Oath of Office

Oath of Office by Michael Palmer is a thrill ride from start to finish. It is a hybrid medical/political thriller. Usually I don't like reading novels that feature as a leading character a fictitious US president. But in this case I was able to suspend reality and become absorbed in the work.The plot concerns the genetic engineering of our food supply and its possible effects on the consumer. In this case a corporate grower is radiating a species of African termite that is especially fecund. This increases the size of the termite and increases its reproduction cycles and most horrifically they morph into flesh eaters. The food grower extracts DNA from the termites and combines it with the DNA of the corn that they are producing thereby increasing the size of the corn and the number of ears per stalk producing " Frankencorn".Dr. Lou Welcome notices an outbreak of erratic and sometimes criminal behavior by people who are normally rational and law abiding who live in the area where the corn is being produced. His investigation reveals that the corn is being tested and consumed in a local restaurant which explains how the toxicity is being introduced into the food supply.There has been no investigation or approval by the FDA, and the government has brokered a deal with the company to provide a large shipment of the corn to the Chinese government along with the technology to produce it. Dr. Welcome's investigation takes him to the highest levels of the government including the Martin Mallory White House and he forms an alliance with the first lady, Darlene Mallory, who helps him stop the illegal production of the corn.When the corporate executives find out what is being done to hinder their progress, our hero and his associates are attacked and put in harm's way which provides much of the suspense and excitement in the story. There is also a horrendous scene where we witness the flesh eating propensities of the termites. I won't comment further on that.If you are a fan of the genre this one is highly recommended.

This is my first read of a Michael Palmer book. The story had me in suspense to the end.I am looking at his other books for something else to read.

This was the first of Michael Palmer's books that I was able to conclude correctly about 75% of the book. Never have been able to do that before. Was it still a good read, absolutely . Just surprised that I wasn't surprised. Could have been just me, and I have read all his books and happened to be in a state where I was looking for clues and caught them. Still would have bought and read this should I have seen this in a review.

The premise of this book made it interesting. The writing is great and the action flows smoothly. Of course, you have to suspend belief in reality to accept some of the plot gimmicks (how many people in the real world can run down a train while suffering a gunshot wound to the leg??) but that seems true of many similar books. Overall, an entertaining if not very deep read.

Plenty of twist and turns to go along with the non-stop action. Somewhat believable story is scary to the real world

This bok is a great read. you ae going to look at the title and say this can't be by Michael Palmer. I guarantee you it is!! So all of you Medical thriller readers out there, read this book. I am not giving anything away, but it is a gret read If their were stars their, like in my old kindle, I would give it 5.Sorry about that i found the stars. You can tell i'm new at this.

Not Palmer's best. What the cause of the mental problem was became obvious too early. The mechanism for altering the corn too off the wall. The imported critters are probably more dangerous than the product. YThat angle is never considered.

A nerve racking story. I couldn't stop reading it, but I hate creepy crawly things. The story line is believable as far as government involvement in such issues. I always enjoy Michael Palmer stories, but this one creeped me out!

Really enjoyed this book. Interesting subject of genetically modifications in foodstuffs affecting people's behaviour. Raises questions about tackling hunger and how although GM crops may help provide an answer their needs to be serious testing before they can be deemed safe. Unfortunately there are those who just see the money that can be made.

Great plot gripping usual standard kept in the edge of seat by this page turnedCan't wait for next one

Pretty good read. However, I did find the idea of crossing flesh eating termites with maize to increase crop yields a bit far fetched. Nobody seemed worried about the escape of these termites! This could have been a horror story on its own.

Really good start, enjoyed first 3/4 and thankfully there was not the typical dark basement scene! Still a good read

very entertaining a good light listen which i enjoyed I will look for others by the author and a great price