Hook standing with his hands on his hips, looking off to the right. He's wearing a more decorated version of the blue coveralls he's worn on every other cover, and over his shoulder is slung what could be a gun - but maybe part of a very small Gothic cathedral tower. Two flying saucers trail smoke behind him, flying from what might be a big explosion on the back cover. Hook looks a lot older on this cover, which may have been done by a different artist to Peter Goodfellow (who did the other three books) - there's no artist credit.
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450 02197 1 (? - UK edition doesn't actually specify this as the ISBN, but it appears on both the cover and inside with the publication details)
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The virility gene is a well-known, if rare, commodity in the Universe that Hook knows. Rare becuase its source has hitherto been unknown. When the inhabitants of the planet of its origin decide to reveal that they are willing and able to trade in it, it is not surprising that a veritable 'gold-rush' starts. Even Hook and his companions are not averse to staking their claim, for the virility gene both increases and prolongs sexual pleasure.
Shaeel, Karg and Hook eagerly arrive at the weird planet, and manage to find a claim. But things start to go badly wrong when they discover the true source of the gene - and when the Boosted Men arrive to manipulate the virility gene for their own evil ends.
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'Ryder Hook first heard a rumour of the so-called Virility Gene in that nastily-escalating brawl in a sleezy (sic) deep-freeze satellite orbiting a best-forgotten planet of the Enares system.'
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Hook, Shaeel, and Karg find themselves being tailed by someone while they're on board the starship Vandeneuf. Hook's plan to rid the three of them of this unwelcome attention goes wrong - big time. So, Hook finds himself cast adrift in a lifepod with a welpac by the name of Brett. Their only hope of rescue is Hook's electronics ability.
As usual, this seemingly bad situation has a resolution. Hook's life takes unexpected turns, and he's a prospector for the Virility Gene.
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There's a twist on the love interest in this one, with Hook actaully appearing to be a bit soft on two women who don't really deserve it - but hey, he's getting old.
This book is dedicated 'For Earl Dumarest and the astrogator of his travels E. C. Tubb. May Taynor Dumarest never be doomed to rest'.
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