do worse.
August 16, 2021
The idea was interesting & most of the book was well written. It was fast paced with lots of action. However the climax was predictable & a letdown for me after the exciting build up. It felt rushed, as if the writer couldn't wait to finish the story. It didn't end logically & the big question, Why, wasn't explained satisfactorily.
August 11, 2022
Mulder and Scully travel to Thailand when a skin transplant in NYC ends in murder. Was pretty good, one of those cases that ends in more questions than answers which was lame but typical of The X-Files. The author stayed true to the characters, they never seemed to stray far from who they were supposed to be which was good.
July 2, 2021
Unterhaltsame X-Akte: Scully und Mulder sind gut getroffen, die Handlung passt thematisch in die Serie und hier und da versüßen wortreiche Figuren- und Situationsbeschreibungen das Lesen. Zum Ende hin kann man sich vom Finale einfach mitziehen lassen. Empfehlenswert, kurzweilig.
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