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The Ripper Gene: A Novel
by Michael Ransom

Published: 2015-08-18
Hardcover : 304 pages
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Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members

A neuroscientist-turned-FBI-profiler discovers a genetic signature that produces psychopaths in The Ripper Gene, a thrilling debut novel from Michael Ransom.

Dr. Lucas Madden is a neuroscientist-turned-FBI profiler who first gained global recognition for cloning the ripper gene and showing ...

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Introduction

A neuroscientist-turned-FBI-profiler discovers a genetic signature that produces psychopaths in The Ripper Gene, a thrilling debut novel from Michael Ransom.

Dr. Lucas Madden is a neuroscientist-turned-FBI profiler who first gained global recognition for cloning the ripper gene and showing its dysfunction in the brains of psychopaths. Later, as an FBI profiler, Madden achieved further notoriety by sequencing the DNA of the world's most notorious serial killers and proposing a controversial "damnation algorithm" that could predict serial killer behavior using DNA alone.

Now, a new murderer-the Snow White Killer-is terrorizing women in the Mississippi Delta. When Mara Bliss, Madden's former fiancée, is kidnapped, he must track down a killer who is always two steps ahead of him. Only by entering the killer's mind will Madden ultimately understand the twisted and terrifying rationale behind the murders-and have a chance at ending the psychopath's reign of terror.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

CHAPTER 5 of THE RIPPER GENE
(Original Excerpt)


Late that afternoon I slumped into a seat in the exit row of the plane back to New Orleans to ruminate on my heart-warming and “life reaffirming” visit with Raritan. As I recalled our conversation, I realized that I still hadn’t had a chance to read the news article. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

What do you think are the most important ramifications (if any) of the concept that our DNA may influence our capacity to choose between good and evil?

Is it “fair” that individuals can be born with greater or lesser baseline capacity to control aggression, experience inhibition, exhibit empathy, etc?

Do you believe in the concept of a “bad seed”? Or is there no such thing?

Did you immediately warm up to Madden as a protagonist, or did it take a little time? Did you ever warm up to him?

Was there chemistry between Madden and Woodson? Why/why not? Did you want them to become romantically involved? Should they be romantically involved in future installments?

Suggested by Members

If there were a ripper gene would it be an excuse one's behavior?
What role does religion play in the whole story plot?
What weakness or leaps can you find in the story?
by mrblock (see profile) 01/12/16

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
  "The Ripper Gene"by Richard B. (see profile) 01/12/16

Very good effort for a first novel (like most mystery writers first try). It was a page turner but I felt it was taking some large leaps at points. I found at least two errors in the text. Having said... (read more)

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