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Joe Rush #3
Cold Silence
James Abel—author of the electrifying Joe Rush novels Protocol Zero and White Plague —unleashes another heartstopping thriller in which an unholy plague from the past has been awakened...
While trying to alleviate the suffering of thousands in drought-stricken, war-torn Africa, ex-Marine doctor and bio-terror expert Joe Rush receives a plea for help from a member of his old military unit, currently working as a geologist in a chaotic region of Somalia.
Joe arrives on the scene to find an entire group showing horrific symptoms of an ancient sickness once thought to be sent as punishment from heaven. But before Joe can get hard evidence identifying the illness, a local warlord takes matters into his own hands—and the proof is gone just as the illness breaks out back in the United States.
This outbreak is not a curse from God. It’s a well-coordinated, meticulously planned attack with a specific goal that could overturn global stability and kill millions. And the only one who can stop the downfall of civilization is Joe Rush...
While trying to alleviate the suffering of thousands in drought-stricken, war-torn Africa, ex-Marine doctor and bio-terror expert Joe Rush receives a plea for help from a member of his old military unit, currently working as a geologist in a chaotic region of Somalia.
Joe arrives on the scene to find an entire group showing horrific symptoms of an ancient sickness once thought to be sent as punishment from heaven. But before Joe can get hard evidence identifying the illness, a local warlord takes matters into his own hands—and the proof is gone just as the illness breaks out back in the United States.
This outbreak is not a curse from God. It’s a well-coordinated, meticulously planned attack with a specific goal that could overturn global stability and kill millions. And the only one who can stop the downfall of civilization is Joe Rush...
324 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2016
60 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
James Abel
5 books126 followersJames Abel is the pseudonym for Bob Reiss an accomplished author and a journalist who has written extensively about the Arctic. He lives and works in New York City
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 15, 2020
Interesting read right now. A lot slower than I would have liked and Joe's relationship with Chris is definitely strange. Also, having not read the first 2 books in the series I'm sure I missed some of the nuances of both Joe's character and his relationships with some of the others. One thought I have had during the COVID-19 pandemic is how none of this is unfolding like the movies and that feeling came running back with this book. It's interesting to me how speculating on what will happen is so different from what actually does happen. And granted the situation in this story is a lot faster, a lot deadlier, and an intentional attack. So there are natural differences. Anyway, in the end I was a little disappointed by this story. I didn't much care about the characters (again maybe because I hadn't read the other books?) and didn't even care if they found the cure or not. What I did enjoy were some of the parallels I saw to reality and the juxtaposition of what hasn't come to pass. Would I have enjoyed this book at all, if I weren't living in the middle of an actual pandemic? Not sure that I would.
April 8, 2017
This was the first book I read by this author. I must say it was really good. I especially liked the story line of "home grown" terrorism. The characters were strong and well written. It kept me wondering till the end about certain assumptions I had about events and persons in the book. It really captured my attention in light of the various acts of terrorism taking place in the world today. Abel's twist on the topic is one that could very well happen in any country.
Our hero Joe Rush is an ex-marine doctor now turned bio-terror expert. He and his team travel the world helping to relieve the suffering of thousands and to investigate outbreaks of disease. While in Africa on a mission, Joe receives a plea from a member of his old Marine unit who is working as a geologist in Somalia. It appears his friends team has come down with a strange illness that has taken the lives of a few team members already. When Joe and another team member arrive, the infected group is showing symptoms of an ancient sickness that was deemed a punishment from Heaven in the Bible. Needless to say the illness spreads to the US. It is up to Joe and his team to discover exactly what the illness is, how to cure it and who has unleashed this terrible disease on the populace and caused the death of an entire Somalian village. Someone wants the world to think it started in Africa but in truth it originated in our own back yard in the US.
This book raises the issues of terrorism, cults, insanity and a host of other moral issues. What makes this book so special is the plausibility of something like this actually happening. It really makes one wonder exactly how far people will go to obtain absolute power. I highly recommend this book. I will be looking for the other books in this series now that I have discovered this wonderful author.
Our hero Joe Rush is an ex-marine doctor now turned bio-terror expert. He and his team travel the world helping to relieve the suffering of thousands and to investigate outbreaks of disease. While in Africa on a mission, Joe receives a plea from a member of his old Marine unit who is working as a geologist in Somalia. It appears his friends team has come down with a strange illness that has taken the lives of a few team members already. When Joe and another team member arrive, the infected group is showing symptoms of an ancient sickness that was deemed a punishment from Heaven in the Bible. Needless to say the illness spreads to the US. It is up to Joe and his team to discover exactly what the illness is, how to cure it and who has unleashed this terrible disease on the populace and caused the death of an entire Somalian village. Someone wants the world to think it started in Africa but in truth it originated in our own back yard in the US.
This book raises the issues of terrorism, cults, insanity and a host of other moral issues. What makes this book so special is the plausibility of something like this actually happening. It really makes one wonder exactly how far people will go to obtain absolute power. I highly recommend this book. I will be looking for the other books in this series now that I have discovered this wonderful author.
November 1, 2016
Joe Rush is back in action fighting those bad little germs that cause nasty things to happen to folks. This go round we have a strain of leprosy that can be transmitted by contact and or airborne vectors. Nasty little shit that this bug is, Joe is determined to find the source and squash it. I think this was the better of the three I have read so far in this series. The author still has some vague moments, and we don't really have an edge of your seat nail biter here. However the book does move along at a quick pace and is still a very enjoyable read.
January 10, 2022
In the past I haven't been overly thrilled with the personality of Joe Rush. But in this book, I like him a lot better. The only thing I didn't like was the overused trope of a crazy religious leader. Can't those be non-Christian once in awhile? Do we always have to drag Jesus into it?
Regardless, Ray Porter was amazing and it's a good book. Nuff said.
Regardless, Ray Porter was amazing and it's a good book. Nuff said.
January 2, 2017
I eagerly await the next book from James Abel.
May 25, 2020
Reading this during a COVID-19lockdown may seem inappropriate, but it had just the opposite impact on me. This book pointed out how much worse things could have been.
The state department and public-health officials have called Ex-Marine bioterrorist expert Joe Rush to Somalia. A disease that has existed for millennia is out of control, and the warlord will allow only Joe and his friend, Eddy, to investigate, and then only for a brief period.
For reasons no one can explain, an ancient disease is killing Somalis by the hundreds. Scientists felt they had it well controlled, but not there. Then Joe gets word that the United States suffers from a similar outbreak.
This is creepy terrifying stuff, especially these days when we are all sensitized to viral spreading. In this case, the disease is bacterial rather than viral, but it is killing Americans in large number.
Cultures ancient and modern consider Leprosy a punishment from God. People shun and mistreat those who acquire it. The strain that Joe Rush and his associates must treat is resistant to the usual antibiotics that have killed the disease in years past. As is true with any epidemic, there’s way too much politics here and not enough careful thought and common sense. In this instance, governors aren’t locking Americans down; the populous is luting and running. They’ll do whatever they must to escape this apparently man-made plague. Against more-than formidable odds, Joe must convince his government that Islamic terrorism is blameless in this case.
Abel has a way of placing Rush in seemingly hopeless situations, and you’ll eagerly move through this just to find out what happens next. It looks like there’s only one more book in this series, and I’m going to fiercely miss it when I finish it.
The state department and public-health officials have called Ex-Marine bioterrorist expert Joe Rush to Somalia. A disease that has existed for millennia is out of control, and the warlord will allow only Joe and his friend, Eddy, to investigate, and then only for a brief period.
For reasons no one can explain, an ancient disease is killing Somalis by the hundreds. Scientists felt they had it well controlled, but not there. Then Joe gets word that the United States suffers from a similar outbreak.
This is creepy terrifying stuff, especially these days when we are all sensitized to viral spreading. In this case, the disease is bacterial rather than viral, but it is killing Americans in large number.
Cultures ancient and modern consider Leprosy a punishment from God. People shun and mistreat those who acquire it. The strain that Joe Rush and his associates must treat is resistant to the usual antibiotics that have killed the disease in years past. As is true with any epidemic, there’s way too much politics here and not enough careful thought and common sense. In this instance, governors aren’t locking Americans down; the populous is luting and running. They’ll do whatever they must to escape this apparently man-made plague. Against more-than formidable odds, Joe must convince his government that Islamic terrorism is blameless in this case.
Abel has a way of placing Rush in seemingly hopeless situations, and you’ll eagerly move through this just to find out what happens next. It looks like there’s only one more book in this series, and I’m going to fiercely miss it when I finish it.
September 24, 2022
Much better than the second book of the series.
It's amazing, as I've said before concerning this series, how Mr. Abel so well describes a pandemic and his fiction, written well before 2020 when Covid 19 hit the world, depicts the actions and events of the people faced with such a horrific dilemma.
My mild criticisms comes into how certain people are portrayed and their less than believable actions and demeanors. Yes, it fits with the story line but still . . .
Joe Rush is not a super hero. He makes mistakes and often questions himself like most mortals would. Yet he is smart and after much trial and error he comes up with the answers. And after all, that's what a good plot entails. James Abel does that well.
I have read all four of the Joe Rush series but there are more from James Abel that I will read. If you enjoy medical mysteries then I urge you to read something be Abel if you haven't already. They are worth your time and effort.
It's amazing, as I've said before concerning this series, how Mr. Abel so well describes a pandemic and his fiction, written well before 2020 when Covid 19 hit the world, depicts the actions and events of the people faced with such a horrific dilemma.
My mild criticisms comes into how certain people are portrayed and their less than believable actions and demeanors. Yes, it fits with the story line but still . . .
Joe Rush is not a super hero. He makes mistakes and often questions himself like most mortals would. Yet he is smart and after much trial and error he comes up with the answers. And after all, that's what a good plot entails. James Abel does that well.
I have read all four of the Joe Rush series but there are more from James Abel that I will read. If you enjoy medical mysteries then I urge you to read something be Abel if you haven't already. They are worth your time and effort.
October 16, 2017
Our protagonist Joe Rush; Marine Colonel, doctor, and bio-terrorism expert is called upon once again to investigate an entire group of scientists in Somalia showing dreadful symptoms of a disease known as leprosy. But leprosy does not infect groups, nor does it evolve as quickly as the infection they face. Nothing makes sense; is it terrorism, natural origin, or lab made? Once again Rush and his team must investigate and identify the cause of this latest epidemic before it goes global and kills millions. Another great story with wonderful characters. Each of these volumes in the series could be stand-alone novels, but it is entertaining and educational to read them together. The narration was excellent as only Ray Porter can do.
March 11, 2018
This was a pretty good storyline for me to read right now, as it goes along with my Bioterrorism class I'm currently taking. This is the 3rd book in the Joe Rush series and I didn't read the first two, but I think I will. I wasn't too fond of the writing style and some parts were slow and drawn out. But there was a lot of suspense and action. I liked all of the characters. This book goes to show how our government can really make bad, irresponsible calls, even though they think they're doing the right thing. It also shows you how unprepared our country is in the event that a bioterrorist attack occurs.
December 22, 2019
I didn't understand what the author was trying to do with the relationship between Joe and Chris. First Chris is a infatuated school girl, then a stern boss, then wants (?) her daughter to help them hook up.
This is the first Joe Rush book I've ever read, and I didn't get to know the character at all. Oh, he had the requisite lost love that drives him forward and some personal regrets in his past, but other than that I didn't get a feel for him at all.
Finally, the author, in his style, likes to break up his sentences with, most often, lots of commas, and really slow down, intentionally or unintentionally, the reading. It gets really, annoying.
This is the first Joe Rush book I've ever read, and I didn't get to know the character at all. Oh, he had the requisite lost love that drives him forward and some personal regrets in his past, but other than that I didn't get a feel for him at all.
Finally, the author, in his style, likes to break up his sentences with, most often, lots of commas, and really slow down, intentionally or unintentionally, the reading. It gets really, annoying.
July 25, 2017
Talk about intense! I had to stop listening to it for a day because it was really bothering me. The subject matter is a leprosy outbreak! Joe Rush goes through so much trying to find a cure, and help save lives, all the time being in a great deal of danger! Uno, and Dos get a tres in this novel. You have to know the Joe Rush novels to understand the uno, dos, and tres part. The action is full on and intense. It really makes you wonder about what would really happen if something like this did happen.
October 27, 2021
I will look for more Joe Rush stories. Living in this crazy Plan-demic with a gain of function virus and the greed driving how everything is being handled...made this story interesting. Just because a scientist can do something does not mean they should be doing it...that is the second fascinating plot line... last all of the people entering our nation from all over the world with no screening or vetting.... diseases do not care where they live... what will we face in the future here because someone comes from a country where smallpox ??? still lives....
January 30, 2018
Another great pandemic from James Abel - Joe rushes in to save an old friend and cool political tensions. Unfortunately, he gets himself infected. The disease - the rareness of leprosy (what North American doctor knows what its symptoms are?), the speed and devastation of flesh eating disease and the contagiousness of Norwalk. As the US is ravaged, will Joe find a cure in time not just for the public but for himself too
July 17, 2017
Grim, but engaging thriller. The plot seemed too contrived to me, but characters were great and the machinery of government shown as appropriately broken, even without Trumps help. Leprosy is certainly a biblically horrific bogeyman. Scary, and too possible.
September 2, 2022
Given the climate the world is in currently, this engaging novel really hits home. The author does a very good job of describing both the public and government fear created by the virus.
As part of the story, the role of cults is explored as they play a huge role in the actions taken by one of the key characters in the book.
Without having read Book 1 and 2, it is somewhat unclear regarding the reasons for the dynamics between Dr. Rush and Dr. Vekey. Nevertheless, her daughter Aya does play a crucial role in the outcome of the story.
An excellent read overall !
Thank you Goodreads for the book.
As part of the story, the role of cults is explored as they play a huge role in the actions taken by one of the key characters in the book.
Without having read Book 1 and 2, it is somewhat unclear regarding the reasons for the dynamics between Dr. Rush and Dr. Vekey. Nevertheless, her daughter Aya does play a crucial role in the outcome of the story.
An excellent read overall !
Thank you Goodreads for the book.
March 17, 2025
started off good but afterwords the plot really got too jumbled. the character relationships didn’t really develop and the mystery wasn’t really thrilling. the big reveal at the end of how they created the mutagen was way overhyped too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2017
Good book with a believable hero. The story itself makes you believe that this could really happen, scary.
July 8, 2017
Scary plotline that could happen and Joe Rush saves the world again.
August 12, 2017
The cover art and PR lean heavily on comparing Abel's work to Clancy and Cussler, but it feels much more like early Chrichton--think Andromeda Strain or Congo. Very well done.
December 22, 2017
Great suspense as usual!
February 4, 2018
Ultimately quite entertaining.
It had a slow start. I also feel that the sorta love interest character could have been written a bit better.
It had a slow start. I also feel that the sorta love interest character could have been written a bit better.
March 15, 2018
A really good 3rd book. I thought Joe made some dumb choices, but overall it was good.
September 21, 2018
This was a very interesting book and I enjoyed it. I do not want to give away the story, but I do like books set in locales that I know very little about...the author provided a lot of details.
October 10, 2018
Very Good; Continuing character: Joe Rush; a plague of leprosy is spreading and Rush is the only one intent on finding our the true cause
February 19, 2019
Exciting from page 1! Nonstop action. Joe Rush is a true action hero.
March 13, 2019
Good read
Slow starting and a bit drawn out, but still a good tale. Joe Rush isn’t most people’s idea of a hero but he works for me.
Slow starting and a bit drawn out, but still a good tale. Joe Rush isn’t most people’s idea of a hero but he works for me.
August 27, 2019
His anti-God bias gets in the way
Could be a good read, but author seems to have an agenda to bash religion at every turn, to the point it becomes too distracting.
Could be a good read, but author seems to have an agenda to bash religion at every turn, to the point it becomes too distracting.
March 2, 2020
Best of his yet!
February 2, 2021
I really like this series but I wish Joe would lighten up. He's mean!
May 4, 2021
Another great Joe Rush novel. This time he’s battling a contagion. Very relevant today, especially the absurdity of the government’s response.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews