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Viral Misery #1
Viral Misery
Humanity is at the tipping point and nature will be its downfall. The bird flu out of China has mutated. Now able to latch on and replicate within humans, the virus will spread swiftly throughout the world. When you spread a virus before you even know you have it, everyone becomes a carrier. There is no preparation, and there is no cure. You can only hope that you are one of the few who are immune, or can survive long enough to fight.
Wendy and Arthur have spent their lives in service to others. Having raised one child, and learned to live off the land, their only wish is for their son to give them grandchildren. They want to retire in comfort, knowing that they are self-sufficient and able to take care of themselves. Having never been apart for more than a few nights, Wendy has the opportunity to take a well deserved ladies vacation. Little do they know that their entire world will change in an instant, and they ll be left alone to live, or to die, a thousand miles apart.
Wendy and Arthur have spent their lives in service to others. Having raised one child, and learned to live off the land, their only wish is for their son to give them grandchildren. They want to retire in comfort, knowing that they are self-sufficient and able to take care of themselves. Having never been apart for more than a few nights, Wendy has the opportunity to take a well deserved ladies vacation. Little do they know that their entire world will change in an instant, and they ll be left alone to live, or to die, a thousand miles apart.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2017
161 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Thomas A. Watson
54 books209 followers Thomas A Watson was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, in 1970, and grew up in Doyline, Louisiana and Grenada, Mississippi. He was the assistant manager of W.C. Plastics in Grenada Mississippi for several years before joining the U.S Army, he was stationed at Bad Hersfeld, Germany. After serving fours years in the Army, he returned to W.C. Plastics where he was the acting manager for four years.
He attended Holmes Community College in the evenings while working at W.C Plastics, taking core classes. He moved back to Bossier City area to be closer to his and his wife's family and attended Northwestern State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working 10 years as an emergency room nurse in and around Shreveport, he and his wife and two children, moved to Missoula, Montana.
Watson, meet his wife Tina in Grenada, Mississippi, they will celebrate 25 years of marriage in May of 2015. They have three children, Nicholas, Khristian and Phillip. Watson, penned his first book in January of 2012, after moving to Missoula, Montana. His parents, Larry Watson and Kay Boykin, instilled the love of reading at a very early age. He has read and enjoyed most genres. His first published book Blue Plague: The Fall was released on Amazon and Createspace in August 2012.
Watson, signed a publishing contract with Winlock Press a division of Permuted Press in December of 2014. His Blue Plague series and Dark Titan series will be re-released in 2015 under Winlock Press.
Also in 2015 from Amazon self-publishing, his newest Thanos: Dawn of Man, a fantasy series.
He attended Holmes Community College in the evenings while working at W.C Plastics, taking core classes. He moved back to Bossier City area to be closer to his and his wife's family and attended Northwestern State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working 10 years as an emergency room nurse in and around Shreveport, he and his wife and two children, moved to Missoula, Montana.
Watson, meet his wife Tina in Grenada, Mississippi, they will celebrate 25 years of marriage in May of 2015. They have three children, Nicholas, Khristian and Phillip. Watson, penned his first book in January of 2012, after moving to Missoula, Montana. His parents, Larry Watson and Kay Boykin, instilled the love of reading at a very early age. He has read and enjoyed most genres. His first published book Blue Plague: The Fall was released on Amazon and Createspace in August 2012.
Watson, signed a publishing contract with Winlock Press a division of Permuted Press in December of 2014. His Blue Plague series and Dark Titan series will be re-released in 2015 under Winlock Press.
Also in 2015 from Amazon self-publishing, his newest Thanos: Dawn of Man, a fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 4, 2020
The start of this book reminded me of Contagion. Good movie but this book is better!
I'm looking forward to starting the next one. Like now.
I'm looking forward to starting the next one. Like now.
October 6, 2017
The Watson magic strikes again as Tommy, along with the writing debut of his wife Tina, deliver an awesome yet unique viral pandemic story.
In typical Tommy fashion he wraps the story around an amazing couple, a world dissolving around them, a bunker full of scientists and politicians, a cruise ship stranded in port and a ragtag mix of kids trying to survive.
From the first sentence, the story just grabs you, the struggle to live breaks your heart, and throughout, Thomas and Tina show that joy and laughter can endure even through Viral Misery.
Excellent!
In typical Tommy fashion he wraps the story around an amazing couple, a world dissolving around them, a bunker full of scientists and politicians, a cruise ship stranded in port and a ragtag mix of kids trying to survive.
From the first sentence, the story just grabs you, the struggle to live breaks your heart, and throughout, Thomas and Tina show that joy and laughter can endure even through Viral Misery.
Excellent!
January 23, 2018
Arthur and Wendy Steele have established themselves by pretty much living off their land. They feel that they are prepared for most anything that life can throw at them. All their skills will be put to the test when Wendy finds herself stranded on a cruise ship while Arthur is at home tending the farm as the world struggles with a flu pandemic.
The Watson’s first co-authored novel, Viral Misery: Book One, takes the reader from the very beginning of the flu and shows how quickly and quietly it is spread throughout the world. It then goes from the worldview to following Author’s and Wendy’s plight. It’s a slow read at first but picks up speed quickly about a third of the way through.
At first, I did not like the Steeles. Something about their personalities rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe I was a little jealous of their lifestyle and a bit insulted by their crudeness. But, once the flu filtered into their lives I came to like them both very much.
The subject matter is rather grim and the scenarios presented are for the most part feasible. I did find some of the interactions too good to be true. The most telling being that a sizeable group of children was always well behaved and disciplined.
What I appreciated the most was levity interjected to break up the tension of the subject matter. I will forever have pictured in my mind a two-year-old running around in pink cowboy boots after she has stripped off all her clothes with others chasing after trying to redress her. And, I can still hear the others gagging as a stinky diaper was being changed in the close quarters of a closed vehicle. Too funny!
All in all, it is a good read. I look forward to book two.
4 out of 5 stars due to typos.
The Watson’s first co-authored novel, Viral Misery: Book One, takes the reader from the very beginning of the flu and shows how quickly and quietly it is spread throughout the world. It then goes from the worldview to following Author’s and Wendy’s plight. It’s a slow read at first but picks up speed quickly about a third of the way through.
At first, I did not like the Steeles. Something about their personalities rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe I was a little jealous of their lifestyle and a bit insulted by their crudeness. But, once the flu filtered into their lives I came to like them both very much.
The subject matter is rather grim and the scenarios presented are for the most part feasible. I did find some of the interactions too good to be true. The most telling being that a sizeable group of children was always well behaved and disciplined.
What I appreciated the most was levity interjected to break up the tension of the subject matter. I will forever have pictured in my mind a two-year-old running around in pink cowboy boots after she has stripped off all her clothes with others chasing after trying to redress her. And, I can still hear the others gagging as a stinky diaper was being changed in the close quarters of a closed vehicle. Too funny!
All in all, it is a good read. I look forward to book two.
4 out of 5 stars due to typos.
February 14, 2020
Very good
An interesting, well written story that I must continue reading. I could not put the book down to sleep & will be very tired when I have to get up on a few hours. Definitely worth missing some sleep.
An interesting, well written story that I must continue reading. I could not put the book down to sleep & will be very tired when I have to get up on a few hours. Definitely worth missing some sleep.
November 17, 2017
ONE GREAT NEW BOOK, WHICH I HOPE BECOMES AN EVER GREATER SERIES. A MUST READ!
What a wonderful awesome story. I've fallen in love with this book and especially the people, Arthur & Wendy, they are such great caring, loving upstanding people. But as Wendy starts her 3 week Cruise there's something covering the globe that no one can ever imagine. A virus with more than a 90% fatality rate starts to decimate the planet. With Arthur & Wendy on different parts of the globe, they do what they can to survive, even helping & caring for babies and children left behind after the majority of adults on the planet die, leaving their little ones behind as these young ones need protecting from the monsters that walk on 2 feet, even as they're sick & know that they are dying, they turn their evil thoughts towards the young children and adults. But not if Arthur and Wendy have any say in this new apocylypse, even worried about each other, with Wendy trying to get home and Arthur unsure if Wendy is even alive, they do what must be done to save the innocent left behind. Plus with their son Joseph serving in the Military they dont even know where he is, or if he's safe & well. Tina & Thomas Watson, you definitely do great things when you do them together. So please bring on Book #2, as soon as you can, as this is looking to be one awesome series and here's hoping it goes beyond more than 3 or 4 books. This is definitely a book a series I'd recommend everyone to check it out.
What a wonderful awesome story. I've fallen in love with this book and especially the people, Arthur & Wendy, they are such great caring, loving upstanding people. But as Wendy starts her 3 week Cruise there's something covering the globe that no one can ever imagine. A virus with more than a 90% fatality rate starts to decimate the planet. With Arthur & Wendy on different parts of the globe, they do what they can to survive, even helping & caring for babies and children left behind after the majority of adults on the planet die, leaving their little ones behind as these young ones need protecting from the monsters that walk on 2 feet, even as they're sick & know that they are dying, they turn their evil thoughts towards the young children and adults. But not if Arthur and Wendy have any say in this new apocylypse, even worried about each other, with Wendy trying to get home and Arthur unsure if Wendy is even alive, they do what must be done to save the innocent left behind. Plus with their son Joseph serving in the Military they dont even know where he is, or if he's safe & well. Tina & Thomas Watson, you definitely do great things when you do them together. So please bring on Book #2, as soon as you can, as this is looking to be one awesome series and here's hoping it goes beyond more than 3 or 4 books. This is definitely a book a series I'd recommend everyone to check it out.
September 24, 2018
Great start
This is a great start for the tag team of Tina and Thomas Watson. The subject matter is scary as well as interesting. The main cast of characters are great and well developed. Glad I lost a day to read it.
This is a great start for the tag team of Tina and Thomas Watson. The subject matter is scary as well as interesting. The main cast of characters are great and well developed. Glad I lost a day to read it.
October 27, 2017
Thomas Watson has been a published author for a long time but this is the first time teaming up with his wife Tina and all I can say is "What took you guys so long?" I love this book with it's lovable characters, action and the emotional ride it takes you on.
Arthur and Wendy are quite content living mostly off the grid on their farm with their pets, livestock, weapons, making their own clothes and occasionally pulling part time nursing shifts at the hospital. Wendy is away on a ladies vacation on a cruise ship when the bird flu virus begins and people start dropping like flies. Millions die, some get the flu but recover, others are driven crazy and for some unknown reason many of the survivors are children.
Arthur checks on his young neighbours and saves their little baby Nichole, needing formula and diapers he heads to town and ends up rescuing many more children. Meanwhile Wendy has escaped from the cruise ship with young children she has saved.
Arthur with the help of the children fortifies the farm against marauding gangs of cruel and nasty survivors while Wendy begins her long and danger filled trek home.
This compelling story of survival against the odds is a must read. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this awesome series.
Arthur and Wendy are quite content living mostly off the grid on their farm with their pets, livestock, weapons, making their own clothes and occasionally pulling part time nursing shifts at the hospital. Wendy is away on a ladies vacation on a cruise ship when the bird flu virus begins and people start dropping like flies. Millions die, some get the flu but recover, others are driven crazy and for some unknown reason many of the survivors are children.
Arthur checks on his young neighbours and saves their little baby Nichole, needing formula and diapers he heads to town and ends up rescuing many more children. Meanwhile Wendy has escaped from the cruise ship with young children she has saved.
Arthur with the help of the children fortifies the farm against marauding gangs of cruel and nasty survivors while Wendy begins her long and danger filled trek home.
This compelling story of survival against the odds is a must read. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this awesome series.
October 3, 2019
A welcome change of pace
Having read blue plague, Forgotten forbidden America and the Sto!en liberty series. Viral misery was a welcome change of pace. Don't get me wrong I loved the above series but they were fast paced and the action never stopped right from the beginning. For someone who has never been around guns of any kind due to living in Scotland I found my self being overwhelmed With all the different types. I even found myself googling them so that when reading I could visualise what the characters were using. With Viral Misery I felt that I got to know the characters a bit more in depth. one thing I have noticed in all of the series is the importance of family and you don't need to be a blood relative to be included. It's one of the aspects of the books I really enjoy. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series not only in Viral Misery but also in forgotten forbidden America and stolen liberty.
Having read blue plague, Forgotten forbidden America and the Sto!en liberty series. Viral misery was a welcome change of pace. Don't get me wrong I loved the above series but they were fast paced and the action never stopped right from the beginning. For someone who has never been around guns of any kind due to living in Scotland I found my self being overwhelmed With all the different types. I even found myself googling them so that when reading I could visualise what the characters were using. With Viral Misery I felt that I got to know the characters a bit more in depth. one thing I have noticed in all of the series is the importance of family and you don't need to be a blood relative to be included. It's one of the aspects of the books I really enjoy. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series not only in Viral Misery but also in forgotten forbidden America and stolen liberty.
October 11, 2017
Thomas A Watson has become a "Most Buy" author for me. This book is a perfect example of why. Good solid story line with fast pacing and characters that are vivid. Now to give credit where credit is due, this tale was written in partnership with his wife.
Characters are spot on. The main characters are not perfect. They are just people caught in a bad situation doing the best that they can. To me, this adds realism to the tale. Making hard choices, doing things we really don't want to and stepping up to take responsibility are things most of us face in our lives (just not to this degree...lol). When you can read a book that you can relate to on such a level, it makes that book and the authors favorites. I can't wait for the next one.
Characters are spot on. The main characters are not perfect. They are just people caught in a bad situation doing the best that they can. To me, this adds realism to the tale. Making hard choices, doing things we really don't want to and stepping up to take responsibility are things most of us face in our lives (just not to this degree...lol). When you can read a book that you can relate to on such a level, it makes that book and the authors favorites. I can't wait for the next one.
January 2, 2023
I liked the book, it was obviously written as a series of books. If there was a criticism (part way through book two) is that everything is going right. The main characters are Mary Sus and Gary Stus, in the sense they’re good at everything. Whatever the particular problem they come across they have the skills, experience and understanding to be better than everyone else. And everything goes right for them. There is no real sense of peril.
A second criticism is the general sense of misanthropy. That as society collapsed it released people to become the murderous rapists and paedophiles they always were.
But, that said, it is enjoyable reading about the practicalities of a post apocalyptic world, and would make for a great multi season tv show.
A second criticism is the general sense of misanthropy. That as society collapsed it released people to become the murderous rapists and paedophiles they always were.
But, that said, it is enjoyable reading about the practicalities of a post apocalyptic world, and would make for a great multi season tv show.
October 7, 2017
I received a free copy and am voluntarily writing a review.
This book is so good that I have no words to tell you how much I like it! I haven't enjoyed a book so much for a long time. I never wanted it to end!! To me this book was very satisfying, it was a joy to read, and now I want more! Thank You Thomas Watson, you have joined forces with your wife Tina, that is the best you could have done! Your books are awesome, but now they are even better! Thank you!
I give this book 10 out of 5 stars!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
This book is so good that I have no words to tell you how much I like it! I haven't enjoyed a book so much for a long time. I never wanted it to end!! To me this book was very satisfying, it was a joy to read, and now I want more! Thank You Thomas Watson, you have joined forces with your wife Tina, that is the best you could have done! Your books are awesome, but now they are even better! Thank you!
I give this book 10 out of 5 stars!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
November 18, 2017
5 Stars
Thomas Watson is an outstanding author on his own, and now he finally teamed up with his wife, Tina. Together these to have come up with an epic story, that I hope will continue through many more books.
Great character's with plenty of action. Arthur and Wendy are the type of people that I would want to hook up with if something every happened. The kids that they saved and collected are lucky to have found such caring people in this story.
I can't wait for their next book.
October 25, 2017
Viral Misery
I absolutely loved this first book written by both Tina and Thomas A Watson! When a virus hits everywhere and most of the population is dying with few people surviving except for the children. Who will be left to care for them? What will happen to them? You are going to have to read this book because I am not going to tell you! Get it, you will not be disappointed!
I absolutely loved this first book written by both Tina and Thomas A Watson! When a virus hits everywhere and most of the population is dying with few people surviving except for the children. Who will be left to care for them? What will happen to them? You are going to have to read this book because I am not going to tell you! Get it, you will not be disappointed!
October 6, 2017
Loved it
I really enjoyed this story. At first it like a horror story in the sense you know something bad is about to happen, but it is unavoidable. I quickly cared about the main characters and hope there will be a sequel! You know it's a good story when you start to tear up at the end of the book. Highly recommend!
I really enjoyed this story. At first it like a horror story in the sense you know something bad is about to happen, but it is unavoidable. I quickly cared about the main characters and hope there will be a sequel! You know it's a good story when you start to tear up at the end of the book. Highly recommend!
October 28, 2017
Top of the list of best book I have ever read. With some very minor observations (people still fighting with 1 or 2 AR-15 shots in the chest) this book is a must read for those who enjoy adventure and love along with some well thought out possibilities in life. I rationed my reading because I did not want it to end. Wow!
December 6, 2017
Awesome Story of Survival!
A great story written by the dynamic duo, Thomas A and Tina Watson! The details in this story make you feel as though you are right there with the characters. Surviving the flu has never been so difficult with millions dying and the struggles of surviving. I highly recommend reading this book!
A great story written by the dynamic duo, Thomas A and Tina Watson! The details in this story make you feel as though you are right there with the characters. Surviving the flu has never been so difficult with millions dying and the struggles of surviving. I highly recommend reading this book!
January 13, 2021
Good start
While our heroes seem almost superhuman, in a disaster the average fail. In retrospect considering covid the premise of the book is more likely than not. Given the shortages from panic buying, those that have prepared are more likely to both survive and be targeted by both government and civilians.
While our heroes seem almost superhuman, in a disaster the average fail. In retrospect considering covid the premise of the book is more likely than not. Given the shortages from panic buying, those that have prepared are more likely to both survive and be targeted by both government and civilians.
June 24, 2025
Like the clean humor
I like the story and the clean humor, the rest not so much. Killing for the joy if it is not human Those that have had to take another's life know that. its no joking matter. The language presents no value. You are creative but it would be much better with out the killing and cursing.
I like the story and the clean humor, the rest not so much. Killing for the joy if it is not human Those that have had to take another's life know that. its no joking matter. The language presents no value. You are creative but it would be much better with out the killing and cursing.
October 6, 2017
Fantabulous story
Don’t know how you do it but Watson books reach out and grab my face so I can’t look away from the book. Tina great job, you too Tommy as usual. I love the way the story grows.
Don’t know how you do it but Watson books reach out and grab my face so I can’t look away from the book. Tina great job, you too Tommy as usual. I love the way the story grows.
October 7, 2017
What a Riveting Ride!
This book held me spellbound. From the beginning it grasp you and takes you for a ride. It made me want to cry and laugh at the same time. Am looking forward to book two.
This book held me spellbound. From the beginning it grasp you and takes you for a ride. It made me want to cry and laugh at the same time. Am looking forward to book two.
October 25, 2017
Can’t wait for book 2
I stayed up all night reading this book. Not only was the plot great but I fell in love with the characters. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for the next step in the story.
I stayed up all night reading this book. Not only was the plot great but I fell in love with the characters. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for the next step in the story.
November 11, 2017
What a winner!
"Viral Misery" is quite a book!! Filled with laughter, hope and, yeah, killing. A new author favorite of mine. Two for the price of one. Good job, guys. Now for the next!
"Viral Misery" is quite a book!! Filled with laughter, hope and, yeah, killing. A new author favorite of mine. Two for the price of one. Good job, guys. Now for the next!
November 14, 2017
Fantastic story, amazing characters, terrifying situations!
This combined effort by Thomas and Tina Watson is a realistic and sobering read. Could this happen in our lifetimes? A fully engrossing story that barely lets the reader up for air. Outstandingly well done!
This combined effort by Thomas and Tina Watson is a realistic and sobering read. Could this happen in our lifetimes? A fully engrossing story that barely lets the reader up for air. Outstandingly well done!
December 9, 2017
Gotta have another one
I kept putting off reading this book even though it was recommended to me repeatedly. I must say its one of the best books I've read. P!ease write another one and start a series.
I kept putting off reading this book even though it was recommended to me repeatedly. I must say its one of the best books I've read. P!ease write another one and start a series.
December 12, 2017
Absolutely Awesome
What a terrific collaboration on this first of the series. Arthur and Wendy should be called the pied pipers with all the young survivors that they find and bring together as one big family. Keep up the great work and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
What a terrific collaboration on this first of the series. Arthur and Wendy should be called the pied pipers with all the young survivors that they find and bring together as one big family. Keep up the great work and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
November 12, 2019
Love this novel!
Read this in one nite. Could not put it down to sleep! Great story with a lot of heart. Characters are well developed and well motivated. Story plotted so something is always happening.
Read this in one nite. Could not put it down to sleep! Great story with a lot of heart. Characters are well developed and well motivated. Story plotted so something is always happening.
October 23, 2020
Another great book
I love all of the Watson books. With this book, again, Watsons, I couldn't put it down. The writing is amazing and I feel connected to the characters. Keep writing Watsons!!
I love all of the Watson books. With this book, again, Watsons, I couldn't put it down. The writing is amazing and I feel connected to the characters. Keep writing Watsons!!
October 8, 2017
Great book!
I am thrilled with this book. It took the super virus genre and beat it into submission. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next in the series.
I am thrilled with this book. It took the super virus genre and beat it into submission. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next in the series.
October 12, 2017
Viral Misery 1
Loved this book can't wait for the next in the series.. Kids and the apocalypse what next? I can't wait to find out.
Loved this book can't wait for the next in the series.. Kids and the apocalypse what next? I can't wait to find out.
October 19, 2017
Riveting
Can't wait for the next book to come out. Couldn't put it down until I had finished. Just as good as the other series.
Can't wait for the next book to come out. Couldn't put it down until I had finished. Just as good as the other series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews