The Cure

In this unusual if uneven thriller from Richards (Wired), researcher Erin Palmer seeks a cure for psychopathy as a result of her having witnessed at age 11 a psychopath slaughter her parents and sister in her hometown of Medford, Ore. Along with a colleague, Hugh Raborn, the emotionally damaged Erin is involved in an illegal experiment with Arizona prison inmates. When Erin’s university shuts the project down, Steve Fuller, who runs a scientific firm called Advanced Science Applications, takes an interest in Erin and her research. Fuller’s pursuit of Erin leads to a kidnapping attempt that sends her fleeing with love interest Kyle Hansen, an expert in quantum computing. Meanwhile, Hugh turns out to be something other than he appears. Those willing to put their sense of disbelief on hold may enjoy the many ensuing twists and turns that veer into the SF genre, but others will be unhappy with the unlikely mash-up. Agent: John Silbersack, Trident Media Group. (Sept.)