Rating: 
Summary: Sometimes the Cure Is Worse than the Disease
Review: When a promising effort to find a treatment for an incurable form of cancer fails at the last moment, Laura Donaldson, leader of the medical research team is unexpectedly handed one last ray of hope. She is called in to examine an unusual blood sample which seems to be able to efficiently destroy any trace of cancerous tissue. There is a catch, however, the sample was taken forcibly from David Haines, an imprisoned serial killer. Haines' preferred victims were doctors and medical researchers like Donaldson, who violated his cult-based religious convictions. To Haines, blood was sacred; not to be defiled by the evil hands of those who would stay the Lord's judgement. Laura will need a court order to force the samples she needs from David Haines.Kevin Sheldrake is the FBI man who brought in David Haines. It was an exhausting three year struggle that left Kevin and emotional wreck, and destroyed his marriage. Kevin specializes in religious cult crimes; having once been indoctrinated in a religious cult himself. The experience has left him questing for a God that seems to perpetually elude him. A recent medical killing alerts Kevin, and his investigation reveals that, even though Haines is imprisoned, he has manages to attract one or more followers who will carry out his commands. Kevin moves to meet the threat, but too late, now he, Dr. Donaldson, and David Haines are on a collision course. When Laura manages to get the court order she speeds of to Joliet prison with a fully equipped medical field van. But she is ill prepared for treachery. Haines knows of her approach and, with the help of a guard who has succumbed to his personal magnetism manages a bloody escape. Hampered both by law enforcement personnel that simply cannot accept Haines capabilities and sheer bad luck, Keven watches the murderer slips through his fingers. David Haines has a new agenda now. He feels he must prevent any possibility that his blood might fall into the hands the medical science. Making moves like a chess player he keeps everyone guessing ask he works at tracking down anyone in his own family who might share his heritage. "The Devil's Cure" is the suspenseful tale of Donaldson's and Sheldrake's race against a cold-blooded killer who seems to be able to anticipate their actions and reading their minds. I found the interplay between the medical and religious cult themes fascinating. While there have been other serial killer/medical suspense stories, the information on the operation of religious cults added considerable dimension to both Sheldrake's and Haines characters. Each character struggles with his faith in one fashion or another. In contrast, Laura takes longer to develop, although she has center stage for a good piece of the novel. Her fixation with David's blood may be understandable, but monomania does not make multi-faceted characters. In truth, both Kevin and Laura are characters driven by events, and Haines is the man with his hand on the controls. There are other characters in the book, but all lack the vividness of the central three, and are often little more than sketches and parodies. This is a completely successful book. Suspense builds well, and the finale has sufficient twists and turns to engage the most jaded reader. My only serious criticism is that the plot is a bit too fantastical. If a secret is being kept from Haines it somehow drops in his lap, or he accidentally stumbles over it. There is always somebody around to help him. Things work his way right up to the end. Nobody's luck is that good, and it rings false after a while. Even so, the "The Devil's Cure" is quite well written and enjoyable. Oppel is new to this genre, having established himself as a successful writer of books for children and young adults. Once he adjusts completely to a new readership I expect he will do very, very well. Marc Ruby - for The Mystery Reader
| 
