The Copy Business

About the Book

The Copy Business is not science fiction, and does not refer to the technicalities of genetics, which would risk boring readers to death.

The book attempts to develop a story to show how, in a given set of circumstances, developments in the field of genetics could affect the lives of ordinary people, and also the behaviour of the society in which we live. Hopefully, the tale will give the reader food for thought long after the last page has been turned.

The basis of the book is the supposition that genetic research has been, to all intents and purposes, outlawed. It is common in similar circumstances, for the reciprocal response to result in driving an activity underground. Good examples of this effect would be the reaction to Prohibition in the United States of America in the 1920's, and the current worldwide anti-drug laws, both of which have been the subject of many successful books and films. The continuing need for services, and the ability of those in need to pay is often recognised by the criminal elements of society as a golden opportunity to make a substantial profit. As a consequence, money, greed and the search for power become the driving force behind the illegal activities, which ensue. People get hurt, especially the innocent and the na&ieuml;ve. The door opens to spying, murder, blackmail, sex, divided loyalties and corruption, and all these elements appear in the story, balanced by the more attractive qualities of love, loyalty, duty, devotion and the eventual triumph of good over evil.

The spark which brings the story to life is the chance meeting of two of the main characters, Barry Johnson, the Veterinary Surgeon, and Colin Close, the Geneticist, both qualified men in their early forties. Having been good friends during their earlier years at the same university their renewed acquaintance blossoms quite naturally.

Barry is successful, ambitious and financially greedy. Colin is a scientist dedicated to genetics in general, and to cloning in particular, the latter almost to the point of being a fanatic. He has already been in gaol for breaking the laws on cloning. Their respective skills combine to bring them together in a 'foolproof' scheme, which satisfies the needs of both men. Barry makes money, and Colin is enabled to continue his life's work. Both men are happily married, and Barry's wife, Pamela, and one of his daughters, Emma, are the main vehicles for intimacy and family involvement.

Emma's choice of boyfriend, eventually her fiancé, introduces another important character into the story. He is Tony Strada, a young journalist, who has recently been given a new assignment by his editor. His mission is to investigate the life and background of a wealthy socialite, Alistair Forbes, who is suspected of being a major player in the criminal underworld. By coincidence, Forbes becomes aware of the moneymaking scheme that Barry and Colin are operating, and he sees in it a high potential for himself in terms of money and power, especially if the cloning skills being used in relation to animals could be adapted and applied to human beings.

The story pursues a number of threads simultaneously. One - Barry and Colin, their experiences, elation at first, dogged by fear and doubt as they lose control to Forbes, submission, and eventually revolt. Two - Tony and Emma, their romance blossoms despite the tensions caused by his confidential mission, blissfully unaware of the potential conflict looming on their horizon as a result of her father having become involved with Forbes. Three - Forbes, his activities in the past whilst a student, as an Army officer, and as a mercenary, and his current criminal involvement, all of which illustrate his evil ambition, ruthlessness and cunning. As the plot develops, other characters essential to the plot, and of varying degrees of importance are introduced to add colour and interest.

Locations vary from to Northern Ireland and Angola where scenes take place in an historical context in order to help to establish and develop the characters of Forbes and his associates. However, the main areas for contemporary action are the West End of London, where Barry lives and has his main clinic, the East End of London, where he has another clinic, kennels, and laboratory, etc. Glasgow is the scene of a funeral; Wiltshire that of a nefarious seduction scene; Wales provides the background for the acquisition of certain samples of DNA, France where murder takes place to eliminate competition; Spain in relation to human cloning with political undertones; and a desolate Suffolk beach hosts the final act. Sex and love, of course, have a part to play in bringing the story to life.

To learn more about the book and its author, visit www.donhargreaves.com

About the Author

DON HARGREAVES started writing in his thirties, settling down to some extent after moving around working in Nigeria, Wales, and Canada, and then back to England.

He published his first book in 1974, a non-fiction story of a village, a family and a cotton mill in Derbyshire. Pressure of work restricted his opportunities to write again, except for specialist publications relating to his work and monthly contributions to the Norfork and Suffolk Magazine amongst others. Later, whilst running his own business, living and working in France, he found that he was suffering from cancer. His illness forced him to retire early, upon which he went to Spain where, with time now available, he has written The Copy Business, and two other novels, which he hopes to have published shortly. Two further books are on the way.