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The Rocket Scientist: A Dr. Julie McCray Thriller, Book 1
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.
DESCRIPTION
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.
DESCRIPTION
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
1 book5 followersArthur 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend you read this book!
Not just a Sci-Fi thriller! I enjoyed this book for multiple reasons.
1. The story telling was compelling, kept turning pages!
2. Characters were well developed. Main characters were multi dimensional and likeable. There were definitely people to root for and villains to root against.
3. The whole Space Travel, Mars exploration plot was reminiscent of the Apollo era, which was fun and awe inspiring.
It’s obvious the author did a tremendous amount of research! Learned a lot of new science vocabulary which was fun. It was a fascinating premise from the start.
4. Closely tied to current challenges about caring for our planet, (informative without hitting us in the head, thank you), along with delving into US government agencies and their interconnecting/sometimes competitive roles. NASA, FBI, CIA…
5. Lots of women are in places of power and have ultimate decision making responsibilities, including POTUS.
6. Didn’t figure out the villain prematurely! Awesome!
Anyway…this was an interesting and enjoyable read, a look into what may be our future with a lot of moving parts, and I recommend it!
Looking forward to Book 2!
Recommend you read this book!
Not just a Sci-Fi thriller! I enjoyed this book for multiple reasons.
1. The story telling was compelling, kept turning pages!
2. Characters were well developed. Main characters were multi dimensional and likeable. There were definitely people to root for and villains to root against.
3. The whole Space Travel, Mars exploration plot was reminiscent of the Apollo era, which was fun and awe inspiring.
It’s obvious the author did a tremendous amount of research! Learned a lot of new science vocabulary which was fun. It was a fascinating premise from the start.
4. Closely tied to current challenges about caring for our planet, (informative without hitting us in the head, thank you), along with delving into US government agencies and their interconnecting/sometimes competitive roles. NASA, FBI, CIA…
5. Lots of women are in places of power and have ultimate decision making responsibilities, including POTUS.
6. Didn’t figure out the villain prematurely! Awesome!
Anyway…this was an interesting and enjoyable read, a look into what may be our future with a lot of moving parts, and I recommend it!
Looking forward to Book 2!
February 23, 2026
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.
March 4, 2026
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.
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.
January 28, 2026
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!
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!
May 10, 2026
Way too many time and place jumps in each chapter 😳
June 9, 2026
Review based off a GoodReads Giveaway
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews