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Shadow Pandemic
For Sheriff Norris Cunningham, the lock down is a nightmare. The Pandemic has cast a darkness over his life, his job and the village he holds dear. One morning he enters the house of Nicholas Murphy, whose daughter turned fanatic, shot her mother and brutally assaulted her father before dying. The Mayor wants to bury this case, but the violent behavior and unnatural death of the daughter bothers Cunningham and he seeks help from Medical Examiner Dr. William Sterling. But this is no ordinary murder, and leads to traces of a neurological contagion that changes brain chemistry and breeds paranoia and fear. To prevent violence, Cunningham urges the villagers to hand over their firearms, but his strategy backfires. To make matters worse, they discover one significant factor far too late. And before his eyes, the entire village turns into a mob of mindless zombies marching towards the city of New York.
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Published April 8, 2025
4 people are currently reading
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About the author
H.G. Ahedi
24 books55 followersThe way I write and approach research has been shaped (bless me!) by many incredible people. These individuals can be grouped into three categories: researchers, authors, and mentors. They’ve created websites, shared their struggles through blogs, published their work, and, from these varied sources, I’ve learned so much. Their journeys have inspired me in countless ways, and now, I feel it’s my turn to pay it forward. 😊
About Me
Born and raised in India, I wrote whenever I could—even after becoming a doctor. Writing was my savior during tough times, though it always remained just a hobby. Later, I moved to Australia to further my research and complete a PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
People often say, “You change after completing your PhD.” I certainly have. Suddenly (don’t ask me why!), I feel a strong urge to write more books and share my stories with the world. I’ve also discovered a deep passion for helping others develop their research and creative skills—something that has become one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
About Me
Born and raised in India, I wrote whenever I could—even after becoming a doctor. Writing was my savior during tough times, though it always remained just a hobby. Later, I moved to Australia to further my research and complete a PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
People often say, “You change after completing your PhD.” I certainly have. Suddenly (don’t ask me why!), I feel a strong urge to write more books and share my stories with the world. I’ve also discovered a deep passion for helping others develop their research and creative skills—something that has become one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 14, 2021
Shadow Pandemic is a fantastic and imaginative thriller set in modern day. In the midst of a world-wide pandemic, what is causing people in a small town to become mad killers? With a mix of new and familiar characters, Ms. Ahedi keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final pages!
June 18, 2024
This is a 2.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 3 🌟.
Unfortunately, this is a DNF for me at around 15%. It was well written but it just wasn't clicking with me. 🤷♀️
Unfortunately, this is a DNF for me at around 15%. It was well written but it just wasn't clicking with me. 🤷♀️
July 29, 2021
It took me some time to read, but it was so worth the time. It was full of suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat. Scared me a few times. This author knows how to write a story, and keeps it interesting. Sherif Cunningham was doing what was best. But a lockdown is so hard. Especially since over this last year, a lockdown people know the experience. It is not fun and is horrible. So much was going on in the town it was insane. So scary that it made me jump! I highly recommend this if you want a good read that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I recommend this author. Many good books!
September 25, 2021
An awesome read! Not the typical zombie storyline which makes it even more intriguing! Interesting, dynamic characters! This book just did not disappoint! There were some minor grammatical errors but nothing to distract from the author’s written story. All in all, a five star rating from me!
May 7, 2021
Really enjoyed this book!
Great premise! Scary!
This was a fun read! Looking forward to reading more by this author!
Great premise! Scary!
This was a fun read! Looking forward to reading more by this author!
May 5, 2021
Scary scary prospect
This book takes place during Covid, but there is a very scary prospect on top of all of the craziness that is our world today…
This book takes place during Covid, but there is a very scary prospect on top of all of the craziness that is our world today…
June 21, 2021
I was given a copy of the novel by the author and threatened with a horrible demise if I didn't give it at least three stars. So, here's the review, unbiased, and given without fear. (Well, maybe a little).
This ain't your average zomboid novel. Set against the backdrop of the real world pandemic we've all been through, we have a medical examiner, a sheriff, and a frightened and paranoid populace, pitted against one another. It seems that people are turning on each other, getting killed in gruesome ways, decaying even more gruesomely, and the sheriff--Norris Cunningham--and the chief medical examiner, William Sterling--have to race against time and the ever-mounting threat of an all-out zombie invasion to find out who or what's behind this.
When they do, they find out that nothing is what it seems and that the real culprit is the least likely suspect.
Told in short, easy to read chapters, episodic in nature, Shadow Pandemic moves along at a brisk pace.
Worth five stars, and to the author, please don't hurt me. **
**Totally not serious about this last part.
This ain't your average zomboid novel. Set against the backdrop of the real world pandemic we've all been through, we have a medical examiner, a sheriff, and a frightened and paranoid populace, pitted against one another. It seems that people are turning on each other, getting killed in gruesome ways, decaying even more gruesomely, and the sheriff--Norris Cunningham--and the chief medical examiner, William Sterling--have to race against time and the ever-mounting threat of an all-out zombie invasion to find out who or what's behind this.
When they do, they find out that nothing is what it seems and that the real culprit is the least likely suspect.
Told in short, easy to read chapters, episodic in nature, Shadow Pandemic moves along at a brisk pace.
Worth five stars, and to the author, please don't hurt me. **
**Totally not serious about this last part.
October 12, 2022
Overall, this was a really good read! From the first page, there's a tension that forces you to keep reading. We head-hop from character to character AND from past to present through alternating chapters. While that did take me a little while to get used to, once you fall into the sway of things, it just becomes a natural rhythm. Plus, the pattern and sensibleness of it all just... well.. makes sense. lol. It's hard to get lost when there's logic to the back and forth.
The characters are relatable; they carry on adult jobs with validity and convincibility. They feel the pain of being cramped in their houses during Quarantine! I mean, honestly, this book reminded me a little too much of the six months I was trapped in my house. Spoiler alert: I hated it. So reading this story about these stir-crazy villagers and their big-city neighbors who are dying for something to investigate--it felt oddly relatable.
Then, there's also the social commentary of the storyline. It's to be expected with any good sci-fi that you get a little "beware of doomsday" vibes. That's what I love about dystopian fiction. It's like a warning label that no one wants or we all got a little too late. This is a pandemic story, and it doesn't really have warnings, per se, but it does have some social commentary braided in with the zombie apocalypse. It doesn't come off preachy (thank goodness), and it's not too insanely obvious.
Overall, a solid, tense read! I got through it very quickly because of the pacing and enjoyed every minute of it.
The characters are relatable; they carry on adult jobs with validity and convincibility. They feel the pain of being cramped in their houses during Quarantine! I mean, honestly, this book reminded me a little too much of the six months I was trapped in my house. Spoiler alert: I hated it. So reading this story about these stir-crazy villagers and their big-city neighbors who are dying for something to investigate--it felt oddly relatable.
Then, there's also the social commentary of the storyline. It's to be expected with any good sci-fi that you get a little "beware of doomsday" vibes. That's what I love about dystopian fiction. It's like a warning label that no one wants or we all got a little too late. This is a pandemic story, and it doesn't really have warnings, per se, but it does have some social commentary braided in with the zombie apocalypse. It doesn't come off preachy (thank goodness), and it's not too insanely obvious.
Overall, a solid, tense read! I got through it very quickly because of the pacing and enjoyed every minute of it.
October 5, 2022
Unique Read!
Read in a book club, I was surprised how much I enjoyed Shadow Pandemic. The book is categorized as a technothriller, which I don’t usually read.
Before I started reading this book, I read a few reviews from previous readers who complained about the timeline and the ability to keep track of the characters. Once I figured out how H.G. Ahedi’s timeline was set in the past and the present day and concentrated on who the characters were and what roles they played, for this reader, her writing style and short chapters enabled me to swipe my Kindle screen forward with ease.
The unique twist of a pandemic within a pandemic, the dialogue and action beats, and how the authorities diffused the horrific incidents, happening in the small town was highly imaginative. Yes … Lives were lost, but for the good of all humanity.
If you like reading sci-fi and technothrillers, I recommend this book.
Read in a book club, I was surprised how much I enjoyed Shadow Pandemic. The book is categorized as a technothriller, which I don’t usually read.
Before I started reading this book, I read a few reviews from previous readers who complained about the timeline and the ability to keep track of the characters. Once I figured out how H.G. Ahedi’s timeline was set in the past and the present day and concentrated on who the characters were and what roles they played, for this reader, her writing style and short chapters enabled me to swipe my Kindle screen forward with ease.
The unique twist of a pandemic within a pandemic, the dialogue and action beats, and how the authorities diffused the horrific incidents, happening in the small town was highly imaginative. Yes … Lives were lost, but for the good of all humanity.
If you like reading sci-fi and technothrillers, I recommend this book.
September 29, 2022
What I Did Like:
+Exciting from page 1. This is packed with intensity and action that sucked me right in.
+Dual storylines worked. You’re following two storylines less than a month apart but you know you’re drawing closer to that big event that will connect them all. It adds a sense of tension that really builds the story well!
+Enough science left in the science fiction to keep it realistic. It’s obviously not completely possible (thank any creator you believe in) but it’s rooted in things that are which makes it readable.
Who Should Read This One:
-Scifi fans, this is a great take on a zombie story that reads fast and intense.
My Rating: 4 Stars, Recommended!
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
+Exciting from page 1. This is packed with intensity and action that sucked me right in.
+Dual storylines worked. You’re following two storylines less than a month apart but you know you’re drawing closer to that big event that will connect them all. It adds a sense of tension that really builds the story well!
+Enough science left in the science fiction to keep it realistic. It’s obviously not completely possible (thank any creator you believe in) but it’s rooted in things that are which makes it readable.
Who Should Read This One:
-Scifi fans, this is a great take on a zombie story that reads fast and intense.
My Rating: 4 Stars, Recommended!
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
October 4, 2022
I certainly enjoyed reading this apocalyptic book set in our modern day, gripped by Covid and something much darker looming in the background. The story unfolds using flashbacks and present day which certainly keeps you on your toes, but adds to the suspense. The writer keeps you guessing before finding out what causes the people of the village turning into zombie like creatures, and I love that in a book. Forgiving its rather chaotic feel, I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who likes a suspenseful, edgy, doomsday sci-fi!
October 10, 2022
If you like zombies, then Shadow Pandemic is for you. I've read this book as part of a book club, and while I don't particularly like zombie books, this plot had an interesting plot twist. Nanobots.
All the action happens during a pandemic, which makes it difficult for our heroes to receive the help they need to contain the zombie outbreak. The story is fast-paced, with action waiting for you at every corner.
And when you think you've reached the end and the world was saved from the zombie apocalypse, think again. The vampires are coming!
Overall, this is a solid 4/5 for me.
All the action happens during a pandemic, which makes it difficult for our heroes to receive the help they need to contain the zombie outbreak. The story is fast-paced, with action waiting for you at every corner.
And when you think you've reached the end and the world was saved from the zombie apocalypse, think again. The vampires are coming!
Overall, this is a solid 4/5 for me.
October 22, 2022
Read this book in my book club and overall really enjoyed it, even though zombie stuff isn't my thing. Nice to switch it up sometimes, and glad I did. I loved the pandemic aspects because I myself - like you - have lived through a pandemic and I could totally relate. I had no issue with the timeline and felt the book was fast paced and entertaining. Overall good read if you want a sci-fi book that you can relate to - oh, and zombies, which were luckily not too gross and nasty like I imagine them to be.
May 25, 2024
I did enjoy this story, good ideas, a nice selection of characters & some exciting moments, everything you could want from an apocalyptic story, with a mix of murder mystery thrown in for fun! Great! It would have been a 5* but I felt it needed a better proof read! Saying that still a good fun read!
September 20, 2021
Exciting but chaotic
I enjoyed the characters and the storyline but found it difficult to follow the constantly jumping timeline of two groups at once while trying to recognize and become familiar with each character.
I enjoyed the characters and the storyline but found it difficult to follow the constantly jumping timeline of two groups at once while trying to recognize and become familiar with each character.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews