The Immortality Gene

I approached *The Immortality Gene* expecting another dry sci-fi thriller, but Jack English delivered something far more visceral—a thriller that pulses with the urgency of a ticking time bomb. The Virtual Voice narration is a bold choice, and it works surprisingly well. At first, the synthetic cadence feels unnatural, almost dystopian, which feels intentional given the story’s themes of dehumanization and corporate manipulation. By mid-book, though, the narration becomes hypnotic, its monotone underscoring the chilling detachment of the characters. English’s plotting is tight, with the mystery unfolding like a puzzle where each clue reveals a new layer of betrayal. The first act drags slightly as we’re introduced to the corporate world of biotech, but once the murders start piling up, the pace never flags. My only critique? The ending feels a touch too neat, resolving a bit too neatly after such a labyrinthine setup. Still, the audiobook’s production is top-notch—crisp audio clarity and seamless pacing make it an immersive listen, even if the narration might not be to everyone’s taste. If you crave thrillers that blend real-world science with high-stakes crime, this one’s a home run.