Forget ordinary mysteries – “Contraptions” by Jeffrey Weinzweig throws you into a whirlwind of “mystery” with a hefty dose of “whoa, that will take your breath away!” Weinzweig, a real-life surgeon with a penchant for innovation takes us on a thrilling ride where the line between medicine and madness blurs faster than a scalpel can cut!
The story kicks off in the heart of New York City’s Washington Square Park, not with a game of chess, but with a dead body – a surgeon, no less. Enter Ojo Jenachukwu, an inventor extraordinaire who gets framed for the murder. But fear not, dear reader, because Ojo isn’t your average Joe. He, along with his partner Derek Cannon, are ingenious inventors who rely on their “contraptions” to not only navigate life but also, in this case, prove Ojo’s innocence.
Here’s where things get fascinating and a touch disturbing. Prepare to have your mind blown (and maybe your stomach churned a bit) because “Contraptions” delves into the shadowy world of NEXUS, a nefarious organization conducting gruesome inter-species genetic engineering. Imagine human eggs harvested without consent, fertilized in a lab, and then… implanted in unsuspecting rhesus monkeys! Yes, you read that right. NEXUS is playing God with a side of utter depravity, and Ojo and Derek find themselves smack dab in the middle of this twisted experiment.
The beauty of “Contraptions” lies in its unique blend of techno-medical suspense. Weinzweig’s background as a surgeon shines through in the meticulous details of the illegal research, making it all the more horrifyingly believable. But fear not because amidst the darkness, there’s a spark of ingenuity. Ojo and Derek’s inventions aren’t your run-of-the-mill gadgets – they’re smart and intelligent contraptions designed to outsmart, outmaneuver, and ultimately, shut down NEXUS’s operation in the aptly named Sector 13.
Think high-tech tools that could have come straight out of a science-fiction movie. We’re talking about contraptions that gather evidence, infiltrate secure facilities, and maybe even deliver a dose of sarcastic wit.
Weinzweig doesn’t shy away from the ethical complexities of the story. The violation of human rights, the grotesque results of the experiments, and the potential global consequences of NEXUS’s plan all raise unsettling questions. But through it all, there’s a sense of unwavering determination from Ojo and Derek. These are more than just inventors; they are heroes driven by a need for self-preservation and justice to halt the devastation that Nexus has already started.
As a bonus, “Contraptions” introduces us to a delightful cast of characters. There’s Ojo, the brilliant but slightly eccentric inventor. Derek, his grounded yet adventurous partner, and let’s not forget their sarcastic robot sidekick (because what good is a thriller without a bit of AI sass?). Their dynamic is both entertaining and heartwarming, proving that even in the face of monstrous experiments, friendship and ingenuity can prevail.
If you’re looking for a thriller that’s equal parts thought-provoking and action-packed, with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure, then “Contraptions” is your perfect read. Just be prepared to have your world view shaken a bit, and to marvel at the power of human (and robotic) ingenuity in the face of unimaginable evil. After all, who knew scalpels and screwdrivers could make for such a thrilling combination?
About the book:
When a surgeon is found dead in Washington Square Park, inventor Ojo Jenachukwu finds himself framed for the crime. But Ojo and his partner Derek Cannon are no ordinary guys. They are ingenious creators who rely on their own unique “contraptions” to clear Ojo’s name and uncover a horrifying truth. Their investigation leads them down a dark path, exposing a secret organization conducting grotesque inter-species genetic experiments. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Ojo and Derek must use their inventions and wits to shut down their monstrous operation before it’s too late.
