About the Book

Book: The Gene

Author: Timothy Browne

Genre: Medical Thriller

Release Date: July 12, 2020

We are the dwelling place of God—it is woven into our very DNA. Do we change the core of who we are by manipulating our genes? Is gene-therapy a miraculous cure or a slippery slope into eugenics?

Following their marriage, Dr. Nicklaus Hart and Maggie Russell enjoy the splendor and passion of a honeymoon in Hawaii. They learn that their union has brought new life, but the overflowing joy of Maggie’s pregnancy and their romantic getaway is interrupted by the shocking news of a genetic disorder discovered in Maggie’s family lineage. The devastating possibility that both Maggie and the baby carry the mutated gene for the horrific Huntington’s disease, shakes their faith.

Faced with this dreadful diagnosis, Nick and Maggie seek peace as they wrestle with the heartbreaking discovery of a genetic disease versus the knowledge that God is good—He has made their baby in His image and knit him together in Maggie’s womb. Like the millions of people around the world affected with genetic disorders, Nick and Maggie look for answers. With the belief that people are the dwelling place of God, and He is woven into the DNA, what should they do when that DNA has been corrupted?

Nick and Maggie travel to Poland, where the top geneticist, Emmanuelle Christianson, has founded and operates BioGenics whose mission statement is: Advancing the Human Genome. They understand that medical advances always cost something, but they face impossible decisions. They are unaware that the sinister side of genetic research has slithered in from the horrors of Nazi death camps into this modern-day technology. Their journey reveals more than the fight for knowledge, it uncovers a simmering evil left over from World War II. One that puts their lives in danger.

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About the Author

Timothy Browne, MD draws from life and work experience when writing. For many years, he has worked as an orthopaedic surgeon and medical missionary for Operation Blessing, Mercy Ships, and Hope Force International. His work has taken him to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Brazil, Ukraine, Borneo, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, North Korea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Haiti and Sierra Leone. He now resides in Western Montana with his wife, Julie, who along with their three sons, served with him.

More from Timothy

Christian Fiction that will get your heart pounding!

After finishing, The Gene, the fourth book in the Dr. Nicklaus Hart Series, I have been able to look back at this body of work. The heart of my prose remains the same: to entertain and educate—fueled with imagination, inspired by history, and grounded in truth. I explored the mystery of North Korea and the threat of bioterrorism in Maya Hope, the complexities of the middle East and the history of Mesopotamia in The Tree of Life, the controversies of Big Pharma and our health in The Rusted Scalpel, and now examine the history of eugenics and the pitfalls of gene-therapy in The Gene.

Writing The Gene has taken significant research: exploration of Poland, investigation of the Nazi doctors and their horrendous medical experiments, the history of eugenics around the world, and of course, the science of genetics. The work has been satisfying, edifying, and many times, heartbreaking.

My Thoughts

Well, It has been awhile since I have had the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Reading this book that happened. I am not a science guru - but this book very informative and intriguing. I had no idea that so much was going on with genetic diseases and gene manipulation. This is book 4 in the Dr. Nicklaus Hart series I have not read the books prior to this - but the author does a great job recapping his characters. In this book we see that Dr. Nicklaus Hart and Maggie Russell have gotten married and are on their honeymoon in Hawaii. (Jealous - I need to go to Hawaii) They are in pure newlywed bliss until they get some news from back home. Maggie's mother and brother have Huntington's Disease and this is not good. Maggie finds out that she is pregnant shortly after the honeymoon and is worried that the baby may have it. The couple wants to find out everything about it, how it can affect the baby. Because they are Christians, the first thing they do is pray. This is such an important step as Christians when we face uncertainty. Then with the help of their close friends they travel to Poland where there is a the best Biogenetic lab. Dr. Emmanuelle Christianson, the founder of BioGenics is in charge and this is who they consult with. Biogenics has a history that is tied to Doctor Mengele who used victims for horrific experiments during the Holocaust. (If you ever get a chance, visit the Holocaust museum in Washington DC. It really touches on a lot of this stuff - but bring tissues. Some of the movies, pics and such will bring tears to your eyes).

This is where the scientific twists and turns begin. There was so much going on - and there were some parts I had to read a few times to fully grasp what was going on. This is a great book - I will be going back and starting the series from the beginning.

Triggers: Some intimate scenes described, there are also some dealings with attacks on women.

The author has done a great job with this book - He has written some amazing characters and a very intriguing and suspenseful storyline. I hope to read more from this author.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.