C.A.R.P. British Columbia Edition
Hal Sisson's Caverns of the Cross (Arsenal Pulp Press, Vancouver,) is a gripper. Sisson, a retired lawyer, marches us into the lethal jungle of pharmaceutical contraceptives. He has guts. His protagonist, Canadian plant geneticist Nestor La Pretre, discovers a "powerful plant" in Ecuador's wilds and intends to market it as "Naturcept" despite, he concedes "...criticism from religious groups, right-to-life societies and rival scientists."
A daring plot line? You bet. Seeking the Pontiff's blessing, LaPetre sets up a deadly tussle pitting Vatican stand-fasters against predatory pill manufacturers. Sisson's settings provide dazzling authenticity. He pulls no punches on this most controversial clinical subject.
Arsenal Pulp Press is at 103-1014 Homer St., Vancouver, B.C. V6B 2W9.