Viral Intent

Alexandra Destephano #3

by Judith Lucci

An unidentified virus in the CCMC Emergency Department is killing dozens of people, a horrific death of a popular politician in the French Quarter has the NOPD hopping, and internet chatter suggesting the unspeakable has chilled the hearts of law enforcement all over the world. Read how Alex and Jack learn to play well with the CDC, FBI, and Secret Service to save the streets of New Orleans.

Genres: Thriller, Medical, Political Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Collections

290 pages, ebook

First published March 23, 2014

About the author

Dr. Judith Lucci is an Amazon bestselling author who writes what she knows. She is the author of the Alex Destephano Medical Thriller Series and the soon to be released Michaela McPherson, Private Eye, a series centered on a retired homicide detective from Richmond, Virginia who really can’t retire.

“Before I wrote fiction, I was an academic writer who published research, theoretical works, text books and just about anything a nurse or college professor needed to publish to survive. The differences in academic writing and writing fiction are dramatic. Writing what I know propels me to pull from my clinical experiences, some good, some not and use popular fiction as a means to teach and advocate for others. My books have three purposes, to engage the reader, to entertain them and to educate about healthcare and perhaps, the darker side of hospital life.

I am a nurse and hold graduate and doctoral degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia. I have always been a reader and a writer and I love it. I am a member of the Virginia Writers Club, The Shenandoah Valley Writers and Sisters in Crime.

When I’m not writing I am probably teaching, paining on silk as I am a multi-media artist or playing with my many dogs. Please feel free to contact me at judithlucciwrites@gmail.com. I am excited about meeting you!

Reviews

[Lilian Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIRAL INTENT reminded me of the old movie “Outbreak”. Judith Rocchiccioli clearly shows in this book how a virus can find its way among the people, spread and create mass destruction. Alex Destephano is the heroin in this book and she is a lawyer and a register nurse. She is employed by CCMC in New Orleans the Crescent City Medical Center.

Alex is now in charge of resolving the crisis as victims start to arrive at the hospital needing medical care. It is clear that a mysterious deadly virus that is threating to spread and create a deadly situation across New Orleans has infected these victims. The author has the NOPD, FBI, Secret Service, State Police, National Guard, the Mayor, and the Governor’s office involved in trying to make preparations to secure the public from this outbreak.

This is a great thriller that keeps the reader eager for more. Again the author uses her expertise just as she did in IMPOSTER to provide information and medical ideas that help the reader understand some of the details in the plot. Judith Rocchiccioli has once again provided very compelling and likable characters. Viral Intent is truly a wonderful book and I would gladly recommend it as a must read!!!

[Bob Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's difficult to imagine a more timely thriller than Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli's “Viral Intent.” The action takes place in the Big Easy, the perfect setting for a group of terrorists determined to launch a deadly virus that will destroy many thousands of American lives.

Luckily our protagonist, Alex Destephano, a long-time New Orleans resident, is on the job, along with her police chief buddy Jack Francoise. Together they've got to stop the attack before the president and a number of prominent members of congress (among them Alex's grandfather) arrive for a major political gathering. The clock is ticking and New Orleans is feeling anything but easy.

Alex has all the requisite traits we expect in today's heroines: beauty, brains, breeding, and a prominent and respected position among New Orleans' movers and shakers, for whom she manages to hold the perfect dinner party in the midst of impending doom. Despite these glowing attributes, Alex is failing miserably at outfoxing the terrorists. The bad guys are winning and are escalating their attack to a very personal level. That's what makes this thriller stand out from the usual.

Just as in real life, territorial disputes erupt among the different government agencies involved. As the story evolves, the cast of characters grows and Alex doesn't know who to trust. Losing this battle is not an option, but more and more it looks like the only outcome.

Ms. Rocchiccioli has crafted a fast-paced nightmare scenario that is all too real. Just turn on your TV to the evening news. I was not only rooting for Alex and Jack, but also for one of my favorite American cities which has already demonstrated its vulnerability to catastrophic events. Her depiction of this colorful and unique city is right on target. Perhaps it's a tribute to Ms. Rocchiccioli's writing skills that I found myself thinking, “Oh no, not again.”

A top-rate thriller. Highly recommended.

[Hunter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a unidentified virus breaks out in the Crescent City emergency department, Alex and Robert fear the worst and call the military and CDC to assist with virus identification and isolation. When the murder of a young Congressman in the darkest part of the French Quarter a few hours later, the connection is suspicious and Jack and the NOPD plan to defend the city against terrorists. Things escalate with the opening of "Operation Fix America" a political meeting that brings American's leadership to New Orleans, and the arrival of POTUS that results in the representation of every law enforcement in the US. Life in the Big Easy is NOT easy and Alex and Jack must learn to play well with the CDC, FBI and Secret Service. Rocchiccioli' characters are real, likable and vulnerable and her plot lines are well developed. The writing is crisp and clear and the research in this novel is amazing.

A great read, medical/political thriller. Can't wait to see what happens in the next Alex Destephano novel. This is a series to follow!

[Jana Petken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viral Intent, with all of its possibilities, is a thought provoking and terrifying thriller. I had never thought of the damage a virus could present so quickly. When you throw in a few terrorists and some unexpected plot twist the novel takes a life of its own. The author's background in medicine and health care lays the background for this very realistic series and enhances the story. I love the characters in Alexandra Destephano novels. They are so good at what they do, yet there is a vulnerability about them that we can appreciate and identify with. This is a great series and provided me with a "couldn't put down" weekend read. I hope the next one comes soon.

[Dermot Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read in this series and although it is the third book that the lead character, Alexandra Destephano (Alex) is featured, I didn't feel like I was missing anything or needed to have read the earlier novels. The book captured my attention from page one and never let up. Concerned, as it is, with a terrorist plot to spread a deadly vaccine on American soil, I couldn't wait to find out how it was going to play out and how wide and massive the carnage was to result before it became contained (if ever). I was amazed at how well researched the story was, right from the general medical aspect, the disease control protocol and the law enforcement procedures that would coordinate in the event of such an outbreak. Perhaps what stunned me the most was learning how prevalent it is that labs, secret and otherwise, have consistently been working on modifying and bioengineering various strains of viruses since at least the fifties in this country (other countries, like Russia, have their own programs going back even longer). Whereas some of these studies are for general medical research, other experiments are and were being conducted to produce deadly microorganisms for military purposes. One such program mentioned concerns a viral contamination with a polio vaccine that some claim has been responsible for the explosion of cancer in this country since the sixties. As an edge on the seats thriller, this novel succeeds blissfully and I particularly liked how the terrorists were depicted without succumbing to stereotyping and racial profiling. In fact, this aspect of the story was also well researched and I actually learned of connections between Islamist jihad groups that I was not aware of prior. Even the characterization of the "evil-doers" is fair and balanced, not all of those responsible believe in what they are doing and there is also major dissension within their ranks, which also seems real and further extended my interest to see how the various plot-lines played out. All-in-all a terrific, captivating read!

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Viral Intent” by Judith Rocchiccioli is the third in the Alex Destephano series. These medical stories leave you wanting for more. I was breathless but not able to walk away. They are thrill rides that you are happy to be just a spectator. This book is full of suspense and intrigue. The characters pull you in and the surroundings give you a feeling that you are actually there.

With New Orleans at the backdrop you are whisked away into a colorful drama filled adventured. There is a deadly outbreak that is more than it seems. There are dynamics that were so powerful that I kept reading hoping for a positive resolve. It felt so real I couldn’t help but get involved. It’s a roller coaster of emotions with so many suspenseful turns. This story moves quickly and will keep you guessing all the way through. Great writing and a dynamic plot.

I have read Miss. Rocchiccioli’s other releases and there has not been one that has disappointed me. If you like suspense thrillers these books will grab your attention!


Quote ~

Ali’s voice was impatient as he answered. “I have no answer, brother. I cannot isolate the virus. Nothing is working. The virus is mysterious and I cannot develop a prediction that is valid. It acts very differently in each patient. The only common thing is that the people are dying from some horrible form of pneumonia.”

[Elodie Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viral Intent is an incredible and thrilling read! It both frightened and fascinated me. The story line is compelling and very possible especially in the turmoil of the world in which we live. There is an outbreak of a virus in the hospital emergency department and no one can identify the virus. In the meantime, people are dying (political operatives) and the CDC has been called in. Meanwhile, there is a grisly murder in the French Quarter of a well known politician and authorities begin to question if the viral outbreak and murder are related. With a political convention in town the thoughts of terrorism are foremost on the minds of the secret service, FBI and NOPD. The novel continued to go south and to be honest, I could hardly put it down because I was so involved with what could happen.

The author has a medical background and it is clearly illustrated in her book. I also believe she has done considerable research in an effort to turn out a top notch medical/political thriller and she was successful! She also has a great knowledge of New Orleans as the setting was beautifully written and vivid. The characters were strong and well developed and this is a top-notch read. I recommend is highly.

[Simon Okill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viral Intent by Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli is a flawlessly paced medical thriller of the highest standard. This third book in the Alex Destephano Series pulls no punches and bravely tackles the ever-increasing problem of terrorism.
Crescent City Medical Center has had its share of troubles, but nothing can compare to a deadly unknown viral attack. Again, Hospital Lawyer Alex Destephano tackles this new threat head on with her usual gusto and guile. With the help of Jack Francoise, top cop of NOPD they try to piece together a complex puzzle that threatens not just all of New Orleans but the President, who happens to be visiting.
The author cleverly mixes high tech planning from CDC, FBI and Secret Service with the cynical and callous actions of the terrorists. I especially enjoyed the character of the mysterious Russian. Well done to the author for establishing a great mystery character within all the mayhem.
This medical thriller rates up there with the best that there is to offer and if you like your books fast-paced, high tech, guns ablazing with mystery too, then this book will satisfy all your needs.
A FIVE STAR thriller that is highly recommended.

[Jacintha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Rocchiccioli kept me on the edge of my seat as I read her political/medical thriller, Viral Intent, in two days. The writer clearly knows her stuff and her years of healthcare experience and research shine through in this book. When a lethal virus breaks out in the Crescent City hospital emergency department, it seems like political workers are the most affected. When an important congressman is murdered in the French quarter. Commander Francoise and his team along with the Secret Service and FBI plan for a terrorist attack on New Orleans. This true to life drama is compelling, scary and very possible. I recommend it as an excellent read.

[Stefania Mattana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viral Intent is an intense medical mystery with a high dose of thriller and tension.
I found the descriptions of the medical environment extremely detailed and real (my parents both work in a hospital so I know how easy is to give a wrong idea of the medical/disease matters). The plot is quite tangled and the rhythm is very fast-pace.
The main character - Alexandra Destephano - is well fleshed out and as a woman I can totally sympathise with herself and her tiny little weaknesses.
Definitely recommended.

[Susan Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow scary and makes you think. An unidentifiable virus attacks and hopefully help is happening. Loved it and couldn’t put it down.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series it’s always a fast-paced thrill ride .

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping tale of politics, terror and the people who try to stop anything bad from occurring in the Big Easy. . It could so easily happen in real life and with COVID-19 happening right now, this story is entirely plausible. What I like and don't like about these books is they are not HEA all the time and you never know who is going to be the next victim and who is going to survive. A great read and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book "Toxic New Year".

[Teresa A. Corbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of America's top politicians are getting together in the Big Easy to Fix America. Where could you find a better placed for a group of radical Muslims to get together and stage a viral attack. Alex and Robert were left in charge of CCCH and all of sudden people are coming in with flu like symptoms. But people are dyeing within hours of being admitted. Alex's grandparents get involve.

[Dorothy Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Destephano is a registered nurse and a lawyer who has a great job in a New Orleans Medical Center called CCMC—Crescent City Medical Center. It happens that the Chief Administator and the Head of Nursing are on vacation, leaving Alex and her ex-husband in charge, just as the novel starts out with a crisis in the ER or ED,--Emergency Department—where a victim has suddenly gone CODE BLUE. Clearly, Author Rocchiccoli knows what she is writing about, because the realism is too good to be faked. Within a few hours more victims arrive taxing the ED and the hospital to its limits. They must call in the CDC from Atlanta to assist in identifying a mysterious virus causing multiple victims and quick deaths. We suspect this is a bioterrorist attack by an extremist cell, hiding in “The Big Easy,” one of whose members has infiltrated the NOPD and another is a trusted grad student at Tulane’s scientific bioresearch center. But, even the cell members are not sure who caused the virus attack, as they mistrust each other, and suspect it is a double-cross by a Russian terrorist from Chechnia. All the branches of law enforcement converge on the city in advance of a conference including the President and 100 or so top politicos. Thus the NOPD, FBI, Secret Service, State Police, National Guard, the Mayor, and the Governor’s office are all a part of the security preparations. Meantime there is a gruesome murder of a promising politician, a friend of Alex’s family, which appears to be a serial murder. The plot spins on with Alex and her associates driven to near exhaustion as more sick are admitted and more bodies pile up. The author does a superb job of handling the technical and scientific aspects of the story, and of building the suspense to a crashing finish.
This novel is timely, discussing the very real threat of hidden terrorist cells, bent on killing ‘infidels’ and what they might do. Also, it discusses some of the highly technical ways that law enforcement has of scanning crowds and identifying threats.
Highly recommended action/suspense/thriller.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Viral Intent” by Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli is the third in the author’s accomplished and competent medical thriller series. A handful of medical staff in New Orleans is dealing with a viral outbreak at their hospital that is part of a wider political terrorism plot.
Alex, the heroine of the previous books, is a legally trained clerical member of staff with an ex-husband who is also involved in solving the case. The military get involved as the virus needs to be identified, an antidote found and the culprits brought to justice.
The third book brings the characters out even better than the previous ones. Their history and interplay really made this much more than a mere thriller. Whether it be the ex-lovers and their relationship, Inspector Francoise or new characters – they make this dramatic and fast paced story very real and never fail to involve the reader.
The medical background of the author shows, the political and criminological parts are well written, too and the plot of course is very believable and scarily possible. The representation of Muslims as terrorists has been carefully handled and been put in the right context to never make this reader feel uncomfortable.
A great story, excellent writing and a strong set of characters make this a very worthy read.

[Janet E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Viral Intent: An Alexandra Destaphano Novel," is a biological warfare novel, a political-medical thriller about terrorists with weaponized viruses. Since we train so many from all over the world in biomedicine, and viruses to weaponize are much easier to get than, say, nuclear weapons, this book has a chilling nugget of prediction at its core. To make this read all the more intriguing, Rocchiccioli as a medical background and a good grasp of political realities. This book is third in a series but the first I've read by this author featuring her heroine Alexandra Destephano, but the book is complete in itself, not a chapter in some mammoth epic. The story begins with terrorists plotting a biological attack on US soil, and never for a moment loses its edge. Well researched and compelling, even to rapid response and containment protocols. This is one of those novels that is so well planned and executed one hopes that it inspires no would-be terrorists to action.

[Reg Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Well Researched Medical Thriller

Viral Intent an Alex Destephano Novel by Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli.

A well researched and well presented medical thriller. You the reader will be amazed at the depth of this story. Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli has written a wonderful, intriguing, novel that will keep you turning the pages to reach a brilliant conclusion.

The many twists and turns of this novel are astounding. I would recommend the reading of it. All of Rocchiccioli’s characters are well presented and believable.
I could not put it down; I was very impressed with the smoothness as it delved into political lives as well as the medical aspects that you will have to read to believe.

[Ju Ephraime · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Viral Intent” by Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli is the third book in the author’s medical thriller series. I was impressed with the author’s knowledge about the medical terminologies, the handling of a viral outbreak at CCMC, a hospital in New Orleans, and the political implication that seems to surround the entire set of event. Rocchiccioli moved the story along at a rapid pace, as the reader is introduce to a set of characters that make the plot, not only suspenseful, but believable, the key ingredients in a suspense thriller. The author left nothing to chance taking the reader along for the ride of his/her life. Excellent story, very well done!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viral Intent is a gripping novel. An unknown virus is on the rampage in New Orleans. A conference is going on for politicians. The president is attending. This story could be tomorrow's headlines. It is a terrorist attack.

All of Judith's novels are well written and fast paced. There is no doubt that Judith has knowledge on the workings of a hospital and the medical field in general. Very good descriptions of her characters, of New Orleans, and of what is taking place. I highly recommend her novels if you like thrillers.
This is one of the novels in Crescent City Chronicles Volumes 1-3 which I have purchased.

[Susan L. Curtin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling And Mystified!

Conquests in secret to kill all of the politicians and all of New Orleans.

A lawyer's house is attacked more than once.

This book is the last sequel for "Alexandra Destephano's Novels."

[Cherime MacFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. a great addition to the series. It is a great blend of fiction laced with fact all told against the wonder background of that wonderful old lady of the South, New Orleans. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Looking forward to another.

[David Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping plotline will keep you hooked until the last page. Fantastic!

[D.K. Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting medical mystery!

[Anthony Hulse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot and well written. I really enjoyed this.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story snatched from the headlines! Riveting!

[Marika Charalambous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon

[Anna Othitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith has written an amazing medical thriller the read kept me interested and in suspense.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Orleans, LA. Crescent City Medical Center. ICU Bed #3. Kelsey Saunders (LSU grad intern) was hollering for Sandy Pilsner (ED nurse mgr.).
Dr. Fred Patterson (ED) was very unhappy the guy was bleeding out.
CODE BLUE. He soon was flatline.
Dr. Robert Bonnet (Alex’s ex-husband, general surgeon, CCMC interim chief of medicine) came to see what all the alarm was about.
Dr. Dave Broderick (CCMC infectious disease head) was right behind.
NO, LA. When the President & members of Congress come to visit the Crescent City ER it was swamped with patients. The CDC is on their way to help.

Faubourg Marigny colorful revitalized NO, LA neighborhood. What were Ali (23, Muslim, Tulane U grad student), & Nazir (31, Muslim, older brother) discussing?
Dr. Tim Smith (Tropical Medicine, infectious disease, Tulane U; PhD) was headed to CCMC.
Cajun Café. Dr. Monique Desmonde (Alex’s BFF, MD, Psychiatrist, CCMC psychiatric services head),
Commander Jack Françoise (NOPD, Monique’s lover), Alexandra “Alex” Lee Destephano (lawyer, RN, Robert’s ex-wife, CCMC legal counsel, JD), & Dr. Bonnet were about to enjoy what
Chef Henri (Cajun Café executive chef) had made for them.
The discussion was about the virus that his hit NO.
HAZMAT is on their way.
ED conference room. Dr. Broderick, Dr. Smith, Elizabeth Tippett (hospital media relations, Times Picayune, Virginia Commonwealth U), Robert, & Alex were discussing the worldwide viral outbreak of some type. It did not appear to be Ebola or Marburg.
Sandy Pilsner directed the ED & Centers for Disease Control personnel.
Dr. Yvette Charmaine (42, LSU, Harvard Med, Johns Hopkins residency) is the CDC team leader.

Robert introduced Alex to her.
Dr./Mohammed Abdu (NYC Red Jihad cell leader, Brooklyn U Professor Middle Eastern History, Russian Muslim Jihad member), & Dr. Omar Hassan (Muslim Jihadist, eminent Brooklyn U Professor Middle Eastern History, Russian Muslim Jihad member) were quite upset because their terrorist group could not take credit for the viral outbreak.
#1 Police Plaza Police commissioner’s office. Travis Stoner, Jeff Bodine, Commander Jack Françoise (NOPD, Monique’s lover), & Captain John Houser (Louisiana State Police Criminal Division) were having a meeting.
The 2 Jihad leaders Dr. Abdu, Syed, & Dr. Hassan arrived in New Orleans, LA late last night.
The virus had finally been ID.

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language (racial remarks) &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (child physical/sexual abuse) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written international medical thriller book. It was amazingly easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great international medical thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. An extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Bluestone Valley Publishing; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)