Biotech Thrillers
by
Charles Vrooman
Official Review: The True Virus by Charles Vrooman
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The True Virus" by Charles Vrooman.]
As a biological virus spread by technology infects and kills fellow CIA agent, John Brookfield, a computer specialist, and Ralph Hawthorn must race against time to stop bioterrorists from spreading an epidemic and destroying the CIA in the process.
Set in the Gaza Strip area, Charles Vrooman’s True Virus is an excellent work of suspense/thriller fiction. While running some tests using their new DNA technology, CIA scientists discover a virus in their results. Thinking it a fluke, the scientists erase the data. Little do they know, however, that it isn’t a fluke.
After his colleague, Mark Colby, has his Blackberry gets shot and explode on him, a virus gets into his bloodstream and he dies and starts an epidemic. In an attempt to get to the bottom of the problem, John heads to Israel and seeks out the help of Sarah Stein, the co-developer of the DNA technology program.
No one is sure who is in charge of it all, but they all know the Hamas are behind it and they’re determined to usurp President Mohmoud Abbas. To make matters worse, Sarah’s ex-boyfriend, Ahmed, is out to make sure that John never sees the light of day again and there may even be some double agents in the mix as well. With time running out and the presidency of Abbas’ presidency on the line, can John, Sarah, and Ralph stop the epidemic from spreading further? Will the CIA be able to stop the Hama from taking over Palestine and taking control of the Gaza Strip?
The plot is well-developed and the story is action-packed. A page turner from start to finish, the suspense and mystery that carries on throughout the book is engaging and has a lot of twist and surprises. The author masterfully draws the reader into John and Ralph’s world and easily mixes action and mystery together. Unlike traditional mysteries, the reader is made aware almost from the start what is going on, or thinks they do.
The characters dynamic is unique and realistic. The characters are likable and entertaining, but their development seems to have taken a backseat to the plot. Also, some of the names are so similar, they are hard to keep straight.
Overall I’d give it 3 out of 4 stars. Although the character development wasn’t quite there, the story kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. Readers who like military fiction, suspense/thrillers, and mysteries will enjoy reading this book.
Review by George Esler from BookTalk.org
The only thing missing is Jack Bauer... April 26, 2014
I don't normally read technological thrillers, but this book fit the bill as an interesting and well-conceived tale that combines bio-terrorism, action, betrayal, and mystery, set primarily in the Middle East. The CIA agents called to investigate a new virus threat discover more than they bargained for when the virus turns out to be not quite like anything ever seen before. I won't say much more than that at the risk of giving away semi-spoilers. Between the terrorists, the racial tensions, and the unpredictable nature of who will survive and who will not, I couldn't help but think this is the kind of plot you might see on a TV show like 24. There are a few scenes where the pacing seems to be a bit too quick, and some of the minor characters who served no real purpose maybe got a little too much "screen time," but overall it was a good tale and fans of technological thrillers and/or medical dramas would probably appreciate the technological and medical aspects.
Review by: Dr. Robert Jenkins, Sierra Writers Conference, January, 2017
“Dr. Abraham Stein and his daughter, Sarah, glared at the extra long DNA molecule displayed on their computer monitor. Something had gone wrong.” And indeed something does go wrong in Charles Vrooman’s techno-thriller, The True Virus. Poking aware one of the deepest fears, well-meaning Israeli scientists pry open the lid on a Pandor’s Box of viral demons. The True Virus infects the reader with a palpable sense of dread. Have we finally gone too far? Is it too late? Will Sarah Stein and her team close the lid before those demons drag us down into darkness?