The Methuselah Gene

By: Jonathan Lowe

Narrated by: Tim Lundeen

Meet Alan Dyson, a research scientist experimenting with the longevity effects of a newly discovered bristlecone pine tree gene. He thinks he's being watched and followed. He's right. When his secret formula is stolen, and all notes are wiped from his computer, his friend--the firm's computer programmer--secretly tracks the thief to a P.O. Box in Zion, Iowa. Under suspicion, and with his project canceled due to a bizarre death, Alan visits Zion to discover that he's not the only stranger in town, and that someone has been using the residents as guinea pigs in a chilling medical experiment. In a dangerous gambit to expose whoever is hiding the truth, he solicits help from the police, and is arrested instead. Now, only a young woman hiding there under the Witness Protection Program can help him escape. But can he convince her to join forces to uncover this conspiracy of silence involving the potential for immortality? Because whoever is behind it all has made an astonishing discovery of Biblical proportions, and is murdering everyone to cover their tracks.

©2011 Jonathan Lowe (P)2012 David N. Wilson

Critic reviews

Intriguing story (with) mind expanding possibilities. ( Booklist)

good listen

kinda got lost for a minute there but quickly got back on track. looking forward to the next book !

Buy the ticket, take the ride.

If you could sum up The Methuselah Gene in three words, what would they be?

Original, insightful, fun.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

In places. Everything doesn't have to be James Patterson, does it? This is more than mindless entertainment.

Have you listened to any of Tim Lundeen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. He does keep a steady hand on the wheel. Destination surprise.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Silly question. It made me think. Think goosebumps, not Jerry Springer.

Any additional comments?

Cool blend of pharmaceutical science, mystery, and romance. Not just for geeks. Lundeen never over-indulges. Includes a climax on a cruise ship. If you're looking for something different, this is it.

Based on the science of Dr. Cynthia Kenyon

Tim Lundeen is not melodramatic, and is instead always engaging. Fundamentalist Christians who believe the Earth is only 6000 years old (like one below) will not like this book, but those who appreciate real science will. The cutting edge science of aging and longevity figures into a plot that brings a new twist to the Genesis story.

Compelling sci-fi thriller!

The author does his homework and comes up with a plausible storyline. There are many surprises!

Great book, all around!

Fantastic writing in this one. The author really knows his craft. A lot of interesting real-life issues come into the spotlight in this thriller, which I think readers will really appreciate. Other than that, it's a great story with great characters. A very well-executed novel!

Don't waste a credit - I wish I hadn't

What disappointed you about The Methuselah Gene?

I was looking for a scientific thriller and this was neither very scientific nor much of a thriller. When the book ended and and another started, I couldn't even tell that the book was over. Very disappointing listen.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something by an author I already listen enjoy. Sometimes you try a new author and it works out - sometimes it doesn't

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was o.k. It was the plot that was completely lacking

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Boredom - hours of boredom spent hoping the book would turn around and get to an interesting part.