Book Review: Acceptable Risk by Robin Cook
Author: Robin Cook
Book: Acceptable Risk
Genre: Medical Thriller/Horror
Julia Rating: 8
Comments: Acceptable Risk is my first Robin Cook novel. He writes medical thrillers about truely terrifying medical situations, which could actually happen. That is what Acceptable Risk is about. A medical doctor (Edward) decides to create a new mind-altering drug from a mold found in the basement at his girlfriend’s (Kim) ancestor’s home. Kim’s ancestor was declared a witch (named Elizabeth) during the Salem witch trials and there appeared to be irrefutable evidence that she was, in fact, a witch.
While Edward goes ahead with his research on the drug, Kim finds out more and more disturbing things about Elizabeth. Kim thinks some of the things Elizabeth did was because of the mold which she was eating in her food. Then, Edward decides to take the drugs himself to test efficacity. It seems to work, but a series of attacks in the neighborhood make one wonder – are there acceptable risks to the new wonder drug? If so, how acceptable are they?
I really liked the story, but I think it started out far too slow, there was too much explaining and the dialog was strained. But, the book dragged me along and made me want to know what was going on. So, all in all it was a decent thriller.
Also, I found this book has been made into a movie. If anyone has seen the movie, let me know if it’s any good.