Mesmerized

Gayle Lynds' Mesmerized has it all: an exciting, believeable story with likeable protagonists and antagonists you dislike and fear, a plot that evolves naturally, and a satisfying conclusion. She is, in my humble opinion, even better than her late mentor, Robert Ludlum, because her plots are not as involved and convoluted, and she adds a human element that Ludlum never offered.

Here is an author who puts the controversy of cellular memory on center stage while peeling away layers and layers of comspiracy. Yes, she suspends the reader's belief, but in doing so she raises another question: what part does attitude play in physical activity? Bev Convey has a transplanted heart, from a Russian agent killed in a car accident. She craves new tastes and new interests, but before a heart attack disabled her, she was physically fit. If the cellular memory contained in a new heart brings a new way of looking at life, then why can't Bev prefer Karate to some other sport? She has a fit body and a change of desire could very well provide her with new competencies. Gayle Lynd's exploration of this interesting medical phenomen while developing characters and a plot that rivets you to each page shows why Robert Ludlum collaborated with her to produce his last books. Already, in this story, she out-Ludlums Ludlum.

LOVED this book! I finished it the same day I went to see The Bourne Identity movie...I'd much rather read this book again than see that movie again (the movie didn't come close to Ludlum's book). The cellular memory provides a wonderfully interesting twist. The plot unfolds nicely and wasn't plainly readable, allowing for much enjoyment.

Gayle Lynds has given us an intriguing mix of genres rolled up into one explosive package...a taunt legal drama and medical/espionage thriller with hefty doses of psychological suspense thrown into the mix. When we are first introduced to hotshot attorney Beth Convey, she is at the height of her career and in line for a well deserved partnership at her prestigious Washington D.C. law firm. The book opens with her battling a case in court for a multimillion dollar client. Just as she is conducting a riveting cross examination she collapses and is pronounced dead. She is quickly revived but desperately needs a heart transplant. When a Russian man is killed in a motorcycle accident, Beth receives his heart as well as his dreams, his language, his tastes and most frightening of all...his knowledge of weaponry and of a unknown group of world conspirators. Even Russian names and phone numbers that were characteristic for him have become part of her current memory. She becomes quite curious about this and with the help of journalist Jeff Hammond (who happens to be an expert in Russian affairs), she begins to track down her donor only to be thrust into a secret plan that will literary change the balance of world power. Gayle Lynds is a master researcher and storyteller. She has a certain talent for discovering the most obscure, and controversial character traits and using them to educate and entertain her readers. In _Mosaic_ we were introduced to concert pianist Julia Austrian who was stricken with a rare psychological condition known as "conversion disorder". In _Mesmerized_ we learn about a mind-body connection called cellular memory, and how thousands of heart transplant patients seem to receive tastes, memories and characteristics from their donors that cannot be explained by pure science. It`s up to you to decide if you believe this is all possible within the realm of the story. One thing is for sure...Lynds is an extremely talented writer who makes a defiant and realistic case, but after reading her notes you'll at least be assured that this is definitely not science fiction.5 Stars. You just can't tie this particular knot any better. It's a terrific read.

I'm a fan of Gayle Lynds - Masquerade and Mosaic were terrific reads - so I was eager to read her latest work. Like all her books, Mesmerized contains a gripping plot following the adventures of Beth Convey, the heroine in this thriller. It is a joy to finally read books featuring intelligent, strong, and decisive women. As a Beltway resident, I enjoyed reading this book largely set in my own backyard, Washington, D.C. I'm also curious to discover the tranquility in Gettysberg, PA where a portion of the story is set. Her descriptions and attention to detail are superb. In the interest of not giving the storyline away, I urge anyone to read this book who enjoys suspense, espionage, and the mysteries of medicine.