The Soul of the Matter

In Buff’s debut novel, an atheist launches into headlong pursuit of the truth behind DNA research that could help, or seriously harm, humankind. When cyberintelligence expert Dan Lawson finds renowned geneticist Stephen Bishop dead, he suspects a group called the Commission is behind the murder. A series of clues in Bishop’s notes points to a mysterious code behind DNA and the existence of a creator. With a cast of shadowy global figures—including a doctor trying to save Stephen’s daughter from leukemia, a priest at the Vatican, and his former CIA boss—Dan doesn’t know who he can trust, and he risks his life to keep Stephen’s research out of the Commission’s hands. He must decide whether Stephen’s research truly proves the existence of God or requires a leap of faith. Readers who enjoy ruminating on matters of faith and science while also engaging in a thrilling plot filled with deception and international intrigue will flock to Buff’s novel. Given the complexity of the subject matter, Buff deserves some leeway for his overloading of plot points and long character speeches. This book will leave readers to ponder big questions of existence rather than merely satisfying them with easy answers and convenient twists. (Sept.)