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Cough
While running an ordinary errand at the grocery store, Macy Anderson’s life abruptly changes. In an instant, she watches in horror as people from her small town spiral into a coughing fit and seconds later, drop to their death. Within minutes, cars crash, helicopters fly overhead and the military rolls in setting up a quarantine of the town. This was only the beginning. With the town in chaos, Macy must focus on protecting and keeping her two young sons safe from catching the deadly virus. But how? By the time she processes what all is happening, it is too late. The virus is everywhere. The only hope and greatest chance for a cure lies within the work of Charles Kimble. However, even he faces defeat as the virus pushes man to the brink of extinction. In an attempt to save mankind, the world takes desperate measures. Quarantines and internment camps are initiated, and cities are closed down. As law, order and government structures crumble, people are left to the own battles and resources. Can one mother save her children from something caught as easily as taking a breath? And can she, like the human race, hold on until the virus runs its course.
350 pages, Paperback
First published December 23, 2015
135 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 4, 2016
Great story, terrible editing
I always enjoy Jacqueline Druga's stand alone stories, and this one was no exception. The premise for "end of the world" was interesting, and the story's progression engaging.
The story followed a similar pattern to Druga's other stand alone. I liked the characters, as I always do. Although, they could have been developed more. drugs is a talented writer, capable of better character development than this.
My big complaint is this: typos and awful grammar. Again, Drugs is very capable of turning out a good, well written, technically well rendered book. I think she just doesn't care to make the effort. In terms of typos and poor grammar, this was one of her worst. It's as if she is publishing a first draft, and like English is not her first language.
While I do recommend this book, I have to say, there is no excuse for the poor grammar, typos and nonexistent editing.
I always enjoy Jacqueline Druga's stand alone stories, and this one was no exception. The premise for "end of the world" was interesting, and the story's progression engaging.
The story followed a similar pattern to Druga's other stand alone. I liked the characters, as I always do. Although, they could have been developed more. drugs is a talented writer, capable of better character development than this.
My big complaint is this: typos and awful grammar. Again, Drugs is very capable of turning out a good, well written, technically well rendered book. I think she just doesn't care to make the effort. In terms of typos and poor grammar, this was one of her worst. It's as if she is publishing a first draft, and like English is not her first language.
While I do recommend this book, I have to say, there is no excuse for the poor grammar, typos and nonexistent editing.
January 2, 2016
As always...
As always Ms. Durga doesn't disappoint. Good storyline, great characters, a really nice read.
One of my favorite authors, this is not the only good book released. The "Beginning" series is fantastic. Funny, post apocalyptic story with amusing characters. Try it. You will enjoy it...
As always Ms. Durga doesn't disappoint. Good storyline, great characters, a really nice read.
One of my favorite authors, this is not the only good book released. The "Beginning" series is fantastic. Funny, post apocalyptic story with amusing characters. Try it. You will enjoy it...
October 11, 2017
The usual applies to this one as to all other J Druga books - poor editing and proof-reading (although to be fair, this is better than several others) and the storyline, although interesting is unbelievable. A deadly virus being transported in the back of a car in a breakable container? The virologist who could cure it being kept sedated in hospital? Symptoms starting exactly 72 hours after exposure and death within a few seconds? Clearly no understanding of viruses, but I can forgive that as it's fiction.
What I can't forgive is the quality of the writing. It reads as though she dictated it and went straight to print without so much as a glance. I do however like the characterisation and despite the unrealistic plot, still had to read to the end so it must have something going for it.
What I can't forgive is the quality of the writing. It reads as though she dictated it and went straight to print without so much as a glance. I do however like the characterisation and despite the unrealistic plot, still had to read to the end so it must have something going for it.
January 6, 2021
Heart wrenching
First, it has to be noted that this was the worst edited book that I have ever read and I had to reread sentences to guess at what the word that was supposed to be there was.
I don't think saying that I enjoyed anything about this book would be right. It is horrible and devastating.
I liked all the characters and I felt the author setup the story well.
First, it has to be noted that this was the worst edited book that I have ever read and I had to reread sentences to guess at what the word that was supposed to be there was.
I don't think saying that I enjoyed anything about this book would be right. It is horrible and devastating.
I liked all the characters and I felt the author setup the story well.
January 9, 2016
Good story
First, I want to say that I enjoyed reading this story. I like reading how different authors envision pandemics unfolding: what the symptoms would be, how the disease would be transmitted and how civilization would cope with it. I liked how this author did that and I enjoyed the characters. However, the editing was poor and that's why I'm giving this book only 3 stars. There were many instances of words missing, incorrect words, incorrect tenses. Occasionally, something just didn't make sense, so I skipped over it. I think a revised edition with better editing would make this book a much better reading experience.
First, I want to say that I enjoyed reading this story. I like reading how different authors envision pandemics unfolding: what the symptoms would be, how the disease would be transmitted and how civilization would cope with it. I liked how this author did that and I enjoyed the characters. However, the editing was poor and that's why I'm giving this book only 3 stars. There were many instances of words missing, incorrect words, incorrect tenses. Occasionally, something just didn't make sense, so I skipped over it. I think a revised edition with better editing would make this book a much better reading experience.
February 19, 2016
Excellent read, I'd give it an easy 5 stars, but as other readers have said, the editing was terrible-this would really earn 3.5 stars because of it.
The plot was exciting, and the flow of the story didn't ever slow down, and though it's hard to finish a book with this type of material, Jacqueline did it, and did it well.
I'm excited to read more of her books, but not so excited for the punctuation errors and missing words.
The plot was exciting, and the flow of the story didn't ever slow down, and though it's hard to finish a book with this type of material, Jacqueline did it, and did it well.
I'm excited to read more of her books, but not so excited for the punctuation errors and missing words.
November 13, 2016
It really could happen!!!
I really enjoyed this book. Jacqueline Druga did an excellent job creating real characters that you could actually care about. They were well developed and so was the storyline itself. My only real complaint is the fact that "Cough" could use a good editor. For example:
"The loud, jolting sound of a car crash, snapped Macy out of it.
Suddenly, screeching tires, crashes and bangs carried into the store. It was a domino effect. One right after another. Bang. Bang. Crash.
It was enough. The sudden onset of a massive traffic accident outside along with the calls from the drifter, snapped Macy out of it."
We already knew the jolting sounds "snapped Macy out of it," so they really didn't need to tell us again. It's minor, but still made me scratch my head and take a second glance. It gave me the feeling that this was one of the author's first works, but it's far from it. In my opinion, editing is important. Like I said,though, the story itself was really great. I enjoyed every second of it, and had a hard time putting the book down once I got started.
I would recommend this story to any adult, or young adult, who enjoys apocalyptic tales. Although I believe this isn't a book for children, there is no real sexuality nor swearing that could offend some adult readers. There is, of course, plenty of death; but that's to be expected. It is after all about a serious virus let loose on the world's population!
Well worth my time...and it will be worth yours too.
I really enjoyed this book. Jacqueline Druga did an excellent job creating real characters that you could actually care about. They were well developed and so was the storyline itself. My only real complaint is the fact that "Cough" could use a good editor. For example:
"The loud, jolting sound of a car crash, snapped Macy out of it.
Suddenly, screeching tires, crashes and bangs carried into the store. It was a domino effect. One right after another. Bang. Bang. Crash.
It was enough. The sudden onset of a massive traffic accident outside along with the calls from the drifter, snapped Macy out of it."
We already knew the jolting sounds "snapped Macy out of it," so they really didn't need to tell us again. It's minor, but still made me scratch my head and take a second glance. It gave me the feeling that this was one of the author's first works, but it's far from it. In my opinion, editing is important. Like I said,though, the story itself was really great. I enjoyed every second of it, and had a hard time putting the book down once I got started.
I would recommend this story to any adult, or young adult, who enjoys apocalyptic tales. Although I believe this isn't a book for children, there is no real sexuality nor swearing that could offend some adult readers. There is, of course, plenty of death; but that's to be expected. It is after all about a serious virus let loose on the world's population!
Well worth my time...and it will be worth yours too.
February 24, 2025
I really wanted to give this book more stars. If you are a fan of the author's pandemic apocalypse tales, then it should definitely be on your reading list (and is probably 4 stars). Please note that there are still some editorial issues with this book (but if you're a fan of this author you are used to that).
Why did I give it two measly stars then?
I found some key plot elements to be just too unbelievable. For example: There were others and I guess I could live with these as a work of fiction/fantasy.
However, I had to draw a line with: . I just could not unsee those words which still remain with me to this day. I could not even blame them on an editorial typo. Pandemic books need a degree of plausibility and those seven words just knocked down the house of cards for me.
Why did I give it two measly stars then?
I found some key plot elements to be just too unbelievable. For example: There were others and I guess I could live with these as a work of fiction/fantasy.
However, I had to draw a line with: . I just could not unsee those words which still remain with me to this day. I could not even blame them on an editorial typo. Pandemic books need a degree of plausibility and those seven words just knocked down the house of cards for me.
September 21, 2022
A good virus story!
I have read quite a few books from Jacqueline Druga and have to say this is one of my favorites. The characters were very likable and I found myself caring about what was happening to Macy and her family as well as how the rest of the world was coping. It had scary undertones to the COVID virus but thank God it wasn't no where as deadly as the one in the book. The only criticism that I would have is having the readers know how the rest of the world was handling the pandemic; if so many people died in the US and the Savior plan was put into motion, how would a country with a larger population but not with the resources such as India handle it? Also, there seemed to be a lack of diversity amongst the characters; no people of color or different sexual orientation. I hope that people of those characteristics isn't assumed to have all died. Other than that, I truly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more stories from her!
I have read quite a few books from Jacqueline Druga and have to say this is one of my favorites. The characters were very likable and I found myself caring about what was happening to Macy and her family as well as how the rest of the world was coping. It had scary undertones to the COVID virus but thank God it wasn't no where as deadly as the one in the book. The only criticism that I would have is having the readers know how the rest of the world was handling the pandemic; if so many people died in the US and the Savior plan was put into motion, how would a country with a larger population but not with the resources such as India handle it? Also, there seemed to be a lack of diversity amongst the characters; no people of color or different sexual orientation. I hope that people of those characteristics isn't assumed to have all died. Other than that, I truly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more stories from her!
June 14, 2018
Another winner, Jacqueline Druga is the queen of dystopia
I love all of her books so far, and this one was no different, another great story. Bad editing sure, but not bad enough to make me dislike it. Cough is about a small town pulling together to make it through a coughing virus that kills after an automobile accident releases the virus, making them one of two ground zeroes in the United States.
Confusion reigns as people drop and die, all communications are cut to the outside world, and the national guard circles the town to keep them quarantined. It pulled me in and kept my attention, I look forward to reading many more of her books.
I love all of her books so far, and this one was no different, another great story. Bad editing sure, but not bad enough to make me dislike it. Cough is about a small town pulling together to make it through a coughing virus that kills after an automobile accident releases the virus, making them one of two ground zeroes in the United States.
Confusion reigns as people drop and die, all communications are cut to the outside world, and the national guard circles the town to keep them quarantined. It pulled me in and kept my attention, I look forward to reading many more of her books.
June 5, 2019
Hearing a cough has an all new meaning for me.
A deadly virus with no cure is stolen and purposely released. The race is on to find a cure. A few scientists are working on that when they crash in a small town and more virus is released. The scientists race to find a cure before everyone is lost. After reading this book every time I hear a cough I will remember this book.
A deadly virus with no cure is stolen and purposely released. The race is on to find a cure. A few scientists are working on that when they crash in a small town and more virus is released. The scientists race to find a cure before everyone is lost. After reading this book every time I hear a cough I will remember this book.
May 14, 2023
Another brilliant read.
Jacqueline Druga has done it again Cough was amazing and I don't think I will hear someone cough without thinking about this book. It runs on so quickly and the pages seem to turn themselves. I've read a few of the author's books and I've never been disappointed. It's definitely worth reading.
Jacqueline Druga has done it again Cough was amazing and I don't think I will hear someone cough without thinking about this book. It runs on so quickly and the pages seem to turn themselves. I've read a few of the author's books and I've never been disappointed. It's definitely worth reading.
November 16, 2023
A really excellent virus, end of the world adventure! I always really enjoy this authors stories! Great ideas, full of excitement & action, good levels of pace & some really mad situations! You never know where these books will go! Always a real pleasure to read! I do recommend this & all the other stories have read by this writer!
November 5, 2017
COUGH
Hi your a new author to me. Ran across this book. And I really enjoyed it. I will be reading more of your books because this book was engaging, interesting all throughout and kept me wanting to get to the end to see the end result. I loved it.
Hi your a new author to me. Ran across this book. And I really enjoyed it. I will be reading more of your books because this book was engaging, interesting all throughout and kept me wanting to get to the end to see the end result. I loved it.
January 4, 2018
Very good read but I don't understand where it ended when it did end. It kind of dragged out. I kind of got sleepy trying to hang on to the excitement. It had a good concept about the end of the world. Maybe the next book will explain more.
June 15, 2019
Love this book! Whenever I run out of new ones I always go back to one of Jacqueline Druga's.
Can't put it down one I start reading. All of her books pull you in quickly. And of course I always get attached to the characters.
Can't put it down one I start reading. All of her books pull you in quickly. And of course I always get attached to the characters.
May 28, 2023
Druga Does it again
Cough was another great read, great characters, the storyline too believable since COVID-19. The way it ended, maybe a Cough 2 is coming with how they get the country on its feet. Thanks Jacqueline for another great book. Barry
Cough was another great read, great characters, the storyline too believable since COVID-19. The way it ended, maybe a Cough 2 is coming with how they get the country on its feet. Thanks Jacqueline for another great book. Barry
June 12, 2025
Rating dropped one for crap editing. Get an editor. You need one. Your stories are great. Your grammar needs work. Take classes or pay someone with the skills to catch your errors that show up one every page.
January 18, 2020
Really good! It was a little more gruesome than her other books, and I thought that there were a couple of things that could have been different, but for the most part I really enjoyed it.
May 13, 2020
I liked it until the end. I hate when books jump ahead a period of time. Sure, it was a happy-ish ending but I just wasn't feeling it. It ended on a "meh" note for me.
December 9, 2020
I think this scared me as it could be now a bit. The characters are well written. I love the make lead. He’s awesome. I recommend this book.
August 9, 2023
It started out really good and exciting and then it ...wasn't . I always hate seeing some of the main characters die😶
August 10, 2023
cough is a good book
Cough is a good book, I gave it 3 stars because the story line dragged on for a bit. The characters were well developed and the concept was good.
Cough is a good book, I gave it 3 stars because the story line dragged on for a bit. The characters were well developed and the concept was good.
November 26, 2023
Not quite what I expected with a fairly rushed ending. Still it had my interest to the last page.
December 1, 2023
Got another deal on Kindle Unlimited so I'm trying to read through all of this author's books. =) I liked this one pretty good. Scary from just a cough.
January 5, 2025
J Druga is my most read author at the moment. Her books never disappoint… cough included.
February 7, 2025
Excellent as usual!
February 7, 2025
Gret Author
Great read - I love this author. Read about half of the books she’s written. Still working on the rest
Great read - I love this author. Read about half of the books she’s written. Still working on the rest
March 27, 2023
Another
Great book from Druga. I really enjoyed this story, a little bit of intrigue and a lot of story telling. I can’t recommend her books enough.
Great book from Druga. I really enjoyed this story, a little bit of intrigue and a lot of story telling. I can’t recommend her books enough.
November 13, 2020
This was generally a good book and it unfolds in an interesting way. I did find some things hard to believe. First, viruses do not work on such an exact timer as indicated here. Other factors, including the host environment have an impact on when symptoms appear, change etc. Second, this is such a dangerous organism yet ends up in a rather rickety case to be taken to a destruction site? Not such a good security system in place, I guess. The ending seemed rush and very quiet. There were a lot of errors in writing, grammar, punctuation, word usage etc. Even a cursory proofreader should have found some of them. This author has great stories to tell but the medium in telling them, e.g. the writing, seems to not get her attention as is should.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews