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Irreparable Harm
A fight for life. A battle for right.
Attorney Mitchell Taylor is trapped in a lose-lose situation.
Bright but inexperienced attorney Mitchell Taylor is torn between warring personal and professional interests. Can he help his client–a young surrogate mother–and save the child she carries without sealing the fate of others? The compelling answer lies in Randy Singer’s new legal thriller Irreparable Harm.
When Dr. Nathan Brown and his wife, Cameron, undergo a controversial method of in vitro fertilization, some of their cloned embryos are used to achieve a pregnancy in surrogate Maryna Sareth while the others are cryogenically preserved. Dr. Brown’s premature death, however, and mounting evidence that the baby has Down’s Syndrome unleash a legal, ethical, and moral firestorm that will determine the future of thousands of unborn children.
Dr. Brown’s dying wish is that the remaining embryos be used for stem cell research. His wife wants to force the abortion of the baby Maryna carries in hopes that one of the remaining embryos can produce a “healthy†child. Meanwhile, Mitchell wrestles with an agonizing ethical dilemma: Can he protect the embryos, which requires that a federal legislative ban on cloning be overturned, while at the same time helping the beautiful young surrogate save the child she carries–possible only if the ban is upheld?
With time running out, Mitchell and Maryna must run a gauntlet of bioethical nightmares, corporate treachery, and life-threatening confrontations if they are to save the unborn and avoid Irreparable Harm.
Attorney Mitchell Taylor is trapped in a lose-lose situation.
Bright but inexperienced attorney Mitchell Taylor is torn between warring personal and professional interests. Can he help his client–a young surrogate mother–and save the child she carries without sealing the fate of others? The compelling answer lies in Randy Singer’s new legal thriller Irreparable Harm.
When Dr. Nathan Brown and his wife, Cameron, undergo a controversial method of in vitro fertilization, some of their cloned embryos are used to achieve a pregnancy in surrogate Maryna Sareth while the others are cryogenically preserved. Dr. Brown’s premature death, however, and mounting evidence that the baby has Down’s Syndrome unleash a legal, ethical, and moral firestorm that will determine the future of thousands of unborn children.
Dr. Brown’s dying wish is that the remaining embryos be used for stem cell research. His wife wants to force the abortion of the baby Maryna carries in hopes that one of the remaining embryos can produce a “healthy†child. Meanwhile, Mitchell wrestles with an agonizing ethical dilemma: Can he protect the embryos, which requires that a federal legislative ban on cloning be overturned, while at the same time helping the beautiful young surrogate save the child she carries–possible only if the ban is upheld?
With time running out, Mitchell and Maryna must run a gauntlet of bioethical nightmares, corporate treachery, and life-threatening confrontations if they are to save the unborn and avoid Irreparable Harm.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
7 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Randy Singer
24 books458 followersRandy Singer is a critically acclaimed author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned nine legal thrillers, including his award-winning debut novel Directed Verdict. In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"—part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and ethics at Regent Law School and serves on the school's Board of Visitors. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 28, 2019
2.5 stars
Tackles some interesting and controversial legal and moral questions but the characters were a little flat and there were some frankly, very cheesy moments which detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
Tackles some interesting and controversial legal and moral questions but the characters were a little flat and there were some frankly, very cheesy moments which detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
April 28, 2022
I see why it was popular when it was published, but now, and especially as someone who has worked in conjunction with the legal system before now working in the legal system, I feel this needs an update of some kind. Now as a look at the world in 2003, it's good.
But seriously Mitchell? THAT'S the choice you make? SMH.
Recommended 13+ for violence, death, alcoholism, surrogacy and its implications, mentions of abortion, and mentions of human trafficking.
But seriously Mitchell? THAT'S the choice you make? SMH.
Recommended 13+ for violence, death, alcoholism, surrogacy and its implications, mentions of abortion, and mentions of human trafficking.
July 28, 2011
Singer takes readers into yet another legal quagmire, full of opposing viewpoints and religious angles that contradict one another. In this book, Singers examines cloning, in vitro fertilization, and the surrounding ethical, moral, and financial issues.
I was more intrigued with the content of the book because I am currently in an in vitro situation and know a little about the splitting of zygotes and the fiinger crossing hopes of keeping Down's off the genetic test results. I was also very interested to see some of the issues Singer presented, specifically as they relate to surrogacy and the rights of the parents, as well as those of the surrogate.
The book could have taken many turns and truly turned itself into a legal gem (or nightmare), but Singer chose to lightly tread on these issues (no blame there), rather than present strong and forceful legal opinions on the rights of both parties listed above.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters and always think to myself that I am reading a John Grisham lite novel, as he, too, chooses his main character and then backs him up with some strong traits.
I hope the loose connection of characters return to the printed page soon, as I always love a good legal thriller.
I was more intrigued with the content of the book because I am currently in an in vitro situation and know a little about the splitting of zygotes and the fiinger crossing hopes of keeping Down's off the genetic test results. I was also very interested to see some of the issues Singer presented, specifically as they relate to surrogacy and the rights of the parents, as well as those of the surrogate.
The book could have taken many turns and truly turned itself into a legal gem (or nightmare), but Singer chose to lightly tread on these issues (no blame there), rather than present strong and forceful legal opinions on the rights of both parties listed above.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters and always think to myself that I am reading a John Grisham lite novel, as he, too, chooses his main character and then backs him up with some strong traits.
I hope the loose connection of characters return to the printed page soon, as I always love a good legal thriller.
September 16, 2023
4.5 stars...As usual Singer thrusts the reader into fast paced courtroom drama and action. He always includes a mystery as well...yep things are never what they seem when you are reading a book by Singer. Very well done
March 20, 2021
Mitchell Taylor was on the fast track to becoming a brillant young lawyer. But, when his plans to join a large law firm are scuttled he is scrambling to find a job.
He lands with Billy Davenport, an ambulance chasing stumbling drunk. He quickly learns that Billy has been going downhill for a good while and it is beginning to affect his handling of client cases.
Mitchell intends to put his head down and work hard. He will straighten out the mess of Billy's office, bide his time, and make a move to someplace better as soon as he can.
Then he gets involved in a case surrounding the disposition of frozen embryos. Dr. Nathan Brown and his wife, Cameron, Billy's daughter as it happens, have hired a surrogate to carry their baby. Now, Nathan is dead - he died of AIDS contracted by poor hygiene standards in a hospital, their surrogate is carrying Cameron's last chance to be a mother and her baby may have genetic defects. Cameron wants to abort the baby, something her surrogacy contract would allow, and try again with some of the remaining eggs. The kicker is twof0ld. One, the surrogate does not want to abort and is willing to raise the baby on her own, if it proves to have the genetic abnormality. Two, the contract Nathan and Cameron signed gave either of them the right to determine the disposition of the embryos. In Nathan's will he gave these embryos to the clinic.
Mitchell gets involved because Cameron's lawyer needs a local attorney on hand as she is not licensed to practice in Virginia, on a solo basis.
There are lot of twists and turns in this story, most of them unexpected. Red herrings abound - primary among these is the surrogate's past. She came to this country illegally and escaped the people who brought her to the country.
I think immigration laws have changed since this book was published in 2003. I am almost 100% certain that some of the resolutions selected would no longer be viable. Still, Mr. Singer always writes an interesting legal thriller. He is a Christian author and that influence is, I feel, stronger in this book than it was in others. That might prove to be an enticement for some readers.
He lands with Billy Davenport, an ambulance chasing stumbling drunk. He quickly learns that Billy has been going downhill for a good while and it is beginning to affect his handling of client cases.
Mitchell intends to put his head down and work hard. He will straighten out the mess of Billy's office, bide his time, and make a move to someplace better as soon as he can.
Then he gets involved in a case surrounding the disposition of frozen embryos. Dr. Nathan Brown and his wife, Cameron, Billy's daughter as it happens, have hired a surrogate to carry their baby. Now, Nathan is dead - he died of AIDS contracted by poor hygiene standards in a hospital, their surrogate is carrying Cameron's last chance to be a mother and her baby may have genetic defects. Cameron wants to abort the baby, something her surrogacy contract would allow, and try again with some of the remaining eggs. The kicker is twof0ld. One, the surrogate does not want to abort and is willing to raise the baby on her own, if it proves to have the genetic abnormality. Two, the contract Nathan and Cameron signed gave either of them the right to determine the disposition of the embryos. In Nathan's will he gave these embryos to the clinic.
Mitchell gets involved because Cameron's lawyer needs a local attorney on hand as she is not licensed to practice in Virginia, on a solo basis.
There are lot of twists and turns in this story, most of them unexpected. Red herrings abound - primary among these is the surrogate's past. She came to this country illegally and escaped the people who brought her to the country.
I think immigration laws have changed since this book was published in 2003. I am almost 100% certain that some of the resolutions selected would no longer be viable. Still, Mr. Singer always writes an interesting legal thriller. He is a Christian author and that influence is, I feel, stronger in this book than it was in others. That might prove to be an enticement for some readers.
March 31, 2025
There is quite a bit happening at once and a lot of scientific talk that I found it hard to follow at times. I really liked the character of Mitchell and was rooting for him to succeed. A lot is thrown at him days into his first job as a lawyer. I was scared for Maryna and what she had gone through to get to this country and then what is happening to her now. There were a few people that frustrated me, in particular Cameron and The Rock. Some of the things that particular people were able to do in the state they were in felt a bit unbelievable and too convenient. I did really like Mitchell and Maryna and their faith discussions, but I did not like the ending. It felt like it was wrapped up way too quickly and left me with questions. Due to the main subject matter this is definitely a book that gives you stuff to think about and which side you would be on, but there was too much medical and research jargon for me.
January 8, 2017
Wow! I love how Randy singer goes above the typical rebuttal of may Pro-choice advocates and faces it head on. Too many times, Christians are charged with only concerned with forcing women to birth a child they do not want, and ignoring the hypocrisy of fertility clinics and the like. He also peels back the layers of selfishness shrouding the Pro-choice movement that exploits both women in crisis situations, and feminist. He reveals the sinister motives behind politicians, scientist, and doctors while keeping the argument for the sanctity of life free of religous silliness.
This book is tight, the plot doesn't drag, and I love it.
This book is tight, the plot doesn't drag, and I love it.
October 21, 2024
This was an interesting read with some ethical and moral topics to ponder. Reading it 23 years after publication did make some parts obsolete.
Overall, I’m glad I read it despite the convenience/ cheesiness of some storylines.
Overall, I’m glad I read it despite the convenience/ cheesiness of some storylines.
August 8, 2017
Singer does it again with great story, ethical dilemmas and Christian perspective.
September 7, 2017
A really good book with so many issues covered from surrogate mothers to cloning and the greed hidden in the hearts of some people who profess to be loving caring people.
February 7, 2018
Great legal thriller with unexpected twists!
October 12, 2020
The audible version is terrible
August 13, 2021
Pretty good courtroom drama, but the ending seemed a little implausible. I like Singers books but this wasn’t my favorite.
March 23, 2022
This was definitely drawn out. But so many twists and turns!
November 30, 2025
Some of the medical technical info was a bit hard to follow but the main story lines kept you wondering until almost the last page.
March 23, 2017
I can't say this was my favorite of Randy Singer's books I've read. It was hard for me to keep the people straight in the Audio version. I'd probably give it 3.5 stars but am rounding it up because he is one of my favorite authors
March 22, 2018
Zelden heb ik zo lang moeten nadenken, opschrijven en herschrijven, voor ik een recensie klaar had. Als recensent moet je namelijk objectief en eerlijk zijn. Ik wil dat natuurlijk ook doen, maar dit boek maakt het me een beetje moeilijk. Is het een slecht boek? Nee, want dan had ik fluitend alle slechte punten op een rijtje kunnen zetten. Is het juist een verschrikkelijk goed boek? Ja en nee…
Lezer, ik doe m’n best! Hier is het verhaal: een kinderloos echtpaar, waarvan de man arts is, sluit een contract met een vruchtbaarheidskliniek. Zij sluiten een contract met vele ingewikkelde punten. Het komt er op neer dat de kliniek door middel van IVF een draagmoeder de moeder laat worden van het kind van het echtpaar. De vrouw heeft namelijk geen baarmoeder meer, dus is een draagmoeder de enige oplossing. De haken en ogen zijn het feit dat de methode waarmee de IVF wordt gedaan, niet meer wettelijk is toegestaan. In het boek dan, waar men schrijft dat er in Amerika een wet tegen klonen is aangenomen. Het heet dan wel de Wet op de Bio-ethiek, maar iedereen weet waar het om gaat. De overgebleven embryo’s worden ingevroren. Dan komt er een kink in de kabel: de man van het echtpaar gaat dood en hij wil dat de ingevroren embryo’s worden gebruik voor onderzoek. De vrouw van het echtpaar wil echter de draagmoeder tot een abortus dwingen, omdat het er op lijkt dat dat kindje het Syndroom van Down heeft. En dus heeft de moeder zélf de overige embryo’s nodig om nog een keer te trachten er eentje op te kweken. De draagmoeder, een illegale immigrante, is echter te veel van haar baby gaan houden en wil niet gedwongen worden een abortus te ondergaan.
En dit was nog maar de korte uitleg. In werkelijkheid spelen er nog veel meer interessante en duistere beweegredenen een rol. Maar daar is het dan ook een thriller voor. En laat ik voorop stellen: een goede thriller, met aannemelijke en interessante hoofd- en bijfiguren, en een heel interessante wending aan het eind. De auteur heeft ontegenzeggelijk zijn huiswerk op het technische vlak ook wel gedaan.
Maar dan: Kok is, voor wie het niet wist, een christelijke uitgeverij. Toevallig las ik onlangs in Boekblad (het vakblad voor de boekenbranche) dat christelijke uitgeverijen zich meer op de 'gewone' markt willen richten. Een thriller als deze is daarvoor een uitstekende keus. Jammer alleen dat in mijn ogen toch het christelijke standpunt hier en daar roet in het eten gooit. Ik vind het ongelooflijk dapper dat juist een christelijke uitgeverij zich waagt aan een thriller met dit interessante en moeilijk liggende onderwerp. Of misschien juist niet? Iemand met een heel christelijke achtergrond denkt immers wellicht heel anders over zaken als klonen en abortus? Komt nog bij dat het een uit het Amerikaans vertaald boek is, en in Amerika denkt men in het algemeen heel anders over deze zaken dan wij in het vooruitstrevende Nederland.
Toch is het een boek dat met een beetje goede wil als een 'gewoon' spannend boek heel goed te lezen is. Sterker nog: het duurde toch ruim 150 pagina's voordat het christelijke element zodanig de boventoon ging voeren, dat ik het in elk geval niet zo leuk meer vond. Dat is dus mijn manier van tegen verhalen aankijken: net zoals ik het niet nodig vind om in een thriller bijvoorbeeld een heel hoofdstuk te moeten lezen waarin mensen sex hebben, hoef ik ook geen heel hoofdstuk te lezen waarin ze in de kerk zitten, en de lezer dus eigenlijk een preek voorgeschoteld krijgt. En dat een van de hoofdpersonen dan ook nog van het Boeddhisme 'bekeerd' wordt naar het Christendom, dat hoeft echt niet van mij. Ik ga er namelijk van uit dat iedereen zelf moet weten welke godsdienst hij of zij wil belijden. Ziet u mijn dilemma? Ik wil het boek niet terzijde gooien vanwege dit punt, maar het maakt het in elk geval voor mij duidelijk minder interessant. Voeg daarbij de nogal rammelende vertaling en een paar 'losse draadjes' die niet aan elkaar geknoopt worden (hoe heeft men contact gelegd met de illegale immigrante? Van de straat geplukt?), alsmede een érg sentimenteel laatste hoofdstuk (dat had gewoon gemist kunnen worden) en het geheel krijgt van mij 4 sterren in plaats van de vijf die het wellicht had kunnen verdienen.
Lezer, ik doe m’n best! Hier is het verhaal: een kinderloos echtpaar, waarvan de man arts is, sluit een contract met een vruchtbaarheidskliniek. Zij sluiten een contract met vele ingewikkelde punten. Het komt er op neer dat de kliniek door middel van IVF een draagmoeder de moeder laat worden van het kind van het echtpaar. De vrouw heeft namelijk geen baarmoeder meer, dus is een draagmoeder de enige oplossing. De haken en ogen zijn het feit dat de methode waarmee de IVF wordt gedaan, niet meer wettelijk is toegestaan. In het boek dan, waar men schrijft dat er in Amerika een wet tegen klonen is aangenomen. Het heet dan wel de Wet op de Bio-ethiek, maar iedereen weet waar het om gaat. De overgebleven embryo’s worden ingevroren. Dan komt er een kink in de kabel: de man van het echtpaar gaat dood en hij wil dat de ingevroren embryo’s worden gebruik voor onderzoek. De vrouw van het echtpaar wil echter de draagmoeder tot een abortus dwingen, omdat het er op lijkt dat dat kindje het Syndroom van Down heeft. En dus heeft de moeder zélf de overige embryo’s nodig om nog een keer te trachten er eentje op te kweken. De draagmoeder, een illegale immigrante, is echter te veel van haar baby gaan houden en wil niet gedwongen worden een abortus te ondergaan.
En dit was nog maar de korte uitleg. In werkelijkheid spelen er nog veel meer interessante en duistere beweegredenen een rol. Maar daar is het dan ook een thriller voor. En laat ik voorop stellen: een goede thriller, met aannemelijke en interessante hoofd- en bijfiguren, en een heel interessante wending aan het eind. De auteur heeft ontegenzeggelijk zijn huiswerk op het technische vlak ook wel gedaan.
Maar dan: Kok is, voor wie het niet wist, een christelijke uitgeverij. Toevallig las ik onlangs in Boekblad (het vakblad voor de boekenbranche) dat christelijke uitgeverijen zich meer op de 'gewone' markt willen richten. Een thriller als deze is daarvoor een uitstekende keus. Jammer alleen dat in mijn ogen toch het christelijke standpunt hier en daar roet in het eten gooit. Ik vind het ongelooflijk dapper dat juist een christelijke uitgeverij zich waagt aan een thriller met dit interessante en moeilijk liggende onderwerp. Of misschien juist niet? Iemand met een heel christelijke achtergrond denkt immers wellicht heel anders over zaken als klonen en abortus? Komt nog bij dat het een uit het Amerikaans vertaald boek is, en in Amerika denkt men in het algemeen heel anders over deze zaken dan wij in het vooruitstrevende Nederland.
Toch is het een boek dat met een beetje goede wil als een 'gewoon' spannend boek heel goed te lezen is. Sterker nog: het duurde toch ruim 150 pagina's voordat het christelijke element zodanig de boventoon ging voeren, dat ik het in elk geval niet zo leuk meer vond. Dat is dus mijn manier van tegen verhalen aankijken: net zoals ik het niet nodig vind om in een thriller bijvoorbeeld een heel hoofdstuk te moeten lezen waarin mensen sex hebben, hoef ik ook geen heel hoofdstuk te lezen waarin ze in de kerk zitten, en de lezer dus eigenlijk een preek voorgeschoteld krijgt. En dat een van de hoofdpersonen dan ook nog van het Boeddhisme 'bekeerd' wordt naar het Christendom, dat hoeft echt niet van mij. Ik ga er namelijk van uit dat iedereen zelf moet weten welke godsdienst hij of zij wil belijden. Ziet u mijn dilemma? Ik wil het boek niet terzijde gooien vanwege dit punt, maar het maakt het in elk geval voor mij duidelijk minder interessant. Voeg daarbij de nogal rammelende vertaling en een paar 'losse draadjes' die niet aan elkaar geknoopt worden (hoe heeft men contact gelegd met de illegale immigrante? Van de straat geplukt?), alsmede een érg sentimenteel laatste hoofdstuk (dat had gewoon gemist kunnen worden) en het geheel krijgt van mij 4 sterren in plaats van de vijf die het wellicht had kunnen verdienen.
July 10, 2015
Randy Singer pens a really intriguing, gripping thought-provoking read. He says that it was taken from today’s headlines. It has some of the same characters from The Verdict in this book. This book was suspenseful book right up until the end and kept me up late. This would make a great read and one that would work well for book clubs.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
March 10, 2009
There were too many unbelievable happenings in the last-minute revelations, thus the three stars. Still, it was interesting and informative and a strong statement against cloning and embryonic stem cell research and FOR the value of life, in any condition. I am learning a lot about the United States justice system. Again, the way to Jesus was clearly and simply and beautifully stated and lived.
"You may wish you had more ability, more intellect, less weight, or a shorter nose. But who are you to question God?...God created us. He is the potter; we are the clay. Should the clay argue with the potter? God formed you just the way you are....
"You may wish you had more ability, more intellect, less weight, or a shorter nose. But who are you to question God?...God created us. He is the potter; we are the clay. Should the clay argue with the potter? God formed you just the way you are....
December 29, 2013
This story features a new lawyer fresh out of law school, Mitchell Taylor. Rather than easing into his on-the-job training as an attorney, he is thrust into a high profile case with precedent setting potential. It includes cloning and forced abortion among its issues.
Singer does a very good job of explaining the complexities of different types of cloning as well as the relevant legal issues.
If you like John Grisham and Scott Turow, you'll love Randy Singer.
Singer does a very good job of explaining the complexities of different types of cloning as well as the relevant legal issues.
If you like John Grisham and Scott Turow, you'll love Randy Singer.
October 9, 2010
I just read this book again, and although I enjoyed the story (and it is quite relevant for today and will continue to become even more relevant, I am afraid), the diary the girl wrote to her baby was too sentimental for my taste. Now I remember that from the first time I read it. But I skipped the diary entries, and enjoyed the rest of the book.
June 28, 2011
The plot was amusing, it captivated me and kept me hooked. The main character was interesting to me because he is from a town close to Roanoke, VA. But I wasn't as excited as I could've been about his relationship, although I didn't oppose it. It could have been developed further before culminating as it did.
June 22, 2014
This fits right in there with my favorite genre and books that I generally enjoy. There's also a nice little twist at the end that I definitely didn't seem coming. The book could have been a little bit longer as the end did feel a bit rushed, but overall I enjoyed this book.
June 20, 2014
Whoa!!! What an explosive introduction to Sasha!!! It was very difficult to put the book down, I was hooked after a couple of pages. Nice to read about a female attorney who beats you up in court and on the street. Loved it !!!
June 9, 2007
I have an immediate distaste for most Christian fiction, but this one was one of the best I've read. Realistic and not watered down, good plot and well-written.
July 30, 2008
This story looks at the rights of a surrogate mother and the world of DNA research. Lots of twists and turns in the plot keep it exciting.
August 11, 2014
Another surprise ending to a can't put down book.....
First time in the courtroom,still using a law professor for advice, this guy stays cool in the midst of lots of plot changes.....
First time in the courtroom,still using a law professor for advice, this guy stays cool in the midst of lots of plot changes.....
November 15, 2015
There were some twists in the story that I didn't see coming in the end.
May 20, 2016
Very well written book. The end seemed a little rushed but otherwise a great page turner.
May 28, 2017
Really great read that had my attention from the first page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews