Mark of the Beast: A searing medical thriller by Adolphus A. Anekwe, a renowned doctor, about the ramifications of isolating a gene that causes violent behavior.
Dr. Regina Dickerson is a Catholic physician in San Diego who has discovered that there is a certain genetic marker that indicates the carrier is prone to psychotic violence. Working on blood from prison inmates, her theory begins to prove itself time and again with violent offenders. The variety of crimes is diverse: one couple murders their children for organ money, another man kidnaps young girls to seduce and kill them, yet another has a penchant for cyanide.
As Dickerson's work begins to show results and catches the attention of the media, people begin to fear that witch hunts and Spanish Inquisition-style mayhem will result if forcible testing is carried out. Meanwhile, a race begins to find a cure. With science and religion at odds, Dickerson must find her own answers while trying to escape those who want to put an end to her inflammatory research.
Mark of the Beast was an intriguing read to say the least. The author has given a unique twist to the Biblical Revelations Mark of the Beast by using science and biology as a way to determine whether or not genetic markers determine whether someone is pre-ordained to become evil and in turn become a follower of the Devil. Although this is a work of fiction, the author apparently performed some serious research in creating this story.
I really enjoyed Mark of the Beast despite itself. The author, Adolphus A. Anekwe, uses stiff dialogue, faulty science, and bad statistics in his book but the concept--that we can be controlled by a single gene--is so interesting that the book is well worth reading. I read it in two days and near the end I just couldn't put it down.
Well I have to say that this one would make a really good thriller movie. The book centers around the thought that violence is controlled by one gene. I thought that this was pretty interesting. For years we have talked about Nurture vs. Nature. And well this gives a great view/aspect on the after math of finding out that its a gene.
