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Plague
At Franklin Children’s Hospital, an inexplicable series of bizarre diseases is reaching terrifying proportions. Pediatrician Annick Clement soon finds herself caring for this growing number of profoundly ill and vexing patients.
After a meticulous and painstaking review, Annick comes to the chilling revelation that these illnesses have not occurred by pure happenstance—they are the work of a cunning bioterrorist with an unfathomable purpose to his morally corrupt behavior. He works in Annick’s own shadow and soon becomes diabolically obsessed with her death. For Annick, stopping him means laying her own life on the line. As she sets out to do so, every passing hour soon becomes critical as a time bomb of impending disaster ticks on relentlessly.
After a meticulous and painstaking review, Annick comes to the chilling revelation that these illnesses have not occurred by pure happenstance—they are the work of a cunning bioterrorist with an unfathomable purpose to his morally corrupt behavior. He works in Annick’s own shadow and soon becomes diabolically obsessed with her death. For Annick, stopping him means laying her own life on the line. As she sets out to do so, every passing hour soon becomes critical as a time bomb of impending disaster ticks on relentlessly.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 3, 2002
685 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Gary Birken
15 books136 followersGary Birken is a full-time pediatric surgeon, medical thriller author, husband, father, grandfather, and more.
Born and raised in New York, Birken completed his undergraduate studies in Ohio, spent two years studying in Paris, before returning to complete his general and pediatric surgery training at the Ohio State University Hospital and Columbus Children’s. Upon completion of his fellowship in pediatric surgery, Birken moved to Hollywood, Florida where he has spent his entire professional career. Presently, Birken serves as the Surgeon-In-Chief of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
As an Author, Gary Birken approaches novel writing as a means not only to entertain, but to educate the reader in a particular area of medicine. Birken’s approach to each book is first selecting a timely or controversial topic in medicine and then, using it as a springboard, Birken weaves a story of suspense and conspiracy around it.
When Birken is not in the operating room or writing his next medical thriller, he plays tennis, basketball and holds a black belt in martial arts.
Born and raised in New York, Birken completed his undergraduate studies in Ohio, spent two years studying in Paris, before returning to complete his general and pediatric surgery training at the Ohio State University Hospital and Columbus Children’s. Upon completion of his fellowship in pediatric surgery, Birken moved to Hollywood, Florida where he has spent his entire professional career. Presently, Birken serves as the Surgeon-In-Chief of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
As an Author, Gary Birken approaches novel writing as a means not only to entertain, but to educate the reader in a particular area of medicine. Birken’s approach to each book is first selecting a timely or controversial topic in medicine and then, using it as a springboard, Birken weaves a story of suspense and conspiracy around it.
When Birken is not in the operating room or writing his next medical thriller, he plays tennis, basketball and holds a black belt in martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 14, 2025
Misnamed
I thought, by the title, this story would be about some kind of plague, obviously. But it was about bioterrorism, which is okay. It just didn't go in the direction I thought it would, especially in that the primary victims were a few children and not adults. Glad it wasn't more, but when you think of a plague you think of thousands being affected. The story wasn't up to par for Birken. Not super plausible. It took a hard right turn towards the end, and filled in a lot in a short amount of time by Annick telling us what she had dedeuced. Not a fan of this book.
I thought, by the title, this story would be about some kind of plague, obviously. But it was about bioterrorism, which is okay. It just didn't go in the direction I thought it would, especially in that the primary victims were a few children and not adults. Glad it wasn't more, but when you think of a plague you think of thousands being affected. The story wasn't up to par for Birken. Not super plausible. It took a hard right turn towards the end, and filled in a lot in a short amount of time by Annick telling us what she had dedeuced. Not a fan of this book.
December 20, 2025
Great
My favorite of the three of his books I've read so far. And this time I loved the female main character. This book is a real page turner and I found myself staying up late just to keep reading. It's scary to think that the things he writes about can seriously happen at any time and so easily. I've found a new author to follow!
My favorite of the three of his books I've read so far. And this time I loved the female main character. This book is a real page turner and I found myself staying up late just to keep reading. It's scary to think that the things he writes about can seriously happen at any time and so easily. I've found a new author to follow!
March 29, 2025
LAST CHAPTER
Imaginative plot with many twists and turns.
Enjoy how the author shapes the characters personalities. The tension mounts as the villain’s identity becomes confusing.
The last chapter or two were disappointing.
The conclusion came so suddenly I felt like the writer was tired of writing and just wanted to get it over with. I would still recommend it as a good read.
Imaginative plot with many twists and turns.
Enjoy how the author shapes the characters personalities. The tension mounts as the villain’s identity becomes confusing.
The last chapter or two were disappointing.
The conclusion came so suddenly I felt like the writer was tired of writing and just wanted to get it over with. I would still recommend it as a good read.
January 31, 2022
Reading about a plague during the covid plague may be pushing it a bit, but this book was a fast-paced interesting mystery situated in a children's hospital. This book was a good, fast read.
August 19, 2024
3.5
Sometimes we don't need to describe women and children like that.
Otherwise, just as plot twisty as I remember.
Sometimes we don't need to describe women and children like that.
Otherwise, just as plot twisty as I remember.
May 27, 2025
Absolutely loved this novel! If you’re interested in bioterrorism, infectious diseases, and a main character who just won’t quit when she knows something is wrong, you’ll love this! Dr. Annick Clement really made this book, she was such a great character who wouldn’t give in when she felt something was wrong, despite everyone disbelieving her. It was her investigating that saved the sick kiddos and kept pushing to find the person infecting them. Her relationship with fellow physician Mac added a sweet, romantic aspect without distracting from the main plot. This reminded me of Jennifer Ruff’s “Only Wrong Once”, another bioterrorism novel with the perspective of a physician. A great read!
June 14, 2015
Annick is a resident in a hospital in the ER. She is soon to move to her rotation in Infectious diseases. Annick has treated a young boy patient with a laceration on his leg. The next day he is back with something much more threatening. They soon discover it's botulism. When a few more patients are diagnosed with other illnesses tied to bioterroism, Annick is trying to find the culprit.
I actually gave this a 3.5 stars, I liked the plot and thought the story moved along pretty well but there were some things that just didn't ring true and were confusing.
I actually gave this a 3.5 stars, I liked the plot and thought the story moved along pretty well but there were some things that just didn't ring true and were confusing.
January 7, 2013
I found it a little difficult to believe that residents have so much time to jet set, do investigations, and conduct research behind their supervisors' back, but other than that I found it to be an enjoyable book. I figured out the plot twist before it got there, but I still enjoyed it.
January 29, 2026
Infectious Disease as a Weapon in Children
An intriguing problem, infectious disease in children, is it a natural illness or a biological weapon. This premise causes a young physician to question the occurrence of botulism in a young boy. The other residents and fellow on the infectious disease service at a children's hospital see it as rare but not unnatural. The suspicious young physician is an exchange resident from France with an interest in bio weapons. The clues and path to unlocking this mystery unfold as Annick follows her hunch. The international settings added during the story add to the atmosphere and possibility of this scary scenario. The characters are interesting personalities and the action is reasonable for the situations. The book is a page turner for the reader, you are trying to figure out motives and whether or not there are more individuals involved in the horrific events. I would highly recommend this book.
An intriguing problem, infectious disease in children, is it a natural illness or a biological weapon. This premise causes a young physician to question the occurrence of botulism in a young boy. The other residents and fellow on the infectious disease service at a children's hospital see it as rare but not unnatural. The suspicious young physician is an exchange resident from France with an interest in bio weapons. The clues and path to unlocking this mystery unfold as Annick follows her hunch. The international settings added during the story add to the atmosphere and possibility of this scary scenario. The characters are interesting personalities and the action is reasonable for the situations. The book is a page turner for the reader, you are trying to figure out motives and whether or not there are more individuals involved in the horrific events. I would highly recommend this book.
January 19, 2026
this was the first new author for me for 2026 and I'm so glad I started with this particular author. this book had me thinking through the entire thing of who did it why they did it and who was next. I was still guessing till the end couldn't put the book down it was a great book very well written in my opinion and I'm now going to start looking at other books for this author and continue on. I really wish that there was a book too in this series to take it further but who knows what the future will bring. my first 5⭐ of 2026 and I don't give them out easily. well done Dr. Birken
January 22, 2026
Surprised this is rated so high on good reads in all honesty…. Perhaps it’s due to the accuracy of the medical aspects? The book made 1/2 of the reveal quite early on, and quite anti-climacticly, and then the remainder of the reveal was squeezed into the last chapter in what felt like a rush. The rest was a bit dull and didn’t love the main character, but then again I don’t usually enjoy female leads written by men… all in all, I didn’t hate it but definitely didn’t love it.
June 14, 2024
Great read
This book has everything you need in a great novel: Murder, excitement, the FBI, jealousy, and other evils of mankind. You will not be able to put it down. The author keeps you hanging until the very end to reveal the culprit. I love how the author ties everything up at the end. What a great book. Read on, my friends, read on.
This book has everything you need in a great novel: Murder, excitement, the FBI, jealousy, and other evils of mankind. You will not be able to put it down. The author keeps you hanging until the very end to reveal the culprit. I love how the author ties everything up at the end. What a great book. Read on, my friends, read on.
June 10, 2025
international intrigue par excellence
A very timely subject - bioterrorism, and a clever way to go about it. As with the other Bergen books I’ve read, the characters aren’t well developed but the plot is. So if you want a fast read and a plot that expands nicely, you’ll enjoy this.
A very timely subject - bioterrorism, and a clever way to go about it. As with the other Bergen books I’ve read, the characters aren’t well developed but the plot is. So if you want a fast read and a plot that expands nicely, you’ll enjoy this.
August 10, 2025
new beginnings
I received one of his books for my birthday in June. I stayed up all night to finish that novel. Since then I have finished three more books of his and will order another. Great and in-depth reading! Maybe it is because I am also a physician but I love his stories!
I received one of his books for my birthday in June. I stayed up all night to finish that novel. Since then I have finished three more books of his and will order another. Great and in-depth reading! Maybe it is because I am also a physician but I love his stories!
November 2, 2025
An Awful Ending to a unique idea.
The idea was great, interesting and evil. The book clipped right along becoming complex. Expecting a mind blowing twist, the reader is instead given a yawn, an unbelievable yet mundane end. I wanted to rip out the last 30 pages of my e-book after suffering through a saccharin close out.
The idea was great, interesting and evil. The book clipped right along becoming complex. Expecting a mind blowing twist, the reader is instead given a yawn, an unbelievable yet mundane end. I wanted to rip out the last 30 pages of my e-book after suffering through a saccharin close out.
December 23, 2025
Plague: A Medical Mystery by Gary Birken
I rarely write reviews but sometimes a book really surprises me. This is one of those rare books that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat to the very end. What more can I say? I have read most of the books written by this author but this one is the one that stands out. If you like mysteries, you must read it!
I rarely write reviews but sometimes a book really surprises me. This is one of those rare books that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat to the very end. What more can I say? I have read most of the books written by this author but this one is the one that stands out. If you like mysteries, you must read it!
September 24, 2017
This was fine. I enjoyed the story and was surprised by the ending. It was written by a physician so maybe should have spoke to me more - that said, I wouldn't read another one, I don't think. At least, I wouldn't seek it out
August 7, 2023
An amazing medical thriller that will keep you turning the page. This is the second book I have read by Dr. Birken and I absolutely love his books and style of writing. The story line, character development and plot twists are 10/10!
Highly recommend Plague and Code 15!!
Highly recommend Plague and Code 15!!
April 8, 2025
Not my favorite
Just a slow read, I found myself skipping forward a lot of times. Finally got to the end and the heroine is a bit slow in picking up on what's going down. Anyway I'll try another book to before I give up on the author.
Just a slow read, I found myself skipping forward a lot of times. Finally got to the end and the heroine is a bit slow in picking up on what's going down. Anyway I'll try another book to before I give up on the author.
April 19, 2025
MEDICAL THRILLER
I'm so glad I found Gary Birken's books. I've been binge reading and having the time of my life. His characters are very likable, and the plotlines are compelling. I'm off to start the next one!
I'm so glad I found Gary Birken's books. I've been binge reading and having the time of my life. His characters are very likable, and the plotlines are compelling. I'm off to start the next one!
May 19, 2025
another great one
I have been reading a lot of Gary Birken medical novels and one is better than the last. I plan on reading them all. Great concepts for every one of them. As an added bonus you know so much medical information.
I have been reading a lot of Gary Birken medical novels and one is better than the last. I plan on reading them all. Great concepts for every one of them. As an added bonus you know so much medical information.
June 24, 2025
Another Great Read
GB never disappoints me with his amazing storytelling. I love the characters and the beautiful places GB takes me to, every time I read his novels. Thank you again for keeping me on the edge of my seat.
GB never disappoints me with his amazing storytelling. I love the characters and the beautiful places GB takes me to, every time I read his novels. Thank you again for keeping me on the edge of my seat.
August 18, 2025
had me on the edge of my seat
WOW, this was an excellent read. The proofreader did a much better job this time.
I would suggest one read this book. It was difficult to put the book aside during meal time. Enjoy!
WOW, this was an excellent read. The proofreader did a much better job this time.
I would suggest one read this book. It was difficult to put the book aside during meal time. Enjoy!
October 12, 2025
intense and heartwarming
I loved this book as it went on. It was very intriguing. I found out more about certain types of medicine and how some doctors love what they do and others are still selfish like regular people. Very intriguing. I’ll read more of his books.
I loved this book as it went on. It was very intriguing. I found out more about certain types of medicine and how some doctors love what they do and others are still selfish like regular people. Very intriguing. I’ll read more of his books.
October 12, 2025
No where near as good as other medical thrillers by this author. The main character was unlikable. The writing was choppy. I figured out who the bad guy was pretty quickly. All in all, I was not impressed by this one, although I really enjoyed all of his other medical thrillers.
January 11, 2026
Great medical thriller!
I am totally addicted to this genre, and Gary Birken is a recent discovery for me. I don’t know how he comes up with the twists and turns…some more plausible than others, but as long as he keeps writing, I ‘ll keep reading!
I am totally addicted to this genre, and Gary Birken is a recent discovery for me. I don’t know how he comes up with the twists and turns…some more plausible than others, but as long as he keeps writing, I ‘ll keep reading!
March 10, 2026
Diabolical
A true page turner I couldn’t put it down. I sort of understood who the real culprit was, but it wasn’t until the very last chapter that it became crystal clear well done.
A true page turner I couldn’t put it down. I sort of understood who the real culprit was, but it wasn’t until the very last chapter that it became crystal clear well done.
February 28, 2018
Predictable and some weird turns of phrase...'whip your memory'?...'ample brown eyes'????
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September 23, 2021"Infekce "
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews