The Gamma Sequence

The Gamma Sequence #1

by Dan Alatorre

SOME SECRETS REFUSE TO REMAIN HIDDEN

Geneticist Lanaya Kim must do what authorities haven’t—tie together the “accidental” deaths of several prominent scientists around the country to show they were actually murdered. Over the past two years, geneticists have died in what appear to be accidents, but Lanaya knows otherwise. If she tells her secrets to the authorities, she risks becoming a suspect or revealing herself to the killer and becoming an open target. Hiring private investigator Hamilton DeShear may help her expose the truth, but time is running out. The murders are happening faster, and Lanaya’s name may be next on the killer’s list. But when Lanaya and DeShear start probing, what they discover is far more horrifying than anyone could ever have imagined.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Medical, Mystery Thriller

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2019

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre has published more than 50 titles and is read in over a dozen languages around the world.

His fast-paced thrillers have gripped readers all over the globe, notably his USA Today bestseller The Gamma Sequence, a medical thriller series, his successful murder mystery Double Blind series, and more. Readers can't put his books down.

Dan resides in the Tampa area with his wife and daughter.

Check out his Readers Club at DanAlatorre.com and find out about new releases before anyone else!

Double Blind, a murder mystery thriller series
- Double Blind
- Primary Target
- Third Degree
- Fourth Estate
- Five Sparrows
- Six Sisters
- Seventh Avenue, coming soon

The Gamma Sequence, a medical thriller series
- The Gamma Sequence
- Rogue Elements
- Terminal Sequence
- The Keepers
- Dark Hour

Jett Thacker mysteries, a murder mystery series
- Tiffany Lynn Is Missing
- Killer In The Dark
- Definition Of A Murder, coming soon

Horror Anthology series:
- Dark Passages
- Dark Voodoo
- Dark Intent
- Dark Thoughts
- Shadowland
- Wings & Fire
- Spellbound
- Nightmareland
- Dark Visions
- The Box Under The Bed

Paranormal Thriller/Horror:
- A Place Of Shadows

Sci Fi Time Travel Adventure:
- The Navigators

Comedy Romance:
- The Italian Assistant

And many more!

Reviews

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was a great surprise to me. I was not expecting to be drawn into this book as quickly and deeply as I was.
Some real life stuff kept me from reading in a quicker timeframe, but definitely could be read in a couple days time. I liked the many twists and turns, the heart thumping nonstop action. There is even a sympathy for the “Greyhound killer” as you realize the experiments that were performed on him as an infant on.
Breeding a “slave” race or an ultra superior specimen that his genes were supposed to provide, but leading to a slow, painful, premature death.
Big Pharma is a catch phrase right now for the big drug companies, but this will make you double think most of what we think we know. Is big brother really looking out for us or are we part of a big experiment?
I was provided a free copy of this e-book by the author. But this in no way influenced my review. It is my opinion

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genetics - the subject that is the marker of humankind, everything is decided by our genetics. I love medical thrillers, those who know me, know the reason too. I am quite wary of accepting thrillers because most don't present it correctly. But I was so glad that was not the case here. Dan Alatorre went one step ahead and thought wickedly. And I cackled delighted.

In this book, we had Lanaya who was in deep as she knew someone was killing off the geneticists who had worked 20 years ago on the gamma sequence which led to disastrous results. So she hired a private investigator, an ex-cop, Hamilton DeShear to help her. And boy!! Were those bullets zapping!!

My first book by author Dan Alatorre, authored solely by him, the story was absolutely mind blowing when the truth was revealed. I loved the mind of this author who could see beyond what he knew or read. He put the theory into words which I had always been scared of. Brilliance of the plot deserved all the accolades along with the ingenuity of the villain in the book.

The majority of this book was a high octane action thriller with both the main characters trying to escape the killers. The mid section meandered for me as I wanted to know the reason. Something had been done years ago, and I needed to get more hints of it. I understood the various layers that the author had to add to bring the shocker of the reveals at the end. But the doc in me craved for hints in the mid-section and more action by the main characters.

Genetics was given the spotlight, but nothing which would confuse a non-medico. I loved how the author played with the idea of it and showed the dark side. Who is to say that a gamma sequence is not happening in some lab somewhere on this world?! Overall this was an amazing fun read. The last few chapters blew me away.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unethical experimentation – a portal for murder

Florida author Dan Alatorre was born in Ohio, and graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida before earning an MBA from Tampa College. He is famous for his many book s that deal with humor and food and for some short stories in anthologies that fall into the mystery/horror category. It is rewarding to see how now he visits the full-length mystery novel - DOUBLE BLIND, THE NAVIGATORS, and now THE GAMMA SEQUENCE - and is as successful with serious tales as he is with humor.

As with all his books, Dan jumps in with an explosive start that pulls his readers in immediately. Taking on scientific sidebars – genetics, in this case – is another aspect of Dan’s talent that makes his novels fascinating. But using that sidebar to shoulder the spear of the plot takes special skill, and the manner in which he incorporates the dark side of scientific evidence makes this story ring true.

The synopsis provides a map of the tale – ‘Geneticist Lanaya Kim must do what authorities haven’t—tie together the “accidental” deaths of several prominent scientists around the country to show they were actually murdered. Over the past two years, geneticists have died in what appear to be accidents, but Lanaya knows otherwise. If she tells her secrets to the authorities, she risks becoming a suspect or revealing herself to the killer and becoming an open target. Hiring private investigator Hamilton DeShear may help her expose the truth, but time is running out. The murders are happening faster, and Lanaya’s name may be next on the killer’s list. But when Lanaya and DeShear start probing, what they discover is far more horrifying than anyone could ever have imagined.’

And so Dan Alatorre proves he is as successful with writing mysteries as he is with all the other categories of books that are best sellers. This is a griping story - and one that magnetizes our attention to possibilities.

[Connie Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gamma Sequence is so well written that I couldn't guess at the ending but could only hope that all the loose ends would come together in some way in the end. I received this as a free copy but would have posted a review anyway. There are so many subplots as the book unfolds that there are no dull moments or lags in this book. It starts with a possible serial killer out there, a PI and a mysterious( intelligent, crazy?) client then flies at breakneck speed into a multitude of subplots with each feeding clues bit by bit, culminating in a horrific scene then bam! a supersonic ride to the end. I do not want to give away any spoilers so this is as close as I can get to a description. It was a blast!

[Brittany Bermudez · Rating 4 out of 5]

better than expected!

I really enjoyed this book! I listened to the audio book and I think it set the scene for me a lot more! I was reading a lot of romance and wanted something different and I’m glad this was the book I chose to read! Great read can’t wait to check out the rest of this authors work!

[Patty Mcgregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan immediately draws you into the book from the first page! Great story and could even be true if you really think about it! I was totally floored at the ending, I did not see that coming which I love! Definitely check this one out! Highly recommend!

[Norma Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Strange but so very interesting and great unexpected ending.

[Kristens_korner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book from this author. The storyline is so smart and filled with so much adrenaline. Every chapter kept me in edge, and my adrenaline was high, and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Stephanie Grundy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent medical thriller!! I loved it!!

[Dian M. Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books was a good read. The twist and turns that are building in this story. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next book in this series.

[Paganalexandria]

08/06/20 currently free in Fractured boxset
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089X3QXW1

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a kind

To be honest the cover is what intrigued me to read this book in the first place. I’m not the type of person to read descriptions or reviews. I like to go into a book unbiased and free of mind. This book I thought I wasn’t going to like at first just because I thought it would be so sci-if ish and I’m not into stuff like that. However I gave it the benefit of the doubt, this book kept me on the edge of my seat and took me about a day to read. It was soooooo hard to put down. There is so much action, science and excitement embedded in each and every page. The chart hers are so lovable and keep you wanting to come back for more and see what they are doing. I thought this was a standalone book but it turns out it is a five book series. I can’t wait to see what other adventures the characters are going to take me on next. I highly recommend this book!!!

[Judith Barillas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Gamma Sequence because it was complex and, therefore, a page-turner. I enjoyed how the plot developed - more complicated with each chapter. I was never bored, however, I didn't get lost in the complexity but had fun following the various story lines.

The idea behind the story is plausible in this day and age (won't give details so as not to spoil the start of it) and held my interest. Dan's characters were believable and interesting. This book definitely qualifies as a medical thriller and Dan is a great writer. This was my first book by him, and I will read more.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thriller will captivate you and make you wonder if something like this could actually happen.

This was my first time reading anything by Dan Alatorre and I was not disappointed. This story was really hard to put down and once I started I didn't stop until I was done. Great start to this series as it leaves you excited for the next.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, scary story line and interesting twists and turns.

Reading this after reading “A Crack in Creation” a scientific book about genetic editing, this book was particularly terrifying.

[Prasanna Venkatesan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good medical thriller. Taut storytelling. A bit predictable though. Revealing the mysteries in layers made me finish the book without putting it down. Looking forward to complete other books too.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the Gamma Sequence series from one of my favorite thriller authors, Dan Alatorre, takes us from Tampa to Bali as the private investigator hero finds himself caught up in an international conspiracy involving genetic engineering and a wealthy corporate conglomerate. Hank “Dash” DeShear, the PI, is hired to investigate a possible murder spree targeting the executives of a genetics company called Angeles Genetics. The new client is someone who fears she is on the hit list. She’s not wrong, and soon she and DeShear are running for their lives while unknown assailants are shooting at them and burning down Hank’s apartment.

The story is a roller-coaster of thrills and suspense with a payoff involving grotesque activities by the evil genetics corporation. Like many thrillers, you have to suspend disbelief a bit and just go along with the premise, but here the writing is so compelling and the characters so interesting that it’s easy to sit back, roll along, and enjoy the ride. It’s fun, exciting, interesting, and thought-provoking. Everything you want, and it’s also the first in a series where you can totally imagine what’s coming next in this saga. Kudos to a wonderful author for developing such an intricate and interesting story.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Skye Stafford. I enjoyed the narration, although in a story featuring mostly male characters, the female narrator was sometimes a problem. One of the main male characters sounded exactly like Cloris Leachman’s voice of Nurse Diesel from Mel Brooks’ movie High Anxiety, while the voice of Hank, the protagonist PI, sounded like an 18-year-old boy. The gravely voice of the key villain was great, but often one could not tell whether the person speaking was a male or female. There were a few small glitches in the audiobook production, but the audiobook experience was fine and I was able to fully appreciate the story via this medium.

I highly recommend The Gamma Sequence for all thriller fans.

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gamma Sequence is part of an anthology I read amongst 16 other thrillers in this collection under Do No Harm. Each story was based on a medical theme.

This story was gripping and edgy and kept this reader swiftly turning pages. The main protagonist, Hamilton “Hank” DeShear, is a PI who is trying to get his life together. When Lanaya, a geneticist, reaches out to him for help investigating the murders of fellow geneticists they find both of their lives in danger. The murders are somehow all connected and committed by a serial killer. They are on a race to find the killer before he kills his next victim. That next victim could be, Lanaya.

The author does a wonderful job of keeping the reader in suspense with plenty of well-developed characters, a full and rich story line and exciting scenes as the characters are on the run. I will be on the lookout for more books by this creative and best-selling author.

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable!!

I've read some of Dan Alatorre's books before but this was my first, official Thriller!

I am absolutely amazed at how incredibly well this book was planned, written and how well the story was delivered!

The details in each part of the plot were top tier. Every scenario and situation was so well laid out that I felt I was physically there.

I loved the characters and I loved how he switched from one point of view, The Greyhound, to the other, DeShear. The anticipation that built up until the two characters/views finally combined, was simply delicious!

The ending blew my mind.

The entire story was great, don’t get me wrong, it created so many emotions from suspense to pure heart wrenching horror, but the ending was just masterful.

Not once did the ending even cross my mind. Not once did I even think it would go in that direction which ultimately made it all just so satisfying.

Highly recommend!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do adore a good thriller with watching back in the day a few medical ones. Not having read many this caught my eye with this being also the first time in coming across this author. You get caught up in following Lanaya as she begins the search for the truth but it is not simple with that being why this will hold you captive. You will by now want to know a few things with in any investigation there is the 5 w's. She is not alone in this there is also Hamilton with the two things begin to slowly escalate it to terror almost. The answers will cause anxiousness with will the time hold out. Will the suspense kill you? At times you think so. This is one good one to disappear in or should I say it will hold you hostage.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start. This is one of those books a person just can’t put down.

It’s fast paced with lots of action. Lanaya Kim tricks Hamilton DeShear into going with her to track down a killer who is targeting a list of people from Angelus Genetics who gave him both life and death. She’s on that list.

As they race around the country hiding but still getting shot at, they are trying to find the Greyhound and stop the murder of all the people who worked on the Gamma Sequence. In the end, they have to take down Angelus Genetics.

I want to thank you, Mr. Alatorre, for this book. You’ve hooked me. Now I need to read more of your writings. I’m glad you’re a neighbor.

***Book received without charge from the author.***

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mysterious woman hires P. I. Hamilton DeShear, , ex-cop, to connect and solve why doctors are being murdered across the US. Are they related to the Angelus genetic/Onyx Research. Who is the Greyhound? What does he do? What is wrong with him? At the core of this book is a secret genetic science project. Here is an interesting quote that may incite you to read this book that has a lot of action, thoughtfulness of what could happen , and people who pursue justice in whatever form!!
"We were developing ways to find and advance genes completely devoid of most common occurring natural fatalities in human life". What happens if things go wrong? We're now on a thrilling run!

[George F Greenwald · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first read of Dan Alatorre. His plot is better than average, as is his treatment of his characters. Some flying in airplanes occurs in the book, and his understanding of aerodynamics is absolutely dreadful. Business jets and experimental just don't fly at 1000 mi/hr., nor do experimental aircraft attain Mach 2.2.

I question whether his overall knowledge of biology is sound, but am not in a position to suggest whether it is or not.

Overall, the book was captivating, so I suppose it cannot be all bad. Perhaps his later works become less questionable as to the validity of the plot or the details within the books.

[Michelle Bibliovino · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty decent medical thriller with all the right stuff: likable hero, believable science, action and intrigue. Hamilton DeShear is a man used to being the hero, but he’s given up the fight after losing his job with Tampa PD. But he’s still recruited by a paranoid and mysterious woman to help solve a crime, her own murder.

There were a couple of disjointed plot movements that left me scratching my head a little, but so long as I enjoyed the pace and didn’t get mired in the details, it didn’t trip me up too much. A couple of the twists seemed a bit heavy-handed, but I enjoyed where it ended up. Don’t know if I’ll continue the series, but I am curious to see where it goes.

[Len R.]

This is a book that has so much going on that it sucks you into it's reality so quickly that you lose track of time and space! Just when you think you have it figured out it takes an unexpected turn that causes a seismic shift in your understanding of how the various story lines are connected. The ending, when you think all the loose ends are getting tied up and winding down, is when you get the biggest surprise of the book. Which is saying quite a bit since it seems there is a surprise in every chapter. Well done Dan, I look forward to more of your work!

[Nayan Prajapati · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really a great thriller story. The book keeps you engrossed and takes you through the adventurous story.

The story starts with a series of deaths of scientists which looks like accidents. However, Lanaya knows that they were not accidents and there is more to it. She hires Hamilton, a private detective, to safeguard herself and investigate the reason behind the deaths. As they embark on the journey to investigate they learn horrifying facts about Angelus Genetics where Lanaya worked. What will Lanaya and Hamilton do to evade the threat? Do read to find out.

[Donna]

This book grabbed my attention on page one and never let go. It is a fast-paced action thriller with so many twists and turns that kept me guessing as to who was a "good guy" and who wasn't. Hank is the only one I was always sure was a good guy. Good and bad is a bit of a gray area in this book which adds to the intrigue. The genetic achievements seemed a bit out there but I was able to believe it could happen. Reminded me of The Boys From Brazil by Ira Levin to some extent. I am diving into the second book right away. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow What a Powerful Punch for a Medical Thriller..Description Understated

I feared when I read medical thriller it would be hohum like so many over the years. Nope. Nada. No Way. Dan Alatorre created a fantastic novel that incorporates crimes, chase, believable dispicable crimes. I have enough genetics knowledge to fear these crimes exist. i know why the US put breaks on research....and this tangent is possible, plausible, and I believe occurring in the shadows of our world. Read this novel it is a spine tingler. Eye opener.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself was far-fetched, but that was expected going in. There were several characters whose true identities weren't revealed until late in the book. I'm not sure if this was meant to add more mystery or not, but I think it would have ready better (for me) if their identities hadn't been hidden. This was a quick afternoon read, with lots of action to keep the story moving. This was a complete story, but it's the first in a series and you can see how it might be extended into other books.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some friends and I DNF’d a book to read this one. The previous book was said to get good at page 300 but this book grabbed my attention from page 1! This was the first medical thriller I have read and I really enjoyed it, it was so good. It is fast paced and full of action. I really liked the main characters and I found myself rooting for the k!ller from that start. I can’t wait to read book two of this series!
Bottom line- DNF the book you don’t like, it will be ok and go read one of Dan Alatorre’s books.