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The Pangaea Solution: Solve the Equation, Save the World
A cryptic note sends former FBI agent turned wealth advisor David Blum on a journey to discover the truth behind his father's recent death.All clues point to Otto Feldmann, a world-renowned professor of genetics. Further digging leads Blum to Kay Westfield, a charming bank executive who once witnessed a bizarre explosion on Feldmann's experimental farm.As Blum and Westfield begin to unravel the labyrinth of funding behind the professor's research center, a picture emerges of a monstrous plot by a shadowy international think tank to infect millions of people.Meanwhile, Feldmann's assistant, a math prodigy with past ties to a violent, white-supremacist movement is busy optimizing the virus's distribution--fulfilling the Pangaea Solution.
- GenresThriller
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
31 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It was kind of different to the usual thriller. The chief protagonist was like an investment banker although he had been in the FBI (financial crimes he would point out). I thought it was going to be sci-fi and there may have been a tiny bit of that but mainly it was a thriller with conspiracy theories thrown in. It might have started at a walk but the pace slowly and inexorably increased until it got really exciting towards the end.
David Bund is back home for his father's funeral, His father died suddenly and unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack. At home after the funeral a young man thrusts an envelope into his hand and disappears. Inside is request to meet Hans Meier the following night. He has information about David's father's death, the situation is dire and you can't trust the police. Intrigued David arrives at the meeting place but no Hans. He calls in to Hans's home the next day but finds that it has been ransacked. He wonders what the intruders were after. He later finds a mysterious list hidden in Hans's bathroom. Soon David is on a very strange and very dangerous path of discovery. He is up against a very well resourced and dangerous group. Fortunately he meets allies along the way but they realise that the stakes are higher than they could have imagined. The fate of much of humanity is at risk. Very melodramatic I know, but it was so much fun and the good guys were just so relatable. The ending sets it up for a sequel although be reassured its not a cliffhanger. I would certainly be interested in reading any sequel. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy of this book.
David Bund is back home for his father's funeral, His father died suddenly and unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack. At home after the funeral a young man thrusts an envelope into his hand and disappears. Inside is request to meet Hans Meier the following night. He has information about David's father's death, the situation is dire and you can't trust the police. Intrigued David arrives at the meeting place but no Hans. He calls in to Hans's home the next day but finds that it has been ransacked. He wonders what the intruders were after. He later finds a mysterious list hidden in Hans's bathroom. Soon David is on a very strange and very dangerous path of discovery. He is up against a very well resourced and dangerous group. Fortunately he meets allies along the way but they realise that the stakes are higher than they could have imagined. The fate of much of humanity is at risk. Very melodramatic I know, but it was so much fun and the good guys were just so relatable. The ending sets it up for a sequel although be reassured its not a cliffhanger. I would certainly be interested in reading any sequel. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy of this book.
April 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It was kind of different to the usual thriller. The chief protagonist was like an investment banker although he had been in the FBI (financial crimes he would point out). I thought it was going to be sci-fi and there may have been a tiny bit of that but mainly it was a thriller with conspiracy theories thrown in. It might have started at a walk but the pace slowly and inexorably increased until it got really exciting towards the end.
David Bund is back home for his father's funeral, His father died suddenly and unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack. At home after the funeral a young man thrusts an envelope into his hand and disappears. Inside is request to meet Hans Meier the following night. He has information about David's father's death, the situation is dire and you can't trust the police. Intrigued David arrives at the meeting place but no Hans. He calls in to Hans's home the next day but finds that it has been ransacked. He wonders what the intruders were after. He later finds a mysterious list hidden in Hans's bathroom. Soon David is on a very strange and very dangerous path of discovery. He is up against a very well resourced and dangerous group. Fortunately he meets allies along the way but they realise that the stakes are higher than they could have imagined. The fate of much of humanity is at risk. Very melodramatic I know, but it was so much fun and the good guys were just so relatable. The ending sets it up for a sequel although be reassured its not a cliffhanger. I would certainly be interested in reading any sequel.
David Bund is back home for his father's funeral, His father died suddenly and unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack. At home after the funeral a young man thrusts an envelope into his hand and disappears. Inside is request to meet Hans Meier the following night. He has information about David's father's death, the situation is dire and you can't trust the police. Intrigued David arrives at the meeting place but no Hans. He calls in to Hans's home the next day but finds that it has been ransacked. He wonders what the intruders were after. He later finds a mysterious list hidden in Hans's bathroom. Soon David is on a very strange and very dangerous path of discovery. He is up against a very well resourced and dangerous group. Fortunately he meets allies along the way but they realise that the stakes are higher than they could have imagined. The fate of much of humanity is at risk. Very melodramatic I know, but it was so much fun and the good guys were just so relatable. The ending sets it up for a sequel although be reassured its not a cliffhanger. I would certainly be interested in reading any sequel.
November 17, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up--
This book was so easy to dive right into. It follows a former FBI agent, David Blum, who receives a cryptic note at his father’s funeral, leading him to believe that there was more behind his death than originally thought. Blum’s investigation leads him to uncover a ring of radicals with a global plot against humanity. I was immediately engrossed in this story, and ended up reading the entire thing in a day. It was fast-paced with short chapters so it really kept me hooked to keep going. The villain is identified early-on in the story, so this book mostly focused on the how and why. I did find the big reveal a little off-the-wall, but the ending came full-circle, which is always satisfying to me as a reader. I also liked how the author still left room for a continuation of the story, presented as a possible sequel, and not a cliffhanger.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! While I’m not a huge fan of action-movie type thrillers, the mystery that surrounded most of the book kept me turning the pages to find out more. It was very James Bond-esque, with a little bit of sci-fi/mad scientist thrown in, and I think that will appeal to a lot of readers!
This book was so easy to dive right into. It follows a former FBI agent, David Blum, who receives a cryptic note at his father’s funeral, leading him to believe that there was more behind his death than originally thought. Blum’s investigation leads him to uncover a ring of radicals with a global plot against humanity. I was immediately engrossed in this story, and ended up reading the entire thing in a day. It was fast-paced with short chapters so it really kept me hooked to keep going. The villain is identified early-on in the story, so this book mostly focused on the how and why. I did find the big reveal a little off-the-wall, but the ending came full-circle, which is always satisfying to me as a reader. I also liked how the author still left room for a continuation of the story, presented as a possible sequel, and not a cliffhanger.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! While I’m not a huge fan of action-movie type thrillers, the mystery that surrounded most of the book kept me turning the pages to find out more. It was very James Bond-esque, with a little bit of sci-fi/mad scientist thrown in, and I think that will appeal to a lot of readers!
January 26, 2020
I do not get to read as many books as I used to since I have a busy family life with 4 young kids. However I picked up this read with hopes to get through it over a couple months when I had time. However, that went out the window when I read it every chance I got and was done within a week. the characters were interesting, the plot was engaging, and the twists and turns made it hard to not jump into the subsequent chapters. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style that pulled you through a wide range of emotions in the story line. Highly recommend for those who enjoy the stories from Patterson/Koontz/Grisham.
March 29, 2020
I could not put this book down once I started it. Incredibly engaging, sexy, scary…
Blum operates at the intersection of academia, banking and law enforcement. I personally come from academic, and then banking background, and I was impressed how accurately the author depicted the spirit of both of these worlds.
The incredibly graphic and the detailed writing made the scenes and characters come alive. Reading the chase scene was like watching it on the big screen.
Hope there is a sequel. I can’t wait to see Blum tackle the next conspiracy.
Oh, and I absolutely loved the double helix scene.
Blum operates at the intersection of academia, banking and law enforcement. I personally come from academic, and then banking background, and I was impressed how accurately the author depicted the spirit of both of these worlds.
The incredibly graphic and the detailed writing made the scenes and characters come alive. Reading the chase scene was like watching it on the big screen.
Hope there is a sequel. I can’t wait to see Blum tackle the next conspiracy.
Oh, and I absolutely loved the double helix scene.
April 11, 2020
(I received an ARC for this review)
This is not a genre that I would normally read, so it is hard for me to compare it to others; however, I must say that I enjoyed it very much.
I was a little confused by the introduction, as it seemed to be disconnected from what came after it, but eventually it all came together and made perfect sense. Emotions are played with at the end. In the middle was an exciting tale of intrigue, where you never knew whom you could trust. Reading it, as I did, during a pandemic was eerily appropriate, too. The material is generally kept “clean” as well; a bonus for those who don’t care for too much graphic detail.
I would recommend it without hesitation.
This is not a genre that I would normally read, so it is hard for me to compare it to others; however, I must say that I enjoyed it very much.
I was a little confused by the introduction, as it seemed to be disconnected from what came after it, but eventually it all came together and made perfect sense. Emotions are played with at the end. In the middle was an exciting tale of intrigue, where you never knew whom you could trust. Reading it, as I did, during a pandemic was eerily appropriate, too. The material is generally kept “clean” as well; a bonus for those who don’t care for too much graphic detail.
I would recommend it without hesitation.
February 17, 2020
This was an unmitigated edge of my seat page turner. The author draws you in and will simply not let you leave. Creative in its own right but also in the finest traditions of Dan Brown, Tom Clancy and the great Ian Fleming. Twists and turns. Realistic technical detail. A great setting. Compelling character development, particularly of the protagonist – who seemed so real. Plenty of action and intrigue but also touching upon profound personal, moral and ethical issues.
I can’t wait for the sequel.
I can’t wait for the sequel.
February 11, 2020
What an excellent page turner! Like the other reviewers, once I started reading the book , it was almost impossible to stop, wanting to know what happens next. The twists and turns keep the reader breathless, while the mind is trying to solve the same puzzle as the main character.
And the ending, without giving anything away here, virtually begs for a follow-up. Hopefully there will be one.
And the ending, without giving anything away here, virtually begs for a follow-up. Hopefully there will be one.
April 7, 2020
Wow! The Pangaea Solution was terrific - a fast-moving thriller with lots of twists, a ton of great characters, and a plot you won't soon forget. Charles Jacobs knows how to keep your eyes riveted on the page and your heart pounding. I REALLY enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to his next on.
December 9, 2020
I am going to DNF this book. I am a little less than 50% and I just can't keep going.
I think Jacobs wrote a book that fulfills his male fantasy of what it would be like to be caught up in a spy novel. This book is the definition of a mid-life crisis - a vintage sports car, women in sexy push up bras, and being a wealthy investment baker who is ex-FBI. On top of all that, the premise that David Blum needs to uncover the mystery of his father's death (heart attack) is ridiculous. If he really is ex-FBI, then he would bring in the FBI. There are so many assumptions that just don't make sense.
I think Jacobs wrote a book that fulfills his male fantasy of what it would be like to be caught up in a spy novel. This book is the definition of a mid-life crisis - a vintage sports car, women in sexy push up bras, and being a wealthy investment baker who is ex-FBI. On top of all that, the premise that David Blum needs to uncover the mystery of his father's death (heart attack) is ridiculous. If he really is ex-FBI, then he would bring in the FBI. There are so many assumptions that just don't make sense.
April 12, 2020
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy a thriller about the threat of a worldwide viral pandemic just now. But I needn’t have worried, because "The Pangea Solution," although dealing with dark themes based on cutting-edge science and technology, is basically an old-fashioned page turner. The protagonist is David Blum, a former FBI agent turned Chicago-based wealth adviser who returns home downstate to Urbana-Champaign for the funeral of his father. He’s not there very long before he realizes something isn’t adding up about the fatal heart attack his father supposedly suffered. Soon Blum is in the middle of a dangerous mystery involving a geneticist conducting some very questionable experiments. It’s not just Blum’s life that’s at risk, though, but countless other lives as well if he doesn’t act quickly enough. Lots of adventure, gunfire, some romance and plenty of twists made it a really enjoyable read.
March 5, 2020
Terrific mystery and thriller. It took me a couple of chapters to get warmed up, and then the book was un-put-downable. Very vivid detail, that transported me right into the scenes.
The story uses today's political world as a backdrop, and is prescient in its use of infectious disease (viral pandemic anyone?). The book references the limits of our impact, as individuals and through our institutions.
David Blum is a fine protagonist. There is both emotional and factual (or science/technology) richness in this gripping tale. I could identify with much of the financial profession the characters inhabit, the university researchers, and with the poignancy of father-daughter/son relationships set up in the book.
There is a fantastic scene of chases across cornfields, an homage to North by Northwest. I am looking forward to the movie, and to multiple sequels.
The story uses today's political world as a backdrop, and is prescient in its use of infectious disease (viral pandemic anyone?). The book references the limits of our impact, as individuals and through our institutions.
David Blum is a fine protagonist. There is both emotional and factual (or science/technology) richness in this gripping tale. I could identify with much of the financial profession the characters inhabit, the university researchers, and with the poignancy of father-daughter/son relationships set up in the book.
There is a fantastic scene of chases across cornfields, an homage to North by Northwest. I am looking forward to the movie, and to multiple sequels.
February 17, 2020
If you love intrigue, action and suspense, you'll love The Pangaea Solution, a great thriller with lots of unexpected twists! This gripping page-turner kept me on the edge of my seat. Wealth adviser and former FBI agent David Blum is on a mission to answer questions concerning his father's death. But how does a Holocaust survivor of questionable ancestry, a not so white white supremacist, and a diabolical plot to destroy mass populations figure into this? Along with an array of bad guys, be prepared to experience interesting advances in agriculture and disturbing scientifically engineered insects. Thrill ride all the way!
June 15, 2020
This book was chosen for our club because of its high ratings. Those reviews must have been provided by his best friends and closest relatives because the book is terrible. It is written in a faux-Hammett style that comes across as obsessively detailed and clunky. The perspective is entirely male. There are only two women in the book and they both want to sleep with the protagonist who drives a fast car (described in excruciating detail). The plot is ridiculous a la the Bond films of the 1980s and 1990s -- mad scientist plotting to overthrow the world, etc. The ending clearly sets up the protagonist for a series. Please, Mr. Jacobs, just don't.
February 3, 2020
This book is a terrific read! When you start to read this, be sure that you have at least several hours free because you will not be able to put it down.
My favorite part of the book was what took place in Feldmann’s barn. The author was able to transport me to that place and make me experience what happened there. Without giving anything away, you will not want the lights to go out after reading that chapter.
The author now has an obligation to his readers – write the sequel! The book definitely leaves you wanting the next adventure.
My favorite part of the book was what took place in Feldmann’s barn. The author was able to transport me to that place and make me experience what happened there. Without giving anything away, you will not want the lights to go out after reading that chapter.
The author now has an obligation to his readers – write the sequel! The book definitely leaves you wanting the next adventure.
March 7, 2020
A fantastic thriller that I had a hard time putting down.
Chuck Jacobs has a talent from drawing the reader into a scene with his descriptive prose and subtle foreshadowing. He spun a thread throughout this story with vivid details, and when he pulled on it the last time, he caught me completely off-guard. Well done! I'll be watching for his next book and hope that he builds on the characters he developed in this fantastic read.
Chuck Jacobs has a talent from drawing the reader into a scene with his descriptive prose and subtle foreshadowing. He spun a thread throughout this story with vivid details, and when he pulled on it the last time, he caught me completely off-guard. Well done! I'll be watching for his next book and hope that he builds on the characters he developed in this fantastic read.
March 2, 2020
Absolutely amazing book! This is a fast paced mystery/science fiction novel that had my heart racing quite a few times! The characters are likable and relatable and this book makes you question how far science really can go! Five star quality novel!
March 25, 2020
It has been a while since a book kept me up so late, but I could not put this one down. The complex plot twists, the engaging lead characters, and the action all come together to make this a really fun read. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys the action/adventure genre.
January 3, 2021
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (plenty of reviews like that out there already).
I was expecting this to be a sci-fi book, but it is more of a thriller with a pinch or two of sci-fi in the mix, plus a good helping of conspiracy theories.
The book starts strongly, and the writing is very detailed, and you could imagine this as a movie. However, as the book progressed, I began to find myself picking holes in the plot a little. There is some gruesome detail towards the end (and also a rather too detailed sex scene, which added nothing to the plot IMHO).
Overall I enjoyed reading this novel. However I felt that the ending felt a little rushed, particularly given the level of detail that went into the earlier part of the book, so am only awarding 3 stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I was expecting this to be a sci-fi book, but it is more of a thriller with a pinch or two of sci-fi in the mix, plus a good helping of conspiracy theories.
The book starts strongly, and the writing is very detailed, and you could imagine this as a movie. However, as the book progressed, I began to find myself picking holes in the plot a little. There is some gruesome detail towards the end (and also a rather too detailed sex scene, which added nothing to the plot IMHO).
Overall I enjoyed reading this novel. However I felt that the ending felt a little rushed, particularly given the level of detail that went into the earlier part of the book, so am only awarding 3 stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
November 29, 2025
Oddly compelling
An interesting premise positing the end of the world to save the world. Well written a little bit long on the scription’s fast cars and travel, but all in all well worth the read.
An interesting premise positing the end of the world to save the world. Well written a little bit long on the scription’s fast cars and travel, but all in all well worth the read.
December 31, 2025
Good writing, quick-paced, captivating adventure
I started reading and was instantly hooked. Strong, likeable characters, mystery, science, revenge and some romance. It has it all.
I started reading and was instantly hooked. Strong, likeable characters, mystery, science, revenge and some romance. It has it all.
August 13, 2020
Really good read.
This book is a fast paced intricate mystery with a highly original plot. Well written. I read it straight through.
This book is a fast paced intricate mystery with a highly original plot. Well written. I read it straight through.
November 29, 2020
A page turning thriller (I would actually probably call it a sci-fi thriller but that’s a minor detail).
This one had me turning the pages from the beginning I needed to know what happened to Blums dad and what Kay really saw on her prom night years ago. This book has action, mystery, some old fashion detective work and a crazy ass scientist oh and of course a dash of romance. All though I typically would’ve never picked this one up i did enjoy parts of it and would definitely recommend it to sci fi or thriller lovers
This one had me turning the pages from the beginning I needed to know what happened to Blums dad and what Kay really saw on her prom night years ago. This book has action, mystery, some old fashion detective work and a crazy ass scientist oh and of course a dash of romance. All though I typically would’ve never picked this one up i did enjoy parts of it and would definitely recommend it to sci fi or thriller lovers
November 6, 2020
“In some sense, religion is a language. And like any language, it can be used to say beautiful, inspiring things or horrible, destructive things. It all depends on the character and motivation of the speaker.”
After David finds out his dad has passed, he receives a m mysterious note that makes it seem like his fathers death could have been a murder. When he goes to meet the stranger, he doesn’t show, and seems to have vanished into thin air. David is on a quest to find this man that took the risk to reach out to him, but he will need Kay’s help to get there.
This was not a normal read for me, but dang did I enjoy it. I will say it’s not for those with a light stomach. I read the last 50-60 pages with a look of complete disgust on my face trying not to gag, but if your stomach can take it, I highly recommend. From page one I needed to know what was happening, what Kay has seen, and what happened to David’s father. This one had me quickly flipping pages to figure out what was going on, and man it was crazy!
After David finds out his dad has passed, he receives a m mysterious note that makes it seem like his fathers death could have been a murder. When he goes to meet the stranger, he doesn’t show, and seems to have vanished into thin air. David is on a quest to find this man that took the risk to reach out to him, but he will need Kay’s help to get there.
This was not a normal read for me, but dang did I enjoy it. I will say it’s not for those with a light stomach. I read the last 50-60 pages with a look of complete disgust on my face trying not to gag, but if your stomach can take it, I highly recommend. From page one I needed to know what was happening, what Kay has seen, and what happened to David’s father. This one had me quickly flipping pages to figure out what was going on, and man it was crazy!
April 7, 2020
David Blum, an investment banker and former FBI agent, returns to his home town after his father has died. A messenger brings him an envelope which suggests that his father did not die in an accident but was murdered. And so begins this page turner where Blum teams up with Kay Westfield who once witnessed a bizarre incident at a research farm near where his father was killed. The research farm is owned by a professor in genetics, Otto Feldmann, a colleague of his father's at the same university.
This is a very engaging book which I raced through. My only criticism is that I think the romance aspect of the story could have been completely omitted as it didn't really add anything to the plot and instead replaced with more information on the science of what was going on at the research farm. But an enjoyable read overall.
This is a very engaging book which I raced through. My only criticism is that I think the romance aspect of the story could have been completely omitted as it didn't really add anything to the plot and instead replaced with more information on the science of what was going on at the research farm. But an enjoyable read overall.
August 14, 2020
An absolutely fantastic mystery-thriller. Along the same lines as Dan Brown or James Patterson; Charles Jacobs builds an amazing story that pulls you on from page 1. Just as you think you have it all figured out, the plot twists on you and leaves you amazed and hopeful for more adventures of David Blum. 5/5 highly recommend to any readers.
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