The Soul of the Matter
A Thriller
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
A scientist’s claim that he’s found the secrets of the universe’s origin encoded in DNA sparks a race against time to uncover the truth in this fast-paced thriller of science and faith, power and murder, loss and redemption.
Former government cyber-intelligence analyst Dan Lawson receives a call from his estranged friend Stephen Bishop, a renowned geneticist, who claims to have discovered astounding information encoded within DNA, including proof of God’s existence. He wants Dan’s help to protect his findings and continue his work. His daughter Ava’s life may well depend on it.
When Stephen is found dead under dubious circumstances, Dan investigates and discovers that the search for a cure for Ava may have driven Stephen to desperate alliances. With the help of Dr. Trish Alighieri, Ava’s pediatrician, Dan gets closer to finding out the truth about what may be hidden in our DNA—and what that could mean for humanity. But he and Trish aren’t the only ones trying to get their hands on Stephen’s findings. Cunning and powerful forces vie for access to the data that promises to unlock the secrets of life.
It’s a race against time as Dan and Trish tackle some of the biggest questions humanity faces: Who are we? How did we get here? What’s our destiny? And can the human soul survive science’s conquest of nature? Ultimately, Dan isn’t sure whether he, and the world, is better off not knowing...
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In Buff's debut novel, an atheist launches into headlong pursuit of the truth behind DNA research that could help, or seriously harm, humankind. When cyberintelligence expert Dan Lawson finds renowned geneticist Stephen Bishop dead, he suspects a group called the Commission is behind the murder. A series of clues in Bishop's notes points to a mysterious code behind DNA and the existence of a creator. With a cast of shadowy global figures including a doctor trying to save Stephen's daughter from leukemia, a priest at the Vatican, and his former CIA boss Dan doesn't know who he can trust, and he risks his life to keep Stephen's research out of the Commission's hands. He must decide whether Stephen's research truly proves the existence of God or requires a leap of faith. Readers who enjoy ruminating on matters of faith and science while also engaging in a thrilling plot filled with deception and international intrigue will flock to Buff's novel. Given the complexity of the subject matter, Buff deserves some leeway for his overloading of plot points and long character speeches. This book will leave readers to ponder big questions of existence rather than merely satisfying them with easy answers and convenient twists.
