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A Quiet Contagion
Six decades. Seven people. One unspeakable secret. 1957. A catastrophe occurs at the pharmaceutical lab in Coventry where sixteen-year-old Wilf is working for the summer. A catastrophe that needs to be covered up at all costs. 2017. Phiney is shocked by the death of her grandfather, Wilf, who has jumped from a railway bridge at a Coventry station. Journalist Mat Torrington is the only witness. Left with a swarm of unanswered questions, Phiney, Mat and Wilf's wife, Dora, begin their own enquiries into Wilf's death. It is soon clear that these two events, sixty years apart, are connected - and that Wilf is not the only casualty. But what is the link? And can they find out before any more lives are lost? A Quiet Contagion is a powerfully disquieting mystery for modern times, inspired by the 1957 Coventry polio epidemic and the 1955 Cutter Incident (one of the worst pharmaceutical disasters in US history - which saw thousands of American children mistakenly infected with a live polio vaccine) as well as the more recent global coronavirus pandemic. PRAISE FOR JANE JESMOND 'An original voice in crime fiction' - Sunday Times on Cut Adrift (A Best Crime Novel of 2023) 'Jesmond's delineation of her characters as people with plausible flaws and hot tempers adds depth and complexity to a story that might wear its sentiments on its sleeves, yet which is trimly steered and freighted with contemporary resonance' - Times on Cut Adrift (Thriller Book of the Month) 'In an over-saturated market, finding a new voice with something compelling to say in the crime writing field can be difficult. Thankfully there are people out there trying to deliver a twist on the genre, and Jane Jesmond is one of them' - On Yorkshire Magazine on Cut Adrift 'This amazing debut novel from Jane Jesmond will give you all the thrills you've been looking for and keep you gripped from the get-go' - Female First on On The Edge 'Evocative, compelling and pulse-pounding' - Philippa East on On The Edge
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2024
55 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Jane Jesmond
10 books52 followersJane Jesmond writes psychological suspense, thrillers and mysteries
Her debut novel, On The Edge, the first in a series featuring dynamic, daredevil protagonist Jen Shaw was a Sunday Times Crime Fiction best book. The second in the series, Cut Adrift, was The Times Thriller Book of the Month and The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month. Her latest novel, Her, a standalone psychological thriller was published in May 2023 and A Quiet Contagion, a disquieting contemporary mystery, will be published in November 2023.
Although she loves writing (and reading) thrillers and mysteries, her real life is very quiet and unexciting. Dead bodies and danger are not a feature! She lives by the sea in the northwest tip of France with a husband and a cat and enjoys coastal walks and village life.
Stay connected to Jane and receive news about her books and giveaways by signing up for her newsletter - https://jane-jesmond.com/contact/
You can find Jane:
On Twitter - @AuthorJJesmond
On Facebook - www.facebook.com/JaneJesmondAuthor
On Instagram - www.Instagram.com/authorjanejesmond
Her debut novel, On The Edge, the first in a series featuring dynamic, daredevil protagonist Jen Shaw was a Sunday Times Crime Fiction best book. The second in the series, Cut Adrift, was The Times Thriller Book of the Month and The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month. Her latest novel, Her, a standalone psychological thriller was published in May 2023 and A Quiet Contagion, a disquieting contemporary mystery, will be published in November 2023.
Although she loves writing (and reading) thrillers and mysteries, her real life is very quiet and unexciting. Dead bodies and danger are not a feature! She lives by the sea in the northwest tip of France with a husband and a cat and enjoys coastal walks and village life.
Stay connected to Jane and receive news about her books and giveaways by signing up for her newsletter - https://jane-jesmond.com/contact/
You can find Jane:
On Twitter - @AuthorJJesmond
On Facebook - www.facebook.com/JaneJesmondAuthor
On Instagram - www.Instagram.com/authorjanejesmond
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 23, 2024
This science crime/mystery novel is told from the perspective of three time frames. The 1957 polio epidemic in Coventry, England with scientists and business interests researching a desperately needed vaccine, a 1977 update on a couple of the original characters and the 2017 dramatic fallout from the 1957 mistakes. These three periods leave lots of room for various narrators, who can be hard to keep track of.
I was attracted to the book as a science mystery based on some real events and learned quite a lot about the mid-20th century epidemic. Polio is largely eradicated at present but could always show up again and as we know from recent times there’s always potential for a new pandemic. The issues of medical ethics and vaccine development give readers something to think about, especially as this book was being written during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As for negatives, I felt the book was more long than necessary, sometimes overheated and had a number of characters that I either didn’t believe in, care for or who did not keep me invested in the story. A Quiet Contagion did encourage me to look further into polio which I’m afraid I’ve taken for granted as old history. Although it has been been largely eradicated today because of vaccination it has the potential to return if ignored. Trust is involved and that is pointed out in this novel.
I was attracted to the book as a science mystery based on some real events and learned quite a lot about the mid-20th century epidemic. Polio is largely eradicated at present but could always show up again and as we know from recent times there’s always potential for a new pandemic. The issues of medical ethics and vaccine development give readers something to think about, especially as this book was being written during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As for negatives, I felt the book was more long than necessary, sometimes overheated and had a number of characters that I either didn’t believe in, care for or who did not keep me invested in the story. A Quiet Contagion did encourage me to look further into polio which I’m afraid I’ve taken for granted as old history. Although it has been been largely eradicated today because of vaccination it has the potential to return if ignored. Trust is involved and that is pointed out in this novel.
December 10, 2023
This was a very interesting read, revolving around an accident at a research facility in 1957. As a result of it many children contracted a crippling disease. Sixty years later one of the people who were at the facility at the times kills himself, after having met with the other six people who were present at the time. A great read that mixes sciences with ethics. The thriller aspect comes from the fact that main character Phiney, granddaughter of the man who kills himself, is more or less forced to find out the truth, by her step-grandmother Dora who cannot come to terms with her husbands' sudden death.
As the story is being told from different viewpoints and set in different times, it was sometimes a little hard to follow who said what to whom, as there are family relationships and business relationships between all characters. But, it is very well written with a good pace and character development.
Thanks to Netgalley and Verve Books for this review copy.
As the story is being told from different viewpoints and set in different times, it was sometimes a little hard to follow who said what to whom, as there are family relationships and business relationships between all characters. But, it is very well written with a good pace and character development.
Thanks to Netgalley and Verve Books for this review copy.
April 5, 2024
"What was better ? Living a lie that hurt no one? Or insisting on a truth that would create huge grief – in every sense of the word?"
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I started this book, but I was not at all disappointed. This one was filled with tension, action, spine tingling suspense and one secret worth killing to keep buried.
It started out strong and never lost momentum throughout. The multiple timelines and POVs were executed well and it was easy to keep track of everyone and everything.
The buildup to the big mystery reveal was amazingly done and I was left feeling shocked, disgusted and completely devastated when I realized what was done in 1957.
It did take me a while to warm up to Phiney in the beginning, I didn't care for how she treated Dora at times but in the end I ended up loving her character. Which brings me to my next point, her character development was really well done also, and I loved how her relationship with Dora developed into something much more positive.
This book was so much more than a historical fiction. It's a mystery and thriller all wrapped into one and I enjoyed every bit of it. Never was I bored, never did I want to not finish.
Thank you to Netgalley, Verve books and the author for my eARC of this book. I leave my review voluntarily.
A Quiet Contagion is out now!
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I started this book, but I was not at all disappointed. This one was filled with tension, action, spine tingling suspense and one secret worth killing to keep buried.
It started out strong and never lost momentum throughout. The multiple timelines and POVs were executed well and it was easy to keep track of everyone and everything.
The buildup to the big mystery reveal was amazingly done and I was left feeling shocked, disgusted and completely devastated when I realized what was done in 1957.
It did take me a while to warm up to Phiney in the beginning, I didn't care for how she treated Dora at times but in the end I ended up loving her character. Which brings me to my next point, her character development was really well done also, and I loved how her relationship with Dora developed into something much more positive.
This book was so much more than a historical fiction. It's a mystery and thriller all wrapped into one and I enjoyed every bit of it. Never was I bored, never did I want to not finish.
Thank you to Netgalley, Verve books and the author for my eARC of this book. I leave my review voluntarily.
A Quiet Contagion is out now!
November 17, 2023
I'm picky about thrillers and this one had real promise. I loved the premise - a catastrophic event in a small pharmaceutical company producing the polio vaccine in 1957 that had to be covered up at all costs, and the apparent suicide of an elderly man (Wilf) in 2017 who had spent a summer at the company in that fateful year. Wilf's granddaughter Phiney sets out on a perilous mission to find out what happened and if the two events are connected.
The start of this book reminded me a little of Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers with some classy writing and an evocative 1950s setting. The pacing, however, was a little slow with a lot of superfluous descriptive detail that took the tension out of the story at times. The mystery of what happened in 1957 is withheld from the reader until around 75% of the book, which felt just a tad too long.
Having said that, the climax of the novel is tense and gripping, and I raced through the last quarter of the book. Overall a solid thriller/mystery that many will enjoy I think. If you love dogs, Wilf's lovable worker dog Jack is a constant throughout the book. Not a must-read but a nice read. I'd put this one in the cosy crime category for those who are partial! 3.5/5 stars
*Many thanks to the author and publisher Verve Books for an arc via @netgalley. A Quiet Contagion was published this month (November 2023). The audio is available on Everand - I listened to a sample and it was very good. As always, this is an honest review.
The start of this book reminded me a little of Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers with some classy writing and an evocative 1950s setting. The pacing, however, was a little slow with a lot of superfluous descriptive detail that took the tension out of the story at times. The mystery of what happened in 1957 is withheld from the reader until around 75% of the book, which felt just a tad too long.
Having said that, the climax of the novel is tense and gripping, and I raced through the last quarter of the book. Overall a solid thriller/mystery that many will enjoy I think. If you love dogs, Wilf's lovable worker dog Jack is a constant throughout the book. Not a must-read but a nice read. I'd put this one in the cosy crime category for those who are partial! 3.5/5 stars
*Many thanks to the author and publisher Verve Books for an arc via @netgalley. A Quiet Contagion was published this month (November 2023). The audio is available on Everand - I listened to a sample and it was very good. As always, this is an honest review.
November 26, 2023
The book burb sets the scene well and you are straight into the mystery. This book is based on the polio epidemic of the 50s.
Told from the pov of phinney with the big secret revealed over different interactions amd timelines
I found it an emotional read as the secret is revealed. The fact that the author confimes their ispiration was a real life incident makes it hartowing. This deals with a complex issuse in a fictional way. Its full of drama and red herrings. The final reveal felt a little untrue to some of the narrative up to that point. The character were complex and the skillful writing gave me as reader the chance to see the complex nature of the secret. An emotional 5 star read that could be a realitu. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
Told from the pov of phinney with the big secret revealed over different interactions amd timelines
I found it an emotional read as the secret is revealed. The fact that the author confimes their ispiration was a real life incident makes it hartowing. This deals with a complex issuse in a fictional way. Its full of drama and red herrings. The final reveal felt a little untrue to some of the narrative up to that point. The character were complex and the skillful writing gave me as reader the chance to see the complex nature of the secret. An emotional 5 star read that could be a realitu. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
November 26, 2023
The book burb sets the scene well and you are straight into the mystery. This book is based on the polio epidemic of the 50s.
Told from the pov of phinney with the big secret revealed over different interactions amd timelines
I found it an emotional read as the secret is revealed. The fact that the author confimes their ispiration was a real life incident makes it hartowing. This deals with a complex issuse in a fictional way. Its full of drama and red herrings. The final reveal felt a little untrue to some of the narrative up to that point. The character were complex and the skillful writing gave me as reader the chance to see the complex nature of the secret. An emotional 5 star read that could be a realitu. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
Told from the pov of phinney with the big secret revealed over different interactions amd timelines
I found it an emotional read as the secret is revealed. The fact that the author confimes their ispiration was a real life incident makes it hartowing. This deals with a complex issuse in a fictional way. Its full of drama and red herrings. The final reveal felt a little untrue to some of the narrative up to that point. The character were complex and the skillful writing gave me as reader the chance to see the complex nature of the secret. An emotional 5 star read that could be a realitu. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
April 3, 2025
For me this book had way too many characters, jumped about to too many locations and times and took forever to get to the big reveal as to what happened, which sadly wasn’t worth the wait.
October 1, 2023
ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I've enjoyed all three of Jesmond's previous books and so I thought A Quiet Contagion would be a shoe in as well. And I wasn't disappointed. While this was a quieter book that her Jen Shaw thrillers and lacked the supernatural chill of Her, AQC was full of mystery, historical twists and turns and quiet creeping dread. A medical chiller that was so well researched and depicted, it could have really happened. Phiney isn't an especially likeable character, at least initially. Her fixation with healthiness is understandable but also comes with a lot of judgemental thoughts and behaviour. She also seems to keep everyone at arm's length, again understandable behaviour given how many people have died on her but as a combination, it doesn't make her especially engaging. However, I am a big fan of not holding female characters to an impossible standard and letting them be whole flawed people, which is definitely what's going on here. Anyway, Phiney is waiting on some sensitive news and a different set of bad news hits her out of the blue. Her beloved grandfather has killed himself in a move so totally out of character, it's left her and her step grandmother reeling. Convinced there must have been foul play. The more the unlikely team of Phiney, her best friend, her grandfather's widow and a reporter who was the only witness of the suicide scratch at the surface, the more pieces fall away to reveal a very dark picture indeed. A cover up worth killing for. Overall this was clever and fast paced. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I've enjoyed all three of Jesmond's previous books and so I thought A Quiet Contagion would be a shoe in as well. And I wasn't disappointed. While this was a quieter book that her Jen Shaw thrillers and lacked the supernatural chill of Her, AQC was full of mystery, historical twists and turns and quiet creeping dread. A medical chiller that was so well researched and depicted, it could have really happened. Phiney isn't an especially likeable character, at least initially. Her fixation with healthiness is understandable but also comes with a lot of judgemental thoughts and behaviour. She also seems to keep everyone at arm's length, again understandable behaviour given how many people have died on her but as a combination, it doesn't make her especially engaging. However, I am a big fan of not holding female characters to an impossible standard and letting them be whole flawed people, which is definitely what's going on here. Anyway, Phiney is waiting on some sensitive news and a different set of bad news hits her out of the blue. Her beloved grandfather has killed himself in a move so totally out of character, it's left her and her step grandmother reeling. Convinced there must have been foul play. The more the unlikely team of Phiney, her best friend, her grandfather's widow and a reporter who was the only witness of the suicide scratch at the surface, the more pieces fall away to reveal a very dark picture indeed. A cover up worth killing for. Overall this was clever and fast paced. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
October 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It had me hooked right from the beginning. In fact it had me hooked just from the book description. “Inspired by the 1957 Coventry polio epidemic” and “a catastrophe surrounding a pharmaceutical company” grabbed me straight away. I like anything with a medical background to it. Add to that a cover-up by pharma, and I knew this book was going to be right up my street.
What I wasn’t expecting though was the emotional aspect, the poignancy that flows through the story. Phiney is shocked and distressed when she learns of her grandfather’s death. He had looked after her and brought her up after her mother died of cancer. She couldn’t understand why he would take his own life. It is partly because Phiney can’t believe her grandad would do that, just suddenly leave her and his wife Dora that she goes to find the only witness, a journalist Mat who witnessed the incident at a railway station.
From there we the reader, as well as Mat, Dora and Phiney are taken on, at times, a daunting journey of discovery to find out why there are so many secrets surrounding Wilf’s death.
There are many twists and turns, revelations, and a constant drip, drip of suspense with the mystery of what happened at the pharmaceutical lab all those years ago being a constant throughout the book, almost to the end. I loved the tension in it, and the ongoing mystery which keeps you turning the pages. As I got further on in the book I thought it would make for an excellent book club read with so much to discuss, so was interested to see there is indeed a list of questions for a book club discussion at the end of the book. (A note to the wise for readers of the book, don’t go to the back and look at the questions until you’ve read it, or you’ll spoil the whole story for yourself). It really is a tense, thrilling read, but I’ve tried to keep my thoughts to a minimum for fear of saying too much and spoiling it for potential readers.
I absolutely loved it and will be recommending it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
What I wasn’t expecting though was the emotional aspect, the poignancy that flows through the story. Phiney is shocked and distressed when she learns of her grandfather’s death. He had looked after her and brought her up after her mother died of cancer. She couldn’t understand why he would take his own life. It is partly because Phiney can’t believe her grandad would do that, just suddenly leave her and his wife Dora that she goes to find the only witness, a journalist Mat who witnessed the incident at a railway station.
From there we the reader, as well as Mat, Dora and Phiney are taken on, at times, a daunting journey of discovery to find out why there are so many secrets surrounding Wilf’s death.
There are many twists and turns, revelations, and a constant drip, drip of suspense with the mystery of what happened at the pharmaceutical lab all those years ago being a constant throughout the book, almost to the end. I loved the tension in it, and the ongoing mystery which keeps you turning the pages. As I got further on in the book I thought it would make for an excellent book club read with so much to discuss, so was interested to see there is indeed a list of questions for a book club discussion at the end of the book. (A note to the wise for readers of the book, don’t go to the back and look at the questions until you’ve read it, or you’ll spoil the whole story for yourself). It really is a tense, thrilling read, but I’ve tried to keep my thoughts to a minimum for fear of saying too much and spoiling it for potential readers.
I absolutely loved it and will be recommending it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
November 22, 2023
3.5 🌟 enjoyable mystery (historical) thriller.
[AD: thanks to VERVE Books for an advanced copy of this book in return for a review]
SYNOPSIS:
"Six decades. Seven people. One unspeakable secret. 1957. A catastrophe occurs at the pharmaceutical lab in Coventry where sixteen-year-old Wilf is working for the summer. A catastrophe that needs to be covered up at all costs. 2017. Phiney is shocked by the death of her grandfather, Wilf, who has jumped from a railway bridge at a Coventry station. Journalist Mat Torrington is the only witness. Left with a swarm of unanswered questions, Phiney, Mat and Wilf's wife, Dora, begin their own enquiries into Wilf's death. It is soon clear that these two events, sixty years apart, are connected - and that Wilf is not the only casualty. But what is the link? And can they find out before any more lives are lost? A Quiet Contagion is a powerfully disquieting mystery for modern times, inspired by the 1957 Coventry polio epidemic as well as the more recent global coronavirus pandemic."
MY THOUGHTS:
💉 An intriguing slow-burn mystery thriller covering dual timelines (1957 + 2017) and a historical pharmaceutical secret that people are desperate to remain hidden.
💉 Based on the historical polio epidemic in the early 1950s in the UK the premise felt like (and acknowledgements confirmed it was) a well-researched medical thriller.
💉 The mystery between the "present" day and the past in this story kept me intrigued throughout, it felt like a slow but intense build-up towards the last third of the book.
💉 Wilf (Phiney's grandfather) has a service dog called Jack who was one of my favourite support characters in the book.
💉 I really enjoyed the different POVs and timelines throughout the story AND short chapters - I blooming love short chapters.
💉 A very well-written and enjoyable read.
[AD: thanks to VERVE Books for an advanced copy of this book in return for a review]
SYNOPSIS:
"Six decades. Seven people. One unspeakable secret. 1957. A catastrophe occurs at the pharmaceutical lab in Coventry where sixteen-year-old Wilf is working for the summer. A catastrophe that needs to be covered up at all costs. 2017. Phiney is shocked by the death of her grandfather, Wilf, who has jumped from a railway bridge at a Coventry station. Journalist Mat Torrington is the only witness. Left with a swarm of unanswered questions, Phiney, Mat and Wilf's wife, Dora, begin their own enquiries into Wilf's death. It is soon clear that these two events, sixty years apart, are connected - and that Wilf is not the only casualty. But what is the link? And can they find out before any more lives are lost? A Quiet Contagion is a powerfully disquieting mystery for modern times, inspired by the 1957 Coventry polio epidemic as well as the more recent global coronavirus pandemic."
MY THOUGHTS:
💉 An intriguing slow-burn mystery thriller covering dual timelines (1957 + 2017) and a historical pharmaceutical secret that people are desperate to remain hidden.
💉 Based on the historical polio epidemic in the early 1950s in the UK the premise felt like (and acknowledgements confirmed it was) a well-researched medical thriller.
💉 The mystery between the "present" day and the past in this story kept me intrigued throughout, it felt like a slow but intense build-up towards the last third of the book.
💉 Wilf (Phiney's grandfather) has a service dog called Jack who was one of my favourite support characters in the book.
💉 I really enjoyed the different POVs and timelines throughout the story AND short chapters - I blooming love short chapters.
💉 A very well-written and enjoyable read.
October 23, 2023
Tense thriller beginning with the suicide of Wilf Patterson, a much loved Grandfather and husband. He'd suffered with polio all his life but this was totally out of character; he was happy, loved . One witness saw what happened - a journalist called Matt. Phiney his Grandaughter is determined to find out more - but can she and Wilf's wife Dora trust this journalist?
The only clue Phiney has to work with is an old news story with photo of Wilf and colleagues outside the Poulters Pharmacy Company in Coventry from 1957 - which Wilf had left out on a table top in his workshed. Why? Another death on the same day of someone else in the photo raises more suspicion. Then another.
Fascinating look at moral dilemnas (separate from greed, though that is also here).This is fiction but the 'Cutter Incident' in the US 1955 was not (don't look that up if you don't want spoilers). Loved this - it was very exciting and at points a bit too wordy (or was that just me getting too excited!!) Highly recommended.
The only clue Phiney has to work with is an old news story with photo of Wilf and colleagues outside the Poulters Pharmacy Company in Coventry from 1957 - which Wilf had left out on a table top in his workshed. Why? Another death on the same day of someone else in the photo raises more suspicion. Then another.
Fascinating look at moral dilemnas (separate from greed, though that is also here).This is fiction but the 'Cutter Incident' in the US 1955 was not (don't look that up if you don't want spoilers). Loved this - it was very exciting and at points a bit too wordy (or was that just me getting too excited!!) Highly recommended.
October 21, 2023
Oh what a brilliant read this was from start to finish I was completely absorbed and my only complaint is that it had to end !
I absolutely loved the characters they were so well written and the relationship between Phiney and Dora and how it changed was just so wonderful. The humour in the book was also something that was really well done and worked really along side the quite difficult subject matter they was at the heart of the read. The author I think did an excellent and skilful job of weaving a story through different timelines and characters and I never felt lost in what could have been a complicated story line. I have no hesitation in giving the book 5 stars it really does deserve more it was one of those reads that I will remember for a long time and many thanks to Jane Jesmond it was superb.
My thanks also to NetGalley and The Crime and Mystery Club, Verve Books for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved the characters they were so well written and the relationship between Phiney and Dora and how it changed was just so wonderful. The humour in the book was also something that was really well done and worked really along side the quite difficult subject matter they was at the heart of the read. The author I think did an excellent and skilful job of weaving a story through different timelines and characters and I never felt lost in what could have been a complicated story line. I have no hesitation in giving the book 5 stars it really does deserve more it was one of those reads that I will remember for a long time and many thanks to Jane Jesmond it was superb.
My thanks also to NetGalley and The Crime and Mystery Club, Verve Books for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 5, 2023
I was so excited to read Jane Jesmond’s new book!
It is so different to Her but in all the best ways! A change of pace and a story that really could be happening behind the scenes (and obviously historically did)
Love, friendship and turmoil all in one place - you will definitely enjoy this!
It is so different to Her but in all the best ways! A change of pace and a story that really could be happening behind the scenes (and obviously historically did)
Love, friendship and turmoil all in one place - you will definitely enjoy this!
October 20, 2023
A clever, well researched novel centered on an outbreak of Polio in 1957 in Coventry and the Pharmaceutical company that made the vaccine. Told in a dual timeline, it makes an exciting thriller as mistakes made then come back to haunt 2017.
The mystery develops throughout the novel which keeps the suspense building as people connected to the company die, maybe naturally, maybe murdered. The historical detail is spot on and there is a moral element as well. The characters hunting for the truth are well done too. I loved the difficult relationship between Phiney and her Step Grandmother which develops. Altogether an intelligent novel which I very much enjoyed and which still lingers - always a good sign. Recommended.
The mystery develops throughout the novel which keeps the suspense building as people connected to the company die, maybe naturally, maybe murdered. The historical detail is spot on and there is a moral element as well. The characters hunting for the truth are well done too. I loved the difficult relationship between Phiney and her Step Grandmother which develops. Altogether an intelligent novel which I very much enjoyed and which still lingers - always a good sign. Recommended.
October 25, 2023
Gripping and convincing.
This novel turned out to be much better than I expected. Smooth reading experience, flawless writing style, characters with their own personality, and a plot that's intriguing and convincing. Add to it the fact, that most of the events take place in a close to my heart place - Derbyshire and it´s almost perfect.
On the downside, it´s somehow disappointing, that the author decided to go with the flow and throw in the gay and trans part. It does feel like there can be no film or a book without LGBT these days. I don´t mind, but is this really necessary?
This novel turned out to be much better than I expected. Smooth reading experience, flawless writing style, characters with their own personality, and a plot that's intriguing and convincing. Add to it the fact, that most of the events take place in a close to my heart place - Derbyshire and it´s almost perfect.
On the downside, it´s somehow disappointing, that the author decided to go with the flow and throw in the gay and trans part. It does feel like there can be no film or a book without LGBT these days. I don´t mind, but is this really necessary?
August 11, 2023
“A Quiet Contagion” by Jane Jesmond is an inventive thriller that weaves together a dark history, medical ethics, and fast-paced mystery into an engrossing novel. At its core, the narrative revolves around an incident 60 years ago at a pharmaceutical company and the subsequent fallout, including the suicide of Phiney’s grandfather, Wilf. Jesmond skilfully builds a suspenseful atmosphere as Phiney and others connected to the company dig into the past to unravel the truth.
A dual timeline structure, jumping between 1957 and 2017, adds to the complexity of the story and heightens the intrigue. This format offers readers a comprehensive view of both the incident itself and its repercussions, allowing the narrative to explore not only the secrets of the past but also the question of healthcare ethics in community-based models.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is its well-researched descriptions of polio and the epidemic that ravaged the UK in 1957. The portrayal of the disease, rooted in the author’s medical knowledge, brings authenticity to the story. It serves as both a recurring theme and a stark reminder of the challenges faced in a real medical crisis. This aspect draws parallels between the past and the present, resonating with contemporary themes such as the recent Covid pandemic.
Developed characterisation enables the reader to relate to them and the relationships they have formed. From Phiney’s determination to unravel the mystery, to the moral dilemmas faced by her friends and family, each character’s personal struggle adds depth to the novel. The ethical questions posed are both timely and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on the current state of the medical industry.
The pace of the book is swift, and the narrative pulls the reader along easily. Though the mystery might become clear early on for some readers, it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment. The unique storyline, which focuses on polio and the pharmaceutical industry instead of typical crime or murder, gives the thriller genre a fresh perspective.
The author manages to recreate the palpable anxiety and panic of those times, especially for those who lived through similar experiences, adds to the book’s appeal. A detailed portrayal of the era and depiction of characters affected by polio creates a vivid and unsettling atmosphere.
In conclusion, “A Quiet Contagion” is a strong mystery thriller that considers the vital issues in healthcare and ethics. Its combination of historical facts, engaging characters, and intense suspense makes it not just an exciting summer read but a novel that provokes deeper reflection. Jesmond’s expertise in writing and research culminates in an excellent read, offering a unique perspective on issues that continue to resonate in today’s world. It’s a highly recommended book for those who appreciate a thrilling yet thoughtful narrative.
#AQuietContagion #NetGalley.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Verve Books for providing me with and ARC.
A dual timeline structure, jumping between 1957 and 2017, adds to the complexity of the story and heightens the intrigue. This format offers readers a comprehensive view of both the incident itself and its repercussions, allowing the narrative to explore not only the secrets of the past but also the question of healthcare ethics in community-based models.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is its well-researched descriptions of polio and the epidemic that ravaged the UK in 1957. The portrayal of the disease, rooted in the author’s medical knowledge, brings authenticity to the story. It serves as both a recurring theme and a stark reminder of the challenges faced in a real medical crisis. This aspect draws parallels between the past and the present, resonating with contemporary themes such as the recent Covid pandemic.
Developed characterisation enables the reader to relate to them and the relationships they have formed. From Phiney’s determination to unravel the mystery, to the moral dilemmas faced by her friends and family, each character’s personal struggle adds depth to the novel. The ethical questions posed are both timely and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on the current state of the medical industry.
The pace of the book is swift, and the narrative pulls the reader along easily. Though the mystery might become clear early on for some readers, it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment. The unique storyline, which focuses on polio and the pharmaceutical industry instead of typical crime or murder, gives the thriller genre a fresh perspective.
The author manages to recreate the palpable anxiety and panic of those times, especially for those who lived through similar experiences, adds to the book’s appeal. A detailed portrayal of the era and depiction of characters affected by polio creates a vivid and unsettling atmosphere.
In conclusion, “A Quiet Contagion” is a strong mystery thriller that considers the vital issues in healthcare and ethics. Its combination of historical facts, engaging characters, and intense suspense makes it not just an exciting summer read but a novel that provokes deeper reflection. Jesmond’s expertise in writing and research culminates in an excellent read, offering a unique perspective on issues that continue to resonate in today’s world. It’s a highly recommended book for those who appreciate a thrilling yet thoughtful narrative.
#AQuietContagion #NetGalley.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Verve Books for providing me with and ARC.
August 6, 2023
I am so impressed! Every chance I got, I was sneaking in a few pages of this thrilling book… Gripped my attention in a way not many books do
October 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this inventive thriller. The story was very interesting and kept me wanting to read more. The main premise of the book is based around medical ethics, historical interest and secrets. The book has a core group of characters that blended really well. I particularly loved how Phinney and Dora’s relationship developed throughout the story. A highly entertaining story that I would definitely recommend. I have given it 5 stars.
October 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this inventive thriller. The story was very interesting and kept me wanting to read more. The main premise of the book is based around medical ethics, historical interest and secrets. The book has a core group of characters that blended really well. I particularly loved how Phinney and Dora’s relationship developed throughout the story. A highly entertaining story that I would definitely recommend. I have given it 5 stars.
October 26, 2023
I didn't know what to expect with this book as I went in blind. This book is based on the polio epidemic of 1957 and how the public reacted. Scientists in 1950's made a terrible mistake while working on a vaccine. This is a bone chilling medical thriller but based on fact. A very thought provoking read and highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
November 30, 2023
Phiney has bad news.
What a clever, clever book. A Quiet Contagion is meticulously researched so that this absorbing, complex thriller is steeped in history that gives it an added dimension of authenticity which, when set against the recent Covid pandemic, makes it all the more powerful. I thought it was excellent.
There’s a menacing undertone that unsettles the reader and creates a palpable tension so that A Quiet Contagion is a gripping read that builds and builds. The 1957 sections hold tantalising glimpses into why Wilf has taken his own life and what Jane Jesmond does so well is to allow the reader’s imagination to create scenarios in their mind’s eye so that they are as involved as any of the characters. I found this brilliantly manipulative. I loved the way the truth is gradually uncovered because it rings with authenticity.
Descriptions are given with a painterly eye which brings settings into sharp focus and builds the tension, particularly in Phiney’s first person 2017 narrative. I thought that Phiney was such a fascinating character. She’s obviously got her own concerns, even as she works as a nurse healing others. Phiney is the lynchpin of action and I found her complex, and layered. Her profession heightens her reactions to events so that it’s impossible not to empathise with her completely. I thought her prickly relationship with Dora was sensitively and realistically portrayed as the two women act as light and shade to one another.
The narrative is deftly plotted, weaving past and present together convincingly and gradually revealing to both reader and Phiney alike, just what has been happening. However, the most gripping element for me is the way in which the author presents several moral dilemmas that cause the reader to wonder about their own moral stance and what they might have done in similar situations. A Quiet Contagion gets under the skin and leaves the readers asking ‘What if…?’ but you’ll need to read it for yourself to find out why.
A Quiet Contagion is one of those books it’s truly impossible to review without spoilers. What I can say is that the quality of the writing and plotting is excellent. The narrative is completely absorbing and hugely entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this intelligent, well written and compelling story. It’s such a good read.
What a clever, clever book. A Quiet Contagion is meticulously researched so that this absorbing, complex thriller is steeped in history that gives it an added dimension of authenticity which, when set against the recent Covid pandemic, makes it all the more powerful. I thought it was excellent.
There’s a menacing undertone that unsettles the reader and creates a palpable tension so that A Quiet Contagion is a gripping read that builds and builds. The 1957 sections hold tantalising glimpses into why Wilf has taken his own life and what Jane Jesmond does so well is to allow the reader’s imagination to create scenarios in their mind’s eye so that they are as involved as any of the characters. I found this brilliantly manipulative. I loved the way the truth is gradually uncovered because it rings with authenticity.
Descriptions are given with a painterly eye which brings settings into sharp focus and builds the tension, particularly in Phiney’s first person 2017 narrative. I thought that Phiney was such a fascinating character. She’s obviously got her own concerns, even as she works as a nurse healing others. Phiney is the lynchpin of action and I found her complex, and layered. Her profession heightens her reactions to events so that it’s impossible not to empathise with her completely. I thought her prickly relationship with Dora was sensitively and realistically portrayed as the two women act as light and shade to one another.
The narrative is deftly plotted, weaving past and present together convincingly and gradually revealing to both reader and Phiney alike, just what has been happening. However, the most gripping element for me is the way in which the author presents several moral dilemmas that cause the reader to wonder about their own moral stance and what they might have done in similar situations. A Quiet Contagion gets under the skin and leaves the readers asking ‘What if…?’ but you’ll need to read it for yourself to find out why.
A Quiet Contagion is one of those books it’s truly impossible to review without spoilers. What I can say is that the quality of the writing and plotting is excellent. The narrative is completely absorbing and hugely entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this intelligent, well written and compelling story. It’s such a good read.
October 22, 2023
The story begins in 1957 when 16 year old Wilf is working for the summer at the pharmaceutical lab in Coventry, and a catastrophe occurs.
Jump forward 60 years to 2017, and Wilf, jumps to his death from a railway bridge at a Coventry station, with Journalist Mat Torrington is the only witness.
Phiney is completely shocked by the death of her grandfather, and feels there are too many unanswered questions, so she, Mat and Wilf's wife, Dora, begin their own enquiries into Wilf's death. It is soon clear that the events of 1957 and 2017 are connected, and that Wilf is not the only casualty. But what is the link? And can they find out before any more lives are lost?
With its changing POVs and regular shift between timelines to reveal more aspects of the story, Jane Jesmond has served up a truly compelling read. The short chapters, the frequent cliff hangers, and the ongoing air of suspense all combine to propel you through the pages as you urgently seek to uncover just what happened in the past and why it has had such an impact on the present.
Her characters are really well realised and I especially enjoyed the interactions between Phiney, Mat and Dora, which aren’t always plain sailing.
The novel itself has depth and was inspired by a real-life event – although it isn’t a fictional rehearsal of it - and has clearly been expertly researched. The mystery that Jane Jesmond has conjured from this historical happening, raises some big questions about morality and ethics in relation to big pharma, and also highlights the importance of freedom of the press and investigative journalism.
A topical, suspenseful and gripping read. I really enjoyed it!
Jump forward 60 years to 2017, and Wilf, jumps to his death from a railway bridge at a Coventry station, with Journalist Mat Torrington is the only witness.
Phiney is completely shocked by the death of her grandfather, and feels there are too many unanswered questions, so she, Mat and Wilf's wife, Dora, begin their own enquiries into Wilf's death. It is soon clear that the events of 1957 and 2017 are connected, and that Wilf is not the only casualty. But what is the link? And can they find out before any more lives are lost?
With its changing POVs and regular shift between timelines to reveal more aspects of the story, Jane Jesmond has served up a truly compelling read. The short chapters, the frequent cliff hangers, and the ongoing air of suspense all combine to propel you through the pages as you urgently seek to uncover just what happened in the past and why it has had such an impact on the present.
Her characters are really well realised and I especially enjoyed the interactions between Phiney, Mat and Dora, which aren’t always plain sailing.
The novel itself has depth and was inspired by a real-life event – although it isn’t a fictional rehearsal of it - and has clearly been expertly researched. The mystery that Jane Jesmond has conjured from this historical happening, raises some big questions about morality and ethics in relation to big pharma, and also highlights the importance of freedom of the press and investigative journalism.
A topical, suspenseful and gripping read. I really enjoyed it!
December 4, 2023
Phiney Wistman is a nurse working at the children’s oncology ward. She receives a phone call from her step-grandmother, Dora, who informs her that her beloved grandad, Wilfred, has committed suicide by jumping off a bridge.
Phiney can’t believe that her grandad would have done such a thing. After having polio as a child, he could walk with great difficulty, and jumping off a bridge would require climbing over a rail – something hard to achieve when you’re elderly with a physical impairment.
Phiney, accompanied by Dora and Mat, a journalist, start to investigate and they stumble upon a sixty-year-old secret concerning seven people and a pharmaceutical lab. Then, the people involved in the secret begin dying, one by one…
What a story! This book is inspired by Coventry polio epidemic and the Cutter Incident that occurred in the USA in 1955. I have never heard of the latter and I immediately looked it up.
I found Phiney quite a conflicting character at times, especially when it came to germs – she was very health conscious and yet she worked in a busy hospital surrounded by sick people. She had a somewhat strained relationship with her step-grandmother, Dora, but I felt that as the book progressed, the relationship between the two women improved a great deal.
Phiney can’t believe that her grandad would have done such a thing. After having polio as a child, he could walk with great difficulty, and jumping off a bridge would require climbing over a rail – something hard to achieve when you’re elderly with a physical impairment.
Phiney, accompanied by Dora and Mat, a journalist, start to investigate and they stumble upon a sixty-year-old secret concerning seven people and a pharmaceutical lab. Then, the people involved in the secret begin dying, one by one…
What a story! This book is inspired by Coventry polio epidemic and the Cutter Incident that occurred in the USA in 1955. I have never heard of the latter and I immediately looked it up.
I found Phiney quite a conflicting character at times, especially when it came to germs – she was very health conscious and yet she worked in a busy hospital surrounded by sick people. She had a somewhat strained relationship with her step-grandmother, Dora, but I felt that as the book progressed, the relationship between the two women improved a great deal.
November 17, 2023
I'm picky about thrillers and this one had real promise. I loved the premise - a catastrophic event in a small pharmaceutical company producing the polio vaccine in 1957 that had to be covered up at all costs, and the apparent suicide of an elderly man (Wilf) in 2017 who had spent a summer at the company in that fateful year. Wilf's granddaughter Phiney sets out on a perilous mission to find out what happened and if the two events are connected.
The start of this book reminded me a little of Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers with some classy writing and an evocative 1950s setting. The pacing, however, was a little slow with a lot of superfluous descriptive detail that took the tension out of the story at times. The mystery of what happened in 1957 is withheld from the reader until around 75% of the book, which felt just a tad too long.
Having said that, the climax of the novel is tense and gripping, and I raced through the last quarter of the book. Overall a solid thriller/mystery that many will enjoy I think. If you love dogs, Wilf's lovable worker dog Jack is a constant throughout the book. Not a must-read but a nice read. I'd put this one in the cosy crime category for those who are partial! 3.5/5 stars
*Many thanks to the author and publisher Verve Books for an arc via @netgalley. A Quiet Contagion was published this month (November 2023). The audio is available on Everand - I listened to a sample and it was very good. As always, this is an honest review.
The start of this book reminded me a little of Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers with some classy writing and an evocative 1950s setting. The pacing, however, was a little slow with a lot of superfluous descriptive detail that took the tension out of the story at times. The mystery of what happened in 1957 is withheld from the reader until around 75% of the book, which felt just a tad too long.
Having said that, the climax of the novel is tense and gripping, and I raced through the last quarter of the book. Overall a solid thriller/mystery that many will enjoy I think. If you love dogs, Wilf's lovable worker dog Jack is a constant throughout the book. Not a must-read but a nice read. I'd put this one in the cosy crime category for those who are partial! 3.5/5 stars
*Many thanks to the author and publisher Verve Books for an arc via @netgalley. A Quiet Contagion was published this month (November 2023). The audio is available on Everand - I listened to a sample and it was very good. As always, this is an honest review.
November 25, 2023
This is a gripping standalone mystery thriller with science & cover-up all rolled in to one.
1957 doesn’t sound that long ago but it is & so much has changed in the world including medical advances since then. This book is inspired by the Coventry polio epidemic of that year & the pharmaceutical company that was battling against it. Set predominantly over two timelines we meet Phiney, who is dealing with her beloved grandfather’s death & back in 1957, we meet Wilf, her grandfather, who is working at the aforementioned company. An incident occurs when he was working there which has repercussions over the ensuing decades right up to the present day.
Well researched & thought provoking, you can’t help but think of the outbreak of COVID-19 & the what if scenarios. Easy to follow with fleshed out characters, whether likeable or not. A recommended read.
1957 doesn’t sound that long ago but it is & so much has changed in the world including medical advances since then. This book is inspired by the Coventry polio epidemic of that year & the pharmaceutical company that was battling against it. Set predominantly over two timelines we meet Phiney, who is dealing with her beloved grandfather’s death & back in 1957, we meet Wilf, her grandfather, who is working at the aforementioned company. An incident occurs when he was working there which has repercussions over the ensuing decades right up to the present day.
Well researched & thought provoking, you can’t help but think of the outbreak of COVID-19 & the what if scenarios. Easy to follow with fleshed out characters, whether likeable or not. A recommended read.
October 31, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely well researched thriller set around a polio outbreak in Enland in the late 1950's. Told in a dual timeline, 1957 and 2017, the mystery runs through the book and keeps developing as each layer is uncovered. Jane Jesmond's characters and their relationships are so well written, especially Phiney and Dora's. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read an arc of what was definitely one of my best reads of 2023.
December 22, 2024
this is a really excellent novel, conceptually, emotionally and pace-wise - i never once was bored, found all the characters to be well-developed and nuanced and the mystery itself was very original and refreshing. i was extremely invested from beginning to end!
it was also a great idea to have multiple different perspectives delivered from different moments in time; it made it easier to understand what was going on and increased the tension in the lead up to the reveal of what the cover up was about. the sub-plot of Vivian Reynolds was thoughtful and I liked how Phiney respected her wishes by keeping her out of the incident in 1957.
there was a good amount of danger and threat in the novel, and unlike some other books, the climax wasn't overly dramatic or drawn out, though it was definitely severe.
The book's moral dilemma was something I will continue to think about even after finishing the book.
A well deserved 5 stars. would highly recommend this book!
it was also a great idea to have multiple different perspectives delivered from different moments in time; it made it easier to understand what was going on and increased the tension in the lead up to the reveal of what the cover up was about. the sub-plot of Vivian Reynolds was thoughtful and I liked how Phiney respected her wishes by keeping her out of the incident in 1957.
there was a good amount of danger and threat in the novel, and unlike some other books, the climax wasn't overly dramatic or drawn out, though it was definitely severe.
The book's moral dilemma was something I will continue to think about even after finishing the book.
A well deserved 5 stars. would highly recommend this book!
November 14, 2023
A Quiet Contagion was a fast-paced and all-absorbing read based on a pharmaceutical company's actions in the 1950s. Moving back and forth between 1957 and 2017, keeping the intrigue going by revealing secrets from the past without interrupting the flow of the story. The characters were very likeable, not overplayed and ones I felt invested in. Although this story is fictitious, it could well have been a plausible scenario from the past. Having a public health background, I felt the topic was sensitively written, and the ethical dilemmas the characters in both periods faced were interesting. A great topic, a delightful read, and I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work.
November 16, 2023
I got hooked instantly!
The premise intrigued me, and the story did not disappoint.
The pages turned easily and quickly, a suspenseful thriller where the characters were engaging and I didn't want it to end.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The premise intrigued me, and the story did not disappoint.
The pages turned easily and quickly, a suspenseful thriller where the characters were engaging and I didn't want it to end.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
April 19, 2025
3.25/5 stars! This book had one of the most unique premises I have read in a long time. This book occurs across multiple timelines regarding vaccinations and human error. The scientific angle was handled so well. I learned a lot and that portion kept me engaged. The mystery element wasn't as strong and left me bored at times.
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