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Vested Interest #1
A Vested Interest
Take a touch of humour, add some genetic science and nanotechnology. Steep with conspiracy and stir in murder and despair. Season with romance between three people in a secret location. Garnish with morality. The result is 'A Vested Interest', a novel series by John and Shelia Chapman Book 1 When Donna Rigden gets fed up with her job at D’Netics Research Facility she resigns. Big mistake! Donna is now on the hit list of one of the most notorious men in the corporate US. He has no morals and doesn’t accept the word no. Sir Richard Triplet, Donna’s new employer showers her with luxury and makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Now, once she’s signed the contract, he asks her to use her medical expertise to commit murder. Donna probably would have walked away, but she'd been swept off her feet. Richard sides against her; Donna feels hurt and betrayed. She turns to her best friend for help. Donna’s life is turned upside down. She must make a life changing choice. Once made, there’s no going back. Was it the right choice? When death strikes, the infirmary’s doctor is ordered to give his patient a mystery drug. He’s told the drug is either a cure or a curse. Will he stand by his Hippocratic Oath or follow orders?
494 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2010
About the author
John Chapman
14 books246 followersJohn works with his US wife, Shelia as a team to produce the 'A Vested Interest' series. John is from the UK. He and Shelia live out in the country in beautiful Northumberland, England.
John is a technophile and compulsive reader. He loves to explain in the same way as Asimov loved to explain.
He writes technothrillers, science fiction and short time travel stories. His latest work is a non-fiction book titled, "An Illustrated Guide to Getting Published - An Author 'How to…' Manual"
John is a technophile and compulsive reader. He loves to explain in the same way as Asimov loved to explain.
He writes technothrillers, science fiction and short time travel stories. His latest work is a non-fiction book titled, "An Illustrated Guide to Getting Published - An Author 'How to…' Manual"
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 12, 2012
Donna is a genetic scientist who quits her job at the start of the book. She then gets whisked away to London for her safety. This begins her journey into a world of secret orders, medical and technological advances beyond those known by the world, evil villans and secrets from her own past.
I picked up this book for free and am now half way through book #2. I read some of the reviews and wanted to make some comments.
First, yes, there are many references that include medical terms and technology terms. The authors weave this into the story very well. If medical/technology based details bother you; maybe you should avoid this series. I actually really enjoyed the technology angle- it is very fun to think about some of the things people have created in the authors world!
Second, the history and depth of the story line really drags you in. There are many unanswered things and from the looks of it around 8 books in the series to exapand upon the world!
Third, my biggest complaint is the character relationships. Donna, Ricky, Sam and Gary all come across as extremely immature when it comes to relationships/romance. I spent alot of time rolling my eyes at the ways these characters interacted with each other and felt like I was on a flash back to high school or maybe a bit of Gossip Girl inserted into the story. Gary tells Donna that he thinks Sam likes her. Ricky falls immediately in love with Donna with out any explanation and he breaks up with his current girlfriend that very day. Sam and Donna talk on the phone late night and he tells her that he loves her. All of this happens within a few days!
Overall, the story so far is interesting and fun. I did have to do a bit of glossing over the relationship aspects because it did not feel realistic for mature adults- but that has not ruined the story for me.
I picked up this book for free and am now half way through book #2. I read some of the reviews and wanted to make some comments.
First, yes, there are many references that include medical terms and technology terms. The authors weave this into the story very well. If medical/technology based details bother you; maybe you should avoid this series. I actually really enjoyed the technology angle- it is very fun to think about some of the things people have created in the authors world!
Second, the history and depth of the story line really drags you in. There are many unanswered things and from the looks of it around 8 books in the series to exapand upon the world!
Third, my biggest complaint is the character relationships. Donna, Ricky, Sam and Gary all come across as extremely immature when it comes to relationships/romance. I spent alot of time rolling my eyes at the ways these characters interacted with each other and felt like I was on a flash back to high school or maybe a bit of Gossip Girl inserted into the story. Gary tells Donna that he thinks Sam likes her. Ricky falls immediately in love with Donna with out any explanation and he breaks up with his current girlfriend that very day. Sam and Donna talk on the phone late night and he tells her that he loves her. All of this happens within a few days!
Overall, the story so far is interesting and fun. I did have to do a bit of glossing over the relationship aspects because it did not feel realistic for mature adults- but that has not ruined the story for me.
August 31, 2016
“A Vested Interest - Immortality Gene” by John and Shelia Chapman is a gripping and intriguing medical thriller and the edited version of "A Vested Interest".
Our heroine, scientist Donna, clashes with her boss Forrest when she applies for a new job in New York. She quits but is forced to relocate to London for her safety because her research is of great interest and her boss won’t let her go without a fight or serious threads.
The medical and technological part of the story is great science fiction and serves as a great and fascinating background for the also very accomplished thriller segments. A love triangle and more complications make this a rich and very rewarding first in a series.
A must for fans of science fiction and medical thrillers.
Our heroine, scientist Donna, clashes with her boss Forrest when she applies for a new job in New York. She quits but is forced to relocate to London for her safety because her research is of great interest and her boss won’t let her go without a fight or serious threads.
The medical and technological part of the story is great science fiction and serves as a great and fascinating background for the also very accomplished thriller segments. A love triangle and more complications make this a rich and very rewarding first in a series.
A must for fans of science fiction and medical thrillers.
December 15, 2012
I read this book since the description states it's a medical mystery. However, I found the medical portion of the story simply impossible to believe.
I also found the love story impossible to believe because the people involved were acting completely out of character based on the way the writers initially described them, and there was no arc describing their sudden personality changes.
I also found the love story impossible to believe because the people involved were acting completely out of character based on the way the writers initially described them, and there was no arc describing their sudden personality changes.
March 16, 2024
A Captivating Read
The story is a deep and emotional one that deals with love, betrayal, and the impact of advanced technology on people's lives. It looks at how different characters face tough choices and how their decisions show their personal struggles and values.
The main characters, like Richard, Sam, and Donna, are well-developed. Each one has their own story and problems, making them feel real and relatable. Donna stands out because she makes others want to be better people. The relationships between characters are complex and add a lot of emotion to the story.
Technology, especially nanotechnology and genetic engineering, plays a big role in the story. It brings up big questions about what is right and wrong, especially when it comes to things like creating life or trying to live forever. The story makes you think about the consequences of using such powerful technology.
The story moves along at a good pace, mixing exciting moments with quieter ones where characters think about what's happening. This balance keeps the story interesting while also letting important ideas come through.
However, there are many small storylines and scientific details that can make the story hard to follow at times. While these details make the story richer, they might also make it harder for some readers to keep up.
Bottom line:
The story is touching and makes you think. It's about how people deal with advanced technology and moral challenges. Even though it can be complicated, the story's heart is about human emotions and ethical questions, making it a meaningful and engaging read.
The story is a deep and emotional one that deals with love, betrayal, and the impact of advanced technology on people's lives. It looks at how different characters face tough choices and how their decisions show their personal struggles and values.
The main characters, like Richard, Sam, and Donna, are well-developed. Each one has their own story and problems, making them feel real and relatable. Donna stands out because she makes others want to be better people. The relationships between characters are complex and add a lot of emotion to the story.
Technology, especially nanotechnology and genetic engineering, plays a big role in the story. It brings up big questions about what is right and wrong, especially when it comes to things like creating life or trying to live forever. The story makes you think about the consequences of using such powerful technology.
The story moves along at a good pace, mixing exciting moments with quieter ones where characters think about what's happening. This balance keeps the story interesting while also letting important ideas come through.
However, there are many small storylines and scientific details that can make the story hard to follow at times. While these details make the story richer, they might also make it harder for some readers to keep up.
Bottom line:
The story is touching and makes you think. It's about how people deal with advanced technology and moral challenges. Even though it can be complicated, the story's heart is about human emotions and ethical questions, making it a meaningful and engaging read.
March 5, 2026
I gave up on this book. After 20 chapters the story had no cohesiveness or likeable characters. This was supposed to be a SCifi medical mystery and it turned out to be disjointed bad erotica. In the beginning of the story you think it will get exciting because the main character gets wounded but this is just a device to introduce her to a Doctor in the UK that she decides to fall into bed with over and over and over again. Meanwhile you are wondering when the meat of the story is going to take place. The men in the story act more like teenage horn dogs then scientists and I just couldn't take it anymore.
I did read some of other reviews which said there were prequels. If you wan to attempt this book I would check for these first maybe it would make more sense.
I did read some of other reviews which said there were prequels. If you wan to attempt this book I would check for these first maybe it would make more sense.
August 23, 2019
I'm at a loss what to say about this book. I wanted to give it 3.5 stars because it is well written but, although it is not quite fantasy, it stretches the reader's ability to connect with the characters to the limit. They are all either rich beyond belief, ruthless killers, top scientists in several fields, wildly attractive, amazing in the sack or have hints of fatastical abilities. Often they are an amalgamation of several of these. The underlying story is a good one but I was often confused by background stories that were talked about as if I should be familiar with them, though I don't think this is a sequel. Strong motives drive several of the characters, but they didn't quite convince me or I didn't understand them except at a surfacey level. However, apart from a few repetitive phrases that grated, I still felt it was a good read, although I'm left with the feeling that I need to re-read it. A book, perhaps, that needs to be read in huge chunks with great concentration! An interesting romp into imaginative genetics and high-powered, no-holds barred, big corporation tactics.
May 15, 2018
Fast pace read.
Enjoyed the fast pace and high technology. A very enjoyable story. I did not like the fact that the story was unresolved in the ending, forcing you to go to the next book in the series.
Enjoyed the fast pace and high technology. A very enjoyable story. I did not like the fact that the story was unresolved in the ending, forcing you to go to the next book in the series.
October 14, 2021
Excellent series
Love this series - so much drama and so intense! Makes you stop and think about things....beyond amazing! The authors keep you invested in the story and trying to guess what the next step is going to be!
Love this series - so much drama and so intense! Makes you stop and think about things....beyond amazing! The authors keep you invested in the story and trying to guess what the next step is going to be!
July 28, 2017
Intriguing story. Bought the rest of the series. Says it all, doesn't it? :-)
January 13, 2017
Muddled and Confused
When I purchased this book, it was on the basis of it being 'Book1' of a series. It wasn't until I had finished the book that I discovered there were prequels. It was so confusing that even at 99% there were references that I did not understand. (If I weren't someone who has to finish what they started, I would have abandoned the book a long time ago. Further, even without floundering in a story with no foundation and characters with no background, it was a very difficult read. I have rarely seen a book with so many misplaced commas which disrupt the flow of words. I may be doing the authors a disservice in that, had I been aware of, and read, the prequels, then I might have enjoyed the book. As it is, I will not be attempting to read any of the prequels or sequels.
When I purchased this book, it was on the basis of it being 'Book1' of a series. It wasn't until I had finished the book that I discovered there were prequels. It was so confusing that even at 99% there were references that I did not understand. (If I weren't someone who has to finish what they started, I would have abandoned the book a long time ago. Further, even without floundering in a story with no foundation and characters with no background, it was a very difficult read. I have rarely seen a book with so many misplaced commas which disrupt the flow of words. I may be doing the authors a disservice in that, had I been aware of, and read, the prequels, then I might have enjoyed the book. As it is, I will not be attempting to read any of the prequels or sequels.
February 16, 2014
I couldn't finish this book. I picked it up on Amazon because it was free for my Kindle and looked interesting... but I had to stop. It's just stupid. I'm all for mysterious mysteries that are mystifying, but these people seem to have written the book with word count in mind instead of plot. Every time the plot seems to be moving forward, i.e. we are learning more about the mysterious mystifying mystery, there is a pages long sex scene. Which is absolutely unnecessary. The people having sex also seem to have zero basis for their relationship. This book would be far more interesting if we could go more than 2 pages without butt-grabbing and saliva swapping. Note to the authors: if you want to write a story, don't use sex scenes to take up word count. It's lame and makes the reader lose interest. Quickly.
February 8, 2014
When the reviews mention romance, take note! That is the main focus of this ebook. The development of the virus and other cool sci-fi elements are only a minor part when compared to the romance and intrigue. Because of that I found this ebook slow-going. I found it frustrating, but not a real page-turner.
The ending was more like a chapter ending, similar to a 'to be continued...' style ending. There are some things that get resolved, but only to open up new questions.
If you only tolerate romance for the sake of the science-fiction, you will probably find this story very slow and frustrating.
The ending was more like a chapter ending, similar to a 'to be continued...' style ending. There are some things that get resolved, but only to open up new questions.
If you only tolerate romance for the sake of the science-fiction, you will probably find this story very slow and frustrating.
September 8, 2016
“A Vested Interest” by John and Shelia Chapman is a gripping and intriguing medical thriller. Our heroine, scientist Donna, clashes with her boss Forrest when she applies for a new job in New York. She quits but is forced to relocate to London for her safety because her research is of great interest and her boss won’t let her go without a fight or serious threads.
The medical and technological part of the story is great science fiction and serves as a great and fascinating background for the also very accomplished thriller segments. A love triangle and more complications make this a rich and very rewarding first in a series.
A must for fans of science fiction and medical thrillers.
The medical and technological part of the story is great science fiction and serves as a great and fascinating background for the also very accomplished thriller segments. A love triangle and more complications make this a rich and very rewarding first in a series.
A must for fans of science fiction and medical thrillers.
September 3, 2013
This story begins with an immediate hook that leaves you fully immersed in the plot. As the story builds, an intricate web of story elements is revealed. There is action abound, artistically interspersed with complicated relationships, echoes form the past, glimpses into the future and most notably secrets! There is an intriguing overlay of technology that gives the story an element of believability. The romantic element that evolved into a full-scale love triangle served as a nice backdrop to the ever building twists and turns to the plot! This book was an enjoyable read that held my focus!
January 25, 2013
Picked this up from a recommended list for free books. Forgot about it until one night I was flipping through what books I had. Couldn't remember what it was about but it was an easy read and I did want to know what was happening next. I think the book would be suited for my daughter in a couple of years rather than an adult author. But if you're looking for an easy read, this should be a consideration.
March 22, 2015
I suggest this book to everyone that wants to read it because it's the number one book my book I wish that there was more to it and more fax but I loved it
Knows this book I believe that is number one in my rating and nine when you get all the chapters all the other ones including the sequels I really enjoyed this book
Knows this book I believe that is number one in my rating and nine when you get all the chapters all the other ones including the sequels I really enjoyed this book
Want to Read
October 4, 2012Kindle freebie, 10/4/12
December 12, 2012
Good read, wi
ll get book in the "Saga"
ll get book in the "Saga"
April 6, 2013
Book is fast paced, but definitely not as great as I originally thought it would be. Maybe the rest of the series will tie it all together.
September 4, 2013
This story is fast paced and easy to read.
December 22, 2013
. . . a good book for light reading and imaginative fantasy. If you are a med tech or psychologist don't bother 'cause you'll rip it apart ! ! !
September 21, 2014
Wonderful read. I can hardly wait to get the next one. Come on Donna, you can do it!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews