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13 Days to Die
In a far-flung Tibetan village, prayer flags flap against whitewashed houses and a majestic monastery stretches to heaven. It's Shangri-La - the earthly paradise - until a stranger staggers out of the forest and collapses into a bloody, lifeless mass. He's the first victim of a crippling epidemic, but he's no ordinary man.
Olen Grave, an American intelligence officer, heads directly into the hot zone to investigate. Posing as a journalist, he joins a Chinese research team led by a headstrong female virus hunter, Dr. Zhou Weilin. Together, the unlikely allies discover that patient zero was a spy who deliberately infected himself. But why? Who did he work for?
As Olen and Jo rush to uncover the shocking truth behind the epidemic, they unravel a twisted conspiracy that reaches from Beijing's great halls to Washington's corridors of power. With the superpowers now at the brink of war, the fate of the world will rest on the duo's shoulders.
Olen Grave, an American intelligence officer, heads directly into the hot zone to investigate. Posing as a journalist, he joins a Chinese research team led by a headstrong female virus hunter, Dr. Zhou Weilin. Together, the unlikely allies discover that patient zero was a spy who deliberately infected himself. But why? Who did he work for?
As Olen and Jo rush to uncover the shocking truth behind the epidemic, they unravel a twisted conspiracy that reaches from Beijing's great halls to Washington's corridors of power. With the superpowers now at the brink of war, the fate of the world will rest on the duo's shoulders.
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First published March 9, 2021
191 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Matt Miksa
2 books109 followersMatt Miksa is an author and former FBI intelligence analyst who helped prevent foreign spies from stealing America's secrets. Today, he writes espionage thrillers that blend history, politics, and science. Matt holds a graduate degree in China Studies from Columbia University and has spent time living in Beijing. He currently resides in Chicago with his wife and two young daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 2, 2021
13 Days to Die is a nonstop page turner! Lots of twists and turns, keeps you constantly guessing! An edge of your seat thriller! I highly recommend this 5 star book.
November 7, 2020
Sometimes, I don't mind if a book doesn't quite know what it wants to be when it grows up.
This is not one of those times.
13 Days to Die spreads itself across several genres - thriller (political, medical), mystery (hunting an ID to attach to a person), flat out political commentary, conspiracy theories, etc.
The basics: a man comes out of the forest in Tibet, looking like Patient Zero of a new bug that could easily become a pandemic, which will look pretty familiar to anyone living through 2020. An American intel officer impersonating a journalist, Olen Grave, is sent off to investigate this, and teams up with a Chinese medical doctor, Dr. Zhou, also investigating it.
It doesn't spoil anything to say that Patient Zero is not just some random dude, but is more than he seems to be. Grave (it isn't necessary to telegraph what's going on by naming someone Grave, author, unless you want to add pulpy fiction to the list of genres) and Zhou get caught up in a (shocker!) conspiracy involving their respective countries. They have to figure out what is going on before the planet gets nuked into oblivion.
There are some unnecessary afterwords about characters at the end, and it's at this point where the train really goes off the rails.
The story is okay, but the book could have been better if it decided whether to go into full-on conspiracy theorist ground.
Two out of five stars.
Thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for the review copy.
This is not one of those times.
13 Days to Die spreads itself across several genres - thriller (political, medical), mystery (hunting an ID to attach to a person), flat out political commentary, conspiracy theories, etc.
The basics: a man comes out of the forest in Tibet, looking like Patient Zero of a new bug that could easily become a pandemic, which will look pretty familiar to anyone living through 2020. An American intel officer impersonating a journalist, Olen Grave, is sent off to investigate this, and teams up with a Chinese medical doctor, Dr. Zhou, also investigating it.
It doesn't spoil anything to say that Patient Zero is not just some random dude, but is more than he seems to be. Grave (it isn't necessary to telegraph what's going on by naming someone Grave, author, unless you want to add pulpy fiction to the list of genres) and Zhou get caught up in a (shocker!) conspiracy involving their respective countries. They have to figure out what is going on before the planet gets nuked into oblivion.
There are some unnecessary afterwords about characters at the end, and it's at this point where the train really goes off the rails.
The story is okay, but the book could have been better if it decided whether to go into full-on conspiracy theorist ground.
Two out of five stars.
Thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for the review copy.
Want to read
September 26, 2020I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley.
February 6, 2021
It was interesting to stumble upon an advertisement on Facebook for this book written by someone who is a former FBI intelligence agent. That had me intrigued. So of course I flew to Netgalley to see if the book was on here to request. So glad I was approved. This book is believable, scary because of the events and chilling as hell. It was suspenseful and had so many twists and turns and so much action. And the corrupt people were off the charts.
I truly hope Matt Miksa writes more books as good as this one because I read them all. A new favorite author! Highly recommended.
All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, Matt Miksa and Crocked Lane Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 3/9/21
I truly hope Matt Miksa writes more books as good as this one because I read them all. A new favorite author! Highly recommended.
All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, Matt Miksa and Crocked Lane Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 3/9/21
March 16, 2021
“13 Days to Die” is a book that tries to emulate the non stop science-adjacent action of James Rollins, the capers of the Pitt series by Cussler, and the spirit of the old Ludlum espionage thrillers.
The problem is that the author is not sure what he wants the novel to be. We can see solid espionage tradecraft descriptions, there is some solid science, and some backroom politics but no real focus on whether this is a techno thriller, a scientific adventure, or a spy novel.
Another major problem is the main characters.
The implausibility of the actions of the field agents is too much. I will not spoil it but not even late “24” would have dared to try to sell us the scenarios of double and triple crossing we get here.
The dialogue also bothered me. We have Chinese characters casually using American colloquialisms that would take me out of the narrative. That should have been fixed by the editor.
The Dirk Pitt-like main character is shallow and boring. We barely find anything about him outside of his towering sex appeal and his penchant for disguises.
The other American agent is much more interesting and that one I want to see again. The Chinese agent is...well, meh...although his aunt seems to have a wonderful backstory.
The American VECTOR director is interesting and I would like to see her again as well as her hidden enemy.
The POTUS is your standard issue white male politician and frankly not very interesting. His continuous headaches get tired soon.
Finally, the author indicates he has been writing this since 2012 and I doubt major rewrites were made after COVID19 because he fails to capture the terror of a pandemic. This is something that “The End of October” did more skillfully. I expected some more description of the impact of the plague on society but other than passing references to lockdowns, it is drowned by the action.
I think this is a good first book and if the author can tighten the main character, get the dialogue under control, and focus the genre, this can be a good series.
The problem is that the author is not sure what he wants the novel to be. We can see solid espionage tradecraft descriptions, there is some solid science, and some backroom politics but no real focus on whether this is a techno thriller, a scientific adventure, or a spy novel.
Another major problem is the main characters.
The implausibility of the actions of the field agents is too much. I will not spoil it but not even late “24” would have dared to try to sell us the scenarios of double and triple crossing we get here.
The dialogue also bothered me. We have Chinese characters casually using American colloquialisms that would take me out of the narrative. That should have been fixed by the editor.
The Dirk Pitt-like main character is shallow and boring. We barely find anything about him outside of his towering sex appeal and his penchant for disguises.
The other American agent is much more interesting and that one I want to see again. The Chinese agent is...well, meh...although his aunt seems to have a wonderful backstory.
The American VECTOR director is interesting and I would like to see her again as well as her hidden enemy.
The POTUS is your standard issue white male politician and frankly not very interesting. His continuous headaches get tired soon.
Finally, the author indicates he has been writing this since 2012 and I doubt major rewrites were made after COVID19 because he fails to capture the terror of a pandemic. This is something that “The End of October” did more skillfully. I expected some more description of the impact of the plague on society but other than passing references to lockdowns, it is drowned by the action.
I think this is a good first book and if the author can tighten the main character, get the dialogue under control, and focus the genre, this can be a good series.
January 15, 2021
The research behind this book must have been incredible because there is so much detail which really makes the story and its characters jump out of the page. At times a bit complicated, this political thriller spans continents and definitely kept me engaged! All too credible, the plot did leave a couple of things hanging but maybe that is a line up for another book - which would be on my reading list, for sure!
February 18, 2022
February 18, 2022
A Review, by Anthony Riggio of the book 13 Days to Die by Matt Miksa
I purchased this book on Amazon Kindle for when I wanted a quick and action-packed book to fill in during a brief hiatus. I am so glad I picked this book up. It had short chapters and was a rather exciting book to read and it allowed the reader to digest a lot of the scientific and the characters in this book. All of the characters were well developed and the plot, while simple, was very current in this age Covid spread and government over reach in mandating strict adherence to quarantine protocols.
The story brings us to the brink of nuclear destruction of the human race as the government of China has forced the development of a rapidly mutating virus to cover a military coup d’etat to achieve military control of China. I found this plot too close to our current reality regarding current events.
While most of the action takes place in China and Tibet, involving intelligence intrigue, the reader, will get a small glimpse of the intelligence thinking in China. It also reveals the skullduggery of western intelligence activities and intrigues our own government is capable of using in defense of our own ideologies. This is scary stuff but it seems there is the potential for evil on both sides of the issues.
The author appears to have some inside side knowledge of the workings of intelligence gathering as well as counter-intelligence operations as he is able to weave a believable plot of intrigue and use it to show the human side of espionage as well as set-up a possibility of continuing use of the main charters in this book.
The overall story line is very creative and allows one to suspend their sense of reality in a way that has both the physical action and the romance that occurs when humans are so involved in life and death struggles.
I recommend this quick read to all readers who love this kind of government and espionage intrigue. I was very inclined to short the author on the number of stars I gave it but upon completion, I concluded there was a lot of serious thinking and planning of both the story line and the characters and felt compelled to give it Five Stars. The reader will not be disappointed in this work, and I will add the authors name to be place in the forefront of my thinking when looking for an exciting interlude in my reading.
A Review, by Anthony Riggio of the book 13 Days to Die by Matt Miksa
I purchased this book on Amazon Kindle for when I wanted a quick and action-packed book to fill in during a brief hiatus. I am so glad I picked this book up. It had short chapters and was a rather exciting book to read and it allowed the reader to digest a lot of the scientific and the characters in this book. All of the characters were well developed and the plot, while simple, was very current in this age Covid spread and government over reach in mandating strict adherence to quarantine protocols.
The story brings us to the brink of nuclear destruction of the human race as the government of China has forced the development of a rapidly mutating virus to cover a military coup d’etat to achieve military control of China. I found this plot too close to our current reality regarding current events.
While most of the action takes place in China and Tibet, involving intelligence intrigue, the reader, will get a small glimpse of the intelligence thinking in China. It also reveals the skullduggery of western intelligence activities and intrigues our own government is capable of using in defense of our own ideologies. This is scary stuff but it seems there is the potential for evil on both sides of the issues.
The author appears to have some inside side knowledge of the workings of intelligence gathering as well as counter-intelligence operations as he is able to weave a believable plot of intrigue and use it to show the human side of espionage as well as set-up a possibility of continuing use of the main charters in this book.
The overall story line is very creative and allows one to suspend their sense of reality in a way that has both the physical action and the romance that occurs when humans are so involved in life and death struggles.
I recommend this quick read to all readers who love this kind of government and espionage intrigue. I was very inclined to short the author on the number of stars I gave it but upon completion, I concluded there was a lot of serious thinking and planning of both the story line and the characters and felt compelled to give it Five Stars. The reader will not be disappointed in this work, and I will add the authors name to be place in the forefront of my thinking when looking for an exciting interlude in my reading.
March 21, 2021
Talk about Deja-Vu.
Fictional virus that is a key to this amazing novel to what we are all living today. Well written, great characters and things that make you say Hmmm? Must read.
Fictional virus that is a key to this amazing novel to what we are all living today. Well written, great characters and things that make you say Hmmm? Must read.
March 22, 2022
Matt Miksa is a new to me author and this his Debut novel. An espionage thriller that was fast paced and interesting. It also had bits of medical science and politics that all fit together to make a good thriller. I think he has a good writing style and I look forward to reading more of his books.
February 22, 2023
This book is filled with double and triple crosses and twist after twist, and you won't know where the hell it's going until you reach the exciting conclusion with your jaw on the floor!!!
May 31, 2021
I really liked this book! Many similarities to Covid outbreak but a twist. Loved it
December 25, 2020
A man walked out of a forest in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. He is sick, and he gets worse with every step. He buried something in the dirt, knowing that he could not be saved. He found his way into a teahouse in town, unleashing his illness on the world. But, what was buried, and was he really just a civilian?
As the illness spreads, VECTOR director Allyson Cameron sends Olen Grave on a mission. He is to assess the threat of a new virus that is spreading quickly through China. Olen is not the first American to investigate, though. Agent Marc Chen has been missing for a week.
Dr Zhou Weilin is working in China to learn what the virus is and how to stop it. She finds herself being shadowed by an American journalist trying to share this story with the world.
Can the virus be stopped? Where did it come from?
13 Days to Die is fast paced and action packed. It starts in overdrive and never slows down. This is Matt Miksa's first novel, and I am excited to see what he brings us next.
As the illness spreads, VECTOR director Allyson Cameron sends Olen Grave on a mission. He is to assess the threat of a new virus that is spreading quickly through China. Olen is not the first American to investigate, though. Agent Marc Chen has been missing for a week.
Dr Zhou Weilin is working in China to learn what the virus is and how to stop it. She finds herself being shadowed by an American journalist trying to share this story with the world.
Can the virus be stopped? Where did it come from?
13 Days to Die is fast paced and action packed. It starts in overdrive and never slows down. This is Matt Miksa's first novel, and I am excited to see what he brings us next.
January 23, 2021
A pulse-pounding wild ride! I couldn't put it down and raced to the end in one weekend. So many surprises and twists in this one. A fantastic balance of intelligent geopolitical intrigue and rip-roaring action. This book is obviously well-researched and clearly draws upon the author's past experience working for the FBI. I always enjoy reading spy thrillers written by authors who have worked in the intelligence field. 13 Days to Die is Miksa's first novel, and I can't wait to read what he comes out with next!
October 6, 2020
13 Days to Die - A political thriller - A lethal virus takes hold in Lhasa, Tibet and Olen Grave, a U.S. intelligence agent, is tasked to work with Dr. Zhou Weilin, a Chinese virus hunter, to try and stop a possible world-wide pandemic from spreading. At every turn they are confronted with new antagonists and new theories as to how and why the virus arrived in Tibet. A non-stop page turner. A thoroughly enjoyable story with a great setup for future books. Just who is the Helmsman and what will happen next!
December 10, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is certainly a timely book since we are all experiencing the COVID-19 crisis. Are some of the scenes over the top and maybe unbelievable? Yes. However, the author puts a lot of detail and knowledge into this book and I think it works! Looking forward to the next one by Matt!
July 8, 2021
13 DAYS TO DIE
by Matt Miksa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In a far-flung Tibetan village, prayer flags flap against whitewashed houses and a majestic monastery stretches to heaven. It's Shangri-La - the earthly paradise - until a stranger staggers out of the forest and collapses into a bloody, lifeless mass. He's the first victim of a crippling epidemic, but he's no ordinary man.
Posing as a journalist, Olen Grave, an American intelligence officer, joins a Chinese research team led by a headstrong female virus hunter, Dr. Zhou Weilin. Together, the unlikely allies discover that patient zero was a spy who deliberately infected himself. But why? Who did he work for?
As Olen and Jo rush to uncover the shocking truth behind the epidemic, they unravel a twisted conspiracy that reaches from Beijing's great halls to Washington's corridors of power. With the superpowers now at the brink of war, the fate of the world will rest on the duo's shoulders.
I read the synopsis for this book and was curious to read more, yet cautious of the book’s ability to deliver such a compelling story. I need not have worried. 13 Days To Die is one of the best thrillers that I have read so far in 2021, and probably in the past 12 months.
The principal characters are nicely introduced, and I could feel myself liking Olen and Jo fairly early on, although I reserved judgement until much further in before making my mind up about OIen's boss Allyson. And later still on the subject of trusting her. An essential skill of any good author is to introduce a complex story, with some equally complex, and often duplicitous, characters but not so many as to confuse or stall the plot. Matt Miksa has done that effortlessly, and his history with the FBI lends some credibility to the kinds of people who could play a part in this situation.
The story itself can feel disturbing in places due to the subject matter given the global crisis the world finds itself in, but the book was first planned several years before most of us had even heard the name Wuhan, or the term COVID. Overall, I think 13 Days To Die is the kind of book I would happily buy someone as a gift. If I haven't already made my meaning clear, I loved reading this book, which I gave five stars, and I do hope that we will see more of Olen and Jo in future stories.
My thanks go to Matt Miksa, Madeline Rathle, and Crooked Lane Books, for including me in the blog tour for 13 Days To Die.
by Matt Miksa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In a far-flung Tibetan village, prayer flags flap against whitewashed houses and a majestic monastery stretches to heaven. It's Shangri-La - the earthly paradise - until a stranger staggers out of the forest and collapses into a bloody, lifeless mass. He's the first victim of a crippling epidemic, but he's no ordinary man.
Posing as a journalist, Olen Grave, an American intelligence officer, joins a Chinese research team led by a headstrong female virus hunter, Dr. Zhou Weilin. Together, the unlikely allies discover that patient zero was a spy who deliberately infected himself. But why? Who did he work for?
As Olen and Jo rush to uncover the shocking truth behind the epidemic, they unravel a twisted conspiracy that reaches from Beijing's great halls to Washington's corridors of power. With the superpowers now at the brink of war, the fate of the world will rest on the duo's shoulders.
I read the synopsis for this book and was curious to read more, yet cautious of the book’s ability to deliver such a compelling story. I need not have worried. 13 Days To Die is one of the best thrillers that I have read so far in 2021, and probably in the past 12 months.
The principal characters are nicely introduced, and I could feel myself liking Olen and Jo fairly early on, although I reserved judgement until much further in before making my mind up about OIen's boss Allyson. And later still on the subject of trusting her. An essential skill of any good author is to introduce a complex story, with some equally complex, and often duplicitous, characters but not so many as to confuse or stall the plot. Matt Miksa has done that effortlessly, and his history with the FBI lends some credibility to the kinds of people who could play a part in this situation.
The story itself can feel disturbing in places due to the subject matter given the global crisis the world finds itself in, but the book was first planned several years before most of us had even heard the name Wuhan, or the term COVID. Overall, I think 13 Days To Die is the kind of book I would happily buy someone as a gift. If I haven't already made my meaning clear, I loved reading this book, which I gave five stars, and I do hope that we will see more of Olen and Jo in future stories.
My thanks go to Matt Miksa, Madeline Rathle, and Crooked Lane Books, for including me in the blog tour for 13 Days To Die.
July 12, 2021
What would happen if a deadly virus goes airborne......a virus 1st detected in China?
A virus they try and hide from the rest of the world........Does this sound familiar? Well, that is the storyline of 13 Days to Die. Or so it seems. Two years ago we would have categorized this book as fantasy. Now it is hitting very close to home.
This is a fascinating fictionalization of what can happen. And to think Matt started writing this a few years ago already!
The research into this story was very well done and you can see it in the finer details.
A man dies in a small village in Tibet. The people are so scared they burn the body, thus making it impossible for the authorities to establish how and when Patient Zero got infected. Why was Taiwanese intelligence officer, Chang Yingjie in Tibet? Who or what is behind the Blood River virus also called BRV45 and will the virologist Dr Zhou Weilin and American intelligence Officer Olen Grave be able to figure out how to stop the spread before it turns into a catastrophe? Will they be able to find the reservoir host? To find the clue they will have to find the sun.
" Real power is the ability to manipulate the powerful."
A fascinating read from beginning to end that will make a brilliant movie!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion
A virus they try and hide from the rest of the world........Does this sound familiar? Well, that is the storyline of 13 Days to Die. Or so it seems. Two years ago we would have categorized this book as fantasy. Now it is hitting very close to home.
This is a fascinating fictionalization of what can happen. And to think Matt started writing this a few years ago already!
The research into this story was very well done and you can see it in the finer details.
A man dies in a small village in Tibet. The people are so scared they burn the body, thus making it impossible for the authorities to establish how and when Patient Zero got infected. Why was Taiwanese intelligence officer, Chang Yingjie in Tibet? Who or what is behind the Blood River virus also called BRV45 and will the virologist Dr Zhou Weilin and American intelligence Officer Olen Grave be able to figure out how to stop the spread before it turns into a catastrophe? Will they be able to find the reservoir host? To find the clue they will have to find the sun.
" Real power is the ability to manipulate the powerful."
A fascinating read from beginning to end that will make a brilliant movie!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion
July 11, 2021
A twisty international thriller with a virus at its center that’s all too relevant to today’s climate.
A deadly virus surfaces in Tibet, posing as a journalist, Olen Grave, an American intelligence officer is tasked to investigate the outbreak with a Chinese research team, led by the tenacious Dr. Zhou Weilin. Together, the unlikely allies discover that patient zero was a spy and may have intentionally started the outbreak. As the duo rush to uncover the shocking truth behind the epidemic, they unravel a twisted conspiracy that reaches from Beijing's great halls to Washington's corridors of power.
This book had a lot going on; deadly virus, espionage, suspense, politics, and mystery to name a few elements - but Miksa pulls it off, tying everything together into a very intriguing and dynamic novel one stays up late for.
Captivating characters that keep you changing your mind who to and not to trust, as well as question everything you know about international relations.
If you love complex thrillers, strap in and grab a cup of coffee because this book will take you on a wild ride.
Thanks to @crookedlanebooks and @mattmiksa for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
A deadly virus surfaces in Tibet, posing as a journalist, Olen Grave, an American intelligence officer is tasked to investigate the outbreak with a Chinese research team, led by the tenacious Dr. Zhou Weilin. Together, the unlikely allies discover that patient zero was a spy and may have intentionally started the outbreak. As the duo rush to uncover the shocking truth behind the epidemic, they unravel a twisted conspiracy that reaches from Beijing's great halls to Washington's corridors of power.
This book had a lot going on; deadly virus, espionage, suspense, politics, and mystery to name a few elements - but Miksa pulls it off, tying everything together into a very intriguing and dynamic novel one stays up late for.
Captivating characters that keep you changing your mind who to and not to trust, as well as question everything you know about international relations.
If you love complex thrillers, strap in and grab a cup of coffee because this book will take you on a wild ride.
Thanks to @crookedlanebooks and @mattmiksa for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2021
What did I like?
There are a number of things that I enjoyed about this novel. For one, this was very obviously heavily researched as the details are impeccable and add an even more authentic touch to a thrilling story that is very timely.
Furthermore, this audiobook is read by one of my favorite narrators, Noah Michael Levine, so naturally, I had to give this a listen.
What I didn’t like?
There were a number of interesting characters, but there were some that I felt like the story could have worked better without them. For instance, there wasn't much to the POTUS character. He seemed generic and he didn't add much to the story; just a little commentary over things that the reader already knows. With or without him, in my opinion, the story would remain unchanged.
Overall?
If you like political thrillers or books in general that get your heart pounding, I think you'll enjoy this one.
There are a number of things that I enjoyed about this novel. For one, this was very obviously heavily researched as the details are impeccable and add an even more authentic touch to a thrilling story that is very timely.
Furthermore, this audiobook is read by one of my favorite narrators, Noah Michael Levine, so naturally, I had to give this a listen.
What I didn’t like?
There were a number of interesting characters, but there were some that I felt like the story could have worked better without them. For instance, there wasn't much to the POTUS character. He seemed generic and he didn't add much to the story; just a little commentary over things that the reader already knows. With or without him, in my opinion, the story would remain unchanged.
Overall?
If you like political thrillers or books in general that get your heart pounding, I think you'll enjoy this one.
February 19, 2022
Seriously enjoyed this international political thriller that starts with a deadly virus that appears to be a manufactured bioweapon. This, being a timely story line with the current Covid pandemic gives us food for thought.
There are many twists and turns with the investigation of this pandemic involving political allies and traitors to sort out. At times, I was a bit confused as to who was with who as I’m sure the author intended. Why was the virus released? Who ordered it and most of all who was HELMSMAN?
A political thriller with a surprise ending…..the ride was fast, scary at times and intriguing. Well worth the read.
There are many twists and turns with the investigation of this pandemic involving political allies and traitors to sort out. At times, I was a bit confused as to who was with who as I’m sure the author intended. Why was the virus released? Who ordered it and most of all who was HELMSMAN?
A political thriller with a surprise ending…..the ride was fast, scary at times and intriguing. Well worth the read.
April 28, 2021
I love a good international thriller. My first thought when I turned the last page was that I hoped I was going to see these characters again. That this was the first in a new series. So that can tell you my take and enjoyment of this novel. Fast paced and compelling...even if a bit too close for current times (even though written prior to the pandemic.) I would have finished it in a day but I just got too sleepy last night. Only reason I put it down.
October 20, 2021
13 Days to Die is a great summer thriller of a book - the action is crisp, the characters are just deep enough to be interesting without requiring the reader to ponder their motivations beyond what's on the page, the science and thrills are plausible enough to send just the right amount of chill down your spine. This is a book I would recommend to fans of Clancy or Crichton for a nice step into something familiar.
March 24, 2022
Spies, double agents, and deadly viruses
This book has it all and so much more. When a deadly virus springs up in a remote location, there's just too many questions left unanswered. In order to find the truth and hopefully end the impending epidemic, Olen Graves is sent to China on an undercover mission. But the mission goes sideways and Olen has to think fast to get out alive.
I enjoyed the twists and turns in this book and I would definitely recommend it.
This book has it all and so much more. When a deadly virus springs up in a remote location, there's just too many questions left unanswered. In order to find the truth and hopefully end the impending epidemic, Olen Graves is sent to China on an undercover mission. But the mission goes sideways and Olen has to think fast to get out alive.
I enjoyed the twists and turns in this book and I would definitely recommend it.
November 11, 2021
Somewhat entertaining read but at times found it a bit hard to follow, especially as it wrapped up. Also felt like there were too many characters introduced, some which seemed to just fade away towards the end. Would have rated this higher had the author refrained from excessive profanity and some unnecessary gratuitous sex which almost made this a DNF for me.
April 2, 2022
This book kept your mind anticipating the next action to happen. I read it quickly as it was hard to put down. It was a thriller that kept you guessing until the very end. Even though it was fiction, it hit very close to real life events happening in the past 2 years and currently. Matt is a very good author and I'm anxious to read the next book.
May 16, 2022
First book by Matt, first time reading it. I thought I would never read about what content is in the book, thought it might be boring or not keep my interest. I won a copy signed by Matt but I still enjoyed this book. I already have book 2 to read. So interesting, Fun, fresh new story. I love some parts were set in Ft Meade Md I used to live there. Great books.
March 25, 2021
A real page turning thriller from start to finish. Sure hope there's more of these books. It's James Bond meets Inferno and this book really gave me a fictional insight as to what the world is going through today. I am impressed.
April 19, 2021
All the hype...
Was not to be. 😕. Very disappointing ... I might be the only one that feels this story lacked. I was excited to read it and it slowly deflated like a balloon that's been sitting around too long. 😴
Was not to be. 😕. Very disappointing ... I might be the only one that feels this story lacked. I was excited to read it and it slowly deflated like a balloon that's been sitting around too long. 😴
August 4, 2021
I really started reading this with no other thoughts in my head and I emjoyed it from the beginning to the end. I thought the story line was so good I would love to read more from this author and the charcter built up was spot on and enjoyable. I got this book for free in a contest by the author.
October 22, 2021
This was an OK book. I'm sure others will like it more than I. It was just a bit typical for me. Highly skilled guy working for secret government group with similarly skilled and beddable female counterpart saves the world from megalomaniac. Oh...and a virus.
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