The Kindling Effect

by Peter Hernon

It all starts with the secrets inside the Hartigan Clinic, secrets that Dr. John Brook discovers after he lands a coveted job conducting electromagnetic brain experiments on a group of prisoners, attempting to control their criminal impulses. Soon he notices that these procedures are having the opposite effect and are making his patients increasingly disturbed, turning them into killers.

Along with Dr. Jenny Malone, he begins a clandestine investigation of his power-hungry boss, Dr. Robert Hartigan, and his security chief, Tom Brody. Just as they are unfolding the medical mystery, two of the prisoners escape, beginning a horrifying killing spree across St. Louis and its surrounding areas.

To bring this whole adventure to a stop, Brook and Jenny Malone must find the prisoners before Hartigan and Brody track them down and kill them. This sets off a multi-pronged chase that leads to a thrilling shoot-out at a boathouse by a frozen lake and a breathtaking showdown in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Genres: Fiction

373 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Emma Louise]

This was such a good book once I got into it. As a psychology student, I found the experimental aspects of it to be fascinating. It was quite a thrilling experience and I was extremely satisfied with the ending. It wasn’t ambiguous and annoying. A good find from a free little library :)

[Steve]

the brains of mentally handicapped prisoners are being tested for medical reasons. they don't know they're turning into monsters.