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Katrina Stone #2
The Death Row Complex
An anonymous warning is sent to the White House, and a genetically engineered biological weapon is released in a California prison. The unpublished data of biologist Katrina Stone may hold the key to harnessing the lethal bacterium—and to its creation within the desperate world from which biotechnology is born.
434 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2015
12 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Elise
4 books80 followersKristen Elise, Ph.D. was born a scientist and decided at an early age to earn a living as one. A professional drug discovery biologist and life-long travel addict, Kris takes the inspiration for her novels from discoveries made both in and out of the laboratory.
Kris' work as a cancer drug hunter converged with a research trip through Italy to spark her debut novel. Once ignited, The Vesuvius Isotope erupted like the volcano itself - sending Kristen Elise and her readers on a global quest to investigate several non-fictional mysteries that have endured for more than two thousand years. More historical thriller than science thriller, The Vesuvius Isotope blurs the lines between fact and fiction, medicine and magic, science and superstition, history and legend.
Kristen Elise lives in San Diego, California with her husband, stepson, and three canine children. When not investigating historical mysteries, she continues to hunt for drugs and the stories they tell.
Kris' work as a cancer drug hunter converged with a research trip through Italy to spark her debut novel. Once ignited, The Vesuvius Isotope erupted like the volcano itself - sending Kristen Elise and her readers on a global quest to investigate several non-fictional mysteries that have endured for more than two thousand years. More historical thriller than science thriller, The Vesuvius Isotope blurs the lines between fact and fiction, medicine and magic, science and superstition, history and legend.
Kristen Elise lives in San Diego, California with her husband, stepson, and three canine children. When not investigating historical mysteries, she continues to hunt for drugs and the stories they tell.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 10, 2015
I would like to thank the Author for putting this book up to win. I love these books and will read each new book as it comes out.
This is a prequel to the book 'The Vesuvius Isotope'. Katrina Stone is an intelligent, determined, strong minded woman. When the FBI turn up to ask her about her Anthrax research and then the pull a gun on her when they see a picture on the wall. Sean McMullan and Gilman are trying to find out what and who killed 68 death row inmates. The three of them are going to have to work together to solve this case.
This book is full of twists and turns, it's an easy fun read. Nothing like a good murder to keep you up late into the night.
This is a prequel to the book 'The Vesuvius Isotope'. Katrina Stone is an intelligent, determined, strong minded woman. When the FBI turn up to ask her about her Anthrax research and then the pull a gun on her when they see a picture on the wall. Sean McMullan and Gilman are trying to find out what and who killed 68 death row inmates. The three of them are going to have to work together to solve this case.
This book is full of twists and turns, it's an easy fun read. Nothing like a good murder to keep you up late into the night.
July 15, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I have read the previous book in this series, though it was a little while ago. It was good to have the opportunity to meet Katrina again and see her relationships with the other characters, both her work colleagues and others.
I didn't really like Alexis as a character, I have to admit. Even though I could understand why she was acting the way she was and why she had that kind of moral compass, I thought that the way she treated her mother was really awful.
There was a lot happening in this book and I felt that there were parts of it that were really intense to read. I was a bit unclear as to why Chuck was so convinced it was Katrina he was supposed to target, though. Since there was so much happening in this book, I did find it somewhat hard to follow at times... even though I was drawn really easily into the storyline.
I liked Katrina as a character and I did find myself liking Jason, too. I thought the two of them were really good, well-established characters. It was interesting to see that Jason was quite a contradictory character. I liked that aspect about him.
I did feel that some of the characters weren't established as well as they could have been, since there was so much going on. I had a couple of moments where I had to pause to remember which character was being referenced. I didn't really like Gilman, I have to say. He seemed single-minded and not really all that intelligent. I liked his partner somewhat better, but I felt both were very much ruled by their personal slants on the case.
It was good to be able to learn more about the science behind the anthrax, though I did find myself getting a bit lost at times. The danger in the book felt real and I found myself growing more tense as I read further into the book.
Some of the characters were well-defined and it was good to see those ones. There was an air of mystery to the book that didn't get derailed due to how much was going on. In the future, I hope to read more books by this author.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I have read the previous book in this series, though it was a little while ago. It was good to have the opportunity to meet Katrina again and see her relationships with the other characters, both her work colleagues and others.
I didn't really like Alexis as a character, I have to admit. Even though I could understand why she was acting the way she was and why she had that kind of moral compass, I thought that the way she treated her mother was really awful.
There was a lot happening in this book and I felt that there were parts of it that were really intense to read. I was a bit unclear as to why Chuck was so convinced it was Katrina he was supposed to target, though. Since there was so much happening in this book, I did find it somewhat hard to follow at times... even though I was drawn really easily into the storyline.
I liked Katrina as a character and I did find myself liking Jason, too. I thought the two of them were really good, well-established characters. It was interesting to see that Jason was quite a contradictory character. I liked that aspect about him.
I did feel that some of the characters weren't established as well as they could have been, since there was so much going on. I had a couple of moments where I had to pause to remember which character was being referenced. I didn't really like Gilman, I have to say. He seemed single-minded and not really all that intelligent. I liked his partner somewhat better, but I felt both were very much ruled by their personal slants on the case.
It was good to be able to learn more about the science behind the anthrax, though I did find myself getting a bit lost at times. The danger in the book felt real and I found myself growing more tense as I read further into the book.
Some of the characters were well-defined and it was good to see those ones. There was an air of mystery to the book that didn't get derailed due to how much was going on. In the future, I hope to read more books by this author.
September 23, 2015
Scary, fast paced, brutal, good
This second novel by Elise is a fascinating look into the biological weapons threat. The main character is a research scientist, performing groundbreaking research into the mechanism of anthrax's lethal factor. A terrorist attack using her research starts her on a desperate journey to uncover the truth and prove her innocence.
This book is scary, because the science is all too real. It's brutal - there are violent, disgusting deaths, kidnappings, assaults, break-ins, high-speed chases, shootouts - enough action to satisfy any thriller junkie. It's fast-paced. I started it only 3 hours ago. And it's good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are insights into Dr Katrina Stone's actions in Elise's debut novel, the Vesuvius Isotope (which I also enjoyed).
So, this is not for the young ones. There is drinking, mentions of drug trafficking, stripping, social disease, teen sex, lots of violence, attempted rape, assault, cursing. I'd keep the age to very mature 16 or older.
This second novel by Elise is a fascinating look into the biological weapons threat. The main character is a research scientist, performing groundbreaking research into the mechanism of anthrax's lethal factor. A terrorist attack using her research starts her on a desperate journey to uncover the truth and prove her innocence.
This book is scary, because the science is all too real. It's brutal - there are violent, disgusting deaths, kidnappings, assaults, break-ins, high-speed chases, shootouts - enough action to satisfy any thriller junkie. It's fast-paced. I started it only 3 hours ago. And it's good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are insights into Dr Katrina Stone's actions in Elise's debut novel, the Vesuvius Isotope (which I also enjoyed).
So, this is not for the young ones. There is drinking, mentions of drug trafficking, stripping, social disease, teen sex, lots of violence, attempted rape, assault, cursing. I'd keep the age to very mature 16 or older.
September 18, 2015
I won this book as a first-reads and really enjoyed it. I found the plot very interesting although disturbing. It makes you realize how easily a bioweapon could be introduced into food, etc. All the inmates in a death row area of San Quentin die mysteriously and threats of more deaths to come are made against the US. The deaths at the prison were caused by a new strain of anthrax and the clues to who might have done this lead back to Dr. Katrina Stone, a researcher who works with anthrax. Two FBI agents are sent to her lab to investigate and one becomes convinced she is guilty while the other is attracted to her and believes she is innocent. It falls to Katrina to try to find a cure and also help the FBI find the culprit. There are several candidates for the guilty party and it keeps you guessing until the end as to who really did it. I am anxious to read her first book,
"The Vesuvius Isotope", and am looking forward to any new one written by this author.
"The Vesuvius Isotope", and am looking forward to any new one written by this author.
June 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this fast-paced novel almost more than The Vesuvius Isotope. It read like a Dan Brown book, and when you thought you figured out what was going on, you were taken in a completely different direction. I really enjoyed the last paragraph, and how everything seemed as if it would come full circle for the antagonists.
The one thing that bothered me about this book was the chapters being divided by date/time. It made sense with all of the different characters and their locations on the East and West Coasts, but I kept forgetting what day it was and how the events lined up in the timeline; the timeline seemed a little irrelevant after Christmas. I liked the mentions of Katrina's future husband, who you learn more about in The Vesuvius Isotope, but thought her relationship (can you even call it that) with the FBI agent to be a little forced and awkward.
The one thing that bothered me about this book was the chapters being divided by date/time. It made sense with all of the different characters and their locations on the East and West Coasts, but I kept forgetting what day it was and how the events lined up in the timeline; the timeline seemed a little irrelevant after Christmas. I liked the mentions of Katrina's future husband, who you learn more about in The Vesuvius Isotope, but thought her relationship (can you even call it that) with the FBI agent to be a little forced and awkward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2015
A great second book in the Kristina Stone series. While the writing style here is a bit raw, there's great fun in this biologic mystery thriller with the opportunity to figure out who-done-it, learn about anthrax, and bemoan the sad, low-fund state of graduate students everywhere. Kristina Stone is a dynamic character who engages with the excitement and conflict in her life in all the complex ways real people do, including sometimes with anger and impatience (which too many authors do not allow their female characters). She is filled with passion for what she does and you can't help but like her. Just an enjoyable book for a late night or a Saturday afternoon. Totally made my inner bio nerd rejoice.
June 18, 2015
This prequel to The Vesuvius Isotope is fascinating! Dr. Katrina Stone is still smart and sexy, but with this second book she becomes a little more human too. An excellent medical thriller that kept me anxiously reading long into the night, and home until I was finished! I just could not put it down! An intelligent read, and well worth your time.
Kristen Elise is an amazing writer! Her knowledge of the science is of course a solid foundation for her novels, but it's her storytelling that grabs hold of you and throws you into the story right along with Dr. Stone. I feel like I know Katrina, and I care about her. Only a skillful writer can create that kind of relationship for her readers.
Kristen Elise is an amazing writer! Her knowledge of the science is of course a solid foundation for her novels, but it's her storytelling that grabs hold of you and throws you into the story right along with Dr. Stone. I feel like I know Katrina, and I care about her. Only a skillful writer can create that kind of relationship for her readers.
August 10, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this book from a first-read giveaway.
This book went by way too quickly! Though I think that might have had something to do with me not being able to stop... Just like with The Vesuvius Isotope, Kristen Elise makes it clear that she knows her topic and her audience. The level of detail is enough to draw you in without overwhelming you, and who doesn't like a strong female lead? :D
This book went by way too quickly! Though I think that might have had something to do with me not being able to stop... Just like with The Vesuvius Isotope, Kristen Elise makes it clear that she knows her topic and her audience. The level of detail is enough to draw you in without overwhelming you, and who doesn't like a strong female lead? :D
June 20, 2015
When sixty-eight death row inmates die of anthrax at the beginning of the story, the reader understands this is a biological thriller. Sure enough, two FBI agents appear. Those characters, the flawed female protagonist whose history is gradually revealed, and the various suspects are all developed into rounded humans.
There is enough technical information about the anthrax lab to make the story credible, and there is plenty of tension and conflict to make it a page turner. An engaging thriller. Read The Vesuvius Isotope to learn more about Katrina Stone and to experience an amazing adventure.
There is enough technical information about the anthrax lab to make the story credible, and there is plenty of tension and conflict to make it a page turner. An engaging thriller. Read The Vesuvius Isotope to learn more about Katrina Stone and to experience an amazing adventure.
June 15, 2015
FANTASTIC.. Loved it!. I love scientific books like this and this just blew me away!.
Twists and turns that were not expected! The characters in this book are complex also. STeady read, I got so
engrossed in this book that I forgot to go to bed! Totally loved it!
Twists and turns that were not expected! The characters in this book are complex also. STeady read, I got so
engrossed in this book that I forgot to go to bed! Totally loved it!
June 29, 2015
Really terrific read. Tense, smart, well written.
February 8, 2016
Very Entertaining
This book was interesting and entertaining but forewarned it is a bit slow in the beginning. Stick with it and you will be rewarded with an exciting finish. Enjoy.
This book was interesting and entertaining but forewarned it is a bit slow in the beginning. Stick with it and you will be rewarded with an exciting finish. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews