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Gridlock: A Scientific Thriller
Gridlock: A scientific thriller. Computer genius Jude Wagner has unlocked mankind’s greatest scientific discovery—the human genome. His invention accelerates the Grid, a vast computer network, making the interpretation of an individual’s DNA lightning fast. In fact, the Grid makes diagnosis of disease affordable to all. The breakthrough heralds the dawn of personalized medicine—and personalized cures. It sparks a healthcare revolution, promising hope for millions. But when Wagner’s closest colleagues die under mysterious circumstances, he's hurled into a battle to protect the Grid, pitting him against a powerful, faceless enemy. Could Wagner be next? To save himself and his invention, he must forestall Gridlock.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2013
33 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
Alvin Ziegler
2 books4 followersGRIDLOCK germinated in a flight from San Francisco to Florida. The isolation of that cross-country trip with recycled jetliner air led to ruminations over my work in a New York hospital.
While updating computer networks in Beth Israel Medical Center, I saw firsthand how biology and computers were converging. Petri dishes and microscopes were being replaced with databases and computer workstations. All quite ho hum.
But no. It was the dawn of personlized medicine. And I hadn't heard a whisper about it. Even fewer knew the human genome was being decoded.
The advancement came like a tidal wave ... steadily reshaping everything in its wake. Mainstream practices would soon become ancient history. The digital revolution had wound its way to the doctor's office where it was transforming medicine and rewriting healthcare...the same way it had disrupted the newspaper, music, book, and movie industries. Landing in Fort Lauderdale, I pondered the new reality:
Customized treatments were replacing one-size-fits-all drugs. Scientists were unlocking the secrets of DNA to find our susceptibilities to disease so precision treatment could become the norm. Since diseases like cancer were (are) as individual as a fingerprint, the breakthrough would extend the lives of hundreds of millions.
But modernization is never simple. Healthcare is the biggest industry in the world with countless careers and fortunes hanging in the balance. Surely there would be fierce detractors to this change. But how far would opponents go to halt scientific progress?
While updating computer networks in Beth Israel Medical Center, I saw firsthand how biology and computers were converging. Petri dishes and microscopes were being replaced with databases and computer workstations. All quite ho hum.
But no. It was the dawn of personlized medicine. And I hadn't heard a whisper about it. Even fewer knew the human genome was being decoded.
The advancement came like a tidal wave ... steadily reshaping everything in its wake. Mainstream practices would soon become ancient history. The digital revolution had wound its way to the doctor's office where it was transforming medicine and rewriting healthcare...the same way it had disrupted the newspaper, music, book, and movie industries. Landing in Fort Lauderdale, I pondered the new reality:
Customized treatments were replacing one-size-fits-all drugs. Scientists were unlocking the secrets of DNA to find our susceptibilities to disease so precision treatment could become the norm. Since diseases like cancer were (are) as individual as a fingerprint, the breakthrough would extend the lives of hundreds of millions.
But modernization is never simple. Healthcare is the biggest industry in the world with countless careers and fortunes hanging in the balance. Surely there would be fierce detractors to this change. But how far would opponents go to halt scientific progress?
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 12, 2014
"Gridlock" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a fast-paced, high-powered thriller that takes place when humanity's greatest discovery is revealed. With the genome project not only will the Grid, a vast computer network interpret a person's DNA quickly and efficiently, but it will provide the specific compounds to fight a disease individually at a cost that's affordable.
As the story opens Jude Wagner's colleagues in the venture are being murdered in an attempt to shut down the medical revolution that could bring hope to millions. As the puzzle pieces begin to unravel a plot is revealed with connections to a leading pharmaceutical firm, a cyber hacker and a paramilitary security organization assisting the FBI.
The plot is founded on modern day research and is not only well-written but a thrill ride as Jude Wagner and Special Agent Nathalie Noiret are faced with a heartless, unseen enemy that will do anything in the name of avarice to stop the medical miracle. It's a story that juxtaposes the greed and power of big corporations against humanity's compassion and empathy. The writer uses wit and humor in sarcastic one liners which for some readers may be distracting, but I think adds to the realism of his characterization. The plot weaves together suspense, mystery and tension; all the components of a great thriller.
The characters are well-developed and complex especially Jude Wagner, a hi-tech geek with the physique and quick reflexes of a wrestler. He's a sharp, curious, and highly intelligent workaholic with commitment issues. Special Agent Nathalie Noiret is a rational and cautious perfectionist who guards her feelings against disappointment. Jude's twin sister Kate, paralyzed by divorce is sentimental, predictable and determined while his best friend Niles Tully is good-natured and impetuous, and his colleague Roger Knowlan is moody and sociably awkward.
The antagonists are especially notable; like Scud, a faceless, merciless predator, Olivier Ramsay a proud, arrogant, narcissistic psychopath and Cez@r a creative hacker without scruples. All the characters in the story have some kind of flaw, fault or secret that adds to the drama and energy of this action-packed crime novel.
"Gridlock" with its blend of hi-tech, crime, mystery and murder will keep you on the edge of your seat and I highly recommend it.
As the story opens Jude Wagner's colleagues in the venture are being murdered in an attempt to shut down the medical revolution that could bring hope to millions. As the puzzle pieces begin to unravel a plot is revealed with connections to a leading pharmaceutical firm, a cyber hacker and a paramilitary security organization assisting the FBI.
The plot is founded on modern day research and is not only well-written but a thrill ride as Jude Wagner and Special Agent Nathalie Noiret are faced with a heartless, unseen enemy that will do anything in the name of avarice to stop the medical miracle. It's a story that juxtaposes the greed and power of big corporations against humanity's compassion and empathy. The writer uses wit and humor in sarcastic one liners which for some readers may be distracting, but I think adds to the realism of his characterization. The plot weaves together suspense, mystery and tension; all the components of a great thriller.
The characters are well-developed and complex especially Jude Wagner, a hi-tech geek with the physique and quick reflexes of a wrestler. He's a sharp, curious, and highly intelligent workaholic with commitment issues. Special Agent Nathalie Noiret is a rational and cautious perfectionist who guards her feelings against disappointment. Jude's twin sister Kate, paralyzed by divorce is sentimental, predictable and determined while his best friend Niles Tully is good-natured and impetuous, and his colleague Roger Knowlan is moody and sociably awkward.
The antagonists are especially notable; like Scud, a faceless, merciless predator, Olivier Ramsay a proud, arrogant, narcissistic psychopath and Cez@r a creative hacker without scruples. All the characters in the story have some kind of flaw, fault or secret that adds to the drama and energy of this action-packed crime novel.
"Gridlock" with its blend of hi-tech, crime, mystery and murder will keep you on the edge of your seat and I highly recommend it.
March 4, 2014
Jude Wagner, computer whiz, has helped develop the Grid, a computer program that can personalize low-cost medicine, based on individual human genomes. Now he is responsible for safeguarding the program.
It certainly needs that, for the Grid has enemies, whether pharmaceutical corporations or religious fanatics. Someone is killing computer engineers, to keep the Grid from operating. Someone is attacking the Grid, itself. Jude partners with a sympathetic FBI agent, Nathalie Noiret, to stop the attacks before it’s too late.
Characters have depth, are distinct from one another, and are deeply motivated. The author immerses them in an environment that has its own personality, with its own agenda. Consequently individuals are affected by such things as fog, cable cars and tourists, and gulls. And we are there with them, caught in the drama.
Here is a potential blockbuster, intelligently written with a great plot. Unfortunately the text is riddled with errors which can cause confusion.
Ziegler’s knowledge is astounding. And edgy. We marvel at how much of the technology already exists and its potential impact on society.
It certainly needs that, for the Grid has enemies, whether pharmaceutical corporations or religious fanatics. Someone is killing computer engineers, to keep the Grid from operating. Someone is attacking the Grid, itself. Jude partners with a sympathetic FBI agent, Nathalie Noiret, to stop the attacks before it’s too late.
Characters have depth, are distinct from one another, and are deeply motivated. The author immerses them in an environment that has its own personality, with its own agenda. Consequently individuals are affected by such things as fog, cable cars and tourists, and gulls. And we are there with them, caught in the drama.
Here is a potential blockbuster, intelligently written with a great plot. Unfortunately the text is riddled with errors which can cause confusion.
Ziegler’s knowledge is astounding. And edgy. We marvel at how much of the technology already exists and its potential impact on society.
January 5, 2014
Not for everyone but I couldn't put it down.
This is a plot-driven techno-thriller that is indeed intricate. There's a big cast and the story goes into some depth on genomic medicine and supercomputing. If you want to explore these topics with an FBI backdrop, then you'll probably enjoy this.
The story builds, for sure, though the suspense isn't full throttle until the second half of the book. I'm one for twisty plots like this and I liked that the scientific revolution in the story came across as well researched.
This is a plot-driven techno-thriller that is indeed intricate. There's a big cast and the story goes into some depth on genomic medicine and supercomputing. If you want to explore these topics with an FBI backdrop, then you'll probably enjoy this.
The story builds, for sure, though the suspense isn't full throttle until the second half of the book. I'm one for twisty plots like this and I liked that the scientific revolution in the story came across as well researched.
February 23, 2014
Very good. Well structured.
Very good. Well structured.
This is a book that you want to finish in one s
itting. Genetics and modern medical science well portrayed.
Very good. Well structured.
This is a book that you want to finish in one s
itting. Genetics and modern medical science well portrayed.
March 7, 2014
Very tight plot. Very topical. Personally, I'm interested in scientific thrillers and when they are well researched like this one all the better. I finished it in three days.
March 7, 2014
This book held my interest from beginning to end.
May 7, 2014
I love it
I love it
Good suspense read. Action and mind-blowing issues. Most books, I figure out before the climax. This had me puzzled, until the reveal.
I love it
Good suspense read. Action and mind-blowing issues. Most books, I figure out before the climax. This had me puzzled, until the reveal.
August 14, 2014
This was a free book of the day at Amazon and I thought I had nothing to lose by getting it. I was actually quite surprised by how good it was and it's fast paced action kept me reading.
May 31, 2022
DNF, couldn't get into this one.
April 20, 2014
The author’s publisher, Loma Vista Press, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.
Medical thrillers aren’t exactly my wheelhouse. An overload of scientific principles in a recipe for boredom, which is why “Gridlock” was the perfect medical thriller for this reader. Ziegler, who has a strong background in medicine and computer science, gives the reader all of the facts to be convincing but not so inscrutably as to weigh the story down.
“Gridlock” is Ziegler’s first novel and shows the signs of an author with talent looking to tackle what is perhaps a timely subject. At the start of the novel the ill-fated Dr. Hideo Onagi presents the idea to people who might donate to its success he tells them that customized health care will be more expensive but also more effective. Social commentary, poplar or not, sets the stage for this impressively knowledgeable work.
Ziegler’s work features a number of somewhat generic characters. Even the assumed main character, Jude Wagner, seems to lack a unique voice. He’s a somewhat generic lead. What we lack in development, Ziegler makes up for in pacing. Ziegler’s writing style leaves the reader barreling from big idea to bigger idea crashing into the knowledge nuggets laced through the narrative.
If you like medical thrillers and have a strong interest in current affairs, give this novel a shot. Keep your eyes open for Ziegler’s next novel as this author has the talent and is sure to develop the focus.
Medical thrillers aren’t exactly my wheelhouse. An overload of scientific principles in a recipe for boredom, which is why “Gridlock” was the perfect medical thriller for this reader. Ziegler, who has a strong background in medicine and computer science, gives the reader all of the facts to be convincing but not so inscrutably as to weigh the story down.
“Gridlock” is Ziegler’s first novel and shows the signs of an author with talent looking to tackle what is perhaps a timely subject. At the start of the novel the ill-fated Dr. Hideo Onagi presents the idea to people who might donate to its success he tells them that customized health care will be more expensive but also more effective. Social commentary, poplar or not, sets the stage for this impressively knowledgeable work.
Ziegler’s work features a number of somewhat generic characters. Even the assumed main character, Jude Wagner, seems to lack a unique voice. He’s a somewhat generic lead. What we lack in development, Ziegler makes up for in pacing. Ziegler’s writing style leaves the reader barreling from big idea to bigger idea crashing into the knowledge nuggets laced through the narrative.
If you like medical thrillers and have a strong interest in current affairs, give this novel a shot. Keep your eyes open for Ziegler’s next novel as this author has the talent and is sure to develop the focus.
June 17, 2014
Firstly, I won this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to all authors and readers who support this excellent scheme.
'Gridlock' is very much a novel in the mould of science-cum-business thrillers such those by Paul McEuen or Michael Crichton. Jude Wagner has unlocked a discovery that can potentially change the nature of medicine - promising hope to millions with aggressive conditions such as cancer but potentially threatening big business interests.
The cast is wide and well drawn, although ironically it is some of the 'villains' such as Ferguson, Ramsey and Ce@sar that come out best. Personally , I found Wagner a bit too much of a Matthew Reilly type protagonist - too good at everything and with no real flaws. Equally, Natalie was unengaging - the other FBI characters were better drawn.
The real strength of the novel was in the plotting and scientific background. The plot is fast moving, had enough red herrings to keep me guessing and had a satisfactory ending. Given Ziegler's background the science is both impeccable and engrossing and really helps give credence to the plot.
I found the style engaging , with short sentences to drive pace. However, it did seem a bit choppy at first, with a bit too much tell rather than show. However this soon settles down.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and hope there will be a follow up case. I would highly recommend.
'Gridlock' is very much a novel in the mould of science-cum-business thrillers such those by Paul McEuen or Michael Crichton. Jude Wagner has unlocked a discovery that can potentially change the nature of medicine - promising hope to millions with aggressive conditions such as cancer but potentially threatening big business interests.
The cast is wide and well drawn, although ironically it is some of the 'villains' such as Ferguson, Ramsey and Ce@sar that come out best. Personally , I found Wagner a bit too much of a Matthew Reilly type protagonist - too good at everything and with no real flaws. Equally, Natalie was unengaging - the other FBI characters were better drawn.
The real strength of the novel was in the plotting and scientific background. The plot is fast moving, had enough red herrings to keep me guessing and had a satisfactory ending. Given Ziegler's background the science is both impeccable and engrossing and really helps give credence to the plot.
I found the style engaging , with short sentences to drive pace. However, it did seem a bit choppy at first, with a bit too much tell rather than show. However this soon settles down.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and hope there will be a follow up case. I would highly recommend.
September 8, 2016
Gridlock by Alvin Ziegler has the bones of a great thriller. It has a good premise, current in-the-news, true to life topic, and the potential to be a blockbuster medical thriller similar to the ones Robin Cook has written.
IMO, a book needs suspense, tension and excitement to qualify as a thriller. Gridlock has that on the surface. But the writing was more fact based than fiction, had short choppy sentences and did not flow. The dialogue read like a collection of platitudes: "Too much forward thinking can prevent you from just living in the moment". There were passages that made me think I was reading an under-developed romance novel: "Using two fingers, she gently wiped sweat off his forehead".
I admire that Ziegler poured his heart and soul into this book, and is passionate about the subject. I felt the execution could have been finessed a bit more.
Full disclosue, I obtained this book in a giveaway sponsored by Goodread.com.
IMO, a book needs suspense, tension and excitement to qualify as a thriller. Gridlock has that on the surface. But the writing was more fact based than fiction, had short choppy sentences and did not flow. The dialogue read like a collection of platitudes: "Too much forward thinking can prevent you from just living in the moment". There were passages that made me think I was reading an under-developed romance novel: "Using two fingers, she gently wiped sweat off his forehead".
I admire that Ziegler poured his heart and soul into this book, and is passionate about the subject. I felt the execution could have been finessed a bit more.
Full disclosue, I obtained this book in a giveaway sponsored by Goodread.com.
June 12, 2014
This book was entertaining... Not great, but not bad either. I am not a fan of the continuous format (no chapter breaks), but it was ok. There were a few grammatical or "wrong word" errors that a spell-checker wouldn't find, but an editor should. Also, the format was't that great for kindle. I had a lot of weird spacing going on... But the technical aspects of the book made it good.
May 19, 2014
a little bit action/thriller clichéd but on the whole a good read. enjoyed the feeling of realism with the technical and scientific areas of the story which also managed to keep it simple enough for the layperson.
May 29, 2014
Couldn't put it down
Once I had all the characters straight & the farther I read, the harder it was to put down. Made me think, what if this Grid really worked? The possibilites...and conflict..exactly like this! Keeps the mystery going until the end.
Once I had all the characters straight & the farther I read, the harder it was to put down. Made me think, what if this Grid really worked? The possibilites...and conflict..exactly like this! Keeps the mystery going until the end.
August 6, 2015
Interesting premise.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews