BKMT READING GUIDES
F.O.X.: A Jessica James Mystery (Jessica James Mysteries)
by Kelly Oliver
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Genes to die for—and someone does…
When Jessica James wakes up half naked behind a dumpster in downtown Chicago, she thinks the hot intern feeding her Fiery Mule Slammers slipped her a Mickey. But after a pattern of similar ...
Introduction
Genes to die for—and someone does…
When Jessica James wakes up half naked behind a dumpster in downtown Chicago, she thinks the hot intern feeding her Fiery Mule Slammers slipped her a Mickey. But after a pattern of similar incidents around Northwestern Research Hospital, Jessica realizes she wasn't raped, she was robbed. Hunting for the thief, the cowgirl philosopher discovers secrets about her own boot-cut genes that force her to rethink her past.
Award winning author, Kelly Oliver's gritty and haunting page-turner blends humor and suspense for a result that is riveting.
In a highly entertaining and fast paced suspense novel with plenty of humor and quirky characters, Kelly Oliver’s FOX raises serious questions of genetic engineering and the possibility that one baby could have four mothers. In this brave new world of genetic engineering, what is a mother?
Excerpt
“Zzzzzit.” A zapping sound followed by the flicker of fluorescent lights awoke her, and Jessica James found herself staring up at a plump motherly face beaming down at her. Where in the hell was she, and why was her arm strapped down? The cramping in her pelvis refreshed her memory. She glanced around the antiseptic room then down at the rails on the hospital bed. “Beep, beep, beep.” An evil machine was squawking all too close to her throbbing head. The plastic pillowcase stuck to her moist cheek as she turned to face the accusing mechanical green eyes blinking at her. ...
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Discussion Questions
1. What did you learn about the I.V.F. and new reproductivetechnologies? Did anything surprise you?
2. How did you feel about Jessica and Jack’s relationship?
Were you glad they got together in the end?
3. Is Max a good villain?
4. Did you learn anything about genetic engineering?
5. What do you think about negative (getting rid of all diseases
and disability) and positive (improving the human body) genetic engineering? Are they ethical?
6. Do parents have an obligation to make the “best”
babies possible? Should genetics do away with disabilities
if possible?
7. What did you think about Olga’s relationship to her
husband, Ronald? Should she stay with him? What are
her options?
8. What do you think about the animal rights subplot?
How do you feel about animal experimentation and glow-in-
the-dark mice and cats?
9. What do you think about the possibility of multiple
biological mothers?
10. How do you feel about sperm and egg donation? How
do you feel about college men and women making money
by donating their sperm or eggs?
11. Were you surprised by what happened to Jessica?
Notes From the Author to the Bookclub
“This book’s many action sequences are unfailingly entertaining, and no matter how dire the circumstances, her characters are always ready with a wisecrack… A dark, engaging biomedical mystery with a clever, no-nonsense detective. ---Kirkus Review “The novel is tightly paced and enjoyable as it twists and turns… Oliver has a knack for colorful and affecting prose that makes many of the descriptive passages a delight to read.” --Booklife Prize for Fiction"Entertaining, fast, and refreshing mix of murder, greed, philosophy, mystery, and woman power... very funny yet profoundly dark." —Forward Reviews
"Kelly Oliver’s F.O.X has it all: keep-you-up-at-night pacing, Crichton-worthy plot packed with interesting insight and info, and a heckuva heroine, Jessica James, a cowboy boot wearing doctoral student transplanted from the plains of Montana to the streets of Chicago … I cannot wait to read more from this superb author!"----Catherine Finger, author of The Jo Oliver Thrillers
"Oliver has once again made female power quirky and fun—and oh so potent and riveting."—Samuel Marquis, author of Altar of Resistance and The Coalition
"Like all Kelly Oliver novels, from page one, the story pulls you in and won’t let you go."— Clay Stafford, bestselling author & filmmaker, founder of Killer Nashville
“Kelly Oliver reveals her talent with the development of vivid, spellbinding, and fresh characters traveling for survival and sleuthing solutions…Action packed pages filled with a bit of romance, funny happening, kick-ass females” Sherlock Shirley, Amazon Review
“One of the things I like about a Kelly Oliver story is that it makes sense. Oliver has a real character in Jessica James. Taking on the IVF subject was a good topic to tackle and I think Oliver did it with sensitivity and respect of women involved.”--Ronovan Writes, Amazon Review
“This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.” Laura Collins, Amazon Review
Book Club Recommendations
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