Dark Seed: No-one Knows What Evil Grows
by Lawrence Verigin,
Promontory Press,
$17.95, 289 pages.
A secret gathering of powerful men starts a post-World War II conspiracy that will have global repercussions many years later.
Nick Barnes is stuck on a rewrite desk at a Seattle newspaper with his career going nowhere when out of the blue he is contacted by Dr. Elles and presented with an interesting opportunity.
Asked to write a book to explain the scientist's studies on genetically engineered foods, Barnes sees a chance to do some serious work. After he discovers a body and is questioned by the police he realizes he might be in over his head. But another meeting, this time with Dr. Elles' beautiful daughter, Morgan, convinces Barnes to take on the assignment.
It isn't long before they are both in danger and on the run.
Lawrence Verigin has crafted a fast-paced story that is as fresh as today's headlines. His premise of genetically modified organisms being manipulated for corporate greed is entirely believable and a warning of what is already going on in our food production.
Verigin blends in enough science to round out the story but never lets it get in the way of the suspense. The tension stays tight while at the same time we see the characters develop.
-Terry Peters
Pink Floyd by Hugh Fielder,
Race Point Publishing,
240 pages, $39.
A single heartbeat grows into a mechanical clock and builds into a scream that starts what is one of the best selling albums of all time. Dark Side of the Moon still sells thousands of copies 40 years after its release.
Like that classic album, Pink Floyd has remained popular for decades.
Formed in 1965 they combined names from obscure blues performers Pink Anderson and Floyd Council and originally performed as the Pink Floyd Blues Band.
Hugh Fielder has peeled back the years and presented a fascinating look at one of the biggest bands in the world. From their first musical performances with other bands through to the early years with Syd Barrett then onto their most productive period Fielder chronicles it all.
There are plenty of photographs, posters, album covers and other illustrations that support Fielder's detailed account. While there is plenty of discussion on the internal troubles within the band and its eventual breakup, Fielder never falls into gossip or rumour and sticks to the facts and direct comments from the band members.
As innovative artists whose vision extended beyond their music and into groundbreaking live presentations Pink Floyd created a legacy of sight and sound that has stood the test of time.
- Terry Peters
