The X-Files: Skin - Hardcover

Meznich, Ben

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0061050415 ISBN 13: 9780061050411

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1999

Synopsis

While investigating a case that their superiors would rather keep secret, FBI agents Mulder and Scully journey to Thailand's jungles to discover why New York skin-graft patients keep becoming homicidal maniacs.

About this title

Review:

Skin has an authentic X-Files feel to it--the right mixture of scientific plausibility and mystical overtones to keep both Scully and Mulder interested and on the trail. Skin taken from an unknown body found at the site of a road accident is grafted over the burns suffered by a mild-mannered professor who then goes berserk, killing a nurse. Mulder and Scully try to trace the source of the skin graft and uncover links with a biotech company called Fibrol International, whose deceased CEO, Emile Paladin, was in charge of a MASH unit in a village in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Travelling to the remote village, Mulder is intrigued to learn about a local cult worshipping a mythical monster, the Gin-Korng-Pew, or Skin Eater. Meanwhile, Scully follows more prosaic leads in search of Paladin's reclusive brother.

Mezrich's descriptions of medical procedures feel authentic and he keeps the story moving along at a good pace, with several dangerous moments for both Mulder and Scully and a significant body count amongst the witnesses. The mixture of FBI investigation, horror and the occult, with overtones of paranoia about the activities of the military, should appeal to X-Files fans, while others may enjoy it as an entertaining adventure. --Liz Sourbut

Review:

"Mezrich drives the story steadily forward... [and] satisfies all expectations of suspense, ghoulishness, and general creepiness any fan might have." Booklist"

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0061050415
• ISBN 13: 9780061050411
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 261