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Content snapshot
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Violence
Some
A murder connected to genetic research; the investigation involves reproductive technology
Language
Some
Some strong language
Sexual Content
Barely any
Some sexual content; the crimes involve reproductive exploitation
Substance Use
Barely any
Mild content
Emotional Intensity
Some
The specific moral territory of using people's biological material without consent; Kate's discomfort in a world where the ethical questions are genuinely new
What this book is about
Kate Brannigan investigates a murder connected to a genetic research company — a world where the science is outpacing the law and people's most fundamental biological material can be exploited. Val McDermid's fifth Kate Brannigan novel is the most forward-looking of the series, using a 1996 story about reproductive technology and genetic research that has become more topical with time. Kate's investigation through the scientific community brings her into contact with both the genuine wonder of the research and the exploitation it enables.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
fifth Kate Brannigan novel by Val McDermid; focuses on genetic research
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