Module 9: Mystery

Double Helix by Nancy Werlin

Werlin, N. (2004). Double helix. New York: Dial Books.

Summary

Eli, a high school senior, takes a job working for a science research lab and in the process begins to uncover secrets that involve himself. Eli's mentor Dr. Wyatt is very interested in Eli and his future. Eli is at first flattered and appreciative because Dr. Wyatt fills Eli's need for an admirable father figure, since his relationship with his real father is strained. Against Eli's involvement with the lab and Dr. Wyatt from the beginning, Eli's father resents his growing relationship with Dr. Wyatt, but won't explain his reasoning. Eli soon discovers that there is more to the research at the lab than anyone knows and that Dr. Wyatt is hiding controversial genetic experimentation. In Eli's quest to discover what Dr. Wyatt is hiding he learns significant things about himself and his existence.

My Thoughts

Double Helix is a fascinating modern mystery about genetics and experimentation. From the beginning, the reader is drawn into the story because of the obvious air of secrecy that characterizes Eli's relationships with his parents. Werlin withholds important information and slowly gives the readers clues to why Eli cannot get along with his father and his father's opposition to Eli's contact with Dr. Wyatt. Although I was intrigued by the mystery and easily drawn in at the beginning, I felt that the story lost some of its strength towards the end. The mystery was still fascinating, but I rushed to finish it simply because I lost some interest. I think this book would fit in well as an example of a modern scientific novel. It covers a theme that I think many boys would be interested in because of the emphasis on genetic manipulation.

Review

Grades 9-12. In this contemporary thriller, 18-year old Eli Samuels is struggling with issues and relationships that most teens find themselves facing upon graduation. Despite Eli’s conflicts with his dad and girlfriend over their expectations, Eli is excited about landing his new job at Wyatt Transgenics, offered by renowned Dr. Quincy Wyatt. He wonders if there is more to this than just a response to his email request. His valedictorian girlfriend Viv believes his talents (he is salutatorian) earned him this job. His father, however, is adamant that Eli reconsider, and he confronts his son when he sees the scientist at Eli’s graduation. Confused about the connection between Dr. Wyatt and his parents, Eli attempts to learn what is too painful for his father to discuss. Eli’s mother is suffering from Huntington’s Disease, and Dr. Wyatt admitted knowing her when she was a Harvard professor. Readers will be riveted once again by Werlin’s fast-pace mystery. The emotional relationship between father and son keeps the story flowing, and readers will be drawn to the characters as the story climaxes to a mesmerizing finish. Werlin creates thought-provoking topics and addresses familial conflicts and relationships that are intense. Readers will discuss the topics of cloning and genetic transformation long after they have finished the book. Highly Recommended. Acosta, S. Library Media Connection, 2004.