Double Helix.

DOUBLE HELIX. Nancy Werlin. 2004. Read by Scott Shina. 6 tapes. 775 hrs. Recorded Books. 1-4025-8377-x. $54.00. Vinyl; plot, reader notes. S

From the March 2004 KLIATT review of the book: "Eli, just graduating from high school, has been offered a job as a lab assistant at Wyatt Transgenics. It sounds like a great position, but his father doesn't want him to take it and won't explain why. Eli knows that something went on between his parents and Dr. Wyatt in the past, but his father won't talk about it ... Eli decides to take the job in spite of his father, but he discovers that there is more to the place than he had first suspected ... This story about bioethics will appeal to the intellectually curious reader. Werlin, author of the acclaimed YA mysteries The Killer's Cousin, Black Mirror, and other novels, keeps the suspense high, and she draws convincing portraits of a bright young man, his anguished father, the clever, amoral, Dr. Moreau-like Dr. Wyatt, and the other characters. Lots of food for thought here."

Shina reads with good timing, good pacing, but in a voice that sounds a little young for someone as mature as Eli. Nevertheless, Werlin's many mystery-loving fans will enjoy listening to her newest suspense-filled tale, perhaps as a prelude to Michael Crichton and Robin Cook.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

Mary Purucker, Beverly Hills P.L., Beverly Hills, CA