Tiger Mosquitoes: A Medical Crime Thriller

by Kenneth J. Stein

In a remote area of Uganda, a terrifying epidemic appears out of nowhere. Traveling quickly through four villages, the disease kills one-half of its human victims. Dr. William Kaplan is a renowned scientist sent to conduct the initial investigation. He suspects that the disease, a viral hemorrhagic fever, is transmitted by a mosquito – a species that no one has ever seen before. Upon his return to the United States, Dr. Kaplan realizes that he has acquired this hideous and deadly disease, despite having taken all of the precautions to prevent infection. Dr. Kaplan survives, but his troubles have only begun. The mosquitoes and the hemorrhagic fever mysteriously show up near his home in Long Island, New York.Kenneth J. Stein’s novel is a compelling story of an emerging infectious disease that leaves authorities baffled. Relying on contemporary science, Tiger Mosquitoes takes the reader on an edge-of-your-seat journey into disease discovery and crime investigation. How did the mosquito-borne hemorrhagic fever arrive in the United States? Is it a type of warfare? Is it bioterror? Another tragedy has arrived on the shores of New York. Can anything be done before it spreads to the rest of the United States? The clock is ticking…

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2020

About the author

Kenneth J. Stein was born in Lorain, Ohio. He holds both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in entomology, and is retired from the U. S. Navy Reserve where he held the rank of Commander. He most recently served as a medical planner for the United States Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, in Stuttgart, Germany. Throughout his career, he was afforded the opportunity for extensive research and scientific investigations in the Middle East and Africa. He has investigated a variety of organisms that are of public health importance, including ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies, hornets, yellowjackets, and snakes. In addition, he has written textbooks for Seton Home Study School. He is an elected member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Honorary Research Society, and is a published photographer.

He writes on his blog about science and nature topics: The Mystery Corner (https://themysterycorner.home.blog).

Reviews

[Elizabeth Faustina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this medical crime thriller! The author tells the reader about all that goes on behind the scenes when chaos strikes a country. There are fun parts in this book, from fun family interactions, to tense, serious moments. The story is very relatable to 2020, but the author shows how different it can get, and it will make the reader ponder about the crises, what should happen and what does happen. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, and leave you thinking. This book Tiger Mosquitoes: A Medical Crime Thriller by Kenneth J. Stein is a must read, I couldn’t put it down and it's one of my favorite books!

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiger Mosquitoes: A Medical Crime Thriller is a very memorable thriller! I really enjoyed it! Each character becomes so alive in the events that unfold throughout this electrifying page-turner. At the end of each chapter, the author, Kenneth J. Stein leaves you craving for more! This is one of those kinds of books that makes you feel like you are personally there, witnessing every event unfold. It is a book filled with just the right amount of mystery, bravery, crime, sacrifice, family, action, and excitement. This book will surely keep you up all night. I was at the edge of my seat or rather, my bed with this thriller! I could not put it down! It is a very easily understood book! The author explained everything so well!
Five well-deserved stars! It is an unforgettable page-turner. I would recommend it to anyone!! It is a must-read. I've read it twice already and could go for a third time! If you are looking to read one work of fiction this year, let Tiger Mosquitoes be it!!

[Janet Rybicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased and read this book after talking with Dr. Stein in Hocking Hills State Park in OH. My friends and I ran into him on a trail as he was examining a dung beetle. We stopped to ask what he was doing and in our conversation he mentioned the book he had written.
I ordered it and was actually impressed with it! The story line kept me interested and it the midst of this pandemic, it seemed quite appropriate in many ways- although I know Dr. Stein started it way before this crisis hit.
I would be interested in a sequel or another book by Dr. Stein.

[Greg Demarco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well timed!

It's a fast read and a timely release (purely coincidence, actually) on how a new virus can spread wrapped up as a medical crime thriller.

[Trinity Vinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars and Beyond! Wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat! Just the perfect mix of suspense and chilling intrigue! I couldn't put it down! The plot is thick with anticipation. Who did it? Where? Why? How? I got genuine chills reading Tiger Mosquitoes: A Medical Crime Thriller! It is particularly fascinating how events unfold, and I immensely enjoyed reading about the new and terrifying species. The descriptions are perfect; I could see this whole storyline before my eyes as if I were watching a motion picture. I especially enjoyed reading the last chapter. Thank you, Dr. Stien! This is hands down a must-read!

[Roy Seitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

TIger Mosquitoes is a gripping thriller about an event whose time has come. Dr Stein weaves a chilling and unfortunately all-too-real thriller where the rapid spread of a terrifying disease is only the beginning. Surely one person couldn't be responsible for the death of hundreds or even thousands...or could he? Are we as safe as we think we are? Read and find out....
Roy Seitz MD

[John DRINKWATER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping story of perverted academic ambition, misplaced idealism, political corruption and material greed. Its strong plot is, down to the very end, generously spiced with unexpected twists and turns. More than this, however, its main theme, the spread of a deadly virus, has obvious contemporary resonances. Its expert and lucid explanation of the progress of the disease and the afflictions it causes significantly adds to the interest and importance of the book. There is more than a hint of H. G. Wells in its lively handling of current scientific and public issues, and in its questioning of the role of science and education in modern society.

[DianeMP]

Did not finish.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story line but poor editing and the story did not draw me in. I really wanted to like it as I love the premise.

[Aileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear - what a disappointment....... I had been looking for this for quite some time, and eventually downloaded on Kindle to read on holiday. And barely managed to get to the end - put it down twice in disgust but having waited so long, I decided to persevere. I am sure that Dr Stein is a fantastically talented scientist with many learned publications to his name. But he writes fiction about as well as my neighbour's 9-year old. Dialogue is excruciating, level of (unnecessary) detail is excessive, the plot is ridiculous. And towards the end I was skipping HUGE chunks of lecturing text about what is, clearly, the author's bugbear about bioterrorism etc.

Examples: "Bill wished to speak with Spencer to inform him about the latest turn of events. 'Hey Mike', Bill said. 'I really need to speak with you before you leave'." Or "He was grateful that Bill saved him from being shot" [no...... really?!].