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THE DEADLIEST DISEASE IN HISTORY . . .

A lethal pathogen appears on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Dr. Samantha Bower of the Centers for Disease Control is handed the case and assigned to investigate its containment and origins.

A MYSTERIOUS FIGURE WHO ISN'T WHAT HE APPEARS TO BE . . .

Dr. Bower finds a microorganism unlike any she has run across in her lifetime. The symptomology points her to the most destructive disease in human history. One man has offered her help. A man with insight into the disease who reveals nothing about himself or his past.

THE WORLD ON THE EDGE OF A CLIFF . . .

Dr. Bower discovers that there are forces at work she can't understand. All applying pressure to use the chaos of an epidemic to their advantage. But there is one thing she is certain of: humanity may soon be an endangered species . . .

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2012

790 people are currently reading
1477 people want to read

About the author

Victor Methos

75 books2,092 followers
Victor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.

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5 stars
1,083 (34%)
4 stars
1,081 (34%)
3 stars
704 (22%)
2 stars
202 (6%)
1 star
82 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
Profile Image for Henri Moreaux.
1,001 reviews33 followers
March 9, 2013
I found the story started off strong - a tour guide in Peru falls prey to an unknown pathogen and then through the human interaction of modern society it reaches the United States (Hawaii).

After the epidemic starts however things start getting a bit average and predictable, then the author starts mentioning God at random intervals and one point stating that humans naturally would all rape and kill without God. (Never mind the millions of people throughout history killed and/or tortured in the name of God). I also found the portrayal of Peruvian villagers as sexist & murderous primitives to be rather callous.

The ending was a bit of a let down - it doesn't actually resolve the story line it just addresses one of the sub plots, several others remain unanswered/unknown including the main plot - it almost felt as if the author had ran out of time or felt he'd written enough so just decided to wrap it up there.

Profile Image for Lynelle Clark.
Author 58 books178 followers
September 19, 2020
Murphy's law is hard at work with me. Every book and TV series I have watched so far the last couple of weeks is about a pandemic. A pandemic so unreal that you cannot think it can really happen.

But here we are, the world is facing a pandemic that has changed our way of doing tremendously. Suddenly the fictitious books become more real and you can understand the heartache of being in quarantine, of businesses closing, the streets ghostly in their silence. Not touching anyone.

I have this book on my TBR list since 2012 and only could read it now. The similarities in human behaviour are not fiction any longer. The author's insight into such an occurrence an eye-opener. This is really a very well written plot and the author definitely understand the backstory to give us a thrilling tale.

It is a fast-paced book that takes you to picturesque Hawaii and then the beauty fades as secrets are revealed while people die at a speeding rate. I have now a better understanding of how the CDC works, the reasons for the human behaviour as greed and survival comes to the surface, and the absolute futility of it all when this sickness had no reason or does not discriminate.

Really a good story... it makes you think.
Profile Image for Beverley.
66 reviews51 followers
September 15, 2012
I picked this up for free on my kindle as the title interested me, and well, it was free. To be honest I wasn't expecting anything spectacular, I mean if the book is being given away for nothing its best not to have high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Methos has a masterful way of building suspense and I found the themes explored in the book to be really interesting. I love a good disaster story, but only if its done right and constructed in a believable way. And this was. I found myself imagining what would happen if the same thing happened today, a seemingly unstoppable worldwide epidemic. That's the thing that gets me about Plague, it really could happen. As Methos points out 99.99% of all the species that have ever existed are extinct. What makes us think that we'd be any different?

My main criticism is the ending, it's like you're driving along and everything is going great, then BAM, the next thing you know you've hit a brick wall. And that's it. It's over before it should be, no finality, no goodbyes, no nice clean cut ending, just a rushed few pages
132 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2019
Thought provoking
Very much liked the premise of a lethal virus with the potential to render mankind extinct and having to be contained on a Hawaii. Although the first half is more absorbing than the second, the clandestine activities left me a tad confused. Also bewildering in the opening chapters was the number of different doctors. I think the plot would've been stronger without any government underhandness, simply a natural virus. Despite that the author leaves you in no doubt about life when law and order has ceased to exist. The two central characters, leading scientists in their field, to me seemed rather week. Not the characterisation but their role; they didn't seem to do anything a hospital orderly couldn't. The decisions they do make aren't for they greater good of the community, or indeed mankind, but for their own conscience. A hopeless pair.The ending is possibly slightly abrupt but this is a trilogy.
Profile Image for Susan.
91 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2012
Easy read of a medical thriller set primarily in South America and Hawaii, Plague was fairly straightforward and simple to follow, with no random side stories or confusing relationship issues to sort out. The author writes well, in a clear "just the facts" style that is a nice change from many of the current crop of writers.

What you see is what you get in this novel about a deadly virus that is killing patients with breakneck speed before the CDC has a prayer of getting a handle on it. Sadly, because of the author's style, the lush surroundings of the book's setting in Hawaii is pretty much a non-issue for the reader and only a bare minimum of description is given to painting a visual of the settings in which the action takes place. Since the action is non-stop however, we don't have much time to be sad about that shortcoming.

The characters are adequately fleshed out, though not in outstanding detail and I was slightly disappointed to find that there were many spots in which I wondered why there was not more description given or explanation made. The climax was not unexpected but at the same time not disappointing.

Plague wouldn't be a bad choice as a book to read while flying as it can be finished rather quickly and the subject matter is not challenging enough to demand the reader's full attention. The author writes coherently, in an organized way and using proper English, making me a happy reader. And thankfully there weren't places where I groaned and had criticism come to mind while reading, which alone earns the book an automatic two stars.

It would have added to the story to have some loose ends tied up at the end and more story added in numerous spots throughout the book, especially to explain details about the character and those close to them. Since the story remains so simple, leaving many opportunities for improvement with minor additions not taken advantage of however, for me this book rates at most three stars out of five. An enjoyable novel to take on a trip; don't expect Plague to open your eyes in new ways or do more than occupy your time for a few hours, though probably not best choice for anyone who is ill or who has an active imagination about what illness may befall him.
Profile Image for Terri Lynn.
997 reviews
May 28, 2017
This is a great trilogy about what happens when a new hot virus- with no treatment or cure- emerges from the forests of Peru and makes its way to Oahu, Hawaii- and then the mainland. Will humankind be eradicated?
Profile Image for Val.
682 reviews
September 19, 2024
The first book in The Plague Trilogy. When people start getting sick in Honolulu the officials try to contain what appears to be a previously unknown agent on the island. It’s not long, however, before it reaches the mainland. It comes to light that someone in a village in Peru has survived, and a team of five go out to locate, obtain blood cultures with the aim of developing an antidote. But when the team arrives, all is not as it seems and before they know it they’re heading for a village where someone had a canister - and it was after touching the canister that the sickness started.
244 reviews10 followers
May 31, 2024
Brilliant

Method writes fantastically! The plot races along with believable characters that are fully rounded and well drawn. Really looking forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for Sara.
556 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
Love medical thrillers. Pretty good, kept my attention.
Profile Image for Alex Cooper.
61 reviews19 followers
October 1, 2019
I do love a good medical thriller! The idea of a pathogen that no one can identify and its a race against time to save the human race from extinction. I enjoyed this book even if I was a little confused by the sudden switch in the middle and I'll be continuing the series. I also don't like but believe the idea that without the modern day comforts and government interference we are used to that society will quickly fall apart.
Profile Image for Grammar*Kitten.
317 reviews23 followers
August 31, 2012
I seem to really be enjoying medical thrillers at the moment; this book was a real page turner. Unlike most other medical thrillers I have read, it got going very quickly, with intriguing characters and a gripping plot from the first chapter.

The writer is very skilled in his craft. He chose vocabulary that was easy to read, enabling you to speed through the pages, but without being overly simplistic, which would have made me enjoy the book less. The threat itself was described in a way that made it both plausible and terrifying, as was the situation it caused, with a total breakdown in society proving to be just as sinister as the plague itself.

I would, however, agree with the other reviewers who say that this novel seems to end very abruptly; I grew concerned as I reached the 90% complete mark and realised that about another quarter of a book would be needed to wrap the plot up satisfactorily for me. A lot of questions were left unanswered at the end, and the motives behind, and indeed what exactly, had gone on were still a mystery. If there is to be a sequel to this novel, fair enough, it will hopefully all be explained. If not, I will take this as a stand-alone action piece, a brilliant piece of writing explaining the event itself, rather than the nature of the beast behind it.
469 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2020
I liked this book until the gang went to Peru, then it went off the rails. I also question the "FBI" agent character, and think his inclusion ruined what would otherwise be a good disease-destroying-humanity story.
In Peru, the author harps on the desire of the native people to rape a "white woman." Never having been an explorer in the untouched Amazon I don't actually know if this is an issue, but its repeating seemed kind of weird, inappropriate, gross actually.
In the last few chapters, it seemed like the author was sick of writing. The trip home was so sudden and told in such few pages that it was shocking. Also, how did the big boss at the CDC get from Los Angeles home to Atlanta without making anyone sick? (and given his character, he never would do that). And who knew about the secret mental health issues of the baddie? The reader in the last few sentences of the book. OK then.
A recurring theme in dystopian/disease novels, including this one, is that when society breaks down men turn into rapists. This terrifies me as a female, and do the authors that include this really think that's what is going to happen? That the police are the only thing preventing mass rape, kidnapping of young girls to rape, selling and bartering in women and girls for rape?
Generally a Victor Methos fan, did not like this book.
Profile Image for Megan.
413 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2014
Terrifying, violent, and disgusting; horrible choice on my part but not the book's fault. Plus points for interesting premise, making me ponder ethical quandaries on a societal scale, and strong female lead. Minus many points for terrible ending with loss of momentum, various plot points developed for seemingly no reason, and female lead being rescued by male characters on multiple occasions. (spoiler alert) Including at the end of the book when she and her (unnecessary) love interest are seen getting on planes going in opposite directions, she arrives at her destination and goes to her house where the bad guy is waiting and starts to try to kill her. Somehow, inexplicably, her love interest is not 1000 miles away in the opposite direction but is instead inside her locked house, with a gun that he got from nowhere that makes sense, kills the bad guy and she swoons "you came for me!" Uhhhh, I guess so.
Profile Image for The Badger.
672 reviews26 followers
October 9, 2016
This was a mediocre book (2.5 stars). I expected it to be about a resurgence of the bubonic plague, but it wasn't. That made me sad. You have to understand that I'm a huge fan of anything bubonic (I know--it sounds awful, but it's one of my favorite topics along with Erzsebet Bathory, and Architeuthis--the giant squid). So when I realized that this was really just a far-fetched book with no bubonic plague (and not even a giant squid--that might have made the book more interesting since much of it took place under water) I was hard pressed to even finish it.

Seriously though--without giving any spoilers--the characters were flat and lacked any true dimension. So many of the son's friends died, but was difficult for the reader to feel any sympathy because they'd never been given any depth. There was dialogue, but very little character development. It made the boys' lives seem inconsequential, and that left me with a very empty feeling.
Profile Image for David Ketelsen.
Author 1 book13 followers
September 24, 2012
I think this is a very well written account of a epidemic event. I'd have given it 5-stars if it wasn't for an ending that truly sucked. Do I recommend this book to others? Sure. But be ready for an ending that just doesn't sew up the main plotline of the book, only the subplot.

Despite this flaw, a fatal one in many books, Plague still has a lot to recommend it. I really liked the way that Methos draws his characters and his descriptions of events comes across as quite vivid and plausible. Even when the plot goes into some truly bizarre areas.

Since everything in this book could come to fruition, it's a very scary book indeed. I must admit some of the cloak & dagger events were distracting but I liked that aspect of the book as well. I just wish that Methos wrote a more complete end to the book.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
41 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2016
Predictable and flat. I was drawn in by an interesting premise (I have always been interested in epidemiology), but disappointed by a predictable plot, clunky writing that veered from overly specific product placement, use of medical terminology without any possible explanation for the layman reader, glaring plot holes and a large, two-dimensional cast. I don't mind authors using medical terms if they provide context or explanation, but throwing out there in a lame attempt to add veracity to the work is obvious and serves more to jerk the reader out of the story. Though it started out with decent pacing, the book slowed almost interminably in the second third of the book and continued to slag along without any real urgency.

Overall, I stuck with it to the end but was very much disappointed by a lack of depth in the story with such a promising idea behind it.
Profile Image for Michelle.
5 reviews
August 23, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and struggled to put it down. There was so much suspense that I didn't want to stop until I was finished reading it.

The ending did seem to be rushed and kind of left me wondering, what happens next? Was the virus contained or is it still infecting people in South America, Hawaii, or even the United States? However, it was something that made me think about life and how quickly it can change. How one outbreak can spread like wildfire.

I would definitely recommend reading Plague.
Profile Image for Sheri.
210 reviews63 followers
September 21, 2012
What if...

What if one man's exposure to a communicable disease exposed the whole world? How would you stop it from spreading. Complete madness! This book was extremely thought provoking. I liked it. It was just insane enough to keep me flipping through the pages.

By madness and insane, I don't mean unrealistic. I mean a very creative, well-written story.
Profile Image for Liquid Frost.
599 reviews22 followers
September 15, 2012
Kindle freebie. Easy read. Pretty straight forward. Had a decent build-up then it ended like running into a brick wall. No, not painful or strange, but rather a quick end. If you have a kindle - download it.
104 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2022
Victor Methos is one of my favorite authors. Having said that, this has to be his worst book. There were so many editing errors, and the story itself is unbelievable. There are two other stories in this trilogy, but I won't waste my time reading them. Too unbelievable.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
September 22, 2017
"An Unidentified Plague Threatens Civilization"

Wow! This is, indeed, a thriller ... an awesome medical thriller. It appears be be a new genre popular legal thriller author, Victor Methos, is expanding to. Samantha Bower of the Centers for Disease Control is handed a case. A lethal pathogen is found on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. She determines the microorganism is the most destructive disease in human history ... the worst serial killer of all time first called Black Pox. Humanity may soon be an endangered species. This is a stunning, shocking story which is very well written. I'm anxious to read the next two books of this chaotic trilogy.
4 reviews
July 8, 2017
Liked the beginning and thought it would be a good read. The longer I read it, the less I thought I'd even make it to the end. I'd already reserved the author's next 2 books from Kindle Unlimited.
It just wasn't believable. Too much religion unnecessarily thrown in. Definitely didn't understand that or why it was tossed in.
If this is the way our Government and the CDC work, I understand why it's a good idea to be a prepper. The more I read, the less I liked the characters as they were portrayed. So unbelievable.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,550 reviews37 followers
February 23, 2023
Plague

Love this story! Can’t wait to read the next in the series!
A virus no one has seen before is affecting some people on Oahu, Hawaii. They determine what it is and how infectious and where it probably came from. The statistics on the infectious rate of viruses is eye opening. We follow a doctor, Samantha as she tries to find the origin of this deadly virus. Samantha and a colleague go with a domestic terrorist and an FBI agent to Peru to search for Patient Zero. It held my attention completely and I read it in a day. You’ll love it!
Profile Image for Matt Egan.
628 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2024
Intense!

Plague is about an outbreak of an unknown pathogen for which humans have no immunity or treatment. There is more bioutilitarian discussion than in the average book of this genre. Nothing is black & white, just infinite shades of grey, making it particularly thought provoking. Plague ends on a cliffhanger. On to Pestilence, hopefully it is as engrossing as Plague. Highly recommended, almost necessary reading, for medical thriller aficionados, but those who are squeamish or have CoVid PTSD should look elsewhere
143 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2025
Reality of a disease

The story was a little predictable in the beginning, as plague stories are. Getting to the point of how it is spread,was predictable, However now that I've read a few of his books,I stayed with it,and was not disappointed.
Can't say I was overly surprised at the ending,it could happen for sure,which is very scary.
Victor Methos has a style of describing events,and the gory details of bad things happening to people that I find so gripping I literally cannot put the books down.
Am about to start on book 2
Profile Image for Rockymountainreader.
214 reviews10 followers
April 14, 2020
I almost feel like I read two different books. The first half was interesting and all about the plague and what it was and how to learn about it. I feel like the second half went way off course. It wasn’t much about the plague or what they were going to do. The characters got confusing for me and I don’t really feel like anything was resolved. I feel like it could have been way more fleshed out in parts. I did really enjoy the first half and the concept overall. Just not great execution.
30 reviews
January 25, 2020
I happen to like medical thrillers of mostly all types. Especially books about plagues that come from underdeveloped countries and have heroes/heroines chasing after a cure.

Although the plot is pretty much the same of every other book of this type I have read, it is well-written and kept my attention throughout. I am now starting the next book in the 3-book series.
51 reviews
January 2, 2021
Started out well, didn’t really end. It was surreal reading about a pandemic when we are in the middle of one. I found the measures taken to confine the virus frightening and realistic considering the leadership in the US for the past 4 years. Supposedly they were unable to contain the virus and let it spread throughout the state which was sealed off fro the world
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Eleanor Murray.
14 reviews
February 4, 2018
Fascinating thriller

This story combines the best - and the worst of mankind as we identify and battle a terrible new virus. What is worse, the disease or our government's reaction to it? Can you trust those around you?

This is a fascinating medical thriller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews

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