Mortality

by Steven Ford

While working at the De Leon Life Extension Center, where a new anti-aging therapy is being tested, plastic surgeon and recovering alcoholic Paul Tobins discovers that essential procedures and protocols are not being followed, resulting in the death of several patients. Original.

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 6, 2003

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Compelling medical thriller about a single father trying desperately to prolong and better his son’s life by any means necessary. A bit far-fetched, but thoroughly readable novel, with characters you love to hate. There is Alicia, at De Leon researching her sister’s treatment there, supposedly she is an emotionally hardened woman who fears getting close to anyone, but after being molested by Karla, the first thing she does is let Paul bunk with her and engages not only in sexual acts but also manages to develop serious feelings for him. Must be a hell of a looker. Some plot holes were annoying, such as after being beaten and bloodied at the car tunnel, Paul and Alicia next show up at the airport apparently none the worse for wear. And I’m curious as to the effects of Rejuvenol on Zach. Was his listlessness to be the equivalent of the primal urges experienced by others? Why didn’t he lash out at the unfortunate nurse in some way? Also, I can’t help but wonder if Paul ever ended up telling Alicia about his own consensual illicit encounter with the disgusting creature, Karla. Plus, I just can’t fathom why they bothered to chase Ethan down on Coral Key in a hurricane knowing full well that his intent was to return to the Miami hospital. Surely it would be more prudent to alert the authorities so they could act upon his return. I guess that’s why it’s fiction. That said, it really is an enjoyable read that makes you think about what is truly important.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content Warnings in book: SA, suicide
Probably a 2 1/2 star. Very suspenseful in parts but also very over-the-top and ridiculous in others. And a lot of the excess comes at the very end. It probably should have ended about 50 or so pages earlier than it did.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good suspense. Sort of a medical mystery/suspense.
This is about an anti-aging spa in Florida. A Doctor is conducting stem cell research to try to find a cure for his son's Progeria.
He opens the anti-aging spa, and makes great progress, but then starts going overboard.
He brings in an aging Olympic hopeful for the diet and exercise position and a de-licensed plastic surgeon.
So who is the one causing all the troubles? Read to find out.

[Don Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not much effort is required to suspend disbelief in the face of this expertly developed plot of intrigue, deception and betrayal in a medical clinic setting. Is any moral, ethical or economic price too high to pay for eternal youth? This book is as highly entertaining as it is concisely written. In a word, MORTALITY is brilliant!

[Dawn]

Interesting idea and shows to what end some might go to save a child.