Plague

by Gregg Luke

Centuries ago, the Black Death shadowed the world, claiming the lives of tens of millions. Now the world is on the brink of another scourge—and this time, it will be an extinction-level event. . . . Professor Mitch Pine knows all too well the history of epidemics, so the startling new information he's discovered has him racing to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Mitch has uncovered a startling dramatic environmental changes always occurred prior to devastating outbreaks, and current climate change may be such a catalyst. But before his plane lands, Mitch's journey takes a terrifying turn. He is intercepted by a woman who represents a dangerous faction whose interest in Mitch's research opposes his mission to save lives. To secure Mitch's cooperation, his research assistant is being held hostage. With so many lives on the line, Mitch embarks on a turbulent trip around the world, uncovering pieces of the puzzle until he ultimately holds the key to prevent—or precipitate—global devastation. Unless he can find a way to stop the lunatics behind his abduction, a plague the likes of which the world has never known will be unleashed. "Fascinating and compelling, Plague is a trail of addictive bread crumbs you can't wait to follow. With an intricately designed plot and incredible detail, Gregg Luke has woven his finest novel yet. Plague is definitely this year's must-read novel". —Traci Hunter Abramson

Genres: Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2019

About the author

Gregg Luke is a practicing pharmacist. He received his medical training at the University of Utah. He has been writing since he could put pen to paper. He enjoys medical thrillers and is one of the first to work this genre into the LDS market.

Reviews

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! Mitch Pine is trying to save the world, but first, he must save his assistant, Suko. His research could save humanity from a plague.

This book is an adventure. Mitch has to piece together information that Edgar Montrose wants. To keep his compliance he has a handler. She is intelligent and has secrets of her own.

I enjoyed reading this story. I found the science fascinating and the plot intriguing. The book has great pacing and kept me interested through every word.

If you are looking for a fast-paced suspense novel, you should pick this one up.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Traci Abramson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and compelling, Plague is a trail of addictive bread crumbs you can't wait to follow. With an intricately designed plot and incredible detail, Gregg Luke has woven his finest novel yet. Plague is definitely this year's must-read novel.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Gregg Luke has such a creepy, creative mind and I mean that in the best way. His books always make me wonder how he comes up with such crazy ideas. I would scare myself trying to come up with the things he writes about in his books!

I have to say that out of all of this author's books (that I've read), this was probably one of the least intense and fast paced. It progressed slowly and lacked some of the intense forward momentum I've come to know in most of his other books. Things picked up in the last third of the book but even then it still felt a bit more sedate. I would say that this book was more about intellect, paying attention to small clues and piecing together information.

In this story we follow Mitch around the world, collection information that helps him piece together a puzzle of globally devastating consequences. It's a lot of information gathering. I liked that things were happening on dual fronts so we got multiple perspectives. Mitch is a genuinely nice guy and it was easy to like him and to appreciate his intellect.

The cover for this book is pretty cool, I think. The actual physical book is textured which gives it a creepy sort of feel.

Content: some violence, peril

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[A.L. Sowards]

I've been a fan of Gregg Luke for years and this book was another enjoyable read. The characters were likeable and the tension stayed high. Plus, there's a thread of academic suspense and discovery woven into the story, and I think that was my favorite element. It's a great choice for fans of suspense and readers who like some meaty historical and scientific research woven into their stories. Appropriate for adults and teens.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to be a little scared when I know that I’m safe at home. I love the way this author makes his books so suspenseful. The reader never knows what will be coming next. And it’s just so well done!

I loved everything about one! I loved the way the characters are in this one. Mitch is great. And the way he’s basically kidnapped is so crazy. I can’t even imagine that kind of thing happening in real life.

I liked that in this one, the reader sees through several characters point of view. You see through the “kidnapper” Kiana’s eyes as well. I thought it was kind of interesting the way she saw things. And the way Mitch was able to interpret what she said and draw conclusions from the things she said. She kind of told him things about her without ever saying the words. And eventually he puts it all together.

The last of the characters that the readers can see the story through is Suko. Suko is Mitch’s research assistant who is kidnapped. So many crazy things happen to her. I loved the way she keeps her poise. She knows how to deliver some great lines, even under duress. That was something I loved about her character. And she fought back for as long as she could.

I loved the way the reader learns along with Mitch what the crazy madman wants him to learn on his around the world trip.

This one is great! If you want to be a bit scared, but not too scared, it’s a great one to read!

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this exciting and thought provoking thriller. It not only is a great suspense novel, but I also learned so many new historical and scientific details. There were some shocking information that only intensified in the last 1/3 of the book. I found that this book is not one I read before I went to bed because it made me think even more about what was being said and done in the novel. It's best read during the day so you can process everything.
Picture

If you love reading novels with a lot of suspense, science, and historical facts, this book was written for you. It has compelling characters and events that will keep you reading until the thrilling end.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one, author Gregg Luke has readers gripping the edge of their seats. The intense suspense of the story picks up in the first chapter and doesn’t slow down until the last page is turned. Not only is there suspense though, there is a romance element. Readers will anticipate the thrill from turn of every page in this intense romantic suspense novel. This is a story that will keep readers up late past their bedtime wondering what will happen next.

Genre: contemporary, romance, suspense
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: April 1, 2019
Number of pages: 304

A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, the other one was Infected, and I’ve been disappointed in both. They have been boring to me. I didn’t get the real rush to find a cure or anything. This one reads like a books someone wrote for teenagers in an attempt to get them interested in science, kinda “I’m tricking you into to learning stuff” kinda thing.

[Kimberly King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Gregg Luke's books, and I was REALLY excited for this one. I couldn't wait to read about a plague that was going to destroy the entire world. Instead, what I got was a story about a kidnapping (which was still intriguing), but it wasn't what I expected to read. In fact, a plague, or a threat of a plague, or even preparing for a plague was not part of the story at ALL. I was disappointed. Though the characters were fun and quirky and interesting (or evil and unlikeable, depending on which one), I struggled with every single relationship. Having the captors offended that their victims didn't trust them or weren't polite to them was pretty unbelievable, but more so when the victims would actually joke around with them. I would have loved for the ending to focus on the terror of the approaching event, but it seems to have been forgotten.
Despite my complaints, Gregg Luke is a great author and this book was interesting enough to keep me up reading and turning the pages. His villains are truly evil, and he did an amazing job at capturing the fear of what it means to be held captive by a brilliant but psychotic doctor.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitch's trip to the CDC turns terrifying when he's "kidnapped" and taken on a scavenger hunt around the world. He's made some interesting conclusions, but what he discovers along the way is startling. He assistant is also being held hostage and the story goes back and forth between these two settings in this race against time.

There were times when the scientific jargon was over my head or didn't capture my full attention, but this story of predicting a future plague was fascinating and at times, fast-paced, but meandered along for the most part.

I wasn't always sure who to trust or what the motives were, which always makes for a fun suspense and keeps me guessing. It's always interesting to have an author weave in scenarios that could be possible, as they make my mind start churning, wondering at possibilities. I loved the last part of the book, especially the new characters. Overall, an entertaining read that creeped me out.

Content: mild+ violence; moments of peril

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[JenBsBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just didn't do it for me. At the end, in the author's note, he talks about one of his beta readers saying the story wasn't realistic ... and I agree. Although for me, it wasn't so much the suspending disbelief about the science, but about how both Mitch and Suko dealt with their kidnapping/kidnappers. First name basis, chatting, traveling, joking ... and since that was 90% of the book, I was just shaking my head and rolling my eyes the entire time. I mean "scrud", Suko was in "deep doo-doo" and she rarely behaved in a believable way to me.

And Kiana ... I have a beautiful friend, Hawaiian decent, named Kiana. Hard not to make an association in my mind, and I didn't really like the book Kiana as she "handled" Mitch. I know that's just a personal thing an author has no control over. But also, when we were first introduced to her and what she was wearing ... "a short pencil skirt that showed off an acceptable amount of toned leg without being risky." I was listening to the audiobook and thought "oops, the narrator goofed, I'm pretty positive he meant 'risque' right there". I was able to snag a sample of the Kindle copy and checked it out (as it was right at the start). Nope, I was wrong. It WAS "risky" in print. I'm still wondering if it was meant to be "risque" ...

Near the end ... SPOILER when it's revealed that Mr. Montrose is Miss Rosemont's (ooh, we all see what was done there) grandfather, and then the bad guys is pretty much referenced as "grandad" for the rest of the book by the omniscient voice telling the story. That felt so unnatural and weird.

The cover is completely misleading ... there was no actual plague happening in this book, no one infected (as the cover seems to indicate). Mostly talk/science about old plagues and what might have caused them and if this could be used in a predictive manner. So despite kidnappings and mad scientists ... this book felt really slow. Not much action.

Doing the DeseretBook Bookshelf trial, but not impressed with this, nor their fiction selection so far.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! REAL SCIENCE FICTION (not just interstellar wars and weird, threatening aliens)! This intriguing book follows Dr. Mitch Pine around the world as he searches for the FULL and initiatory causes of Bubonic plague, which has killed multi-millions at intervals of earth's history. It was not just the bacterium in fleas. From tree rings in Europe to ice core readings in Iceland, to mythology of comets in Ireland, to space debris at NASA, he sees that before every outbreak of deadly plague there was first a series of natural disasters. But what initiated them, and when is the next outbreak due? Will it kill most of earth's population? And what about the beautiful woman who "handles" him at the threat to the life of his kidnapped assistant?
This book is written very clearly and intelligently by the author, who is a professional pharmacist and scientist. He really has studied the topic in depth, and gives a list of sources at the end. It leaves readers wondering IF and WHEN this might really happen. It's so refreshing to read an intellectually stimulating book with actual science at its base!
Luke is not widely known, but should be! His novels are based on his expertise in chemicals, drugs, and medications, and he's a darn good writer! I've read most of his books twice! I think this book is his best.

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not know what kind of a category to assign to this book. The title, PLAGUE, led me to believe that I was reading a book about a modern-day plague that was wiping out the general population. Instead it dealt with a scientist journey to find the reasons, the causes for recurrent plagues in the past that have decimated the world's population, because he thinks that another wave is forthcoming. He thinks that dramatic environmental changes have always occurred prior to these devastating outbreaks, and feels that the current climate change may be such a catalyst. Of course, as in every story, there is opposition. He is intercepted and "kidnapped" by someone who opposes his mission to notify the CDC in order to hopefully save lives. The ending of this story was rather anti-climatic. I wanted to know what would happen in the future and I wanted some answers.

[Paul Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give this 4 1/2 stars. It's better than 4 stars. I empathized with many of the characters. I loved that the plot revolves around plausible scientific points. In fact the book has a page of bibliography, citing published papers, and half a page giving URLs of the old art supporting the thesis.

I didn't give it five stars because the bad guys turn out to be really evil villains and the nerdy hero ends up with the beautiful, intelligent woman. And what are the chances of stumbling across the extraordinary people you need for a dramatic climax? Just in the nick of time??

It was good enough that I read it in one night. But I will repent of staying up that late.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book and I was very intrigued by the science behind the story. I understand that in the book form you can look up and study the science behind the story. It was interesting that tree rings, ice core samples and other evidences can tell you when different events happened ie. black plague and over devastating plagues and how much of the earth surface was effected. The story tied around this science was a fun mystery.

[Grant Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun thriller that keeps you curious about the topic and allow the reader to question the science and possibility of an events and the true reasons why a "plague" would occur. The characters were well developed. The ending (resolve) wasn't as climactic as I would have liked but in the end...it was enjoyable to read.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Mitch Pine has been studying the history of the Black Death plague by looking at tree rings. He has discovered some alarming information and is meeting with the CDC to share his findings. Meanwhile his research assistant, Suko, is kidnapped and held hostage. Do these two things have a sinister plot in common?

This is one of those rare books that the authors “to the reader” or afterward at the end of the book makes the book so much better. I love to read about diseases, how they are discovered, causes and cures and origins. This book takes the idea of a disease and puts it into the mystery category. What is the origin of the Black Death and why does it appear after strange atmospheric problems? I just absolutely loved the premise of this book. Then you read the afterward and the author explains how many facts and back up evidence he omitted in order to make the story flow, I become staggered that this could actually be true.
Needless to say I feel like the story is written really well. The pacing, action and plot are just right. The characters are also well be written. Suko is definitely my favorite. She is snarky, quick witted, and sharp tongued. She often made me laugh out loud. Sometimes Mitch came across as the bumbling smart professor a bit too hard. I preferred Mitch when he was collecting data and connecting facts.
I am actually really interested to see a second book. Would humanity actually be able to stop a comet? Has the world prepare enough for the inevitable pandemic that is coming? What will happen to the people when it does? Will the earth go on? Unfortunately I don’t think a book two is even a possibility at all.

PG- There is a little Violence.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a fantastic, fascinating, incredible read. I was enthralled from the first chapter to the end. The pages kept turning themselves. About a quarter to midway through the book I realized that the story covered an incredible amount of scientific information that I wouldn't normally read about. Yet, I was hooked in this book. It was so well presented that I didn't feel like I was being lectured. I discovered it the same and some of the characters, and it was done in a way that was entertaining. I've had thought about everything covered in this book and the probability of something similar happening for days. I LOVE books that make me think on a whole different level. And the cover is amazing. My kids loved it, especially because some of it was raised and they could feel it. They have been asking me about it since they laid their eyes on it. (Although I have very young children and the whole novel would be way over their heads. They will appreciate the words someday.) I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. For me, this is one of my favorite books this year.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitch Pine sets out from Portland, Oregon to meet with the CDC in Atlanta, but he is hijacked along the way. His assistant Suko has been kidnapped and she will be killed if Mitch does not go on a scavenger hunt for information. Mitch and his handler Kiana travel to Iceland, Ireland, Houston and Montana on a quest that broadens Mitch’s understanding of his epidemiology studies and the coming events that will act like a plague to the world’s population.
The author always has this twist in the story that manages put your heart in your throat. Dr. Jason Joiner is that twist for this book.
The big story of plagues, volcanoes and the piece you learn in the story are things I have heard before due to my interest in science. But this was well put together and a really good if harrowing story.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This book had a lot of potential that I feel it didn’t fulfill. I had a hard time getting into it at the start. The situation the characters found themselves in was quite sinister, yet they handled it too cheerily in my opinion. I would have liked to see the writing theme get a little darker to more appropriately portray what was happening.

From the halfway point of the book onward, I did feel more suspense and really did wonder how it was going to be wrapped up. But then it did wrap up and it wasn’t as satisfying as I would have liked it to be. The main villain just dies and that’s the end of that? It was an ending that lacked depth, in my opinion.

Other than that though I did enjoy most of the book, and the book itself with its cover art is aesthetically pleasing.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This kind of books is one of my favorite kinds - when the author mixes mystery, science, history, anthropology and legends! He practices clinical pharmacy as of 2022, so he gets the science down pat which plays well into the mystery part -- this COULD happen - probably won't - but it makes for great story telling! Also a big plus - he keeps it clean, further highlighting his talent - he doesn't need to rely on that other stuff.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK. I ended up getting a little lost in all the technical jargon. It was a little too deep and too much for my small brain to try to grasp and comprehend. Let's just hope we don't all die from a comet tail passing through the earth and causing a plague. That pretty much sums up the whole mystery of the book in one sentence.

[Sal4gal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio version.

Great book! I am fascinated with plagues over the ages. (Spoiler alert: the plague is actually not released.) However, the story, research all over the world and the twist at the end was a great listen.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather far-fetched, but I liked it. Suko is a great character, and I liked Kiana too. Mitch was a little bland. The writing was cheesy once in a while, but over all good. The sense of urgency came across well.

[Ethan · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst books I've read. The writing sucks and the characters are so unrealistic! It says its a suspense novel but there isn't any suspense at all. The way he writes it, its like you are reading a textbook. I do not recomend this book.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Suze Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good! The cover of the book is a tad bit misleading, but otherwise it was a great story! Loved it!

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover + title immediately intrigued me. Here's the article about what I thought when I finished: www.deseretnews.com/article/900077640

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the mix of action, intrigue and science in this book!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book. I really enjoyed the scientific theories that are followed. The characters are well developed and enough time spent with each of them to get an idea of their personalities.