Cure (Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery Book 10)

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This book takes as subject a possible medical breakthrough, as reported in the May 2010 issue of Scientific American. According to initial findings, it may be possible to grow stem cells (from which replacement organs can be grown) from ordinary adult cells, rather than just from embryo cells. This would free present research from a major hindrance by those who attach religious significance to embryos. Of course, any breakthrough means huge monetary potential in a profit-based health care system. The book opens with an American MD Research startup CEO taking part in a break-in of a Kyoto University Lab. to steal lab books that the University had confiscated from a Japanese researcher, whom had been hired by the American company because he had developed and proven a stem cell process. The problem was that to start his company, the American doctor had to raise money from what turned out to be the New York mafia, allied with the Japanese mafia. From there the story takes many turns, bringing in finally our favorite corpse-cutters, Drs. Laurie and Jack Stapleton (who have become family to this avid Cook reader), and some of the mafia thugs from the book "Critical". Also appearing in a starring role is Laurie and Jack's 1½ year old son, who is kidnapped in an attempt to discourage Laurie from finding out that the natural death of the Japanese researcher was actually murder, and a mafia hit. Enter a couple of ex-special forces contractors ("kidnap consultants"), who go to work at whirlwind speed, raiding the mafia boss's house, and getting the kid back safe, and all is well that ends well. The ending however, is an epilogue that Dr. Cook uses to expound on some of his concerns about how health care is being practiced these days for profit instead of for humanity. While I agree with him, this provides something of anti-climax to an otherwise exciting book - minus one star. Dr. Cook remains still one of my favorite diversions, providing many interesting facts along with the entertainment.

I enjoy this writer and his work.

My kind of novel. Medicine,murder,mystery,morals,matrimony. I like knowing the family and associates and working environment. I am anticipating many more Cook Books

For years, I have been a devoted Robin Cook fan. The Jack and Laurie novels have been good reads, up until I got this one. The writing is still good, but not his usual action packed and intelligent style. Laurie and Jack do not communicate much, and Jack seems to be using work to avoid the stress of his home life. The flow of the story is inconsistent and it does not have the author's usual; sharp and intelligent dialog.

CURE is one of Robin Cook's most suspenseful reads. It has everything -- the familiar characters fans have come to love, a double-dose of the Mafia (both US and Japanese) and a story-line that grabs the reader and doesn't let go. It includes a powerful ending with an Amber alert and a case-study of how to successfully end the kidnapping of an infant. Highly recommended. You will not be disappointed.

Good read! Plausible plot! I enjoy Cook’s books!

I will & have recommended this book & the entire Stapleton/Montgomery series to several friends who enjoy Medical Thrillers. I work in the funeral industry, so the subject is very appealing.