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Particles in the Air: A Dr. Mallory Hayes Medical Thriller
IN THE WAKE OF A NATURAL DISASTER, A NEW PANDEMIC IS UNLEASHED...
Dr. Mallory Hayes, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) medical investigator, is a committed physician and researcher quietly battling height and air-flight anxiety. When a tsunami devastates the coast of Southern California, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes a camp to house the tens of thousands of people displaced by the disaster, and the Army is brought in to provide medical services.
Mallory is dispatched to the camp by the CDC to prevent the potential spread of disease from contaminated water. What she discovers is far worse than anything she could have imagined—an accelerated HIV-like virus, and a common, everyday microbe, are proving to be extremely deadly.
"Particles in the Air" is a shockingly realistic tale only an immunologist could write—a tense, high-concept thriller meant to appeal to fans of A.G Riddle, Michael Crichton, Terry Hayes, Richard Preston, and others.
Dr. Mallory Hayes, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) medical investigator, is a committed physician and researcher quietly battling height and air-flight anxiety. When a tsunami devastates the coast of Southern California, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes a camp to house the tens of thousands of people displaced by the disaster, and the Army is brought in to provide medical services.
Mallory is dispatched to the camp by the CDC to prevent the potential spread of disease from contaminated water. What she discovers is far worse than anything she could have imagined—an accelerated HIV-like virus, and a common, everyday microbe, are proving to be extremely deadly.
"Particles in the Air" is a shockingly realistic tale only an immunologist could write—a tense, high-concept thriller meant to appeal to fans of A.G Riddle, Michael Crichton, Terry Hayes, Richard Preston, and others.
285 pages, Hardcover
Published January 24, 2023
123 people are currently reading
6220 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Podjasek
3 books59 followersDr. Jenna Podjasek is an Allergist/Immunologist whose medical thrillers fuse her exceptional expertise with heart-pounding suspense. A proud Mayo Clinic alumnus, she weaves her knowledge of the medical field into her narratives, transporting readers into an exhilarating, high-stakes world of medicine and intrigue.
Residing in the vibrant suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Podjasek shares her home with her supportive husband, their two curious children, and a delightful menagerie of pets that never cease to inspire.
With her debut novel, PARTICLES IN THE AIR, Dr. Podjasek establishes herself as a fresh, compelling voice in the realm of next-level medical thrillers. As she captivates readers with her storytelling, she promises even more pulse-pounding adventures to come.
Stay connected with Dr. Podjasek by following her on Twitter @JennaPodjasek and Instagram at @JennaPodjasekauthor, where she shares her inspirations, sneak peeks, and glimpses into her life beyond the pages.
Residing in the vibrant suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Podjasek shares her home with her supportive husband, their two curious children, and a delightful menagerie of pets that never cease to inspire.
With her debut novel, PARTICLES IN THE AIR, Dr. Podjasek establishes herself as a fresh, compelling voice in the realm of next-level medical thrillers. As she captivates readers with her storytelling, she promises even more pulse-pounding adventures to come.
Stay connected with Dr. Podjasek by following her on Twitter @JennaPodjasek and Instagram at @JennaPodjasekauthor, where she shares her inspirations, sneak peeks, and glimpses into her life beyond the pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 15, 2023
Fantastic Medical Thriller!
In "Particles in the Air," Dr. Jenna Podjasek masterfully combines her expertise as an immunologist with a flair for storytelling to create a thrilling, high-concept novel that is both terrifyingly realistic and impossible to put down.
The story follows Dr. Mallory Hayes, a CDC medical investigator. She is a well-rounded and relatable character, whose commitment to her profession and quiet struggle with personal anxieties make her a fascinating figure. She is sent to a disaster relief camp established after a devastating tsunami. Podjasek's portrayal of Mallory is both relatable and compelling, as she struggles with her own fears and insecurities while working to protect those affected by the catastrophe. However, Mallory soon discovers that there is a much more significant threat looming—a deadly, accelerated HIV-like virus and a seemingly innocuous microbe with lethal consequences.
As Mallory races against time to uncover the origins of the virus, she encounters a diverse and complex cast of characters, including a sociopathic scientist, a zealous Islamic extremist, and a misguided teenager. These characters add depth and tension to the narrative, and their connections to the virus only heighten the stakes.
"Particles in the Air" is not just a suspenseful thriller but also an exploration of the ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by those working on the front lines of public health. The book's timely themes and realistic portrayal of a potential health crisis make it a must-read for fans of the genre.
I highly recommend "Particles in the Air" to fans of medical thrillers and those who enjoy stories that explore the frightening potential consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation. Dr. Jenna Podjasek has crafted an intense, captivating novel that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
In "Particles in the Air," Dr. Jenna Podjasek masterfully combines her expertise as an immunologist with a flair for storytelling to create a thrilling, high-concept novel that is both terrifyingly realistic and impossible to put down.
The story follows Dr. Mallory Hayes, a CDC medical investigator. She is a well-rounded and relatable character, whose commitment to her profession and quiet struggle with personal anxieties make her a fascinating figure. She is sent to a disaster relief camp established after a devastating tsunami. Podjasek's portrayal of Mallory is both relatable and compelling, as she struggles with her own fears and insecurities while working to protect those affected by the catastrophe. However, Mallory soon discovers that there is a much more significant threat looming—a deadly, accelerated HIV-like virus and a seemingly innocuous microbe with lethal consequences.
As Mallory races against time to uncover the origins of the virus, she encounters a diverse and complex cast of characters, including a sociopathic scientist, a zealous Islamic extremist, and a misguided teenager. These characters add depth and tension to the narrative, and their connections to the virus only heighten the stakes.
"Particles in the Air" is not just a suspenseful thriller but also an exploration of the ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by those working on the front lines of public health. The book's timely themes and realistic portrayal of a potential health crisis make it a must-read for fans of the genre.
I highly recommend "Particles in the Air" to fans of medical thrillers and those who enjoy stories that explore the frightening potential consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation. Dr. Jenna Podjasek has crafted an intense, captivating novel that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
March 15, 2023
This was a great read! The story was fast-paced, the characters were dynamic and interesting, and the medicine was accurate. I highly recommend for thrill seekers!
June 10, 2023
Well, I read it at one sitting so it clearly qualifies as a thriller. I do like medical mysteries/thrillers a lot. The main character, Mallory Hayes, works as a doctor with the CDC and is sent to the west coast to inspect a refugee camp set up after a killer tsunami kills 20,ooo people. While she's there, people start dying from various opportunistic diseases. And there's the mystery. What could be causing this? Is it natural or manufactured? Can it be contained? I think the response worked well and there are clearly echoes of government and civilian responses to the Covid-19 epidemic. The book worked well except for the increasingly remote boyfriend turned homicidal killer. I felt that was not set up well enough to be effective. Otherwise, an enjoyable compelling thriller.
October 10, 2023
I barely made it through this one. In spite of the glowing reviews I found this to be awkwardly written. There was a lot of interesting medical info about how a virus behaves in a pandemic, but it read like it was by a high school student, a high school student who happened to have a medical background. Not for me.
May 31, 2023
This is my 2nd giveaway book from GoodReads. I’ve never read a medical thriller and was leery it would be in all medical terms, but that wasn’t the case. The medical aspects were interesting and well written, but understandable. Following the pandemic, I can see how this story would be relevant. The characters in the story were well developed and interesting. I found myself invested in the plot, and wanted to know what was going to happen. Overall I really enjoyed this!
September 30, 2024
rare 1 star review from me ! Some of the worst, most stilted writing ever. Wayyy too much medical lingo and extremely clunky ways of communicating it to the audience. Aggressive islamaphobic overtones. Glossed over every crucial plot point within like 2 pages. genuinely terrible book :(
December 16, 2023
Pandemic
This book had a slow start until the reader caught on to the plot. After that the story was really good. The main characters were well developed and the action was plausible. I would read another of her books
This book had a slow start until the reader caught on to the plot. After that the story was really good. The main characters were well developed and the action was plausible. I would read another of her books
February 22, 2024
Good read……. :-). 👏🏼
February 7, 2023
Best medical thriller I've read in decades. On the same level as Robin Cook and in many areas exceeds his writing. Highly recommend.
June 14, 2023
Good story, good ideas, good writing. I just wanted more of it. More depth of characters, more depth of story line, but over all a good little read for a weekend trip. Thank you so much for your efforts.
February 25, 2024
The story line had so much potential especially in the aftermath of Covid, however, to me, it was poorly written and jumped around too much. I saw a bunch of editing errors and it was distracting. The tangential storylines weren’t well incorporated into the main plot.
June 5, 2023
Read The Full Review at BEST THRILLER BOOKS
Jenna Podjasek, M.D., hits the scene with her debut character Dr. Mallory Hayes with death and carnage in Particles in the Air. Hayes dashingly introduces herself in this high intensity bio-terror thriller as a great physician/researcher from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, working with the deadliest viruses the earth has ever seen.
While one of the most tragic natural disasters strikes on the west coast of the United States, an already full-fledged operation of terroristic proportions is ongoing in Sweden, about to cause unkempt chaos and disorder. Gene Therapist, Dr. Erik Lindgren, is advancing his work rapidly in the Northern European country when his personal debts start to escalate past the point of coming back. As if his research isn’t stressful enough, Lindgren watches his woman walk away after an unfortunate domestic violence situation. Now with no job, no woman, and no income, Lindgren is forced to make a decision that will cost him everything.
Hayes links up with the Army National Guard to assist in the care and comfort of the refugees and displaced people after the earthquake and tsunami unfortunately cause havoc on California’s coastline. As people start showing up with minor injuries and common issues, Hayes helps support and boost the physician’s staff as the Army’s Medical Corps when anomalies start becoming more and more frequent and carrying death in tow.
Hayes utilizes her extensive experience in the CDC to help pinpoint what issues are more than just the common cold as more and more people are showing up dead with immunosuppressed symptoms. Battling an already violent situation with an unfaithful man, an extraordinary disease spreading like wildfire, and herself potentially being infected, Hayes must fight through to help find a cure and stop one of the worst bioterrorism attacks the world has ever seen.
Jenna Podjasek turns to her immunology and doctoral background to give a very detailed and frightening tale of terror that has America falling apart. Her intense and extensive level of knowledge of viral and bacterial diseases fearfully creates an…
Don't forget to check out the full review!!
Jenna Podjasek, M.D., hits the scene with her debut character Dr. Mallory Hayes with death and carnage in Particles in the Air. Hayes dashingly introduces herself in this high intensity bio-terror thriller as a great physician/researcher from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, working with the deadliest viruses the earth has ever seen.
While one of the most tragic natural disasters strikes on the west coast of the United States, an already full-fledged operation of terroristic proportions is ongoing in Sweden, about to cause unkempt chaos and disorder. Gene Therapist, Dr. Erik Lindgren, is advancing his work rapidly in the Northern European country when his personal debts start to escalate past the point of coming back. As if his research isn’t stressful enough, Lindgren watches his woman walk away after an unfortunate domestic violence situation. Now with no job, no woman, and no income, Lindgren is forced to make a decision that will cost him everything.
Hayes links up with the Army National Guard to assist in the care and comfort of the refugees and displaced people after the earthquake and tsunami unfortunately cause havoc on California’s coastline. As people start showing up with minor injuries and common issues, Hayes helps support and boost the physician’s staff as the Army’s Medical Corps when anomalies start becoming more and more frequent and carrying death in tow.
Hayes utilizes her extensive experience in the CDC to help pinpoint what issues are more than just the common cold as more and more people are showing up dead with immunosuppressed symptoms. Battling an already violent situation with an unfaithful man, an extraordinary disease spreading like wildfire, and herself potentially being infected, Hayes must fight through to help find a cure and stop one of the worst bioterrorism attacks the world has ever seen.
Jenna Podjasek turns to her immunology and doctoral background to give a very detailed and frightening tale of terror that has America falling apart. Her intense and extensive level of knowledge of viral and bacterial diseases fearfully creates an…
Don't forget to check out the full review!!
April 9, 2024
This story comes with a good premise, but struggles to execute well. That said, it's a quick, easy read with little space to pullover for a rest stop.
Now some details.
The origin of the virus is the most compelling aspect of this book. Erik's desperation and the series of events that prompt him to make a desperate choice are the things good thrillers are made of. I was disappointed to see his involvement in the story reach an abrupt, early end. I would have liked to see this thread develop into a full investigation and eventual discovery of the virus, despite Sameer's meticulous care to cover their tracks.
Instead, both major discoveries (the bioterrorism and the vaccine) came through Mallory's aha moments. This was too much "Deus Ex Machina" for my liking.
I had a harder time relating to Mallory. She clearly reflects the author's expertise, in a good way, and the reader gets a couple layers of personality that make Mallory's compassion and perseverance work. But she lacked a personal narrative to really thrust her into the deep end of the action. The breakup angle could have been used to create some internal tension, but didn't seem to affect Mallory's professional decisions at all. I would even suggest that this story would have worked just fine without Marcus ever making an appearance.
I appreciate that the medical information was on display without being hauled out in lengthy info dumps. At times, though, the author's objective of relating certain facts to the reader led to some awkward and unrealistic dialogue that just wouldn't take place in casual conversations. But when similar information was presented in the form of status briefings, these exchanges felt entirely natural and fit nicely.
One final plus that I have to highlight is that the author did not take the story down the path of partisan politics. We all remember 2020 too well, and none of us are in a hurry to revisit that experience. Fortunately, the book doesn't even dip a toe in the political waters, which I greatly appreciate.
Now some details.
The origin of the virus is the most compelling aspect of this book. Erik's desperation and the series of events that prompt him to make a desperate choice are the things good thrillers are made of. I was disappointed to see his involvement in the story reach an abrupt, early end. I would have liked to see this thread develop into a full investigation and eventual discovery of the virus, despite Sameer's meticulous care to cover their tracks.
Instead, both major discoveries (the bioterrorism and the vaccine) came through Mallory's aha moments. This was too much "Deus Ex Machina" for my liking.
I had a harder time relating to Mallory. She clearly reflects the author's expertise, in a good way, and the reader gets a couple layers of personality that make Mallory's compassion and perseverance work. But she lacked a personal narrative to really thrust her into the deep end of the action. The breakup angle could have been used to create some internal tension, but didn't seem to affect Mallory's professional decisions at all. I would even suggest that this story would have worked just fine without Marcus ever making an appearance.
I appreciate that the medical information was on display without being hauled out in lengthy info dumps. At times, though, the author's objective of relating certain facts to the reader led to some awkward and unrealistic dialogue that just wouldn't take place in casual conversations. But when similar information was presented in the form of status briefings, these exchanges felt entirely natural and fit nicely.
One final plus that I have to highlight is that the author did not take the story down the path of partisan politics. We all remember 2020 too well, and none of us are in a hurry to revisit that experience. Fortunately, the book doesn't even dip a toe in the political waters, which I greatly appreciate.
August 27, 2023
None of us ever truly think about all the small microbes around us. We just live our lives never fully understanding how fragile we are. This story will shatter that illusion. Our greatest enemy are germs, those small microbes that are unseen, yet deadly without our built in immune system. Welcome to the world of Dr. Mallory Hayes where the study of disease is, for her, a puzzle to be solved her mission to find cures that will save lives. On the other side of the coin there is Dr. Erik Lindgren who looks for fame and monetary reward in his research. It is Dr. Lindgren who initiates an apocalyptic revenge that brings a country to its knees. All because he was jilted, which prompted him to lash out violently and as a result removed from his position.
You will meet men who use the anger of the young to precipitate destruction on the innocent. Barakah as a result of interaction on a plane by a child and her mother began a change within him that proved to be a good thing.
Connections: this is all about connections, how we respond to others, how many times we come in contact with one another, how each of us sees one another.
Dr. Podjasek tells a story that is all too easily feasible. As the story proceeds you, the reader, will become aware of how an infection can travel the world simply through small unseen connections. We all unknowingly cross one another never realizing how easy it is to share so much.
After COVID-19 we are all aware of just how quickly our fragile world can collapse and how one lab leak can destroy so much.
In this book the author takes those probabilities and puts forth the question "what if it is deliberate”?
You will meet men who use the anger of the young to precipitate destruction on the innocent. Barakah as a result of interaction on a plane by a child and her mother began a change within him that proved to be a good thing.
Connections: this is all about connections, how we respond to others, how many times we come in contact with one another, how each of us sees one another.
Dr. Podjasek tells a story that is all too easily feasible. As the story proceeds you, the reader, will become aware of how an infection can travel the world simply through small unseen connections. We all unknowingly cross one another never realizing how easy it is to share so much.
After COVID-19 we are all aware of just how quickly our fragile world can collapse and how one lab leak can destroy so much.
In this book the author takes those probabilities and puts forth the question "what if it is deliberate”?
April 25, 2024
PARTICLES IN THE AIR – by Jenna Podjasek, MD
‘In the wake of a natural disaster, a new pandemic is unleashed...’
Dr. Mallory Hayes, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) medical investigator, is a committed physician and researcher quietly battling height and air-flight anxiety. When a tsunami devastates the coast of Southern California, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes a camp to house the tens of thousands of people displaced by the disaster, and the Army is brought in to provide medical services.’
‘Mallory is dispatched to the camp by the CDC to prevent the potential spread of disease from contaminated water. What she discovers is far worse than anything she could have imagined . . . .’
Give me a Medical Thriller any day of the week—my LOVE stems from reading books authored by Michael Crichton (’Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should’) Preston & Child (’What we have here is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.’), Robin Cook (’Somethings going on in OR 8!’) etc. and now I am a Podjasek fan—More Please!
Thank you, NetGalley and Bancroft Press, for providing me with an eBook of PARTICLES IN THE AIR at the request of an honest review.
‘In the wake of a natural disaster, a new pandemic is unleashed...’
Dr. Mallory Hayes, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) medical investigator, is a committed physician and researcher quietly battling height and air-flight anxiety. When a tsunami devastates the coast of Southern California, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes a camp to house the tens of thousands of people displaced by the disaster, and the Army is brought in to provide medical services.’
‘Mallory is dispatched to the camp by the CDC to prevent the potential spread of disease from contaminated water. What she discovers is far worse than anything she could have imagined . . . .’
Give me a Medical Thriller any day of the week—my LOVE stems from reading books authored by Michael Crichton (’Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should’) Preston & Child (’What we have here is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.’), Robin Cook (’Somethings going on in OR 8!’) etc. and now I am a Podjasek fan—More Please!
Thank you, NetGalley and Bancroft Press, for providing me with an eBook of PARTICLES IN THE AIR at the request of an honest review.
April 10, 2023
I was very excited about this book and while it was good, it wasn’t as expected from all the hype. I ended up doing the audiobook, and unfortunately the narrator was very underwhelming and sometimes down right terrible. The book it’s self was good, but not as original as I wish it would have been. Many referenced in reviews that this book was a new form of the beloved movie “Contagion,” which happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time! But unfortunately I saw where she drew a little TOO much from “Contagion.” I still loved the read, which is why I gave it 4 stars, but I do wish there was more originality. The depth of science was refreshing and I did enjoy the multiple levels of either, personal turmoil or natural disaster, that added layers to the storyline. I would definitely read it again and follow this author for more books. But I can’t stress enough that the author choose a different narrator for her next book, as it was almost a DNF for me due to that and the very slow beginning. I will say the story world building did become worth it, but be warned it takes about 20 chapters to really get into it.
May 24, 2023
The perfect vacation read
Coming so shortly after the pandemic, this is a frighteningly relevant tale. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, but it includes a Californian tsunami, a psychopathic scientist, and international terrorists. Dr. Mallory Hayes works in epidemiology and is sent to assist in the refugee camp as part of the CDC. From the cataclysmic start, the novel never lets up the pace. If you thought things couldn’t get worse, then think again.
The author uses her background to write a spell-binding story full of technical detail. I had to skip some of this, not having sufficient knowledge, but this didn’t detract as the pace started fast and moved at breakneck speed. Particles in the Air is an absorbing read, frightening, and tension-filled, and I found I read it in two good sessions. The characters are not well-developed, the ending is no great surprise, and the baddies are stereotypes, but it is a perfect holiday novel. Particles in the Air is very much in the style of disaster movies of the 1980s. Great fun!
Coming so shortly after the pandemic, this is a frighteningly relevant tale. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, but it includes a Californian tsunami, a psychopathic scientist, and international terrorists. Dr. Mallory Hayes works in epidemiology and is sent to assist in the refugee camp as part of the CDC. From the cataclysmic start, the novel never lets up the pace. If you thought things couldn’t get worse, then think again.
The author uses her background to write a spell-binding story full of technical detail. I had to skip some of this, not having sufficient knowledge, but this didn’t detract as the pace started fast and moved at breakneck speed. Particles in the Air is an absorbing read, frightening, and tension-filled, and I found I read it in two good sessions. The characters are not well-developed, the ending is no great surprise, and the baddies are stereotypes, but it is a perfect holiday novel. Particles in the Air is very much in the style of disaster movies of the 1980s. Great fun!
July 24, 2023
An exciting pandemic thriller.
If you like medical stories dealing with a viral disease that causes death in nearly 100% of exposed persons, this is the book for you. The first in a potential new series featuring CDC medical investigator Dr. Mallory Hayes is fast-paced and suspenseful as she and fellow heroes battle biologic terrorism in the wake of a devastating natural disaster occurring in Southern California. The horrific illness originates in a FEMA camp and the Army and other personnel immediately try to help the many displaced persons as the CDC tries to trace and quarantine the infected. As the virus spreads throughout populated areas in the USA, riots and the breakdown of safety and security management cause additional problems while the death toll and infection increase. Can this be stopped?
I really enjoyed this and hope to see more of Dr. Mallory Hayes even as I hate to get hooked into another series (I prefer standalones). I am a total sucker for anything medical combined with twists and true-to-life scares. I also like it when the good guys win.
I borrowed this e-book from my local library and recommend it.
If you like medical stories dealing with a viral disease that causes death in nearly 100% of exposed persons, this is the book for you. The first in a potential new series featuring CDC medical investigator Dr. Mallory Hayes is fast-paced and suspenseful as she and fellow heroes battle biologic terrorism in the wake of a devastating natural disaster occurring in Southern California. The horrific illness originates in a FEMA camp and the Army and other personnel immediately try to help the many displaced persons as the CDC tries to trace and quarantine the infected. As the virus spreads throughout populated areas in the USA, riots and the breakdown of safety and security management cause additional problems while the death toll and infection increase. Can this be stopped?
I really enjoyed this and hope to see more of Dr. Mallory Hayes even as I hate to get hooked into another series (I prefer standalones). I am a total sucker for anything medical combined with twists and true-to-life scares. I also like it when the good guys win.
I borrowed this e-book from my local library and recommend it.
July 11, 2023
Cracking airport read!
The plot fair gallops along in this one. Well structured and full of interesting medical details, the book has plenty to keep you enthralled. Short chapters and zippy pacing means it’s easy to keep reading - which I did, from start to finish in one sitting.
The topical, engineered super virus theme keeps you wondering just how plausible this is. I also appreciated that the villains are more nuanced in this than is typical of the genre.
I struggled a bit with the appearance of two psychopathic male narcissists and personally think the plot would have been stronger with out the stalker ex-boyfriend sub-plot. That aside, this was an entertaining thriller, written with a true voice of authority by a medical professional.
Extremely well edited, I look forward to the next adventure in the series.
The plot fair gallops along in this one. Well structured and full of interesting medical details, the book has plenty to keep you enthralled. Short chapters and zippy pacing means it’s easy to keep reading - which I did, from start to finish in one sitting.
The topical, engineered super virus theme keeps you wondering just how plausible this is. I also appreciated that the villains are more nuanced in this than is typical of the genre.
I struggled a bit with the appearance of two psychopathic male narcissists and personally think the plot would have been stronger with out the stalker ex-boyfriend sub-plot. That aside, this was an entertaining thriller, written with a true voice of authority by a medical professional.
Extremely well edited, I look forward to the next adventure in the series.
August 5, 2023
An intriguing and suspenseful read, "Particles in the Air" will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dr. Mallory Hayes is a fearless, hard-working physician who is committed to saving patients' lives despite facing her own personal demons. Both the plot and the characters are well-developed and add depth to the work. As Mallory works to stop a pandemic, the plot moves quickly and features tense moments of drama. Readers will be glued to their seats from the first to the last page of this riveting tale.
Jenna Podjasek does suspense as well as she does medical fiction. The book reads like it could have been written by another brilliant doctor/author, Michael Crighton. I’ve read everything Dr. Crighton has written (even his non-fiction works), and I hope Dr. Podiasek continues writing. I would recommend her book to everyone.
Jenna Podjasek does suspense as well as she does medical fiction. The book reads like it could have been written by another brilliant doctor/author, Michael Crighton. I’ve read everything Dr. Crighton has written (even his non-fiction works), and I hope Dr. Podiasek continues writing. I would recommend her book to everyone.
April 9, 2023
A must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling medical mystery that hits close to home. This fast-paced and suspenseful novel will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dr. Mallory Hayes is a relatable and dynamic protagonist who is determined to stop the deadly virus from spreading, even if it means putting her own life at risk. Jenna Podjasek, MD expertly weaves together science, politics, and human drama to create a story that is both realistic and heart-wrenching. Fans of Robin Cook and Dan Brown will love this book, which explores the dark side of human nature and the lengths we will go to protect ourselves and those we love. So, buckle up and get ready for an exhilarating ride through this page-turner of a thriller!
May 5, 2023
Lots to Enjoy about this Medical Thriller
The influence of the author’s occupation is evident in this medical thriller. The comfort of high stakes situations and medical issues makes the story familiar and reminiscent of bestselling authors. Really enjoyed the realistic and frighteningly possibility of the story. The idea of a seemingly natural disaster causing or unearthing an even bigger and deadlier disaster is clever. The main character, Mallory Hayes, is relatable and imperfect. Liked that she was not a superhero. The story is fast paced and world spanning which allows the reader to see the anxiety of the medical investigator who has a fear of flying. Enjoyable read.
The influence of the author’s occupation is evident in this medical thriller. The comfort of high stakes situations and medical issues makes the story familiar and reminiscent of bestselling authors. Really enjoyed the realistic and frighteningly possibility of the story. The idea of a seemingly natural disaster causing or unearthing an even bigger and deadlier disaster is clever. The main character, Mallory Hayes, is relatable and imperfect. Liked that she was not a superhero. The story is fast paced and world spanning which allows the reader to see the anxiety of the medical investigator who has a fear of flying. Enjoyable read.
July 11, 2023
Action filled medical thriller
I absolutely loved this story. The short, dynamic chapters are always a plus for me. It's very well rounded with the scientific layer in the focus, but written in a way that reader is left with a deep understanding despite the science terminology.
The mentality of people fleeing with their families from the Middle East. The fanaticism of certain individuals and the lengths of devotion they nurture blindly following their inborn religion beliefs in a helpless crave of reaching significance, importance & respect.
It's a striking story of frontline pandemic workers and the hard choices they're faced with.
Recommended!
I absolutely loved this story. The short, dynamic chapters are always a plus for me. It's very well rounded with the scientific layer in the focus, but written in a way that reader is left with a deep understanding despite the science terminology.
The mentality of people fleeing with their families from the Middle East. The fanaticism of certain individuals and the lengths of devotion they nurture blindly following their inborn religion beliefs in a helpless crave of reaching significance, importance & respect.
It's a striking story of frontline pandemic workers and the hard choices they're faced with.
Recommended!
June 18, 2023
Ebook/Science Fiction: This book really didn't knock my socks off. It started out confusing with Eric, but was entertaining. After he is immediately killed off, it gets boring with a narrative. After what we went through with COVID, do you really need to remind sub characters to wash their hands to prevent a cold. If it wasn't that the book is fast paced, I probably wouldn't have finished it. There were a few unanswered questions afterwards.
I want to thank Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book.
I want to thank Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book.
September 10, 2023
I stayed up way too late reading this because I could not put it down! It reads beautifully, like watching a film. The author is obviously well educated on the matter, and the thorough research and understanding shines through on every page. But, presented in a way that is easily consumed by us non-medical folk. 😉
This is not a stuffy medical drama. The plotlines, character development, and twists made this a wild ride I wasn't expecting! It will make you want to grab your hand sanitizer and hide in a bubble!
This is not a stuffy medical drama. The plotlines, character development, and twists made this a wild ride I wasn't expecting! It will make you want to grab your hand sanitizer and hide in a bubble!
July 31, 2023
Could well come true!
After the last few years of Covid, this book was frighteningly close to home. A fast-paced story with just enough technical information for the layman to understand, this is a "goodies and baddies, race against time" style read. But that does not detract from it; it is well put together and moves at a speed that makes it a page-turner. Great escapism. I will be looking at more by this author, that is for certain. Good job.
After the last few years of Covid, this book was frighteningly close to home. A fast-paced story with just enough technical information for the layman to understand, this is a "goodies and baddies, race against time" style read. But that does not detract from it; it is well put together and moves at a speed that makes it a page-turner. Great escapism. I will be looking at more by this author, that is for certain. Good job.
September 8, 2024
A thrilling book for fans of the biological terror genre. Well-written with many twists. There may be some excessive expansion of technical details on biological topics, but one can always skip such paragraphs.
I really enjoyed it and hope to see more books by Jenna Podjasek. In these post-COVID days, with Muslim terrorism spreading around the world, the book becomes especially frightening.
By the way. I would change the cover to something more attractive.
I really enjoyed it and hope to see more books by Jenna Podjasek. In these post-COVID days, with Muslim terrorism spreading around the world, the book becomes especially frightening.
By the way. I would change the cover to something more attractive.
June 12, 2023
This was a very interesting story, especially with what the world has just gone through. Jenna Podjasek definitely gives a different view of what takes place when there is a mysterious illness affecting the country. This was a great book, I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more of the Dr. Mallory Hayes series.
August 2, 2023
So inspiring
This was a great read. I didn't know what to expect since I hadn't heard of bioterrorism. The author did an amazing job describing Dr. Mallory Hayes, a hard worker who discovered the virus and where it came from. It reminded me of when COVID started and it got me thinking about bioterrorism for a long time.
This was a great read. I didn't know what to expect since I hadn't heard of bioterrorism. The author did an amazing job describing Dr. Mallory Hayes, a hard worker who discovered the virus and where it came from. It reminded me of when COVID started and it got me thinking about bioterrorism for a long time.
September 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The characters weren’t too fleshed out but I was still rooting for our main character. The short chapters made it easy to fly through, although the writing was a bit too bland and simplistic. I did enjoy the science of it as a health science student and enjoyed watching the scientists figure out the reason behind all the deaths.
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