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Plaguemaker
July New York City...Hundreds of thousands line the banks of the East and Hudson Rivers awaiting the nation's largest fireworks display. Soon the sky will explode in cascading showers of silver and gold. Everywhere, faces will turn skyward in wide-eyed wonder.Then the sky will grow dark again--but it will not be empty. The air will be filled with clouds of smoke and specks of debris will rain down everywhere. Some will pick bits of paper from their children's hair. Some will brush away still-burning sparks or embers. And some will absentmindedly scratch at the tiny, biting specks that dot their necks and arms.Will the beginning of the show mark the beginning of the end?That's what FBI agent Nathan Donovan must decide. When he is forced to enlist the help of ex-wife Macy Monroe, an expert in the psychology of terrorism, the fireworks really begin--but she may be the only one who can help him stop the Plague Maker in time.
391 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
50 people are currently reading
1176 people want to read
About the author
Tim Downs
47 books271 followersTim Downs is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University. After graduation in 1976 he created a comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate (Calvin & Hobbes, Doonesbury, The Far Side) from 1980 to 1986. His cartooning has appeared in more than a hundred daily newspapers worldwide. Tim has written seven mystery/suspense novels: Shoofly Pie, Chop Shop, PlagueMaker, Head Game, First the Dead, Less than Dead, and Ends of the Earth. PlagueMaker was awarded the Christy Award for the best CBA mystery/suspense novel of 2006, and Less than Dead was a finalist for the 2009 Christian Book Award in suspense fiction. Tim lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife Joy. They have three grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
December 3, 2014
Tim Downs’ novel, Plague Maker, says it's ‘A Thriller’, but I’d probably liken it to a suspense story that turns thriller where appropriate. Readers expecting Downs’ original protagonist, forensic entomologist Dr. Nick Polchak, aka, ‘The Bug Man’, to lead the heroics won’t find him doing so. He has a guest role here. New York FBI counterterrorism agent Nathan Donovan carries that mantle. However, he’s not alone. A rather odd duck in the guise of an eighty-year-old Chinese man with a British accent (must read to discover why) named Li has some crucial information to Donovan’s case. That case? We’ll disclose that shortly, but now the third party to the three-headed heroic team is Donovan’s former wife, Dr. Macy Monroe, Columbia University Professor of Political Science and International Relations. She can assist in the investigation due to her understanding of geo-politics and Donovan’s superiors allowing her into it. Donovan’s not happy. Li thinks it’s great.
Now, for that plot: A wickedly brilliant bioweapons scientist named Sato Matsushita readies to unleash a bioterrorism outbreak over the NYC in a revenge motive that ties him to this mysterious Li. How Sato plans to do this I won’t give away; that’s required reading. Donovan wants to believe the old man, Macy does too, and perhaps she does so sooner than he does. What makes the story interesting are the personal histories of the Nathan, Macy, Li and Sato. These narratives drive the story so much so that without the thriller component, it could stand as an historical or literary novel. As it is, and as I stated at the outset, this is more a suspense tale than a thriller. With the FBI in the mix, I anticipated more thrills and chills on par with Jack Bauer and his 24 series. It didn’t ratchet up until the last third, which was appropriate, and it did so more than adequately, but I wanted that throughout the book paired with the interesting character histories previously mentioned. Now to that last point, Downs flipped the script in a move that frankly reminded me of what screenwriter-director Shane Black did in his handling of Iron Man 3 with the Mandarin. Wow. Didn’t see that one, Tim. Nice job. The scenes played out bitter and sweet. Readers will know it when they get to it. A horrific, but exciting premise that I wished had more thrills. I give it 3 1/2 stars for the people involved.
Now, for that plot: A wickedly brilliant bioweapons scientist named Sato Matsushita readies to unleash a bioterrorism outbreak over the NYC in a revenge motive that ties him to this mysterious Li. How Sato plans to do this I won’t give away; that’s required reading. Donovan wants to believe the old man, Macy does too, and perhaps she does so sooner than he does. What makes the story interesting are the personal histories of the Nathan, Macy, Li and Sato. These narratives drive the story so much so that without the thriller component, it could stand as an historical or literary novel. As it is, and as I stated at the outset, this is more a suspense tale than a thriller. With the FBI in the mix, I anticipated more thrills and chills on par with Jack Bauer and his 24 series. It didn’t ratchet up until the last third, which was appropriate, and it did so more than adequately, but I wanted that throughout the book paired with the interesting character histories previously mentioned. Now to that last point, Downs flipped the script in a move that frankly reminded me of what screenwriter-director Shane Black did in his handling of Iron Man 3 with the Mandarin. Wow. Didn’t see that one, Tim. Nice job. The scenes played out bitter and sweet. Readers will know it when they get to it. A horrific, but exciting premise that I wished had more thrills. I give it 3 1/2 stars for the people involved.
January 20, 2017
An interesting thriller about bioterrorism. The plot was compelling and the characters were great. The author writes Christian fiction, and elements of it can be seen in the story - but not in an obnoxious way. A fast-paced page turner.
aborted
October 6, 2021I gather this is about a terrorist plot to spread bubonic plague by unleashing fleas on New York City, but I can't be sure because I aborted at p. 69. It's badly written and the font is about the size of fleas' footprints. Characters are constantly grumbling, rather than saying. "What did you say to them?" Donovan grumbled. Most of the blurbs are from websites, an unpromising sign. It's a strange mix: "Today's Pentecostal Evangel" - romancejunkies.com - bookgasm.com - majestychristian.com - Christianbook.com - "Aspiring Retail" ......
June 16, 2023
A lackluster read but kind of funny to bash at book club, 3/10 sorry Timmy
February 15, 2025
Good. Different, but good.
December 24, 2017
Nathan Donovan is an FBI agent. His ex-wife, Macy works for the FBI in a different branch. When one particular, strange, life threatening case brings them together, they might end up with something more than what they came for.
This book was amazing. Unlike most books I read, this one was not slow to start, but it was slow in the middle. Which, didn't bother me too much. This book had incredible backstories, and heart pumping action. This was a great read, and the ending left me in tears.
This book was amazing. Unlike most books I read, this one was not slow to start, but it was slow in the middle. Which, didn't bother me too much. This book had incredible backstories, and heart pumping action. This was a great read, and the ending left me in tears.
August 21, 2009
I found Plague Maker to be very intriguing, and I actually had a hard time putting it down. However, the topic was a little too close to home to be truly enjoyable. The idea of Muslims creating biological warfare to attack the U.S. on the 4th of July is so utterly believable--or something like it--that it was rather a downer (no pun). I read to escape reality and enter someone else's world. I would rather not enter that world. As always Tim Downs can keep you captivated with suspense, and he always has unique, enjoyable characters. The wise Englishman was delightful.
I have noticed that sometimes in Downs' books there are logic flaws in the climactic final scenes for the characters to reach their goal, which is success and escape. They do this in movies too. Like someone will do something stupid that sets up the scene. I'm not saying people aren't stupid, but sometimes, it's out of character, and it's obvious. At the end of the book, Downs should have had the hero and heroine escape in a more realistic manner. If you know anything about fleas, they jump and cling. The fleas would been all over the environmental suit, and they would have taken them with them to freedom. One flea would have been the end of them. (I tend to over analyze scenarios. I need it to make sense logically)
I have noticed that sometimes in Downs' books there are logic flaws in the climactic final scenes for the characters to reach their goal, which is success and escape. They do this in movies too. Like someone will do something stupid that sets up the scene. I'm not saying people aren't stupid, but sometimes, it's out of character, and it's obvious. At the end of the book, Downs should have had the hero and heroine escape in a more realistic manner. If you know anything about fleas, they jump and cling. The fleas would been all over the environmental suit, and they would have taken them with them to freedom. One flea would have been the end of them. (I tend to over analyze scenarios. I need it to make sense logically)
January 3, 2010
All told, an interesting book that made me ponder 'what if?'. It felt as if there should have been a prequel to this book to better introduce the principal protagonists, because by the end, I knew a lot about Mr. Li and Sato, but not so much about Nathan and Macy. Apparently the book is classified as Christian fiction, but I didn't pick up strongly on it until about 3/4 of the way through. The story was very well-developed, though it didn't continue in the path I was expecting based on the initial few chapters. Without revealing any spoilers, the book could have continued along the alternate path and still been an excellent read.
Plaguemaker does make me desire to read Downs' other books, as my favorite part was before the characters met Mr. Li, when they were involved in the investigation of the initial outbreak. From another review, I learned that the insect expert involved in that investigation is the main character in his other books.
Plaguemaker does make me desire to read Downs' other books, as my favorite part was before the characters met Mr. Li, when they were involved in the investigation of the initial outbreak. From another review, I learned that the insect expert involved in that investigation is the main character in his other books.
October 12, 2011
The Bug Man is still my favorite but FBI agent Donovan sure takes a close second. He's snappy, tough, and with a heart of platinum. Though this wasn't a Bug Man book (though he does make a guest star appearance), I loved the dialogue and intense plot just as much.
A bonus in this one is a secondary character named Li. He's hilarious in a back-handed kind of way. But besides his humor, he makes some really good points that make you go, "huh."
If you're a Bug Man fan, you'll still enjoy Plague Maker as if ol' Nick himself were the hero...and it will endear you to Donovan even more in the Bug Man books.
A bonus in this one is a secondary character named Li. He's hilarious in a back-handed kind of way. But besides his humor, he makes some really good points that make you go, "huh."
If you're a Bug Man fan, you'll still enjoy Plague Maker as if ol' Nick himself were the hero...and it will endear you to Donovan even more in the Bug Man books.
September 1, 2017
I'm sorry, but I feel like I've been assaulted with clichés. Bleh. I'm so disappointed with this book. Such a great concept... such poor delivery. It took me forever to finish because I couldn't stomach more than a few pages at a time. I had no empathy for any of the characters, they were just too one-dimensional for me. Downs served up these "emotional" bits of garbage I literally cringed reading, as they were so hard to believe. I desperately hoped that things would get more interesting, and that I wouldn't feel so racist-ajacent, but no such luck. Womp Womp.
July 23, 2014
This thriller started strong. It was a page turner, hooking me in from the first pages but at the midway point it lost me. There was too many backstories and not enough action. In the end I was skimming pages to get to the climax and it fell short. I'd say skip this book.
October 3, 2016
Breath taking...
December 15, 2016
The last ten pages were the best and kept me from giving it only a 2-star rating.
November 14, 2021
I am a big fan of Tim Downs' "Bug Man" series (Shoo Fly Pie, Chop Shop, etc). While the "Bug Man" in effect makes a cameo appearance in Plague Maker, this thriller features an FBI agent who was formerly a US Marines bomb defuser/ordnance remover (Nathan), and his ex-wife, a Columbia psychology/international relations professor (Macy). They are brought together by an 80 year old Chinese/Englishman (Li), who has been on the search for a Japanese bio-terrorism research scientist (Sato) responsible for the gruesome vivisection of and experimentation on Li's wife 60 years ago. Sato in turn is looking to revenge the death of his beloved sister as a result of the bombing of Hiroshima. In other words--everyone has past hurts which drive their present jobs, missions, and fears.
The book features Downs' usual intelligence and humorous repartees--very funny interludes between NYPD Polish detective and Nathan, for example-- as it races to a thrilling possible biological cataclysm in New York. Finely woven through the plot line is the exploration of how each of the protagonists deal with their personal tragedies.
Downs has done a great amount of research, and has woven into the story true details of Japanese bio-warfare and experimentation in their invasion of China in the 1930's and plan to attack San Diego in WWII, the Soviet bio-terrorism efforts during the Cold War, and the vulnerability of modern (rat infested) cities to deliberate introduction of bio-warfare, including the bubonic plague or variants thereof. One small fact that is sticking in my mind is that rats--omnivores that they are--are responsible for eating up to 1/3 of the world's food supply (and more of its organic garbage).
Written in 2006, any reference to human enhancement of viruses leading to pandemics would be entirely coincidental; however, reading the book does give one an appreciation of sophisticated intelligence and the need for international surveillance in "wild" countries like Syria.
In addition to being a first rate thriller, the book explores the importance of forgiveness-both its dispensation and the asking for forgiveness--in bringing closure and freedom for all those who have been hurt.
Downs writes well, with memorable images connecting the reader to the context. For example, describing New York's Chinatown: "Canal Street stretched out before him, its sidewalks impossibly crowded with a sea of disembodied heads pulsing back and forth like corpuscles in an artery. Pedestrians dodged between narrow storefront merchants and sidewalk vendors hawking everything from firecrackers and baseball caps to fish balls and peanut cakes. Above them, a confetti of red and yellow banners displayed inscrutable Chinese pictographs; higher still, aging brick facades wearily supported black-iron balconies and rickety fire escapes." OK, not poetry, but very visible.
Looking to see what else Tim Downs has written
The book features Downs' usual intelligence and humorous repartees--very funny interludes between NYPD Polish detective and Nathan, for example-- as it races to a thrilling possible biological cataclysm in New York. Finely woven through the plot line is the exploration of how each of the protagonists deal with their personal tragedies.
Downs has done a great amount of research, and has woven into the story true details of Japanese bio-warfare and experimentation in their invasion of China in the 1930's and plan to attack San Diego in WWII, the Soviet bio-terrorism efforts during the Cold War, and the vulnerability of modern (rat infested) cities to deliberate introduction of bio-warfare, including the bubonic plague or variants thereof. One small fact that is sticking in my mind is that rats--omnivores that they are--are responsible for eating up to 1/3 of the world's food supply (and more of its organic garbage).
Written in 2006, any reference to human enhancement of viruses leading to pandemics would be entirely coincidental; however, reading the book does give one an appreciation of sophisticated intelligence and the need for international surveillance in "wild" countries like Syria.
In addition to being a first rate thriller, the book explores the importance of forgiveness-both its dispensation and the asking for forgiveness--in bringing closure and freedom for all those who have been hurt.
Downs writes well, with memorable images connecting the reader to the context. For example, describing New York's Chinatown: "Canal Street stretched out before him, its sidewalks impossibly crowded with a sea of disembodied heads pulsing back and forth like corpuscles in an artery. Pedestrians dodged between narrow storefront merchants and sidewalk vendors hawking everything from firecrackers and baseball caps to fish balls and peanut cakes. Above them, a confetti of red and yellow banners displayed inscrutable Chinese pictographs; higher still, aging brick facades wearily supported black-iron balconies and rickety fire escapes." OK, not poetry, but very visible.
Looking to see what else Tim Downs has written
June 27, 2019
In keeping with the ‘plague’ them I read this book. The blurb doesn’t mention it, so it wasn’t until I started reading that I found out Tim Downs is a Christian author. Meaning, there is some mention of Christianity in his books. Being a Christian I didn’t mind, though some Christian fiction can be quite cheesy, but I wondered if a non-Christian might be annoyed since the back doesn’t mention that at all. In the end there wasn’t much mention of God or Christianity, only one of the main characters is a Christian and even then it’s not always obvious, so I don’t think they’d really have a problem with it. It’s certainly not as in-your-face as some books I’ve read.
The story follows Nathan Donovan, a FBI agent based in New York. He attends a strange murder scene where fleas have been dumped in one corner then fumigated for no obvious reason. He later receives a call from a British man wishing to discuss something of great importance involving the case. Nathan dismisses him at first but the man’s insistence causes him to agree. Mr Li flies to New York to meet with Nathan and explains that he’s spent his life tracking a Japanese scientist. This scientist, Sato Matsushita, was involved in developing bioweapons during WWII, and Li believes he still wants to attack America. Sato’s vector of choice was fleas, used to distribute the plague, and hearing about the crime scene’s fleas in the paper caused Li to fly over. Nathan doesn’t really believe Li at first, but says he will look into it. His ex-wife, Macy, gets involved when the FBI assign her to the case. Li and Nathan work to investigate the potential threat, while unresolved issues between Nathan and Mary some to the surface.
It was an okay book. Some of the dialogue/description felt a bit stilted in a way I’ve read in similar American novels. Macy was a bit stereotypical, smart but also pretty so almost every guy she meets would like to date her. Li was probably the best character, though he came across a bit patronising sometimes and dismissive of Western culture, seeing his own as far superior. It was also a bit strange how he seemed to blend Christianity with some Eastern beliefs. The storyline was interesting,
I wouldn’t deliberately seek out another of Tim Downs’ books to read but if I came across one I would give it a try.
The story follows Nathan Donovan, a FBI agent based in New York. He attends a strange murder scene where fleas have been dumped in one corner then fumigated for no obvious reason. He later receives a call from a British man wishing to discuss something of great importance involving the case. Nathan dismisses him at first but the man’s insistence causes him to agree. Mr Li flies to New York to meet with Nathan and explains that he’s spent his life tracking a Japanese scientist. This scientist, Sato Matsushita, was involved in developing bioweapons during WWII, and Li believes he still wants to attack America. Sato’s vector of choice was fleas, used to distribute the plague, and hearing about the crime scene’s fleas in the paper caused Li to fly over. Nathan doesn’t really believe Li at first, but says he will look into it. His ex-wife, Macy, gets involved when the FBI assign her to the case. Li and Nathan work to investigate the potential threat, while unresolved issues between Nathan and Mary some to the surface.
It was an okay book. Some of the dialogue/description felt a bit stilted in a way I’ve read in similar American novels. Macy was a bit stereotypical, smart but also pretty so almost every guy she meets would like to date her. Li was probably the best character, though he came across a bit patronising sometimes and dismissive of Western culture, seeing his own as far superior. It was also a bit strange how he seemed to blend Christianity with some Eastern beliefs. The storyline was interesting,
I wouldn’t deliberately seek out another of Tim Downs’ books to read but if I came across one I would give it a try.
June 12, 2019
I was very pleased with this book - which is not something one should really say on a book about terrorism.
The book covered the background thoroughly, including the American bio-terrorism research, the Soviet bio-terrorism research, the Japanese bio-terrorism research, the possibility that Iraq's bio-weapons are still in the Middle East and how a plague may have been genetically engineered so as to NOT rely on an insect (flea) vector.
Nathan Donovan, an FBI agent, is brought in by the NYPD to investigate the murder of a gallery owner. He is still dealing with the loss of his son to cancer and his own consequences of his inability to make things better. His ex-wife, Macy, is also brought in for negotiations, if necessary.
The reader is privy to discussions by the terrorist organization, the bio-terror worker, and the man responsible for joining the FBI to meet the bio-terror worker, Mr. Li.
I enjoyed how Mr. Li was a Christian missionary with a mission for Sato. He also tried to move obstacles between Donovan and Macy, but by the end of the book, the two had come closer - weren't declaring their love for each other - were more honest with each other. This was a good thriller story with Christianity as a motive for a character; not overtly evangelistic in nature, and not quite romance (though it was a part).
The book covered the background thoroughly, including the American bio-terrorism research, the Soviet bio-terrorism research, the Japanese bio-terrorism research, the possibility that Iraq's bio-weapons are still in the Middle East and how a plague may have been genetically engineered so as to NOT rely on an insect (flea) vector.
Nathan Donovan, an FBI agent, is brought in by the NYPD to investigate the murder of a gallery owner. He is still dealing with the loss of his son to cancer and his own consequences of his inability to make things better. His ex-wife, Macy, is also brought in for negotiations, if necessary.
The reader is privy to discussions by the terrorist organization, the bio-terror worker, and the man responsible for joining the FBI to meet the bio-terror worker, Mr. Li.
I enjoyed how Mr. Li was a Christian missionary with a mission for Sato. He also tried to move obstacles between Donovan and Macy, but by the end of the book, the two had come closer - weren't declaring their love for each other - were more honest with each other. This was a good thriller story with Christianity as a motive for a character; not overtly evangelistic in nature, and not quite romance (though it was a part).
July 3, 2020
I timed reading this book to coincide with July 4th, approximately the time the story unfolds. This story was pretty much what I expected. Fast paced, high stakes, and clean. The story follows three main characters in the midst of trying to stop a national attack on their personal journeys through healing from traumatic pain cleverly. Backstories are cleverly woven in and I particularly enjoyed the many tales that were told by Li dating back to WWII. I praise the author who always stopped mid-tale when I was wanting more. I rated this book only 3 stars because there weren't a lot of surprises to catch me off guard.
April 20, 2022
Thinking this was plague centered, it turned out more like a murder mystery than anything, or rather a kind of thriller (which I would not normally read).
Characters were fairly well developed, the two who were the pro/con ones (Li good guy and the bad guy with a long name) but the two detectives/FBI/solver people were less so delved into - which was ok, their divorce/anger+love feelings were a side plot.
Slow in the middle, and I felt fortunate to keep on going (due to good writing) because it picked up well and got more intense and alarming terrorists-type script. Almost suspenseful for the last ten small chapters.
A good 3 stars, I would recommend this one.
Characters were fairly well developed, the two who were the pro/con ones (Li good guy and the bad guy with a long name) but the two detectives/FBI/solver people were less so delved into - which was ok, their divorce/anger+love feelings were a side plot.
Slow in the middle, and I felt fortunate to keep on going (due to good writing) because it picked up well and got more intense and alarming terrorists-type script. Almost suspenseful for the last ten small chapters.
A good 3 stars, I would recommend this one.
November 15, 2017
This book was misplaced. It was in the science fiction section of Half Price Books and I was looking for a new author to follow. I was in a CDC frame of mind so I got it. I was confused for quite a while as I tried to figure out how this was science fiction. I finally decided to check and discovered that it must have been misplaced.
I enjoyed it. There were definitely Christian overtones and I think they added to the suspense. Murder? Revenge? Justice? It all depends on your morality code.
In any case, I want to read more by this author, even though he isn't science fiction.
I enjoyed it. There were definitely Christian overtones and I think they added to the suspense. Murder? Revenge? Justice? It all depends on your morality code.
In any case, I want to read more by this author, even though he isn't science fiction.
September 17, 2020
This book is crazy! It was published almost 15 years ago, but seems quite timely right now, with everything going on in the world.
Revenge - Japan/China/Usa. Forgiveness - is it possible? 60 years of anger and hatred from one man, and the goal of forgiveness in another. How these men meet Donavan and Macy is quite the story. This book really makes you think about the anger between countries, and how politics and old hurts don't just fade away.
Revenge - Japan/China/Usa. Forgiveness - is it possible? 60 years of anger and hatred from one man, and the goal of forgiveness in another. How these men meet Donavan and Macy is quite the story. This book really makes you think about the anger between countries, and how politics and old hurts don't just fade away.
July 23, 2017
Holy cow! Well written with good science, real history, Asian culture, and American law enforcement. Totally plausible plot (which makes it really scary!). Based on the horrors of Unit 731, which was a Japanese unit that did extensive biological warfare research, mostly using Chinese civilians, during WW2. Really good read!
March 17, 2018
This book was alright. It seemed very long and some parts were boring. There weren't any bad words or sex scenes, which was nice but some of the story telling seemed like it was trying too hard. Some parts were very interesting and suspenseful but too much of it just wasn't that intriguing. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book.
May 8, 2019
The book was entertaining and clean (language and sex). The science was solid, and it gave a mostly accurate look at bioterrorism and the “ease” with which it can happen. I think I prefer Demon in the Freezer if looking for an engaging microbiology book. This one got a little bogged down with Li’s long-winded wisdom/forgiveness.
January 29, 2020
Fiction based on the reality of biological warfare, the author keeps his reader captivated with dry humor and secondary stories. The narrative fluctuates between the focus of several different characters—some more entertaining than others, all showing the horrors of war and the possibilities no one wants to face.
February 11, 2020
An enjoyable read
I have read read all of Tim Downs bug man books and like this one; I have enjoyed them all. Also I have never read a book of Mr. Downs where I felt he had mailed it in just for the money! That has not been so with a number of other others that I have read like R.C., T.C, J.G. etc. Anyway read this book, I feel sure you will enjoy it.
I have read read all of Tim Downs bug man books and like this one; I have enjoyed them all. Also I have never read a book of Mr. Downs where I felt he had mailed it in just for the money! That has not been so with a number of other others that I have read like R.C., T.C, J.G. etc. Anyway read this book, I feel sure you will enjoy it.
January 16, 2021
What a wild ride that has actual history behind it in the producing of a biological weapon. Three main characters take you for a close look at the motives behind each one and how they all intersect together.
This is a keep reading page turner of a book. Don't make plans.
This is a keep reading page turner of a book. Don't make plans.
April 19, 2021
What if someone released thousands of plague-infected fleas in New York City? I thought this would be similar to "Outbreak," but it was a little different. Tim Downs offers a compelling story with solid writing and interesting characters, especially two Japanese scientists in their 80's. Fun read.
March 4, 2022
I had difficulty enjoying this book. It relies heavily on exposition and while overall the writing was good it had frequent grammatical oddities that took me out of the story. I finished it but only out of principle.
July 20, 2025
Tbh the ending fell a bit flat for me, but overall the story building and suspense was very good, and I really admired the intense level of research and insight that must have gone into all of the history and storytelling.
February 20, 2019
I didn’t finish this book. It’s so boring. Chapter 1, I was like this good to read. Chapter 2, this is boring. I stop at chapter 7. The characters are nuisance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews