Lethal Harvest

Bioethics #1

by William R. Cutrer, Sandra L. Glahn

In order to save the president's life, a brilliant embryologist— the president's nephew — made a "devil's bargain" with a secret group of federal agents. But Tim Sullivan's illegal genetic manipulations of human embryos place everyone he knows at risk. Before he can finish his work, a freakish accident kills him and leaves only troubling questions behind.

Now his partner, Ben McKay, and Tim's widow, Marnie, must uncover the hidden truth about Tim’s research before more lives are swept away. In the process, they’re forced to face their feelings for each other and the dark secrets in their own pasts. This story of love, loss, and danger crosses international borders from Mexico to the former Soviet Union in order to answer one searing question: if Tim's research is completed, what form will the strange and dangerous harvest take?

Ambition, jealousy, and the ultimate meaning of love move this riveting story through the dark labyrinth that may lie buried under breakthroughs in genetic research and cloning.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Christian

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

William Cutrer, M.D, is C. Edwin Gheens Associate Professor of Christian Ministry at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is a recognized expert in reproductive technology and medical ethics and is a licensed obstetrician/gynecologist who specialized in the treatment of infertility.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is centered on cutting edge medical procedures. Readers interested in IVF, cloning, and stem cell research will find a great deal of information included in the plot.

The story revolves around the work of an embryologist and his experiments manipulating human embryos. He is a partner in a fertility clinic helping couples who are having trouble conceiving. A high profile couple from Mexico uses the clinic's services, resulting in the birth of twins. It is clear from their skin and hair color, that the twin girls are not the offspring of the husband. He sues the clinic and the lives of the three doctors are forever changed.

This novel contains a vast amount of medical information regarding fertilization, DNA, cloning, and stem cell research. For me, it was too much information. I would have preferred the novel concentrate on one aspect of the several cutting edge medical issues involved. The novel could have then been a little shorter and, for me, a little more readable.

The plot is complex. The embryologist is experimenting in embryo stem cell research because his family, including a very high public official, is suffering from a debilitating neurological disease. He has the secret help of government officials, something that seems unrealistic to me.

There is a good Christian message included in the book. Two of the doctors are committed Christians and we read of their witnessing to the third, the rogue embryologist. There is some suspense in the novel too, as the secret government officials are willing to kill to keep the covert research from being made public. There is also a little romance involved, although it takes a back seat to the medical research topic.

I recommend this novel to those with serious interest in issues like stem cell research. You'll receive a great deal of information while reading the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Godly Gadfly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian medical thriller meets secular romance (4 stars)

This novel is one part medical thriller, another part romance. After Marnie Sullivan's husband Tim is killed in a car crash, she begins a budding romance with his former business partner Ben McKay, and they both find themselves trying to untangle the mystery that Tim left behind as their firm is confronted with a strange lawsuit.

The medical thriller was very well written, and I appreciated the levels of suspense, as well as how this was integrated with cutting issues relating to IVF and genetic technologies. The ethical questions arising from this were well handled from a Biblical perspective, which I appreciated.

I was less enthusiastic about the romantic element: the two main characters were already starting to fall in love at the memorial service of the woman's husband, and much of the romance focused on outward appearances and feeling good. It was all too quick, and all too perfect, and I think it gives readers a warped perspective on love, one that seems more secular than Christian. But this weakness aside, the book was a good read, and I look forward to checking out the sequel.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally read medical fiction. I think I've read a couple and I vaguely remember reading the final book in this series years ago. (before I knew it was a trilogy.) An interesting look into the ethics of scientific research from a christian perspective.
I would like to reiterate, this is a christian book. Faith and God are big factors, in depiction of medical ethics and whether or not it's moral/ right to experiment on embryos. So please keep that in mind.
Overall it's a quick read, easy to follow, even with all the medical stuff going on.
Recommended? Sure, it's not a bad book
Buy/Borrow? Borrow

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three words: Christian. Medical. Thriller. Plus a dash of politics and romance. Read it!

[Christy Foss · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blah. I was so excited about the premise of this one, but I was so bored. I forced myself to read at least 100 pages, but honestly I didn't enjoy it.

[Lesley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely horrible. Among other things. It is poorly written and the characters lack depth.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.




Book Description:




"A Machiavellian plot . . . [and] a satisfying medical thriller." —Library Journal
In order to save the president's life, a brilliant embryologist— the president's nephew & MD has made a "devil's bargain" with a secret group of federal agents. But Tim Sullivan's illegal genetic manipulations of human embryos place everyone he knows at risk. Before he can finish his work, a freakish accident kills him and leaves only troubling questions behind.

Now his partner, Ben McKay, and Tim's widow, Marnie, must uncover the hidden truth about Tim’s research before more lives are swept away. In the process, they’re forced to face their feelings for each other and the dark secrets in their own pasts. This story of love, loss, and danger crosses international borders from Mexico to the former Soviet Union in order to answer one searing question: if Tim's research is completed, what form will the strange and dangerous harvest take?

Ambition, jealousy, and the ultimate meaning of love move this riveting story through the dark labyrinth that may lie buried under breakthroughs in genetic research and cloning.





My Thoughts:




Lethal Harvest is the first book in William Richard Cutrer, MD and Sandra Glahn series, Bioethics and it is fantastic. This book was previously published in 2000 and this is an updated version. Lethal Harvest is the first book from these authors I have had the pleasure of reading. Cutrer and Glahn write with authority on genetics, OB-GYN practices, bio engineered life, Akenosis, missionary work, Chaplin duties, human embryos, and lab practices. From the first page, the action starts and continues until the end. This book keeps you guessing until the last pages. Lethal Harvest is a book that looks at controversial procedures of genetic manipulations of human embryos and stem cells, under the idea that a human being can be made with just one set of DNA. I found myself unable to put this book down. Cutrer and Glahn's writing style is very interesting, using terms that someone not of the medical field could understand what was happening medically. I can say I really learned a lot from their writing. The characters in this book are normal people dealing with extraordinary circumstances that they are thrown into. I really enjoyed Marnie's character. She was married to Tim who died and finds herself in question of everything. Her journey from non believer to believer is inspiring and real. Her strength throughout this book is inspirational, her ability to survive everything she went through and how she held on and leaned on her faith and God really gave me something to think about. I really found this book bring up many emotions in me. I found myself crying in parts and holding my breath in others. The medical research into Akenosis revealed that not only could this cure it but could cure Alzheimer's disease really hit home for me. I lost my dad 4 months ago to Alzheimer's and it really made me question how I feel about genetic research, cloning, and genetic manipulation when looking at it from a personal standpoint. Cutrer and Glahn present all sides of these issues including medically and spiritually. They definitely show where faith comes into this issue and how it does affect how this issue is looked at. It is easy for these ideas to be black and white until you are looking at these diseases and the hope for a cure. This story definitely looked at the dangerous side of ambition and the question of how far is too far in genetic research and cloning. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Medical Suspense, you will not be disappointed. I cannot say enough good about this book and these authors. I look forward to reading the other two books in this series, to see where all of this goes. I give this book 5 STARS.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who hasn't heard of the latest claims of advocates for stem-cell research? Claims that with medical advancement, diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancers and more might be eliminated with the cloning of human cells to reproduces the cells necessary to reverse these affects. It has all been fiction, until now or is it really?

The current President of the United States is being to show signs that he may not be as healthy as his doctors and the press are claiming and when investigative reporters get a hold of a story, they won't let go. That is precisely why Tim Sullivan is so adamant about finding a cure for a disease known as akenosis, which is a deterioration of the nerve cells that will eventually kill those in whom it affects. In Tim's family it is all hereditary in males around the age of 40 and as the nephew of the President, he has been given government funds to find a cure before the President succumbs to the illness.

But as one of three researchers, working in the Center for Fertility Enhancement, Tim is using his free time to make advancement that his colleagues are unaware of and will have dangerous and deadly implications for them all. When Mexico's mayor decides to proceed with a fertility treatment, is unleashes a lawsuit on the center that will not only threaten to shut them down, but will seeing that those in charge pay with their lives when complications arise with the birth of the twin girls.

I received Lethal Harvest by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my personal and unbiased opinions. While the plot and characters of Lethal Harvest are fictional, the techniques portrayed in this novel are as real as today's headlines. The liberty of inventing a disease and a few of the technological procedures are fictional, the research portrayed is both accurate and ongoing for the potential of both good and evil as the author's note states. This is chilling to know that this type of research is being conducted with often times private funding to keep the governments hands cleans even though they are fully aware that this is happening. It definitely keeps the reader on the edge of their seat to see how this one will all play out in the end. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and the 2000 version of Lethal Harvest is available for free for the Kindle, but has since been updated for this generation with all the advancements in technology.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a re-release with updated technology information! I never read the original version of this book but I'm fairly sure it did not include the sophisticated medical advancements, along with technology such as cell phones.

This book is steeped in mystery, drama, and a little bit of romance. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you are reading and trying to figure out exactly what happened to the twins and how they got in the situation they were in. A lot of smaller mysteries surrounding the embryo clinic and it's studies. Suspense amongst friends and colleagues. This book will appeal to those with a scientific mind, especially concerning IVF, stem cells, and biotechnology. There is a Christian theme woven throughout and the end result came as somewhat of a surprise to me.

The characters are well developed but I have an issue with a particular couple in the book. Without going into much detail and giving away any spoilers, I felt that a certain male character made some pretty fast moves onto another character considering the situation. That bothered me a bit, especially give the man's position. However, that situation also shows that man is not perfect and that sometimes it's hard to control emotions and feelings.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the thrill and mystery behind it, I did give this three stars because I don't feel that the themes were all interwoven as much as I would have liked. The situation with the couple really concerns me, especially since this is promoted as a Christian novel. I'm also concerned about the ethics involving the clinic and it's practices in regards to Christianity. However, to come to the defense of those doctors, they were not all Christians. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it with caution to readers. Know your ground and where you stand before you read this book as it could attempt to sway your convictions one way or another.

I received this book from Kregel Publications in return for my honest review, which you have received here.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy nominee Lethal Harvest by Sandra Gahn and the late William Cutrer was first released sixteen years ago. But its emphasis on the gap between medical technology and ethics is still relevant today. A page-turning look into what can go wrong when moral values are disregarded, this novel is a good choice for fans of medical suspense. It also has a unique romance thread that also emphasizes God’s will over human desires.

A mix-up in the fertility clinic owned by partners Luc Morgan, Tim Sullivan and Ben McKay precipitates a lawsuit with far-reaching implications. Adding to the tension is the disappearance and presumed death of Dr. Sullivan. As the weeks progress, more and more information becomes available, but nothing is clear, except some strange things were going on at the clinic. As government agencies and shady operatives become involved, the danger increases, causing Marnie Sullivan, Dr. Sullivan’s surviving spouse, and Dr. McKay to look into secrets that more than one person wants left alone.

Cutting edge medical procedures are examined by the authors in the light of God’s moral laws. Several discussions, both pro and con, for the free exercise of research in order to promote the greater good are presented within the fictional framework. Never preachy, they do give the reader a lot to think about. As a suspense novel, Lethal Harvest succeeds in keeping the reader guessing. A romance between Marnie and Ben develops, but the characters act in the light of their Christian worldview, rather than what the world would deem acceptable. That is the heart of the novel — God’s view vs. the world’s view — in ethics, love and life in general. Characters are presented with God’s truth and freely accept or refuse the offers of grace, peace and salvation.

If you are looking for a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat as well as giving you much to ponder, then check out Lethal Harvest.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Kregel for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Harvest is a book about Tim Sullivan who worked at The Center for Fertility Enhancement and he is desperately trying to find a cure for his uncle, who was also the president of the United States. His whole male relatives had a condition called akenosis, which causes the whole motor system to shut down over time. He was dead set in researching embryos and genetic manipulating them in order to find a cure. He turns up missing and people are trying to figure out what happened. One of Tim lab partners accidently used the wrong eggs and instead creates twins of their mother and this cause chaos to erupt. His wife, Marnie and one of his lab partners, Ben McKay team up to try and find out the truth of his disappearance.

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who enjoys reading a medical thriller. I loved how the authors described the medical research behind reproduction and cells. You could tell they knew a lot about how to explain where readers could understand what does into cells research. I liked the character of Marnie and how the authors shared her struggles with believing in God and how she begin to trust Him. I liked how the authors shared how Tim and Marnie marriage struggled when Marnie became pregnant and how he wanted an abortion if it was a boy and how she wasn’t going to. It turned out to be a girl. But this was the first big thing in their marriage that she struggled with forgiving him for his harsh words. I think this was what helped also to try and find a cure for this disease. He didn’t want anyone else to go through the pain of losing the men in their family. I loved how the book contained a great deal of mystery and I also liked how the book showed the lawsuit and the court room battle over the embryos. I loved how exciting it was to read! I feel like I was taught a lot about fertility centers and what all goes on during their procedures.

"I received this book free from the publisher from Kregel Publications book review bloggers program."

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Harvest
By William Cutrer
and Sandra Glahn

Tim Sullivan's unexpected death has rocked the life of his family and his business partners. That his death has followed so quickly after his business has had a lawsuit brought against it is unfortunate. As Tim's widow Marnie works with his business partners Ben McKay and Lucas Morgan to unlock the secrets Tim took with him unsettling discoveries come to light.

Tim left behind evidence of highly sensitive and morally questionable research. Research that could potentially create international shock waves. But was Tim's research the reason someone has taken an unusual level of interest in those Tim left behind? Or is there another that they have yet to discover.

As Marnie deals with her loss, she has to come to the realization that the life she had and the future she wanted are gone. This new chapter in her life has Marnie, with the help of Ben, exploring the spiritual and eternal aspects of her existence.

Lethal Harvest is a suspense-filled journey that delves into the question of how far is too far? Is there ever too high a price to pay in the name of research? As those left behind struggle with understanding what Tim was working on, someone is lurking in the shadows trying to determine the answers to questions of their own. And everyone involved with Tim personally and professionally may be at risk.

Lethal Harvest is a book that will open your eyes to the potential benefits and detriments that medical achievements can yield. If you are looking for a medical suspense that will keep you turning the pages this book will do this. But this more than a medical suspense as it delves into lives of those involved and their faith or lack thereof.

These are characters whom I enjoyed (for the most part) and would enjoy getting to know better.

I was provided a copy of this book by publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lethal Harvest” is one of those novels that will make you think and will challenge your beliefs. As a fast-paced medical suspense the story seems to move at breakneck speed at times only to slow down just enough to try the reader’s patience. I honestly believe there was purpose behind that method because it certainly kept me turning the pages.

In a time when medicine is advancing quickly and technology has opened even more possibilities, the question of ethics should be considered. Just because something is now possible, is it appropriate? That is exactly the scenario that takes place in “Lethal Harvest”. A brilliant researcher secretly breaks the law as he works with human embryos in an attempt to find a cure for a devastating disease that affects his family which happens to include the President of the United States. A chance mistake brings other players into the picture and his death brings danger to the door of his widow and his partners.

“Lethal Harvest” held my attention throughout the entire book with ample danger, action, drama, and even a romance to keep it interesting. The story was very readable for one that included so many medical terms and procedures. Characters were mostly likeable and believable and a strong message of faith was woven throughout the narrative.

This particular version of “Lethal Harvest” has been updated by the surviving author to include such modern devices as cell phones and the story itself fits very well into current history. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys medical suspense.

A copy of this book was provided for review by Kregel Publications.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]In the midst of an incendiary malpractice lawsuit, the Center for Fertility and Enhancement loses its brightest embryologist, Dr. Tim Sullivan, in a freak traffic accident. When a bomb destroys the lab and almost kills one of Sullivan's partners, Dr. Luc Morgan, remaining partner Dr. Ben McKay, an ordained minister, and Marnie Sullivan, Tim's widow, begin to piece together discrepancies involving Tim's determination to cure akenosis, a disease affecting his uncle, the President of the United States. As a Machiavellian plot comes to light, everyone connected to the clinic is in danger. (from L.J. Review[return][return][return][return][return]Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]The authors makes the story plausible enough, depsite the disease that Tim and the president suffer from being made up. The medical/ethical issues are a great hook. The characters are not greatly developed, seeming somewhat stereotypical. I really had trouble with Tim "dying" and then later contacting his wife via istant message. And his wife's reactions didn't seem to reflect the emotion that that would put someone through (though I wasn't duped that he was dead). Ben, the Christian, and the conversion scenes seem a little too pollyannna, as does the whirlwind romance. [return][return][return]How Good is it?[return]Nice exploration of a medical/ethical dilemma, but lacks somewhat in character devlopment.

[Karla Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Sullivan a brilliant embryologist, the nephew of the United States President, married to Marnie, and has a beautiful daughter named Emily has the prefect life, except for one thing Multifocal Hypermyelination Syndrome (MHS) also known as Akenosis. It runs in his family and only passes from father to son in the family. It is a Y-Chromosome defect. It can cause emotional swings, forgetfullness, and loss of motor control. Tim spent most of his time at the clinic him and his two friends Ben McKay and Lucas Morgan built together. They mainly handly invirtofertilization (IVF) to help married couples have children when they could not get pregnant on their own. Then a lawsuit is brought up against the clinic for a malpractice suit. During this time Tim suddenly dies, but yet he is not dead. He was given a different name and life so he could continue on with the research to find a cure for Akenosis. He had several patients down in Dallas, Texas each had a different neurological defect. He transplanted cells into their brains called LG cells, along with his own. Soon one by one of them die. He contacts his wife to see her again and tell her goodbye.
But that is not all that happens in the book. This is one heck of an amazing read and keeps you gripped until the end of the book.
William Cutrer, M.D. and Sandra Glahn are excellant authors and they know how to get your attention and keep it caught. This is a must read for all the adults. I recommend this book with a 5 star rating.

[Nicko · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I have read other Christian novels and actually enjoyed them.

So imagine you are Christian. No wait, you are SO Christian that you are a chaplain. Now imagine that your best friend dies tragically and you are asked to help with the arrangements and also perform the funeral ceremony.

So now please explain to me in what Christian denomination it's cool to want to tap your best friend's widow immediately following the funeral? And how am I, as the reader, supposed to feel sympathetic about said creepy hero and said widow who is more than willing to feel joyful over the fact her husband died so she would have the chance to hook up with the aforementioned creep? Every other character is plastic (like the daughter who can care less her father died) or completely irrelevant to anything (Mexican henchman). And yes, there is a Mexican henchman in this story.

I was reading this book and thinking "Surely I am being punked". But nope. This abomination is for real.

The authors were so invested in their attempt to preach how their religion is right and you (because you're not them) are wrong that they forgot to string their words together in something that actually resembles literature. The result, which can only be called "book" loosely, is an exercise on how long you can read without gagging.

Final note to the "authors": If you are going to use it, learn Greek. Or ask a Greek person for help. You word definitions were a joke (and sadly the only amusement I got out of this).

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A medical mystery involving ethical issues in the fertility field, Lethal Harvest gives a glimpse of what could be a very chilling future. The book offers a fascinating look at the job of an embryologist and the ethical temptation for genetic manipulation.

Drs. Lucas Morgan, Ben McKay, and Tim Sullivan are partners in a fertility clinic. Just as the practice is in its zenith, Dr. Morgan gets served papers in a malpractice suit. The plaintiff alleges that a mistake was made during a procedure and the paternity of twin girls is questioned.

The case is complicated by the death of Dr. Tim Sullivan, the one in charge of all the preparations for the case in question. As Dr. Morgan fights to keep the practice going, disturbing information comes out about his former partner. The more he learns, the more he realizes that he didn't know his partner all that well. And Mrs. Sullivan is left with lots of questions about all those late nights "working." And to make matters even worse, the plaintiff is employing some less than legal ways of trying to find answers for himself.

Sullivan's widow teams up with Dr. McKay to try to make sense of what Sullivan may have been involved in while trying to handle her grief and raise a daughter on her own. You'll want to grab a copy of Lethal Harvest to find out what happens in this fast-paced medical thriller!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Lethal Harvest from Kregel Publications for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I requested this book that I had read it before. Had I known that, I would still have requested it. This is an updated version of the book, and it had been so long since I had read the original back in 2000 that I had forgotten everything. It was like reading it for the first time.

This was a great book. My favorite genre' is mystery/suspense. and this book had plenty of it coupled with medical drama. I didn't always understand the terminology of some of the procedures discussed among the main characters, but most of it was easy enough to understand that I was able to still enjoy the book.

I found the main characters very likable - well, most of them. Ben, combination doctor and chaplain; though fictional, made me want to be a better man and Christian just reading about him.

I felt the authors did a great job of exploring the ethics and morality of different procedures using embryos and other medical issues in the story. The authors were also unafraid to address topics of salvation and eternity.

When I started reading the book, I intended to read just part of it. However, I got into the book that I kept reading until it was done. This is a very enjoyable and suspenseful read that left me wanting to read the other books in the series.

This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Sullivan is a brilliant scientist who specializes in embryology. When his car skids off of an icy D.C. road into the Potomac River, his widow, Marnie, and his business partner, Ben McKay are left behind to discover Tim’s secret research. More and more questions arise, and the pair must figure out what Tim was working on, and how it relates to Tim’s Uncle Cal, who just happens to be the President of the United States.

More lives are at stake as an unknown government agency works to keep Tim’s research a secret. Tim’s work may have gone further than even he had ever imagined, but the repercussions could be disastrous.

Overall, this Christian suspense novel was a pretty good read. This 2016 release is an update of the original 2000 publication. It has a plot that keeps you interested, and realistic characters that keep you caring. As much as I like science, I did find some of the discussion of research and procedures to be a little tedious, but they are important to the story, and the concepts are interesting. It’s also a great jumping board for thinking or discussion about God in science, and the ethical stance of a Christian in regards to genetic research and cloning.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, let me just say that I love Kregel Publications and their blog tours because I receive books that,otherwise, may not come across my line of reading and I'm introduced to new authors.
So, when I received Lethal Harvest, I was intrigued with the cover. When I think of a harvest I don't envision needles. So, right away I knew this wasn't a harvest of farm goods. No ... this is something much more sinister.
Tim Sullivan has been working with illegal genetic manipulations of human embryos. And then an accident takes place, leaving troubling questions in his wake.
This suspenseful story raises some great questions on genetic research as the plot centers around Ben McKay, Tim's partner and Marnie, Tim's widow.
As Ben and Marnie become more involved in finding out the truth, they also come face to face with decisions and lies they never imagined.
This is for the reader who loves suspense and a great story line!
A grandtastic read!

*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting and it is covered with a Genesis 5020 message of what the enemy wanted to use for harm God can use for good. Love that.
I will say at first I wasn’t sure what to think. I thought the relationship between Ben and Marnie moved a bit too quickly after Tim’s death. But the marriage wasn’t great so I guess I could see that possibly happening. Also, due to the story line it kind of had to happen that way.
But the more I got into the story the more I enjoyed it. I really liked the medical and ethical side of it. It made me think about things and gave an understanding of where people with a different perspective are coming from even if I don’t agree with them.
Faith was woven in very well, the opportunity for salvation presented a couple of times.
Overall I did enjoy this book. If you are looking for something a little different this might be the book for you.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging drama set in the context of real life ethical dilemmas.
The nephew (Dr. Tim Sullivan) of the President of the United States is dead!
Was it a freakish accident or is it related to the sudden lawsuit that he was involved with?
Can his colleague, Dr. Ben McKay, uncover the hidden truths before it is too late?
And what about Marnie Sullivan (Tim's widow)-- is she in danger too?

This gripping novel is full of love, ambition, jealousy, Christianity, genetic research, cloning and the ethics of certain medical procedures.

Contains some unexpected twists and turns; you won't want to put it down! I thought it was better than "False Positive" in several ways; the main plot, the development of the characters and the suspense.

[Sharee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lethal Harvest is a story that kept me on my toes. No laid back, easy reading here. It’s a complicated medical thriller that weaves the possibility of government and medical conspiracy. I felt for the widow of Dr. Tim Sullivan, who gets sucked into her husband’s secret world after his death. Along with his two partners, she finds herself trying to unravel a twisted series of events leading up to the threat of a lawsuit.
It’s an intense read, a little overdone with medical terminology but well written overall.
I received Lethal Harvest from Kregel Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve provided here.
https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...

[Deb Brammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had an interesting plot line dealing with a man who oversteps his bounds in genetic engineering in an attempt to do a greater good. Most of the story deals with the widow and a coworker he leaves behind.
On the good side, the Christians in this story really tried to do the right thing in very difficult and confusing circumstances. On the other side, as a fiction story, sometimes information dumping interrupted the story and it read more like a research journal than a personal story. I did care about the characters, however, and enjoyed the story even though it was heavy at times.

[Jaclynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2nd book I've read by the authors and this one was just as compelling. Dive into the world of Christian Medical Sci-Fi with this thrilling novel. Involving the ethical questions of frozen embryos being used for research to find a cure for akenosis, a malpractice lawsuit and the death of an embryologist, this book is hard to put down! And in the end, man finds out that he cannot play God. Only God is the creator of life, no matter how small.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work of faith-based fiction and its sequel were freebies for my Kindle, and I was able to read this during my travels last week. Despite some medical term heavy dialogue, it was a light read that was enjoyable and engaging. What I appreciate about good Christian fiction is that there is always some struggle in at least one of the characters' lives with which I can identify, and often there is either conviction or reassurance in their circumstances and how they deal with them.

[Michael Peloquin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This novel was terrible, I had to read this for a class called Medicine and Ethics and seriously what a pain. It is basically expressing that human embryonic research has a great deal of ethical issues alongside its potential cures for diseases. A lame romantic story, inconsistent characters with a really banal twist... Anyhow if you like I am glad you could enjoy it more than I did!

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much religion infused. Save it.

[Mary Lindemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention grabbing

You won't want to put the book down! This really holds your attention. Can't wait for the next exciting sequel.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read if you are into Medical Science and mystery.