The Rocket Scientist: A Dr. Julie McCray Thriller, Book 1

by Arthur Geis

When a Mars rover discovers microbes that could reverse Earth’s climate crisis, a NASA scientist must race against political sabotage and international espionage to bring the organism safely home.

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When her Mars rover detects living microbes capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, Dr. Julie McCray believes she’s found the key to reversing Earth’s climate crisis.

But within hours, the mission is mysteriously shut down. Data is seized. And evidence begins to surface that the discovery has triggered a covert international scramble for control.

As sabotage spreads inside NASA and foreign agencies close in, Julie realizes the organism isn’t just a scientific breakthrough—it’s the most valuable biological asset on the planet.

To get it safely back to Earth, she’ll have to stay ahead of forces willing to weaponize it, bury it, or kill to possess it.

For readers who enjoy realistic science fiction, space exploration, and near-future thrillers grounded in real science and real institutions.

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2026

About the author

Arthur Geis writes near-future science fiction thrillers grounded in real science, real institutions, and real consequences.

He holds a Ph.D. in organizational and political sociology and is fascinated by how complex systems—governments, intelligence agencies, and space programs—behave when scientific discovery collides with political pressure.

His debut novel, The Rocket Scientist, explores the discovery of microbial life on Mars and the global race to control a breakthrough that could help reverse Earth’s climate crisis.

Art believes the most compelling science fiction isn’t fantasy—it’s tomorrow’s news.

The Rocket Scientist is available in ebook and paperback, with the audiobook releasing May 2026.

Reviews

[Ken Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the near future, Earth’s atmosphere becomes more and more polluted as a result of climate change. Food and water shortages are becoming extreme. But astrophysicist Dr. Julie McCray and her team have discovered a bacteria that could be genetically modified to actually clean up the air. One problem: It’s on Mars. When sent to bring the bacteria to Earth, their mission is beset with sabotage and fails. While federal agents search for the saboteur, McCray races against time to prepare another mission before the launch window closes – and famine wipes out millions of people. I gave this book five stars because it kept me turning pages from beginning to end.

[Evan Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Rocket Scientist by Arthur Geis. It is a smart and suspenseful thriller that keeps you interested without feeling too technical or overwhelming. Dr. Julie McCray is a strong and intelligent lead, and I liked how the story focused on brains as much as action.

The tension builds nicely, and the concept feels fresh compared to typical thrillers. If you enjoy fast paced stories with a capable female protagonist, this is definitely worth reading.

[Jayne Battey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Compelling story line and great characters. It made me dive back into some movies on space...including Hidden Figures and The Martian. A fun and engaging read!

[Hailey Ballard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too many time and place jumps in each chapter 😳