Title: The Amherst Protocol
Author: Richard Whitney
Publisher: PageTurner, Press and Media
ISBN: 1643765027
Pages: 320
Genre: Thriller / Scientific-Medical
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

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Technology and science have advanced over the years even going as far as using cloned hearts for transplants, and now Clayton Tucker and his team at the Dallas Observer are celebrating an anniversary of the first successful heart transplant. A trip to South Africa draws Clay into a conspiracy that connects to the first attempted heart transplant and to Pontiac Pharmaceuticals which has provided funding for immunological research after the attempted transplant failed. The company even funded the first successful transplant in Dallas. But something just doesn’t sit right with Clay so he and fellow reporter Brian Singh dig into the company’s secrets and discover that a whistleblower claims the company has helped to create an advanced unstable biological weapon. The two reporters fall into dark waters as they land directly into the company’s sights and find themselves trapped to where they have to find their way out before they’re next on the list. They must do so before the weapon’s first field test.

The setting takes place within the near future of 2042 which has seen advancements in the fields of science, technology, and medicine. The advancements are at the root of the story and within Clay’s research as he looks into Pontiac Pharmaceuticals’ involvement in cloning, gene splicing, and stem cell therapy. The story is based in science and centers around the anniversary of the first successful heart transplant which creates a catalyst for what causes Clay to travel to South Africa where the first attempted transplant occurred. This decision draws him in deeper into the secrets that Pontiac Pharmaceuticals has kept and Clay soon learns just how far the company’s willing to go to keep things secret. The world itself is geared toward the realistic grounding of the science fiction genre which keeps The Amherst Protocol in credibility and with the setting a near future the advancements are stemmed from our own present-day creations.

The Amherst Protocol has undercurrents of a thriller which author Richard Whitney has created through the elements of suspense and investigation. The conspiracy angle of the company and their mysteriously funded research for heart transplants takes a dangerous spin when Clay discovers their connection to the creation of a deadly weapon. Clay’s job as a reporter gives him his drive to find the truth and what keeps him digging into this company despite the threats. Being a reporter is what weaves the plot together has this role is what has him involved in dangerous situations and digging into places he’s not necessarily wanted. The suspense is created through Clay’s investigation as he must make his way out of the company’s grasp and through the formula of a countdown to the weapon’s field test.

The subplot of the story comes from Clay’s relationships as he is someone that doesn’t go for commitment as a way to avoid obligation which is shown through his job as it doesn’t keep him in one place too long. His relationship with Pam is one that has a deep impact on him as he goes from an open relationship to one of genuine love. Clay’s past with Jenna does play a part within his investigation as their relationship is seen through their interactions and memories. These relationships give Clay a vulnerable side while also tying to the investigation into the company and creating a grounded balance to the chaos of reporting. The Amherst Protocol is a scientific read that captures this advanced near future with fine detail and creates a thrilling component with conspiracy and investigation.