THE SEQUENCE

The fates of a genetic editor, a contraband-transporting pilot, and two Hong Kong police detectives dangerously converge in this SF thriller.

In the future, scientific advances have made it possible to edit the human genome with inheritable changes. But ever since terrorists released a deadly engineered toxin, the United Governments of the America have banned all DNA manipulation, imprisoning or executing genetic scientists. Kit McKee—the world’s foremost genetic editor— now works out of NegSense, a well-defended, lavishly funded (but by whom?) research lab in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She develops clean, safe, and wildly lucrative cosmetic enhancements while also working on her own secret project. In Hong Kong, detectives Johnny Woo and his partner, Fong, investigate several murders of genetically edited victims. A triad might be involved, such as the one that employs pilot Dallas Ward, who ferries contraband out of Africa. The detectives’ search leads them to NegSense, but when they try to contact Kit for questioning, they find she has disappeared after traveling to Gambia, Africa, for a conference. As shocking secrets regarding NegSense’s test subjects are revealed, all roads lead to Hong Kong and a rich, ruthless man. In his debut novel, Telford shows remarkable assurance. The future science is well founded and lucid, as are the philosophical musings on the ethics of gene editing. The novel is taut and dramatic, with edge-of-your-seat action scenes, vivid multinational settings, and well-drawn, distinct characters whose backstories contribute to the plot. Even minor elements scintillate, such as the detailed description of a Japanese African truck driver’s rig cluttered with bouncing, dangling gewgaws.

A complex, exciting, and intelligent thriller with compelling characters and ideas.