What do you think?
Rate this book
Project 137
Where have America’s missing persons gone?
As a doctor in the post-Blackout United States of America of 2087, Joe Barnes struggles to save his patients and uphold his Hippocratic Oath. Even so, he’s an idealist, and his home life is one of happy expectation as he and his wife Mary prepare to welcome their first child after a “medical miracle” makes their dream possible.
But a teenaged boy dies unexpectedly on Barnes’ watch and a girl goes missing, and as Barnes becomes obsessed with finding the killer, patients keep dropping dead from strange diseases that should no longer exist at the end of the 21st century. With the help of his mentor, he chases a phantom force at work in the hospital and discovers a terrifying link to a human experimentation program from the barely-remembered chaos of World War II.
The forces behind the spreading pestilence threaten to spark another global cataclysm - and slaughter Barnes’s young family - unless the good doctor can stop them in time.
As a doctor in the post-Blackout United States of America of 2087, Joe Barnes struggles to save his patients and uphold his Hippocratic Oath. Even so, he’s an idealist, and his home life is one of happy expectation as he and his wife Mary prepare to welcome their first child after a “medical miracle” makes their dream possible.
But a teenaged boy dies unexpectedly on Barnes’ watch and a girl goes missing, and as Barnes becomes obsessed with finding the killer, patients keep dropping dead from strange diseases that should no longer exist at the end of the 21st century. With the help of his mentor, he chases a phantom force at work in the hospital and discovers a terrifying link to a human experimentation program from the barely-remembered chaos of World War II.
The forces behind the spreading pestilence threaten to spark another global cataclysm - and slaughter Barnes’s young family - unless the good doctor can stop them in time.
Audible Audio
Published December 31, 2019
About the author
Seth Augenstein
8 books33 followersSeth Augenstein is a writer of fiction and non-fiction. His debut story collection The Gospels of Extinction from Lost Meridian Press contains "taut, indelible stories... which are just as smart as they are frightening" (Kirkus). His previous novels were Lama with a Gun (2023, an "exhaustively researched, bloody, and compelling work of historical fiction," Kirkus), and Project 137 (2019). His stories have appeared in more than a dozen magazines and fiction podcasts, including Writer's Digest, The No Sleep Podcast, and The Molotov Cocktail. He spent a decade writing for New Jersey newspapers, lastly at The Star-Ledger. He picked up some state journalism awards, along travels to crime scenes, hospital operating rooms, natural disasters, funerals, and quiet homes. He was also the editor of Forensic Magazine, a tour guide at the James Joyce Centre, and a student in Saul Bellow’s final class. Now he lives on a rocky ridge in New Jersey with his wife and daughters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 7, 2019
Project 137 has a little something for everyone and blends Sci- Fi / Dystopian / Medical and Historical Thriller into a seamless package that will leave the reader wondering how close this scenario is to the truth. Fast pacing and memorable characters held my interest and kept me turning pages as Dr. James Barnes rushed to uncover a government conspiracy that dates back to WW II. Looking forward to Augenstein’s next offering!
October 11, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! It slightly terrified me...held my interest from beginning to end. I really felt like I knew the characters personally, and I finished wanting to know what happened next for them.
June 30, 2019
It was interesting but not too exciting.
July 10, 2019
In 2087, medical advancements have led to much longer life expectancies. But patients on Dr. Joe Barnes’ watch are dropping dead of obscure diseases or indeterminable causes. While he’s chasing down the medical mysteries, his wife Mary is expecting their first child.
As Barnes becomes obsessed with finding answers, he becomes a suspect. His previously trusted colleagues start behaving suspiciously, and his wife’s health is hanging in the balance. If Dr. Barnes doesn’t figure out what or who is killing all these people, he’ll lose everything and millions more will die.
Seth Augenstein's debut novel is a terrifying and exciting page-turner that feels all too possible. The high-stakes story is a cautionary tale that is engaging until the very last word.
As Barnes becomes obsessed with finding answers, he becomes a suspect. His previously trusted colleagues start behaving suspiciously, and his wife’s health is hanging in the balance. If Dr. Barnes doesn’t figure out what or who is killing all these people, he’ll lose everything and millions more will die.
Seth Augenstein's debut novel is a terrifying and exciting page-turner that feels all too possible. The high-stakes story is a cautionary tale that is engaging until the very last word.
May 7, 2019
As someone who loves science fiction and WWII fiction, I can honestly say I don't ever think that I've read a book that so seamlessly melds the two genres. The disturbing setting lays out a grim future for America, but a lot of the horror lies in its plausibility.
Even some of the most depraved aspects of the story serve as commentary as the darker side of human nature and, as they say, history repeats itself.
For all of the terrors lurking in this book, it reads very quickly, and not unlike a mystery novel. This is one of the most unique genres I've ever found myself reading, and I was hooked from page one.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a book that's engaging, easy to follow, but can still make you question the fate of our race and dwell on our own undoing.
Even some of the most depraved aspects of the story serve as commentary as the darker side of human nature and, as they say, history repeats itself.
For all of the terrors lurking in this book, it reads very quickly, and not unlike a mystery novel. This is one of the most unique genres I've ever found myself reading, and I was hooked from page one.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a book that's engaging, easy to follow, but can still make you question the fate of our race and dwell on our own undoing.
October 3, 2020
This is a genre blending page turner that was a perfect fall read. It has plots and surprises and jaw dropping turns that made me wonder...”what if”. When everyone thinks they are right and the culture has flipped then who should come out the winner?
July 4, 2020
Nail biting thriller! Outstanding blend of history, reality, and medical nightmares.
September 15, 2020
I have to admit that I am not a fan of Sci Fi novels but this one kept me on the edge till the last page. It’s hard to believe that this is Seth Augustein’s debut novel just because it has been written and researched so well. The plot is amazing and it keeps the readers in awe throughout. Thank you Seth Augustein for your giveaway on Tina Hogan Grants Author Page which I truly enjoyed. Sci Fi lovers don’t miss this one!!
April 16, 2019
Project 137, is part medical drama, political-thriller, crime story, as well as sci-fi, post-dystopian. In other words, it’s got it all. Amongst the deadly outbreaks of disease, mass murder, and societal ills, we find Dr. James Barnes. He’s a healer, true to his Hippocratic Oath, yet he is surrounded by inexplicable epidemic proportional caseloads that defy medical advancements, and logic expected of a world set in the year, 2087.
As Dr. Barnes begins to question why his patients are dying in droves, he juggles personal issues, such as a pregnant wife, job stresses, and friendships within the hospital that deteriorate quickly. When his investigation into the loss of life goes a little too far for comfort, he gets caught up in a complicated international web of intrigue, that puts his life, as well as his spouse, in danger.
The novel is extremely fast paced, but just when the plot seems a bit complex, answers are delivered, yet lead to again to further questions and danger. The novel also swivels back and forth in its setting between future life in New Jersey, and the past, Japan, after WWII – two eras connected by an experimental project.
Dr. Barnes is a believable protagonist that has the curiosity that the reader will crave to pursue answers to the madness surrounding this future society, as well as the courage to follow through, despite peril to himself and family. His wife, Mary is a veteran who is portrayed as a very strong female character. Hospital colleague, Old Man Wetherspoon is a quirky enigma that draws the reader in to decode the truth of what he claims, or hides. A humorous nickname for Dr. Barnes's boss, “The Kracken,” made me chuckle a number of times, but whether she lives up to the moniker, you’ll have to find out for yourself.
The novel did have some mildly graphic descriptions of death and bodily wounds, and the death toll was pretty high, but then the stakes were exceedingly high as well. It affected the characters on a national and international scale.
Seth Augenstein‘s writing was sharp, descriptive, at times a bit wordy, but I admit, that I did like all of his details. It was a fascinating read into the hypothetical scenario of an out of control future.
As Dr. Barnes begins to question why his patients are dying in droves, he juggles personal issues, such as a pregnant wife, job stresses, and friendships within the hospital that deteriorate quickly. When his investigation into the loss of life goes a little too far for comfort, he gets caught up in a complicated international web of intrigue, that puts his life, as well as his spouse, in danger.
The novel is extremely fast paced, but just when the plot seems a bit complex, answers are delivered, yet lead to again to further questions and danger. The novel also swivels back and forth in its setting between future life in New Jersey, and the past, Japan, after WWII – two eras connected by an experimental project.
Dr. Barnes is a believable protagonist that has the curiosity that the reader will crave to pursue answers to the madness surrounding this future society, as well as the courage to follow through, despite peril to himself and family. His wife, Mary is a veteran who is portrayed as a very strong female character. Hospital colleague, Old Man Wetherspoon is a quirky enigma that draws the reader in to decode the truth of what he claims, or hides. A humorous nickname for Dr. Barnes's boss, “The Kracken,” made me chuckle a number of times, but whether she lives up to the moniker, you’ll have to find out for yourself.
The novel did have some mildly graphic descriptions of death and bodily wounds, and the death toll was pretty high, but then the stakes were exceedingly high as well. It affected the characters on a national and international scale.
Seth Augenstein‘s writing was sharp, descriptive, at times a bit wordy, but I admit, that I did like all of his details. It was a fascinating read into the hypothetical scenario of an out of control future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2019
A cautionary tale
Read myself blind everyday I read this book. Almost impossible to put down. A story of a much too plausible future.
Loved the story. A must read.
Read myself blind everyday I read this book. Almost impossible to put down. A story of a much too plausible future.
Loved the story. A must read.
September 3, 2020
Loved the concept of the book, year 2087 Joe Barnes struggles to save. Patients, they are dying under mysterious disease or just gone, A underlying force is working aside him. Can he save his family or be Tbe next experiment?
July 7, 2019
Project 137 is a page-turning dystopian thriller. Its roots are in the real atrocities of World War II experiments conducted by the Japanese military. Fast forward one hundred fifty years to the Orwellian United States where the enigmatic Bureau of Wellness controls everything.
When seemingly healthy patients begin to die unexpectedly, a young doctor finds himself filled with questions. A strange visitor apparently sees each patient the night before their deaths; a common code marks their records. When he looks closer at what’s going on, his world is in a tailspin. He doesn’t know who to trust, as he slowly realizes the enormity of the problem; and it may be too late to save himself and those he loves.
When seemingly healthy patients begin to die unexpectedly, a young doctor finds himself filled with questions. A strange visitor apparently sees each patient the night before their deaths; a common code marks their records. When he looks closer at what’s going on, his world is in a tailspin. He doesn’t know who to trust, as he slowly realizes the enormity of the problem; and it may be too late to save himself and those he loves.
January 21, 2020
Seth Augenstein's near-future novel is a chilling, disturbing read. He is a master of historical forensics, and he dredges up a piece of World War II history that I didn't know about, and puts it as the centerpiece of the plot. His writing is crisp and paints a possible future that seems all too possible. A future that speaks of how men become monsters, regardless of the consequences.
One of the best I've read in the past year.
One of the best I've read in the past year.
September 22, 2019
Engaging, horrifying and disturbing, just as a thriller should be. Seth Augustine has created an electrifying world. One that is all too plausible; one that makes you question history's darkest secrets. I will never look at a smart watch the same way again... I'm definitely looking forward to his next work!
June 28, 2019
Talented writer for sure
I read Seth's work each day it seems, as he writes a daily newsletter Forensic Science. I like well researched science fiction coupled with a good plot, and this book fit the bill. I look forward to his book.
I read Seth's work each day it seems, as he writes a daily newsletter Forensic Science. I like well researched science fiction coupled with a good plot, and this book fit the bill. I look forward to his book.
May 18, 2019
Interesting read. I thought it was too dragged out, but overall was well written.
November 5, 2019
Project 137 is chilling - and a mind-bender. Don't want to give the "thriller" away, but this is riveting tale and so relevant to today.
April 22, 2022
The future will be pretty bleak if the secret experiments on humans are not controlled and regulated.
April 22, 2022
The future will be pretty bleak if the secret experiments on humans are not controlled and regulated.
March 21, 2021
I often rate titles but don't normally write reviews. However, the author was kind enough to like / appreciate that I had given feedback so I wanted to explain my rating a little bit further.
If you haven't yet read the book, you may want to stop reading now because I will offer info that may give too much away.
What I like reading most is something with an air of suspense, and I also love medical thrillers. When it comes to sci fi, I enjoy the softer type that is truly believable. The less I can believe the story could ever pose a realistic threat, the less able I am to invest my interest and concern into it.
As I read the beginning part of this book which focused on the mysterious medical occurrences, I was very intrigued to see how the dilemma would play out. The part when my interest lessened was when the military conspiracy tie-in from so long ago became more and more involved. I guess for me, I just felt it weighed down the plot more than enhanced it.
Seth, clearly you are a talented writer and your combination of genres has many fans. I think I would have greatly enjoyed your book had it fell more within my area of preference, but our interests just didn't align in this go round. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you continue writing.
If you haven't yet read the book, you may want to stop reading now because I will offer info that may give too much away.
What I like reading most is something with an air of suspense, and I also love medical thrillers. When it comes to sci fi, I enjoy the softer type that is truly believable. The less I can believe the story could ever pose a realistic threat, the less able I am to invest my interest and concern into it.
As I read the beginning part of this book which focused on the mysterious medical occurrences, I was very intrigued to see how the dilemma would play out. The part when my interest lessened was when the military conspiracy tie-in from so long ago became more and more involved. I guess for me, I just felt it weighed down the plot more than enhanced it.
Seth, clearly you are a talented writer and your combination of genres has many fans. I think I would have greatly enjoyed your book had it fell more within my area of preference, but our interests just didn't align in this go round. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you continue writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews