COVID

A surgeon fights to recover a vaccine for a virus the American government may have created in this third installment of a thriller series.

Dr. David Aaronson, who’s wanted by various United States agencies, is hiding in Fallon, Nevada. Though a small town of only 8,000 residents, it seemingly faces an epidemic when quite a few locals die after coughing up blood. But a mysterious man has shocking information for David. The U.S. government supposedly released lethal virus “CoVid23” in Fallon with the intent of testing a vaccine. Behind this deplorable plan is Col. Jonathan Neville, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency director. He claims China weaponized CoVid23 for an imminent biological strike against the U.S., but David believes this virus is homegrown. Neville, who’s chummy with powerful sorts, including the president, soon learns that Fallon’s town surgeon is piecing together the director’s scheme. Neville has people in Nevada to keep an eye on David and, if need be, to eliminate him. As the “supervirus” attacks multiple nations, David makes a daring attempt to get the vaccine Neville is harboring before many more die. Van Anderson quickly sets an unwavering narrative momentum with concise writing and succinct chapters. The subplots are gripping; David, for example, falls for local woman Nova Featherstone, who may be infected and whose murderous, drug-trafficking father poses a serious threat. The story is plausible as well, as the author, a former heart surgeon, vividly details medical procedures and describes a U.S. that’s simultaneously battling Covid-19. While David and others are often in peril, the final act, during which he tries infiltrating a secure lab, is particularly exciting. Despite copious references to earlier installments, this engaging book will appeal to new and returning readers alike.

A fast-paced, riveting, medically driven tale.