Review by Julie Green -- The Prize by Geoffrey M Cooper

[Julie Green]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Prize" by Geoffrey M Cooper.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Prize by Geoffrey M. Cooper tells the story of scientists aspiring to advance medical knowledge and to identify new drugs that can cure diseases. In this case, the prize is a potential cure for Alzheimer's disease - or the chance to secure a Nobel prize depending upon your outlook. Pam Weller has been striving for many years to find a drug that will prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. As she finally appears to be nearing her goal, she faces betrayal and threats even from within her own lab team. Whether or not she will achieve her life's ambition soon becomes a matter of life and death. This a story of high-minded ideals, but also of intense rivalry, ambition and deceit.

I rated The Prize 3 out of 4 stars. The story gets off to a cracking start as it reveals the intrigue and rivalry inherent in the world of scientific discovery. The tension builds well as Pam Weller's team closes in on a potentially breakthrough drug. At the same time, however, it is increasingly clear that not everyone is willing Pam to succeed.

My one main issue with the plot is that, once it becomes clear who is behind all of Pam's problems and why, the plot becomes too easy to anticipate and, consequently, the tension fades. The plot moves along at a good pace throughout, but by the end it just feels a little formulaic. If only there were just a few more layers of complexity or twists and turns, this would make a very decent crime thriller.

The main characters are mostly credible. Pam's professional commitment comes across well. Her naivety feels a little false but perhaps it is more realistic not to expect such serious betrayal from our co-workers. It is also something of a stretch to believe the extent to which Eric Prescott's character develops, as events take a darker turn.

Overall, I did enjoy reading this book. It carried me along enough to want to stay up late reading and then to finish it off on my morning commute.

The world of science and academia presents a novel backdrop for a crime story. It also offers an interesting insight into the commercial reality of drugs development and the pressures placed on scientists to deliver positive results in order to achieve tenure. In my view, The Prize will appeal to those who are looking for a light summer read on the beach.

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The Prize
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Like Julie Green's review? Post a comment saying so!

[FictionLover]

The world of science and academia presents a novel backdrop for a crime story. It also offers an interesting insight into the commercial reality of drugs development and the pressures placed on scientists to deliver positive results in order to achieve tenure. In my view, The Prize will appeal to those who are looking for a light summer read on the beach.

Thanks.

I read the sample and it seemed to me like a medical mystery. I might have to try it.

[bluesky5_]

I am currently going to read this book because I read the summary of it and got hooked!

I have to say when you mentioned Pam Weller's naivety, I agree to a point, I then felt her frustration with her "boss" who is Mary O'Connor who is advising her that she should drop her research and take on a new project. It made me mad when I read further to find that Mary is acting like a "double agent" in updating Eric Prescott on the latest findings on Pam's work. Yeah, Eric is a slob trying to get credit for the success of someone else so HE can get the Nobel Prize! From there it is easy see all the rivalry and yet it is Holly, one of Pam's post doc associates who actually found the cure. I like the book so far and am eager to finish it.

[LaurenHaupt]

I wish there was a cure for Alzheimer's disease. I'm curious to find out what happens. Awesome review!