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The Oxford Virus
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The Oxford Virus is a novel by Adam Kolczynski. It was published in October 2010 by Polybius Books. The novel explores the inherent conflict between conventional medicine and vanguard therapy, all through the medium of a murder mystery. The plot centres on a single Oxford-based cancer trial and its many unforeseen repercussions. Other themes examined include thwarted ambition, growing internationalism in academia, the dehumanising effects of the digital age, and the impact of defection on one’s psychological makeup. Plot introduction Dr. Lomana Olembé of Lorenex Biotherapeutics believes he has the cure for cancer - albeit in its infancy. He finds himself on the brink of his first human trial. Things do not go to plan, reawakening old enmities between conventional medicine and vanguard therapy. DCI Dárdai of Thames Valley Police investigates. Barely has he finished questioning Dr. Olembé, when a body is discovered in a terraced house in Jericho, Oxford. Was it suicide? Does it relate to the Olembé affair? Are there deeper, darker elements at work? Dárdai reluctantly enlists the help of Professor Konstantin Vadimovich Zolotov - failed medical student, former samizdat dissident, part-time epicure, incumbent Head of Russian and East European Studies at Clapperton College. Two distinct methodologies collide. But just how much does Zolotov already know about the case? And what is his real reason for wanting it resolved? The stakes are high, the dénouement chilling… Critical reception "The Oxford Virus is at once heartfelt and topical as medical minds continue to do pioneering research into cures for cancer. Adam Kolczynski has a really unique voice and is certainly a writer to watch" Ealing Times "Unlike many books of this genre, The Oxford Virus is refreshingly well-written, with a clever and sometimes unorthodox use of the English language, with a subtle approach to background research...and with an unexpectedly mature assessment of his larger-than-life international characters" Russian London Courier "The Oxford Virus is an intriguing blend of speculative fiction and murder mystery with an international cast of characters. A confident writing style ensures reader interest is held until the final revelations" John Curran, author of Agatha Christie's Secret Notebooks "...an engaging modern take on the cozy, combining academic satire with the contemporary theme of cutting-edge medical research" Euro Crime "...set in contemporary Oxford with an international cast of characters, the dénouement is both unexpected and ingenious" Catherine Andreyev, author of Vlasov and the Russian Liberation Movement 
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