David Tran is an immunologist in Melbourne in 2006. He invents a new drug that is about to be trialed on eight people. We find out at the beginning of the book that David has died in mysterious circumstances before the trial takes place. Each of his friends, family members, and associates tell their stories, giving their point of view on how and why David died.

“Scientists are optimists. We believe in our work. We believe our work will work out. When it doesn’t, sand looks like a top place to bury your head.”

“I thought I knew what super-smart Dave had done. When you work something out you wonder why it took so long. But what I worked out was big, and shocking, so big and so shocking that I couldn’t say it out loud until I had proof.”

~Quotes from “Eight Lives” by Susan Hurley

My opinion:

The book is fast-paced, and multiple viewpoints are cleverly written. It kept me guessing throughout the book, and then after the mystery was revealed, there were more shocking details. There are some very gruesome details about medical testing on animals. I thought some of the events were a little far-fetched, but it was a good read.

The opinion of others:

• Sydney Morning Herald: “This is a clever, sobering book.
• Better Reading: “Whip-smart and impeccably paced, with an engrossing, heartbreaking mystery at its core, Eight Lives is a thriller with lots to say about power, class and prejudice. Highly recommended reading.”
• Readings: “This simmering blockbuster will keep you guessing, pull the rug out from under you, make you gasp – and it won’t let up until the very end.”

Author: Susan Hurley