rating : 4 : passes the time
review : 20 July 2005
It has been discovered that DNA is modified by memories and experiences, and that DNA from one person can be "blended" into a host, so that the host can experience those memories. The wife of a senior executive of Nucore wants to be blended with Cleopatra's DNA, so that she can become more attractive to her husband. So Leda Hubbard is sent off to a new dig in Alexandria, to recover the DNA should Cleopatra's tomb be found. But other people are after the blending technique, for more sinister reasons, and it turns out that the technique might allow the blended DNA to take over a weaker host personality. Soon Leda is up to he neck in intrigue and danger.
This is a completely barmy premise, with an even barmier denouement. But the plot races along at a pace, and it's all good light fluff, with some of the darker aspects not being gone into in sufficient depth to be too disturbing. Fun mind candy, if you can suspend your disbelief sufficiently.
