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Lindsey McCall #4
Malthus Revisited
Eighteen-year-old Morgan Gardner did not seem like someone who could save the world—unless you took the time to notice her eyes. And most people didn’t.
Morgan’s exceptional gifts were known only to her and to the animals she could understand better than people. For a long time, she told no one about her nightmares. Embarrassed and afraid that no one would believe her, Morgan waited until it was almost too late. Then she confided in her mom’s best friend, Dr. Lindsey McCall.
Lindsey and her husband Rich had worked hard to reestablish their lives and careers after their last harrowing escapade. Relocated in a beautiful California home and newly reunited with Lindsey’s biological daughter LJ, all seemed to be going smoothly—until an enemy from their past returned with as deadly a plan as they could imagine.
The fourth novel in Lin Wilder’s popular Lindsey McCall series is her best one yet—combining the innovative medical research her readers have come to admire with a new and terrifying threat to the world’s population: a biological timebomb. Vivid characters old and new rampage across the continents of Europe, Asia, and the U.S. to stop the contagion, picking up steam as they head toward a life-or-death climax in the remote Qinghai province of China.
Malthus Revisited adds a dystopian element to Wilder’s evolving Lindsey McCall mystery series, and is guaranteed to captivate both her loyal fans and eager newcomers to its last riveting page.
Morgan’s exceptional gifts were known only to her and to the animals she could understand better than people. For a long time, she told no one about her nightmares. Embarrassed and afraid that no one would believe her, Morgan waited until it was almost too late. Then she confided in her mom’s best friend, Dr. Lindsey McCall.
Lindsey and her husband Rich had worked hard to reestablish their lives and careers after their last harrowing escapade. Relocated in a beautiful California home and newly reunited with Lindsey’s biological daughter LJ, all seemed to be going smoothly—until an enemy from their past returned with as deadly a plan as they could imagine.
The fourth novel in Lin Wilder’s popular Lindsey McCall series is her best one yet—combining the innovative medical research her readers have come to admire with a new and terrifying threat to the world’s population: a biological timebomb. Vivid characters old and new rampage across the continents of Europe, Asia, and the U.S. to stop the contagion, picking up steam as they head toward a life-or-death climax in the remote Qinghai province of China.
Malthus Revisited adds a dystopian element to Wilder’s evolving Lindsey McCall mystery series, and is guaranteed to captivate both her loyal fans and eager newcomers to its last riveting page.
294 pages, Paperback
First published December 14, 2017
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Lin Wilder
13 books225 followersLin Wilder has a doctorate in Public Health from the UT Houston with a background in cardiopulmonary physiology, medical ethics, and hospital administration. During her thirty-plus years in academic health care administration, Lin authored numerous texts in these fields.
She began writing fiction only after leaving her Hospital Director position at UMASS Medical Center. Since then, Lin’s been the recipient of an extensive array of awards for her two series of novels. Her medical mystery series include: The Fragrance Shed By A Violet, Do You Solemnly Swear? A Price for Genius and Malthus Revisited. Plausible Liars, the fifth in the Dr. Lindsey McCall mystery series, is scheduled for release in the late spring of 2022.
Lin’s ancient novel series includes I, Claudia, and My Name is Saul. The third in that series, and her latest novel, The Reluctant Queen, took first place for historical and religious fiction in Feathered Quill’s Best Books of 2022. In addition, her memoir, Finding the Narrow Path, recounts her journey away from God and back again.
Lin lives in the Texas hill country with her husband and dogs.
Signed copies of her books can be purchased at linwilder.com. In addition, her weekly blog ranks in the top 100 Christian blogs and book reviews.
She began writing fiction only after leaving her Hospital Director position at UMASS Medical Center. Since then, Lin’s been the recipient of an extensive array of awards for her two series of novels. Her medical mystery series include: The Fragrance Shed By A Violet, Do You Solemnly Swear? A Price for Genius and Malthus Revisited. Plausible Liars, the fifth in the Dr. Lindsey McCall mystery series, is scheduled for release in the late spring of 2022.
Lin’s ancient novel series includes I, Claudia, and My Name is Saul. The third in that series, and her latest novel, The Reluctant Queen, took first place for historical and religious fiction in Feathered Quill’s Best Books of 2022. In addition, her memoir, Finding the Narrow Path, recounts her journey away from God and back again.
Lin lives in the Texas hill country with her husband and dogs.
Signed copies of her books can be purchased at linwilder.com. In addition, her weekly blog ranks in the top 100 Christian blogs and book reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 19, 2018
Another addictive page-turner by Lin Wilder. For the uninitiated reader, you won’t realize how great these books are until you start one. This book stands alone as a fantastic story and yet still carries forth as the latest great work in the Lindsay McCall series.
The threat of global annihilation by disease is all too real and grips the reader. The author has the gift of taking the reader and putting them headlong into a story. You find you can’t easily stop as you are craving the knowledge of what comes next.
I loved the character of Morgan the savant almost as much as I loved the flawed character of Joe. The ‘surprise’ near the end bodes well for another epic in the series to carry forth with a new focus. A tight, griping tale with a terrific ending.
5+ stars. I would recommend this book to anyone. This exciting tale harkens back to the classic suspense and action of Grisham at his best.
My Rating: 5+ stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
The threat of global annihilation by disease is all too real and grips the reader. The author has the gift of taking the reader and putting them headlong into a story. You find you can’t easily stop as you are craving the knowledge of what comes next.
I loved the character of Morgan the savant almost as much as I loved the flawed character of Joe. The ‘surprise’ near the end bodes well for another epic in the series to carry forth with a new focus. A tight, griping tale with a terrific ending.
5+ stars. I would recommend this book to anyone. This exciting tale harkens back to the classic suspense and action of Grisham at his best.
My Rating: 5+ stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
February 1, 2018
4.5 Stars
This is the 4th book in this series that features Dr. Lindsey McCall, a medical researcher. She is an amazing character and I highly recommend starting at the beginning. There are several references here that pertain to the previous stories.
This time around, in addition to the medical research ... which is explained in terms that mere mortals like me can understand easily .. she and her husband are threatened by an enemy of the past... someone who is threatening the world with a horrific disease.
She is reunited with her biological daughter, LJ, who she gave up for adoption. LJ's best friend, Morgan Gardner plays a huge part of this story. She has a secret .. one she is scared to tell anyone about... except for Dr. McCall. She hones into what is happening to the patients who are being given the threatened virus in an attempt to destroy the world.
Each one of this author's McCall medical mysteries gets better and better. The characters are flawless in their descriptions and the story premise is, not only well-written and detailed, but quite credible.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This is the 4th book in this series that features Dr. Lindsey McCall, a medical researcher. She is an amazing character and I highly recommend starting at the beginning. There are several references here that pertain to the previous stories.
This time around, in addition to the medical research ... which is explained in terms that mere mortals like me can understand easily .. she and her husband are threatened by an enemy of the past... someone who is threatening the world with a horrific disease.
She is reunited with her biological daughter, LJ, who she gave up for adoption. LJ's best friend, Morgan Gardner plays a huge part of this story. She has a secret .. one she is scared to tell anyone about... except for Dr. McCall. She hones into what is happening to the patients who are being given the threatened virus in an attempt to destroy the world.
Each one of this author's McCall medical mysteries gets better and better. The characters are flawless in their descriptions and the story premise is, not only well-written and detailed, but quite credible.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 15, 2018
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
The idea that the world’s population was out of control and needed to be dealt with by intervention was something first postulated by Thomas Robert Malthus in 1798. In Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath by Lin Wilder, a madman has made the determination that Malthus was right and is determined to destroy most of the earth’s population, using an air-borne disease to create a pandemic. Dr Lindsey McCall and her ex-policeman husband Rich are called in by a collection of international law enforcement agencies to help find this madman and neutralise both him and his maniacal plan to destroy most of the earth’s population. Lindsey has just been reunited with the daughter she gave birth to eighteen years ago, but who had been adopted by her best friend at the time. LJ and her College room-mate the autistic and gifted Morgan join her “new” parents in this out and out thriller. Throw in some supernatural happenings and the adventure begins.
Lin Wilder’s thriller Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath is a solid, fast-paced thriller that will certainly keep you on the edge of your seats for the entire breakneck ride. I understand this is the fourth book in the Dr McCall thriller series, so fans of that will undoubtedly find their favourite characters here and enjoy them. There was also a supernatural, quasi-religious tinge to the story, which elevated it above your standard spy/special forces thriller. The action was full-on, although the scenes jumped sometimes disconcertingly at times as did the perspectives. That having been said, it was a very easy read and one I had some difficulty putting down at times. For me, the best and most interesting character was the young Autistic girl Morgan. She had some unique talents and a fascinating character that could have been even deeper delved into. I hope Wilder plans to include this character in future Dr McCall thrillers as I feel there is much more yet to be unearthed and learnt from young Morgan. Joseph Cain, the assassin, turned hero, was also a fascinating study in the two sides of evil and good. The overarching theme being, nobody is irredeemable. All in all, a good, solid, and, at times, spectacular thriller.
The idea that the world’s population was out of control and needed to be dealt with by intervention was something first postulated by Thomas Robert Malthus in 1798. In Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath by Lin Wilder, a madman has made the determination that Malthus was right and is determined to destroy most of the earth’s population, using an air-borne disease to create a pandemic. Dr Lindsey McCall and her ex-policeman husband Rich are called in by a collection of international law enforcement agencies to help find this madman and neutralise both him and his maniacal plan to destroy most of the earth’s population. Lindsey has just been reunited with the daughter she gave birth to eighteen years ago, but who had been adopted by her best friend at the time. LJ and her College room-mate the autistic and gifted Morgan join her “new” parents in this out and out thriller. Throw in some supernatural happenings and the adventure begins.
Lin Wilder’s thriller Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath is a solid, fast-paced thriller that will certainly keep you on the edge of your seats for the entire breakneck ride. I understand this is the fourth book in the Dr McCall thriller series, so fans of that will undoubtedly find their favourite characters here and enjoy them. There was also a supernatural, quasi-religious tinge to the story, which elevated it above your standard spy/special forces thriller. The action was full-on, although the scenes jumped sometimes disconcertingly at times as did the perspectives. That having been said, it was a very easy read and one I had some difficulty putting down at times. For me, the best and most interesting character was the young Autistic girl Morgan. She had some unique talents and a fascinating character that could have been even deeper delved into. I hope Wilder plans to include this character in future Dr McCall thrillers as I feel there is much more yet to be unearthed and learnt from young Morgan. Joseph Cain, the assassin, turned hero, was also a fascinating study in the two sides of evil and good. The overarching theme being, nobody is irredeemable. All in all, a good, solid, and, at times, spectacular thriller.
February 19, 2018
The latest instalment in the Lindsey McCall series immediately feels as though you are still reading the same book. Lin Wilder spends a good deal of time recapping “The Fragrance Shed By A Violet” and “A Price For Genius”, creating what can perhaps more accurately be considered a saga than a series. Although the main plotlines do stand alone, as in this book, they seem of secondary importance to Lin than the subplots involving her favourite character ensemble, all of which find a role in this episode. The characters are clearly a very important part of Lin’s life, but I’m not sure if the in-depth recapping is necessary, and feel it may invoke more questions than answers in readers new to the series. For this reason, I don’t feel “Malthus Revisited” should be considered a stand-alone, and would really recommend it to fans of Lin’s previous works. As with all Lin’s books, “Malthus Revisited” is incredibly well-written, and a showcase for the author’s immense knowledge. It does include a good number of typos, which can not be ignored, and need to be cleaned up, otherwise it is a very well presented book, with a high standard of writing quality.
The book takes a while to get going, due in no small part to the extensive reminiscence, which I feel dilutes its story. The story itself is more ambitious than Wilder’s former fare – Lindsey, Rich and their circle charged with prevention of the imminent apocalypse, no less - with a villain to rival James Bond’s enemies! As we have come to expect from Lin, the book is extremely detailed and researched throughout, and one would presume this has enabled her to craft a credible story, with procedural insight on the scale of Cornwell or LaPlante; of course, while she is an expert in her field, most of us are not – when she embarks upon the medical academia and procedural jargon, you tend to just nod and take her word for it. Ultimately, in spite of its subject matter, which should be about as gripping as it gets, I’m sorry to say that this book did lose my attention after a while, and it did take effort to stay with it. Lin’s books generally are not my cup of tea, but I can see clearly the appeal of this talented author, particularly to those of a medical or science background. I think where I fall away is with the characters – I’m afraid I don’t feel the same way that Lin does about Lindsey McCall: I don’t find her perfection and limitless virtues endearing at all, but quite the opposite. In fact, the warmth and decency of all the main characters, after four books, does become a little sickly. I would prefer more focus on the storyline, and less of the recapped backstory and continuous development of the main characters. That said, it is an easier read than its prequels, and I did so over two evenings; there are far worse ways to spend a few hours.
The book takes a while to get going, due in no small part to the extensive reminiscence, which I feel dilutes its story. The story itself is more ambitious than Wilder’s former fare – Lindsey, Rich and their circle charged with prevention of the imminent apocalypse, no less - with a villain to rival James Bond’s enemies! As we have come to expect from Lin, the book is extremely detailed and researched throughout, and one would presume this has enabled her to craft a credible story, with procedural insight on the scale of Cornwell or LaPlante; of course, while she is an expert in her field, most of us are not – when she embarks upon the medical academia and procedural jargon, you tend to just nod and take her word for it. Ultimately, in spite of its subject matter, which should be about as gripping as it gets, I’m sorry to say that this book did lose my attention after a while, and it did take effort to stay with it. Lin’s books generally are not my cup of tea, but I can see clearly the appeal of this talented author, particularly to those of a medical or science background. I think where I fall away is with the characters – I’m afraid I don’t feel the same way that Lin does about Lindsey McCall: I don’t find her perfection and limitless virtues endearing at all, but quite the opposite. In fact, the warmth and decency of all the main characters, after four books, does become a little sickly. I would prefer more focus on the storyline, and less of the recapped backstory and continuous development of the main characters. That said, it is an easier read than its prequels, and I did so over two evenings; there are far worse ways to spend a few hours.
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January 28, 2018Reviewed By Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite
Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath by Lin Wilder is the fourth book in the Lindsey McCall Medical Mystery series. Lindsey and her husband, Rich, have gotten their lives back together after their last ordeal. They've even bonded with Lindsey's biological daughter, LJ, who has come to live with them while she attends school. When their past comes back to haunt them, Lindsey learns of a terrifying and deadly plan. Meanwhile, LJ's best friend, Morgan, has kept her gifts a secret, fearing no one would believe her. When her startling nightmares become too real, she reveals them to Lindsey and discovers that they could be the key to saving the world.
The characters are vivid and layered, scattered around the world, but each one connects back to Lindsey and Rich. LJ has recently come back into Lindsey's life after being adopted by loving parents. LJ had a rough past few years, but she's since moved forward with her life and has found two homes, one with her parents and one with Lindsey. Morgan is a charming and layered character, with a blunt and spunky nature, ASD, and terrifying nightmares that seem to hold the key to saving the future. LJ and Morgan have a sweet bond built on honesty and trust. Joe Cairns is a complicated character tied to Lindsey and her husband, who undergoes an interesting journey. As a child he met King David who returns to his life through an unexpected place, giving him a revelation that sends him on another path. Cairns was a marine and he has a particular skill set that comes into play often, but his personal inner journey balances out Morgan's own. Morgan has kept her nightmares a secret for so long that when she finally reveals them, she seems relieved to be to able to trust someone, to believe in herself, and fully embrace this part of herself.
The scenes are thorough and detailed, with Lin Wilder weaving in medical research that acts as the backbone to the dangerous mystery. Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath is a thrilling mystery with high stakes, a dystopian tone and a seemingly mystical current running underneath the story.
Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath by Lin Wilder is the fourth book in the Lindsey McCall Medical Mystery series. Lindsey and her husband, Rich, have gotten their lives back together after their last ordeal. They've even bonded with Lindsey's biological daughter, LJ, who has come to live with them while she attends school. When their past comes back to haunt them, Lindsey learns of a terrifying and deadly plan. Meanwhile, LJ's best friend, Morgan, has kept her gifts a secret, fearing no one would believe her. When her startling nightmares become too real, she reveals them to Lindsey and discovers that they could be the key to saving the world.
The characters are vivid and layered, scattered around the world, but each one connects back to Lindsey and Rich. LJ has recently come back into Lindsey's life after being adopted by loving parents. LJ had a rough past few years, but she's since moved forward with her life and has found two homes, one with her parents and one with Lindsey. Morgan is a charming and layered character, with a blunt and spunky nature, ASD, and terrifying nightmares that seem to hold the key to saving the future. LJ and Morgan have a sweet bond built on honesty and trust. Joe Cairns is a complicated character tied to Lindsey and her husband, who undergoes an interesting journey. As a child he met King David who returns to his life through an unexpected place, giving him a revelation that sends him on another path. Cairns was a marine and he has a particular skill set that comes into play often, but his personal inner journey balances out Morgan's own. Morgan has kept her nightmares a secret for so long that when she finally reveals them, she seems relieved to be to able to trust someone, to believe in herself, and fully embrace this part of herself.
The scenes are thorough and detailed, with Lin Wilder weaving in medical research that acts as the backbone to the dangerous mystery. Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath is a thrilling mystery with high stakes, a dystopian tone and a seemingly mystical current running underneath the story.
July 27, 2020
I was wondering why I didn't like this book quite as much as the other books I've read in the Lindsey McCall series and started doing a little research. oopsie I skipped book #3, The Price of Genius. Dang, I hate skipping books in a series. I'm usually more careful but this one was just sitting on my dusty shelf, borrowed from a friend quite a while ago.
To me, the plot of Malthus Revisited is pretty confusing, probably from not having read its predecessor. Wilder is very intelligent and she's done her research. If chemistry or the medical field isn't your forte, like me, you may just kind of read over those pesky details that you're provided, therefore missing key points in the plot. I typically find myself looking for the character development. That's my problem when I read smart books. Every chapter takes place in a different setting, usually with different characters although there is quite a bit of traveling at break-neck speed, so you have to pay attention to who has gone where. The characters are mostly familiar. I'm not sure if Morgan is introduced in this book or #3 but I really like her and I would have liked more of the story be about her. She is "on the spectrum"; I've forgotten what exactly is her diagnosis. To enjoy this book you must be able to open your mind to the possibility of her talents. Another character, a really bad-guy former assassin from earlier books has an otherworld visitor who advises and helps him along the way. I do like the religious aspect of Wilder's books and enjoy her insight.
Read the books in order!
To me, the plot of Malthus Revisited is pretty confusing, probably from not having read its predecessor. Wilder is very intelligent and she's done her research. If chemistry or the medical field isn't your forte, like me, you may just kind of read over those pesky details that you're provided, therefore missing key points in the plot. I typically find myself looking for the character development. That's my problem when I read smart books. Every chapter takes place in a different setting, usually with different characters although there is quite a bit of traveling at break-neck speed, so you have to pay attention to who has gone where. The characters are mostly familiar. I'm not sure if Morgan is introduced in this book or #3 but I really like her and I would have liked more of the story be about her. She is "on the spectrum"; I've forgotten what exactly is her diagnosis. To enjoy this book you must be able to open your mind to the possibility of her talents. Another character, a really bad-guy former assassin from earlier books has an otherworld visitor who advises and helps him along the way. I do like the religious aspect of Wilder's books and enjoy her insight.
Read the books in order!
February 9, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review. This was another great book from Lin. It makes you think about so many things. Both on the spiritual level but also on the world around us. How much do we not hear about that happens unless it harms more people. I know we don't always hear all the positive things that come out of others countries unless it effects us, but you have to think that things happen to people everyday. As I said Lin writes books that make you think about the world around us and how each persons actions effect humanity.
March 16, 2018
Intriguing read!
I enjoyed the unraveling of the characters in different locations around the world and the buildup to the mad mans plan. I also was inspired by the true life scenarios displayed in the lives of the characters. Can't wait to read the next one Lin!! The inspired walk to faith was the best part for me as I watched Rich come to know the power of Jesus!
I enjoyed the unraveling of the characters in different locations around the world and the buildup to the mad mans plan. I also was inspired by the true life scenarios displayed in the lives of the characters. Can't wait to read the next one Lin!! The inspired walk to faith was the best part for me as I watched Rich come to know the power of Jesus!
December 23, 2017
Best in this series!
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January 12, 2018
Lj had just started college, a event which acted as a catalyst for her to meet her biological mother, Lyndsey. Lj is an alcoholic, and so when Lyndsey, and her husband, Rich, suggested she stayed with them she was relieved Lj didn't trusting herself around college bars and drinking students. The invitation extended to Lj's fast friend Morgan, a young lady diagnosed with ASD, amongst other things, and this single offer could have saved the world itself. Morgan has been cursed with nightmares about the suffering of people given a weaponised version of Mad Cow Disease. Morgan is not the only person moved into place by God's hand, watch the plan unravel as time begins to run out in Lin Wilder's, Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath.
Lin Wilder successfully writes a Christian fiction without religion being all-consuming in the plot. There is an array of wonderful and unique characters who you can't help but be drawn to. You'll follow the plot with keen interest, it starts at a steady pace escalating as soon as the danger begins to materialise. Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath, has a fascinating and intricate plot, and characters with impressive back stories who are well developed. Alongside the religious aspects you'll discover some well-researched scientific information, brilliant settings, and fantastic tension building. Parts of the plot will have you perched on the edge of the seat, while others will make you smile. If you're looking for an engaging, well-constructed, plot with vivid characters, and subplots, written with a strong narrative that also draws on genuine historical events, then look no further. Beginning to end this is an engaging read, sure to please almost any reader.
Lin Wilder successfully writes a Christian fiction without religion being all-consuming in the plot. There is an array of wonderful and unique characters who you can't help but be drawn to. You'll follow the plot with keen interest, it starts at a steady pace escalating as soon as the danger begins to materialise. Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath, has a fascinating and intricate plot, and characters with impressive back stories who are well developed. Alongside the religious aspects you'll discover some well-researched scientific information, brilliant settings, and fantastic tension building. Parts of the plot will have you perched on the edge of the seat, while others will make you smile. If you're looking for an engaging, well-constructed, plot with vivid characters, and subplots, written with a strong narrative that also draws on genuine historical events, then look no further. Beginning to end this is an engaging read, sure to please almost any reader.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews