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Frequency: Hard Science Fiction

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An epidemic of suicides. A mystery buried in Jupiter's icy moon. A revelation for the ages.

The new novel from multimillion-copy international bestselling authors Douglas E. Richards and Joshua T. Calvert.

Dr. Alexandra Lennox, a brilliant neuropsychiatrist, rushes to the jungles of Colombia to investigate a terrifying surge in collective psychotic events—groups of healthy people suddenly gripped by visions, catatonia, and inexplicable mass suicides. Teaming with rugged ex-archaeologist Ethan Calloway, she braves treacherous territory to unravel the mystery as the death toll climbs. But the phenomenon is spreading fast. Can they stop it before it becomes a global catastrophe?

Meanwhile, half a billion miles away, Lieutenant Jason Crowe and three other NASA astronauts, on a clandestine mission to reach Jupiter’s ice moon Europa, discover something impossible: a perfectly geometric shaft in the ice pulsing with an artificial signal every 47.5 hours.

Two groundbreaking missions. One impossible connection. What they find will shatter everything we thought we knew about our place in the universe—and open the door to humanity’s next chapter.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2026

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About the author

Douglas E. Richards

53 books1,766 followers
Write to Doug at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and visit the author's website to be notified of new releases.

Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.

Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.

Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.

A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.

Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.

SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS

SERIES

WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)

MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)

SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)

THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)

STANDALONE NOVELS

QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT

Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)

TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)

OUT OF THIS WORLD

DEVIL'S SWORD

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5 stars
582 (65%)
4 stars
238 (26%)
3 stars
56 (6%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Douglas Richards.
Author 53 books1,766 followers
May 28, 2026
This isn't a review, it's just my way of reaching out to my friends and followers to let them know I have a new book out (with Joshua T. Calvert), available as a Kindle book now, a paperback on June 2nd, and an audiobook later in the year. I've pasted the synopsis below. Thanks! Doug

An epidemic of suicides. A mystery buried in Jupiter's icy moon. A revelation for the ages.

The new novel from multimillion-copy international bestselling authors Douglas E. Richards and Joshua T. Calvert.

Dr. Alexandra Lennox, a brilliant neuropsychiatrist, rushes to the jungles of Colombia to investigate a terrifying surge in collective psychotic events—groups of healthy people suddenly gripped by visions, catatonia, and inexplicable mass suicides. Teaming with rugged ex-archaeologist Ethan Calloway, she braves treacherous territory to unravel the mystery as the death toll climbs. But the phenomenon is spreading fast. Can they stop it before it becomes a global catastrophe?

Meanwhile, half a billion miles away, Lieutenant Jason Crowe and three other NASA astronauts, on a clandestine mission to reach Jupiter’s ice moon Europa, discover something impossible: a perfectly geometric shaft in the ice pulsing with an artificial signal every 47.5 hours.

Two groundbreaking missions. One impossible connection. What they find will shatter everything we thought we knew about our place in the universe—and open the door to humanity’s next chapter.

Profile Image for Matt Egan.
808 reviews21 followers
June 6, 2026
Enthralling From Page 1!

Frequency is a remarkable science fiction novel focused on an anonymous signal picked up on the ice moon of Jupiter, Europa. Coinciding, seemingly unconnected to the signal are outbreaks of mass hysteria, hallucinations and suicides. The two seeming unconnected yet fascinating threads begin to weave together into a fantastic book with a wise and profound final message that the world needs! Overall, 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of hard science fiction and first contact thrillers, though Frequency is better than either genre alone. I cannot wait for the follow up!
45 reviews
June 3, 2026
Engrossing, educational, exciting!

I'm pleasantly surprised that along with a large amount Scientific information being taught, at the same time, The breath And depth And potential of humanity is expressed. Beautifully crafted story, and despite huge concepts being discussed, easy to follow. The characters were believable, immediately recognizable, it didn't take a long time to figure them out. But not stereotypical!
If you didn't guess by now, I loved it! This reads like a stand alone book, which is rare nowadays. But yea, ill be reading book 2 forthwith.
2 reviews
July 18, 2026
Absolute train wreck of a novel

Quite difficult to believe this was supposedly written by two experienced authors. Between continuity errors, one-dimensional characters, character actions that make zero sense other than to advance the plot…this novel reads like a beginner creative writing seminar piece.

All science/tech topics are covered at a juvenile level at best — each of the (painful) dialogues on these subjects reads like uninformed YouTube comment section or Reddit banter between idiots that only read headlines.

The ending is jarring, but in retrospect, makes sense. I think the authors realized they wrote themselves into a position from which it would be impossible to salvage the plot, so they just decided to abandon it entirely.
Profile Image for Gary S.
91 reviews
June 17, 2026
Frequency blends planetary mystery with psychological suspense, following two storylines that slowly lock together. On Earth, neuropsychiatrist Alexandra Lennox is sent to Colombia after a cluster of people experience sudden, overwhelming hallucinations that drive some into paralysis and others into suicide. These aren’t isolated breakdowns, they strike groups simultaneously, as if an invisible switch is being flipped in the human mind. Lennox teams up with Ethan Calloway, a former archaeologist with a knack for pattern‑hunting, and the two begin tracing the phenomenon as it spreads beyond the initial region. The deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes that the episodes aren’t random, and they aren’t natural.

Far from Earth, a covert NASA mission lands on Europa, where Lieutenant Jason Crowe and his crew discover a perfectly geometric shaft beneath the moon’s ice. It emits a rhythmic signal at precise intervals, suggesting design rather than geology. As the astronauts descend into the structure, they uncover evidence of an intelligence capable of manipulating frequencies in ways that could affect biological minds, including those on Earth.

The novel’s tension builds as both teams race toward answers, eventually revealing that the Europan signal and the global psychological crisis are two sides of the same phenomenon.

Frequency works because it refuses to choose between scientific intrigue and thriller pacing. The Earth storyline delivers creeping dread, while the Europa mission provides the awe and danger of first contact. The concepts are bold but handled with clarity, and the dual‑thread structure keeps momentum high. It’s a smart, energetic sci‑fi thriller that rewards curiosity and delivers genuine tension.
40 reviews
June 1, 2026
Spectacular!

Another great story from an amazing author. Being a retired history teacher I never cared much for science fiction. But this man has made all the difference. His story telling is without equal. This particular book was completely different in that every other chapter followed two separate but related stories instead of trying to make the reader try to remember 5 or 6 different concurrent stories like so many authors do. And even though it's science fiction most of it is entirely plausible. Enjoy.
34 reviews
July 28, 2026
A positive and hopeful 'first contact' story

Frequency is the kind of science fiction novel that reminds you why the genre continues to captivate readers. Intelligent, imaginative and thoroughly absorbing, it delivers an intriguing premise while never losing sight of the human story at its heart.
From the opening chapters, the narrative grips you with a perfect balance of mystery, suspense and scientific speculation. The concepts are ambitious but presented in an accessible way, making the novel equally appealing to lifelong sci-fi enthusiasts and readers who are newer to the genre.
What impressed me most was the quality of the character development. The protagonists feel authentic, their relationships are believable, and their emotional journeys give genuine weight to the unfolding events. As the stakes rise, I found myself completely invested in both the characters and the outcome.
The writing is polished and evocative, creating vivid scenes that are easy to picture without ever slowing the pace. Every chapter reveals something new, and the story continually surprises without relying on gimmicks. It's a novel that encourages you to keep turning the pages while also leaving you with plenty to think about afterwards.
Frequency succeeds on every level: it's entertaining, thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. It explores fascinating ideas while remaining grounded in compelling storytelling, a combination that isn't always easy to achieve.
A memorable and hopeful read.
1 review
June 26, 2026
Interesting but tedious hard science fiction fantasy

This is a slightly crazy story about first contact and some potential dangers, a mix of fantasy and hard science. But, the “hard science” explanations can get a bit tedious, as can the rather twee, polite and unimaginative dialogue. The main characters have similar, nice personalities, invariably scientifically minded nice people who all understand each other. No personal conflict, except for the occasional difficult official. There’s a low key underlying love story. A bit of a fight and flight in an Amazonian jungle. Millions of people around the world secretly committing suicide because of strange, telepathic messages which the scientists think come from vibrations in earth’s atmosphere. A secret NASA mission to Europa to check out a strange alien blue light phenomenon. Turns out it’s a crashed alien spacecraft targeting the blue light at earth as a message of peace, but it’s this blue light that accidentally triggers weird hallucinations in the suicide victims. The NASA astronauts decide to try to save the alien and willingly die in the attempt. But in the end all the main characters save the world and everything is okay and the alien sends the earth a nice thank you message, promotes the benefits of psilocybin and hopes everyone will learn to get on with each other.
The authors have succeeded in creating something interesting, weird and simultaneously boring, but I still read it to the end. Hmmmm.
Profile Image for Nathan .
32 reviews
June 25, 2026
Instant Prose and Middle School Level Science

The book started out well but then the dialogue melted into cliches and weak prose. The connection between the earthbound doctor and the Jupiter moon crew was obvious too quickly. Also, the preaching of how psychedelic drugs are good for you was a chapter long. It was like an advertisement for mental health psychedelics. Book was simply terrible with lines like, “the stars will remember”. Fairly certain that line should be relegated to romance novels.
1 review
June 29, 2026
Frequency: Hard Science Fiction by Douglas E. Richards
Enjoyed the two parallel plots with diverse settings. I read it for the hard science that presented some interesting new information such as the Earth's frequency topic. The space travel psychology discussions regarding four years of confined proximity was somewhat optimistic although convincing. I felt the story became a little preachy near the end with challengeable positivity. I am hopeful it was accurate. Need to remember the characters are rightfully a very select group.
Profile Image for Vince.
266 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2026
Not since Wired and Amped have I enjoyed a book so much! I love the science. It’s not overwhelming, but very present. I liked the character building between the indigenous and gringo. How ignorant; the separation of boots-on-the-ground vs lab-in-the-books…well done!
Once you got used to “space” and “jungle”, it was easy to follow.
Nosebo vs placebo, OMG.
There is no control in life except over your mind…a quote from the book, but so true.
Keep writing Mr. Richards, you are a master!
41 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2026
Excellent Story; couldn't put it down.

I just finished Frequency last night. A fantastic wild ride, with a number of very cogent and relevant lessons for today's world. We should heed them or suffer the dire consequences. Thank you Douglas and Joshua for an excellent book. Looking forward to Frequency 2.
29 reviews
July 20, 2026
Frequency is hard science fiction and pure delight!

This was a hugely surprising revelation of a book that beautifully weaves an Earth-bound mystery of unexplainable mass suicides with what unfolds on a cold moon of Jupitor that forever changes life as we know it. The conclusion left me weeping tears of joy. Simply a womderful read!
2 reviews
July 23, 2026
As others have commented

I am just repeating what has already been said, but wanted to respond for the record. These folks have made some very thoughtful concepts ( which are well beyond my abilities) a very entertaining story. Please keep up the good work...looking forward to book 2.

Profile Image for Darren Rumbold.
Author 7 books11 followers
July 28, 2026
I had some difficulty at first with the two plot lines alternating between chapters, but once I saw how they were going to connect; I was on board. It was a good read with some interesting bits of science thrown in. However, I thought some of the later action dealing with hardware being moved down to Europa was too fantastical. I also thought the ending was a bit abrupt.   
28 reviews
June 2, 2026
Teriffic Read

I am fairly stingy with my 5 star ratings but “Frequency” earned every one of them. I read this book nonstop until I finished it; looking forward to the release of “Frequency 2”.
Profile Image for Sean Randall.
2,160 reviews53 followers
June 6, 2026
It was interesting to find Doug's footprints on this one, I missed a detailed author's note at the end too! I went in a little apprehensive at the collaboration but was surprisingly engaged throughout and enjoyed the story.
143 reviews
June 10, 2026
Like the book, like the hard science, like the fundamental idea.

Minor spoiler - The writing around the relationship felt strained and actually distracted from the book.

Will still read the sequel when it's out.
49 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2026
Great read!

I love this story. Not knowing how it would end I was engaged throughout. But the end… The end is the best! We are all One… And when us earthlings finally get that, what we will accomplish together will be amazing.
23 reviews
June 11, 2026
Fast and fun read!

Fast and fun read.
Quite interesting premise.
Love the characters and dig the science and medicine references sprinkled throughout a story worth reading.
Tune in for the next book!
83 reviews
June 14, 2026
Good story

Good story, decent characters, believable technical and political
situations but not much action. This story is not a shoot em up thriller, rather it tries to make the reader think about the possibilities of the future. Definitely worth reading.
1 review
June 15, 2026
I couldn't put it down

Great book. At first, I was a little confused how both things fit together (the book has two settings). But then the stories started to come together and I loved getting two perspectives. I read until late at night because I wanted to know the ending.
260 reviews
June 15, 2026
Thoughtful adventure

Both the storylines were gripping and carried me along towards the final chapter.
Although I enjoyed it, the pacing was irritatingly uneven with the end feeling far too rushed.
3 reviews
June 23, 2026
Excellent read

Like all of Douglas E. Richards' book, this did not disappoint. Loved it! Recommended it to my friends and I am anxiously waiting for the sequel to come out on the 1st. Can't come soon enough!!!
6 reviews
July 1, 2026
really good

This is one of the better books that I have read by Mr Richards. It’s not a thriller like many of his works—which I also like. The story builds slowly with interesting science and thoughtful dialogue among the characters. Great book.
4 reviews
July 7, 2026
Beautifully conceived and written

Loved the optimistic message. Something critically needed in the world in these current times. I wonder if humanity would be ready for such a discovery if it were to happen now. O
71 reviews
July 8, 2026
A Uniting Message from Space

What an amazing story Richards and Calvert have written. I have enjoyed other books by these two authors in the past. This book is even better. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it to any scifi lover.
Profile Image for Jackie Bolin.
31 reviews
July 19, 2026
Thought Provoking

I have enjoyed quite a few of these authors books. At times though I feel the narrative gets lost in technical explanations. I am looking forward to the next installment of this story.
149 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2026
Excellent

Very well written science fiction, binding together psychology, chemistry, planetary phenomena, smart people, aliens and action, lots and lots of action. I enjoyed the ending, but I think it was way too optimistic.
69 reviews
July 23, 2026
Absolutely fell apart

When I got to around chapter 4 I felt like a new author took over. It fell from being reasonably interesting to how fast can I skim through this thing. At no point did my pauses to read give me any hope that the book would improve. And it did not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews