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Jake Parker #1
Containment
When there’s nothing left to lose, there’s no limit to what you’ll risk.
Jake Parker’s world collapsed with the violent death of his wife during a police-led raid. In the awful aftermath, he hung up his detective’s badge for good. Now ex-military, ex-police, he has embraced a simple civilian life. But when a deadly new disease begins to threaten American lives, Jake is dragged out of his self-imposed retirement.
When a young family at a remote detention center die from a mysterious illness, Jake is contacted by a government official to launch a covert investigation. An unknown disease has entered the system, causing agonizing death and visible signs of blood pooling beneath the skin, and it seems to be spreading. If Jake can’t get on the ground quickly to eliminate the threat before it becomes an epidemic, countless more innocent lives could be at risk.
With the help of medical professor Eliza Mendoza, Jake heads to the border, but what they uncover there is evidence that this devastating disease is man-made, and part of a calculated plot aimed right at the heart of government. With powerful forces ranged against him, Jake must use all his ingenuity to bring down the ruthless organization behind the attack. Failure is not an option.
A pulse-pounding action thriller from a USA Today bestselling author. Fans of David Baldacci, I Am Pilgrim and Jack Ryan will be gripped.
Jake Parker’s world collapsed with the violent death of his wife during a police-led raid. In the awful aftermath, he hung up his detective’s badge for good. Now ex-military, ex-police, he has embraced a simple civilian life. But when a deadly new disease begins to threaten American lives, Jake is dragged out of his self-imposed retirement.
When a young family at a remote detention center die from a mysterious illness, Jake is contacted by a government official to launch a covert investigation. An unknown disease has entered the system, causing agonizing death and visible signs of blood pooling beneath the skin, and it seems to be spreading. If Jake can’t get on the ground quickly to eliminate the threat before it becomes an epidemic, countless more innocent lives could be at risk.
With the help of medical professor Eliza Mendoza, Jake heads to the border, but what they uncover there is evidence that this devastating disease is man-made, and part of a calculated plot aimed right at the heart of government. With powerful forces ranged against him, Jake must use all his ingenuity to bring down the ruthless organization behind the attack. Failure is not an option.
A pulse-pounding action thriller from a USA Today bestselling author. Fans of David Baldacci, I Am Pilgrim and Jack Ryan will be gripped.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2020
73 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Nick Thacker
109 books438 followersNick Thacker is a thriller author from Texas who lives in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys reading in a hammock on the beach, skiing, drinking whiskey, and hanging out with his beautiful wife, two dogs, and two daughters.
For more information, visit Nick online at www.nickthacker.com
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 10, 2020
Review coming soon.
September 12, 2020
"How far would you go for something you believe in?"
This is another of those books which I managed to read in a couple of sittings and another new series which I hope will continue to flourish, as I really need my next fix of Jake Parker - and soon please!
This book ticked all the boxes for my ideal reading scenario: A great opening which set the scene and placed the characters; a fast paced, action packed storyline; and a satisfying ending with not too many loose ends (only the romantic kind of course!). Oh! and in this case, given Jake's knack of attracting trouble, my fourth criteria definitely also applies - You can't be dead!
Short, punchy chapters, which far from making for a disjointed, 'bitty' storyline, kept things moving along fluidly and at a cracking pace.
Real and identifiable places made connecting with events so much easier and definitely more interesting, as I had my maps up much of the time, following the action from place to place.
The intense, multi-layered storyline, was rich in atmosphere, crackling with tension, and bang on trend for these troubled times. However it did make the assumption that Covid 19 had been and gone and was a thing of the past, which was slightly disconcerting, especially as Jake is investigating outbreaks of a new and much more deadly virus, which looks as though it is about to be unleashed, hot on Covid's heels!
When the true nature of intent with regard to this deadly, brutally fatal organism is uncovered, the repercussions it might engender, are not to be countenanced, as they have the propensity to extend far beyond one nation and cause a diplomatic incident of horrendous proportions. The last thing the US government needs is the grenade called 'ethnicity' being thrown into the room.
The narrative was crisp and to the point, with not a single wasted word, no lengthy flowery sentences, although everything was still very visually descriptive and fully fleshed out.
The dialogue similarly, didn't waste time with too many banalities or unnecessary exchanges. Ideas and information were relevant, and personal dialogue was meaningful and potentially either relationship building, or friendship destroying.
The characters were multi-faceted, complex, driven, emotionally damaged from past life experiences, and therefore quite difficult and challenging to connect with, despite being well defined and developed. Everyone was in this game for themselves it seems, even though they all had their own differing motives. Briggs truly believed with his esoteric reasoning, that he was working towards the common good and a change in the bureaucratic system, although he wasn't quite prepared to pay the ultimate price demanded for his selfish single-mindedness. Beau has his own reasons for throwing in his lot with Briggs, but I truly believe that he had a moral issue with the way events were going, especially when he has to deal decisively with his one time friend and colleague, Jake. Life has little meaning left for Beau and the ultimate sacrifice isn't up for discussion.
For Jake and Eliza, being literally thrown together to try and unravel the plot and the motives which drive it, means that their individual solitary lifestyles, have to be placed on hold, a concept which is initially unthinkable for both of them. Jake is still grieving and hurting from the loss of his wife and Eliza is totally career focused, giving neither of them the will or requirement for a social life, much less a relationship. However, the chemistry between them kicks in automatically and immediately, as much as they both try to deny it. They really are operating on the same page from the word go though and it doesn't take Jake long to figure out that in Eliza, he has met his match in so many ways. Eliza knows what she needs to happen, in order for her to work out exactly what they are dealing with on a humanitarian level and she expects Jake to defer to her when the science has to take centre stage. Equally, Jake is very much in charge of outing the villains, unmasking the plot and clearing up the mess left behind. That includes protecting a very stubborn Eliza, who proves more than able to take care of herself and is beginning to melt his heart of stone. The slow burning beginnings of a future, dealt with sympathetically and nurtured with great care by the author. Any future which beckons for Jake and Eliza, is never going to be plain sailing or boring! I really became invested in these two characters and hope that any future storylines feature them working together again.
Author, Nick Thacker is certainly skilled at making a little mean a lot, with every word made to count. So although I had worked out most of the plot by about half way through the story, getting to the end game was still great fun, as I needed to tie up a few of the loose ends and just make sure that I had put everything into the right boxes, which par for the course, I hadn't quite managed!
Even though this was a storyline with quite a prescriptive roadmap, I still found myself on a very unique and individual journey, led by a consummate storyteller.
This is another of those books which I managed to read in a couple of sittings and another new series which I hope will continue to flourish, as I really need my next fix of Jake Parker - and soon please!
This book ticked all the boxes for my ideal reading scenario: A great opening which set the scene and placed the characters; a fast paced, action packed storyline; and a satisfying ending with not too many loose ends (only the romantic kind of course!). Oh! and in this case, given Jake's knack of attracting trouble, my fourth criteria definitely also applies - You can't be dead!
Short, punchy chapters, which far from making for a disjointed, 'bitty' storyline, kept things moving along fluidly and at a cracking pace.
Real and identifiable places made connecting with events so much easier and definitely more interesting, as I had my maps up much of the time, following the action from place to place.
The intense, multi-layered storyline, was rich in atmosphere, crackling with tension, and bang on trend for these troubled times. However it did make the assumption that Covid 19 had been and gone and was a thing of the past, which was slightly disconcerting, especially as Jake is investigating outbreaks of a new and much more deadly virus, which looks as though it is about to be unleashed, hot on Covid's heels!
When the true nature of intent with regard to this deadly, brutally fatal organism is uncovered, the repercussions it might engender, are not to be countenanced, as they have the propensity to extend far beyond one nation and cause a diplomatic incident of horrendous proportions. The last thing the US government needs is the grenade called 'ethnicity' being thrown into the room.
The narrative was crisp and to the point, with not a single wasted word, no lengthy flowery sentences, although everything was still very visually descriptive and fully fleshed out.
The dialogue similarly, didn't waste time with too many banalities or unnecessary exchanges. Ideas and information were relevant, and personal dialogue was meaningful and potentially either relationship building, or friendship destroying.
The characters were multi-faceted, complex, driven, emotionally damaged from past life experiences, and therefore quite difficult and challenging to connect with, despite being well defined and developed. Everyone was in this game for themselves it seems, even though they all had their own differing motives. Briggs truly believed with his esoteric reasoning, that he was working towards the common good and a change in the bureaucratic system, although he wasn't quite prepared to pay the ultimate price demanded for his selfish single-mindedness. Beau has his own reasons for throwing in his lot with Briggs, but I truly believe that he had a moral issue with the way events were going, especially when he has to deal decisively with his one time friend and colleague, Jake. Life has little meaning left for Beau and the ultimate sacrifice isn't up for discussion.
For Jake and Eliza, being literally thrown together to try and unravel the plot and the motives which drive it, means that their individual solitary lifestyles, have to be placed on hold, a concept which is initially unthinkable for both of them. Jake is still grieving and hurting from the loss of his wife and Eliza is totally career focused, giving neither of them the will or requirement for a social life, much less a relationship. However, the chemistry between them kicks in automatically and immediately, as much as they both try to deny it. They really are operating on the same page from the word go though and it doesn't take Jake long to figure out that in Eliza, he has met his match in so many ways. Eliza knows what she needs to happen, in order for her to work out exactly what they are dealing with on a humanitarian level and she expects Jake to defer to her when the science has to take centre stage. Equally, Jake is very much in charge of outing the villains, unmasking the plot and clearing up the mess left behind. That includes protecting a very stubborn Eliza, who proves more than able to take care of herself and is beginning to melt his heart of stone. The slow burning beginnings of a future, dealt with sympathetically and nurtured with great care by the author. Any future which beckons for Jake and Eliza, is never going to be plain sailing or boring! I really became invested in these two characters and hope that any future storylines feature them working together again.
Author, Nick Thacker is certainly skilled at making a little mean a lot, with every word made to count. So although I had worked out most of the plot by about half way through the story, getting to the end game was still great fun, as I needed to tie up a few of the loose ends and just make sure that I had put everything into the right boxes, which par for the course, I hadn't quite managed!
Even though this was a storyline with quite a prescriptive roadmap, I still found myself on a very unique and individual journey, led by a consummate storyteller.
September 10, 2020
Life changed for Jacob (Jake) Parker three years ago and he's been searching for peace and solitude but even that has evaded him. He's torn from his self-imposed isolation when he gets a call from Derek Briggs, the Director of ICE, about an unusual job. Even though Jake has left his former position as a detective with the Boston PD and military service behind, Briggs wants him to solve a case outside of the normal channels. The situation involves the deaths of a married couple who apparently entered the US illegally from Canada but were detained at a facility in Vermont where they got sick and quickly expired. Briggs is concerned because whatever killed them might be a the start of a new pandemic. He engages Jake as a third-party investigator outside of the bureaucracy of the US Government to avoid speculation and panic if this is indeed something to be concerned about. Jake knows he can't handle this on his own and makes a call to an old friend, Beau Shaw, his ex-partner and asks him to help and also requests him to find another person with infectious disease expertise. Enter Dr. Eliza Mendoza, a teacher of microbiology and parasitology at Syracuse. The goal is for the team to make sure the infection that killed the couple wasn't introduced on purpose and that it is contained. Jake thinks outside the box, and they hit the ground running. But what if there is more to this than the emergence of a new killer disease? NO SPOILERS.
I love thrillers but especially those that are medical in nature. I'm a sucker for a good pandemic novel and I tried to hold off reading this until closer to publication date, but couldn't resist. Although this is a very quick read, easy to finish in a couple of hours, I was a bit disappointed. The premise was so interesting but the narrative got bogged down and focused more on politics and the debate about immigration than about an epidemic. Very predictable bad guys and with the requisite romance angle, I was left feeling let down and don't think I got what I came for after all. I'm not sure if I'll read another in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
I love thrillers but especially those that are medical in nature. I'm a sucker for a good pandemic novel and I tried to hold off reading this until closer to publication date, but couldn't resist. Although this is a very quick read, easy to finish in a couple of hours, I was a bit disappointed. The premise was so interesting but the narrative got bogged down and focused more on politics and the debate about immigration than about an epidemic. Very predictable bad guys and with the requisite romance angle, I was left feeling let down and don't think I got what I came for after all. I'm not sure if I'll read another in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
September 11, 2020
Containment by Nick Thacker is an action packed thriller that will keep you up at night furiously flipping through the pages and it will cost you a very sleepless night as you rush to the explosive finale. There is nothing better than reading about a potential pandemic while in the midst of Covid19.
Jake Parker is ex-military and ex Boston PD currently hired by Derek Briggs, Director of ICE, regarding a highly classified matter. A young family took a run turn into the United States and landed in hot water with immigration and later turned up dead from a mysterious illness. Parker is tasked with ferreting out the cause and putting a stop to something deadly that could have some serious repercussions. Parker, along with his ex police partner, Beau Shaw and scientist Eliza Mendoza race against time to stop a disease from throwing the government into complete chaos.
I wasn’t really sure how this story was going to go and I was kind of afraid it would get too political to the point of being a bunch of ranting about the government. While the story touched on some hot button issues like immigration, racism, systemic racism and white privilege, the story never veered into SJW territory, thank God or I may have thrown my kindle across the room. Nick Thacker really did drive a point home about our current state of affairs and a lot about what American citizens have been complaining about and fighting for especially when it comes to immigration. Thacker did it in a way that lets readers come to their own conclusions without force feeding us his view which is a huge relief to me.
The story is intense and very action packed. The chapters are short oftentimes leaving you at a cliffhanger and forcing you to read another chapter. If you are anything like me you just have to know what comes next! Needless to say I was still up at 5am reading this story. Although I did figure out who was behind it all pretty early on in the story, it still did not take away from my enjoyment and actually made me realize I should probably be reading more action books as they really do get my heart pumping.
I liked Jake Parker as a character. He is well written but I think we barely scratched the surface about his life and his inner turmoil over the death of his wife. Eliza seems like a potential love interest and it is touched upon slightly in this story. So I would definitely love to see how their friendship progresses in later installments in this brand new series.
Containment is fast paced, heart pounding and frightening. This is a story that can be all too real! If you like a fast moving story then you will definitely want to give this one a try.
Jake Parker is ex-military and ex Boston PD currently hired by Derek Briggs, Director of ICE, regarding a highly classified matter. A young family took a run turn into the United States and landed in hot water with immigration and later turned up dead from a mysterious illness. Parker is tasked with ferreting out the cause and putting a stop to something deadly that could have some serious repercussions. Parker, along with his ex police partner, Beau Shaw and scientist Eliza Mendoza race against time to stop a disease from throwing the government into complete chaos.
I wasn’t really sure how this story was going to go and I was kind of afraid it would get too political to the point of being a bunch of ranting about the government. While the story touched on some hot button issues like immigration, racism, systemic racism and white privilege, the story never veered into SJW territory, thank God or I may have thrown my kindle across the room. Nick Thacker really did drive a point home about our current state of affairs and a lot about what American citizens have been complaining about and fighting for especially when it comes to immigration. Thacker did it in a way that lets readers come to their own conclusions without force feeding us his view which is a huge relief to me.
The story is intense and very action packed. The chapters are short oftentimes leaving you at a cliffhanger and forcing you to read another chapter. If you are anything like me you just have to know what comes next! Needless to say I was still up at 5am reading this story. Although I did figure out who was behind it all pretty early on in the story, it still did not take away from my enjoyment and actually made me realize I should probably be reading more action books as they really do get my heart pumping.
I liked Jake Parker as a character. He is well written but I think we barely scratched the surface about his life and his inner turmoil over the death of his wife. Eliza seems like a potential love interest and it is touched upon slightly in this story. So I would definitely love to see how their friendship progresses in later installments in this brand new series.
Containment is fast paced, heart pounding and frightening. This is a story that can be all too real! If you like a fast moving story then you will definitely want to give this one a try.
August 22, 2020
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Containment' by Nick Thacker
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 10th September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Jake Parker' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its interesting and intriguing blurb. I also wanted to take a break from my typical genre of crime thrillers and this book seemed to fit fit the bill. It also seem quite apt to read this during the coronavirus pandemic. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 65 chapters which are short to medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective and one of the main protagonists is Jake. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
This book is based in the US.
I'll be honest and say this wasn't quite what I expected from the blurb. However, that isn't to say I didn't enjoy it. It was definitely different to what I normally read and I think it's expanded my interest for more of this type books.
The storyline was quite unique as well as completely action packed, gripping and non stop. The storyline gripped my attention from beginning to end. It was very wel written making it quite a smooth read.
The characters were all well defined and from very different backgrounds which made them more intriguing. Unfortunately, I can't say I was surprised when one of the people involved was revealed. However, I was quite surprised by the rest of it.
I must congratulation Nick on the fact that it is quite obvious that alot of research went into this which is always a bonus. I'm always put off by books when it is blatant the author has done no research at all.
I enjoyed the fact that some chapters ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger although this did become a problem when it was late at night and I just had to see what happened next!!
Overall a very fast paced and action packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense!
Genres covered include Thriller, Action and Adventure.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of pandemic novels.
315 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is a good price for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#Containment #NickThacker #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@NickThacker @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Containment' by Nick Thacker
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 10th September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Jake Parker' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its interesting and intriguing blurb. I also wanted to take a break from my typical genre of crime thrillers and this book seemed to fit fit the bill. It also seem quite apt to read this during the coronavirus pandemic. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 65 chapters which are short to medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective and one of the main protagonists is Jake. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
This book is based in the US.
I'll be honest and say this wasn't quite what I expected from the blurb. However, that isn't to say I didn't enjoy it. It was definitely different to what I normally read and I think it's expanded my interest for more of this type books.
The storyline was quite unique as well as completely action packed, gripping and non stop. The storyline gripped my attention from beginning to end. It was very wel written making it quite a smooth read.
The characters were all well defined and from very different backgrounds which made them more intriguing. Unfortunately, I can't say I was surprised when one of the people involved was revealed. However, I was quite surprised by the rest of it.
I must congratulation Nick on the fact that it is quite obvious that alot of research went into this which is always a bonus. I'm always put off by books when it is blatant the author has done no research at all.
I enjoyed the fact that some chapters ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger although this did become a problem when it was late at night and I just had to see what happened next!!
Overall a very fast paced and action packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense!
Genres covered include Thriller, Action and Adventure.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of pandemic novels.
315 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is a good price for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#Containment #NickThacker #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@NickThacker @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
September 29, 2020
Oh my!! A high octane read which gathered speed at every chapter raising the pitch to the pinnacle in the second half where world health was at stake. Author Nick Thacker wrote the book with a thrilling flourish where a contagion was wildly spreading bringing death and destruction. Too close to the truth? Perhaps.
An imperfect hero and a scientist heroine and a world threatened with a contagion with people dying was the crux of the story. Add to this few twists and I got a rollicking thriller.
Short snappy chapters made this book fly, the action too helped. The narration kept to the flow of an action thriller on the backdrop of evils of medicine. Jack was strong yet vulnerable. His determination to get to the bottom of this probable bio warfare made me like him more.
Reading about something which was happening in real life was difficult, but I was happy to read it as I knew that this story would have a happy ending, and the bookish world would be saved without too many casualties, unlike real world.
The writing kept the dialogues flowing with intelligence and action interspersing it. The characters seemed to complement each other. I was happy the romance was not concentrated on. The story had a flying start and the last few pages made it a cracking read. Fun times in difficult times.
An imperfect hero and a scientist heroine and a world threatened with a contagion with people dying was the crux of the story. Add to this few twists and I got a rollicking thriller.
Short snappy chapters made this book fly, the action too helped. The narration kept to the flow of an action thriller on the backdrop of evils of medicine. Jack was strong yet vulnerable. His determination to get to the bottom of this probable bio warfare made me like him more.
Reading about something which was happening in real life was difficult, but I was happy to read it as I knew that this story would have a happy ending, and the bookish world would be saved without too many casualties, unlike real world.
The writing kept the dialogues flowing with intelligence and action interspersing it. The characters seemed to complement each other. I was happy the romance was not concentrated on. The story had a flying start and the last few pages made it a cracking read. Fun times in difficult times.
September 12, 2020
There’s honestly nothing like reading a book about a deadly parasite during the COVID pandemic of 2020.
A young family from England take a wrong turn in Canada, which accidentally lands them on US territory. When both parents end up dying in the detention center of some unknown infection shortly after arrival. Derek Briggs, the director of ICE, needs to sort this out quickly so he hires ex-military and ex-Boston PD detective Jake Parker to find the source of infection and stop it before it becomes an epidemic. With his former partner Beau Shaw and scientific expert Dr. Eliza Mendoza in tow, these three are racing the clock to stop the spread before the body count starts racking up.
I definitely went into this story because of the epidemic side of things. As a scientist, I can’t get enough of plot lines that dive into epidemics/pandemics/outbreaks. That being said, while the deadly parasite is integral to this storyline, this story also heavily focuses on the police procedural side of things while delving into topics such as politics, immigration, systemic racism, and white privilege. I think the author addresses these issues with grace, but I definitely found myself feeling on edge for some of these since they really hit home for me.
As far as character development goes, we get a lot of insight into Jake, Beau, and Eliza. I really enjoyed Jake and Beau’s partnership as well as the mutual respect they have for one another. I definitely admired Eliza as a female Ph.D scientist who is willing to get her hands dirty in order to use science to solve problems. I will say that I wasn’t so keen on the romantic exploration between Jake and Eliza. I would have much preferred a purely platonic relationship.
Overall, I think this is an interesting story, and I think it will really resonate with a lot of readers.
Sidenote: I know this is super pedantic, but it’s bothering me since it’s in the title. A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease across the world. An epidemic is the outbreak of a disease that is localized to a particular area. This book takes place in the US. This story is about an epidemic NOT a pandemic.
Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
A young family from England take a wrong turn in Canada, which accidentally lands them on US territory. When both parents end up dying in the detention center of some unknown infection shortly after arrival. Derek Briggs, the director of ICE, needs to sort this out quickly so he hires ex-military and ex-Boston PD detective Jake Parker to find the source of infection and stop it before it becomes an epidemic. With his former partner Beau Shaw and scientific expert Dr. Eliza Mendoza in tow, these three are racing the clock to stop the spread before the body count starts racking up.
I definitely went into this story because of the epidemic side of things. As a scientist, I can’t get enough of plot lines that dive into epidemics/pandemics/outbreaks. That being said, while the deadly parasite is integral to this storyline, this story also heavily focuses on the police procedural side of things while delving into topics such as politics, immigration, systemic racism, and white privilege. I think the author addresses these issues with grace, but I definitely found myself feeling on edge for some of these since they really hit home for me.
As far as character development goes, we get a lot of insight into Jake, Beau, and Eliza. I really enjoyed Jake and Beau’s partnership as well as the mutual respect they have for one another. I definitely admired Eliza as a female Ph.D scientist who is willing to get her hands dirty in order to use science to solve problems. I will say that I wasn’t so keen on the romantic exploration between Jake and Eliza. I would have much preferred a purely platonic relationship.
Overall, I think this is an interesting story, and I think it will really resonate with a lot of readers.
Sidenote: I know this is super pedantic, but it’s bothering me since it’s in the title. A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease across the world. An epidemic is the outbreak of a disease that is localized to a particular area. This book takes place in the US. This story is about an epidemic NOT a pandemic.
Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2020
I hadn't read anything by this author before but the book blurb had me intrigued and I'm so happy I decided to read it! It is a fast paced action thriller with plenty of diverse threads which are skilfully interwoven to create an enthralling read that I didn't put down until I'd finished it.
Jake Parker is an ex-military and ex-Boston PD detective who is convinced by Derek Briggs, the director of ICE, to investigate the mysterious deaths of a couple who had inadvertently strayed into the US from Canada. There are concerns that their deaths could be the first of many - could this be the start of another pandemic? He is given lots of freedom to follow his own investigations to stop this threat and his first move is to seek support from his ex-police detective partner and a medical professor. When they discover the disease is man-made, this trio are involved in a race against time in order to thwart those behind the attack whilst endeavouring to keep themselves safe, too.
What a well written, fascinating story this proved to be. It is a gripping thriller which kept me turning the pages to discover just how everything would unfold. It was surprising to read comparisons between the mystery disease and COVID-19, including references to the R number as part of this, implying this book has actually been written very recently and is set in the near future. I'm very happy this is part of a series and there will be more mysteries for Jake to solve in future and really hope I get to read them!
Thank you to Bookouture for the copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
Jake Parker is an ex-military and ex-Boston PD detective who is convinced by Derek Briggs, the director of ICE, to investigate the mysterious deaths of a couple who had inadvertently strayed into the US from Canada. There are concerns that their deaths could be the first of many - could this be the start of another pandemic? He is given lots of freedom to follow his own investigations to stop this threat and his first move is to seek support from his ex-police detective partner and a medical professor. When they discover the disease is man-made, this trio are involved in a race against time in order to thwart those behind the attack whilst endeavouring to keep themselves safe, too.
What a well written, fascinating story this proved to be. It is a gripping thriller which kept me turning the pages to discover just how everything would unfold. It was surprising to read comparisons between the mystery disease and COVID-19, including references to the R number as part of this, implying this book has actually been written very recently and is set in the near future. I'm very happy this is part of a series and there will be more mysteries for Jake to solve in future and really hope I get to read them!
Thank you to Bookouture for the copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
July 20, 2025
Unpredictable and horrifying pandemic novel
Jake and Eliza are introduced by Jake's former partner, Shaw, to investigate an unusual disease at an ICE facility in Vermont.
Little do they know the magnitude of the people who will be affected and the depth and width of the scheme at play.
Nick Thacker keeps the reader on their toes with a fast-paced plot, sudden twists and turns and uniquely crafted viruses. I highly recommend Containment!
Jake and Eliza are introduced by Jake's former partner, Shaw, to investigate an unusual disease at an ICE facility in Vermont.
Little do they know the magnitude of the people who will be affected and the depth and width of the scheme at play.
Nick Thacker keeps the reader on their toes with a fast-paced plot, sudden twists and turns and uniquely crafted viruses. I highly recommend Containment!
October 20, 2020
I gave Containment by Nick Thacker 4 out of 5 stars. I received Containment from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Containment is about a pandemic, so if you're having trouble dealing with the current pandemic, I suggest steering clear of the book. If you want an escape from reality and want to read about a very controlled, contained pandemic, this is the book for you.
A pandemic hits the U.S. after two immigrants die while in ICE custody. The head of ICE, Briggs, calls upon one of the best detectives he knows, Jake Parker, to work behind the scenes and figure out who or what has unleashed this pandemic. Parker is battling his own difficulties and is hesitant to throw himself into the work, especially after the loss of his wife. Parker, along with Shaw and the alluring scientist Mendoza, form a team to see if they can get ahead of this pandemic without causing too much frenzy. As the three start to uncover where this pandemic stems from and who is behind it, it becomes a battle not only to save the country but to save themselves.
This book was a rollercoaster ride from the start. I appreciated how the author jumped right in with laying the scenario for the pandemic and didn't try to model it off of COVID. It was an extremely unique premise for a pandemic and a book. There was action, mystery, and twists. It was a little predictable at times but not so much where it ruined the story or the characters.
I appreciated the female lead, Mendoza. She was not only smart but prettty badass. The author didn't make the book about romance or passion but left just enough crumbs for the reader with the fliratious, protective relationship between Mendoza and Parker.
I didn't rate it a five because I felt that some characters who played an intregal part of the story could've been further developed. The antagonist, in my opinion, fell flat, especially after his actions were discovered. I just felt myself at times wanting more from the story, especially with the bureaucracy that was touted throughout. I wanted more innerworkings of the pandemic. Some of this was given neatly at the end which I appreciated and really enjoyed the ending and the workaround the author created.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for some thrills.
Containment is about a pandemic, so if you're having trouble dealing with the current pandemic, I suggest steering clear of the book. If you want an escape from reality and want to read about a very controlled, contained pandemic, this is the book for you.
A pandemic hits the U.S. after two immigrants die while in ICE custody. The head of ICE, Briggs, calls upon one of the best detectives he knows, Jake Parker, to work behind the scenes and figure out who or what has unleashed this pandemic. Parker is battling his own difficulties and is hesitant to throw himself into the work, especially after the loss of his wife. Parker, along with Shaw and the alluring scientist Mendoza, form a team to see if they can get ahead of this pandemic without causing too much frenzy. As the three start to uncover where this pandemic stems from and who is behind it, it becomes a battle not only to save the country but to save themselves.
This book was a rollercoaster ride from the start. I appreciated how the author jumped right in with laying the scenario for the pandemic and didn't try to model it off of COVID. It was an extremely unique premise for a pandemic and a book. There was action, mystery, and twists. It was a little predictable at times but not so much where it ruined the story or the characters.
I appreciated the female lead, Mendoza. She was not only smart but prettty badass. The author didn't make the book about romance or passion but left just enough crumbs for the reader with the fliratious, protective relationship between Mendoza and Parker.
I didn't rate it a five because I felt that some characters who played an intregal part of the story could've been further developed. The antagonist, in my opinion, fell flat, especially after his actions were discovered. I just felt myself at times wanting more from the story, especially with the bureaucracy that was touted throughout. I wanted more innerworkings of the pandemic. Some of this was given neatly at the end which I appreciated and really enjoyed the ending and the workaround the author created.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for some thrills.
November 29, 2020
This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I am so glad he has more books already published as I found Containment to be highly addictive. I wasn't sure how I would get on with this when I first picked it up given the current state of affairs as the world is still in the midst of the covid pandemic, but I am so glad I pushed that thought to one side. Yes, our current predicament is mentioned, but only briefly.
Set after covid so therefore in the future, this is a cracking book and is the first in the series. Jake Parker, loner, ex-military, ex-detective is called to look into a virus that could wipe out millions. It is deadly, 100% deadly! He needs help with this and so Professor Eliza Mendoza and Jake start to link the dots. It is set in the US and there are very strict border controls, there are detention centres and there is an animosity that felt worse than we have at the moment.
I like how the author has taken feeling that is rife in today's current climate and escalated them further. There are definitely culture classes, immigration issues, the colour of people skin are all brought into play. The author is not making a political stand at all but just highlighting triggers people have within the context of his story.
I liked the dynamic between the characters, Jake has a past that still haunts him and it is why he is a loner. Eliza, well she is just as much of a closed book but she does have an edge that adds to the way the characters work together.
This is a crime thriller that has a medical Eagle woven into it, not too much science but enough to be understood and to convey the meaning behind the science. I like how it is part of the story and not overshadowing it. This makes this book more accessible and keeps the fast pace up.
I really enjoyed this medical investigation, thriller, crime, read and am looking forward to the next one in the series when it comes out. Definitely recommended and highly addictive.
Set after covid so therefore in the future, this is a cracking book and is the first in the series. Jake Parker, loner, ex-military, ex-detective is called to look into a virus that could wipe out millions. It is deadly, 100% deadly! He needs help with this and so Professor Eliza Mendoza and Jake start to link the dots. It is set in the US and there are very strict border controls, there are detention centres and there is an animosity that felt worse than we have at the moment.
I like how the author has taken feeling that is rife in today's current climate and escalated them further. There are definitely culture classes, immigration issues, the colour of people skin are all brought into play. The author is not making a political stand at all but just highlighting triggers people have within the context of his story.
I liked the dynamic between the characters, Jake has a past that still haunts him and it is why he is a loner. Eliza, well she is just as much of a closed book but she does have an edge that adds to the way the characters work together.
This is a crime thriller that has a medical Eagle woven into it, not too much science but enough to be understood and to convey the meaning behind the science. I like how it is part of the story and not overshadowing it. This makes this book more accessible and keeps the fast pace up.
I really enjoyed this medical investigation, thriller, crime, read and am looking forward to the next one in the series when it comes out. Definitely recommended and highly addictive.
September 11, 2020
With a very ominous start of a lost family who accidentally cross the border and enter the US illegally from Canada you know things are all about to go horribly wrong. And boy do they, after being held in a detention centre they die from a mysterious illness and it’s spreading.
But have no fear as Jake is sent to the rescue, ex military and ex police he’s been in limbo since the death of his wife and with medical professor Eliza as his trusty sidekick this unknown disease doesn’t stand a chance.
I loved this partnership and may just have a little bit of a book crush on Jake. He has a likeable vulnerability and just the right amount of wit and gut instinct to make him a hero to cheer on. Eliza was smart and serious which is really what you want from a medical expert but it’s the chemistry between the two of them that is delivered so well.
I very much felt that this was a good vs evil book and funnily enough it’s not the disease that’s evil. Quelle surprise! I rarely read action thrillers, I’m normally more psychological suspense but after reading this I think I need to change that. I loved the faster pace and explosive plot but it still managed to hold the detective story close to its heart which I think is really important.
This was my first book from this author so I really look forward to seeing where things head in the next book. Maybe Jake will come and save a book blogger in England, a girl can dream.
But have no fear as Jake is sent to the rescue, ex military and ex police he’s been in limbo since the death of his wife and with medical professor Eliza as his trusty sidekick this unknown disease doesn’t stand a chance.
I loved this partnership and may just have a little bit of a book crush on Jake. He has a likeable vulnerability and just the right amount of wit and gut instinct to make him a hero to cheer on. Eliza was smart and serious which is really what you want from a medical expert but it’s the chemistry between the two of them that is delivered so well.
I very much felt that this was a good vs evil book and funnily enough it’s not the disease that’s evil. Quelle surprise! I rarely read action thrillers, I’m normally more psychological suspense but after reading this I think I need to change that. I loved the faster pace and explosive plot but it still managed to hold the detective story close to its heart which I think is really important.
This was my first book from this author so I really look forward to seeing where things head in the next book. Maybe Jake will come and save a book blogger in England, a girl can dream.
November 7, 2020
Containment (A Jake Parker Thriller)
By Nick Thacker
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Containment (A Jake Parker Thriller) by Nick Thacker. It is a story that has mystery, suspense, and wonderful characters. I loved reading about Jake Parker and Eliza Mendoza. Jake is a man who is haunted by his wife’s death. He is now leading a civilian life after years both in the military and police departments. He is asked to investigate when a mysterious illness kills in a detention center. Eliza is a medical professor who is intelligent, independent, and strong. She works with Jake to find the cause of the disease. They both have uncovered a plot that has powerful forces behind it. Will they be able to stop any more from getting ill? Read this book to find out. This is a story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. I grew to care about what happens to Jake and Eliza with each chapter that I read. Some moments are heart pounding and others are heartbreaking. The author does an amazing job of making both the story and the characters come alive. There are secondary characters introduced that have their part to play in the plot. Some of them help Jake and Eliza while others work against them. Don’t miss out on an exciting and entertaining story that you will not want to put down until the final page. I highly recommend reading this book.
By Nick Thacker
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Containment (A Jake Parker Thriller) by Nick Thacker. It is a story that has mystery, suspense, and wonderful characters. I loved reading about Jake Parker and Eliza Mendoza. Jake is a man who is haunted by his wife’s death. He is now leading a civilian life after years both in the military and police departments. He is asked to investigate when a mysterious illness kills in a detention center. Eliza is a medical professor who is intelligent, independent, and strong. She works with Jake to find the cause of the disease. They both have uncovered a plot that has powerful forces behind it. Will they be able to stop any more from getting ill? Read this book to find out. This is a story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. I grew to care about what happens to Jake and Eliza with each chapter that I read. Some moments are heart pounding and others are heartbreaking. The author does an amazing job of making both the story and the characters come alive. There are secondary characters introduced that have their part to play in the plot. Some of them help Jake and Eliza while others work against them. Don’t miss out on an exciting and entertaining story that you will not want to put down until the final page. I highly recommend reading this book.
September 8, 2020
My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Containment’ by Nick Thacker.
This is the first in Nick Thacker’s new action series featuring Jake Parker. Following the violent death of his wife during a police-led raid, a devastated Parker hung up his detective shield and embraced civilian life. Yet when a family at an ICE detention centre comes down with a deadly new disease he is contacted by a government official to come out of retirement to assist with a covert investigation into the disease.
He is paired with Dr. Eliza Mendoza, a brilliant parasitologist/epidemiologist. They have to identify and eliminate the threat before it becomes an epidemic. The situation quickly becomes complex and potentially deadly. Could a conspiracy be involved?
This was a solidly plotted, highly engaging action/thriller with a theme that is very relevant. In fact, Thacker references the Covid-19 pandemic early on as having occurred at an unspecified time in the past. He avoids speculating on how the pandemic resolved. The themes of illegal immigration and ICE detention centres are also integrated into the plot.
Having read this in a couple of sittings, I look forward to the next adventure with Jake Parker.
This is the first in Nick Thacker’s new action series featuring Jake Parker. Following the violent death of his wife during a police-led raid, a devastated Parker hung up his detective shield and embraced civilian life. Yet when a family at an ICE detention centre comes down with a deadly new disease he is contacted by a government official to come out of retirement to assist with a covert investigation into the disease.
He is paired with Dr. Eliza Mendoza, a brilliant parasitologist/epidemiologist. They have to identify and eliminate the threat before it becomes an epidemic. The situation quickly becomes complex and potentially deadly. Could a conspiracy be involved?
This was a solidly plotted, highly engaging action/thriller with a theme that is very relevant. In fact, Thacker references the Covid-19 pandemic early on as having occurred at an unspecified time in the past. He avoids speculating on how the pandemic resolved. The themes of illegal immigration and ICE detention centres are also integrated into the plot.
Having read this in a couple of sittings, I look forward to the next adventure with Jake Parker.
August 11, 2020
During the nightmare that is coronavirus, I stared at this cover of this book and thought, should I read this or will it terrify me? I’m an illness chicken and fear everything at the moment but this book was ace and I am fond of a medical thriller. I’m so glad I read it!
It’s a fast-paced and punchy action adventure starring lead, Jake Parker and his sidekick, Eliza - the scientist. With a new lethal illness attacking people coming to the USA, Nick is brought onto the case.
I enjoyed the American setting as much as the characters. Great backstory for Jake and I loved Eliza with her guts and dedication.
If you seek a book that is filled with action with a race against time, then Containment will be a right thrill for you. The second half moves like lightning and the end is a shocker!
Just in case you were wondering about the deadly disease, it’s yuck inducing but not graphic. Even the most squeamish of reader will have no trouble reading this. It’s all about the action and the race to solve the mystery. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
Great read! Definitely recommended for action thriller lovers.
It’s a fast-paced and punchy action adventure starring lead, Jake Parker and his sidekick, Eliza - the scientist. With a new lethal illness attacking people coming to the USA, Nick is brought onto the case.
I enjoyed the American setting as much as the characters. Great backstory for Jake and I loved Eliza with her guts and dedication.
If you seek a book that is filled with action with a race against time, then Containment will be a right thrill for you. The second half moves like lightning and the end is a shocker!
Just in case you were wondering about the deadly disease, it’s yuck inducing but not graphic. Even the most squeamish of reader will have no trouble reading this. It’s all about the action and the race to solve the mystery. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
Great read! Definitely recommended for action thriller lovers.
August 20, 2020
Containment was a fast paced thriller, that I was pleased to go along with for the ride. After a young family in a remote detention center dies from a mysterious illness, Jake Parker is called in to help. Jake is an ex-military, ex-police officer with some baggage, but with exceptional skills.
This unknown disease appears to be spreading and Jake needs to help with the investigation that appears to be a terrorist attack. This novel was a great beginning to a highly addicting character found in Jake Parker. Thacker gives the character wit, likability and thrill that makes the reader want more of him. I found the story to be gripping and loved every bit of it. Selfishly in a time where we are actually living through a pandemic it was also nice to see an end to the story when we don't know how our current crisis will end.
Thacker has a great pace at which he writes and intense moments of suspense or chase scenes are well placed to carry the reader all the way to the end. Would highly recommend this book and future ones to others. Thank you Net Galley, for the advanced copy!
This unknown disease appears to be spreading and Jake needs to help with the investigation that appears to be a terrorist attack. This novel was a great beginning to a highly addicting character found in Jake Parker. Thacker gives the character wit, likability and thrill that makes the reader want more of him. I found the story to be gripping and loved every bit of it. Selfishly in a time where we are actually living through a pandemic it was also nice to see an end to the story when we don't know how our current crisis will end.
Thacker has a great pace at which he writes and intense moments of suspense or chase scenes are well placed to carry the reader all the way to the end. Would highly recommend this book and future ones to others. Thank you Net Galley, for the advanced copy!
August 22, 2020
A break-neck thriller about disease that manages to reference Covid but is completely its own thing and doesn't feel like a gimmick.
Jake Parker is ex-police and ex-military and thinks he's left both lives behind for good. Then a man turns up with a terrible tale - of a couple that turned up at a detention centre with a mysterious illness that killed them horribly quickly. The government needs some independent investigators - will Jake help?
The answer is obviously yes, alongside an old friend policeman and medical professor Eliza Mendoza.
They start with the bodies and end up with more questions and disturbing answers...
This book is popcorn, not steak. By which I mean it's an enjoyable thriller, not sophisticated literature. But that's what I wanted when I picked it up!
There are twists and turns along the way which I didn't see coming, and if the book ended a bit abruptly at least it didn't outstay its welcome. A fun read.
Jake Parker is ex-police and ex-military and thinks he's left both lives behind for good. Then a man turns up with a terrible tale - of a couple that turned up at a detention centre with a mysterious illness that killed them horribly quickly. The government needs some independent investigators - will Jake help?
The answer is obviously yes, alongside an old friend policeman and medical professor Eliza Mendoza.
They start with the bodies and end up with more questions and disturbing answers...
This book is popcorn, not steak. By which I mean it's an enjoyable thriller, not sophisticated literature. But that's what I wanted when I picked it up!
There are twists and turns along the way which I didn't see coming, and if the book ended a bit abruptly at least it didn't outstay its welcome. A fun read.
October 11, 2020
A Nick Thacker fan of Harvey Bennett loves Jake Parker!
We are living in unprecedented times as the Corona Virus is ravaging through the world. This book takes an approach to a possible pandemic from an entirely different perspective, but no less deadly. It's hard to imagine the lengths people will go to reach their ideas of how they think the world needs to be "fixed". Jake Parker is a man damaged by the unnecessary death of his wife, due to mistakes within his own police department. This has caused him to change jobs and work at trying to hold the fragments of his life together. A job offer, a chance to work with his old partner and friend. The meeting of an incredible woman, wanting to solve a deadly case and hopefully keep more people from dying takes Jake on a journey that will change his life yet again. I am very much looking forward to The next installment!! Great work Nick!!!!!
We are living in unprecedented times as the Corona Virus is ravaging through the world. This book takes an approach to a possible pandemic from an entirely different perspective, but no less deadly. It's hard to imagine the lengths people will go to reach their ideas of how they think the world needs to be "fixed". Jake Parker is a man damaged by the unnecessary death of his wife, due to mistakes within his own police department. This has caused him to change jobs and work at trying to hold the fragments of his life together. A job offer, a chance to work with his old partner and friend. The meeting of an incredible woman, wanting to solve a deadly case and hopefully keep more people from dying takes Jake on a journey that will change his life yet again. I am very much looking forward to The next installment!! Great work Nick!!!!!
September 10, 2020
What a great start to a new series!
I stayed up till 1.30 to finish it and that means something, doesn’t it?
What did I like so much about it? Well, let me rephrase that. What’s not to like about it? 🙂
It’s fast paced with an interesting theme. To be honest it could really happen and that’s also what’s very frightening about it. Bad people are obviously very inventive when they want to reach their goal.
Although I had an inkling about who was behind all this scheming that did not to stop me from being fascinated and captivated by the story. It was the ‘why’ that I still was anxious about to find out.
I don’t know what case Jake Parker will have to solve next time, but I certainly am looking forward to meet him (and maybe Eliza too) again. 5 stars.
Thank you, Nick Thacker and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I stayed up till 1.30 to finish it and that means something, doesn’t it?
What did I like so much about it? Well, let me rephrase that. What’s not to like about it? 🙂
It’s fast paced with an interesting theme. To be honest it could really happen and that’s also what’s very frightening about it. Bad people are obviously very inventive when they want to reach their goal.
Although I had an inkling about who was behind all this scheming that did not to stop me from being fascinated and captivated by the story. It was the ‘why’ that I still was anxious about to find out.
I don’t know what case Jake Parker will have to solve next time, but I certainly am looking forward to meet him (and maybe Eliza too) again. 5 stars.
Thank you, Nick Thacker and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
August 7, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Netgalley and Bookouture.
Jake Parker, ex-military and ex-police, gets tapped by the head of ICE to investigate an outbreak in an ICE facility. He calls in his former partner and friend, Shaw, and a medical expert, Eliza. Jake and Eliza determine that the disease is a man-made parasite and the investigation goes haywire.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and interesting. I liked getting to know the characters. My only complaint was that the ending pulled together kind of quickly - like the rest of the book was well-plotted but then some stuff happened and then it was the end. Either way, I'd definitely read more in the Jake Parker series.
Jake Parker, ex-military and ex-police, gets tapped by the head of ICE to investigate an outbreak in an ICE facility. He calls in his former partner and friend, Shaw, and a medical expert, Eliza. Jake and Eliza determine that the disease is a man-made parasite and the investigation goes haywire.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and interesting. I liked getting to know the characters. My only complaint was that the ending pulled together kind of quickly - like the rest of the book was well-plotted but then some stuff happened and then it was the end. Either way, I'd definitely read more in the Jake Parker series.
December 8, 2020
Wow this is a non-stop book, you just don't want to stop reading. The premise is fresh not the typical apocalyptic global disease. The characters are alive and vibrant, easy to empathize with and pull for. A British family visiting Canada accidentally loses there way on a dark road at night and ends up crossing the border into the U.S. A local policeman rescues them and take them to his station where he turns them over to immigration officers. Once at the ICE facility the parents become ill and die mysteriously. The Director of Ice hires Jake Parker, and ex-detective to try to find the source and the nature of the disease before it gets out into the population. The twist and turns are Epic! This was so much fun to read!
September 1, 2021
Jake Parker is recruited to help unravel a threat to ICE by the man in charge of the government program. Parker brings on board his ex-partner Shaw from the police force and a woman Doctor who has the medical background and knowledge to solve the problems threatening lives especially those being held in ICE facilities. Briggs the ICE chairman is a charismatic leader who is destined for higher office. Dr. Eliza Mendoza insists Parker help her autopsy the first victims and that gets answers but they went off the carefully plotted script. Things take a deadly turn and it has Parker, Shaw and Mendoza on the run. Great plot twists and they are left not knowing who to trust till the final confrontations. I can’t wait to dive into rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2020
More Police Procedural Than Apocalyptic. This was a strong book in a police procedural vein that opened up the possibility of looking at a more apocalyptic scenario. If you go into this one expecting a truer Apocalypse threat ala Brett Battles' PROJECT EDEN or Michael Laurence's EXTINCTION AGENDA series... you're going to be disappointed. But if you're looking for a more police/ detective story that happens to include *elements* of Apocalyptic threat, you've found an *amazing* book that is *exactly* what you're looking for. This was my first from this author, and will not be my last. I'm truly looking forward to the next Jack Parker book at minimum. :) Very much recommended.
January 5, 2021
Containment by Nick Thacker is the first book that I have read by this author and it's also the first book in the 'New Jake Parker' series. This new author and book did not disappoint, I was hooked within the first few pages and I could not put this book down. I found it full of twists and turns. It’s a fast-paced and punchy action adventure throughout but can be and chilling in places. So be warned.
I highly recommend Containment by Nick Thacker and looking forward reading the next book in the Jake Parker series............I just hope he catches them!
Big Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and for providing a review copy. I loved it!
I highly recommend Containment by Nick Thacker and looking forward reading the next book in the Jake Parker series............I just hope he catches them!
Big Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and for providing a review copy. I loved it!
August 13, 2020
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jake Parker is a thoroughly likeable person, and I can understand how a series is built around him.
For readers of detective suspense this is right up your street and very enjoyable, and probably worth 5 stars.
I however, was looking for apocalyptic end-of-world type books so this was not what I thought it would be.
This story is about tracking down the culprits wanting to release a new killer virus. As a detective book it is spot on and an enjoyable read.
Jake Parker is a thoroughly likeable person, and I can understand how a series is built around him.
For readers of detective suspense this is right up your street and very enjoyable, and probably worth 5 stars.
I however, was looking for apocalyptic end-of-world type books so this was not what I thought it would be.
This story is about tracking down the culprits wanting to release a new killer virus. As a detective book it is spot on and an enjoyable read.
August 13, 2020
I think that this is Nick Thacker’s best work yet! A fast-paced read that grabs you on the first page and is powered by non-stop action and a taut, emotional narrative His well-developed characters and wonderful writing style, full of twists and turns, will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page, trying to anticipate where this story would go. This is a definite page-turner that I couldn’t put down until the very last page. It is realistic with engaging characters that you're sure to love! I am anxious to read the rest of this series to see where Jake Parker and Eliza end up!
October 2, 2020
A new Nick Thacker Hero
Jake Parker is the epitome of undeserved misfortune befalling a lovable protagonist(the formula for most successful books, screenplays, etc). Nick Thacker’s character development is excellent. As with all of his books, once you pick it up it isn’t put down till the end. An excellent plot taken from today’s possible headlines. Societies issues discussed but without leaning too far to either side and making an over political statement. Love the new series!
Jake Parker is the epitome of undeserved misfortune befalling a lovable protagonist(the formula for most successful books, screenplays, etc). Nick Thacker’s character development is excellent. As with all of his books, once you pick it up it isn’t put down till the end. An excellent plot taken from today’s possible headlines. Societies issues discussed but without leaning too far to either side and making an over political statement. Love the new series!
September 25, 2020
This is the first novel I've read regarding the outbreak of an illness which takes place post Covid-19. It touches on issues close to my heart including:
○ An innocent woman being killed by police in a botched raid
○ immigration
○ race
○ conditions at immigration detention centers
○ children being separated from parents at the border
○ accusation of terrorism based on one's country of origin or skin color
So, the book kept my attention pretty much non-stop from beginning to end.
○ An innocent woman being killed by police in a botched raid
○ immigration
○ race
○ conditions at immigration detention centers
○ children being separated from parents at the border
○ accusation of terrorism based on one's country of origin or skin color
So, the book kept my attention pretty much non-stop from beginning to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2020
A fantastic book
I’ve read every book Nick has written and have criticized every book for poor or non existent editing. This book has zero typos or wrong or missing words. My congratulations to your team. The story is gripping and fast paced but also believable. It’s a big departure from the Harvey Bennett books and while I love them this book is your best by far. I can’t wait for this series to continue and please keep your editing team in place.
I’ve read every book Nick has written and have criticized every book for poor or non existent editing. This book has zero typos or wrong or missing words. My congratulations to your team. The story is gripping and fast paced but also believable. It’s a big departure from the Harvey Bennett books and while I love them this book is your best by far. I can’t wait for this series to continue and please keep your editing team in place.
October 26, 2020
Starting Off With Winner
Nick Thacker’s new series and lead protagonist Jake Parker begins with this book, and it’s a great step in the right direction. A gritty Detective Thriller, it carefully blends old and new themes in the genre against a background of a Pandemic of a very unique type and scope.
Can Jake and his scientist partner discover the source of the pandemic and stop its spread?
Nick Thacker’s new series and lead protagonist Jake Parker begins with this book, and it’s a great step in the right direction. A gritty Detective Thriller, it carefully blends old and new themes in the genre against a background of a Pandemic of a very unique type and scope.
Can Jake and his scientist partner discover the source of the pandemic and stop its spread?
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